Sunday, April 25, 2010

Loyalty

In the fickle world of football where managers are dumped at a moments notice and where players leave a team when they please, it was a great moment when Scott Parker scored for West Ham and ran away from his teammates to hug his manager. Gianfranco Zola has been under so much pressure over the past few months that he has been rumored to have already agreed to leave at the end of the season in two weeks. I am not a West Ham fan, but it is so hard to root against such a fine gentleman in the beautiful game. It is amazing the loyalty that has been displayed by both the players and Zola himself has been admirable. Zola has done nothing but back his players rather than blame them for some rather poor performances this season. But I have heard great interviews where West Ham players have pledged their support to their managers.

It is great to hear that many fans want Zola to stay now that it looks like West Ham will remain in the Premier League. It is an amazing contrast to the hordes of Arsenal and Liverpool fans calling for the heads of Wenger and Benitez. In the case of Rafa Benitiez, it is not particularly surprising considering how far Liverpool have fallen, but even I think the Gooners are insane to think Wenger should go. I do agree that his stubborn attitude has cost them over the past few years, but who else can you get that will better? I think that Arsenal have another year or two(or a bit more) before they pull themselves together and get some silverware, but to get rid of the one good piece in that club would be ridiculous.

Even at Tottenham, a number of our fans are calling for the head or 'ol 'Arry. I have argued that he can't go, and considering it looks as we may make the coveted fourth spot, it would be silly as well.

I think the coaching merry-go-round will be very interesting this summer. I think Benitez, Mancini, and Allardyce could likely be gone. But we come to the problem of who can replace them? Mark Hughes is one of the few properly good managers out there available.

What happened to loyalty?

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