Anfield Spotlight: Nigel Clough

Anfield Spotlight: Nigel Clough

In the Guardian’s match report of Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United in January 1994, Nigel Clough assured the Anfield faithful, after his double had catalysed an unthinkable comeback: “You’ve seen the best of me, but not enough of me.”

It had been an encouraging start for Liverpool’s new no7. Two goals on debut against Sheffield Wednesday – the first, a thunderous left-footed strike that rose into Chris Woods’ far corner – preceded further scoresheet appearances against QPR and Tottenham later in August.

Four goals in his first five games for the Reds had endorsed claims that the then 27-year-old was reinvigorated, after trying in vain to save his father’s Nottingham Forest side from relegation to Division One, only three months earlier.

But the striker’s fertile spell ended abruptly. Just two goals arrived between late August and the following January – one against a then third-tier Fulham side in the League Cup second round – as Clough made the transition into a deeper, midfield role – where he would line up against the Red Devils.

“We were 3-0 down and it could have been six. Manchester United started unbelievably well”

“I can’t remember specifically how it (the positional change) happened,” Clough recalls. “I was signed as striker initially, then it evolved a little and I went a little bit deeper depending on who was available.

“I remember that night trying to battle away with Roy Keane. Him and Paul Ince were in there so it’s fair to say it was quite a combative pairing we were up against.”

He was to come out unscathed – in the final analysis.

“We were 3-0 down and it could have been six. Manchester United started unbelievably well, everything they hit went in. It was a bizarre sort of game.

“It’s incredible how one goal changes things. Suddenly, you gain a lot more belief than the other team, a few doubts creep in (for the opposition) and that was the case.”

Clough’s first bore all the hallmarks of an attack-minded midfielder; a Gerrard-esque first-time strike from 30 yards, which curved outwards and crashed in off Peter Schmeichel’s left-hand post. While his second showcased the predatory instinct of his striking days, as he seized upon a loose ball on the edge of the box, before tucking it inside the Dane’s opposite corner with minimal fuss.

“I was just happy to play in the team,” Clough says with genuine modesty. “I would have played left-back, centre-half – it didn’t matter.”

Liverpool finally drew level with 11 minutes remaining, when Neil Ruddock met Stig Inge Bjornebye's precise cross with a flying header. It was the first time an Alex Ferguson side had surrendered a 3-goal lead.

“I think in the end we deserved a 3-3, but it could have been 8-6 - anything,” Clough recalls. “You see a lot of these games, they’re so tight and everyone cancels each other out, but this was a brilliant, open game. To get six goals was unusual.

“Anfield is special at any time but under the floodlights, a full house, in that sort of fixture, then it becomes extra special. Everyone’s aware of the history of those European nights but you feel it just as much in those domestic games. Everything was spot on that night.”

It was occasions such as these that lured Clough to Liverpool in the first place, following a decade of service to Nottingham Forest, where he was twice a League Cup winner and the club’s top league goalscorer another half-a-dozen times.

“It was a step up, with all due respect to Forest,” he admits. “Liverpool were one of the biggest clubs in the world and chance to play at Anfield too much to turn down.

“Our remit was always to try and get as close as possible to challenging for the title - I never heard anything other than that - but it’s difficult to do when you’re in the midst of rebuilding.

“Quite a few of the senior players were still there; Ian Rush, Ronnie Whelan, Steve Nicol, with a new breed coming through; Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman. Then the lads who came sort of in between.”

Liverpool, who had finished sixth under Graeme Souness the season before, found themselves eighth in the table after drawing with United, but were now six unbeaten and well within reach of the European places.

Things were looking up for the club - and Clough, hoping to stay true to his vow. Back-to-back league wins followed, lifting the Reds to fifth, but after a shock defeat to Bristol City in the FA Cup, Souness resigned and was replaced by Roy Evans.

“Roy went back to a quite few of the established players,” Clough explains. “He brought Ronnie Whelan back in and one or two others. A couple of us sort of fell by the wayside and never really got back in again. I got a couple of games here and there but it just seemed to ebb away after that.

“I do think the managerial change altered the way the team was heading. Having set out on a particular path it got changed after a short while. Things were just sort of bobbing along for a while without really going in either direction.”

“City were a lot like an oil tanker; it takes a helluva turnaround but once you get it going in the right direction it’s difficult to stop.”

The starts dried out for Clough. Only five more arrived in the remainder of the 1993/94 campaign – a tally he matched in the following two seasons combined. Begrudgingly, he left for Manchester City.

“It was always a risky one move ‘cause they were down at the bottom of the league and ended up going down on goal difference.

“With hindsight I wish I’d have stayed at Liverpool and fought for my place, but when you’re not involved then you just want to play football.”

