Gareth Bale bagged a brace to put Norwich to the sword at Carrow Road and strengthen Tottenham’s Premier League title hunt going into the New Year.

Harry Redknapp’s side now sit just seven points behind the two Manchester clubs at the top and also have a game in hand with Bale’s second half double making it two wins in the last three since their defeat against Stoke at the start of December. Spurs certainly took advantage of the fact leaders City dropped points yesterday and will now be gearing up for a title tilt come 2012. Norwich simply couldn’t cope Spurs’ pace and purpose in the final third whilst their front two of Grant Holt and Steve Morison were expertly marshalled by Younes Kaboul and William Gallas. Paul Lambert will be disappointed that his side failed to put up more of a fight but won’t be too hasty in criticising his players after their exploits in the first half of the campaign see them occupy 11th.

Both sides struggled to create any clear cut opportunities in the first half with the away side fashioning the first chance of the game through Bale who hustled Russell Martin off the ball before scooping the all over the bar. That seemed to wake Spurs up as they started to flex their muscles and Bale saw his strike smothered by John Ruddy after he latched onto Luka Modric’s weighted through ball. Controversy then reigned inside Carrow Road as referee Michael Oliver opted not to point to the spot following Morison’s foul on Gallas whilst they waited in a crowded penalty area for Rafael Van Der Vaart’s free kick.

Spurs continued in the same vein after the break and took only 10 minutes to break the deadlock with Bale sending a scuffed effort past Ruddy after being set up by Emmanuel Adebayor who showed superb strength to hold off a host of Norwich defenders before feeding the Welsh winger. Going a goal down prompted the hosts to pushing further up the pitch in search of an equaliser and ultimately leaving themselves susceptible on the break which Bale exploited in style after 67 minutes. Modric was the architect picking out the Welsh flyer who charged from the half way line and through the Canaries defence before nonchalantly dining the ball over Ruddy whilst still at full tilt. It was a goal that typified the pace, power and elegance that has made Bale arguably the best winger in the top flight and sealed a precious three points for Spurs who’s title challenge has now moved into fifth gear.

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Jean-Louis Dupont, the lawyer that helped Jean-Marc Bosman change the laws regarding player opportunities at the end of their contract, has argued that the Premier League rules about third-party ownership of players are not legal. The laws, whilst legal in other countries, state that third party ownership is not allowed in England with Premier League spokesmen saying that they want to protect the integrity of the Premier League and avoid the problems faced by South American clubs. But is it time this rule was challenged?

High transfer prices

One of the main benefits of abandoning the rule would be in a transfer market with such inflated prices it would be easier for clubs with less money to buy players. For example if they were to buy a player that was half owned by a third party then they may only have to pay half of the transfer fee as the third party may be happy for their player to change clubs without selling their stake.

Therefore if player ‘x’ was valued at £20m then a club may only have to pay £10m for him. Clubs such as Everton, who are finding it hard to find the funds to buy players, are particularly likely to benefit from this. Alternatively If they wanted to buy a player that was fully owned by a club then they might be able to persuade a third party to invest part or half of the money into the transfer, therefore alleviating the burden of the entire transfer fee. In this way Dupont has posed the question: what is the difference between the club using a third part owner to help them and a club going to the bank for a loan? This has greatly helped clubs in the Portuguese leagues where money is limited and indeed several of the top clubs make use of this system.

Dupont says the he is “not convinced that restrictions to that business are legitimate,” and said that he believed any challenge to the law would have a “very very good chance” of succeeding.

Negatives

However, there would obviously be downsides to any alteration or abandonment of the law. With outside companies owning stakes in players then millions of pounds are being taken out of a football industry in which the majority of clubs are already short of cash. Whilst teams with small buying power will be able to use these companies to supplement their spending power they will also receive little profit when the player is sold. People might say that this doesn’t matter but ultimately money is being given from one football club (the buyer) to a company that is not certain to reinvest that money back into football therefore depriving the industry of money put in by fans.

Moreover, there are negatives for the layers themselves too. David Dein, former chief executive of Arsenal likened the third-party ownership system to slavery saying that the players get even less say in where they play. Plus whilst players fully owned by clubs might have contracts to see out players owned by companies are not limited to contracts, they are owned beyond the length of their contracts at a club.

