Uncertainty reigns at Home Park

Now, when it comes to under pressure managers, we’ve all heard about them being given the ‘dreaded vote of confidence’, and similarly, this season alone we’ve seen enough managers ousted from their position, and not given the backing needed when they need it most.

However, it’s hard to see where Plymouth Argyle are coming from with their latest statement regarding under fire manager Paul Sturrock.

The statement reads as follows:

"Today, we conducted our regular monthly meeting of the Argyle Board of Directors.

"During the course of the meeting, we held talks with the manager in which the deep concerns of the Board regarding the team's position in the Championship were fully aired.

"The Directors believe that Argyle staying in the top two tiers of the league is paramount for the future of the club and will do all in their power to ensure that situation endures."

Confused? You wouldn’t be the only one. Where exactly does this leave Sturrock? Does he have the board’s backing, or will he be picking up his P45 by the time this blog is written?

With one win in 15 league games and Argyle sitting precariously above the drop zone, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Sturrock on his way.

But would this be unfair? Granted, recent form has been poor, but after the exodus at the end of last season, could anymore be expected?

You can’t sell the players they did, not replace them with adequate replacements, and not expect to struggle.

With the limited resources at his disposal, some would argue that ‘Luggy’ is doing a credible job at Plymouth. And there’s no doubt Plymouth wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for the Scotsman, who took Argyle from the Third Division to the Championship when the Pilgrims were at their lowest ebb.

But as we know, there is little room for sentiment in football these days, and if results don’t improve Sturrock will soon be on his way, no matter how highly regarded he may be by the Green Army, or how close he is to chairman Paul Stapleton, whom he shares a great working relationship with.

One things for sure, all of this uncertainty can’t be good for anyone concerned at Home Park – with the fans and players alike seemingly unsure if the manager is coming or going.

Is Ryan Giggs really worthy of the player of the year award?

With this season’s player of the year voting looking as open as it’s been in a decade, many names have been put forward for the much sought-after prize.

The likes of Ashley Young and Nemanja Vidic are seen by many as genuine contenders in a year where there is seemingly no standout candidate for the award.

However, in the last month a new name has emerged.

At 35 years old, Ryan Giggs was expected by many to be a bit-part player in Manchester United’s quest for honours this season, having begun both the Champions League final and the Premier League title decider at Wigan last May on the substitutes’ bench.

This wasn’t a surprise to many, who felt his best days were behind him after a series of poor performances in the previous campaign.

However, after strong showings against the likes of Chelsea and West Ham in the last month, it appears that Giggs is no longer past it, but as good as ever.

And in the process, the Welshman has emerged as many people’s favourite for the coveted crown.

A worthy contender, perhaps? Or is this just an act of nostalgia?

There’s no doubting Giggs’ undoubted quality and consistency during his 19 year tenure at Old Trafford. After all, he’s notched up 147 goals in 687 starts and 101 substitute appearances, and has managed to score in 19 consecutive league seasons.

It’s testament to his ability and how he’s looked after himself throughout his career that he can still perform at the highest level, and that Sir Alex Ferguson still trusts him in the big games for his experience and know-how.

But with only nine Premiership starts and a solitary goal to his name, the choice of Giggs as footballer of the year would be no more than a sentimental one.

Recent performances have certainly been special, as he has rolled back the years with a series of quality displays in a variety of positions.

However, it has to be said other players have been more consistent throughout the season, with Vidic in particular a key ingredient in United’s recent success.

The Serbian has been outstanding in a United side seemingly intent on breaking defensive records as they go along, and with 23 appearances to his name, he’s been a model of consistency for his side as they continue to strive for success on all fronts.

In a campaign where clean sheets have formed the basis of United’s success, he has been a key factor. His importance cannot be understated, and the accolade would be richly deserved in an award where defenders are largely ignored in favour of attacking players.

Indeed, Vidic has shown the true form that is required from the footballer of the year. Even Giggs himself would testify to that.

Adams doomed from the start

Just sixteen league games into his tenure at Fratton Park, Portsmouth have announced the sacking of Tony Adams.

Portsmouth currently lie in 16th position, just a point away from the dropzone with 24 games played.

And while the decision doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, you have to wonder about the timing of it all.

After a credible performance against title chasing Liverpool, why sack Adams now? It certainly wasn’t the worst performance of his reign, and with Liverpool chasing the title, it was always a big ask for Portsmouth to get anything from the game.

Furthermore, if he isn’t the right man for the job now, why was he given money to spend in January? Surely giving a new man the chance to make his mark and bring in his own players would have been a better option for the South Coast side.

It’s fair to say the appointment shouldn’t have been made in the first place. Appointing a manager who proved himself to be out of his depth in League One with Wycombe Wanderers was bad enough, but giving him a 2 and a half year contract bordered on insanity.

And judging by recent performances and results, Adams just hasn’t cut it.

A solitary two wins in the league sealed his fate, though it was poor performances, tactics, and transfer dealings that really led to his demise.

Indeed, Portsmouth only conceded 40 goals in domestic competition last season, and their FA Cup triumph was largely built on defensive discipline and 1-0 wins.

Now, Pompey are leaking far too many goals – and at key moments too. The defensive discipline from last season has deserted them, and a lack of concentration at the end of matches is all too evident.

4-5-1 formations at home to the likes of Bristol City also didn’t endear Adams to the Pompey faithful. Far too often tactics were confusing and players were played out of position, with David Nugent being shunted to the wing, leaving an isolated Peter Crouch to lead the line on his own.

Being fair to Adams, it was always going to be difficult as soon as the likes of Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe were sold for big fees, with very little of the money given back to Adams to spend and rebuild his depleted squad.

But Adams was undeterred, and asked to be judged on his January signings.

And while the signing of Jermaine Pennant made sense, the signings of Hayden Mullins and Angelos Basinas left fans feeling frustrated, with neither signing doing much to excite fans.

So what now for Portsmouth? Names such as Sven Goran Eriksson and Avram Grant have been touted for the job, but in my opinion, they should look no further than Alan Curbishley.

The former Charlton and West Ham man has always been able to get the best out of the limited resources at his disposal, and has previous experience of relegation battles.

His knowledge of the Championship would also prove to be crucial, should Portsmouth not survive the dreaded drop. You would certainly fancy their chances of bouncing straight back with Curbishley at the helm.

Indeed, the next appointment is crucial if Portsmouth are to preserve their Premiership status, or the relegation chimes could reign over Fratton Park.