Ironically, Clough’s previous employers were the ones who would seal City’s fate in May 1996. An own goal from Steve Lomas and one at the right end for Ian Rush had left the Citizens shin-deep in Division One, but strikes from Uwe Rosler and Kit Symons delivered brief hope for Alan Ball’s side.

Knowing they had to better one of Southampton or Coventry City’s results to survive, Ball instructed his players to play out a draw upon hearing, from the Maine Road crowd, that the Sky Blues were losing. Only they weren’t.

“There was a bit of a miscommunication,” Clough admits. “You’re hearing somebody’s got a result from somewhere else. You’re never quite sure what’s going on when you’re out on the pitch, ‘cause you’ve got the crowd and other things. We thought that a draw would be enough and it wasn’t, it was sad but these are the little things that happen in football – well, big things but with such fine margins.

“It could have been different if Graeme Souness had have stayed at Liverpool, then you go down by seven goals at Man City. Such fine margins end up affecting so many things in people’s careers.”

Clough remained at City the following season, but returned to Nottingham Forest on loan under “good mate” Stuart Pearce in December 1996. He didn’t play again for the City but was still around 18 months later, when they dropped into Division Two.

The club was a vastly different proposition to the one we know now; perennial title chasers and current champions of England with a £200million training complex to rival any Olympic village. Did Clough ever envisage a turnaround so prodigious?

“Because of their support they always had a chance,” he says. “It’s a lot like an oil tanker; it takes a helluva turnaround but once you get it going in the right direction it’s difficult to stop.”

City’s relegation saw Clough drop out of the Football League altogether, at the age of just 32, to take his first steps in management at Burton Albion. Now 48, his time as a boss has already exceeded his League playing career.

“Things finished at Manchester City, I found myself unemployed and a manager’s job – which turned into a player-manager’s job – opened up 20 minutes down the road. I thought I’d get started on the other side of the fence.

“I’d got a young family at the time and I got to spend some time with them and I wouldn’t swap that for anything.”

Clough is currently making headlines at League One’s cup connoisseurs Sheffield United, who he led to two major semi finals in his first 15 months at the helm – after four years of laying down foundations at Derby County.

Since Clough took over at Bramall Lane, the Blades have lost just four of their 23 cup matches.

“I wish we knew the secret,” he laughs. “We approach every game the same. There’s no fear, whether it’s a potential (banana skin) or we’re at White Hart Lane or wherever.

“We’d (Liverpool) go away in Europe and Ronnie Moran would go: ‘Keep the crowd quiet for the first 15 minutes. Don’t concede a goal.’ He was absolutely spot on.

“You listen to him and Roy Evans going back and you really appreciate the things they said - more so now than at the time.”

This article first appeared in Liverpool FC's match day programme versus Manchester City on 01.03.2015.

At the match with... Mark Maddox

At the match with... Mark Maddox

The Reds fan and former Altrincham defender salutes Liverpool’s scintillating season so far and explains his own inspiring campaign

If there was one thing Mark Maddox thrived upon as a player, it was a battle. For over a decade as an Altrincham defender he relished robust tackles, aerial duals, the lot. So it’s been no surprise to those who know the staunch red that he came out fighting three-and-a-half years after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. With a third marathon in the pipeline and a blog attracting loads of visitors each month, he tells us about his love for Liverpool FC...

“It was mid-December 2010. I was sitting in the Kop with my two sons, watching an uninspiring game against FC Utrecht. A few weeks earlier I had been diagnosed with a terminal muscle-wasting illness called Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and advised by doctors to make the most of that year’s Christmas. As you can imagine that was a bit of a shock, especially considering I had a wife and three young kids to look after.

Average life expectancy for MND is two-to-five years and over half die within 24 months. As I sat, looking around Anfield - a place I had been coming to for the last 36 years - I had a million thoughts going through my mind: My illness; my family; my life in general, and how it had all been taken away from me through no fault of my own (MND has no cause). But most of all, I was thinking: I'll never see Liverpool win another league title!

How it looked in the recent Tottenham programme

Watching the Reds this season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I've attended all the home games, barring one or two where I haven't been well enough, and most away games too. The performance against United was fantastic and shows how strong we have become this season; going to Old Trafford and dominating the way we did is never easy, but we tore them apart with our high intensity and free-flowing football. Spurs today is another massive fixture, but if we impose our game on them – as we did in Manchester - I'm confident we’ll come away with the points. I’ll stick my neck out and say 3-1 to the Reds!

I said at the start of the season, if we believe in ourselves we can achieve great things. We as fans have to trust the management and the players to get it right - they haven't let anyone down so far and I don't expect anything different from here on in. Fulham away is the game that sticks in my mind, as we approach the most crucial part of our season. We weren’t at our best but got the win anyway and I drove back from Craven Cottage that night believing something special could be on the cards. They say it’s games like that which make you the champions!

