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THE GILES FILES: United, they will never be defeated
by GILES ELLIOTT, Fox Soccer Channel
Yes, the EPL may be going on strike. What's more, just like in 1974, Leeds and Liverpool top the English league standings, with that team from Old Trafford in crisis. The players, united, shall never be defeated! Manchester United shall often be defeated - could be the slogan around the EPL these days.
The players' strike may, of course, be called off. With the Professional Footballers' Association having the backing of 99 percent of its members plus support from the majority of the media and public, the EPL has little option but to back down.
Television money dominates the soccer world in the 21st Century. The ruling bodies need it; the clubs need it; the players command it. For just 5 percent of that TV cash to go to player education and welfare, as is the case currently, seems fair enough. For every Michael Owen, there are a hundred lower league players whose careers are prematurely curtailed by injury. The FA created their own moneymaking monster, and now a loose tentacle has stung them.
As for the Devils though, how long will their fitful form be tolerated?
This season started with a groundswell of good feeling for Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson. After 15 years at the helm, the modern game's greatest coach (and part-time racehorse owner) deserved an easy run down the final furlong, to let him spend more time at the paddock. The EPL was United's for the taking, and the Champions League final in Glasgow would provide the Scot with a perfect send-off.
It was David Beckham who last summer gave voice to the dream that the Devils could even stay unbeaten throughout this final Ferguson campaign. Three losses already in eleven EPL games has been the reality, and that is unprecedented for the champions.
This week, the Spice Boy was all but exhorting Sven Goran Eriksson to be his next boss, while a Director from the Swede's former club Lazio, Massimo Cragnotti, intimated that the sooner that captain Fergie left the ship, the quicker the team could get back on course. That's what happened in Rome with Eriksson, after all.
But, really, is there mutiny in Manchester?
Not for long, if we know Sir Alex. Jaap Stam has already been made to walk the golden gangplank. Mickael Silvestre could follow him out of Old Trafford, for daring to suggest that Denis Irwin was past it. Dwight Yorke is still in the doghouse. Paul Scholes got a slap round his ginger head for taking time off from the Worthless, sorry, Worthington Cup.
Even without those piratical souls, though, Man Utd can chart a clear course through the coming weeks, with the only reef in sight a visit to Arsenal, strike permitting, on November 25. The rest of the Devils' pre-Christmas schedule sees home games against Chelsea, West Ham, Derby and Southampton, with just one road trip to Middlesbrough. Follow that with some seasonal shopping on the European market, and then Man Utd traditionally hit their stride in the New Year.
Crisis? What crisis?
It's up to the rest of the EPL to keep the Devils behind them. The championship is more open than ever, but perhaps that's the way Fergie wanted it. Winning had just become too easy. This time, United will have to re-learn the art, and make it more worthwhile in the process.
The first of the Devils' three-point feasts at Old Trafford is against Leicester to start this EPL weekend -- not exactly what the Foxes had in mind following a breakout win against Sunderland. Leicester has tasted victory just six times in fifty-four league visits to Man Utd. Seventh heaven is just an illusion.
Seventies pals renew acquaintances at Ewood Park, when former Liverpool teammates Graeme Souness and Phil Thompson take to the dugout, with the Reds aiming to end Blackburn's unbeaten home record. Ah, the days of rugged tackling, communal baths, and a pint or ten to end the day.
Thompson has a score or two to settle with Souness though. The Scot replaced the Scouser as Liverpool captain in 1982. Ten years later, Souness, by now Liverpool manager, fired his reserve team boss -- Thompson. Now Thompson is at the Liverpool helm. These things have a way of coming back to haunt you.
Saturday's main event also sees a meeting of old friends -- er, I think not. Ever since Sol Campbell turned his back on Tottenham and plumped for the Gunners, one London fixture has stood out on the calendar. November 17. Spurs vs Arsenal. The day is upon us. Good luck Sol. Just get out of there alive.
Complete the sequence: Dennis Wise (December 1998), Franck Leboeuf (November 1999), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (November 2000), _______ (2001)? Yes, folks, it's the time of year when a Chelsea player gets sent off at Everton. My money's on Frank Lampard for this year's send off.
For the rest of your Sunday entertainment, Bolton wanders over to an Ipswich team now in the bottom three and going Lulu. That's the name of the French winger lured to Portman Road this week, following Town manager George Burley's declaration that English players weren't good enough any more. Hello? Exactly how did your team get you where you are, George? Lulu, incidentally, also goes by the name of Le Pen. We hope he's not related to the French fascist.
Finally, on Monday night, it's back to a good old-fashioned scrap between Charlton and West Ham. Take a step back in time. It's 1974. 88,000 fans turn out at The Valley to watch the band of the generation, The Who, take to the stage. The Who's manager, Bill Curbishley, stands in the wings, counting his cash. Bill's younger brother, Alan, sells T-shirts to supplement his meager income as a trainee professional footballer.
Curbishley was one who did make the grade, first as player then coach. One bad tackle though, and Charlton's manager might still be selling dodgy merchandise, relying on a PFA pension.
If Monday's match is the last EPL game you see for a while, that's why the players are on strike.
Giles Elliott, can be reached at gelliott@foxsportsworld.com
Catch all your EPL action on FOX Sports World and return next week for another installment of THE GILES FILES.
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