Perhaps a bit of controversial selection, but let me explain. I've left out the candidates who everybody knows are bad (whatsisname who's left Southampton, Santini, and so on), as well as those who struggle to achieve anything because of the lack of funds. This lot are the ones who reckon they are the bees knees, but really just don't have the special something that pushes their team into the positions that count in the league, despite having the players to do so.

Bryan Robson: when the going gets tough, he doesn't have a bloody clue.
Terry Venables: ok, apart from the England-Holland game at Euro 96.
Graeme Souness: Liverpool, Rangers, Blackburn and now Newcastle...who'll his next victim be?
Kevin Keegan: ok, so he's not as bad as the others, but I don't believe he has the tactical nous to get Man City where they could be.

Feel free to offer comments, criticism (I'm sure there's some on the way) and let me know about any others I've missed out (and why they should be included please). Btw, I was tempted to add Harry Redknapp...I've not made my mind up yet.

Judging by their punishment for the racist chanting during their game(s) against England, Fifa have obviously decided that racism is not really much of a priority. A fine of £44,750 is bugger all, frankly. Sepp Blatter's weekly pastries bill probably amounts to more. That's all I've got to say.

Perhaps Souness isn't the Scrooge that the media have portrayed him after all. He cancelled the players' Christmas party, not because he's a killjoy (ha!), but because they apparently decided to celebrate Christmas a few weeks early in a London hotel and lost it. The only real surprise for me is that we didn't see a "Toon Players Go Crackers At The Ritz" a headline on the back of a tabloid.

This rest of this post can be found at Black And White And Read All Over.

A slightly belated post, as I've been busy with other matters. Although last weekend was hyped in many ways (Arsenal v Chelsea, the Merseyside derby and so on) it all seems forgotten now, as teams begin to gear up for the Christmas schedule, which, when over, often indicates who is one step ahead of the rest in the title race and who has one foot in the grave in the relegation battle.

So last weekend's action was in hindsight only of moderate interest. Arsenal and Chelsea's draw was perhaps the best outcome for the neutral (and Everton) fan. The pace the game was played at reminded me of last season's Champions League quarterfinal, but in the end only served to show that the two teams are very closely matched. Jose really needs to look at the rulebook before he criticises the ref though.

At the same time, the Toffeemen's win over their neighbours demonstrated who is top dog in Liverpool at the moment, especially given the Anfield team's inability to beat Portsmouth on Tuesday night. Their lack of fit forwards is affecting them, but I'm not entirely sure that signing Morientes is going to be the answer. Anelka with his Premship experience would be quicker to settle. However, it is beginning to look as though they will miss out on Champions League football unless something drastic happens in the new year.

A similar inability to grind out three points something is affecting Man U too, although this won't prevent them from playing in Europe next season. However, both Chelsea and Arsenal will have to make a lot of slip-ups if United are to become real title challengers again this season.

In mid-table, things really are too close to call, as teams that were heading towards Europe such as Bolton are dropping points, while others, such as Spurs are starting a winning streak.

The bottom is equally confsuing. Norwich are finally winning games, and Gabor Kiraly, the tracksuited Palace keeper is getting vital points for his team. On the other hand, Blackburn look like they're losing it. But like I said, things will be much clearer after New Year's Day.

In a move that is certain to raise the temperature on the south coast by a few degrees, 'arry has moved to Southampton. Milan must be fuming and I'm sure the Pompey supporters will be at their most welcoming next time the two clubs meet. Although I'm not convinced that Harry Redknapp is a talented manager. Portsmouth's loss is very much Southampton's gain.

Of course, most media types were still expecting Glenda to take over at St. Mary's, indeed some were absolutely adament that this would be the case, despite denials from Hoddle's agent. For once, one of them, The Guardian, has admitted that they were wrong. How refreshing. If only others (no names mentioned) would admit that their ludicrous rumours were absolute twaddle then the world would be a (slightly) better place.

According to the Beeb, Arsenal could re-sign former star (not my words - Pete) Emmanuel Petit on a short-term deal to ease the midfield crisis at Highbury. You have to laugh don't you. But let's face it, a team that is resorting to this is not up to a title challenge. Even Man U have got Kleberson.

Remember him? He's the Newcastle chairmen who, together with Douglas Hall, once called Geordie women "dogs" and laughed about Newcastle fans being ripped off when buying replica shirts.

Well, he's opened his gob again, this time at the Soccerex international football business forum in Dubai. One paragraph in particular of his speech there was picked up by our friends in the North (i.e. Ben and Paul at Black & White & Read All Over) and it goes like this:

"I think it is dog-eat-dog. The big fight will be for the Premier League to take over the running of the other leagues. The others can't hold us back, the time will come, I think, when it is the Premier League running the whole show. Many of these other clubs will have to go part-time. When we have got 52,000 fans at each home game, the last thing we are worried about is clubs in the third division. There is no sympathy here."

If this doesn't disturb you as a football fan, particularly as a fan of a lower-division club, then what will? It's a pretty crass and ill-judged statement. My sympathy goes out to Newcastle fans who have once again been reminded that their chairman is a bit of an idiot. I presume that they've been expecting Freddy Shepherd to open his mouth and provide his foot with somewhere to be stuffed for some time now, but he was especially foolish to mention the word "dog" too, as it's likely to remind (Newcastle) fans of his previous public blunder.

This rest of this post, as well as the opinions of others, can be seen at Black & White & Read All Over.