Since my diagnosis I have tried to stay as positive as I can regarding my future and this season I have linked up with the MND Association to help raise awareness for the disease within football. The match-day poster was in the programme against Everton and it's gone unbelievably well so far, with most Premier League teams and over 150 clubs in the UK signed up. I’ve recorded two CDs with our band, including a song I wrote called Justice496 which is dedicated to the victims of Hillsborough and their families. I have jumped out of planes (with a parachute on!), written honest blogs about living with MND and completed two marathons (Liverpool and London). I will attempt London again on 13^th April, determined to put MND in the spotlight.

Trying to raise awareness for the disease is often frustrating because it's so rare and not yet well-known. It is described by doctors as ‘the worst disease known to science’ because it wastes away all your major muscles leaving you unable to walk, talk and ultimately, breathe - which is obviously a big one! The more awareness we raise the more help with funding we get to help with research into eventually finding a cure. 

I've been told by people that my fight against MND has inspired them, but as I always tell them: We all inspire each other – not least my fellow MND sufferers, who I see courageously fighting for their lives on a daily basis. Watching that game against FC Utrecht three-and-a-bit years ago, I could never have imagined being alive now. That might sound a bit dramatic but it's the truth. I have achieved a lot in that time with the love and support of my family and friends. I hope Brendan and the lads read this for a little bit of inspiration, because watching the Reds this year has inspired me. Perhaps the thoughts I had on that cold December night were a little bit premature! Come on Red Men – make us dream!”

You can read Mark's blog at www.markmaddox.co.uk

Madine Makes Owls Return...

Madine Makes Owls Return as U21s Fight Back for Blues Draw

By Aiden Cusick

G

ary Madine played 45 minutes of the Owls 1-1 draw with Birmingham City this afternoon, in a game which also saw a return to action for midfielder David Prutton.

But it was substitute Simon Hanna’s late header which earned a point for Wednesday, who fell behind to Kyle McFarlane’s first-half tap in.

There was plenty of first-team experience on show at Middlewood with the likes of Rhys McCabe, Paul Corry and Rafael Floro each getting a full-90 minutes under their belts.

Madine, who was placed on an intense training regime following his release from prison two weeks ago, went close for Wednesday on several occasions, before making way for Manny Dieseruvwe at the break.

Big Gaz struts his stuff

The Geordie frontman won plenty of early flick-ons against Blues trialist Darcy Blake as the Owls sought to utilise their obvious height advantage. But with McCabe his closest team-mate, tucked in just behind him, there was often no one there to flick it on to.

Madine had no such problem from set-plays though, and forced Blues keeper Callum Preston in to a last-ditch tip over the bar with a header from Adam Hinchliffe’s Chris Lines-esque, diagonal corner after 12 minutes.

The same source carved out another chance for the big man just seconds later, but he got his angles slightly wrong and the ball was eventually gathered at the far post.

The Blues gave Neil Thompson’s side an early warning-sign moments later when winger Koby Arthur turned Seanna Foster inside out before seeing his cross blocked for a corner.

But the lively Arthur wasn’t to be denied for a second time; picking the ball up on half-way, he skipped through the Owls midfield and pinged a lovely ball through to Chike Kandi, whose cross-cum-shot was tapped in by an unmarked McFarlane at the far post after half-an-hour.

Birmingham were firmly in the game at this point following that early Owls pressure and Liam Truslove’s 20-yard-drive only narrowly flew wide of Joe Wildsmith’s right-hand post.

Wednesday rallied again before the break and should’ve scored when trialist Jamal Branker’s excellent first touch put him through on goal. His cut back found Hinchliffe, whose shot was cleared off the line by Blake.

And the former Cardiff City man was in the same place again moments later to deny Madine, after Preston tipped Taylor McKenzie’s header, a carbon-copy of Madine’s earlier chance, out for another corner.

The second half saw Wednesday playing against the wind and Wildsmith made his only real save just a few minutes after the restart, palming a deflected free-kick low past his left-hand post.

Hanna replaced Branker shortly after and drew Wednesday level within minutes of entering the field. Floro made himself a yard of space down the left and his right-footed cross surprised the Blues defence in glancing off the top of Hanna’s head, beyond Preston and in to the bottom corner. The young keeper was rooted to the spot.

The Owls sensed blood and it was another sub, Charlie Dawes, who was next to test Preston. He spotted a gap in the Blues defence and managed to dart though it unchallenged before his tame shot from the edge of the box was well-gathered.

But Dawes, sporting a Beckham-esque, 90’s haircut, went even closer with five minutes to go, fooling his full-back by cutting on to his left and firing a fierce drive which Preston had to push to safety.

There would be one last chance for the home side, when Dieseruvwe’s determined run found Corry but he fired well over after seeing his initial shot saved.

