EPL Talk » Hull City

Hull City Search For A Hero

Paul Bestall — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:36:50 +0000

In a strange yet understandable move, Hull City Chairman Adam Pearson has removed Phil Brown from his position as manager at the struggling side. It strikes me as strange as Brown has been moved on after an impressive, if limited, performance against Arsenal on Saturday. Removal after the dismal showing against Everton the week previously would have made much more sense.

Pearson, on Radio5 this evening, has claimed that the new manager will be in place and revealed to the world on Thursday morning. Though the rumours sweeping Hull tonight would point to a name to strike fear in to the heart of any fan of football but more of that later. Brown leaves after three and quarter years which have seen unqualified success for the Tigers.

Of course, the last year or so has seen them struggle to retain their Premiership status, but by reaching the top tier for the first time in Hull City’s history and then staying up last season, still ranks as Hull’s brightest moment so far. I always liked the fact that Phil Brown always, always referred to it when questioned about Hull’s current form. Today, even when departing the K.C. Stadium, he still found time to mention it. “Although I am extremely sad to be leaving Hull City, I am very proud of my achievements during my time as manager, especially having led the team into the top flight of football for the first time in the club’s 104-year history and ahead of schedule.”

So Brown leaves and the job isn’t too unattractive, regardless of the position that the Tigers find themselves in. 9 games left and with any 2 teams in the bottom 6 capable of joining the doomed Portsmouth in being relegated to the Premiership. Keep them up and the new man becomes an instant hero, as long as he doesn’t attempt a karaoke on the K.C. Stadium pitch at the end of the match. I don’t think I could stomach that again.

Despite the connotations and the misguided opinion that Hull is not a football town, Hull City is an attractive offer. A super little stadium, excellent facilities and the potential to keep growing with the right level of support and investment. So which exciting and dynamic manager are Hull being strongly linked with? Sit down, you may need a strong drink to cope with this news.

By all accounts, chairman Adam Pearson is favoring giving the job to Gary Megson. Yes, Gary Megson. Hated by every set of fans of every club he’s managed, with the exception of West Bromwich Albion, sacked from five of his last 6 jobs. I have to say, I shook my head when I heard the news. Apparently Pearson was going to give the job to Megson back in 2006, but appointed Brown instead. Can someone explain to me how Megson keeps getting work?

At his last 3 jobs, he’s managed Forest, Leicester and Bolton in 166 games and won 47 of them. An earth shattering win percentage of 28%. Quite how he keeps getting work staggers me. I can’t understand it at all. Yet in the time it took me to write this sentence he apparently can’t take the job due to the terms of his severance package from Bolton Wanderers. I could hear the sigh of relief from Hull City fans over here!

So Pearson has made his move and he will attempt to maneuver someone who can attempt to keep Hull City up. I’ll miss Phil Brown though, I always thought he was refreshing honest, though the media used that against him in some quarters. I’ll miss him turning up on Goals on Sunday wearing a pink sweater draped suggestively over his shoulders, his never diminishing tan and his sartorial elegance on the touchline.

Hull City fans will hope that Megson is unable to join them, because they’re dead in the water if he gets them. Mark Hughes would be an inspired choice if they can get him and he can try an infuse the club with the tenacity that he brought to his time as Wales and Blackburn manager. Come the next couple of days, we’ll know exactly who will be the man charged with saving Hull City. Who do you think Hull City should appoint?

What Was Your Highlight of the Premier League Weekend?

The Gaffer — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:43:03 +0000

One of the advantages of Premier League clubs being more desperate for points at this stage of the season is that it means that we get to see more open matches. It also creates more end-to-end action.

This past weekend was a perfect example of this. I had the chance to watch Spurs against Blackburn, Birmingham against Everton, Hull City versus Arsenal and Sunderland against Manchester City. And except for the Tottenham match which was too one-sided in favor of Spurs, each of the other games I watched was brilliant.

There were so many wonderful moments to choose from. Adam Johnson’s moment of brilliance when he curled the ball into the top corner of the net. The way Kenwyne Jones leapt to meet the cross and glanced the ball into the back of the net. Gareth Bale and the way he made Michel Salgado look like a League One defender with his dangerous runs down the left wing and beautiful crosses. The incredible saves that Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon made. Or the way that Nicklas Bendtner, under massive pressure, scored a late winner to keep Arsenal’s title chances alive.

