The Chelsea revival might have looked solid in terms of results but they rarely strung together a good 90 minutes under Grant. They were quite fortunate against United, second-best at Newcastle until they scored, failed to beat Wigan (the result which pretty much derailed their title aspirations) or deal convincgly with Bolton on the final day. With the talent at his disposal this Chelsea team should have been running the show and playing great football - and they just didn't.

Although I have been an ABU since 1983 (long before they were any good) they were the right team to win the league. And to triumph while giving games to the likes of Ji-Sung Park, John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick says even more about them. No, I'm still not buying this Michael Carrick thing - sorry.

Next seasons Premiership whipping boys

Bristol City are likely to face Hull in the play off final with the latter defending a 2-0 lead in their play-off semi second leg this evening against Watford. You have to hand it to managers Gary Johnson and Phil Brown as both have done amazing jobs. It's just a shame that they are more likely to sign a Wallwork than a Ronaldo next year on their way to being relegated by Christmas.

But staying up...

I was delighted that Fulham survived on the final day. Partly it was because I quite like the chummy awkwardness of Roy Hodgson. He's the football manager equivalent of Bush or Def Leppard - revered outside his home nation and longing for that hit single on home turf (but in the shape of avoiding relegation).

It was also partly because it sent Alex McLeish (and Birmingham) down. McLeish walked away from managing his country for the bright lights of the Premiership after just 10 months in charge. The SFA refused Birmingham's approach but McLeish resigned and left a bad taste in the mouth of Scotland fans who had seen Walter Smith walk away before him.

Similarly Lawrie Sanchez (sacked by Fulham after 17 games for consistent rubbishness) got his cumuppance after walking away from Northern Ireland when they were top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group. He then hilarious claimed that Fulham would have been well safe if he had been left in charge. He must have been expecting a late run of form from Chris Baird and David Healy.

Mark Hughes was the last person to dump one of the home nations for the Premiership but he left Wales on the back of a poor run and after putting in a solid 5 years. And he has proven himself to be a more than competent manager. That's the difference.

Barry to Pool

I indicated that Aston Villa would not be properly remunerated for Gareth Barry given his rather low-profile in the football world. But if, as reported, Liverpool are willing to bid £10m then I think O'Neill should give in and let the midfielder go.

Values are crazy at the moment though. David Bentley - an occasional performer - is being valued at £15m. It's as obscene a valuation as Michael Carrick or even Louis Saha back in the day.

Dowie-diness

Meet the new Bryan Robson. Following relegation with Crystal Palace and walking out to join Charlton, sacked from Charlton after 12 league games and then being "released" from his contract with Coventry, Ian Dowie has not been assigned another league club to underacheive with - QPR. What a come-down for Rangers fans. Following media speculation that Zinedine Zidane was being lined-up as their next manager, they ended up with someone a little less glamorous.

Barry, 27, has made 325 appearances for Aston Villa and 18 for the English National Team.  He can play in the left and center of both defense and midfield.

Martin O'Neill has asked that Peter Crouch be included in the deal, though Liverpool could also be enticed to include on-loan keeper Scott Carson and defender John Arne Riise.

Villa reportedly rejected a previous £10m offer for Barry.

Carlos Tevez did an Eric Cantona this weekend: popping up with a vital goal after an undistinguished display a la the Frenchman's final season in football. The late equaliser at Blackburn could be the goal that will win the title at United. Even if Chelsea beat them 5-0 at Stamford Bridge, two wins in their last two games will secure one of United's more impressive championships. However...don't rule out the improving Wigan - who United take on at the JJB on the final day - from making it tense.

The Relegation Race

Fulham and Birmingham occupy the two remaining relegation positions - the two teams I predicted to go down with Derby a few months back. It will be tight though - Birmingham need to beat Fulham to condemn them for sure and then face a last day tug-of-war with Bolton for that remaining slot. At home to Blackburn, who have nothing to play for, it's possible Birmingham might be able to pull it out of the fire. Bolton will be at Chelsea - who may have to win to win the league.

Champions League

The only reason I watch the Champions league is to watch the English clubs lose so unfortunately I have to pick a favourite between Liverpool and Chelsea this week. Liverpool has been there before so I'd prefer to see Chelsea advance. Also I dislike the way Bentiez has put all his eggs in one basket (again), sacrificing the league to advance in a tournament that is arguably easier to win. I think the first leg at Anfield will be a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Man United may not have the outstanding individual talent that Barcelona does but with the Spaniards unable to buy a win recently the English Champions-elect are slight favourites. I think they'll win 1-0 at the Nou Camp.

