Sparky’s Column

GEARING UP FOR THE NEW SEASON

The transfer merry-go-round is in full swing as we look forward to the new season. Players, coaches and their families are packing up boxes ready for a big move. Photographers are extra busy taking snaps of smiling players with new club shirts. The money involved will be mind boggling to the average person, we are talking hundreds of millions of dirhams changing hands but is it money well spent?

 

The best investments could be could be right here on our doorstep. Kieren Geldenhuys and Harry Mortimer are both set for trials at West Ham, the English Championship Club. Former England international Carlton Palmer currently coaches them and is convinced they have what it takes. Is it beyond the realms of possibility that a club in the UAE would take a chance on them? It's a big ask to use up one of your foreign player slots on the young and inexperienced but it could prove a wise move. Young players being thrust into the Etisalat Pro-League could be a step too far too quickly. That said, having seen them play I am convinced they would do a job in the second division and move up to the big league after a year or two.

 

Ivan Hasek has returned to the scene of his success at Al Ahli. He resigned after winning the Championship in 2009 to head up the Czech FA. Since his departure, the Club's fortunes have plummeted, twice finishing in the bottom half of the table. Is it ever a good idea to return to the scene of your success?  History often says no - Josef Hickersberger has struggled to turn round Al Wahda. He took over midway through last season so he may yet prove the old adage wrong in the coming campaign. One of Hasek's first tasks is to wave goodbye to Fabio Cannavaro. The former world player of the year did not have the best of times playing in the Pro-League. I particularly remember his third booking of the season which cost him a suspension. He was outpaced by a 32 year old Oliveira of Al Wasl and dragged him back by his shirt to stop him going through on goal. He often looked exposed and as the team struggled, the former Italian captain couldn't find a way to lift the players around him. I am sure he will go back to Italy with great memories of life off the pitch but not on it.

 

The draw for the new season takes place this week. There are always two fixtures that the fans look out for, the first is your local rivals and the second is playing the champions. A great way to start the season would be Al Wahda v Al Jazira, Al Nasr v Al Wasl and Al Shabab against Al Ahli. Stranger things have happened in football but it will require a large dose of luck if we are to get the dream start to the season.