What, for you, was the highlight of this Premier League weekend?

Mine, and this may sound silly to some of you, was Adam Johnson’s run that he made just minutes after coming on as a substitute as he dribbled past two Sunderland players and placed a perfect pass to Roque Santa Cruz. It was a rare flash of brilliance in the Premier League, but he showed in just seconds how much potential he has and why he should be a starter for Manchester City. It was a shame that Santa Cruz butchered that wonderful piece of skill with a cross that summed up the season he’s been having.

Share your favorite moments from this past Premier League weekend in the comments section below.

Super Nick Rescues Arsenal With Last Gasp Winner Against Hull

The Gaffer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:31:37 +0000

Two teams with two different objectives. Hull City battling for Premier League survival. Arsenal battling to win the Premier League title. So, it was no wonder that the KC Stadium on Saturday resembled a battlefield with both teams getting physical as they attempted to become victorious.

As it ended up, it was Arsenal that grabbed the vital three points to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United, but it was a close match and it took an injury time winner from Nicklas Bendtner to keep his team’s Premier League title hopes alive.

It could have so nearly been a 1-1 draw. Hull City, obviously lacking in talent against a much more gifted Arsenal side, made up for their lack of superiority by playing with a heart, passion and drive that made Arsenal work even harder for those 50/50 balls. Plus, to make matters worse for the Gunners, Hull City poured defenders back into the box to negate Arsenal’s attacks. And it almost worked.

Nearing the 90 minute mark of this game, it looked like Hull may have achieved their goal of grabbing a vital point. Arsenal continued to push forward but looked unable to break down a dogged defence. But Arsene Wenger’s side refused to give up and it was a shot that was punched away by American-born Wales goalkeeper Boaz Myhill that ultimately led to the winner when it fell into the path of Bendtner and the Danish striker knocked the rebound past Myhill to seal the vital 2-1 victory.

Arsenal supporters erupted with joy and began singing “Super, Super Nick” over and over again.

Overall, it was an entertaining game complete with plenty of controversial incidents, some bad refereeing decisions, some very good assistant referee decisions but the 2-1 result was a fair one in the end. Hull City now look dangerously close to relegation but will take a lot of positives from this game. Arsenal, meanwhile, will get a boost from this win. This was a game that Arsenal would have drawn in the past, but they have that extra edge now that reminds me of the killer instinct that Manchester United has when they finish teams off with last minute winners to grab all three points.

Next step for Arsenal is a home game next Saturday against any team in relegation trouble, West Ham United.

Photo credit: Kassch

Altidore Scores First Premier League Goal As Hull City Upsets Man City

Dave Warner — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:00:51 +0000

Had you wagered with any American soccer fan back in August that Landon Donovan would score his first Premier League goal before Jozy Altidore, he probably would have taken you up on it. You would have won that bet, too, as Altidore has struggled to find his form in his first Premier League season, leaving many Americans wondering why he hasn’t succeeded in England like he has in CONCACAF.

That might be changing. Since his return from compassionate leave in Haiti, Altidore’s form has soared, and he was rewarded today with his first Premier League goal in Hull City’s 2-1 upset of Manchester City.

Altidore opened his league account in the 31st minute, thanks in part to some fantastic hold-up play by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who collected the ball in the box with his back to the goal and set up the young American’s brilliant strike. It was Altidore’s second goal for Hull and his first since August 25, when he scored in a Carling Cup match against Southend United.

Altidore’s strike, however, was not the most brilliant of the day.

In the 54th minute, George Boateng scored his first goal for the Tigers with a spectacular volley that found its way through a crowd and into the top right-hand corner of the goal. Man City was able to pull one back five minutes later when Emmanuel Adebayor scored a mad scramble in front of Boaz Myhill’s goal, but that was all they could muster, as Hull City stayed on the front foot for most of the day and held Roberto Mancini’s side off at the end.

It was the second massive result of the week for Hull, who earned a 1-1 draw at home against league-leading Chelsea on Tuesday. Altidore and Vennegoor of Hesselink have started up front for Phil Brown for the last three games. The Tigers are unbeaten in those three and have lifted themselves 3 points clear of the relegation zone. Altidore won a penalty for Hull against Wolverhampton a week ago, which Stephen Hunt converted.

