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Replacing a long-serving manager is not an easy task and can have a substantial negative impact on a football club – just ask Manchester United.

Like the Old Trafford outfit and their task of filling Sir Alex Ferguson’s sizeable shoes, Arsenal have a similar unenviable task lying in wait.

Love him or loath him, Arsene Wenger has been a saving grace for Arsenal in his tenure in North London.

The experienced French coach will leave the Emirates Stadium as one of the club’s best ever managers, leading the Gunners to significant periods of success.

Although silverware has been light on the ground in recent campaigns, replacing Wenger given his track record and the nostalgic factors that surround the decision, is not something the Arsenal powers that be will relish.

Wenger has shown in the second half of this season that he still has what it takes to get the best from a group of Arsenal players that he has nurtured and hand-selected, with the North Londoners England’s form team.

But, the fact remains that the Frenchman is not getting any younger and looks set to be replaced in forthcoming years.

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For Arsenal, finding a manager that can take on the role and follow in his predecessor’s footsteps by staying with the club for a long period of time seems ideal.

As such Wenger’s replacement will ideally be loyal, ambitious, young and passionate.

Enter Jurgen Klopp.

The German head coach has announced his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the current season and stated that he is ready for the next challenge in his managerial career.

Even before the ex-Mainz coach became available, he was one of the names consistently mentioned as having the attributes and potential to be Wenger’s successor.

Although the timing is less than ideal given Arsenal’s much-improved form in the second half of the current campaign, allowing Klopp to become a stalwart elsewhere could be a fatal error.

As such, accommodating the German seems like a canny move, even if Wenger oversees the club in a director of football role.

Another key reason why Arsenal should look to Klopp relates to player recruitment.

The Gunners have shown in the last couple of months that they have what it takes to fight for silverware and as such one or two top players of real quality is all that is needed this summer to make the Emirates Stadium outfit a real powerhouse.

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There is an argument to suggest that a top-notch central defender to replace Per Mertesacker and and a central midfielder of distinction could complete the package.

Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan would be ideal additions for Arsenal and have been linked consistently with the London club; securing Klopp as the new manager would play a massive role in the Germany internationals following him to England.

No-one likes change and a period of transition would follow, but appointing Klopp before another major European club does would be a decision to take Arsenal to the next level.

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Regardless of how many West Ham United fans that may have been rejoicing about today’s news that the club’s Olympic Stadium dream is set to become a reality in the 2016/17 season, for Tottenham Hotspur supporters, it represents a very bitter pill to swallow indeed.

Superficially of course, the sight of seeing one of your London rivals handed a 99-year lease on a shiny new stadium – not to mention one that they once looked to acquire themselves – is enough on its own to merit a feeling of seething frustration.

Furthermore, the painful irony that all taxpaying Spurs fans will be in some small way funding the £60million that the government has fronted up to help turn the stadium into an arena fit for football has not been lost amongst the Lilywhites’ support.

But perhaps the most prominent feeling of distress isn’t within the potential benefits that West Ham will reap and to some extent, already have, out of the Olympic Stadium conversion. It’s more the pressing reality upon how desperately the club has to get their own stadium development under way.

There will be undoubted bitterness – not just amongst Spurs fans – but perhaps the greater footballing public, upon how a football club plying its trade in the richest professional league in the world, has just received a £60million foot-up from the taxpayer to help convert a stadium they already shelled out £428million to build in the first place.

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Given the economic realities the country is facing up to, on face value Spurs supporters are going to find it hard to stomach the notion that while they struggle to find an estimated £400million for their own development project, West Ham are going to provide a mere initial £15miillion towards the conversion cost and a further £2million annual rent on the Olympic Stadium.

From a taxpaying perspective, the intricacies of the tenancy most certainly do concern those on the white half of North London, but from a sporting one, it matters very little to fans as to quite how successful they are. Because regardless of how many seats they do or don’t fill or how successful the implementation of retractable seating may or may not be, it’s not going to help them build their stadium any quicker. And that’s where the real issue lies.

Should West Ham United’s move to the Olympic Stadium be completed on schedule for the 2016/17 season,  theoretically, the same campaign would also herald the full completion of Tottenham’s Northumberland Development Project. When The Mirror reported that the tender was set to go out for the main stadium element back in September, whispers were abound that the club may even be set to move into the partially completed structure for the 2015/16 term, with the completion date for the following season.

But as we head towards the end of the 2012/13 season, while the adjacent development to complete a supermarket, commercial and educational space towards the north of the stadium is well under way, not a single brick has yet to be laid on the stadium itself.

The onus within North London is that it is a matter of when, as opposed to if the stadium gets underway. But with Tottenham MP David Lammy recently stating that chairman Daniel Levy suggested Christmas as the earliest possible start date, hopes of a summer start already seem somewhat optimistic.