Gareth Barry

If it's true that Liverpool want Gareth Barry, Rafa Benitez will never learn. You can file Barry alongside Benayoun, Bellamy, Zenden and Pennant: decent Premiership players who are not going to distinguish themselves at the "business end" of the season. The problem for the likes of Martin O'Neill at Villa is that Barry is a semi-international who is 27 years of age and unlikely to command a huge fee despite being the heartbeat of his current club. It's a similar situation to what faced West Ham last summer who ended up only getting £5m for Benayoun despite his importance to the club - he has started 14 league games for Liverpool this season.

Lita back at Reading

I like Leroy Lita and was surprised he struggled to make his mark this season with Reading. They loaned him to Charlton but have now recalled him for their three remaining critical Premiership games. I predict that Lita will play a part in keeping Reading up.

Man City v Portsmouth

An entertaining clash won 3-1 by City. A few points from the game.

1) David James: This guy is a clown. Yes, he makes some wonderful saves but you can bank on him fluffing something in every game. This time he got stranded outside his area and Portsmouth directly conceded from his behaviour. That he's on the shortlist for Player's Player of the Year is a farce.

2) Darius Vassell: Always liked this guy and he's in really good form for City at the moment - Eriksson has been a positive influence on his career.

3) Benjani: He might not score much but Benjani looks to be a model professional - great attitude, works his socks off, skilful. One of my favourite players to watch.

4) Manager's myopia: After Manchester City's impressive substitute, Sam Williamson, was yellow carded for a late challenge in the 65th minute, Portsmouth's management team of Joe Jordan and Harry Redknapp were absolutely incensed, gesturing angrily to anyone who would give them attention on the sideline. Presumably they thought Williamson should have been sent off.

When Portsmouth right-back Lauren was carded for a far worse scissors-tackle on the same player five minutes later, they seemed less animated - as were the Manchester City coaching staff who didn't run around moaning for the sake of it. Some people may scoff at Sven-Goran Eriksson but at least - with the exception of Faria Alam - he conducts himself with dignity. Redknapp is a wagon.

El dueño del equipo inglés se propuso dar un giro total a su gestión al frente de la institución y ahora piensa en jóvenes promesas a la hora de reforzar su equipo y no piensa en ahorrarse un sólo euro para ello.

Según el rotativo británico Sunday People, y que difunde este martes As, Abramovich tiene listo para su próximo desembarco en el mercado 125 millones de euros y su objetivo prioritario es el Kun Agüero.

Además quiere que su técnico, el israelí Avram Grant compita en igualdad de condiciones con Manchester o Arsenal.

El Chelsea estuvo invirtiendo en estrellas en los últimos años, pero ahora quiere cambiar el paso y centrarse en contratar futbolistas jóvenes de manera que la inversión, a la larga, se amortice.

Según Sunday People, Kun no es el único. Además, Grant tiene también en la cabeza los nombres de Karim Benzema y Gareth Barry.

No es la primera vez que Abramovich sueña con el Kun e intensificará sus tentativas a medida que se vaya acercando el final de la temporada, sobre todo si no consigue ganar ni un solo título.

Agüero, por su parte, ya dejó claro alguna vez a través de su representante que el Chelsea y la Premier no están ahora entre sus deseos a pesar de los halagos de Abramovich.

I have a feeling that Rooney is going to be out for blood this Saturday. Watch for him and Tevez to start, I think Fergie's gonna want to end this one early. Villa are a dangerous team, with Gaby Agbo his usual pacey presence, still I think he isn't anything that Vidic and Ferdinand can't handle. Martin O'Neal hasn't been rotating his squad as much as many of the other teams- possibly an indication of the Birmingham side's lack of depth. They should be tired with many first-choice players having played in midweek Internationals or under 21 games. Another goal from Ronaldo is a solid bet, and if you're looking to call correct score, I would say 2-0 United or 3-1 United with Villa scoring first. Goals from Ronaldo, Rooney and why not have a punt on Anderson breaking his duck? It has to happen eventually.

Arsenal-Bolton has always been a tricky match-up with two textbook examples of contrasting styles on the pitch. Arsenal really really need a win to snap this drawing streak, and in previous years I think that Big Sam would have had Arsene's number. But this is 2008 Bolton- who basically blow ass. I think if Bolton put up one of their best performances of the season, they can eke out a draw, if not, I suspect 2-0 Arsenal with a penalty happening in the first half. Watch for Adebayor to convert. The other goal will come from midfield. Walcott is good value for money.

Chelsea-Middlesbrough.... Tough one, because I think Middlesbrough have had their Alamo moment with Southgate and that they are very much back to winning games again. But at the end of the day, they will always be Middlesbrough and it could basically all fall apart at a moment's notice. I think they will give Chelsea a tougher time than you would think, but if Avram Grant's good players show up, I would take Chelsea to win 2-1 with goals from Drogba, Malouda and Aliardiere. 

Bet on Freddie Sears to score for West Ham at Sunderland, bet on City and Birmingham to be a goal-fest.

Reliable player and can play at left back or in midfield.

