Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side are playing like champions after their gritty 4-2 win over West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday.United looked to be on course for more dropped points at half-time, trailing 2-0 after a pair of penalties were converted by Mark Noble.
But Wayne Rooney ripped the game apart in 15 second-half minutes with a hat-trick before substitute Javier Hernandez completed the win six minutes from the end.
The victory gave Ferguson’s men an eight-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, although the Gunners have played two games fewer than United, and the 69-year-old was delighted with the performance.
“We played like champions today and we played to our ability,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.
“That was a championship-winning performance.”
“It’s not an easy place to come with the fight for relegation and that result might put them (West Ham) in trouble.”
Ferguson watched Saturday’s match from the stands as he served the second of a five-match touchline ban, but he was impressed by the resilience his players showed.
“Being two goals down at half-time was a travesty considering the possession and chances created in the first half,” he said.
“We kept making chances in the first half, they couldn’t get the ball off (Antonio) Valencia in the first half and he delivered two or three fantastic balls, he had the opposition on toast really.”
“We had to go for it, bring in Hernandez and put (Ryan) Giggs to left back. Goal difference didn’t matter, we needed to get something.”
“Second half when Chicharito (Hernandez) came on, he gave you pace and the running behind line we needed.”
“There was a strong bench today with Nani, (Dimitar) Berbatov and (Michael) Owen. I thought if it was still 2-2 in last 10 minutes, then I would bring Michael on and go for it – going for it is vital to our club.”
West Ham boss Avram Grant – whose side remains in the bottom three as a result of the loss – said they did not make life difficult enough for United in the second half, but remained positive about the relegation fight ahead.
“It was too easy for them to control the game,” Grant said.
“In the second half they had nothing to lose, put Giggs at left-back and sent a lot of quality players forward. But we have given them too much space.”
“There were a lot of positive things. We wanted to win and did everything very good in the first half. But footballers need to complete two halves.”
“The league will be very tight but I think we can do it because we have come into good shape at the right time.”
By Alex McLeish’s own frank admission another finish in the “Top 17” next season would be progression in itself for a Blues side looking to establish themselves in the top flight after their best place finish for 51 years upon their return to the Premier League. Whilst the Scotsmen is right to quell any over-exuberant and somewhat premature whispers about Europe..
Just how do Blues go about building upon such an excellent campaign?
1.Retaining the services of “Big Eck” – Alex McLeish’s signings last summer were as good as any, typified by the additions of Scott Dann and Roger Johnson from Coventry and Cardiff respectively as well as Barry Ferguson from Rangers but after such a startling season that saw Blues go 12 games unbeaten typing up McLeish’s contract may prove to be their best piece of business this time around.
2. Scoring more goals – Whilst there defensive performances took justified plaudits, Blues were a bit shy in front of goal scoring just 38 goals in 38 games and another striker to feed off 6ft 7inch Nikola Zigic may be essential if they are to try and match their achievements last term. Blues had been linked to Bobby Zamora for most of the summer and have more recently turned their attentions to AZ Alkmaar’s Moussa Dembele.
3. Looking to the future – Despite their experience the likes of Lee Bowyer, Stephen Carr and co will not be around forever and perhaps McLeish would be wise to take a closer look at January acquisitions Craig Gardner and Michel. The Spaniard has only featured nine times since arriving at St Andrews but his arrival was not without praise from SkySports Spanish correspondent Guillem Balague who described the former Sporting Gijon man as a good passer of the ball whilst comparing him in style to Javier Mascherano but with better passing range. After being given time to settle in, Michel may flourish this season under the guidance of a man who was so patient in the chase for his signature and he may add some much needed energy and elegance in the absence of Bowyer and Ferguson. Gardner made 13 appearances for Blues after the short trip from Villa Park, the last six matches on the right side of midfield due to Sebastian Larsson’s incline in form. A ‘bluenose’ himself, he endeared himself to the St Andrews crowds earning special praise for his performance against Aston Villa in an unjust 1-0 defeat. If Pre-season is anything to go by McLeish certainly seemed impressed with Gardner towards the end of last season and he may be used more frequently for Blues.
The addition of Crystal Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne may also be a judicious signing if Birmingham are willing to stump up the £3million the club insist on for a player with such a bright future. Stephen Carr was resolute amongst the Blues back four but the eulogies about the young defender from the Championship tend to suggest he will one day play for a side in the top four and his natural pace and stature make him ideal to push Carr for a place in the first-team.