Another problem with the system is the anonymity of the third parties that own the players. A player could be, unknown to the public, part owned by the owner of a rival club to that which the player s employed by. Therefore there would be the possibility of that owner influencing the performance of his player against the club he owns

Compromise

In the end it may not be up to the Premier League to decide whether we continue with the current rules or not. If Dupont, or any other lawyer, decides to take it to court it could go above the heads of those controlling the English game; but whichever way we end up going certain decisions need to be made. If we are to choose, or are forced to accept, third-party ownership then we must ensure that there can be no anonymity amongst those owning stakes in players, and there must be rules preventing club owners, or those involved in clubs, from taking part in part-owning players.

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If we refuse to change our current laws then two things must happen: the Premier League must find a way to help clubs like Everton, who have little spending power, to find ways to either compete or diminish the spending power of the top clubs. Secondly we must ensure that punishment for breaking these rules is consistent. Neil Warnock has been on both the beneficial and detrimental side of the third-party rules. Tevez’s Old Trafford goal sent his side down in 2007 but just last season QPR were aided in their promotion by Alejandro Faurlin, their central midfielder who was part owned by a third party. Both players made the difference between Premier League and Championship participation for their rivals yet the fines were completely different. And, unsurprisingly, Warnock could see no hypocrisy in the matter. Whatever decision is made we need to ensure that modifications are made to the chosen system, for neither of them are right.

Follow Hamish on Twitter @H_Mackay

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Tottenham’s meteoric rise from a relegation threatened club to a force in Europe has coincided with Harry Redknapp’s tenure with the club, but it’s no coincidence. Arguably the best English manager around Redknapp has transformed Spurs from a team with a multitude of flaws to one that can, on their day, compete with anyone around. They proved that last year in the Champions League and their proving it in the Premier League this season too. So what is it exactly that has Redknapp given to the north London outfit that was lacking from the previous teams? He may not be the most tactically astute manager in the world but he has other qualities that are equally as important for any team

Belief

It’s pretty clear that the belief Redknapp instils in his players is a huge factor in terms of their success. You only need to look at Portsmouth’s FA cup victory conducted by the now Spurs manager to see that he has the ability to persuade his players that they are capable of anything, and they are. Club captain Ledley King was not short of praise for his manager when speaking to Henry Winter for The Sunday Telegraph:

“He tells us we don’t know how good we are, that we are an unbelievable team. The reason we’ve gone eight [league] games unbeaten is we’ve started to believe we really do have a good squad.”

This is undeniable when you look at Spurs’ performances under Harry. Take their rivalry with Arsenal. Before Redknapp Spurs hadn’t beaten their rivals in the league for over a decade. Their 2-1 victory of the Gunners at White Hart Lane in 2009 exorcised that demon. Spurs also went seventeen years without beating the Gunners on their home soil; last year’s 2-3 comeback means that that record no longer stands either. In fact out of the eight north London derbies that have ensued since Redknapp took over at the club Spurs have come out on top overall with three victories, two losses and three draws. The performances last year in the Champions League too highlighted the belief that now courses through the Tottenham team. Their victory over Inter Milan, the defending champions, at the Lane was truly a feat to behold. To outclass one of the world’s best teams on your first appearance in the Champions League and then go on to knock AC Milan out of the tournament was the pinnacle of many of the younger generation of Spurs’ fans supporting careers.

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Transfer dealings

To say that Redknapp’s transfer dealings have always been brilliant would be a lie. He has been accused of leaving previous clubs with unmanageable debt and players that he buys are often done hastily, some times overly so. However by and large Redknapp’s forays into the transfer market have left Spurs with a squad that not only boasts a brilliant first eleven but also remarkable depth.

For the seasons previous to this one they have perhaps been lacking a world-class striker but for anyone who remembers the efforts made by Tottenham to sign such a player last January there can be no accusations directed at Redknapp of ignoring squad weaknesses.

King appeared ecstatic with the signings made b the manager this summer saying:

“Brad’s experience has been invaluable. He’s a calming influence. Scott’s been amazing. Players like David Silva and Robin van Persie play in that horrible position between defence and midfield, and that’s always tricky for a defender. But if I can just hold him up for a second or two, Scott’s always coming back to make a challenge before you get drawn too far out of position. Scotty’s also very good in the dressing room. He’s quite a quiet lad but when he talks, people listen.”

One of the main criticisms of Spurs over recent years has been that at times they resemble headless chickens chasing games with an over-exuberant air but with two inexpensive masterstrokes Redknapp has transformed the atmosphere of his team at the back.