The Owls face Hartlepool at home on Wednesday in the Central League Cup.

Teams:

Wednesday U21s

Wildsmith; Foster, McKenzie, Fenwick, Floro; Prutton (Dawes), Corry; Branker* (Hanna), McCabe, Hinchliffe; Madine (Dieseruvwe).

Subs: Lambin, Beatson.

Goal: Hanna, 70.

Birmingham City U21s

Preston; Cogley, Blake, Kelly, Deadfield; Sutherland, Truslove, Webb, Arthur; McFarlane, Kandi.

Subs: Hales, Trueman, McGee, O'Neil, Cooper. 

Goal: McFarlane, 30.

Made-Up in Sheffield

MADE-UP IN SHEFFIELD

Young Red Conor Coady is learning fast on loan across the Pennines, he tells Aiden Cusick

C

onor Coady hopes his loan spell at Sheffield United will inspire other Reds youngsters to head out in search of first-team football.

The 20-year-old, who recently extended his stay at the League One outfit until the end of February, believes spending time at another club is “something you’ve got to do” as a young player coming through.

“You’ve only got to look at players who’ve been out on loan and gone on to play first-team football (at their parent club),” he says. “There are loads that do it - the likes of Andre Wisdom at Derby who are absolutely flying at the minute. It’s a fantastic move for him and he’ll no doubt come back a better player.”

But Conor also stresses the importance of testing yourself at Under-21 level first, something he did ahead of his move to the Steel City, adding that loans are more beneficial if you do them at the right age.

“I think you need a year or two in the U21s to bring you on, especially at a club like Liverpool. The amount of staff they’ve got there can really help to develop you as a player.”

His belief is that, ultimately, the new academy system (U21 and U18 and no reserve-team) will see better players coming through at first-team level. “It’s definitely aiding player development. The environment is a lot different. In the reserves you were just playing games, you never really knew what was going on, whereas now you’re fighting for your place in a league and it’s a tough, competitive one, which is good.”

He singles out another Liverpool youngster as a good example of how the system is already working. “Look at Jordan Rossiter and how it’s brought him on. He’s played at that level early and now he’s making the bench for the first team. I think all it can do is help.

“I’d had a couple of years in the reserves so it was time for me to get out there, start playing proper football and learn what it’s about to go and play in the league.”

When the opportunity came - off the back of an Under-20 World Cup campaign with England - Conor says he was “more than happy” to make the temporary switch to South Yorkshire. “Brendan (Rodgers) came to me and said: ‘Sheffield United are interested, we think it’ll be good for you’. I knew it was a massive club and a great place to learn my trade at. I went in that week and I’ve played a few games now so I’m made-up.” His tally now stands at over 20 appearances with a first goal coming in November’s draw with Leyton Orient at the Matchroom Stadium in East London.

Settling in was “no trouble” as several of his Blades team-mates live this side of the Pennines, making his commute to the Steel City slightly more stress-free.

“It was very easy for me (to settle); the lads have been fantastic, a few of them live out Manchester and Preston way so I’ve been living at home and commuting there. We share lifts so I only really have to drive once a week. The night before a game I’ll stay in the hotel that’s by Bramall Lane. The travelling’s not too bad, you know, but it’s always better to stay over and make sure you’re right for the day after.”

On the pitch it wasn’t such plain sailing. After winning their opening match of the campaign against Notts County, the Blades went nine league games without a win - a run which cost manager David Weir his job. The Scot had a big hand in Coady’s switch to the Lane, having come across the 20-year-old during his time spent coaching at Everton, though the Kirkby graduate refused to dwell on Weir’s departure.

“It didn’t affect me much really. Davie Weir was good to me but as soon as Nigel Clough came in we just had to carry on doing what we were doing - working hard and trying to impress him. Hopefully I did that. He’s (Clough) been really good with me; he lets me know what he wants, where I’ve been going wrong and what I need to work on.”

In terms of style at least, the transition between the two managers was relatively straightforward, and Conor credits this as the catalyst in his development over the last six months. “The fact the managers both want to play football has really brought me on. The thing I’ve improved the most is receiving the ball off the back four and automatically looking forward. When you play at first-team level it’s important to look forward at all times, it’s easy to pass sideways so working on getting the ball and ensuring my first pass is a positive one has improved my game massively.”

It’s something which should stand him in good stead for his return to Anfield - initially scheduled after United’s FA Cup win over Aston Villa at the start of January until the two clubs agreed on an extension - where he would relish the opportunity to push for a place in the Reds engine room.

“Central midfield is where I’ve been brought up playing, I like to try and get on the ball as much as possible. I’ve played a bit at centre back for Liverpool (for the reserves and Under-21s) but for United I’ve always played centre mid.”