4. Continue to improve the infrastructure – If Birmingham are to progress on the pitch, progression off it may also be key and Peter Pannu’s pledge to invest heavily in the scouting network and the academy will be certainly enhance the club. Clubs like Everton and Fulham invest around £1.5 million into their scouting department in comparison to Blues’ £200,000 in the most recent past. If Blues are to stay in the Premier League for years to come, the right model for the academy set-up is required so that the club can prosper in future.
5. Hope that Foster can emulate Joe Hart’s season – The signing of Ben Foster from Manchester United is perhaps the best Birmingham could have done after Manchester City denied them the chance to keep hold of Hart. Hart was integral in Birmingham’s sensational return to the Premier League and this was reflected in his emotional farewell at the Reebok Stadium on the final day of the 09/10 season. They will hope that just like Hart, who struggled initially, Foster will exhibit his talents when thrust under the scrutiny regular first-team football will put him under and this may be key for Birmingham if they are to get anywhere near last season’s dizzy heights.
*
With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Tottenham leapfrogged Newcastle into the Premier League top three after Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice to see off Aston Villa at White Hart Lane.
Spurs had manager Harry Redknapp back in the dugout for the first time since he underwent heart surgery and he proved the perfect inspiration for his side as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against an colourless Aston Villa. Adebayor had gone six league games without scoring but took only 14 minutes to end his barren spell converting Gareth Bale’s cross in spectacular fashion before bundling home a second delivery from the Welshman five minutes before half time. The on-loan Manchester City striker had chances to complete his hat trick after the restart as the hosts comfortably strolled to a seventh win in eight games against Alex McLeish’s side. The Villans failed to mount a serious challenge and managed to test former goalkeeper Brad Friedel in the Spurs goal as the home side wasted a host of chances to extend their lead. The omens certainly sat in Tottenham’s favour before kick off as Redknapp returned to the White Hart Lane bench just three weeks after a minor heart operation to extend his personal record against the Midland side to 11 games.
The last five meetings between the two sides had ended in Spurs’ favour and they looked intent on making a sixth taking hold of the game from the first whistle. McLeish deployed former Spurs man Alan Hutton in a right midfield role ahead of Carlos Cuellar to counteract the threat of Bale and although the duo doubled up on the Welshman for most of the evening the winger couldn’t be stopped. Redknapp was able to name an unchanged lineup for the third game running as Rafael Van Der Vaart shook off a hamstring injury to continue his prolific partnership with Adebayor and it was the latter who gave Spurs the lead on the quarter hour. After squandering a headed chance just minutes earlier he produced a moment of divine brilliance as he acrobatically overhead kicked Bale’s cross past Shay Given after Steven Warnock failed to sufficiently clear Van Der Vaarts corner. It was the striker first goal since scoring twice against Liverpool on September 18th and that knocked the wind out of Villa’s sails as the North Londoners continued to press forward. Their the Dutch master was clearly intent on getting his name on the scoresheet but could only smash an effort into the side netting before seeing his audacious lob sail over Given’s cross bar.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It was no surprise when the hosts doubled their lead just before the break with Bale once again the architect teasing Cuellar on the left before picking out Adebayor who made no mistake at the back post for his fifth goal in a Spurs shirt. Villa tried to mount a comeback in the second half but any chance of salvaging anything from the game were shot after Darren Bent could only head Chris Herd’s cross tamely into the hands of Friedel. In fact it was the home side who looked more likely to score next and they should have increased their lead with Adebayor shooting straight at Given from 18-yards after collecting Luka Modric’s through ball. The Togo striker then curled wide from distance later on after Kyle Walker had fired wide on 58 minutes. He was presented with another chance to complete his hat trick 13 minutes from time but was denied by Given once again as he pounced on the ball during an almighty goal mouth scramble. However despite the missed opportunities Spurs ran out comfortable winners as Villa once again failed to win on their traveue. McLeish and his side face a tough set of fixtures leading into the festive period with games against Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all on the horizon.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish praised the fighting qualities of his players after they moved out of the relegation zone on Wednesday.McLeish’s side managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, with the point good enough to see them climb above West Ham into 17th place in a packed bottom-half of the English Premier League table.Jean Beausejour’s header put the Carling Cup winners in front after just 17 minutes and despite John Heitinga’s superb leveller, McLeish was still pleased with the effort from his players, especially defensively.”We had to get back to basics and we defended really well, but we didn’t really penetrate after a really bright start,” McLeish said.”I have to pay compliment to the battling qualities of my players and we will need that right until the end of the season.”The former Rangers manager is also expecting this season’s relegation battle to go right until the last day, with just 11 points separating eighth-placed Sunderland and bottom-of-the-league Wigan.”It’s going to be tough and it’s going to go right to the wire,” he said.”We have a lot of tough away games, but if we show that spirit and character and on our day we can win any game as we proved against Arsenal.”Everton manager David Moyes bemoaned the injury to playmaker Mikel Arteta after the match, with the Spaniard, who was captain of the Toffees for the night, leaving the field early with a hamstring injury.Moyes feels that Arteta’s absence hurt his side going forward as they failed to convert their second-half dominance into a victory, but expressed his happiness with the club’s recent form.”It was a setback (to lose Arteta) and you could sense it was a setback for the crowd as well as we needed Mikel to be creative for us,” Moyes said.”I couldn’t tell you how bad the injury is as I have not had a chance to speak to the medical team yet. He played very well on Saturday and to lose him so early on was a major blow.””We played better in the second half than in the first half, but we just didn’t have the quality to turn some of the good play into goals.””We are disappointed we couldn’t take full advantage and the get the home win, but we have picked some good points in the last few games.”