I know he is good mates with Gerrard and i have to be honest it wouldn't surprise me one bit if this transfer happened.

Aston Villa have recently said they are assessing the performance of Carson til the end of the season and are reluctant to pay the £10 million (£1.5 million the loan as cost them and we then want a further £8.5 million) so possibly if Barry does want to leave them they can see using him as a way to get Carson.

Another competent performance against meager opposition earns the three lions a three point tally. Respect to Steve Mclaren for keeping the Barry/Gerrard central midfield pairing as it continued to pay dividends again today.

Wright-Phillips goal was another example of just how effective he is at international level. I guess it all boils down to pace and positioning for him... He is a clear example of why the premier league will miss Jose Mourinho. Wright-Phillips has gotten exponentially better in the past year and he's bagged himself another goal although I do have to concede that Mart Poom got stuffed. Is he even a championship level keeper anymore? League 1 anybody?

Rooney's strike was also a bit soft, but it was still good to see him end that sickening goal drought. If there's one thing I know about Wayne Rooney, it's that once he scores after going through a lean spell in front of goal he starts to bang them in on the regular.

Additionally, that was probably one of the funniest own goals I've ever seen.

After so much fuss over who’s playing, Gareth Barry has certainly been a god-send in the middle of the park. He was good over the weekend against Israel and last night, simply stole the show in my opinion in the middle of the park. He had a hand in all three England goals and simply should be included in the next few qualifiers barring injury. Owen was simply a master-class, 2 shots, 2 goals and he could have more. Could he be the one to break Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record for England?

Heskey was a beast with his physical strength. The injury to Rooney and suspension to Crouch plus other impotent alternatives has clearly tipped the balance in his favour and how well he has performed over the past two games. Pity about his lack of goals though still. England has more or less lifted the gloom in the space of four days which is incredible. The heavens must be smiling on England. Bring on whoever is next.

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England vs Russia Euro 2008 Qualifier
Match Analysis

My dad was from Bury, Lancashire and he used to tell me "Dave lad, it's better to be lucky than be a genius". Watching Englands last two games that sentance from my past kept coming back to me.

Picture Steve McClaren things to do pad in the build up to these last two games:

1/ Win both games

2/ Get Frank, Wayne and Owen fit.

3/ No Crouchy, no Rooney (no fucking chance)

4/ Bribe the ref.

5/ Send cv to Bolton

You get the point he was screwed and desperate men do desperate things. Even the most blinkered pub analyst would not have picked Barry and Heskey but McClaren stuck his hand in the Premiership tombola and got lucky. Barry was a revelation and Heskey looked at times like the player he always should have been, unplayable.

Now can McClaren ride his luck and stick to this team? This will make or break him. Barry allows Gerrard to be the player he should be for Liverpool and England and passes consistently to a player in the same colour shirt as him. McClaren cannot go back to that preening show  pony Frank Lampard. He is not good enough and he stifles Gerrard. Heskey is a handful and Michael Owen enjoys playing with him and if Michaels fit, scoring and happy we've got a chance against anyone.

In essence McClaren should stop thinking and trying to prove he's cleverer than Fergie and count his blessings, the team that played tonight will beat Estonia and almost certainly Croatia. Hold your nerve Steve and enjoy your good  fortune. We'll all get behind you if you do the right thing. You lucky bastard!

England made light work of Israel to record a vital 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying victory at Wembley. Goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards - plus an impressive all-round performance - silenced the critics as England now prepare to meet Russia in another six-pointer on Wednesday.

Job well-done in an industrious performance against underwhelming opposition. The defence was hardly tested while England made and dominated proceedings so much so that it was kind of one-sided. Nice to see Owen nicking a goal although he missed quite a few others. Heskey showed why he wasn’t picked in the past. Micah Richards was impressive on the right and so was Gareth Barry who created several chances with through balls down the middle. Bring on the Russians. Joe Cole was also particularly impressive as a creative force. Bring on the Russians on Wednesday.

Debut y victoria. El peso de la púrpura esperaba a Fernando Torres en su primer partido oficial en la Premier League. 'The Kid' desplegó todo su repertorio en el primer tiempo y pasó prácticamente desapercibido en la segunda mitad, donde fue sustituido por Voronin a falta de quince minutos. Torres puso velocidad, entrega, caída a banda y un par de ocasiones. Birmingham ha sido la primera estación para un 'The Kid' que tendrá que tomarse la vida con calma. Siendo fiel a sí mismo, tendrá papel protagonista. Si renuncia a su personalidad, será actor de reparto. Todo llegará en su justo momento. Con calma. Sin prisas. No tuvo gol, pero sí el aplauso de una afición que entiende que Gerrard es su presente y Fernando puede ser su futuro. Take it easy Torres, take it easy...