Will this forward tandem, combined with some excellent midfield play from Hunt, be enough to to keep Hull in the Premier League for another year? Time will tell, but for now, supporters of both the Tigers and the U.S. National Team will be wishing for Altidore to have many more days like today.

Hull City’s Signing of Amr Zaki Sends the Wrong Message

Eric Truog — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:43:42 +0000

Egyptian international striker Amr Zaki has officially signed on a loan deal to Hull City from Egyptian side El Zamelek. The deal, which holds until the end of the season, looks like a shrewd signing for the Tigers. At just a measly 20 league goals, Hull city are the fourth lowest scoring team in the premiership, narrowly edging out Stoke City, Portsmouth and Wolves. Their league position reflects their inability to score, as they sit in the 18th spot, entrenched in what appears to be a long, arduous relegation battle.

Zaki is a proven goal scorer, netting 10 in 29 league appearances for Wigan in the 2008-09 season, and this could be exactly what Phil Brown needs to get his team out of drop zone and save his managerial position. Additionally, Hull City could be losing some of their strikers this January window, as chairman of the club Adam Pearson has asked Brown to shed nine million pounds from the wage bill. Brown has admitted this likely means allowing strikers Caleb Folan and Daniel Cousin to leave.

However, all this ignores his myriad of disgusting off the field issues. Zaki has proved from his spell at Wigan he has no commitment to the team. On four separate occasions, he failed to return to Wigan by the scheduled deadline after an international break , infuriating then Wigan boss Steve Bruce. Not only does this violate team rules, but, as Zaki had no connection with the club, he violated the FA’s doping policy that requires players to state their whereabouts one hour each day. Moreover, international and club teammate Mido returned to England in time for the deadline.

Zaki then complained that he was getting treatment for a hamstring injury. When asked to provide a note from Egyptian team doctors, he refused. When asked to show up to the club’s doctors for a scan and assessment, he refused again.

All this prompted Bruce is to say, “I really am at the end of my tether with him. Before this latest incident, Zaki had already been fined considerably more than the average person in Britain earns in a year and he will now face another heavy fine.” He continues, “I just feel it’s time that we went public on just what a nightmare he has been to deal with because I can honestly say that in all my time in football I have never worked with someone as unprofessional.”

Unfortunately, this is the least worrisome of his issues.

After Bruce understandably ruled out extending the deal, Zaki turned elsewhere for loans. Portsmouth was the first and most appealing option to reveal interest over the summer. Much like the Hull, Pompey struggles to find the back of the net and, on paper, a deal made sense. After a brief courtship, the player refused a transfer on the sickening grounds that he could not play with Pompey’s Jewish and Algerian players, Tal Ben Haim and Nadir Belhadj.

He is quoted as saying, “I refused their offer before, but now joining Portsmouth is no longer an option for me. After Portsmouth signed an Israeli player and also hired an Israeli football director [Avram Grant], a possible move was ruled out. On top of that, no way could I play at Portsmouth with an Algerian within their ranks.” Since the quote, Portsmouth have added another Algerian, Hassan Yebda, and promoted Avram Grant to gaffer, so one can only imagine what Zaki has to say about it now.

The most disappointing aspect of this whole thing, beyond the discouraging realization that prejudice, discrimination, and antisemitism are still so prevalent in society today, is that it completely undermines FIFA and the FA’s Football Against Racism in Europe campaign, launched back in Vienna in 1999. Plastered around the premiership grounds are billboards bearing FIFA’s slogan of ”Say no to Racism.” It is such a cornerstone of FIFA policy that the EA Sports crew have even included it in their FIFA video games.

This is the same slogan that Zaki himself held up before every single international match with his Egyptian side. What kind of message does that send? How can anyone watching a Hull City game take that billboard seriously when they see as bigoted a human being as Amr Zaki playing on the pitch in front of the slogan? How can anyone take it seriously when one of the top flight teams in England vigorously pursues this player, knowing full well his prejudiced views? How are we supposed to look at the FA’s attempts to quell racism with supporters when they turn a blind eye towards racism in players?

It’s a depressing situation and one that hopefully the FA addresses head on one way or another, rather than beating around the bush. While it may be unfair to root against Hull, I’ll certainly be rooting against Amr Zaki.