Both of Conor’s first-team appearances for Liverpool came in his favoured midfield role, including his debut against Anzhi Makhachkala in November 2012 when a youthful Reds side were defeated 1-0. “You always dream of having your debut for Liverpool, the team I grew up with, but to have it out in Russia was superb. It was a mad experience but just to make my debut was absolutely fantastic and I loved every single minute of it.”

Conor also featured as a late substitute in the victory over Fulham in the penultimate game of the 2012/13 campaign, and hopes to be handed more opportunities to show what he can do when he returns. But he has no qualms about extending his spell in the Steel City for the time being, and believes the experience of playing in front of big crowds can only aid his transition to the first team at Anfield.

“That’s been the highlight for me, playing at Bramall Lane. It’s a great stadium. They get very big capacities for a League One side and playing in front of them has been fantastic for my development.”

After their disappointing start to the campaign, Conor is hoping that the remainder of his spell will coincide with an upturn in fortunes for the Blades. “For us now, it’s about taking one game at a time and seeing where we end up come the end of the season. We’ve got to keep on building as a team. For me, it’s all about improving.”

Loans that paid off

Glen Johnson, then 17, joined Millwall on a month-long spell from West Ham and impressed enough for his deal to be extended on two occasions.

Jose Enrique spent the 2005/06 campaign on loan at Celta Vigo from Valencia. His performances earned him a move to then Champions League contenders, Villarreal.

Jordan Henderson’s successful spell at Coventry in 2009 propelled the 23-year-old in to the first-team picture at parent club, Sunderland.

Philippe Coutinho went on loan from Inter Milan to Espanyol, then managed by Mauricio Pochettino, in 2012. He scored five goals in 16 appearances.

Daniel Sturridge’s eight goals in 12 appearances while loaned to Bolton Wanderers by Chelsea in 2011 gave him a stage to display his arch goalscoring ability.

10 Reasons Why Football Manager is Better Than Your Girlfriend

TEN REASONS WHY FOOTBALL MANAGER IS BETTER THAN YOUR GIRLFRIEND

                                                                                                                                                        

Football Manager is more than ‘just a game’; it’s a friend, a good friend, one that comes with an annual upgrade to help it become an even better friend. OK, so you can’t have sex with it but you can still have your cake and eat it. Remember; while a woman will get mad if you reject her to play Football Manager, Football Manager will be understanding of your need for female attention and wait patiently, in perfect silence, until you decide to play with it again. Not convinced? I’ve got a few more:

10. PERIODS

Unlike a lady, this management simulator doesn’t bleed from its vagina, leaving you free to enjoy the bits you really want all month, every month. Likewise, it won’t scream at you - unnecessarily - for trivial matters like leaving the toilet seat up, getting skid marks on the side or the subsequent failure to wash your hands (it was a wonder poo, God dammit!). For those with joint bank accounts, you’ll also save on tampons.

9. SCOUTING

Let’s face it, your missus isn’t going to be best pleased when she finds out you were up until 4am, fumbling around on other girls’ Facebook profiles, hunting for the slightest bit of holiday side-boob. But Football Manager is encouraging of your late night talent-spotting tendencies, and even permits a team of scouts to assist you in your quest to unearth those *hidden gems*. The best ones are often 17, unattached and of South American descent.

8. COST-EFFECTIVENESS

A one-off payment of around £30 is usually enough to acquire the services of this loyal companion for an entire year, while a girlfriend will most likely demand that PER WEEK in ice cream, lifts to the shops and going over on your internet data as a result of trying to occupy your mind with something more engaging than she is. Also, computer games don’t demand Birthday presents, Anniversary weekends away or Valentine’s chocolates with their name on.

7. TEAM MEETINGS

Your girlfriend calls an urgent meeting. You know it’s serious but there’s no way you’ll be able to just brush it under the rug and hope it (/she) goes away. Your assistant however, will try and sit down with you once a fortnight, but he’s not going to force you. Ignore him if you like, it won’t hurt his feelings, neither will he hold it against you in the future. Besides, his only wish was to inform you that one of your full-backs (finishing, 4, composure, 6) should start lobbing the 'keeper in one-on-one situations. Silly old goat.

6. SOCIAL LIFE

“Where are you going? Who are you going with? What time will are you coming back?” - Sound familiar? It wasn’t Football Manager talking, that’s for sure. Football Manager was far too busy trying to (subconsciously, of course) reassure you to “relax, have a good night and don’t worry about waking me up when you’re scratching at the front door at 3am, keyless and covered in kebab.”

5.  STREET CRED

Talking in depth about your partner to pals in the pub will ensure your popularity drops faster than, well, Portsmouth after they won the FA Cup that time with all those players they couldn’t actually afford to pay. However, talking up your managerial prowess over a pint could earn you more man points than an arm-wrestling victory over Adebayo Akinfenwa. Man has spent many a late night discussing his latest save in the local speakeasy, while disgruntled boyfriends look on, enviously, dreaming up next season’s squad-number list in their heads.

