INTERVIEW - Clent Alexander, Part Two.

THE MLS, THE STADIUMS AND THE FUTURE.

From the outside looking in, the MLS appears as a healthy and growing league, is this the same impression you get from being someone involved inside the game in America?

Major League Soccer and its owners have done a great job of growing the sport of soccer in America.

One problem some clubs have is finding stadiums to play in; a high profile example is Beckham’s Miami team struggling to find a site suitable for their football specific stadium. Have you encountered such problems and is it the major concern when talking about the growth of the game?

Having our own stadium is something I have wanted for San Diego and us for 5 years. I have been researching what we need to do and how we will make it happen for the past 2 years. We are at a point now where we have a preliminary plan in place and are searching for a proper location.

I don’t believe we will see the same type of opposition that David Beckham and his group are having. There is a great need for another venue in San Diego besides where the Chargers and Padres play. We are looking to fill that void and our Part Owners will have ownership in that venture too.

We are continually told that more and more Americans are getting passionate about football.  Do you see this as a true statement or something that has become exaggerated after a successful world cup?

It is definitely true that the popularity of our sport is on the rise in the U.S. Smarter people than me see the growth potential as well. Look at how TV rights for soccer are now being sought after. NBC outbid Fox Soccer for the rights to the Premier League. ESPN is negotiating with Major League Soccer to air more games. The result is having more soccer on TV. That will feed the upward growth of the popularity of the game in America.

Do you see a day when the NPSL can become a force in terms of competing with MLS to be considered the top league in America, or do you think it will continue to unofficially become a league that MLS and NASL teams can use to develop their players?

Compete with MLS. I don’t think so. Compete with Div 2 and 3? That is definitely a possibility. We have teams in over 70 cities across the United States (Div 2 has 12 and Div 3 has 14).

We in the NPSL have the footprint to be a huge force in the U.S. Soccer market. We just need a little more organisation. I firmly believe we can be considered more than just a developmental league. We are in the right place at the right time in the history of soccer in America.

I work full-time on soccer now days and with the experience I have in business, the Internet, in social media and in soccer; I am ecstatic to be involved. I look forward to helping the sport continue to grow.

Ultimate goal: A World Cup Championship for USA!

More information about San Diego Flash and investment opportunities can be found here -  sandiegoflash.com

Match of the Week - Everton Vs Chelsea

Not many stand out match ups this weekend in the premier league, a few taking on more importance i.e. Spurs v Liverpool on Super Sunday is an important game after Tottenham's start with maximum points this campaign and Liverpool with their own big money signing in Mario Balotelli and looking to bounce back after the defeat at Man City.  The pick of the weekend for me though is at Goodison Park with Everton taking on Jose's Chelsea, after the toffees showing against Arsenal last week there is no doubt Chelsea will be in for tough game and this match could be very important in the blues title challenge and Everton top four push.

KEY PLAYERS

Romelu Lukaku is the obvious danger man for Everton, he has proved in the last two seasons he can score in the premier league and his general play and teamwork are just as important as evidenced with his assist last weekend.  Not to forget he will be determined to prove to Chelsea that he was worth a starting place and they made a mistake in letting him go.  Another key player for Everton is Sylvain Distin, the centre back has certainly not got the pace of his younger counterparts but his positioning and defensive awareness are still second to none and will certainly be tested against the attacking force of Chelsea.

Eden Hazard for Chelsea is a definite threat, a world class footballer who has started the season like he wants to prove he is just that, albeit against what some may call lesser opposition in the blues first two league games this will be a stage to show what he can do against a well organised and dangerous side.  Courtois in goal for Chelsea I will pick as they other key man for them, they have a strong defence as usual but Everton have shown they can break through even the best defence on their day and Courtois will be called upon as their last line of defence, in his first real test against a top premier league team in a Chelsea shirt, a good performance could see him cement the No.1 shirt for the foreseeable future.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

Everton

Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Naismith, Mirallas, Lukaku.

Chelsea

Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Oscar, Hazard, Willian, Costa.