The complexities upon getting what it essentially a small regeneration project of the ground, ensures that the timescale for such a scheme is always going to require a level of patience that is something of an alien commodity within a sport that waits for no man.

To gauge an idea of quite what Spurs are looking to devise, you only need to look at the three years it is going to take West Ham to move into a stadium that’s already been constructed, once conversion has been completed and the several miles of red tape overcome.

By the same note, Tottenham are looking to build a new stadium on the footprint of their current one, make serious renovations to the surrounding infrastructure as well as dig up anything between £300-£400million to make it happen. If it felt like it took an awful long time to devise such a development, then putting it into practice is a completely different beast altogether.

But while the impatience that resides amongst some quarters of the Tottenham support towards the stadium project is unjust, the ever-growing financial chasm between themselves and the gentlemen in red down the road serves as a painful reminder to just how desperately the Lilywhites need to increase their matchday revenue.

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There is little more either Levy or anyone at Spurs can do to try and speed up the stadium development process, but with West Ham now set to be rehomed before themselves, it might not just be Arsenal that will give them cause for concern.

The Hammers might have to share hospitality revenue with the London Legacy Development Corporation, but with ticket revenue set to go straight to their own coffers, there is real capacity for them to start making some serious gains in the capital. They might not be able to sell out 54,000 seats as it is, but with their new stadium on the doorstep of one of the most well connected transport hubs in Europe, the capacity for growth is unprecedented.

Should work not begin till the New Year, the best Spurs can perhaps hope for in terms of making their own strives towards matchday revenue, now looks like an entry into a semi complete White Hart Lane for the 2016/17 campaign. Any later, and the race to play catch-up with those around becomes increasingly more difficult.

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According to CalcioMercato, West Ham United want to beat Premier League rivals Everton to the signature of Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech at the end of the season.

What’s the story?

West Ham are expected to be extremely active in this summer’s transfer market as the Hammers look to avoid a repeat of this season, which has seen them dragged into a relegation battle over the last few months.

There is no question that West Ham have a pull for foreign players, and according to CalcioMercato, the London club have identified Ajax’s Ziyech as the perfect player to boost their attack during the 2018-19 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who is also being linked with Everton, has scored eight goals and registered 15 assists in 36 appearances for his Dutch club in all competitions this season.

It would not be a surprise to see a number of teams join the race if it became clear that Ajax were willing to sell, but West Ham seem to be firmly in the picture for the moment.

Would Ziyech fit in at West Ham?

As discussed above, Ziyech’s statistics this season are very impressive. A creative player with an eye for goal, the Moroccan, who has previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, has the potential to thrive in the Premier League.

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According to transfermarkt.co.uk, Ziyech is valued at £18m, but West Ham might well have to break the £20m-mark to convince Ajax to sell in this summer’s transfer window.

If Marko Arnautovic is to continue as West Ham’s starting centre-forward next season, the Hammers need quality in and around him. Manuel Lanzini fits into that category, but Joao Mario is unlikely to join on a permanent deal from Inter Milan.

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As a result, there would certainly be a spot in the team for Ziyech, who is at the perfect age to continue developing in the English game.

It is certainly one to watch over the next few months as West Ham prepare to battle Everton for the signature of the extremely talented attacker.

On Monday night, Newcastle United struggled to play a determined Liverpool squad who were not quite ready to give up on their top four aspirations. The Magpies finished the match with only ten men after Moussa Sissoko was shown his second yellow and were fortunate to only be beaten 2-0. The defeat was their fifth in a row and unsurprisingly supporters are angry.

The situation has got so bad that a boycott is being planned for Newcastle’s next Premier League game against Tottenham. No doubt Interim Head Coach John Carver is feeling the pressure to turn things around within their last six games even though their campaign is all but over and he’ll still surely lose the role this coming summer.

Down in South London ex-Magpies manager Alan Pardew has had a glorious three months at Crystal Palace. When Pardew joined, the Eagles were down in 18th fearing the dreaded drop but fast forward to April and with just over a month until the season ends the Englishman has reorganised his men into a cohesive match-winning side who have jumped a massive seven places up to 11th.

Palace have won four of their last five and look set to finish their campaign higher than Pardew’s former employers in the North East.

So should Newcastle regret the loss of Alan Pardew?

Well, although playing better under Pardew it should be remembered that supporters were very vocal about their distaste for the man. They created such a hostile environment that when Pardew got the chance to jump ship he took it.

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Despite the difficulties faced by both Pardew and Carver their tactics are not what has been wrong with the club. Owner Mike Ashley is the problem. Back in 2012 and 2013 Newcastle were building a strong side and playing well but then notably a big offer came in for key playmaker Yohan Cabaye and rather than hold onto their best player Ashley allowed him to leave. To this day supporters haven’t forgiven this decision believing that greed has been more important than the development of the team.

