Top Ten

1. Kevin Phillips, WBA-16
2. Michael Mifsud, Coventry-15
3. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Plymouth/Wolves- 13
4. James Beattie, Sheffield Utd- 13
5. Andy Gray, Burnley- 13
6. Clinton Morrison, Crystal Palace- 12
7. Ricardo Fuller, Stoke- 12
8. Martin Paterson, Scunthorpe- 11
9. Marlon King, Watford- 11
10. Pablo Counago, Ipswich- 10

For me the most impressive name on the list is Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City; the fact that he is banging them is basically why the Potters are currently laughing in 4th position.

Kevin Phillips isn’t too much of a surprise, although he is certainly on the wrong side of his prime, so that he leads the list is a bit of a nice surprise for Baggies fans.

The other names are more or less usual suspects, but Michael Mifsud’s legendary performances in the Sky Blues cup run certainly deserve special mention. Enjoy these crackers from the Maltese marauder as the Sky Blues demolished Man Utd:

The case received much publicity in the UK and abroad, as it has been rare that a person of such profile as a Championship footballer was faced with deportation. Especially considering the fact that Bangura has an English wife, a newborn child, and is generally in good standing as a citizen, this was quite a shock to many.

The one thing I have seemed to miss in all of this (and excuse my ignorance if it has been reported), but exactly why has the Home Office ordered his deportation? Was it simply a case of a permit expiring? Surely then this could have been brought to Watford’s attention earlier that this could potentially happen, and they could have taken steps to renew the permit.

Watford supporters let it be known exactly how they felt on Saturday, December 15th when they held aloft placards of Bangura’s face with the words ‘He’s Family’ printed on them, during a half time protest.

All in all, it was a ludicrous decision on the part of the Home Office, and perhaps best framed by Hornets manager Aidy Boothroyd: “We thought we could put our faith in British justice but obviously not. We have to keep trying everything we can to make sure he stays”.

HOPE ABOUND

It seems that the common sense Boothroyd was looking for may prevail in due time. The H.O. has agreed to allow Bangura to remain in the UK while they review his case, which is a drastic improvement on last week, when a return to his stricken west-African nation seemed imminent. Let’s hope that all works out and he can continue on in the Coca Cola Championship, and more importantly, with his life as a father and husband in the UK.

Holloway to Foxes:

Ian Holloway made the move up to Leicester City, leaving behind a Plymouth squad currently in solid position at 8th place in the table (ahem, 12 places ahead of the Foxes). Not sure how I feel about this one. Holloway is quite hilarious, and Plymouth seemed like a good fit, away from the pressure and media glare of any of the big clubs. Can’t argue with the fact that he is probably in a much better place financially.

Coventry in Financial Woes

Ian Dowie led CCFC has hit some rough times in terms of finances, and talks to insolvency have haunted the corridors of the Ricoh Arena. They now have a ten day deadline for a takeover to go through before they go into administration and are docked 10 points, dropping them into the relegation zone.

Full Table (12-10-2007)

I think what surprises me the most about the table is not Bristol City hanging on in the playoff places, but the decline of QPR. Coping with Ray Jones’ death surely must be a tremendous burden, but with new ownership and managment, as well as the signing of Scott Sinclair, some sunshine did come to Loftus Road. Their slip to last in the table has darkened the sky however, but I will be rooting for the super hoops to lift themselves out.

Club- Player
Barnsley- Neil Redfearn
Blackpool- Stanley Matthews
Bristol City- John Atyeo
Burnley- Jimmy McIlroy
Cardiff City- Phil Dwyer
Charlton- Derek Hales
Colchester- Karl Duguid
Coventry City- Steve Ogrizovic
Crystal Palace- Ian Wright
Hull City- Ken Wagstaff
Ipswich Town- John Wark
Leicester City- Steve Walsh
Norwich City- Kevin Keelan
Plymouth- Tommy Tynan
Preston NE- Sir Tom Finney
QPR- Stan Bowles
Scunthorpe Utd- Jack Brownsword
Sheffield Utd- Tony Currie
Sheffield Wed- Chris Waddle
Southampton- Matt Le Tissier
Stoke City- Stanley Matthews
Watford- John Barnes
West Brom- Tony Brown
Wolves- Steve Bull

Some pretty good players mind you. Now while I was a bit too young to remember many of the above names, I can say quite definitivley who would be my number one. Team loyalties aside, Matt Le Tissier was just an absolute joy to watch. While their may be players above who will go down in lore as perhaps better than the Tiss, he was absolute magic in a time when wizardry was not exactly in abundance across the pitches of England. Think Harry Potter but better. And taller. And on a football pitch. In candystripes.

“Le God.”

Currently lying 9th in the Conference (Blue Square Premier or whatever), it is hard to predict exactly how this will turnout. See the MYFC website for more details, but basically the goal is the true democratic running of a football side. The 50,000 ‘owners’ will decide by vote on all aspects of the side including team selection, transfers, sponsorship, etc.

The opinions have been thick and fast, and widely varied, including Birmingham chairman David Sullivan generally slating the whole idea. The comments from the Ebbsfleet camp have been good, as expected, and I personally feel the idea can have some success.

With the extra cash injection in the January window, and a decent position currently to challenge for the playoffs, a debut in the Football League may not be that far off, and who knows, maybe the Championship isn’t out of range as well.

What do you think?

Harry Redknapp is a famous former player and manager.