SUMMARY

This really could go either way, I say that purely on the fact that it's at Goodison Park, were this game at the Bridge then I would say Chelsea all day however good Everton are.  The good news for the toffees is its not and if Everton can start well and dictate the tempo early on then the Goodison faithful will be in full voice and can definitely inspire their team to a good performance.  Saying that Chelsea are still Chelsea and I would expect them to create and score with all the talent at their disposal, cannot pick a winner in this one, tough one to call so will sit on the fence and say a score draw.

By @AshleyCalver1

Team of the Week.

Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)

Has pressure to perform after replacing Cech and was solid in what was an open game against the newly promoted and attacking Leicester team. He made some excellent saves including a fantastic one on one with David Nugent.

Eric Dier (Tottenham)

For the second week in a row, another cracking display from Dier and another goal as well to help Spurs in their perfect start to the league campaign. His first real test will be stopping Sturridge and Balotelli of Liverpool next week.

Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

His league form has continued after his impressive world cup, his confidence from the summer is increasing every game, two clean sheets in two league games.  Cannot ask for more from your centre back, plus there’s a solid partnership with him and Senderos developing.

Seamus Coleman (Everton)

In a game Everton dominated and should have won comfortably, Coleman was a prominent and continuous attacking force. He grabbed a goal and was consistently on form throughout.

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

A key figure in a defence that has only shipped one goal in their opening two games, Ivanovic has been Chelsea’s rock, another solid week in which he provided the assist for Diego Costa’s goal. The fixture against Leicester wasn’t as easy as some had predicted his dedication and determination helped ensure Chelsea get all 3 points.

Stewart Downing (West Ham)

Reinvigorated since his transfer from Liverpool the winger was in devastating form against Crystal Palace this weekend. Some players aren’t cut out to play at big clubs where the expectation week after week is huge, Downing seems to excel without that expectation and should kick on and improve even more.

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Ramsey’s goal was instrumental and helped Arsenal come back from 2 down to what had been a very composed Everton side until he struck 7 minutes from time. Fairly anonymous for most of the match and yet he stepped up during a key moment, the sign of a great player.

Nacer Chadli (Tottenham)

After sitting out the opener against West Ham he scored twice to condemn QPR to 2 defeats in 2 games. He’s slowly beginning to prove his worth and make his mark on this spurs side.

Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

The transfer of the summer on performances so far. Fabregas has taken on the responsibility of filling the departed Lampard’s boots with ease, devastating going forward and another assist. It’s only a matter of time before the goals start flowing from his boots.

Stevan Jovetic (Manchester City)

After a good pre-season he is putting in performances that count in the league now, a thorn in Liverpool's side most of the game, got himself an assist and a goal. He’s really putting up a fight for his place in the starting line-up.

Mauro Zarate (West Ham)

Playing just behind the top man he was immense in driving the hammers forward and inspiring his team mates around him.

Match of the Week - Crystal Palace Vs West Ham

CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM UNTIED

There is a few big matches this weekend, Everton v Arsenal for one.  On paper that is one for the football purists and should be an entertaining game.  Monday night football sees an early season meeting between the top two from the last campaign, again that should be an intriguing match up and certainly one that will lead to plenty of talking points.  These games will have more than enough coverage on them and will be analysed to death before kick-off, so for me the stand out game and most important to talk about is Crystal Palace against West Ham.  Both sides are expected to struggle this season and both lost their opening fixture last weekend.  Therefore this game so early in the season takes on more importance for each team to get the 3 points for themselves that could make a massive difference when May comes around.

KEY PLAYERS

Marouane Chamakh for Palace is one of the key players for the home side.  The Eagles are going to need to score goals to stay out of trouble this season.  Chamakh has to find some kind of form and start finding the back of the net soon to justify Palace taking a chance on the free agent from Arsenal.  Julian Speroni is the other key player for Crystal Palace, he needs a solid defence in front of him but without question he will be called upon during the game and could be crucial in the outcome of the result.

Enner Valencia, the Hammers new signing from Pachuca has pressure on his shoulder with the absence of Andy Carroll.  He made his debut last weekend coming off the bench against Spurs and it will be interesting to see him from the start for 90 minutes.  Stewart Downing is the other key player for West Ham.  Another player who impressed against Spurs, goals win games and although Downing does not score many he certainly has the ability to create the chances for others to finish.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

Crystal Palace

Speroni, Kelly, Hangeland, Delaney, Bolasie, Ledley, Jedinak, Bannan, Chamakh, Campbell.