4. FREEDOM

You can’t ring up a lady at half-past-one in the morning and invite yourself over to hers just because you have urges (well, you can, but is she really the type of lady you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?), yet when the craving for a spot of late-night, virtual coaching kicks in, Football Manager will be there, ready to give you your fix. When it’s time for bed, you can simply turn it off, safe in the knowledge that no repercussions will ever occur - unless you forgot to press save, in which case all your progress shall be lost and you’ll have no option but to replay every single match of your mammoth unbeaten run, scratching your head as you succumb to a 1-0 home defeat against Wigan Athletic (a team you comfortably beat 3-0 the first time around) with 28 shots on target to their one - and 66% possession.

3. SLEEPING

Women hog covers. That’s a fact. They roll over and cling on for dear life, leaving your entire body exposed to the bogeyman or worse... perverts. But Football Manager doesn’t stand for such nonsense. When it sleeps it doesn’t need a bed, just a few millimetres width on a book shelf, a floor, or underneath the empty glass of milk, biscuit wrapper and used tissues which adorn your bedside table.

2. TACTICAL VERSATILITY

Remember that exciting new position you saw being awkwardly portrayed by a tattooed couple on Channel 5’s Sex Education Show? Well the missus isn’t going to do it, so stop asking. But recall your amazement when Vicente Del Bosque spawned Spain’s revolutionary 4-6-0 formation during the 2012 European Championships? Well you too can have your own ‘Cesc Fabregas’, with the introduction of the ‘false 9’ role to this year’s instalment - whether you’re just being continental for the sake of it, or an injury crisis has left you down to the bare bones of Nicklas Bendtner.

1. TOP TALENT

With a whopping 3,674,821 countries (you’re forgetting all the little ones like Tahiti, East Timor and Wales), 16,712,904 leagues and 6.6billion teams to choose from, you can be absolutely anyone your heart desires. Work your way up from the bottom of the ladder - signing one-time Alfreton Town defenders on amateur contracts - to the top - where world-record fees can be shelled out on all the latest Spanish re-gens. Let’s be honest, you can’t do that with a woman, I mean, look at you. You may have had your fair share of lower-leaguers, but the best you’ll ever get is a six-out-of-ten - which is the equivalent of signing Kieran Richardson for Stoke City.

Saints Setting Shining Example

SAINTS SETTING SHINING EXAMPLE TO THOSE LOOKING TO GROOM HOME-GROWN TALENT

I take a look at the Southampton model and select an XI of Football League players who could replicate the path taken by some of Saints’ stars

Getting an England cap isn’t as hard as it used to be; David Nugent, Jay Bothroyd and Joey Barton all have one, heck, Carlton Cole has seven!

It’s well-documented that our national pool isn’t as vast as our rivals’ and a run of good form for your club can often mean a call-up for a pointless international friendly in November (by which point in 2013, 55% of English players to have started top-flight matches this season had caps for their country, compared to just 14% in Spain). For those aforementioned (Cole aside) that is usually as far as it goes; a reward for your overachievements in the last few months, a present for the grandchildren.

For others, it can provide the platform for a blossoming international career, a test of the water to see if you’re good enough for the next qualifier in March, or in this season’s case, a World Cup Finals. For that reason, it can be a good thing to experiment.

Much was made of the inclusion of Southampton trio Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the friendlies with Chile and Germany in November, but the fact that Saints were on course for a Champions League spot at the time justified their selection. For the doubters, there were concerns over Lambert’s age, Rodriguez’s lack of goals and a combined lack of top flight experience. Lallana, at least, has one foot in Hodgson’s 23 after impressing in both games.

Each of them has been instrumental in Southampton’s transition from relegation candidates to European contenders over the last 18 months. But for both Lallana and Lambert, their influence began in the third tier. The former, a graduate of an academy which has produced talents such as Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent years. The latter, a million-pound signing from Bristol Rovers, aged 27.

The pair helped fire the Saints to back-to-back promotions under Nigel Adkins and while other key members of that side – such as, Guly do Prado, Billy Sharp and Danny Fox – have been phased out at St. Mary’s, Lallana and Lambert have remained as key players.

Football League talents in the shape of Rodriguez (15 goals for Burnley in 2011/12) and Nathaniel Clyne were added to Saints’ side upon promotion. Rodriguez has his cap; Clyne will no doubt get one sooner or later. The same goes for home-grown stars Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse - Southampton are the model which all newly-promoted teams should follow.

There are enough players out there to do it; the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Nathan Redmond and Dwight Gayle were all handed top flight moves following their performances in 2012/13 - the former has two caps already. Step forward Englishmen of the Football League; your caps await you.