Since Pardew’s abrupt departure in January Newcastle have surely been drawing up a manager wish list. Many names have been associated with the role though why any of them would want the hassle is beyond me. Whoever takes the job will have little or no say regarding the comings and goings in the transfer window and will have to work for an owner who has proven he cares little for the wellbeing of the club and thoroughly lacks ambition.

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No one wants to see empty football stadiums but maybe loss of revenue is the only thing that will hit Ashley where it hurts. Apart from that Magpie supporters can only hope that whoever is chosen to manage their beloved club this summer will get a decent amount of good results and bring some joy back to St. James’ Park, otherwise the managerial door will continue revolving. Good luck to Newcastle but Pardew was right to make his escape when he did as life was far from rosy under Mike Ashley’s regime.

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Anderson admits that despite finding life hard at Old Trafford he is happy there and denies reports of wanting to leaving the club.

The 24-year-old player joined Manchester United in 2007 in a £17million deal from Porto. Over the years of his career he has suffered a few injuries and concerns were raised about his conditioning. He has made just 4 Premier League starts this year and 12 altogether.

Last week it was rumoured that Anderson had said that he wanted to leave Old Trafford, fearing that he would risk his place in the Brazil national team next year during the World Cup.

However, Anderson spoke to The Daily Mail about his injuries and dispelled the rumours as nonsense.

“It’s not true. Everyone knows I’m happy at the club. I’ve had a lot of injuries but I’ve never let the smile go from my face. I try to help the team all the time,” he said.

“I have had some serious injuries, some problems. But when I don’t have these problems I know my quality. I know I can play. When I take two steps forward I seem to take three back. It is sad but I have to do my job. I need to play games and not to have any injuries.

“When I want to leave I will have to talk to the boss first. I don’t have any issues.

“The only places you could go to from here are  Real Madrid and Barcelona. You can’t have another choice. The  level at Manchester United is so big. You come here and you are definitely going to win titles. I have won the Premier League three  times. I have won the Champions League once and lost two finals. I have always been there.”

The midfielder also admitted that he has struggled in the UK and says it is quite hard for South American players to settle here and play well

“I came to Manchester United as a Brazilian  and I have been here six years,” he added.

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“It’s not easy to stay here. I love it here. But it is hard.

“It is not easy to play for  Manchester United. A lot of top players came here and couldn’t do it – Juan Veron, some big players. Kleberson came here and didn’t play.”

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Mikel Merino has informed Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez that he wishes to leave the club, according to TeamTalk.

What’s the story?

When Merino arrived at the club last summer on loan from Borussia Dortmund, the Newcastle fans were excited by his potential.

The deal was swiftly made permanent, but in recent weeks the midfielder has struggled for game time under Benitez.

In total, the Spaniard has started 14 Premier League matches and has come off the bench in a further eight, but he has only featured in six games in all competitions since the turn of the year.

According to TeamTalk, Athletic Bilbao are interested in signing Merino, who is believed to be keen on returning to Spain and has informed Benitez of his desire to leave.

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The report adds that the 21-year-old is unhappy with the manager’s decision to leave him out of recent fixtures.

Should Merino stick it out?

The midfielder has age on his side and still has room for development, so with that in mind, leaving Newcastle at this time would be too hasty.

Benitez’s main objective is to help the Magpies retain their Premier League status as they sit seven points above the drop.

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Merino may not be the finished product, and relying on his young shoulders to help the team survive is not the wisest move.

The Spaniard’s frustration is understandable, particularly as he has played a full 90 minutes just once in his last 10 outings.

However, it would be best for both the player and the club to stick it out for now.

Losing the League Cup to Chelsea, knocked out of Europe by Fiorentina, and now it looks like they will not be able to secure a top four spot – thing aren’t looking great for Mauricio Pochettino and his Tottenham side. With things going a bit downhill for the North London club, where now for Spurs?

Spurs are currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League table, but are equal on points with Ronald Koeman’s Southampton. At this point in the season, things can change drastically overnight. The latest fixtures in the league saw Chelsea dropping points to Southampton, Burnley beating current champions Manchester City and Arsenal taking all three points against West Ham. Although Spurs may be outside of the top four now, this may not be the case by the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur can certainly win all their remaining nine games, but some of them will be challenging for the London side. Their next fixture sees Spurs hosting bottom placed Leicester, which many will have down as a banker for Pochettino’s men. Spurs will be spending more of the remainder of the season travelling – five of of their final nine are away from White Hart Lane. They will be travelling to Turf Moor, St James’s Park, St Mary’s and the Britannia. Arguably, their most difficult game in the next few weeks, aside from the away clash with Southampton, will be hosting Manchester City.

