Farewell Keano

He's left England. He's moved to California. He used to get £52,000. Now he gets $86,500. He's also going to play alongside England record-holder David Beckham. Not too bad for a boy from Tallaght. At 31, with his career slowly coming to an end, Keane has opted to swap life in the dour-weather England for the glitz and glamour in the USA. Now some may assume that he's being selfish and that it's his EIGHT (yes eighth) "childhood club", but there are nothing but positives from his perspective. I mean, how often does it occur that you're offered a job in the Golden State?  

I'll miss him being in England. Ever since I was a young 'un I've always kept an eye out for Keane and how he gets on, goal-wise. One of my first memories of Robbie was when he was playing for Leeds back in the early noughties. He'd made a mockery of the opponents offside-trap and was through on goal with just the keeper to beat. Instead of just the typical 'knock it past the keeper' approach, Keane stepped it up a notch and scooped the ball over the on-rushing keeper into an open net. I remember just sitting there, scratching my head in awe. 'How the hell did he do that?' I asked my brothers. No response.

He continued to renew my interest and by the 2002 World Cup he was in full flight. Here's the scenario: Ireland were one-nil down with just seconds to play when Irish right-back Steve Finnan launched a hopeful punt up-field, fingers crossed that somebody would flick it on. Niall Quinn came to the rescue and knocked it down for Robbie Keane who stole in behind the German defence and steered the resulting shot in off the post.

Goals for Ireland and his 'childhood' clubs came and went, but another one of my favourites (and one of the lesser known ones) was during his first spell at White Hart Lane. He had received the ball from a throw-in - the throw-in was deemed to be awarded to the wrong team originally (Spurs) - on the byline and, in the midst of a 180º spin, half-volleyed the ball over the opposing defender, before a fake shot pull-back against the next. He then had the simple task of a one-on-one which he finished in an ice cold manner. Watching it over, I reckon it was one of those 'you had to be there' moments because nobody seems to truly appreciate it when seeing it on Youtube. I still do, mind you.

On the international stage, Keane is and always has been Ireland's go-to-guy for the best part of a decade. When Ireland needed a goal - he was there. When teammates needed a shoulder to cry on after missing out on qualifying for a tournament - he was there. Even dating back to his debut in 1998 - which he capped off with a brace - Keane has always been a first on the team sheet. A lack of options up-front has seen Keane retain his  place year-in, year-out, and he's definitely made the most on what's been on offer, notching up his 50th and 51st international goals against Macedonia back in June. It's an incredible record for an incredible man. Those two goals saw him climb above world-beaters such as Samuel Etoo, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba, and take his place among some of the finest international  goal-scorers we've seen grace the game. Another six goals for Robbie and he'll have overtaken Brazilian legends Zico and Romario, and Gabriel 'Batigol' Batistuta.   

Seeing him struggle to even make the Tottenham match day squad last season killed me. For years he was one of the most prolific strikers inside England and last season, with 'Arry at the helm, Keane began just two games, and made a further 5 appearances as a substitute. He was loaned out to West Ham in order to help them beat the drop, even scoring on his debut away to Blackpool. Constant injuries made sure of the season being one of his worst in England to date, and he returned to Spurs on an even sicker note, with West Ham being relegated with 2 games yet to play. His end-of-season record read played 22, goals 2. That, for a proven, successful Premier League striker with years of experience was fairly woeful.

Then, this summer, a move presented itself to Keane so appealing he couldn't turn it down. Tottenham received a deal from MLS outfit LA Galaxy on August 15. Terms and a fee were agreed in record time as Galaxy were battling against the international deadline day clock. They had to make sure Keane signed by 11:59 EST and with a few hours to go, they had their man. Upon joining, Keane made the foolish mistake of claiming it was a "dream move", leaving himself open to ridicule.

What I'm trying to say is, I'll miss Keane. I'll miss the way he'd celebrate a goal by tumbling in iconic 'robin hood' fashion, or the way he'd bring that dreamy wife of his on holidays with him. Keane was always one of my favourite footballers - due to the fact he was Irish? Perhaps - but seeing him move to America cuts all off ties of me being able to watch him on a regular basis. It'll be hard but I think I can manage, especially as he'll hopefully continue to break records for the Irish international team.

The Race For 4th

Ah yes, the annual race for that final most sought-after Champions League place is finally upon us. 4th place, a place which defines the type of club you are. If you finish 4th you can declare yourself a 'big 4' club. If you finish 5th, well..God help you.

 For the past three years its been occupied by three different clubs, two of London descent and the other, hailing from Merseyside fresh from their long-standing battle with Everton. Last year became the first time Tottenham had qualified for a European competition of this magnitude and my oh my, how they impressed. Destroying Inter Milan on their own turf and also screeching past Inter's cousins AC at the San Siro, you don't see that very often for a team in their maiden season in the Champions League.