It’s not just who he signs either, but the way he manages them. Adebayor and van der Vaart arrived at Tottenham with reputations for being difficult but King champions the Redknapp effect on such players:

“Some players come with a reputation of being difficult characters but they play for Harry. He’s a great man manager.”

Ultimately Redknapp, like his north London rival, will be judged on the consistency of his team and the trophies that he wins. So far Spurs fans have been happy to simply move up the table but the players and fans will begin to demand more. However with the squad they now have and the belief that he has given to his team you would be hard pressed to argue that some form of success is not on its way to the club.

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Follow me on Twitter @H_Mackay

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Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish took a dent this afternoon as they came a cropper against their great North West rivals. The Reds were never really at the races and were completely undone in the first 5mins of the second half. Defeat brought an end to what has been an excellent run of form that has seen the Merseyside club reach the 5th Rd of the FA Cup as well as book a date at the Carling Cup final at the end of the month.

This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles that include Suarez and Parker making acquaintance; Liverpool’s bright future, while a mixed bag of results is becoming a recurring theme at Anfield.

Best of FFC

Caption Competition: Parker and Suarez make acquaintance

The TEN Liverpool starlets set for a breakthrough in 2012?

Football’s Bargain XI vs Overpriced XI…quite a contest!

To Put It Bluntly, Liverpool must resolve this issue and quick

Hope for Liverpool, even if the spending drys up

The top TEN Liverpool Tattoos…well sort of!

Are Premier League big boys selling themselves short?

Destined for a future ‘top four’ move?

Mixed bag of results has become a recurring theme at Anfield

[divider]Best of WEB[divider]

A strong finish to the season from these 2 is what’s needed – Live4Liverpool

Liverpool’s Secret Weapons – Tomkins Times

The Importance of Being Skrtel –Anfield Index

Where does Steven Gerrard’s positional future lie? – This is Anfield

Is this proof that £20m Liverpool star is not a flop? – Liverpool Kop

[divider]Quote of the Week[divider]

“I’m sure people will want to talk about Luis Suárez, but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned. It’s time for all of us to draw a line and move forward.” Kenny Dalglish talking ahead of the United clash – (Guardian)

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Today’s action from Old Trafford

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Post Match Reaction

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Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has stated that he believes that his side can progress to the next stage of the Champions League, despite being 3-1 down in the last 16 tie against Napoli.

The Stamford Bridge club were put to the sword at San Paolo in the first leg, and host Walter Mazzarri’s men in the return fixture on Wednesday.

Although Andre Villas Boas has been sacked and there is a deficit to overturn, the Spain international still maintains that the English team can qualify for the quarter finals.

“In football, nothing is impossible,” the 23-year-old said in a press conference, published on Sky Sports.

“At Stamford Bridge, this Champions League, we had good results in the group – 3-0, 2-0 and 5-0.

“All the supporters, for sure, will be cheering us. It’s a final for us and I think we can do it. From the first minute, we have to try to create chances to score.

“We know that they have very, very good strikers. We have to be careful with them but we are going to press them from the first minute,” he continued.

Mata went on to admit that the change in management has been difficult, but that recent domestic wins will see them enter Wednesday’s game with confidence.

“It wasn’t easy, because you know we had a change, a big, big change.

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“But I believe the team is still believing, is still working very well and the two wins, for sure, bring to us a lot of confidence,” he confessed.

By Gareth McKnight

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So, it’s here again for another year. It’s going to happen and there’s nothing we can do about it and there’s no way we can get away from it. It’s like when your mother-in-law arrives just in time for kick off and proceeds to talk all the way through the first half, shut up for half time, before continuing her discussions through the second half, blissfully unaware that you’re trying to watch the match. Though, to be honest, if she wanted to distract me for 96 minutes tomorrow, she would be welcome to (bear in mind I’m single and haven’t got a mother-in-law here, so it’s going to have to be a very quick courtship and wedding at this late stage).

I hate derby day. As simple as that. I hate it. It’s a truly horrible day. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the worst day of the football season. And some fool at the FA decided that it should happen twice a season. Clearly somebody is off their rocker.

It never fails to leave your stomach feeling the way it does after you’ve had a bug for three days and haven’t eaten. It never fails to make your fingernails shorter by however far you can physically get your teeth in behind them. It never fails to put your body under more stress than taking an exam that your life depended on you passing.

