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Andre Villas-Boas must have had some reservations in becoming the seventh Chelsea manager in eight years. It is fair to say that the Abramovich era, though a successful one for the club, has consisted of few successful managers. Only Jose Mourhino and Carlo Ancelotti were able to win the league at Chelsea, whilst the likes of Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari both ended their reigns in charge without any silverware to boast. High expectations are part of the package at Stamford Bridge, and this is something Villas-Boas will have been fully aware of. Whilst some of the names mentioned above looked to enforce distinctive playing styles on the players at the club, others often seemed too cautious in their management, perhaps concerned that should any drastic changes or tactics backfire, it would ultimately be them that would have to face the consequences.

Despite winning the double in his first season at Chelsea, Ancelotti often appeared to be very relaxed on the touchline, perhaps a little too relaxed at times, and this kind of attitude could be seen in the Chelsea players on a number of occasions throughout last season. Chelsea lacked the ability to grind out results, or to get that crucial goal, and never seemed to really get out of second gear for much of the campaign. Whilst Ancelotti’s capabilities as a coach should not be questioned too heavily – his CV speaks for itself – it seems that this style of play did ultimately cost him his job at Chelsea.

Earlier this week Villas-Boas claimed that his players must believe in his playing methods if they are to be successful this season, however he insisted that it was possible to be successful in football in various different ways. The important thing for Villas-Boas, is that the players are able to commit themselves to his ideas and strategies, regardless of what they are. Writing in the club magazine, Villas-Boas claims that his players must be willing to “commit and die for you and for the cause”. For some this may seem to be somewhat extreme, but perhaps should not be taken so literally. Chelsea seemed to lack the passion and desire of champions last season, and appeared to be frustrated and even disinterested at times. It seems almost essential that Villas-Boas is able to instill a sense of belief and a winning mentality back in to the players at Chelsea, and players ‘commitment to the cause’ is fundamental if he is to do so.

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The Chelsea boss insists that he is happy with the current Chelsea crop and that there is no need for ‘big’ or ‘radical’ changes, particularly with regards to personnel. On the field, he believes it is important that his players are ‘freed of decision making’. In order to “exploit the potential of every player to the full”, Villas-Boas maintains that players must be given a certain amount of freedom, “or else they will never test it.” We can rest assure then, that Villas-Boas will seek to bring the best out of what has often been referred to as an ‘ageing’ Chelsea side. Whilst many may consider this a risk, particularly due to the Abramovich’s limited patience, it is a risk he clearly feels is calculated and worth taking.

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One thing we can certainly hope to expect from Chelsea this season is goals. The tactics employed by Villas-Boas at Porto helped his side to 145 goals in just 58 games, and he will certainly be hoping to get these kinds of numbers out of the likes of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba next term. Having spent almost 4 years at the club with Jose Mourhino, Villas-Boas believes his time at Chelsea before will certainly make things a little easier for him, and it seems fair to assume that if he can relay the confidence and belief that he has in his own abilities as a manager on to the players as well, then this Chelsea side may be a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell us exactly how much has changed at Stamford Bridge since the appointment of Villas-Boas, but after a comparably poor season last time out, changes certainly do seem necessary. This are certainly exciting times for everyone involved with Chelsea, and this could well be the start of something special, should Villas-Boas be given the time to prove himself. As we all know, ‘time’ is not something that Abramovich is particularly fond of.

It is no secret that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is looking to bolster Spurs’ attacking options and the Daily Mirror is reporting that he is considering a move for Serie A striker Edinson Cavani. A £24 million move is being touted for the Napoli striker who has been in top form this season.

The 23-year-old, who is on loan from Palermo, has hit 10 goals in 18 Serie A appearances for Napoli this season, in addition to 7 goals in Europe, and has a buy out clause of 30 million Euros.

Cavani is a player with international experience, having played in the 2010 World Cup for Uruguay and netted in the 3rd place playoff match against Germany. Interest from Inter Milan and Cavani’s desire to stay in Italy may rebuff Redknapp’s attempts to sign the striker and in turn force him to turn his attentions towards Cavani’s Uruguay teammate Luis Suarez.