New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson remains confident that star striker Fernando Torres will still be a Reds player next season.
The 26-year-old Spain international continues to be heavily linked with a move away from Anfield, but Hodgson has faith that Torres is going nowhere.
He told reporters:"As far as I know he is looking forward to coming back here – he is back on Monday.
"He is enjoying a holiday – a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years.
"He is spending a lot of time with his family, keeping a low profile and as far as I know he is not really speaking to anyone.
"But he has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, looking forward to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"That is what I know, so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Ambitious Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala are lining up a sensational swoop for Robin Van Persie and Nicolas Anelka according to the Sun.
Backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov new player-manager Roberto Carlos is eager to turn the club from mid-table dwellers into a serious outfit capable of competing in the Champions League.
Despite already hitting the headlines by spending £22 million to bring Samuel Eto’o to the club and handing him wages of £345,000-a-week, making him the highest paid player on the planet, Carlos wants to bring the striking duo to Dinamo Stadium.
The Brazilian is desperate to lure Arsenal captain Van Persie and Chelsea forward Anelka to Russia in an attempt to bolster his squad and believes he can tempt them both with big money offer but admitted they weren’t the only players on his list.
He said: “Anelka is not the only player. Nene from PSG and Van Persie from Arsenal are players we are following.
“Neymar? I talked to him. If Real (Madrid), Barcelona or Manchester United cannot pay the transfer fee, we will pay it. Suleyman Kerimov can offer what he wants.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Whilst a switch to Russia may not interest Van Persie it could prove to be attractive to Anelka who’s contract at Stamford Bridge ends in the summer with Anzhi set to offer him a lucrative deal.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has once again been the subject of praise from the media for his work in the transfer market. The loan signing of Jamie O’Hara has seen the midfielder score twice in just four appearances. His form has also inspired Wolves to wins against Blackpool and Manchester United, as well as a draw at rivals West Brom.
The ninth-longest serving manager in the English leagues, McCarthy has seen a wealth of talent both enter and leave Molineux during his time in charge. I think it’s fair to say we have seen our fair share of flops during McCarthy’s time, the likes of Maierhofer, Eastwood and Shackell come to mind.
However, most Wolves fans will agree there has definitely been more positive than negative arrivals in Wolverhampton. I’ve had a look back over all of McCarthy’s signings (there were a lot) and picked out the five that matched these categories – a) the best value for money b) consistent performers c) best overall performances in a Wolves shirt.
[ad_pod id=’fox-mpu’ align=’right’]
Michael Kightly
Pretty obvious one to start off. Originally signed on loan from non-league Grays in the winter of 2007, Kightly impressed immediately and scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win at QPR in December. Despite interest from Manchester United, he signed permanently for a fee (believed to be in the tens of thousands, rather than millions). Kightly went on to earn England under-21 caps, help Wolves to promotion and become one of the best players outside of the Premier League. Only injury has stopped him from progressing even further.
Matt Jarvis
Another lower league signing, Jarvis moved to Molineux from Gillingham in June 2007 for an undisclosed fee (again, not expected to be anywhere near the millions). He settled in the team and immediately showed why McCarthy had taken a gamble on him. A pacey and tricky winger, Jarvis was instrumental in helping Wolves gain promotion, and go on to remain in the Premier League. Has recently been linked with an England call-up and moves to other Premier League sides. Jarvis continue to impress and is improving as the season goes on.