Right now, its Manchester City who occupy the world-renown 4th Champions League spot but their season has fallen apart of late. First came their dismissal from Europe at the hands of European minnows Dynamo Kiev, then they suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Chelsea which have let 5th placed Tottenham back into the fray. A season which had started so promisingly - going top for a brief period of time before city rivals United knocked them off the perch - they began to rely on talismanic skipper Carlos Tevez so heavily that it forced Roberto Martinez to say that no other player in the team could score a goal. Alas, Tevez - like all players - has had his problems this term and having saved himself from the wrath of public hatred around Christmas time, he's been the main source of income for City's front three. In fact, let's discuss City's front three. Mario Balotelli, - the troublesome trouble-maker - joined City last summer for a fee in the region of £24 million. He has repaid City by scoring 9 goals, collecting 9 yellow cards and picking up two red cards just for good measure. When 'bib-otelli' isn't playing for Manchester City you can find him crashing his car into walls or if that fails, he'll probably be in the foyer throwing darts at City youth players 'mistaking' them for dart boards. January signing Edin Dzeko has been fairly quiet during his time at Eastlands so far, scoring a mere 4 goals in 15 appearances albeit some from the bench. With a manager who's under copious amounts of pressure to win silverware I fear this may be his last season unless, y'know, somehow he pulls a rabbit out of the hat and beats United in the FA cup semi-finals tomorrow.

Off to London now to assess Tottenham's chances. The Lilywhites are priced at 2/1 to beat City into 4th but if you already have your wallet at the ready I'd advise you to slowly put it back where it came from. Although they may only be 3 points behind City with a game in-hand the run-in looks incredibly hard to Spurs to pick up some much needed points. First they have Arsenal next Wednesday, then ten days later its off to Stanford Bridge and two matches later they do battle with faltering Manchester City before its on the road one last time to Merseyside to take on a rejuvenated Liverpool side. Tell me that's not incredibly difficult to gain maximum points off? Gareth Bale's opinion is somewhat different. He told the press in the post-match conference after Spurs' exit from the Champions League that
"We need to win every game and we will go out there to win every game. We know that we are capable of beating all the other teams. We beat them all last season at some point so there is no reason why we can’t get maximum points. “We don't fear anyone. We have the players and are capable of scoring goals. We are just going to go out there, show what we can do and hopefully finish in the top four." Bold words from the Londoners' most prized asset and although he seems somewhat optimistic, the chances of Tottenham finishing for a second successive season in 4th look undoubtedly slimmer every week.

Of course these two are the front-runners for 4th spot but we can't underestimate a newly reformed Liverpool side. Since 'King Kenny's return Liverpool have looked every inch of the side that very nearly won the league under Rafa back in 2008 and to be honest, there doesn't look like a team that can stop them. Beating Man City and United rather comfortably shows that the Merseysiders are back in business. And the interesting thing is they only lie 8 points behind Man City. With a consistent run of form and Carroll and Suarez banging in the goals, its hard to see their form coming to an abrupt stop. But mind you, it will be incredibly difficult for them to achieve such a feat as they would have to win their remaining 6 games to even stand a chance. Still, that's what makes the Premier League what it is.

Brum Agree Keane Fee

At last, salvation for poor Robbie Keane. Or is it? Today reports emerged of Irish skipper Robbie Keane on a proposed move to Birmingham. It had been an 'on-off' move prior to this week, being just pure speculation, but today's rumors confirm there has, in fact, been a bid accepted from Birmingham for the purchase of the out of form striker.

Keane has made 13 appearances this season with 11 coming as a sub, and has lost out on his place to the in form Jermain Defoe and the likes of Peter Crouch and Roman Pavuylchenko.

Keane had rejoined Spurs after a horrendous stint at Anfield and he carried that form back to White Hart Lane, earning him a place on the bench. The Irishman was loaned out to Celtic for the remainder of the 2009/10 season and made a huge impact for the Glasgow side, scoring 16 in 17 starts.

Keane returned to Spurs at he end of the SPL season but failed to retain a place on the Tottenham first team, strengthening speculation he was to leave White Hart Lane in the coming transfer window however, he remained at the club and with the arrival of Rafael van Der Vaart, fell further down the pecking order.

This January, Robbie's been continually linked with a move away from London and if things go to plan, he will be joining teammate David Bentley over at Birmingham, who's on loan having endured a disappointing season too. It will be seem as the perfect revival package for the Irish captain and will hopefully reignite Robbie's footballing career.

Spurs Sign South African Defender Bongani Khumalo

Tottenham have completed the transfer of Bongani Khumalo from South African side Supersport United on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Khumalo had impressed at a trial for Spurs last July and impressed during the summer for World Cup hosts South Africa, scoring a goal in their 2-1 victory over a dismal France side.