El partido fue made in England. Poco fútbol, mucha emoción. Mucha electricidad, poca pausa. Con empate (1-1) y a falta de cuatro minutos, apareció Steven Gerrard. El hijo pródigo hizo volar una paloma por el ángulo imposible y colocó el balón en la misma escuadra del portero del Aston Villa. Un premio más para el que nunca se fue del barrio. Para el que siempre ha resistido a la tentación para jugar por los colores del Liverpool. Este Gerro es el orgullo de un pueblo, la tradición de una ciudad, la prueba evidente de que fútbol es energía y alma. Gerry and the Pacemakers le puso letra y melodía a los sentimientos con un himno que identifica al Liverpool. Gerrard sigue demostrando que no camina solo y que no teme a la oscuridad. Siempre hay un momento You'll never walk alone. Siempre hay un momento Steven Gerrard. Quien sabe si en el futuro, habrá un momento Torres. De momento, take it easy Fernando...

At grass roots level kids football from the age of 6 is competitive, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Parents turn up to see their kids WIN! Coaches want their teams to WIN! The kids who initially want to play a game with a ball eventually want to WIN! Now I understand winning is ultimately what the game is about but there are technical skills that need refining that cannot be learnt while under pressure to WIN! I'll explain, go to a park on a Sunday morning and watch any youth game, within 5 minutes I guarantee you will see a child with the ball at his feet and a couple of options. He should get his head up and look to pass to team mate, basic possession of the football. What will happen is a coach or parent will yell out, the kid will panic and launch the ball as quickly as possible almost inevitably giving it away. No chance to learn, the die is cast and possession of the ball is lost. Fast forward to any England game where we are being outplayed by more technicaly gifted players and you can see these early lessons ingrained on the English psyche, even amongst the most talented of English players. 

This WIN at all costs mentality also brings the physically stronger players to the fore, not the most gifted. The stronger children wil be indentified as "the best". If they can tackle and barge their way through a defence terrified of getting hurt then they will be picked out. I am certain that generations of technically skillfull players are ignored or simply give up as they are pushed and kicked by the more physically developed players who give a quick fix to the parents and coaches WIN mentality. Sir Trevor must stop all competitive "League" football for any child under the age of 12 to allow their skills to develop. Let them try and make twenty passes that keep possession and if it's given away every time encourage them to try again. Then a revelation will come, the twenty first pass finds it's target, they find a team mate and a move develops.  That is a result bigger than 3 points and another tat trophy at the end of a competitve season launching the ball forwards to the biggest, strongest, quickest centre forward who scores 30 goals against opposition not physically capable yet of stopping him. They will catch up in the end and nothing has been learnt.

This problem then feeds the professional "development  centres" and "Acadamies" with the biggest strongest players who don't have the skill to progress being selected and inevitably failing to make the grade. From experience at 2 premiership clubs where my son has had trials the evidence is clear. I am not a bitter father, I don't believe my boy could have made the grade whatever system was in place it is just the approach of these elite clubs youth coaches that is so disappointing. My sons chance came at 9 years old, when Wayne Rooney was making waves at international level and it was obvious that the clubs were looking for players in the Rooney mould, at 9 years old! Were they looking at technical abilty? Control, passing, being able to use both feet, balance? I don't think so, they were looking for strength, athleticism and arrogance if you didn't tick those boxes it was thanks but no thanks. Fair enough, that's their choice but those players will continue to give the ball away, eventually to be caught up physically by more talented overseas players and then be discarded to the lower leagues before their 20th birthday. Leaving the England team in the state it is currently in.

The evidence is quite clear, more children play football in England than most other countries in the world. The Premiership has the lowest percentage of home players than any country in the world. Something is drastically wrong, which country buys up young English talent the way we buy up, French, Spainish, African young talent? There isn't one because young English talent isn't there I won't accept the odd exception as evidence to the contrary. Arsene Wenger, Rafa Benitez and the like know their stuff, young English players aren't good enough. I admire Martin Jols efforts at Tottenham with English youngsters, but if Darren Bent represents the best young English talent and £16 million then my argument is sealed. David Nugent is the future England centre forward but Preston can't give him away to a Premiership club, especially not one of the big four. Nugent for Madrid, Barcelona, or Milan? I don't think so and that is the best our system has thrown up.

I am absolutely certain that we have English Kakas, Ronaldos, Henrys driving trucks, stacking shelves or selling houses ignored by coaches because their technical development wasn't encouraged, smothered by the stronger kids whose early physical development allowed coaches and parents an over inflated sense of their own achievement. 

Sir Trevor you have my support but this is a bigger job than even you know and I think it is something you won't overcome. The parents, coaches and trophy makers for the under twelves won't allow it. A WIN in a park on a Sunday morning at all costs while the potential talent freezes on the touchline is obviously worth more than allowing that potential talent a chance to flourish and the future of football in this country.

RIP English football, you never had a chance.