A new striker will be at the top of the list for Harry Redknapp in January, despite Jermain Defoe netting twice in the FA Cup match against Charlton at White Hart Lane yesterday. With Robbie Keane looking set to leave, neither Peter Crouch nor Roman Pavlyuchenko performing consistently and Redknapp getting nowhere in attempts to sign Newcastle’s Andy Carroll, Cavani could solve Tottenham’s striking worries as they look to compete in both the Premier League and Champions League in the coming months.

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Atmosphere at football is often seen as a defining aspect of a club’s identity; the rapturous nature of the Kop at Anfield, Old Trafford’s Stretford End and the Holte End at Villa Park are all enshrined in club folklore, exemplifying their character, unity and originality. However, with the introduction of all-seater stadia, the squeezing out of fans of a low income and the notable sanitation of British football grounds, atmosphere has markedly suffered as a result.

Subsequently, there has in recent years been a up-swell of enthusiasm for the recapturing of what is a quintessential part of being a football fan. The seductive bluster of a feverish crowd in full voice is what first attracts many to the game in the first place – without atmosphere, we risk being pulled into an American-style form of spectatorship, devoid of passion but bristling with superficial theatrics.

With this prospect all too apparent, the emergence of various ‘Ultra’ groups have become a prominent feature of many British clubs, emulating the Italian model of groups established with the intention of improving atmosphere at grounds. Often misconceived to be associated with racism and violence, whereas in reality only a small percentage of groups or members are politically motivated or harbour extremist views. This association, however, is hard to shake off; as a result, many are unwilling to embrace the idea of Ultras in UK grounds. If they were able to extend their perspective beyond narrow fallacy, they would see a group of like-minded people who are bringing colour, noise, passion and intensity back into football.

Perhaps the first group to emerge were Aberdeen’s Red Army in 1999, and since then many supporters have followed suit in establishing Ultras sections at their club. Following some years later, Celtic’s Green Brigade have established themselves as one of the most visible entities of the Celtic matchday experience. Declaring themselves as ‘anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sectarian’, the group were recently heralded my manager Neil Lennon and despite occasionally courting controversy, remain a gratifying example of the Ultra model.

In the lower leagues of English football particularly, we have seen an exceptional increase in Ultra activity: supporters of Aldershot, York, Accrington, Oxford and Crystal Palace in particular have made great effort to improve matchday atmosphere, often partaking in mass sychronised displays of banners, giant flags and smoke bombs alike as well as generating noise seldom seen in many English grounds, both at home and away.

Taking increasing influence from the South American model of exhibitionist ‘tifos’, British ultras are bringing much needed vibrancy to our stadiums, often injecting new life into the soulless, duplicate arenas that many grounds have now become. Regulations, however, have made the functioning of Ultras groups progressively more difficult: many clubs now forbid flags or banners on draconian Health and Safety grounds, whilst the stigma attached to the term means many clubs are reluctant to engage with groups in fear of being tarnished. As thus, the co-ordination of displays is made discernibly more troublesome and groups are unable to develop positive relationships with their club, at the detriment of both parties.

Interestingly, there is a growing verve for Ultra activity higher up the ladder, as supporters grow weary of the commercialised, desolate demeanour which characterises many top flight grounds. At times, nowhere was as desolate than Villa Park this season – yet Brigada 1874, of permanent residence in the corner of the Holte End, have made resolute efforts infuse a greater sense of positivity and partisanship to Aston Villa. Likewise, supporters of cross-city rivals Birmingham City are using the recently established Forza Blues group as a means of reigniting passions at St Andrews.

Though making significant progress in the moulding of negative perceptions, Ultras groups still remain on the fringes of the football world in the UK, something which must be altered if the decline of atmosphere at British grounds is to be halted. Too often tarred with the hooligan brush, the limited vision of authorities, clubs and commanding figures is prohibiting the rightful spread Ultra culture, as archaic assumptions prevail before reasoned judgement.

