Wayne Rooney's new hair! - Photos!

With the transfer season in full swing many would think that the star signings on the agenda of each club would be dominating football headlines. Much to the contrary however is Wayne Rooney's new transfer, transfer of hair that is. The United stuperstar is renound for his notorious receding hairline and has taken the time out to recieve a hair transplant.

Here are the new photos of Rooney's new head of hair

What do you think?

Video - Play the Advantage - Football!

Following the launch of the new Play the Advantage Football Youtube Channel, we provide you with our first video......

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Play the Advantage now on Youtube!

PTA have launched their youtube channel, and will now be providing you with a whole host of video content to compliment our written articles! Check it out and subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/user/PTAFOOTBALLBLOG

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Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea on the move as we head into the Transfer Window

As leagues around Europe come to a close, teams will be looking to add talent to their squads in the hope of collecting respective titles, already we have seen the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea getting in on the action. So lets take a look at who has made some early moves.

Juventus: With the Bianconeri falling short of Europe, some new blood in the squad would be more than welcome, and the Turin giants have already gotten to work! Andrea Pirlo signed on a free deal from Milan and will partner either Aquilani or Felipe Melo in the centre of the part. Juve have also gone about solving their defensive woes down the left flank signing Reto Ziegler from Sampdoria.

Real Madrid: There is no doubt that Madrid certainly took the title to Barcelona this year. Although they fell short the Galacticos can take heart in the fact that they are slowly bridging the gap - although not a small one. So far this transfer campaign Madrid have secured the services of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin and Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop. Madrid are also very close to completing the signing of Fabio Coentrao from Benfica. 


Bayern Munich: Perhaps the German side have so far recorded the biggest signing of this transfer window, securing Manuel Neuer on a five year contract from Schalke. the shotstopper is amongst the best in the world and would be a great addition to a side who have not found consistant form at the back. They have also been in the hunt for Sergio Aguero but will face stiff opposition from a number of the top clubs around Europe!

Chelsea: The Blues will surely be in the hunt for a new coach, sacking Carlo Ancelotti after failing to win any silverware in the 2010/2011 campagin. First man on the list is Guus Hiddink who has been spotted within the Chelsea area, possibly discussing terms with the Chelsea board. The English side have also been linked with the much anticipated move of Neymar to Europe as well as the signing of Javier Pastore - of which an offer has already been turned down - After spending an absolute fortune on Tores, Chelsea will look to minimise spending this summer.


Just a bit of news from the start of the Transfer Window, more to come on PTA shortly. Until then enjoy the International Fixtures!

Even FIFA needs money from other sources!

By Paul Frederickson

Transparency

–noun, plural -cies.

1. Also, transparence. the quality or state of being transparent.

Corruption

–noun

1. the act of corrupting or state of being corrupt.

2. moral perversion; depravity.

3. perversion of integrity. (1)

This is not intended as a dictionary lesson but FIFA could do well to heed the words. With recent corruption allegations from within its own ranks FIFA's integrity does seem perverse. There have been many articles on how FIFA can lead the way in terms of regaining integrity and making their practices fairer and more transparent.

With Sepp Blatter reinstated unopposed as FIFA's President at the age of 75, is he the head of the snake that has to be removed? This would seem an obvious pathway, one that people have unsuccessfully attempted even in recent times. As the corruption is more widespread and in-grained than simply the presidential level then it requires wholesale changes.

The world's football federations have not condemned the president or the FIFA executive even when many of the member nations have voiced their disapproval of many of the practices. England refused to vote in the recent farce of an election process but even this was viewed as a token gesture. So what then, what can change FIFA? Money, and only money can change FIFA. The very source that has corrupted the beautiful game can be its saviour.

Reuters reports suggested:

"Coca-Cola said the allegations of corruption were "distressing and bad for the sport". German sportswear maker Adidas also said the controversy had hurt soccer." (2)

In a separate article, Brian Homewood reported on the opinions of other major FIFA sponsors.

"The current situation is clearly not good for the game and we ask that FIFA take all necessary steps to resolve the concerns that have been raised," Visa Europe said in a statement.