West Ham

Adrian, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Downing, Nolan, Vaz Te, Valencia.

SUMMARY

This has all the potential for a 0-0 if it was mid season, because its early in the campaign teams are still willing to play slightly more attacking than usual.  For that reason I can see one team taking all the points, that team I believe will be West Ham.  If Tony Pulis was still at the Selhurst Park helm then my thinking would be different but he is not and big Sam Allardyce has been around long enough.  His experience should be enough to get his team fully prepared and focused and well up for the early season 6 pointer.  I see the hammers just edging this one and getting their first win of the season.

By @AshleyCalver1

Team of the Week.

The opening weekend of the Premier League 14/15 season is done and dusted, we’ve seen all the title hopefuls and relegation fodder in action. Chelsea aside many of the top teams considered to be title favourites were made to work hard for their three points and many of those predicted to be fighting for survival gave an impressive account of themselves. Here’s out team of the week…

Allan McGregor – Hull

Saved a penalty in the dying minutes away from home and gave Hull a clean sheet, kept Hull in the game with a number of saves denying QPR any hope what so ever of getting even a point

Eric Dier – Tottenahm

On his debut for Spurs in a defence that needed reshuffling because of an early red card, he was solid throughout scoring, a late late winner, Dier also helped in keeping a clean sheet in the process away from home in an all London affair.

James Chester – Hull

Welshman scored the match winning goal vs. QPR beating experienced veteran Rio Ferdinand with style 10 minutes into the second half, great start for the defender also helping keep a clean sheet, strong opening performance alongside captain Curtis Davies.

Ashley Williams – Swansea

The Swans captain lead his team to a big win over Man United, he did not panic or buckle under the pressure of United when they came at the welsh side at a full Old Trafford. Making many key blocks he looked solid throughout.

Raheem Sterling – Liverpool

He looked dangerous throughout with his running and the positions he took up.  Showed good composure with his finish for Liverpool's opening goal And notched up an assist. He was vital to Liverpool’s 3 points this weekend and his pace was just too much for Southampton.

Cesc Fabregas – Chelsea

In his Premier League debut for Chelsea he looked as though he’d been there for years. He didn’t look out of place at all and put in a solid performance, complete with an outstanding assist.

Gylfi Sigurdsson - Swansea

Like a duck to water, he was instrumental in the destruction of Manchester United. A real gritty performance with top vision and deliveries.

Jordan Henderson – Liverpool

He is looking more and more the player worth £20m, did not stop running and working for Liverpool. An excellent pass for the opening goal and an all round great midfield performance.

James Ward-Prowse – Southampton

He didn’t lose possession cheaply and really stepped up for his team. Fantastic throughout and looks set to be a real key player and instrumental in how well Southampton will do this season.

Saido Berahino – West Brom

Got himself a brace on opening weekend and showed his potential for a good season.  Key player for Albion this year and he stepped up and handled the pressure, great showing from such a youngster. He looked up for it from the start and hungry to do well.

Wayne Rooney – Man United

After being given the captains armband by Louis Van Gaal Rooney was United’s stand out player albeit in a very poor overall team performance, without his goal United looked dead and buried.

INTERVIEW - Clent Alexander, Part One.

THE RISE AND FALL AND RISE OF SAN DIEGO FLASH

We were recently lucky enough to have an interview with the co-founder of the U.S. soccer team San Diego Flash, Clent Alexander.  Along with ex-England international Warren Barton they decided to return Soccer (Football) to San Diego and like a phoenix rising from the ashes Flash started playing again in 2010 and then moving into competitive competition in 2011; after an absence of nearly 10 years having originally folded in 2001.  Hopefully after reading this interview you will have learned something new about this up and coming team with big ambitions as well as its co-founder Clent Alexander who answers everything openly and honestly. If you would like any more information about the club or to find out about investment opportunities with Flash then see the link at the end of the interview.