Increased co-operation between clubs and groups does mark notable improvements, yet more needs to be done to promote assimilation of Ultras into mainstream British footballing culture in order to prevent our grounds falling further into the stagnant, stale and passive quagmire.

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You can follow me @acherrie1 for discussion on this or any other topic

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Charlie Adam has stated that he cannot wait to start life at new club Liverpool and that it is an honour to play for the Anfield club. The Scotland international moved to Merseyside this week from relegated Blackpool in a £8.5 million deal, and he has stated his admiration for his new employers.

“Since I’ve known about Liverpool’s interest I’ve been looking at the website,” the former Rangers playmaker is reported to have said in The Daily Telegraph.

“It has been a long process but now I can’t wait to get started and hopefully this will be a successful period in my career and in the club’s history.”

The 25-year-old also mentioned his respect for new boss and countryman Kenny Dalglish.

“Liverpool is a massive club with terrific players and a terrific manager. You have seen since the new manager came in the forward strides that have been made. Kenny has a terrific respect from players and people in the game. He is a wonderful manager and it’s an honour to be able to say I’m going to be able to play for Liverpool.

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“I see this as the perfect development for me to come here, play with such wonderful players and hopefully help the team to win trophies,” the Dundee born player concluded.

After all the good work West Ham had done over the last few matches, defeat at Sunderland on Sunday set alarm bells going again around Upton Park. Whilst a defeat away from home against one of the league’s form sides should not be a major shock, it will be the lack of creativity in front of goal that will have concerned Avram Grant the most.

If there is to be some good news, ahead of a clash with Champions League chasing Manchester City, it is that old fan’s favourite, Carlos Tevez will not be making an appearance against his former club.

Without him, City have been unpredictable at best so far this year, however with the Hammers struggling to string performances together, the ‘lesser’ lights should have more than enough in the tank to see off Tevez’s past employers.

Prediction: 1-2

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We all know that it has been non-stop controversy since Carlos Tevez arrived on our shores in August 2006, whether it is third party ownership, contract disputes or just refusing to take part, Monday night’s possible title deciding Manchester derby could well be added to that list.

It may well have been overhyped by the media, especially Sky Sports, but it does appear that whoever wins at the Etihad Stadium will be in the driving seat for this year’s Premier League title as it is weirdly in both clubs’ hands with just a few games remaining.

But one outcome that I can see or dream about is the last minute Carlos Tevez winner. Off the field, the Argentinean has been nothing but trouble, but on it, there are few better at what he does. In tandem with Sergio Aguero, the South American strike-force has impressed since Tevez’s return from his golfing holiday, clawing back their nearest and dearest from down the road to set up Monday’s game as a winner takes it all, something that didn’t look possible a few weeks back.

I was at Old Trafford when Tevez scored against Manchester United for West Ham to keep them in the Premier League on the final day of the season many moons ago, so he certainly has a taste for this occasion and I can genuinely see the outcome being along those lines.

With Mario Balotelli’s desperately disappointing season perhaps over and Edin Dzeko leaving his shooting boots back in 2011, the all-Argentine forward line could run rings around Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand given the opportunity, something that I am sure Sir Alex is worried about.

Tevez scored 34 goals in 99 appearances for Manchester United during a two year spell at Old Trafford, but despite cries of ‘Fergie, Fergie, sign him up’ coming from the Stretford End, Sir Alex wasn’t convinced. Tevez was reportedly offered a contract by United, only opting to pull out of negotiations and move to Man City instead with plenty happening behind the scenes that I am sure we don’t know about.

The ‘cupped eared’ celebration (above) was clearly aimed at Sir Alex repeatedly  and there was clearly some bad feeling between the two parties which I am sure has not yet fully passed. While Sir Alex has more important things to worry about than his personal feelings towards Tevez, I wouldn’t be surprised if it topped the Argentine’s list going into the game with a goal being his main importance rather than a team victory.

I am desperately hoping that Roberto Mancini does start with Aguero and Tevez up front to really have a go at United, with a win being a must for the hosts. There won’t be another massively high scoring game like at Old Trafford this season; in my opinion; and one goal either way could be the decider. That one goal, a Manchester City winner from their number 32’s right boot is my bet!

