Last updated 17:23, Monday, 01 September 2008

FIRST things first, yes I am a Manchester United fan. And no, I’m not a glory hunter.
I’ve supported the mighty Red Devils since my dad took me to Old Trafford for the first time in 1986. I had just turned seven years old.
The match programme from that game against Nottingham Forest has since been framed and hangs proudly in the hallway.
I tell you this only because what I am about to say next is not something you would expect to hear from a Man United fan, but the fact is, it’s the truth.
Steven Gerrard is the best English footballer in the Premiership.
It was after watching the latest England national team shambles against the Czech Republic that I felt the urge to reveal my up-until-now hidden admiration for the Anfield skipper.
I’m one of those guys who thinks of football in simple terms, much like Mike Bassett.
It doesn’t have to be a complicated game. Play 4-4-2 and play your best players in their best positions.
And in this case that means, take note Mr Capello, playing Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield.
Capello needs to stop trying to accommodate others and build his England side around Gerrard.
Stick the Scouser in the middle of the park alongside a more defensive-minded midfielder (Owen Hargreaves – when fit) and give him the freedom to go and play his natural all-action game.
If Gerrard can replicate the type of performances that inspire Liverpool, then England may no longer be the laughing stock of world football.
While we’re at it, I hope you’re still reading Mr Capello, let’s have two wingers with pace and the ability to get to the byline – that means goodbye to David Beckham.
Lastly, let’s forget Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen and the like, and get someone with some physical presence up front alongside Wayne Rooney.
The pressure is on you, Mr Capello. Deliver, or forget about learning the English language and instead go and brush up your Dutch with Steve McClaren.

YOU learn something new every day, or so the saying goes.
This week I learnt that Barrow football set the trend for signing Argentinean players when bringing Corpa and Rinaldi to the club in the 1930s.
I am reliably informed they never actually played for the first-team, but such details matter little.
I learnt this nugget of sporting knowledge following a trip to the National Football Museum in Preston.
While there I read about the successful Liverpool side of the 70s and it got me thinking about Emlyn Hughes – the greatest player ever to come out of Barrow.
I met Emlyn only once, at a dog racing track in Sheffield.
I was at the urinal of all places, when my mate – who was ever-so-slightly worse for wear – spotted Emlyn.
“Look, look, it’s that guy off the telly... it’s Eamonn Holmes,” he shouted.
To be fair to my mate he at least got the initials of his name right!