You were part owner when the Flash originally formed in 1998, have you always been a football fan and planned on getting involved in the game somehow?

My Dad is from Trinidad, so I probably had more exposure to the game than most American kids my age (in the 1970’s). However, I had no plan to get involved as a Partner the way I did. The opportunity came, it made sense to me and I jumped on the chance to be involved. Who wouldn’t want to be a Part Owner of a sports team? I recognised that the sport of soccer has a bright future and growth potential of soccer in the U.S. was huge; so I wanted in.

During those early years the team were quite successful, winning the USISL and USL A-League Pacific Championship.  What was that period in the clubs history like to be part of?

It was awesome! Even before that, our first ever scrimmage was against UNAM Pumas and Mexican National Team Goalkeeper Jorge Campos was in goal. The San Diego Flash scored first and we all went crazy over that. We ended up losing the match, but that first goal is something I will never forget.

Over the next couple of years, the team performed extremely well on the field. We were very proud to have created something so special for the players and fans in San Diego.

With this success and a good average attendance of close to 3,000, did you envisage the fall that was just around the corner in 2001?

Actually, I did. I was sort of an outside Partner at that time. From a business point of view, the managing partner did not run the business side of the company very well. In my opinion, money was spent recklessly and we never could get to a point of profitability. I resigned my involvement with the team in 1999.

Was it purely financial reasons that the club folded in 2001, or did the decline in attendance signal that San Diego was falling out of love with football?

It was purely financial. The passion for the sport of soccer has always been here in San Diego.

The resurrection of SD Flash started in 2010 with the club playing competitively in 2011, did you always harbour a desire to get the Flash started again?

Not really. I moved to San Diego in 2008. A chance meeting with an old acquaintance got me thinking about re-starting the club. Once I made the decision to move forward with the idea, I got lots of support. I was introduced to my Partner Warren Barton who had moved to San Diego about the same time as me. He liked the idea of starting a club from the grassroots level. He immediately recognised the vision for the future and we joined forces.

Since then it has been a very fun ride.

With your financial background and Warren Barton's football experience, is it a perfect combination for the running of a football club?

Most definitely. With my financial background, I saw the chance to set up our company in a way to give fans an opportunity to see their investment in the team grow along with the sport of soccer in the U.S. This is something that makes us unique. We are on track to be the 1^st Publicly Traded Soccer Club in the United States.

Warren Barton has the best soccer resume of anyone in San Diego County. In addition to his playing career with Newcastle United and the English National Team, with him also being a TV analyst for Fox Soccer Channel, people and players recognise him even more.  As a Partner, Technical Director and Coach of the San Diego Flash, he has brought a tremendous amount of credibility to our Team/Company. All the top players in our area want to play for him.

Frankly, the way things have turned out, we could not have planned this better.

The success on the pitch continued where it stopped in 2001, NPSL West Southern Champions in 2011 and 2012, what is different this time around to ensure the future of the Flash?

As a company (SDSP Soccer Marketing, Inc.), we emphasise to investors that we are more than just the Club. In addition to the business of the team, we also have Social Media and Internet Projects that bring additional revenues in. Again, with my business experience, I have put us in a position where we don’t just rely on ticket; merchandise sales and sponsorships for growing our company financially.

There were some rumours of SD Flash joining the North American Soccer League Division 2, is there truth in these reported rumours?

I sent a letter to the then-commissioner a couple of years ago to explore the possibilities. For now, to spend money to join a higher league and put ourselves in a position where we have more budget expenses does not make good business sense.

We have a better plan.

Several of your players have impressed and earned trials at MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, is this further evidence that Flash is heading in the right direction?

In addition to those tryouts, we also had a player (Ryan Guy) go to Major League Soccer and play for New England Revolution on the recommendation of Warren Barton. We are very proud of the fact that we are having a positive influence in the lives of players from San Diego.

Finally, where do you hope San Diego Flash will be in 5 years or more and is it your intention to be heavily involved in that time?

Within 5 years, I see our company owning a new stadium in San Diego and the San Diego Flash flourishing as the top team in our area.