I’m not aware of such a test existing, but it’d definitely spice up GCSE exam halls.

One reason why it makes me (and I assume other Manchester City fans) feel like this is simple. The result is amplified: wins feel better, defeats feel worse, while draws feel like even damper squibs than they were. But the biggest reason of all, however, is actually that we’re Manchester City fans. Doing things the easy way isn’t in the club’s nature, so getting through derby day isn’t a simple achievement.

United fans have it easy. It’s win-win in their camp. They win, they get to taunt some City fans. They lose, they get to pretend that Liverpool is their big fixture and they don’t really care about City anyway. Though, of course, we all know they do thanks to the outrage felt at the Welcome to Manchester billboard, the (now cancelled) party to celebrate City’s lack of success and the (club endorsed) banner that shows the years where we have won nothing… thank you for showing such concern in little ol’ City.

That’s what makes the game so difficult to endure. It’s a horrible day, invented so neutrals can watch as people like me suffer nervous breakdowns and a whole manner of heart problems decades before we should. I love winning derbies, I just hate the actual playing of the game.

And then there are the neutrals! The pundits, ex-players, commentators, and fans of other clubs that don’t really care about the result, but take it upon themselves to tell us how much of a great game it’s going to be. The media build-up is incredible: you would think that no football match is ever going to be like it until the end of recorded time ever (which, at Old Trafford, will probably have about seven or eight added minutes).

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The strange and ever-so paradoxical thing is that I’m now a part of that crazy build-up to the game. By writing this column, by doing this City podcast, or by being on the other City radio show that I am, I’m adding pre-match build up to the already unnecessary pre-match build up to a game that I hate watching every time it comes around.

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Aston Villa are believed to be ready to meet with former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a possible candidate for their vacant managerial position, according to The Telegraph.

The Midlands club parted company with Alex McLeish after a difficult season saw them only win seven Premier League matches and finish just two points above the relegation places.

With the search for a new boss under way, Randy Lerner is believed to prefer Roberto Martinez of Wigan, who turned the job down last summer.

However with the Spaniard in talks with Liverpool over their head coach role, the Villa Park side are exploring other options, such as Norwich’s Paul Lambert and Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers.

However, Lerner’s private jet was believed to be in Norway on Thursday, with Solskjaer set to be flown to Birmingham for talks with the Premier League side.

The former Old Trafford hitman is the manager of Molde, and has led the minnows to their first ever top-flight title in his homeland.

However, Solskjaer is believed to have a buy-out clause in his contract, and will be considered for the role.

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By Gareth McKnight

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The Dons may have won 2-1 on the night but ultimately the damage was done in the first leg.

It was a night in which everyone associated with MK Dons could be proud even if disappointed that our promotion hopes had gone for another year. What Dons lacked in the first leg they had more of in the second. They were more creative, the full backs got forward more and crosses were more accurate.

Falling behind early on in the second leg was not great, many would’ve thought it was done and dusted but being an MK Dons fan I know it’s never over until that whistle goes. I also know that every man that pulls on that shirt will not go down without a fight! And I was right, every single one of them showed hunger, commitment and desire. We had a few chances before we finally got our goal and it epitomised the Dons, we don’t score scrappy goals. Daniel Powell did well to get his strike away and find the bottom corner. You could see it instantly lifted us as we knew we had something to build on now. We had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down before the half was over. We don’t seem to get the rub of the green with decisions like that but we don’t let it affect us.

We started brightly in the second half, we had worked the ball down well with a lovely passing move before the ball was fed to MacDonald who couldn’t get the ball on target, as he poked it wide. Huddersfield hadn’t created a lot on the night, they were more prepared to soak up pressure from the Dons. However, just after the hour mark David Martin found himself making two vital saves to keep the Dons’ faint hopes alive. This was Huddersfield’s best moment of the match but our defence stood firm to keep the deficit to two.

Legs were starting to tire and you could see that everyone was putting in everything they had, none more so than Deano who looked like he had nothing left to give. We are blessed to have Shaun Williams as a centre half as his pace is one reason we didn’t concede again, he made very timely interceptions. Robinson had decided enough was enough and there was no better time to go for it. After another good game from Chicksen he was replaced by Chadwick and Bowditch replaced by Ibehre. We had changed to have 3 at the back in the hope of pushing forward to get another goal to get the nerves jangling.

