BY SOCCER CENTRAL INSIDERS
This week Soccer Central Insider Gerry Dobson answers several fan questions including what United fans can expect from David Moyes as manager plus his favourite memory of Sir Alex Ferguson.
NEIL ASKS: What can United fans expect from David Moyes as manager? Does he have his own style or is it kind of a “hold down the fort/steady as she goes” style?
Gerry Dobson: It’s a completely different situation. At Everton he had no money to buy players had to make the most out of a small squad every year. At United, things are different. But he’s no dummy. He’s watched what Ferguson has done for years and will probably carry on in that mold.
CARLIE ASKS: Do you have a favourite memory from Alex Ferguson’s career?
Gerry Dobson: Not a favourite moment per say, but I’ve always had a smile for the way he celebrates goals. He always looked just like a supporter to me. Much younger than his years. The joy on the face of a 70 year old when his team scores is something to behold.
KYLE ASKS: What was the biggest factor that lead to Roberto Mancini being out as manager of Manchester City? Was he given enough of a chance?
Gerry Dobson: Looks like he was a miserable man behind closed doors, at least that’s what the evidence says in the aftermath of his firing. Right or wrong, it appears as though he wasn’t liked much. No surprise then he didn’t last any longer.
MYRA ASKS: It seems like it’s the same old story with Toronto FC as they sit in eighth with a 1-5-4 record. Is the record misleading? Is there actually reasons to feel positive about the direction of this team as opposed to last year?
Gerry Dobson: Honestly, I don’t see much difference other than the people in charge have more on the ball. Past regimes have been disastrous to the point of folly. But in terms of the product on the field, there’s not much difference is there?
BY JASON MENKVELD – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
With the Barclays Premier League season coming to a close, fans of both Manchester United and Manchester City certainly have a lot to reflect on. Both clubs have been on quite an emotional roller coaster this season. For United fans there could be only one outcome, another BPL title. The signing of star striker Robin Van Persie, and the great play of Wayne Rooney, David de Gea, and Chicharito Hernandez helped achieve this goal. Of course the club wanted to win more trophies. But really the main prize of this season was reclaiming the Premier League title, which they did long before the season’s end. However, it turned out to be a very bittersweet victory for Manchester United fans. This trophy marked the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26 years as manager of the club. Fans also had to endure seeing the retirement of Paul Scholes, and possibly even Ryan Giggs.
This marks the end of an era for the club, hence the above title. I for one am glad that the Manchester United management staff didn’t wait the entire off season to find a new manager. I was quite surprised at how quickly they were able to secure a contract agreement with current Everton boss David Moyes. It may have been because Moyes is another Scotsman and has many similarities to Ferguson’s style, but I don’t know. The thing that concerns me is the length of the contract, and the fact that Moyes hasn’t won a trophy. However, thanks to Sir Alex, Moyes has the players needed to win trophies next season, and the ones after that. So after all these events, I thought for sure that the drama was finally over.
Unfortunately I was wrong.
Wayne Rooney, the player who has been the face of United for years, has apparently submitted a transfer request. Many are saying that this is because of the appointment of Moyes as manager of the club. However, I’m hoping that is just a rumour. In fact, I hope Rooney will stay with the club. But the fact that he wasn’t even selected, or wanted to play in United’s last home game is a pretty strong indication he wants to leave. The only other thing I’ll say is that if he does leave, it’ll at least give Chicharito more chances to play.
City fans have almost nothing to show for their season. An early exit out of the UEFA Champions League competition, a second place finish in the BPL and an FA Cup final loss to now relegated Wigan Athletic. I think the FA Cup was the last straw for the club And so they were forced to fire Roberto Mancini. I do not have the slightest clue as to who is going to take charge of the club now. But whoever does will certainly have some talented players to work with.
Both Manchester clubs are bringing in new management. One club’s season ended on a positive note, the other not so much, but for both clubs, changes are inevitable. I can’t wait to see which Manchester team will come out on top next year.
BY FAN FUEL
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