Part 2, Clent Alexander’s views on the MLS, coming soon…

More information about San Diego Flash and investment opportunities can be found here -  sandiegoflash.com

By @AshleyCalver1

Premier League Predictions

Predicting how the Premier League will finish is a British tradition, it’s a moment to show you’re capable of thinking about the future like a real grown-up; it’s practically an unwritten law. Every year predictions are made and every year within a few games you begin to wish you had the superpower of hindsight. We’ve made ours and gathered the insights of a variety of other football fans; some involved in the game, some write about the game and some just love the game…

Michael Bridge - @MichaelBridge_

Top 4.

1^st Chelsea

2^nd Man City

3^rd Arsenal

4^th Man Utd

Bottom 3.

18^th Leicester

19^th WBA

20^th Burnley

Top Scorer

Wayne Rooney

Rich Laverty - @RichJLaverty

Top 4.

1^st Chelsea

They came so close last year without a lethal striker and with Mourinho at the helm anything's possible. I think Costa will do well here, Fabregas is a great signing, they have Courtois back in goal plus the likes of Hazard, Oscar and co. Matic should have a great season too, he seemed to settle well.

2^nd Man City

I know last time they slacked off the season after they won the league and I don't think that will be the case this season, I just think Chelsea are the stronger team now. If City brings in a capable centre-back that might change, they don't look solid with anyone alongside Kompany, let alone when Kompany can't actually play.

3^rd Man United

Slight bias, but there are several aspects that go in United's favour. The manager is world class and has achieved everything, they've already brought in a top centre midfielder, a replacement for Evra and with one or two more they could make a real title challenge. No European football should help them in the same way it aided Liverpool too.

4^th Arsenal

Just because they always come 4th don't they? I'm still non-plussed about their defence or several of their midfielders but Sanchez, Ozil, Walcott and co could be lethal on the break. They'll be fine and could push the top teams but probably just 4th again.

Bottom 3.

18^th Aston Villa

I'd be sorry to see Villa go, I like them and I like Lambert but they were so poor at times last season and they're signings hardly inspire confidence. There are so many poor teams and there are probably 9/10 candidates for relegation but Villa for me.

19^th West Brom

I had one of those feelings last year that Fulham would go down and nobody believed me and I have that same thing with West Brom. They don't seem to be getting any better and Alan Irvine appears a quite bizarre choice as manager. Brown Ideye has the hopes rested on him considering £10m was handed over for his services, Irvine will hope he's more Lukaku than Ade Akinbiyi.

20^th Burnley

Poor Burnley. I like them but they just don't have the quality for me to survive at this level. Like Villa, their signings aren't doing much to inspire confidence and it would be sad to see Sean Dyche gone by Christmas but that's the cruel, money-orientated world we live in.

Top Scorer

Lukaku

Slightly out there choice, Lukaku. He has his critics but I really like him. He's scored the third most Premier League goals in 2 seasons behind Suarez and RVP. Many will point to Van Persie, Sturridge and Aguero but Sturridge is in a team where goals will get shared out between several lethal attacking players and right now Van Persie and Aguero are too injury-prone to be playing regularly enough to be considered. Lukaku should and could play every game for Everton; they'll create plenty of chances for him too, surely worth a £10?

Roycey - @officialroycey

Top 4.

1^st Liverpool

2^nd Man city

3^rd Chelsea

4^th Man U.

Fair play position – Southampton’ squad of 11.

Ash Woods – OTB Blogger.

Top 4.

1^st Chelsea

2^nd Man City

3^rd Liverpool

4^th Arsenal

Chelsea will top the league due to having a complete squad that's retained it's top players while making good additions, although I don't think Costa will be a huge addition he'll still score more than Torres and that's what Chelsea missed last season, strikers goals. City have two squads and just have so much depth they'll run a close second. Liverpool will take the last automatic Champions League place after sorting the defence that cost them last season, lacking a quality second striker to finish the creative spark is why I think they'll only reach 3rd, closely contested by my 4th place pick Arsenal, a strong team well drilled playing the Arsenal way, a blend of youth and World Cup winners will continue the Champions League qualification trend come May.

Bottom 3.

