Sports

Back where he belongs: Chelsea’s reformed ‘bad boy’ Jody Morris is Frank Lampard’s most trusted ally

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2019

Eric

The excitement around Frank Lampard’s potential return to Chelsea from current club Derby County has generated a media frenzy but it is worth noting that another vital figure from the club’s recent past is also on his way back to Stamford Bridge.

Lampard’s assistant manager, Jody Morris, is Blue through and through and a well-respected coach in his own right, having played a pivotal role in helping Chelsea’s youth teams scale new heights before leaving his boyhood team to take up a role at Pride Park.

In his day, Morris was a technically gifted midfielder who became, and remains, the youngest player to play for Chelsea in the Premier League, at 17 years and 43 days old.

Unsurprisingly, Blues fans loved him from the off. However, he wasn’t just adored because he was a local boy; Morris was also a fine footballer, as he memorably underlined by getting the better of fellow wonderkid Xavi in a 3-1 win over Barcelona in April 2000.

Louis van Gaal’s team, which boasted superstars such as Luis Figo, Patrick Kluivert and Rivaldo, eventually got the better of the Blues, triumphing 5-1 in the return fixture at Camp Nou.

However, during that first leg in west London, Morris looked destined to achieve great things at Chelsea. Xavi even later named him his toughest opponent.

Morris himself has never hidden his disappointment at the way in which many of his proteges were forced to go elsewhere in search of regular football. His return should boost the first-team chances of the club’s numerous loanees and under-age prospects.

Jayden Bogle, Max Bird and Mason Bennett at Derby will tell you that this coaching team gives youth a chance. Former Blues captain Dennis Wise is also in no doubt that Chelsea’s players will respect Lampard and Morris’ frankness and meticulous approach to the game.

“I think they are both very honest,” Wise told Goal last season. “I think they tell people what they expect.

“I think they are very detailed on what they want from their players and then you always need a little bit of luck, always on your side. If they get the luck, they have already got the detail and understanding.”

They will also have the entire Chelsea crowd behind them.

Sports

Spain Berth in Euro 2024 Final, Beat France in Dramatic Comeback

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2024

Eric

Spain have book a place in the final of the Euro 2024 championship after a 2-1 win against France on Tuesday night.

Dani Olmo’s 25th-minute right-footed strike sealed the Spanish side’s victory at the Allianz Arena, Germany.

Spain will face either the Netherlands or England in the competition’s final on July 14.

France opened scoring in the eighth minute through R. Kolo Muani before two quick goals from Spain’s L. Yamal in the 21st minute, and D. Olmo in the 25th sealed victory for the Spaniards.

Sports

Finidi George Quits As Super Eagles Coach

Published

1 month ago

June 15, 2024

Eric

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, has resigned his appointment, according to a post by ex-Super Eagles media officer, Toyin Ibitoye on X.com on Saturday.

He wrote, “News just in. Finidi George #FinidiGeorge_FG has resigned from his #NGSuperEagles manager position.”

The resignation follows the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign coach to oversee him, despite his recent appointment in May.

Sports

Finidi Flop: NFF Mulls Employment of Expatriate Technical Adviser

Published

1 month ago

June 13, 2024

Eric

The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to appoint an expatriate Technical Adviser to oversee the Super Eagles.

This move comes ahead of the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers and the remaining 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

The decision was contained in a communiqué made available to newsmen on Thursday.

According to the communiqué, the Executive Committee of NFF held a meeting on Wednesday, to deliberate on important issues.

“The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologised to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals,” the communiqué partly read.

They assured Nigerians that they will put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers.

“The Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“The committee resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect,” the communique added.

The Board also expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players “notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action.”

The board decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the globe, “who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.”

Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, came under criticisms after the Eagles suffered a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on Monday on match-day 4 of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The defeat leaves the Super Eagles with a disappointing three points out of a potential 12, following a string of draws in their opening three matches.

The former international was appointed new head coach of the Nigerian men national team on April 29, 2024.