Kevin Foley
Completing the trio of lower league signings, Foley joined Wolves about a month after Jarvis. Joining from Luton, who had just been relegated to League One, Foley was regarded as one of the brightest young defenders around. Foley made the right-back spot his own at Molineux, going on to win the Wolves Player of the Season award in the 2008-09 season. Last season, he made the transition from defender to midfielder, and comfortably settled in the middle of the park as part of the 4-5-1 formation employed by McCarthy. A regular member of the Republic of Ireland squad, Foley is easily one of the most steady and consistent players at Wolves.
Continue to the NEXT PAGE for the rest of the top five…
Kevin Doyle
Joined Wolves in the summer of 2009, ahead of their new season in the Premier League. With a £6.5 million pricetag around his neck, it would be fair to say big things were expected. Doyle didn’t disappoint. After overcoming an early injury, he went on to establish himself as the spearhead of the Wolves 4-5-1 system. Playing up front by himself, he finished the season with 10 goals and picked up the Wolves’ Player’s Player of the season. Despite being linked with a move, Doyle stayed at Molineux and has gone on to impress this season. Although his goal tally is not huge, his workrate in games is as good as I have ever seen from a Wolves player. A fantastic player and signing.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
There were plenty of contenders for this last spot, but I had to give it to Ebanks-Blake as, let’s face it, we wouldn’t be where we are today without his goals. Joined for £1.5 million from Plymouth in January 2008, he went on to score 12 goals and even finished the season as the Championship Golden Boot winner. He went on to win the accolade again the following season, scoring 25 goals to help Wolves win the title and gain promotion. Although he didn’t continue his goalscoring exploits in the Premier League, his second goal of the season saw Wolves draw 1-1 with Blackburn and all-but guarantee their survival. This season has seen his goalscoring return, having scored six so far. ‘SEB’ continues to find himself used as a ‘super-sub’, but remains a firm favourite with the fans!
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’left’]
There we go, in my view, McCarthy’s top five signings for Wolves. There were plenty more that could have made the list. Captain Karl Henry joined for a relatively small fee, Stephen ‘Utility man’ Ward likewise. George Elokobi was another lower league success, whilst Adlene Guedioura was somehow discovered in the obscurity of the Belgium second division.
We must not forget the players that cost money, but proved their weight in gold, such as reliable defender Christophe Berra and popular full-back Ronald Zubar have proved very valuable acquisitions. You can even look to free signings such as Marcus Hahnemann and Gary Breen as to how clever Mick can be in the market.
If you look at the majority of the signings, there seems to be one thing in common – where they were discovered. McCarthy seems to have a talent for spotting players where nobody else would have thought to look. From non-league to lower league Belgium, and from Serbia to the Irish leagues, McCarthy must have eyes all over the globe. So, if you are a footballer and are hoping to get noticed, I reckon Mick isn’t too far away!
Real Madrid are reportedly set to launch a bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and they will offer the club in excess of £30m plus either Rafael van der Vaart or Fernando Gago. With such a large offer would the club be making the right move in accepting the bid?
Everybody knows that Steven Gerrard is a world class midfielder and could probably play for any team in the world and so it’s no surprise that Real Madrid are interested in his services. As a symbol of Liverpool it would be heartbreaking for fans to see him go, just like it must be for Real Madrid fans to see Raul leaving the club this summer. However in both circumstances fans have to consider what more can they offer the club? And is it economically a good deal?
The answer in both circumstances is a resounding yes, Gerrard is now 30-years-old and to get that sort of money for someone that age is a great deal on it’s own, to get that amount plus quality midfield with it is even better. As for Raul the Spanish striker is 33 now and reportedly earns £3.3m a year at the club, so although he could maybe still have a part to play for them it would be better for Real Madrid to let him leave.
With Liverpool having very limited funds they probably need all the money they can get to go out and make new signings. The cash injection his sale would bring will enable Roy Hodgson to get them a lot of players and would significantly boost their chances of getting back into the top four next season. Both van der Vaart and Gago are great players and despite them being different types of midfielders, could both easily get into Liverpool’s team. It would just be a question of what is needed more, a defensive midfielder or an attacking one? Really a case could be made for either coming to the club with Liverpool already boasting Alberto Aquilani as an attacking midfielder and Javier Mascherano as a defensive midfielder. What would make an even better deal for the club would be if they could persuade Real to part with both midfielders plus the cash. Considering Madrid always seem to be happy to go out and buy new players it may not be such an improbable idea.