The Dons kept pushing forward as much as possible not fearing the threat Huddersfield could pose. It was do or die time, we had to score, we couldn’t sit back and if we conceded as a result at least we tried. Thankfully we didn’t but it was close. Robbo brought Smithy on for MacDonald with about ten minutes to go. The boos didn’t bother him one bit, in fact I think he almost enjoyed them. In injury time Jabo was denied by two top class saves but from the resulting corner Smithy stooped low to give the Dons a second goal. Ultimately it was too little too late but the Dons could be proud that they didn’t go down without a fight. They gave everything to the cause tonight and were by far the better team.

Another season of being just the bridesmaid but another season which was full of drama, goals, passion and pure football. I’m proud to be an MK Dons fan and cannot wait to see what next year has in store!

You can follow me on Twitter and read even more of my writing on my personal blog

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It is not often that such revered managers as Harry Redknapp are uncertain about their future at a club. However, reports on back pages last week claimed that the former West Ham legend is on the brink of leaving Spurs after new contract negotiations have come to a halt. Many fans at White Hart Lane will not want a new man at the helm considering the success that Redknapp has bought to the club. However, with the possibility that Tottenham will begin next season without Harry, these 5 replacements could prove to become as successful as their predecessor:

1. David Moyes

If you were to ask most Premier League fans who they would choose to manage their club, David Moyes would be at the summit of most shortlists. Having transformed the fortunes of Everton from a club battling relegation to a club with European ambitions every season, on a shoestring budget, has written Moyes into Toffees folklore. With any vacancy in England’s top division, Moyes’ name will always be in the equation. The Scotsman has remained extremely loyal to the Blue half of Merseyside, leading the club for 10 seasons. However, an approach from a club with Tottenham’s reputation may tempt Moyes to undertake a new challenge.

2. Jurgen Klinsmann

The current USA national team coach was once a beloved striker at White Hart Lane scoring an incredible 30 goals in just 56 games for Spurs during a fragmented 18 months during the 90’s. Although his managerial career has been less prolific, he guided Germany into the 2006 World Cup and some fantastic performances helped his country to a third placed finish. Klinsmann is not the most experienced of managers but if Levy is looking to hire someone who knows the club and is popular with Spurs fans, he need not look much further than the German.

3. Rafa Benitez

Having been without a job since his tenure at Inter was terminated, the well respected tactician tends to be on the short list of any managerial vacancy in the Premier League. His successful spell at Anfield indicates that he has what it takes to manage in England’s domestic league. However, what may be more of a positive attribute that Rafa could bring to Spurs, is his excellent record in European competition. No football fan needs to be reminded of what Benitez and his team accomplished in Istanbul in 2005. If Tottenham want to become regulars in Europe’s primary competition, a manager like Benitez may be just what they need.

4. Guus Hiddink

One of the most respected managers in world football, Hiddink has taken on some of the more exotic jobs in the game. Having transformed International teams such as South Korea, Australia and Turkey, and being appointed at some of the most elite clubs, to instil some levels of consistency and morale, Hiddink is widely regarded as the ”Mr. Reliable” of the managerial world. Although he has yet to complete his contract at Russian Giants Anzhi, Hiddink may be tempted by the project offered to him at White Hart Lane.

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There has been no decision as to whether Harry Redknapp will prolong his tenure at White Hart Lane. I am in no doubt that the majority of Tottenham fans would wish for the Englishman to continue his efficient work at the club. However, the 4 aforementioned managers may be the best appointments to succeed a man whose popularity at Spurs is yet to diminish.

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Chelsea look set to win the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Oscar, beating Tottenham with a £25 million deal according to The Daily Mail.

The Internacional playmaker has gained plaudits for his performances for club and country, and has been selected for the Selecao squad for the Olympic Games.

New Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas had put the South American attacking midfielder to the top of his transfer wishlist, and the White Hart Lane side were thought to be the frontrunners for the star’s signature.

The Portuguese coach was thought to have made an £11 million bid for Oscar, but sources in Brazil state that the offer was closer to £18 million.

However, Roman Abramovich has dwarfed Spurs’ efforts to sign the Brazilian by offering £25 million, with a deal all but completed.

If and when Oscar is confirmed as the Blues’ next signing it will take Chelsea’s summer signing to over £65 million, with Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Marko Marin all already confirmed as new faces heading to Stamford Bridge.

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Spurs may now have to look at other options in their attempts to sign a creative player capable of filling Luka Modric’s shoes should he leave north London.

By Gareth McKnight