Emirates airline expressed its concern saying it was "disappointed with the issues that are currently surrounding the administration of the sport." (3)

Now I must admit, the next bit is a big stretch. If the sponsors pull out of their sponsorships and the federations and member nations oppose the current FIFA setup then FIFA must listen and must react. It can be done, it should be done, it must be done.

Or, the FIFA executive could do the honorable thing and step aside. About as likely as my left foot winning the World Cup for Australia!

What do you think?

(1)http://dictionary.reference.com

(2) Reuters, Pressure mounts on FIFA over scandal: Blatter defiant, May 31,

YahooSport http://www.hotheadlines.com.au/redirect.phph=Sponsors_add_to_pressure_on_scandal_hit_

FIFA_Reuters_&artid=813106

(3) Brian Homewood, FIFA's Blatter juggles sponsor pressure, voters, Reuters, May 31

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/05/31/uk-soccer-fifa-idUKTRE74S16G20110531

United Out Classed and out played handsomely

Well, after the champions league final one thing is for sure. The one who invented the saying ‘’History repeats itself ‘’ was much wiser than the one who came up with the ‘’lightening’’ never strikes twice proverb. A 3-1 score line may not represent the complete domination and decimation of the Red Devils at the hands of the Catalans but for those who watched the game, they know that it was one way traffic throughout the whole game.

It was a desolating Man Utd performance but unlike Rome, 2 years ago at least they can hold their heads up high. The whole team failed to show up that day but at Wembley, at least they came back from a goal down. Tactically, Sir Alex did get some of his decisions all wrong. Giving that much time and space to a team of Barcelona‘s caliber given that how ruthless they can be, was absolutely cynical. No one could deny the fact that United‘s midfield duo of Carrick and Giggs lacked the legs you need to counter waive after waive of immense pressure. But I sincerely believe that there‘s nothing you can do when Barcelona are on song. When they play like they did at Wembley , they are unstoppable. Fergie could have opted to play five in the midfield in order to meet Barcelona‘s panache with physical strength but Fergie is not Mourinho. In a cup final, you have to go there with a positive frame of mind to win. As compared to Inter Barca encounter last year , Inter had a two goal cushion to sit upon something that United never had at their disposal. For the first 10 minutes, United were cruising. Park was running around keeping Messi and co quiet but as soon as Pedro scored the first goal, you could almost sense that chips were down now. Patrice Evra has had a torrid season. And he got his bearings all wrong for the first goal. Indecisive whether come infield or stick with his wide position, in the end he did neither. As for the second goal , He was the closest to Messi and I was wondering like other United fans , how come Messi has all the time in the world  to shoot and pick his spot. It was very disturbing indeed. There‘s no point in pointing fingers towards specific individuals. At United, we play as a team. We win as a team similarly we lose as a team as well. Some might say that United were just privileged to be a part of this spectacle. No, there was never a greater delusion than that. They are Manchester United players. They are destined to win every time they step onto a football pitch. It’s just that sometimes you just have to take your hats off for a performance like that and admit that the best team won.

On the other hand, you have the finest team of their generation none other than Barcelona. You could glorify this team all night long, still all the praises would not be enough. Talisman like Messi and to provide cool and calmness in the centre of the park , Xavi and Iniesta. Football games are won and lost in the centre of the park and possession of the ball is of essence in Football. All of these along with other Barcelona players hardly put a foot wrong in the final. Meanwhile, after the 2nd goal United players forgot how  to keep hold of the ball. Cheap giveaways and aimless hackings of the ball forward became frequent. Still, take nothing away from the Blaugranas. Messi , even at 23 he has the world at his feet and no one brings the fans to their feet , the way he does. And for Xavi and Iniesta , they virtually put the opposition out of contention with their inch perfect passing and their off the ball movement is second to none as well. To go with all of these, it’s the composure that goes with all their technical ability. Cool as ice even under pressure cooker scenarios.


