THE VIEW FROM THE STANDS
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Fourfourtwouk
Fourfourtwo
BREN AND GONE
It’s been a little over a year since Brendan Rodgers departed Celtic for a return to the bright lights and bulging piggy- banks of the Premier League. While his exit is still a sore point, dividing opinion at Parkhead, both Rodgers and Celtic are happy – and perhaps even better off?
We – Celtic – topped our Europa League group, remain on track for an historic 10- in- a- row and fought off Rangers with 10 men to win the League Cup. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ Leicester are flying in the Premier League with one of the division’s most exciting teams, and appear a safe bet to end up in a Champions League spot. Maybe it’s time to let the ill feelings go now?
Milton Lockyer, via email
IT’S A FIX
I’ve just read your story on the ’ 60s match- fixing scandal [ FFT 311], but I feel the need to argue that the real loss to England’s team of that decade wasn’t Tony Kay – who had made only one appearance for Alf Ramsey’s side – but co- conspirator Peter Swan, who could well have gone on to partner Bobby Moore at the back. He’d already won 19 caps by then, as you point out, and was later described by Jimmy Greaves as a “breathtaking player”.
The loss of David Layne, 25, in the sting also deserved more attention. He’d scored 52 goals in 74 matches for top- flight Sheffield Wednesday, and looked set to score many more. Jon Ball, via email
DESPERATE DAN?
It’s hard to imagine that Jose Mourinho didn’t take the Spurs job without the promise of significant money to spend this summer. He’s known to be really particular about the players who suit his style, and is never afraid to throw out those who don’t fit.
The bottom line? After a very shoddy season, many of Tottenham’s current squad will face the chop this summer: Danny Rose has already been phased out, while Jose has publicly criticised Tanguy Ndombele’s efforts.
Chairman Daniel Levy doesn’t tend to give his gaffers pots of gold. But even he must now accept that, in a post- Pochettino world, Spurs are in serious danger of being left behind. Lyle Jacobs, via email