Harry Redknapp has signed Khumalo on a four and a half year contract for a fee in the region of £1.5 million. Khumalo had been relatively successful back in home country South Africa for club level as he had won three consecutive titles for SuperSport United but the 23 year old is yearning for more triumph as he has now joined one of the top clubs in England.

Khumalo said:

“I’m looking to learn as fast as I can and do all I can to contribute to this wonderful team.

“All the players are very professional and very good, genuine guys and quality players. I’ve been very fortunate to just be a part of that and take in the experience so far.

“They’ve done so well this season and there are quality players all around. I just want to be part of the success.

“I want to win games here, I want to win titles – that’s what the game’s about. I’ve been fortunate to experience some success in my career back home lifting trophies and I would like to do the same here. The feeling is addictive.

“It’s a higher level, it’s not easy but I’m going to give it my best and contribute as best as I can to the team’s success.”

Khumalo could be seen as the defensive antidote for Harry's side as Ledley King, Johnathan Woodgate and William Gallas all currently hog the Spurs physio room. Khumalo is likely to feature tomorrow as Tottenham take on former Premier league rivals Charlton, a bout which should be easy pickings for Redknapp's men.

Spurs Edge Closer To Landing David Beckham

Harry Redknapp yesterday spoke of his admiration to land ageing Premier League Veteran David Beckham on a three month stint from LA Galaxy. He also mentioned that David had agreed to arrive at White Hart Lane. Both clubs are now waiting on permission from LA Galaxy to loan Beckham out to the London side.

Redknapp said:

‘David could make a big impact. It’s whether Galaxy will let him go on loan. If they did we’d be interested. He’d give the whole place a lift.

"He’s been a fantastic player and someone the players would look up to and respect. He can do a job for sure. If he’s over his injury and is as fit as he thinks, then he could still play at the top level."

"I'm not sure Beckham would start in place of Aaron Lennon but Harry would definitely play him from time to time and if Lennon gets injured Beckham could get a run out as there's not much support on the right wing at White Hart Lane at the moment as David Bentley's been linked to Newcastle on a loan deal."

David Beckham is loved by many in England, most memorably Manchester, and would welcome a move back to England to aid Harry's midfield. He could also do with the fitness for March, when the MLS season to start up again.

Most Improved Player of 2010

As we come to a close of the year 2010, I look back at the player who has come heaps and bounds since the start of this year. The player that most deserves this accolade is Tottenham starlet Gareth Bale.

Virtually an outcast upon his arrival Bale had to work hard for his place in the London side. He came as a left-back from Southampton and failed to make an impact in that position due to the consistency of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Coach Harry Redknapp decided to try Bale in a slightly advanced position at left wing. Gareth Bale soon became a phenomenon and excelled at this position and several world class performances have had him compared to the likes of Lionel Messi. Bale became noticed in late 2010, during his sensational form in the Champions League against Inter Milan. In the first match at the San Siro and with Tottenham 4-0 down, the night was looking gloomy until Bale sprang to life and netted a second-half hat trick to restore some pride in the Londoner's side. What was noted from these goals was the severe pace he possessed as he raced down the wing virtually untouched and repeated the feat again in the 'rematch' at White Hart Lane, inspiring Spurs to a 3-1 win, setting up two goals.

Bale was signed on 7th of July 2007 from Southampton and was touted as the 'next big thing'. He held a good run in the Tottenham side until injury ruined it and forced him out for the entirety of the remaining season. He returned 26th September 2009 after a long lay-out and featured in 23 matches in the 2009/10 season. Regular left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto was on his way back from injury and so, Gareth Bale was tried on the left-wing, in the process turning him into one of the best players in the world, turning his opponents inside out as every defender feared him.

Jonathan Woodgate Told To Go Out On Loan

Jonathan Woodgate has finally returned from injury at White Hart Lane but he's been told he needs to go out on loan to regain form and fitness by manager Harry Redknapp.

Woodgate has had to endure a long spell on the sidelines and has not featured for Spurs since November of 2009. Persistent groin problems have been the problem for Woodgate and a return to the Tottenham side would prove vital considering Harry Redknapp has a small range of defenders with only 3 fully established centre-backs fully fit with Gallas & Ledley King currently on the sidelines. Woodgate has been injury prone ever since his arrival from Real Madrid and his current contract expires at the end of this season. Coach Harry Redknapp might as well turn to Woodgate as Spurs have yet to keep a clean sheet since the opening day of the season and he has nothing to lose.

Woodgate initially missed out on the 25 man squad limit due to the groin injury he has suffered constantly since he limped off in the 9-1 drubbing of Wigan Athletic on the 22nd of November 2009.

Robbie Keen To Leave White Hart Lane

With the January transfer window looming it seems Robbie Keane will be packing his bags and heading for the exit from White Hart Lane. Ever since his return from Liverpool he's been forced to settle on the bench and resort to fourth choice striker for Harry Redknapp behind current England strikers Jermain Defoe & Peter Crouch and Russian Roman Pavuylchenko.