On a whole, The Champions League final came just at the right time to show the whole world the bright side of the beautiful game. It has once again rejuvenated football fans all across the globe. Amidst all the corruption, bribery allegations and the struggle for power in the football‘s main governing body, this game might just provide the perfect remedy. They say Birth is more but breeding is much. Football sides from all across Europe should pay special attention on developing their academies just like Barcelona have done. Unlike Madrid, Barca has built their success rather than buying it. If you want to be the most successful team then you must built your team around a set of homegrown players. Not only you can save fortunes but there are no egos and you can mould them in the style you want them to play.

A-League draw 2011/12. What we wanted?

By Paul Frederickson

It is not an understatement to suggest that the upcoming season's A-League draw has been the most anticipated in the league's short history. The draw was televised online and on Fox Sports which in itself is a new measure of what the FFA are aiming towards; anticipation, excitement and media interest in the competition.
Strengths:
The start of the 2011/12 Hyundai A-League season has been placed in the vital and short-lived window where the AFL and NRL seasons have been completed and domestic cricket is only just commencing. Hopefully the FFA will use this time to heavily promote the season with multimedia and in particular, television advertising.

The FFA has thought about the games that should be played at different times of the year. With the Brisbane Roar versus Central Coast Mariners rematch to start the season as well as the traditional Melbourne Victory versus Sydney FC blockbuster to be played on Australia day this illustrates the FFA’s intent to capitalise on crowd rivalries. The dreaded mid-week fixtures are on hiatus until the holiday period of December and January. This will allow for more people to attend these games as well as have reasonable ratings for Fox Sports as more people will be on holidays than normal.

Regional matches, of whom destinations are still to be finalised are also to be facilitated by the league allowing for greater exposure in the Australian market. Regional areas have long been forgotten or neglected by our national codes and this is another market segment that the FFA can not only utilise but help. No byes for teams. With the unfortunate demise of the North Queensland Fury the one positive is that teams will not have a bye.

Teams will not have as many blocks of consecutive games. Last season saw teams play up to five games in a 15 day period which not only fatigued small squads but had a skewed ladder where teams true ladder positions could not be gauged at any given time, bar round one.

Weaknesses:
The finals and Grand Final will be played at the start of the NRL and AFL seasons as well as being part way through the Super Rugby season. This may affect teams that share grounds. This would be Sydney FC, the Melbourne teams as well as the Brisbane Roar. When the grounds are required to be at their peak they could be damaged. In previous years some of the finals have been played the day after Super Rugby and NRL games. Games that would be less affected by ground damage than our game which requires precise passing on an even surface.

The long awaited and highly anticipated FFA Cup is believed to start in January 2011. Is this still the case? With the FFA ordering Melbourne Heart and Victory to not participate in Victoria’s competition, the Mirabella Cup, alarm bells are ringing on the details of this competition. These were the details that I was hoping to see as part of the draw!

Due to the season being conducted over 25 weeks and 27 games being played per season in the current format, there will still be a significant gap between seasons. This is 6 months for those who make the finals and up to 7 months for those who don’t participate in the series. This may still lead to players looking for temporary or permanent loans to overseas clubs. It may also reduce the amount of quality overseas players that we can attract to the competition, especially in light of players attempting to play for their respective national teams.

The fixtures do not seem to have taken into account the Asian Champion’s League campaigns of Brisbane and the Central Coast. It may require flexibility on behalf of the competition but any Australian team that advances beyond the ACL group phases will be playing just after the A-League season ends.

Teams are not playing an even number of home games to each other and this is not possible with a 27 game season. It does mean that half of the competition will either be advantaged or disadvantaged by having one less ‘home’ game. This extends beyond home ground advantage as it can also give the extra revenue to the clubs that can be generated by hosting these games.

Trends:

It is uncertain at this stage how much influence clubs and supporters have had on the fixture allocation process. It does seem that the FFA has listened to stakeholders to some extent. Adelaide United has many Friday night games, Central Coast has an amazing 12 Saturday night games and the Gold Coast and Wellington games will be primarily on Sundays. This seems to play to the strength their supporter groups and locales.

Overall the 2011/12 season draw is a positive and much needed change to a more traditional formatting structure. On the face of it, the draw seems more balanced and fair and whilst this is what fans have been crying out for it requires prominent support in the form of advertising.

Let us hope the draw allows the 2011/12 season to be the best yet!

http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=39876