It will be very sad for everyone at Liverpool to see Steven Gerrard go and it will be a loss to the Premiership as well, but Liverpool have to look at the deal they’re being given and their current situation. It is a very generous deal and really they should be biting Real Madrid’s hand off. Nobody likes to see a symbol leave the club but unfortunately Gerrard isn’t Liverpool’s most important player anymore, that honour is now bestowed by Fernando Torres. The Spanish striker is the one player who Liverpool must do everything to keep as no doubt their resolve will be greatly tested this summer.
At 30-years-of age a move to Real Madrid would appeal greatly to Steven Gerrard as it is a club that everyone would love to play for, and the chance to represent them will probably not come around again for him. Although his departure would be with heavy hearts surely the fans would not hold it against him should he decide to leave. Gerrard himself will also recognise what a good deal the club will be getting with this transfer, and as a Liverpool lad himself he would want to ensure that they get the best deal possible for him.
Should Liverpool cash in on Gerrard, or simply spurn Real’s advances?
Message me on Twitter with your thoughts
Get the latest Liverpool news on Twitter
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
**
Click on image below to see the Dutch babes at the World Cup
Chicago Fire are lining a stunning bid for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand according to the Daily Mail as they strive to match Major League Soccer rivals LA Galaxy.
The Americans have identified Ferdinand as they man they hope will allow them to compete with Galaxy who have seen their global appeal rise in the last four years after signing David Beckham.
He is out of contract next year and the MLS club are confident they will be able to convince the him to leave the Premier League and finish his career across the pond.
Fire are drawing up plans to make the 32-year-old the highest paid player at the club with the lower US tax rates allowing him to pick up a similar £120,000-a-week deal to the one he is currently on at Old Trafford.
The England defender has struggled with injuries in the last three years and has been left out of the England squad to face Montenegro in the final Euro 2012 qualifier.
Ferdinand still has aspirations of making it into Fabio Capello’s squad for next summers Championships but faces stiff competition from the likes Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka along with club mates Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It’s thought he is aware of interest from America but could have other options should he choose to leave United with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp monitoring his situation.
Former Rangers and Millwall defender Kevin Muscat has retired.
The 37-year-old confirmed his decision to hang up his boots at an emotional press conference in Melbourne on Wednesday after a professional career which has spanned more than 20 years.
The captain of A-League side Melbourne Victory cited his growing frustration at his inability to keep pace with the game as the motivation behind his intention to call it quits in June at the end of the club’s Asian Champions League group stage campaign.
It means his final A-League match was the infamous clash against Melbourne Heart, where he was sent off and handed an eight-match ban for a shocking tackle on Adrian Zahra.
Muscat’s career has been dogged by controversy, usually involving on-field tackles.
Brutal challenges on Christophe Dugarry, Craig Bellamy and Matty Holmes, the last of which cost him substantially in a civil suit, saw him branded one of the most-feared defenders in England.
He broke down in tears when thanking both his Melbourne Victory team-mates and his family.
Muscat played for Crystal Place, Millwall and Wolves in England as well as Rangers in Scotland before returning home to captain Victory for the past six seasons.
He said the demands of keeping up with the rigours of training and playing in the A-League were beyond him and he could no longer maintain his high standards of professionalism.
“There has been a lot of consultation and deliberation. I’ve come to the conclusion it was time to go and I will be doing that at the completion of the Champions League,” he said.
“I think the one word when I kept thinking about, I kept recalling how frustrated I’ve become. When I say frustration, it was about turning up to training and not being able to do what I’ve asked of other people throughout my career, to put in and give 100 percent.”
“Increasingly over time I have not been able to do that. Then when I was able to do that, it took me a couple of days to recover. It was a catch 22 in preparing for football games.”
“It’s been over the last two years, not over the last month, two months, I’ve been constantly asking myself questions after the games and after training. In the last three to four months, a lot of the answers have been no. The negative side of things has built up to the frustration of not being able to do what I asked my team-mate to do,” he said.
“Enough is enough and the time has come.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While his playing style has drawn plenty of criticism over his career, Muscat said he does not regret his approach to the game.
“In terms of how I am going to be remembered, I understand I’ve had my critics throughout my career. I consider myself to have had a successful career,” he said.
Muscat played 122 A-League matches and represented the Socceroos 51 times over 12 years.
Muscat, who has already been sharing his playing duties with an assistant coaching role, is expected to become a full-time assistant next season.