Has reality caught up with the January transfer window?

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Today marks the end of the January transfer window, and so far it has been a quiet one as we approach what could be a frantic 24 hours.

The biggest deal so far has been Newcastle’s capture of Senegalese striker Papiss Demba Cisse for a reported fee of £8 million, but that signing has been one of only a few big-money deals.

Around £30 million has been spent by Premier League clubs this month, which is a big difference in comparison to what was splashed out 12 months ago.

A total of £217 million was paid out by England’s elite in the last January transfer window, and its lavish overspending was summed up on the final day when Andy Carroll and Fernando Torres became part of transfer history.

Which team will suffer most from the African Cup of Nations?

By Laurie Fitzgerald

This week, the players involved in this month’s African Cup of Nations have been flying out to represent their respective countries.

It means that several Premier League clubs have had their squads disrupted by the competition, which begins on the 21st January.

While in previous seasons it seemed that many teams in the top-flight would be affected, fewer managers are signing African stars knowing they could be absent at crucial parts of the campaign every couple of years.

However, that still hasn’t stopped sides losing key personnel, and the big question is which side will suffer the most.

Will this transfer window burst into life?

By Tony Alvarez
So far the January 2012 transfer window has seen very little action especially amongst the big 6 in the Premier League who beside Manchester City all need to strengthen you would feel.
Of course Manchester United have brought Paul Scholes out of retirement and Arsenal have brought in club legend Thierry Henry on loan but neither of those came at any expense and were not the moves their sides so dearly need.

Anniversary marked with a fitting result

By Tony Alvarez

Most Football fans will be aware that yesterdays fixture vs Everton saw Arsenal mark their 125^th anniversary as a Football club, the club have been through various stages during that time and looked to commemorate as many as possible prior to yesterdays kick off.

The main attractions and the ones that will make the news are the guard of honour given by club legends from all eras who had been introduced to the crowd, of course the statues and Thierry Henry’s tearful speech and the North Bank holding up signs to display the number 125.

However there were many other mementos that may not reach a wider audience than those at the Emirates, that match ball was brought on by the great grand children of one of the original founders of Arsenal Football club, the coin toss to decide kick off was performed using a sixpence as the original founders of the club all put in a sixpence to buy a football.

There was also a nice touch at half time with a presentation made to a staff member ofNottinghamForestas they donated a red and white kit to Arsenal which as you all know is the colours Arsenal still play in to this day.

After all the ceremonies were over and the fans chanted their songs for the likes of Ian Wright, Thierry Henry, Bob Wilson, Robert Pires and Rocky Rocastle their was still a game to be played and three valuable Premier League points up for grabs. 

 This has never been a website where you come to read match reports as frankly they can be found anywhere and are a dime a dozen as the saying goes, I am not going to break tradition in writing a match report as by the time you have read this you will of seen the highlights anyway.

The game was won by a piece of individual brilliance from current talisman Robin Van Persie ( who on a side not had quite a poor game) but the most fitting thing about this result was the score line, if ever one score line was written into Arsenal history it would be One-Nil to the Arsenal.

 The whole day show just how much pride there really is in the Football club and also the talent that’s been through the doors in the clubs rich history, as I eluded to earlier three statues were erected outside of the Emirates stadium to commemorate club legends, the figures chosen were Thierry Henry, Herbert Chapman and Tony Adams, there was many debates amongst fans as to who the legends and in all honesty 20 statues may have not been enough.

Who could argue with the likes of Arsene Wenger, George Graham, Pat Rice, Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp to name just a few having a statue in their honour, I’ve been lucky enough to see these people involved with my club, yesterday brought home what a true honour it has been to be a fan of this wonderful club and the beautiful game.

As a proud Gooner and footballer lover I joyfully say here’s to the next 125 years.

What are your memories of the club? Do you think the celebrations were fitting for a 125^th anniversary? Who would you of had a statue of outside the ground?

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Player interview: Bristol City’s Marlon Jackson

PLAYER PROFILE
Full name; Marlon Jackson
Date of birth; 06/12/1990
Place of birth; Bristol
Height; 5:11
Current club; Bristol City
Position; Striker
GETTING TO KNOW ‘Marlon Jackson’
Most famous person on your mobile?
Nicky Maynard. Fellow striker at Bristol city.
What’s guaranteed to make you mad?
Losing at football or at anything in general.
Best place you’ve ever been too?
That’s a hard one I would have to say China seeing all the sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
Favourite television program?
Entourage, them guys are living the dream man.
Who was/is your favourite Sportsman?
Thierry Henry I have always loved watching him play and score goals for arsenal.
What Football team do you support?
Arsenal because they play the best football.
Best Film Ever?
Step Brothers, I watched it about 5 times in the cinema and bought it on DVD the day it came out.
Who would you sing on Stars in your eyes?
Got to be something by drake.
What’s your signature dish?
Mac and cheese.
Favourite drink?

Apple Lucozade
CAREER QUESTIONS
You have been at Bristol City since the age of 8, when did you realise you was actually going to make it as a professional footballer?
When I was sat being told I was going to be offered a professional contract I had a really good season that year but nothing is definite in football.

You have been loaned out three times now are you still confident of making it in the championship if not higher?
Yeah I am after making my championship debut earlier this season, I think I have something to offer in the championship.

You have really struggled to score league goals, Is it a
confidence problem or have your performances just not been rewarded with goals?
Yeah I think it was a bit of both, I was playing out of my favored position but was playing well, I just couldn’t find the back of the net although coming up with a lot of assists.

Do you feel your chances at Bristol City are limited at the moment because there is a lot of strikers at the club?
Well there is a lot of players but if I am playing well and scoring goals in the reserves there isn’t any reason the manager won’t give me a chance.

Have you learned a lot from going out on loan to some lower league clubs?
Yes I think I have learned a lot about first team football and getting results. The experience I have gained has helped me improve my game.

Obviously your English, But are you eligible to play for another other country should the opportunity arise and would you do it if you are?
Well yeah I am Jamaican as well. I am not to sure I  haven’t really thought about it but I have always dreamt about playing for England.

Now moving back to the club football, where do you see yourself in say, four years time?
Hopefully playing regularly in the Championship and scoring goals.

Whilst on the topic of the future, let’s move forward 15 years time. Do you still wish to be involved in football or do you see yourself in a different career?
I feel like I will continue playing football until I can’t play any more. If my legs still allow me I would love to still be playing at that age. Similar to the likes of Beckham Scholes and Giggs are.