18^th West Ham

19^th Crystal Palace

20^th Burnley

This season I think 'Arry will just do enough to keep QPR afloat, otherwise it'll be them finishing 18th. West Ham for me just aren't going to score the goals and their long ball system and Sam Allardyce's luck is bound to run out sooner rather than later. Palace would probably have stayed up had it not been for the departure of Pulis, this sole factor alone I think will see them finish just ahead of a hard working man's club (Sean Dyche) Burnley, I just can't see where the points will come from this season, can see them taking a hammering from Chelsea the opening fixture and the players just never recovering.

ItsBizNews - @ItsBizNews

Top 4.

1^st Man City

2^nd Chelsea

3^rd Arsenal

4^th Man United

Even with Diego Costa joining the ranks I don’t think Chelsea will have quite enough firepower to see off the advances of Man City, it’ll be close though, I envisage a last game decider. This could finally be the year Arsenal don’t finish 4^th and that’ll be all down to the link up between Ozil, Sanchez, Ramsey and Walcott. After a season in the wilderness, no Champions League football and Louis Van Gaal, Man U should be back in the mix.

Bottom 3.

18^th Crystal Palace

19^th Leicester

20^th Burnley

Palace we’re in my original bottom three predictions but after the departure of Pulis I just can’t see them surviving the drop. Leicester and Burnley will put up a good fight and I can see them snatching some surprising results but when it comes down to it they just don’t have the experience or quality in depth to survive.

Top Scorer.

Aguero

If his injury concerns are behind him and he’s consistently starting in the first team his goal scorer prowess will be unstoppable.

Alan March - @AlanMarch1981

Top 4.

1^st Chelsea

It’s their turn.

2^nd Arsenal.

Better again.

3^rd Man City

Not consistent.

4^th Man United

LVG Factor.

Bottom 3.

18^th Leicester

19^th Crystal Palace

20^th Burnley

Top Scorer.

Diego Costa.

Do you think anyone has made the perfect predictions? Or are we way off what you have in mind? Let us know in the comments or over at @ThisIsOTB

Season Preview - West Ham

Last season, West Ham had the season everyone expected them to have but it didn’t please their fans. This is due to the negative football played all season long and most results didn’t go their way. This season many fans are hoping will be a different story as a brand new attacking style of play has been promised, it will be interesting to see just how attacking it is.

Transfers

Last year was a bad window for West Ham. Other than the signing of Adrian from Real Betis, nobody actually made an impact for the side as Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Razvan Rat and Petric all failed to impress and the latter two found themselves released by the end of the season.

This season has seen West Ham follow up on their promise to bring in attacking players. Their first signing was actually a forward in Mauro Zarate who scored 19 goals in 29 games last season. They have also signed Aaron Cresswell, Carl Jenkinson (on loan), Kouyate and Diego Poyet. They then added to their promise of signing attack minded players by signing World Cup star Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho, both of whom will be looking to make a massive impact this season.

Predicted Line up

West Ham actually have a decent side when you look into it closely. Their defence seems pretty solid and the attacking prowess of the two full backs could certainly help West Ham score more goals. Other than that, their team is slightly above average everywhere but if Carroll and Valencia can rediscover their best form then perhaps West Ham can scrape a top half finish.

Squad Depth

West Ham certainly have decent squad depth. They have a quality reserve keeper who’s name I won’t even attempt to spell, decent defenders in James Tomkins and James Collins, decent midfield cover in Kevin Nolan and Diego Poyet and also attacking cover in Ricardo Vaz Te and new signing Mauro Zarate.

Final Predicted Finish: 16^th

Even though West Ham have significantly improved this summer, I think they will struggle getting to grips with an attacking style of play and the lack of real quality in the centre of midfield could leave them vulnerable to counter attacks and a bit more open when it comes to general attacks.

Predicted Key Player: Adrian

Arguably West Ham’s best player last season, Adrian will be looking to continue his reputation of saving important shots and keeping West Ham in games. I genuinely thought a bigger club may move for Adrian but since he is at Upton Park for at least another 6 months I expect him to keep his performances to the same high standard and possibly win West Ham a few games with his saves.

By @nathan_said