http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/ David Anderson Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Manchester-United-and-Liverpool-could-make-a-fortune-could-make-a-fortune-by-bottling-atmosphere-to-sell-to-other-clubs-David-Anderson-column-article357291.html The National Trust has hit on the wheeze of selling bottled fresh air to gullible townies. This has got some hard-up chairmen thinking they might be able to cash in on this emerging market by selling bottled atmosphere. Too many grounds these days rely on loud-mouthed MCs and rock music to work their crowds into a frenzy. The chairmen are thinking they could provide an alternative by capturing the atmosphere at big games and flogging it off to other clubs. The way it would work is that a numb... The National Trust has hit on the wheeze of selling bottled fresh air to gullible townies. This has got some hard-up chairmen thinking they might be able to cash in on this emerging market by selling bottled atmosphere. Too many grounds these days rely on loud-mouthed MCs and rock music to work their crowds into a frenzy. The chairmen are thinking they could provide an alternative by capturing the atmosphere at big games and flogging it off to other clubs. The way it would work is that a numb... Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:02:15 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Manchester-United-and-Liverpool-could-make-a-fortune-could-make-a-fortune-by-bottling-atmosphere-to-sell-to-other-clubs-David-Anderson-column-article357291.html 2010-03-17T08:02:15Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Hull-chairman-Adam-Pearson-should-have-backed-his-instincts-and-sacked-Phil-Brown-ages-ago-David-Anderson-column-article357285.html Phil Brown will be remembered at Hull as the man who put rick in maverick. He provided more cringe-inducing moments than David Brent with his egotistical style of management. What with his half-time team talk on the pitch at Eastlands, his singing on the final day of last season and WI-gate, he made Jose Mourinho look restrained. Adam Pearson, who is cut from a very different cloth, finally had enough of him and gave him the chop in one last bid to boost Hull's survival chances. But really Pe... Phil Brown will be remembered at Hull as the man who put rick in maverick. He provided more cringe-inducing moments than David Brent with his egotistical style of management. What with his half-time team talk on the pitch at Eastlands, his singing on the final day of last season and WI-gate, he made Jose Mourinho look restrained. Adam Pearson, who is cut from a very different cloth, finally had enough of him and gave him the chop in one last bid to boost Hull's survival chances. But really Pe... Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:01:13 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Hull-chairman-Adam-Pearson-should-have-backed-his-instincts-and-sacked-Phil-Brown-ages-ago-David-Anderson-column-article357285.html 2010-03-17T08:01:13Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Burnley-would-have-given-themselves-a-better-chance-in-the-Premier-League-if-they-had-just-gambled-a-little-more-David-Anderson-column-article357273.html I don't quite know what to make of Burnley.On the one hand they have kept within their budget and have not gone crazy spending money on big transfer fees or hefty contracts.Brian Laws was going on last week about how they are not under any pressure to stay up because relegation won't destroy the club.In an era where so many clubs have gone into administration trying to chase the dream of Premier League football, that prudent attitude should be applauded.Yet I can't get away from this nagging ... I don't quite know what to make of Burnley.On the one hand they have kept within their budget and have not gone crazy spending money on big transfer fees or hefty contracts.Brian Laws was going on last week about how they are not under any pressure to stay up because relegation won't destroy the club.In an era where so many clubs have gone into administration trying to chase the dream of Premier League football, that prudent attitude should be applauded.Yet I can't get away from this nagging ... Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:40 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Burnley-would-have-given-themselves-a-better-chance-in-the-Premier-League-if-they-had-just-gambled-a-little-more-David-Anderson-column-article357273.html 2010-03-17T08:00:40Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Revealed-Find-out-what-was-said-in-the-secretly-taped-England-team-meetings-David-Anderson-column-article350373.html MirrorFootball can reveal why the FA are so keen to suppress publication of the secretly-taped England team meetings.We have heard part of the clandestine recordings made at the England HQ at the posh Grove hotel in Hertfordshire and the conversations between Fabio Capello and his players go right to the heart of the team's problems.(A door opens and footsteps are heard)Fabio Capello: "Good afternoon everyone and before we start, can I check that everyone's wife or partner - past or present -... MirrorFootball can reveal why the FA are so keen to suppress publication of the secretly-taped England team meetings.We have heard part of the clandestine recordings made at the England HQ at the posh Grove hotel in Hertfordshire and the conversations between Fabio Capello and his players go right to the heart of the team's problems.(A door opens and footsteps are heard)Fabio Capello: "Good afternoon everyone and before we start, can I check that everyone's wife or partner - past or present -... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:31:23 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Revealed-Find-out-what-was-said-in-the-secretly-taped-England-team-meetings-David-Anderson-column-article350373.html 2010-03-10T10:31:23Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Man-United-s-1999-Treble-winners-pip-Liverpool-Arsenal-and-Chelsea-to-the-title-of-the-best-team-of-the-past-30-years-David-Anderson-column-article349587.html There's more than just a whiff of mediocrity about the Premier League this season. So much so that it's made me nostalgic for the good old days - everyone's good old days. So I've put together a dream top tier from the best teams of the last 30 or so years. Imagine a league where Billy Bremner, Graeme Souness, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira squared up to each other, or where you could see the sublime skills of Kenny Dalglish, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo or Ryan Giggs? Champions: Manchester... There's more than just a whiff of mediocrity about the Premier League this season. So much so that it's made me nostalgic for the good old days - everyone's good old days. So I've put together a dream top tier from the best teams of the last 30 or so years. Imagine a league where Billy Bremner, Graeme Souness, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira squared up to each other, or where you could see the sublime skills of Kenny Dalglish, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo or Ryan Giggs? Champions: Manchester... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:35 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Man-United-s-1999-Treble-winners-pip-Liverpool-Arsenal-and-Chelsea-to-the-title-of-the-best-team-of-the-past-30-years-David-Anderson-column-article349587.html 2010-03-10T08:00:35Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Tom-Cairney-gives-Hull-fans-reasons-to-be-cheerful-David-Anderson-column-article349583.html Hull fans don't have much to be optimistic about right now. Their team is getting beaten from pillar to post and the Championship beckons. But at least in Tom Cairney they can have hope for the future. Cairney caught the eye when he scored on his debut aged just 18 against Southend in the Carling Cup earlier this season. He impressed against Chelsea when he was up against Frank Lampard in only his second league appearance, prompting George Boateng to tip him as a future England star. On Sunda... Hull fans don't have much to be optimistic about right now. Their team is getting beaten from pillar to post and the Championship beckons. But at least in Tom Cairney they can have hope for the future. Cairney caught the eye when he scored on his debut aged just 18 against Southend in the Carling Cup earlier this season. He impressed against Chelsea when he was up against Frank Lampard in only his second league appearance, prompting George Boateng to tip him as a future England star. On Sunda... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:17 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Tom-Cairney-gives-Hull-fans-reasons-to-be-cheerful-David-Anderson-column-article349583.html 2010-03-10T08:00:17Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Wigan-and-Roberto-Martinez-are-an-example-to-the-rest-of-the-Premier-League-David-Anderson-column-article349579.html It's always the way in today's world that if a small team defeats a big team, the headlines are all about the big team losing. Tuesday was another example and it was all about Liverpool slumping to their ninth league defeat and not so much about Wigan achieving a historic first league win over the Reds. That's a shame because Roberto Martinez and his players deserve huge credit for their victory over Liverpool - to add to their success this season over Chelsea. They say if it ain't broke don'... It's always the way in today's world that if a small team defeats a big team, the headlines are all about the big team losing. Tuesday was another example and it was all about Liverpool slumping to their ninth league defeat and not so much about Wigan achieving a historic first league win over the Reds. That's a shame because Roberto Martinez and his players deserve huge credit for their victory over Liverpool - to add to their success this season over Chelsea. They say if it ain't broke don'... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:14 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Wigan-and-Roberto-Martinez-are-an-example-to-the-rest-of-the-Premier-League-David-Anderson-column-article349579.html 2010-03-10T08:00:14Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-John-Terry-and-Ashley-Cole-would-be-less-menacing-if-they-were-given-a-Beano-style-makeover-David-Anderson-column-article341849.html Sod Max Clifford. If John Terry and Ashley Cole really want people to stop hating them, they should turn to the Beano.The legendary kids' comic has given its famous characters a makeover to make them nicer and more appealing to the public.Dennis the Menace - or Dennis the Only Slight Nuisance as he's now known - has gone from the tearaway ASBO teenager to a slimmer, more sensitive soul.Gone are his trademark peashooter, catapult and knuckleduster and he has stopped his attacks on Walter Softy... Sod Max Clifford. If John Terry and Ashley Cole really want people to stop hating them, they should turn to the Beano.The legendary kids' comic has given its famous characters a makeover to make them nicer and more appealing to the public.Dennis the Menace - or Dennis the Only Slight Nuisance as he's now known - has gone from the tearaway ASBO teenager to a slimmer, more sensitive soul.Gone are his trademark peashooter, catapult and knuckleduster and he has stopped his attacks on Walter Softy... Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:02:57 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-John-Terry-and-Ashley-Cole-would-be-less-menacing-if-they-were-given-a-Beano-style-makeover-David-Anderson-column-article341849.html 2010-03-03T08:02:57Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-FIFA-must-close-Ireland-s-north-south-divide-David-Anderson-column-article341839.html Imagine the outcry if Wales or Scotland spent time and money bringing a young player through their youth system, only for him to be nabbed by England when he is ready to make his senior debut. Such an unfair situation exists across the Irish Sea where the Republic of Ireland are luring some of Northern Ireland's best young players south of the border. Because of Northern Ireland's unique political status, players born in the Province are eligible to play for the Republic. Manchester United's ... Imagine the outcry if Wales or Scotland spent time and money bringing a young player through their youth system, only for him to be nabbed by England when he is ready to make his senior debut. Such an unfair situation exists across the Irish Sea where the Republic of Ireland are luring some of Northern Ireland's best young players south of the border. Because of Northern Ireland's unique political status, players born in the Province are eligible to play for the Republic. Manchester United's ... Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:01:49 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-FIFA-must-close-Ireland-s-north-south-divide-David-Anderson-column-article341839.html 2010-03-03T08:01:49Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Portsmouth-s-problems-are-nothing-compared-to-those-facing-poor-Chester-David-Anderson-column-article341827.html If John Portsmouth Play Up Pompey Westwood - or whatever that loony is called - and Pompey's other fans feel hard done by, they should be thankful they don't follow Chester City. Compared to Portsmouth, poor old Chester really are a club in crisis. After taking knock after knock since being relegated from the Football League last season, between administration and a 25-point deduction, the final blow was delivered on Friday when they were expelled from the Football Conference. The club, which... If John Portsmouth Play Up Pompey Westwood - or whatever that loony is called - and Pompey's other fans feel hard done by, they should be thankful they don't follow Chester City. Compared to Portsmouth, poor old Chester really are a club in crisis. After taking knock after knock since being relegated from the Football League last season, between administration and a 25-point deduction, the final blow was delivered on Friday when they were expelled from the Football Conference. The club, which... Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:42 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/Why-Portsmouth-s-problems-are-nothing-compared-to-those-facing-poor-Chester-David-Anderson-column-article341827.html 2010-03-03T08:00:42Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Is-Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-an-alien-article333993.html One of the most stunning revelations from the UFO files published last week was the account of a policeman who claimed he saw some bright lights hovering above Stamford Bridge.What the files did not disclose was an even more shocking claim that a huge shimmering object was seen landing at Old Trafford 24 years ago.What makes his even more intriguing is that the incident took place on the night of November 6, 1986 - the day Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed Manchester United manager.The theory t... One of the most stunning revelations from the UFO files published last week was the account of a policeman who claimed he saw some bright lights hovering above Stamford Bridge.What the files did not disclose was an even more shocking claim that a huge shimmering object was seen landing at Old Trafford 24 years ago.What makes his even more intriguing is that the incident took place on the night of November 6, 1986 - the day Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed Manchester United manager.The theory t... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:17:36 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Is-Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-an-alien-article333993.html 2010-02-24T09:17:36Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Bolton-wouldn-t-be-in-this-mess-now-with-Owen-Coyle-if-Gary-Megson-were-still-in-charge-article333989.html Two months in and Phil Gartside's decision to axe Gary Megson is really paying off.Whatever trouble Gartside thought Bolton were in at Christmas is nothing to the real crisis gripping the Reebok now.Sunday's defeat at Blackburn was as abject as they come and Wanderers really are in danger of going down.But of course the boo boys who helped hound Megson out will say it's all his fault.They are his players and so he should carry the can.They will not blame Owen Coyle, even though the man who du... Two months in and Phil Gartside's decision to axe Gary Megson is really paying off.Whatever trouble Gartside thought Bolton were in at Christmas is nothing to the real crisis gripping the Reebok now.Sunday's defeat at Blackburn was as abject as they come and Wanderers really are in danger of going down.But of course the boo boys who helped hound Megson out will say it's all his fault.They are his players and so he should carry the can.They will not blame Owen Coyle, even though the man who du... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:14:10 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Bolton-wouldn-t-be-in-this-mess-now-with-Owen-Coyle-if-Gary-Megson-were-still-in-charge-article333989.html 2010-02-24T09:14:10Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Leeds-players-let-their-FA-Cup-win-against-Manchester-United-go-to-their-heads-but-can-Simon-Grayson-turn-it-around-article333983.html After taking all the plaudits during the first 13 months of his Leeds reign, Simon Grayson admits he is now facing his toughest test at Elland Road. He has got to turn around Leeds' slump before yet another promotion campaign ends in tears. I said it at the time and I'll say it again, beating Manchester United was bad for Leeds' promotion chances. In an instant, Grayson's players were thrust into the limelight and, for some of them, the adulation turned their heads. The problem was they were ... After taking all the plaudits during the first 13 months of his Leeds reign, Simon Grayson admits he is now facing his toughest test at Elland Road. He has got to turn around Leeds' slump before yet another promotion campaign ends in tears. I said it at the time and I'll say it again, beating Manchester United was bad for Leeds' promotion chances. In an instant, Grayson's players were thrust into the limelight and, for some of them, the adulation turned their heads. The problem was they were ... Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:09:45 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-anderson/David-Anderson-column-Leeds-players-let-their-FA-Cup-win-against-Manchester-United-go-to-their-heads-but-can-Simon-Grayson-turn-it-around-article333983.html 2010-02-24T09:09:45Z true