Lee Grant (Derby County)

Formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley, Grant has been a consistent Championship performer for almost a decade now. Still only 30 - an adolescent in goalkeeping terms - it may not be too late for him to make the top flight. England is probably a stretch too far, though beyond Joe Hart there's little competition.

Kieran Trippier (Burnley)

A graduate of Manchester City’s academy, Trippier was named in last season’s PFA Team of the Year and has continued his fine form in to 2012/13 as the Clarets ended the year in second. He’s been the source of many of Danny Ings’ 15 goals so far.

Sam Byram (Leeds United)

Still only 20, the academy product has played over fifty games for the Whites. His versatility allows him to play as either a centre-half or right-winger as well as his natural position as a full-back.

Liam Moore (Leicester City)

The young defender was thrust in to the first-team in early 2013 following an injury to Wes Morgan, having recently completed a loan spell at Brentford. He has since made the position his own and was named Football League Player of the Month in September.

Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich Town)

The former Tranmere full-back was linked with the top flight over the summer but nothing materialised. Only 24, he has a reputation as a set-piece specialist with an excellent left foot.

Tom Ince (Blackpool)

Blackpool have resisted attempts from several Premier League sides to sign their prized asset in recent windows but may finally come unstuck this month with his dad and manager, Paul, under pressure from the fans and his contract set to expire in 2014.

Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City)

A former Manchester United starlet, Drinkwater has settled well at Leicester since joining them in 2012, following a successful loan at Barnsley. Drinkwater has contributed four goals for Nigel Pearson’s side in 2013/14, as they top the standings heading in to the New Year.

Will Hughes (Derby County)

Constantly linked with a move to Liverpool, the 18-year-old has put himself in the shop window with some accomplished performances in the Derby engine room. The Anfield outfit have reportedly agreed a ‘first-option’ on the playmaker, who is valued at more than £10million.

Charlie Austin (Queen’s Park Rangers)

The former Burnley man has hit 11 goals since his £5million move from Turf Moor in the summer and it’s surely only a matter of time before the 24-year-old gets his chance in the top flight. Bricklayer to the Premier League in five years would be some story.

Troy Deeney (Watford)

Deeney has been a revelation for the Hornets since his release from prison in 2012. He’s registered 11 goals in 2013/14 despite his side’s disappointing campaign. Released by Aston Villa as a youth, the 25-year-old will be hungry to prove them wrong in the top flight.

Danny Ings (Burnley)

Austin’s understudy for two seasons, Ings has finally blossomed in the absence of his former teammate, with his 15 goals so far this season dwarfing his tally of just six in the two years previous. The 21-year-old may even beat Austin to the Premier League, with the Clarets a place above QPR, in second place.


Have I missed any? Let me know via @My_Big_Tackle on Twitter.

Anfield Spotlight: Chris Kirkland

ANFIELD SPOTLIGHT:

CHRIS KIRKLAND

Catching up with the keeper who joined Liverpool a dozen years ago and is now approaching 300 career appearances

S

imon Mignolet’s fine form between between the posts for Liverpool comes as no surprise to one ex-Reds goalkeeper.

 "He did great last season in a struggling team,” says Chris Kirkland - who originally moved to Anfield in 2001.

“It’s a big step up coming here - a major step up - but he seems a confident lad. I’m sure he’ll do well and Brendan Rodgers will look after him.”

That’s something Kirkland could always rely on himself when Gerard Houllier was manager. As the form of Jerzy Dudek seemed to dip during the 2002/03 campaign, the Frenchman wasted no time in handing the then-21-year-old an extended run in his first XI.

The former Coventry City man was quick to repay his manager’s faith, helping Liverpool progress in three cup competitions before being struck down with a cruciate knee ligament injury away to Crystal Palace in January 2003.

Houllier was also on hand to reassure the young shot-stopper that he was still part of his long-term plans.

“I flew back with him after the Palace game,” recalls Chris. “He said to me, ‘I’ll look after you and sort you out a new contract’. I already had five years left and he gave me a new six-year-deal!”

Kirkland, it seems, was always in his manager’s thoughts, even when injury kept him out of the 2003 Worthington Cup Final victory over Manchester United. “He gave me his medal, which was great of him. He always looked after me.”

Houllier had been keeping tabs on the future England international long before he made him Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper, eventually pouncing after Coventry’s relegation to the Football League.

“Gary McAllister rang me a few months before and said, ‘Look, they (Liverpool) really like you - just keep doing what you’re doing for Coventry.

“I’d played with Gary before and he came back to train with us for a bit. When he went back up he told Gerard I’d come on leaps and bounds.”

The Reds made their move on deadline day, August 2001, but the ink had barely dried on his Anfield contract when Polish international Dudek joined from Feyenoord.