Breaking News: Gold And Sullivan Reveal West Ham’s True Debt

Paul Bestall — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:42:08 +0000

In a refreshing change of events, former Birmingham City owners, David Gold and David Sullivan took control of the Hammers and admitted straightaway the mess that West Ham United have been battling with. Since the crashing collapse of the Icelandic banking system, West Ham had been financially stricken and the true extent of the footballing debt is now apparent. The Hammers owe £110 million out. One Hundred and Ten Million pounds.

Only in November did C.B. Holdings claim that the Hammers were in debt to the tune of £38 million, misleading the fans in to thinking that the situation was nowhere near as bad as some in the media had reported. In fact it was almost 3 times as bad as they made out and the new owners/controllers made clear exactly where they debts lay. They also confirmed that the club were going to have to sell players in this transfer window, contrary to the clubs previous stance. An immediate cash injection of £8 million was needed to keep the club going.

The list reads like a what not to do in football, or to put it another way, how to run a club like Leeds United. It’s as if someone wrote a business plan based on what went wrong at Elland Road and it was mistranslated into Icelandic to make it seem positive. It’s madness to see the debt and borrowing going on at West Ham over the last 3 years.

£50 million owed to banks.
£40 million owed to other clubs for transfers.
The £40 million owed to other clubs, includes £20 million compensation to Sheffield United.
Alan Curbishley is still owed his severance deal after winning his case for constructive dismissal
No-one owes West Ham any money, all player transfer fees that were received paid the bank debt immediately
C.B. Holdings had borrowed money against the next two seasons season ticket revenue
There is no money for strengthening the squad.

Now this paints a completely different figure to what the West Ham fans believed, rightly or wrongly what the were being told. The previous regime were filling there heads with nonsense. It is a very real prospect that relegation would have seen West Ham implode financially. No ifs, no buts, they were immediately into administration. After all the information about Leeds United, C.B. Holdings were following exactly the same route.

It seems like absolute madness that not one lesson from the Yorkshire clubs demise has served to teach anyone anything it seems, as we see with the issues at Manchester United, Portsmouth and Liverpool in the last week. Regardless of the riches awash for the Premiership clubs, you still have to cut your cloth accordingly. Someone sooner or later is going to fall over the edge, which is a subject I’m going to be looking at in more depth for EPLtalk.com next week.

Gold and Sullivan have acted quickly in bringing in their trusted lieutenant, Karen Brady as vice chairman and she’ll be quick to install some much needed pragmatism at Upton Park. They are now going to talk to Newham council about moving to the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Olympics. That could be a challenge as Tottenham enquired about taking it over and were plainly told it was not available. The Olympic stadium is set to be reduced from its 80,000 capacity down to a pointless 30,000, for which there is neither the use nor the need.

The NFL could still play a part in the stadium’s future use that could play into West Ham’s hands. The NFL have earmarked that the often mooted London franchise’s potential base could be there. It would certainly make more sense to use it as a dual sport stadium than a white elephant for athletics, which is the current plan. There is neither the inclination or support for that size of athletics venue in London, they should sell it and use the money to redevelop Crystal Palace Athletic Stadium.

So now, West Ham have to focus on the future and the fans will be thankful that regardless of the criticisms that could be placed at Gold and Sullivan’s door during their tenure at Birmingham City, they still have a club to support. The work is now on to bring in fresh investment to try and work off the remaining debt and crucial to that is the fact that West Ham United need to stay up.

Gianfranco Zola has been nothing but a gentlemen throughout this difficult period for him and he needs to make sure that he can keep his side together for one almighty relegation scrap. For a first job, he has certainly been earning his money, of that there is no doubt. In the next six games, West Ham face Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, Birmingham City and Hull City. Come the end of February, Gold, Sullivan and Zola will know exactly the size of the task to keep West Ham United in the Premier League.

He Walked Away Like An Egyptian – The Return Of Amr Zaki

Jesse Chula — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:50:39 +0000

While The Pharaohs secure passage into the quarter-finals in Angola attempting to defend their African crown, one of their brightest sons is making a highly anticipated return to Old Blighty after a somewhat maligned exit. This time around, Amr Zaki will attempt his goal scoring prowess a few hours down the M62 from Wigan towards the North Sea and end up with relegation-fighting Hull City Football Club on a five month loan deal. For the next few weeks, he’ll only be able to watch his countrymen from an ‘iffy internet stream face Africa’s best a continent away.

