Karren Brady’s football diary: I don’t know why Swansea sacked Garry Monk in the first place, he was doing a very good job
SunSport's columnist believes Leeds United manager Monk should never have lost his job at Swansea City as they look for his second replacement already
Saturday, December 24
FIFA choose Christmas Eve to announce two possibilities: videos to support refereeing decisions and a future rule allowing only the team skipper to enter into dialogue with the officials, a bit like in rugby.
I’ve no problem with learning a few lessons off the oval ball game, but I can’t honestly see it catching on.
Can you imagine Diego Costa saying “Sorry, old chum, can’t speak, it’s the captain’s job’? Me neither.
I’m not sure of video assessments either, as football is a free-flowing game. Last time I looked, rugby was not.
You would also think FIFA might have other priorities right now, like cleaning up their act.
Sunday, December 25
FRANK LAMPARD says he would not mind going back to Stamford Bridge as a player — even at the ripe old age of 38.
After 13 seasons at Chelsea, he left for the US following a brief stint at Manchester City.
I think Antonio Conte would be well advised to look closely at Lampard because he was a player who prided himself on his fitness, rarely, if ever, got injured and was an inspiration to those around him.
He was also a cool head who helped the Blues win Premier League titles as well as the Champions League.
Conte could do with that experience after the festive season.
Monday, December 26
SINCE getting beaten at home by Arsenal, the West Ham players have really responded.
They managed an impressive draw at Anfield, before beating Burnley, Hull and then Swansea in south Wales. Great stuff.
But what is happening at Leicester? This latest defeat by Everton leaves the flat-footed Foxes only three points above the drop-zone and seriously in danger.
Next up for Claudio Ranieri is a certain in-form east London club today.
Tuesday, December 27
LIVERPOOL brush aside Stoke with Daniel Sturridge again influential, scoring inside a minute after coming off the bench.
With Sadio Mane due to be missing for the African Nations Cup, the return of Sturridge could not have been timed better.
His goal was the 25th by Liverpool at home already this season.
More impressive is that Jon Walters’ goal for Stoke was the first time Liverpool have conceded first at Anfield. If they transfer that to away form, they are real title contenders.
Wednesday, December 28
ANOTHER day and another Premier League manager gone.
This time it is Bob Bradley, who lasted just 11 games before Swansea decided to make it a very unfestive heave-ho for the American.
I can’t quite see why Garry Monk was replaced in the first place last season.
He appeared to be doing a more than reasonable job by keeping the Swans in the top division and, as an ex-player who played in all four divisions for the club, he had a real rapport with supporters.
Leeds snapped him up and are doing very nicely.
Thursday, December 29
GOOD GRIEF! Juan Sebastian Veron says he is coming out of retirement aged 41 to play for Estudiantes in Argentina.
He will not have much trouble getting in the side — as he is also club president.
I cannot envisage the club’s manager refusing to pick the much-maligned former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder.
Returning after retirement — or doing a George Foreman — might even catch on.
With the vast sums on offer, I can see this being the start of a trend.
Friday, December 30
WILL it be unlucky 13 for Chelsea as they bid to extend their run of Premier League wins at home to Stoke today?
Arsenal hold the record, having won 14 in a row in 2002.
Victory will leave Chelsea one short of equalling that.
Arsenal cantered to the league title in 2001-02 and if Chelsea keep winning , no one will stop them.
I think Stoke will have a go though.
They played with two strikers up front against Liverpool in midweek.
It didn't work out but it shows boss Mark Hughes isn't afraid of the big boys.
Its just that he has Peter Crouch as his spearhead, Chelsea have Diego Costa.