Over the past week, Keane's been linked to an array of clubs with Birmingham, West Ham & former club Wolves all interested. When Robbie was sent out on loan to Celtic last January he dazzled at Parkhead scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances and rather sumptuously pronounced their 'player of the year' in 2009.

 However, Robbie has performed decently for country but most of his goals are set-pieces and due to his current battle at White Hart Line I think Anthony Stokes & Kevin Doyle would be possibly a preferred option. If Trappatoni opens his eyes he should be able to notice Keanes poor club form and for the sake of the team, dropping him, and for the foreseeable future ending his career. It would be similar to that of Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington dropping hit man David Healy as he too has struggled for form club wise.

Keane arrived at Spurs in 2003 from Leeds, having endured a successful partnership with Mark Viduka. Robbie slotted into the Spurs front line perfectly and was their talisman for three to four years before he fell out of favour with Martin Jol. He was left to warm the bench for the seasons to come but when he was given chance he grasped it and bulldozed his way into the squad again. When Harry Redknapp arrived Keane was high up in the pecking order but Redknapp wasn't happy and spent lavishly on strikers which included his old buddy Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth and Peter Crouch from Liverpool. Keane was beginning to become unhappy and when a move from Liverpool beckoned he grabbed it with two hands and left London for Liverpool in the summer of 2008. Keane returned to Tottenham in January 2009 but was notably relegated to the bench and has since been there, only starting in matches such as Carling Cup or 'dead rubbers'.

Brief Thoughts On The Champions League Last 16 Draw

Earlier today UEFA contested the draw for the Champions League Last 16 and as always they dished up some mouth-watering ties. Arsenal vs Barcelona is BY FAR the most anticipated crunch match and Arsenal didn't do themselves any favours by finishing second in their group. Manchester United & Chelsea received kind fixtures, drawing Marseille & FC Copenhagen respectively. There is also a rematch of last seasons final with Inter taking on Bayern Munich. High Flying Tottenham drew AC Milan who wobbled through their group.

Arsenal must surely be worried considering they drew the almighty Barcelona. In recent years Barcelona have established themselves as the 'passing' perfectionists and they play a simliar footballing side with Arsenal arguably the most entertaining Premier League side to watch. I'm predicting an exciting encounter with Barca slightly edging the Gunners. Who knows, we might even have 'The Messi Show" again!

Champions League first timers Tottenham face a difficult visit to the San Siro but if they perform like they did against last seasons champions Inter Milan they could be in with a real shout. They are also the Champions League's top scorers, with a tally of 18 and with the likes of Rafa Van Der Vaart, Jermain Defoe & Luka Modric, I can see them cruising into the quarter finals and set up a potential visit to the Nou Camp.

Here is the full draw in chronological order:

AS Roma  vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk 
AC Milan  vs Tottenham Hotspur FC
Valencia CF  vs FC Schalke 04 
FC Internazionale Milano  vs FC Bayern München 
Olympique Lyonnais  vs Real Madrid CF
Arsenal FC  vs FC Barcelona 
Olympique de Marseille  vs Manchester United FC 
FC København  vs Chelsea FC

What's Next For Edin Dzecko?

Who is Edin Dzecko you ask? Unless you've been living in a bubble you would have noticed that he is a dominant character in the German Bundesliga. He and Brazilian striker Grafite have proved more than a handful for defenders worldwide. He's established himself as a striker for VFL Wolfsburg and he recently broke Wolfburg's goal scoring record. His strengths are most definitely centered around his aerial prowess and his positioning is very good. Although, what he does need to improve on his temperament issues, as Wayne Rooney once had to issue.

He's been linked to clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham, big spenders Manchester City and most recently Real Madrid but he has signed a deal extending his stay at the German champions until 2013 however a big move is still on the cards. A move could be made for him this coming transfer window with Manchester City very interested in his services and he would be an ideal replacement for the furious Tevez.  It was reported today that Dzecko had contacted City himself in a plea to move to Eastlands in the January transfer window. The guardian reported that he sent a hand-written letter to Eastland's officials appealing to them to make a bid. He would arrive as either a replacement or partner for City talisman Carlos Tevez.

 Personally, I don't think he'd find a starting place at Chelsea and he wouldn't be needed at White Hart Line extending the on going strikers list to 6 with Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe & Pavuylchenko currently challenging for starting places.

Dzecko has scored 8 goals in 15 appearances this season for Wolfsburg. Between him and the explosive Grafite they have formed the best partnership arguably to have ever existed in the German Bundesliga. In his 3 years at VFL Wolfsburg he has scored 59 goals in 96 appearances, surpassing the previous record holder Diego Klimowicz who had netted 57 in 146.