Zamalek teammate and former Premier League player Mido was also unexpectedly left out of the 23-man squad whose only hope for a trophy this year will be to defend the African Cup of Nations as Egypt missed out on World Cup qualification yet again (the Pharaohs haven’t participated since 1990). A lack of match fitness has been cited as reason for Zaki’s exclusion in the squad.

As for Zaki’s exit from Wigan, the Egyptian was on record last summer criticizing Wigan for not accepting a payoff from then suitors Aston Villa. The payoff would have allowed Zaki the freedom to sign for Martin O’Neill thus scrapping his original loan deal from Zamalek. Zaki had a falling out with then Wigan gaffer Steve Bruce after multiple fines from returning late to the Latics from international duty. Bruce was famously quoted as labeling Zaki as the most unprofessional player he has ever managed.

As for Zaki’s return, most will remember his blazing start to last season scoring 11 goals in his first 18 appearances before his form eventually took a nose dive. Zaki has vowed to stay out of trouble to the accepting ears of Hull City chairman Adam Pearson. The reported fee Hull City splashed for the Egyptian striker ranges from “a significant loan fee” to “£400,000″ in hopes Zaki will help the Tigers fight the drop.

Amr Zaki on good form and with a good attitude will be an asset for Hull City. He’s a strong, proven goal scorer with a natural instinct to know where he’s at when he receives the ball. He’s got a perfect body build to compete with equally strong Premier League centre-backs. He’s a player that has the skill and ability to have a future in the Premier League. As an admirer of his goals from last term, here’s hoping he continues to make good on his potential this time around. If I haven’t convinced you yet, make sure to check out a few of his best from his Wigan days.

Also, what does this mean for on-loan American striker Jozy Altidore? Will he continue to receive vital playing time for Hull City in hopes he’ll come good on his potential? Or, has Altidore’s spot been claimed by the proven Premier League goal scorer Zaki?

Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts on Zaki’s return to the Premier League.

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4

Paul Bestall — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:19:39 +0000

Well we all know how the competition started but the tournament kicked off in earnest on Sunday evening with the host nation Angola entertaining Mali. Hopes were high after all the political wrangling that engulfed the weekend, football could return to the forefront. What no-one expected was a series of breathless games and major shocks that have turned the Cup Of Nations on its head.

Angola stormed in to a 4-0 lead in the opening game and the home fans were jubilant. When Manucho hit a penalty in the 74th minute, Mali looked down and out, shocked to the core by the host nation. Yet by full time, Angola were delighted to hear the final whistle, after an extraordinary fightback saw the The Eagles score 4 goals in the last 15 minutes. Barcelona’s Seidou Keita scored a brace, with Freddie Kanoute scoring and Mustapha Yatabare hitting the equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time.

It really was a breathless encounter that hardly stopped for a second, a delightful and passionate affair that seems to have set the template for this years tournament. Monday saw Group B kick off and the shocks just kept on coming. The Ivory Coast struggled to a draw against unfancied Burkina Faso in a one sided encounter, but it was a massive result for The Stallions. Ivory Coast had 21 shots but couldn’t find the back of the net and Marseille’s Bakari Kone missed several gilt edged chances to win the match.

In Mondays other game, Algeria were smashed to pieces by Malawi, 3-0. It was a disturbing performance to see the World Cup qualifiers so easy picked apart after the Algerian goalkeeper gifted the opening goal by smashing a clearance against Essau Kanyenda who squared the ball for an easy goal for Russel Mwafulirwa. After that, the Algerians couldn’t get going and by the time Malawi made it 3-0, they were looking like the final whistle couldn’t come quick enough.

The Algerian manager has come under some criticism for blaming the weather for his teams bad performance, but as it has been pointed out, he’d only got himself to blame. If you playing in a humid country, would you prepare by holding your base in a chilly South of France? No, I thought not!