I am also going to be interested in Gary Neville’s thoughts on a player that called him a ‘boot licker’ just a few years ago after being team mates at United, while the former Red Devils skipper is working on the Monday Night Football on Sky – you may have seen it advertised? Whether he is just analysing the game or if he is in his co-commentary position, that in fairness he has adapted to well after his orgasmic shouts in the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.

Either way, it is going to be a great game of football, one for the neutrals, with everyone at home siding with one half of Manchester or the other to perhaps put an end to this season’s title race.

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Any thoughts on Carlos Tevez’s impact on Monday night’s game? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard

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The Premier League this week published the names of all players that have been released by top flight clubs this summer and it’s fair to say there is some top talent available for free.

A number of big names featured on the list with the likes of Patrick Viera , Jonathan Woodgate , and Seb Larsson all now looking for new clubs. Relegated Birmingham, West Ham , and Blackpool have released a total of 32 players between them in an effort to re-build for life in the Championship.

There are a number of players that will catch the eye and a number of Premiership managers will be searching for a bargain. Larsson for example, almost left Birmingham in January but chose to stay until the end of the year and rumours are that old boss Arsene Wenger is looking at bringing him back to Arsenal , the club that sold him in four years ago.

Although a number of players on the list won’t struggle for a club the future is slightly less clear for injury prone pair Jonathan Woodgate and Owen Hargreaves . Both have found their respective careers at Tottenham and Manchester United hampered by injury and presents something of a risk to any potential suitors.

Woodgate, once of Real Madrid is certainly a talented player and when fit would be a superb acquisition for any club, and he could be in line for a sensational return to former club Leeds United along with old favourites Lee Bowyer and Alan Smith .

The reasons for players being released are varied, some like Larsson leave because of ambition, whereas Hargreaves and Woodgate suffered because of poor fitness, but what of those elder statesmen on the list, players in the twilight of their career?

Vieira at the age of 34 for example has admitted a desire to stay in England but how long will the queue be for the former Arsenal captain’s signature? A player of outstanding ability and a leader on and off the field some believe he has one eye on joining former team-mate Thierry Henry in the MLS.

Kevin Phillips, once the Premier League top goal scorer, is now 37 and perhaps entering the final stages of his career. A proven striker he would be a valuable asset to any Championship club chasing promotion.

A number of clubs will be looking at this list and see it as a way of bringing in talent at bargain prices. There a whole host of international footballers that could provide much needed experience for a team’s fight against relegation of the push for Europe. Boudewijn Zenden has played for the likes of PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona and has represented Holland over 50 times a player like this could certainly add something to your club.

Matthew Upson is another name that a lot of managers will be looking at very closely, the central defender now 32 is in the prime of his career and represents superb value for money following his release from West Ham. An England international and former Captain of the Hammers he will certainly be one that should not struggle to find a new club.

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For now their futures are uncertain but there is no doubting the fact that there is a great deal of talent on offer and managers at home and abroad will be looking to find that player that could turn out to be the bargain of the century.

Read more of Patrick Giffney’s articles at This is Futbol

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Former Manchester United defender and now manager of France, Laurent Blanc, has been voicing his concerns over the Premier League and how it hinders the progress of precocious young players. His ideal would be for players to gain as much experience through regularly playing, but when that isn’t the case in the Premier League, he suggests that staying in France would be more advantageous to players in order to improve and build their reputation. It is notoriously infamous that the Premier League has the lowest home reputation of players, compared to all of the other major leagues in Europe.

So does Blanc’s point remain valid or is he narrowly viewing the matter as influenced by his current managerial position? Against Blanc, we may cite the new Premier League rules that limit clubs to a 25 man squad and the further caveat that 8 of these 25 players have to fall under the category of ‘home grown’. This came into effect for the new season, it is therefore in its preliminary stages of having notable and observable effects. The only problem is that the term ‘home grown’ doesn’t necessarily mean English, it only means that the player has to have been affiliated to the club for 36 months prior to their 21st birthday.

