SPORTS NOTES EXTRA - SCOLARI GIVEN POISON PILL

James Loving/National Radio Text Service

Discontent in the dressing room was cited as being Scolari's downfall. The lack of effort and fighting spirit was noticeable particularly from Didier Drogba who if far from the form he displayed the past two seasons. - BECKHAM's DILEMMA - BOSTON’S RAY ALLEN TO REPLACE ORLANDO’S JAMEER NELSON IN 2009 NBA ALL-STAR GAME

Wednesday February 11, 2009

Ambramovich Deems Big Phil Not Good Enough

They say that Rome wasn't built in a day but if it were up to Chelsea owner Roman Ambramovich he could burn it down in a day as he seems to be doing with the Chelsea franchise. It was a bitter poison pill to swallow but Luiz Felipe Scloari took it when the Russian fired him making it four managerial fatalities under Ramo's (AmbRAMOvich) reign since he purchased the club in June 2003. The sacking will cost the Chelsea owner £ 7.5 million. In addition his sackings of Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant cost him a total of US $40 million.

Scolari was on the job for 36 games in seven months with only 13 Premiere League games remaining in the season. After sacking Claudio Ranieri Ambramovich retained Mourinho for 185 games resulting in two league titles. His successor Grant managed the squad for 54 games and was a John Terry free kick away from a the Champions League title before Terry missed and Grant was also deemed not good enough.

Poor results and discontent in the dressing room was cited as being Scolari's downfall. The lack of effort and fighting spirit was noticeable particularly from Didier Drogba who if far from the form he displayed the past two seasons.

Russian national team manager Guus Hiddink has been mentioned as a replacement but he adamantly said that he would never leave his Russian post although he would consider an interim position as long as it does not interfere with the Russian team's schedule. Given his statement he is thought to be the favorite to take the position on an interim basis since he has experience managing two teams at the same time when he managed the 2005 Australian national team and PSV Eindhoven. Grant has also been mentioned as a replacement but after he was treated so badly in his dismissal he would loose face in a return particularly since he also had some people problems with some of the Chelsea players.

Mourinho is also mentioned but why would he return to a situation where he was a success and not appreciated. His job was interfered with by Ambramovich. Why would he return for more of the same? If anything he would be in a better situation to take over a team with money like Manchester City if he had full control on acquisitions and decision making on the teams style of play which was a major problem that he had with Ambramovich who preferred a more attacking game. Wins and titles weren't good for Ramo so Mourinho was sent off. The question is does Ambramovich really know what he wants?

Given Ramo's track record who would put their head under his guillotine for his next sacking? The only solution for the Chelsea football to right its ship is for Ramo to sell the club to an entity with major money who will make good decisions and hire a manager they can trust with authority. Ramo isn't RAMBO but he sure gives it one hell of a try while in the process he's ruining a football franchise that has lost their winning, fighting spirit. As that often stated adage notes if it ain't broke don't fix it. Apparently Ramo wasn't listening. When he canned Mourinho he blatantly ignored that advice and now the damage appears out of control Stay tuned...

EXTRA - HIDDINK PLAYS RUSSIAN ROULETTE - SIGNS WITH CHELSEA

BECKHAM's DILEMMA

When David Beckham shocked the football world in January 2007 by agreeing to a US$250 million contract with the LA Galaxy of the MLS his critics went wild about his apparent demise as a footballer while intoning that he was selling out his career. Now fast forward it seems that Beckham has seen the light and wants to bail out of his Galaxy deal and remain with AC Milan. His reasons are to play with better players that would enhance his status as England National team player in hoped of being in shape for the 2110 World Cup.

The negotiations are ongoing as Milan offered the Galaxy $10 million for his services. The Galaxy says that's not enough. Beckham says his future is out of his hands.

The reality is that Beckham most certainly be better off playing with Milan. The Galaxy and the MLS lack the quality a top notch player needs to perform at their best. Top quality players know how to play where to be and how to react in certain game situations. The MLS lacks that quality. For the Galaxy to hold on the Beckham would only cause disharmony and resentment in the dressing room and Beckham would not be a happy camper so what's the point.

Should Beckham play in tonight's England friendly against Spain he would tie Bobby Moore for 108 caps. The inference by some pundits that the number of caps is not as important as how much time was spent in earning a cap while noting some caps are given to players who spend two minutes on the pitch simply to qualify for a cap. In 107 England contests Beckham has started 99 of his 107 appearances and completed 52 of those games.

BOSTON’S RAY ALLEN TO REPLACE ORLANDO’S JAMEER NELSON IN 2009 NBA ALL-STAR GAME NEW YORK,

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen has been named by NBA Commissioner David Stern to replace injured East All-Star guard Jameer Nelson (torn labrum, right shoulder) of the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Allen will be making his ninth All-Star appearance.

The NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT, ESPN Radio and in 215 countries and territories, and in 44 languages worldwide at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 15.

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