Yesterdays’ clashes saw Group C enter the fray and finally, one of the favourites delivered. Nigeria took the lead against Egypt in the heavyweight clash after 12 minutes, but that was as good as it got. Egypt just kept purring and showed that even without Mido and Amr Zaki, they can still score goals. Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan, winning his 167th international cap, set one goal up and scored another as the Pharaohs cantered to a 3-1 win. What did surprise me though was the ovation that greeted Kanu when he came on from the Angolan crowd. There is no doubting how much of an icon in African football he is after playing for 3 of Europes most illustrious clubs, Ajax, Inter and Arsenal.

The second game in Group C saw Mozambique and Benin clash and 90 minutes later, both countries were still waiting for their first win in African Cup Of Nations history. It was another super game though, despite some dodgy goalkeeping, as a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result. Despite the relative weakness of both sides, Nigeria will know that a slip up could see them crash out in the group stages, for the first time since 1963.

Yet, probably the biggest shock of the first round of matches happened this afternoon. Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o and all were stunned by some comedy defending that allowed Gabon, ranked 62nd in the world, to snatch a 1-0 win. It was a heroic performance after Daniel Cousin, of Hull City, had scored as Gabon dug in and held out for a famous win. Until today, I didn’t realise they were managed by former French legend, Alain Giresse and he’ll have enjoyed the win over compatriot Paul Le Guen.

Finally, Zambia and Tunisia fought another fairly even draw that was a positive result for the Zambians. Despite the recent troubles that Tunisia have had in world football, they are still one of Africa’s key footballing nations. Zambia will be delighted with the 1-1 result but it will be tempered by the fact they have to face a wounded Cameroon next. Cameroon know they need to win, and well to have a hope of qualifying.

So there you have it, all four of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup have managed a total of 1 point this week. We’ve had 22 goals in 7 games, no sendings off and some dynamite games. All the big countries now have to pick themselves up and show everyone that they deserve their billing, otherwise some very famous footballers will be coming home extremely early.

African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola

Paul Bestall — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:32:53 +0000

So, if the only time you’ve ever come across this tournament is when certain Premiership managers whine about it, let me welcome to you to one of World Football’s best kept secrets. Over the years, the African Cup Of Nations has grown and grown to be one of the most respected tournaments in World Football. So, as the tournament kicks off in Angola on Sunday, welcome to an overview for the 27th competition.

The influx into European football of African players over the last 20 years has seen the profile of this once derided competition rise far above what even the most biased supporter of African football could have hoped for. My first experience of seeing an African side was Algeria’s incredible defeat of West Germany in 1982 and as I’ve watched football, its reputation has grown and grown. Now it’s a fantastic tournament and one you really need to catch so here’s who to look out for in my first article about it.

This year’s tournament is being held in Angola for the first time and as such will give us the first glimpse of some of the teams who have also qualified for the World Cup in June this year.16 teams participate in the finals, drawn in to groups of four, with quarter finals, semi finals, a 3rd/4th play off and the final.Running over 20 days, this looks set to be the biggest African Cup of Nations yet.

The qualification for this years tournament also doubled up as qualification for the World Cup, which saw the odd spectacle of South Africa entered even though they’re the World Cup hosts along with Angola to try and earn a double qualification. Ironically, Angola haven’t qualified for the World Cup and South Africa failed to reach the African Cup of Nations.

Favourites for the second tournament in a row are of course Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast but in 2008 they were humiliated in the semi final by Egypt 4-1. They’ll be desperate to try and add to their solitary title won in 1992.With a squad featuring the Toure brothers, Drogba, Eboue, Zakora and Dindane, they’ll certainly be there or there abouts, The Elephants will be certainly one of the teams to beat. Drawn in Group B they’ll be one of the two fancied teams in that group.

The other side in Group B with ambitions to win the tournament will be the Black Stars of Ghana. Ghana are a team that we should have seen so much more of over the last 20 years, especially as they gave us one of the greatest ever African players of all time, in Abedi Pele, who like George Weah of Liberia never made it to a World Cup. They finished 3rd last time, so they’ll be desperate to go at least one better but they lack a clinical striker. With Michael Essien, John Mensah, Kingson, Addo and Amoah in the squad they’ll try and cope with the loss of talismanic captain Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari’s enforced passing over.

Group A should be a walk in the park for one of England’s forthcoming World Cup opponents, Algeria. With a fine international pedigree, they’ll be in with an outside shout of getting to the last four this time round. Since bursting on to the world stage in the 1982 World Cup, Algeria have lost their way a little since following it up with qualification for the 1986 World Cup and winning the A.C.O.N in 1990.