But Kirkland remained upbeat. “I knew (about Dudek). Gerard had said he was going to sign another keeper and that he wanted to nurture me, but he said I’d get my chance and that’s the way it worked out.”

Despite knowing he’d be set for a spell on the sidelines, the prospect of playing for the team he supported as a boy was too hard for Chris to ignore.

“I’d have only left for Liverpool, they were my team. My dad used to take me up (to Anfield) on the bus from Hinckley.

“I was enjoying my time at Coventry and it was tough to leave but in the end it was an easy decision to make. I don’t regret anything that happened.”

After being sidelined for nine months with the injury he suffered at Selhurst Park, the giant shot-stopper began slowly rebuilding his Anfield career.

He made a dozen appearances in Houllier’s final season at the club and a further 14 in 2004/05, including the crucial Champions League encounter with Olympiacos, under new boss Rafa Benitez.

“It was a great night obviously, the European nights at Anfield always are and the crowd helped no end.”

Fans who read a recent edition of the Liverpool FC magazine might recall Antonio Nunez blaming Kirkland for Rivaldo’s opener, saying he was instructed by his keeper to create a gap in the wall for the free-kick. “I should have done better with that, yeah. It was totally my fault!” laughs the 32-year-old.

But despite the initial set-back, Kirkland remained confident the Reds would eventually come up with the result they needed.

“It was late doors when Stevie (Gerrard) scored. People say that the crowd suck the ball in and they certainly did that night.

“You sort of knew we were going to go on and win the competition. Even 3-0 down against Milan, I was sitting in the stands and you could tell they were going to win, I don’t know what it was. The Olympiacos game was the turning point.”

Sadly, Kirkland suffered a back injury in the derby defeat to Everton the following January and the Leicestershire-born keeper recalls his frustration at not being involved in the remainder of the 04/05 Euro campaign.

“Anyone who is honest will tell you the same; if you don’t play in the final, you don’t feel part of things.

“It was tough not being part of the final but I was delighted as a supporter that we won it.”

Despite featuring in four out of six group games before his injury, the former England international was again left without a medal.

But Kirkland refused to let it dampen the celebrations, describing them as part of a “great night”.

That summer, Benitez brought in Pepe Reina as his new no1 and Chris sensed his days at the club were numbered, with a loan move to West Bromwich Albion soon arranged.

“I struggled after Joe Corrigan left. The Spanish goalie coaches were lovely chaps but I just didn’t enjoy the training. It was different to everything I’d been taught.

“I was brought up on the English way - hard work, repetitions and lots of volleys and half-volleys.”

With his agent still based in the Midlands and Corrigan now working under Bryan Robson at West Brom, a move to the Hawthorns was a logical one for all parties.

Kirkland made just 12 appearances for the Baggies before losing his place to a combination of Tomasz Kuszczak’s form and injury  – a challenge with Bolton’s Kevin Davies left him with a lacerated kidney - and he was on the move again ahead of the 06/07 campaign, joining Wigan Athletic on an initial six-month loan deal.

It soon turned in to six years when the Latics decided to make the move permanent and Kirkland describes the first four of those as the “best time of my career”.

He made his international debut against Greece at the age of 25 – earning his dad around £10,000 in the process, due to a bet he’d placed when Chris was in his teens – though he admits he “doesn’t really like talking about England”.

Despite a poor start to the 2007/08 campaign, Steve Bruce was appointed the club’s new boss and Wigan finished comfortably in 14^th place.

“That’s probably the best season I’ve had in football. I won two awards at the end of the year, it was great.”

But when Roberto Martinez took over in 2009, Kirkland was faced with a familiar problem – a Spanish goalkeeper coach.

“I wasn’t enjoying training. I found my game going, I wasn’t confident and in the end it paid in performances.”

He was released in the summer of 2012, having spent the last two years of his Wigan career on the sidelines. He signed for Sheffield Wednesday ahead of their return to the Championship and admits, he wasn’t exactly spoilt for choice.

“Everyone thought ‘cos I wasn’t playing at Wigan I must have been injured. It wasn’t the case at all, I was out of favour and obviously people put two and two together. They thought: well, he must be injured and it puts people off.”

The towering goalie was a revelation in his debut season at Hillsborough, coming second in the club’s player of the year awards as the Owls escaped the drop, finishing 18^th.

Kirkland believes he “shut a few people up” by playing in all 46 league games for his new club in 2012/13, and points out:

“I didn’t miss any training sessions either; the problems with my back are long gone.”

The former England international has ambitions of being a fireman when he retires, but stresses;

“I hope that’s a few years away yet.

“I’ve always fancied it. My Dad’s friend’s the boss down at a garage in Hinckley, I’ve done a bit of training down there and really enjoyed it”, he adds.

“I’ve got no desire to go in to coaching, as it stands. But you’ve got to do something with your time.”