It's a funny old game

Football, or in particular the Premier League. Once upon a time it was viewed as a four horse race between Manchester United (Scum), Arsenal, Chelski and Liverpool. Oh how the mighty have fallen.

I got up this morning and watch the Liverpool -v- Blackpool game. In any normal season this would be a banked for the reds, especially playing at home in front of the Kop. Against all odds it was Blackpool who looked the better team, more composed on the ball, more up for the game. Once upon a time Liverpool were invincible, but that was long before the Gillette and Hicks ownership debacle. A more or less home grown team, the only foreigners being Craig Johnson, Jan Molby (with the dodgiest Scouse accent ever) and Bruce 'Jelly legs' Grobelaar. The likes of Souness, Dalglish, Hansen, Toshack, Rush, even Sammy Lee! They were a team that were total football, all in a British style. Against Blackpool the standout for me was Charlie Adam, a bit of a journeyman at an early age. Bought for just half a million quid (that would get you one of the Chelsea first teams shin), he personifies the British game, uncompromising but with pace and skill and a desire to win.

So who is to blame for Liverpool's demise (and that of their neighbour Everton); well in Liverpools case the answer is complex. I personally don't think Roy Hodgson can be blamed; he's done well with Fulham, but he inherited a right pigs ear of a squad from Rafa Benitez. Is it Gillette and Hicks, who the fans believe are the problem? Well they have been tight fisted with transfer funds and undoubtedly know bugger all about proper football (and like the Glaser's at Scumchester), instead trying to make a fast buck. For me the blame lies with the players - the Liverpool players were a disgrace; lethargic, disinterested, weak. Previous Liverpool teams would have died for Shankley, Paisley, Fagan - the only thing these lot would fight for would be bigger bonuses.

So what about their nemesis at the other end of the East Lancs Road? They too have Yankee owners that appear to be destroying the club. Maybe it is simply that the likes of Sunderland know how to take a game to them, are not afraid to give it a go - and frankly they deserved to win at the Stadium of Light.

And Chelski - well they make it a one horse race, give them the title now; they have shown they are the team to beat, they have the depth of talent and still retain a desire to win. My prediction is that money talks and City will end up as runners up this year and may go one better next year.

Blackpool, I hope they stay up, they deserve too for the tenacity of their players and the tactical nouse of their manager, Ian Holloway