Since winning that title, they’ve been disqualified once, gone out in the first round three times and failed to qualify since 2004. Familiar names to watch out for in the Desert Foxes team are Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, Kamel Ghilas of Hull City, Hamuer Bouazza formerly of Fulham and Madjid Bougherra of Rangers. They need a good tournament to reaffirm their place in African football.

Group C sees the power of African football, Egypt and the former star, Nigeria drawn together. Egypt who were pipped for World Cup qualification by Algeria, which saw such scenes of sportsmanship for them, have a lot to live up to . As defending champions since 2006, it remains to be seen just how much of a hangover they’ve retained from missing out on South Africa. Yet, without the injured Amr Zaki and the unpicked Mido, Egypt would seem to have it all to do to retain the trophy. Spurs fans will certainly remember Hossan Ghaly and Dortmunds Mohamed Zidan is one to watch for the Pharaohs.

Nigeria qualified for both Angola and South Africa, but they are not the side they once were. The Super Eagles were one of the key sides in African football’s modern growth but the generation that got them there are slowly retiring. Yet the squad is still packed with familiar names. Yobo, Yakubu, Kanu, Obi-Mikel, Martins, Shittu, Taiwo, Etuhu and Olofinjana will all be in the squad and will be looking to try and re-affirm their place at the head of modern African football. An outside chance of winning the title certainly.

Which leads us to another favourite, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Lead by one of the worlds greatest strikers, Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon have been one of Africa’s leading lights over the last two decades. After missing out for the 2006 World Cup, they were in danger of missing out on both tournaments this year, but after sacking the manager, former Rangers, Lyon and Paris Saint Germain manager Paul Le Guen rode to the rescue.

Surprisingly though, Le Guen has opted not to pick the impressive Sebastain Bassong for the tournament but joining Eto’o will be Rigobert Song, Geremi, Alexandre Song, Jean Makoun and Andre Bikey. If they can keep Eto’o up the field, then anything can happen and after the 2006 penalty shoot out marathon against Ivory Coast and losing the last A.C.O.N final on penalties, they’ll be hoping to avoid more shootout heartache.IN Carlos Kameni, they’ve probably got the best goalkeeper in Africa. He could be key.

So they’re the main 6 contenders, but there are two outsiders that may catch the eye. Imagine a team with a midfield of Seydou Keita of Barcelona, Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra and Juventus’s Momo Sissoko with Freddie Kanoute upfront. Well, that’s Mali’s main foursome and with a squad with a wealth of European experience and the Eagles have a team with bags of potential still unfulfilled. Of course, Togo also qualified and whilst the side seem to lack quality overall, if a certain Emmanuel Adebayor fancies it, then the Sparrow Hawks could cause some real shocks.

So there you have it. Over here in Europe, Eurosport will be showing every match, with the BBC disappointingly only showing the semi finals and final this time. If you’ve never watched it before, I recommend it highly and it’ll give you a real taste of what’s to come in June this year when the World Cup gets underway. I’ll be dropping another more articles throughout the month for you to keep up to speed with the tournament, so feel free to leave me your comments and questions.

Hull City Preparing Surprise Bid For Freddy Adu

The Gaffer — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:28:43 +0000

Hull City manager Phil Brown is preparing a surprise bid for US international and Benfica player Freddy Adu, according to the News Of The World.

Benfica would accept a bid of £1.5m for Adu. The American striker is currently on loan at Belenenses, a fellow Portugese side but Adu has only made a handful of appearances there. A move to Hull City in the January transfer window would provide Adu with a chance of helping Hull City avoid relegation as well as giving him an opportunity to impress US coach Bob Bradley and his staff, to make it more likely he may make this summer’s World Cup squad.

If Adu moves to Hull City on loan, he’ll be competing for a starting position alongside fellow American Jozy Altidore. Adu can play striker or attacking midfielder.

Adu is no stranger to English football. In November 2006, Adu went on a two week trial with Manchester United. Because he didn’t have a work permit, he ended up training with the team but he reportedly didn’t make much of an impression on Sir Alex Ferguson at the time.

What do you think? Should Freddy Adu join Hull City? Will he get into the starting eleven? Will it be a wise move for Phil Brown? Click the comments link below and share your opinion.