These rules will undoubtedly take years to fully come to fruition, the type that will increase the percentage of ‘home grown’ players and the aim of giving the England manager more options when choosing their squad. It still seems that the Premier League are behind the times, having enacted this new legislation only this season, whilst countries such as Germany have been implementing this kind of mentality for years now.

There seems to be a vicious contradiction of interests at work here, as Blanc cites Gael Kakuta’s stagnation at Chelsea as evidence of his rationale, the young prospect was enticed by the instant gratification of material gains that French clubs couldn’t match. But rather than the likes of Kakuta being played, they are kept at arm’s length, only if needs determine his use. This is due to the overarching demand of competition, the cry for success, and fans insatiable desire for immediate change. So why would managers risk their jobs in playing inexperienced kids, devoting their time to developing them over a course of years, when they’re likely to be cast aside if results aren’t favourable over the short-term?

This dichotomy of clashing forces creates two paths that are poles apart and one that will be arduous to reconcile. The demand of short-term success contrasts against the foresight to provide for the national squad. Do we wish for an exciting and unparalleled league or do we wish for a respectable effort in attaining a World Cup? Admittedly we do have some talent emerging, the likes of Jordan Henderson, Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll and Kieran Gibbs all being involved with the England set-up in some capacity.

But is it really enough, and soon enough, that these types of players are getting the exposure that is essential to their evolution? With the stipulated rules mentioned above, from the Premier League, it’s a dip in the shallow end of the pool, I mean who’s to say, and there’s evidence for it, that clubs won’t just buy foreign 12-18 year olds and develop them accordingly. Blanc identifies a familiar problem and it bares testament, pressurised clubs will be determined by tangible outcomes, not who their academy has produced. But then can youth challenge this notion for the good of the national team?

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Barcelona are set to test Tottenham’s resolve with a summer bid for Gareth Bale, according to The Telegraph.

The Welsh winger has shot to superstardom over the last 24 months, with excellent displays in England and in the Champions League last season.

The current PFA Player of the Year is one of a number of Spurs stars being tracked by bigger clubs, and it is believed that the European champions are ready to make a move for Bale.

The Camp Nou outfit are said to want to strengthen defensively in the summer, and the versatility of Bale is believed to be a key attraction for the Spanish giants.

Barcelona have identified Bale as a possible replacement at left-back for the ill Eric Abidal, who recently had a liver transplant for the second time.

Tottenham are sure to slap a hefty price tag on their star man, with Daniel Levy previously stating that they wouldn’t sell Bale for less than £50 million.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Barcelona target Cesc Fabregas insists he is happy at Arsenal, but also confirmed his frustration with the club’s six-year trophy drought.Fabregas, 24, has been consistently linked with a return to boyhood club Barcelona, who reportedly had a 35 million-euro bid rejected by Arsenal in June 2010.

A World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain, Fabregas has just one FA Cup success to show for his eight years in north London and is understandably disappointed with the team’s continuing silverware drought.

“A player who is not frustrated at not winning titles is either lying to himself or lacks ambition,” Fabregas said.

“There is a good team and a good manager and one of the most faithful fan bases in Europe. With those I believe we can make progress and one day win an important trophy.”

“I am an Arsenal player. I have been very happy for eight years and I am very happy. I am not thinking about football right now, just about my holidays.”

Fabregas looked set to depart the Emirates before the beginning of the 2010/11 season after publicly announcing his desire to re-join Barca.

But Arsenal resisted the Catalan giants’ advances and manager Arsene Wenger was able to convince his captain to reaffirm his commitment to the cause.

While Fabregas may again resolve to depart the Emirates Stadium, last year’s experience has taught him the reality that the matter is likely to be taken out of his hands.

“There have been no decisions,” Fabregas said.

“The truth is that it doesn’t always depend on the player and at the moment I don’t know anything.”

“He (Wenger) is the boss, the one who makes the decisions. You should ask him. I was injured at the end of the season and I haven’t seen him for about six weeks.”

“I am very happy where I am. Anything else would be speculation that is untrue. You can never say never in this life as so many things happen that you can never predict.”