Spurs were unfortunate not to progress into the last 16 of the Europa League. Before they faced Fiorentina, they were on a good run in Europe. They recorded some big wins, notably against Asteras Tripolis in the group stages – a 5-1 home win and 2-1 away win.

They have also caused upset in the league this season, beating Arsenal 2-1 at White Hart Lane in the all important North London Derby. Despite Chelsea fans dubbing Spurs’s home ground the ‘three point lane’, Harry Kane and co. dominated their home game against the league leaders, with a huge 5-3 win on New Years’ Day.

Pochettino’s first season in charge of Spurs may have fallen short in terms of trophies, but he has done exceptionally well in this role. He has gotten the best out of some of his players, and managed to maintain their biggest asset, albeit surprise package, in Harry Kane. With whispers of Real Madrid having their eye on goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Pochettino should do their best to keep the shot stopper, too.

Building on their already strong side in the summer will bring Spurs even closer to picking up some silverware next season, as they weren’t a million miles away from it this season.

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Fulham have pressed forward with a move for Tom Huddlestone after approaching Spurs with a £5 million bid, the Mirror report.

The Cottagers have been heavily linked with a move for the powerful midfielder during January and Martin Jol has finally decided to make his move with just over 24-hours before the transfer window closes.

Jol worked with Huddlestone during his three-year spell as manager at White Hart Lane after signing him from Derby in 2005 and is keen to be reunited with him on the Thames.

Current Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas told the 26-year-old he could leave at the start of the month after struggling to hold down a starting role this season but his £7m price tag deterred any potential suitors.

However, its thought Villas-Boas would be willing to accept a slightly lower offer and Huddlestone, who has four England caps, now seems destined for a move from north to west London after Fulham firmed up their interest with a serious offer.

Meanwhile, AC Milan utility man Urby Emanuelson is close to joining the ranks at Craven Cottage until the end of the season with a loan deal for the Holland international close to completion.

“I will finish the season with a loan deal,” Emanuelson confirmed.

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“I have worked in a very good way with him (Martin Jol) at Ajax and am happy as he gives me the chance.”

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Manchester United continued their march towards a top four finish in the English Premier League on Saturday with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford.

Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez provided the win that made sure the Red Devils strengthened their grip on second place in the top-flight.

Jose Mourinho’s outfit are now 12 points ahead of fifth placed Chelsea, who are looking increasingly unlikely of finishing in the top four this season.

Fans were pleased with the win and performance, paying special tribute to the side’s clean sheet and the performance of Victor Lindelof, who was getting a rare opportunity in Mourinho’s starting eleven.

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The Swedish international has started just 10 matches in the Premier League this season but impressed throughout the 90 minutes, leading to calls from supporters to partner him up with Eric Bailly going forward.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his display after the match…

Two teams with contrasting fortunes this season are Liverpool and West Ham. The Reds enjoyed an excellent 2013/14, while the Hammers endured managerial turmoil and a brief flirtation with the idea of relegation, but this term the tables have been flipped, with Brendan Rodgers flailing in midtbale while Sam Allardyce looks longingly at the top four. It may be a bit simplistic, but a key part of this change in fortunes has been the role of Alexandre Song, who was linked with Liverpool, before eventually joining West Ham on loan for the season.

The impact of the ex-Arsenal man has been truly staggering so far, with his robust nature, quality on the ball and steadying influence in the middle of the park all major boosts to the Irons’ quest. And it appears that Song’s influence has been so great that the Merseysiders are now back in the running for his services.

Reports claim that the African ace could be Gerrard’s long-term replacement. But, does such a scenario make sense? And should Liverpool pursue him?

The statistics really do make for interesting reading. For the purposes of comparison, let’s line Song up alongside Gerrard, obviously, Emre Can and Lucas – who both operate as holders at Anfield – and Fabian Delph, who himself is reportedly a candidate to replace the 34-year-old. Although Song rarely top the standing in a set area, the Cameroon star clearly provides better cover defensively than Gerrard, with his tackles won, interceptions and superior aerial record all factors. Lucas’ shielding may be slightly superior, while Can has impressed in the air, but the Brazilian’s all-out holding style of play and the German’s presence in a back three may sway the figures.

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There is so much more to Song’s game than purely sitting, with the video above taking a trip down memory lane. In his time at Arsenal, the 27-year-old was deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, with his eye for a pass enough to tempt Barcelona at the peak of their powers. He may not have made the grade at the Nou Camp, many have struggled, but a return to familiar ground England has coincided with an upturn in fortunes.

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So, is he worth it? Dependent on the fee Barca demand and their willingness to sell, YES. Song offers much that Gerrard cannot provide and would be the perfect anchor to a midfield that has lacked a shield in front of the backline. His presence could free up Jordan Henderson to move forward, while keeping Coutinho nearer the final third.

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