http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/ Robbie Savage Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Harry-Redknapp-will-be-a-great-England-boss-but-not-before-he-leaves-Spurs-with-a-top-top-parting-gift-article863441.html You would have thought Harry Redknapp will find it difficult to keep his eye on the ball. Every time the phone rings, he could be forgiven for wondering if it’s the call inviting him to get measured up for an England blazer. After Fabio Capello’s resignation, Redknapp is the name on everyone’s lips and I would be amazed if he wasn’t England coach at Euro 2012. But I think he will hang around at White Hart Lane long enough to leave Tottenham with two fantastic leaving presents - Champions Leag... You would have thought Harry Redknapp will find it difficult to keep his eye on the ball. Every time the phone rings, he could be forgiven for wondering if it’s the call inviting him to get measured up for an England blazer. After Fabio Capello’s resignation, Redknapp is the name on everyone’s lips and I would be amazed if he wasn’t England coach at Euro 2012. But I think he will hang around at White Hart Lane long enough to leave Tottenham with two fantastic leaving presents - Champions Leag... Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:00:16 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Harry-Redknapp-will-be-a-great-England-boss-but-not-before-he-leaves-Spurs-with-a-top-top-parting-gift-article863441.html 2012-02-09T22:00:16Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Roman-Abramovich-s-meddling-won-t-be-helping-Chelsea-boss-Andre-Villas-Boas-plus-why-Strictly-Come-Dancing-has-got-me-shattered-article863444.html It can’t be helping Andre Villas-Boas to sleep easier at night when Roman Abramovich keeps ‘dropping in’ on Chelsea’s training ground. Don’t get me wrong - as owner of the club, Abramovich is entitled to come and go as he pleases, more so than ever after Chelsea announced another £67million loss last year - because we all know who picked up the tab. But when Abramovich appears four times in a week to watch training, it could be a sign that he’s getting anxious about AVB’s management. I hope V... It can’t be helping Andre Villas-Boas to sleep easier at night when Roman Abramovich keeps ‘dropping in’ on Chelsea’s training ground. Don’t get me wrong - as owner of the club, Abramovich is entitled to come and go as he pleases, more so than ever after Chelsea announced another £67million loss last year - because we all know who picked up the tab. But when Abramovich appears four times in a week to watch training, it could be a sign that he’s getting anxious about AVB’s management. I hope V... Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:59:44 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Roman-Abramovich-s-meddling-won-t-be-helping-Chelsea-boss-Andre-Villas-Boas-plus-why-Strictly-Come-Dancing-has-got-me-shattered-article863444.html 2012-02-09T21:59:44Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Manchester-United-vs-Liverpool-Will-Luis-Suarez-s-Old-Trafford-return-be-as-explosive-as-Eric-Cantona-s-article863447.html Enough has been said about Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra without me stoking up any more controversy ahead of their reunion at Old Trafford tomorrow. For what it’s worth, I hope they will shake hands before kick-off - if the FA will let them - and get on with the game. There is a rich history of rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. It is too big to become a subsidiary to any lingering bitterness between Suarez and Evra. What happened at Anfield earlier in the season has gone and Sua... Enough has been said about Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra without me stoking up any more controversy ahead of their reunion at Old Trafford tomorrow. For what it’s worth, I hope they will shake hands before kick-off - if the FA will let them - and get on with the game. There is a rich history of rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. It is too big to become a subsidiary to any lingering bitterness between Suarez and Evra. What happened at Anfield earlier in the season has gone and Sua... Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:58:55 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Manchester-United-vs-Liverpool-Will-Luis-Suarez-s-Old-Trafford-return-be-as-explosive-as-Eric-Cantona-s-article863447.html 2012-02-09T21:58:55Z false http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Harry-Redknapp-must-get-England-job-part-time-after-Fabio-Capello-resignation-article863110.html To lose a captain in a week is misfortune, but to lose a manager too looks like carelessness. Now England must persuade Harry Redknapp to take the job on a part-time basis as England are a shambles. It's a positive that Fabio Capello has gone as. Under him England were a boring side. Watching Wales and Northern Ireland was much more rewarding. And although Stuart Pearce is a great man with a big future, the FA must act quickly to stop this sense of chaos. They have handled this whole affair b... To lose a captain in a week is misfortune, but to lose a manager too looks like carelessness. Now England must persuade Harry Redknapp to take the job on a part-time basis as England are a shambles. It's a positive that Fabio Capello has gone as. Under him England were a boring side. Watching Wales and Northern Ireland was much more rewarding. And although Stuart Pearce is a great man with a big future, the FA must act quickly to stop this sense of chaos. They have handled this whole affair b... Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:43:54 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Harry-Redknapp-must-get-England-job-part-time-after-Fabio-Capello-resignation-article863110.html 2012-02-08T20:43:54Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-West-Ham-s-Ravel-Morrison-could-be-best-signing-of-transfer-window-if-he-sorts-out-his-problems-after-Manchester-United-move-article860629.html Rule which saw RvP let off has got to get the elbow Never mind Warnock, I'm not even sure Jose could get Leeds promoted  Ravel Morrison could be the signing of the transfer window - if he wants it enough. For the past couple of years the word in football circles has been that Morrison was the next big thing at Old Trafford. Now he has been sold to a Championship club - albeit a very good one in West Ham - for less than £1million and without a buy-back clause. That has to send a message and I ... Rule which saw RvP let off has got to get the elbow Never mind Warnock, I'm not even sure Jose could get Leeds promoted  Ravel Morrison could be the signing of the transfer window - if he wants it enough. For the past couple of years the word in football circles has been that Morrison was the next big thing at Old Trafford. Now he has been sold to a Championship club - albeit a very good one in West Ham - for less than £1million and without a buy-back clause. That has to send a message and I ... Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:59:54 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-West-Ham-s-Ravel-Morrison-could-be-best-signing-of-transfer-window-if-he-sorts-out-his-problems-after-Manchester-United-move-article860629.html 2012-02-02T20:59:54Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Rule-which-saw-Robin-van-Persie-escape-punishment-must-be-scrapped-article860630.html Ravel could still be a rave if he sorts his head out Never mind Warnock, I'm not even sure Jose could get Leeds promoted  We've got to end the crazy rule which says players cannot get retrospectively punished for an incident if the referee admits he saw it at the time. Robin van Persie deserved a charge for the alleged elbow on Villa's Carlos Cuéllar, but escaped when Michael Jones said he'd seen it happen and deemed it not worthy of action. Meanwhile Mario Balotelli only got his deserved ... Ravel could still be a rave if he sorts his head out Never mind Warnock, I'm not even sure Jose could get Leeds promoted  We've got to end the crazy rule which says players cannot get retrospectively punished for an incident if the referee admits he saw it at the time. Robin van Persie deserved a charge for the alleged elbow on Villa's Carlos Cuéllar, but escaped when Michael Jones said he'd seen it happen and deemed it not worthy of action. Meanwhile Mario Balotelli only got his deserved ... Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:58:28 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Rule-which-saw-Robin-van-Persie-escape-punishment-must-be-scrapped-article860630.html 2012-02-02T20:58:28Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Simon-Grayson-s-Leeds-sacking-is-harsh-and-Neil-Warnock-may-struggle-to-get-Leeds-promoted-article860631.html Ravel could still be a rave if he sorts his head out Rule which saw RvP let off has got to get the elbow  ROBBIE'S TWEET OF THE WEEK Got one of the biggest laughs of the week when @tcemery Tweeted me this photo with the message: "It's you, isn't it? ** No matter how much you're looking forward to seeing what happens if Neil Warnock checks into the Bates Motel, you've got to doubt the wisdom of sacking Simon Grayson. On one hand it's a bad decision given the progress Leeds have made under 'L... Ravel could still be a rave if he sorts his head out Rule which saw RvP let off has got to get the elbow  ROBBIE'S TWEET OF THE WEEK Got one of the biggest laughs of the week when @tcemery Tweeted me this photo with the message: "It's you, isn't it? ** No matter how much you're looking forward to seeing what happens if Neil Warnock checks into the Bates Motel, you've got to doubt the wisdom of sacking Simon Grayson. On one hand it's a bad decision given the progress Leeds have made under 'L... Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:01 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Simon-Grayson-s-Leeds-sacking-is-harsh-and-Neil-Warnock-may-struggle-to-get-Leeds-promoted-article860631.html 2012-02-02T20:57:01Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Mario-Balotelli-cost-Manchester-City-in-the-Carling-Cup-as-much-as-Phil-Dowd-article857807.html It was that famous Italian Julius Caesar - or at least the Carry On Cleo version - who said: "Infamy, infamy... they've all got it in for me." My old room-mate Roberto Mancini hails from the same country and he could be forgiven for thinking the same thing about Manchester City's treatment by referees lately. That wasn't a handball by Micah Richards at Anfield on Wednesday night  but Phil Dowd gave it (the fourth penalty he's awarded Liverpool in his last six games, by the way). That wasn't a... It was that famous Italian Julius Caesar - or at least the Carry On Cleo version - who said: "Infamy, infamy... they've all got it in for me." My old room-mate Roberto Mancini hails from the same country and he could be forgiven for thinking the same thing about Manchester City's treatment by referees lately. That wasn't a handball by Micah Richards at Anfield on Wednesday night  but Phil Dowd gave it (the fourth penalty he's awarded Liverpool in his last six games, by the way). That wasn't a... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:59:06 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Mario-Balotelli-cost-Manchester-City-in-the-Carling-Cup-as-much-as-Phil-Dowd-article857807.html 2012-01-26T20:59:06Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Liverpool-s-Craig-Bellamy-deserves-Nigel-Reo-Coker-s-respect-article857808.html Some people talk the talk and some walk the walk. On Saturday night, Nigel Reo-Coker told Match Of The Day that he had "no respect" for Craig Bellamy after they clashed in Bolton's defeat of Liverpool. On Wednesday, Bellamy was the best player on the park against Manchester City and scored the winner as Liverpool reached Wembley for the first time in 16 years. Reo-Coker didn't pull up any trees when he made his big move to Aston Villa, while Craig has been outstanding for big clubs - Celtic,... Some people talk the talk and some walk the walk. On Saturday night, Nigel Reo-Coker told Match Of The Day that he had "no respect" for Craig Bellamy after they clashed in Bolton's defeat of Liverpool. On Wednesday, Bellamy was the best player on the park against Manchester City and scored the winner as Liverpool reached Wembley for the first time in 16 years. Reo-Coker didn't pull up any trees when he made his big move to Aston Villa, while Craig has been outstanding for big clubs - Celtic,... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:58:25 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Liverpool-s-Craig-Bellamy-deserves-Nigel-Reo-Coker-s-respect-article857808.html 2012-01-26T20:58:25Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Tottenham-and-Arsenal-will-get-revenge-on-Manchester-City-and-Arsenal-article855390.html My mate Mancini will cut out the card-waving Speedo told me Swansea's Allen was no ordinary Joe  I've got a funny feeling this could be the weekend North London bites back. Six months on from that amazing Sunday when Spurs were humbled 5-1 by City at White Hart Lane and United destroyed Arsenal 8-2 at Old Trafford, it could be the Manchester clubs with egg on their faces. Sunday is the biggest game of my friend Roberto Mancini's career in England. A win, coupled with defeat for Sir Alex Fer... My mate Mancini will cut out the card-waving Speedo told me Swansea's Allen was no ordinary Joe  I've got a funny feeling this could be the weekend North London bites back. Six months on from that amazing Sunday when Spurs were humbled 5-1 by City at White Hart Lane and United destroyed Arsenal 8-2 at Old Trafford, it could be the Manchester clubs with egg on their faces. Sunday is the biggest game of my friend Roberto Mancini's career in England. A win, coupled with defeat for Sir Alex Fer... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:59:43 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Tottenham-and-Arsenal-will-get-revenge-on-Manchester-City-and-Arsenal-article855390.html 2012-01-19T20:59:43Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Roberto-Mancini-will-cut-out-the-imaginary-card-waving-and-Blackburn-must-let-Christopher-Samba-go-article855391.html Why Spurs (and yes, Arsenal too) will get North London revenge on Manchester Speedo told me Swansea's Allen was no ordinary Joe  The next time I have a glass of Pinot Noir with my mate Roberto Mancini, I'll have a quiet word about the card-waving. I'm sure someone else at City has had one by now. It might be a part of the Italian game - and Roberto might still be bewildered by the inconsistent refereeing he's encountered since Vincent Kompany was sent off - but over here it is seen as disre... Why Spurs (and yes, Arsenal too) will get North London revenge on Manchester Speedo told me Swansea's Allen was no ordinary Joe  The next time I have a glass of Pinot Noir with my mate Roberto Mancini, I'll have a quiet word about the card-waving. I'm sure someone else at City has had one by now. It might be a part of the Italian game - and Roberto might still be bewildered by the inconsistent refereeing he's encountered since Vincent Kompany was sent off - but over here it is seen as disre... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:58:12 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Roberto-Mancini-will-cut-out-the-imaginary-card-waving-and-Blackburn-must-let-Christopher-Samba-go-article855391.html 2012-01-19T20:58:12Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Joe-Allen-was-a-Gary-Speed-favourite-and-Swansea-team-mate-Nathan-Dyer-could-win-England-Euro-2012-call-up-article855392.html Why Spurs (and yes, Arsenal too) will get North London revenge on Manchester My mate Mancini will cut out the card-waving  Let's not talk about Arsenal being poor at the Liberty Stadium last weekend. Let's talk about how good Swansea were. Joe Allen is, for me, one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League and that is borne out by his passing stats. He doesn't just play two-yard safe balls either; he's always looking for the killer forward pass. I was talking about the Wales set... Why Spurs (and yes, Arsenal too) will get North London revenge on Manchester My mate Mancini will cut out the card-waving  Let's not talk about Arsenal being poor at the Liberty Stadium last weekend. Let's talk about how good Swansea were. Joe Allen is, for me, one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League and that is borne out by his passing stats. He doesn't just play two-yard safe balls either; he's always looking for the killer forward pass. I was talking about the Wales set... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:57:19 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Joe-Allen-was-a-Gary-Speed-favourite-and-Swansea-team-mate-Nathan-Dyer-could-win-England-Euro-2012-call-up-article855392.html 2012-01-19T20:57:19Z true