Big Sam the England manager - what next for England and Sunderland?

The worst kept secret in football has been converted from secret to fact with the appointment of Big Sam as England manager. It was closely followed by the second worst kept secret in football when David Moyes was appointed the new boss of Sunderland. There are many facets to this story and I'll use this blog to take a look at some of the more interesting ones.

Are Sunderland unlucky?

The fact is that the club have finally found a manager who is a great fit for them - and lost him. Sam Allardyce has been fantastic for the club. His tactical awareness and transfer dealings have transformed the club. We were looking forward to a season without a relegation battle for the first time in a long time. I honestly think that the three promoted teams, Bournemouth, Watford, Swansea and maybe a few others will finish below us in the Premier Lessgue - LINK. If we were able to operate in the transfer market and add a quality right back, a back up centre half, midfield creativity and some help for Jermain Defoe then I saw really positive things for the club. To lose a manager just before the season starts (as a pose to our usual method of losing one half way through) is really unfortunate. The club needs decisive action, but that hasn't been our strong suit of late.

The future for England

There will be thousands upon thousands of words written about this. In my view England always appoint a manager as a reaction to what the previous manager was lacking of perceived to be lacking-

• Sven wasn't English enough so we went for Steve McLaren.
• McLaren hasn't enough discipline so we went for Fabio Capello.
• Capello wasn't English either (I don't know why it took us years and millions of pounds to realise this) so we went English again and plumped for Roy.
• Roy was tactically inept and defensively poor so we've gone for the man who isn't that. We've got Big Sam.

I think that the success of Wales, Iceland and to a degree the two Ireland's will have also turned the FA's heads. Success with limited players (we have to admit that this is us) can be achieved by being organised and picking the right team rather than shoehorning the best players onto a formation that doesn't work. France left out some big players for varying reasons and were rewarded with a place in the Euro 16 final. England need to work in the same way and Sam Allardyce is the best fit to achieve this.

Golfing in Abu Dhabi

Let’s kick off with a key fact that many of you probably don’t know. In 2012,Abu Dhabi was named the ‘Golf Destination of the Year’ for Africa and the Gulf States. Not massively surprising to those that have been but if you haven’t,in recent years, Abu Dhabi has quickly established itself as a top holiday destination for the golf-inclined.

What’s not to love? Amazing golf courses set on beaches, sun and of course the 5* luxury spin that Abu Dhabi holds dear. Plus you can get flights from Londonto Abu Dhabi from as little £241 to save extra money for that luxury hotel. We’ve outlined our favourite courses to set the mood.

Course 1: Saadiyat Beach – Home of the HSBC Championships

Visit the Saadiyat Beach Golf course, home of the HSBC championshipsfor spring breaks, summer holidays and winter getaways. Situated an easy 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International airport and, as the name would imply, it is set on the edge of a beautiful beach. Year round sunshine means you will always get to play, whatever the season. At Saadiyat you will find a par 72, 18 hole course set in a serene 7806 yard setting. As you play along the Arabian Gulf you will be treated to spectacular views with great sunrises and sunsets across the sandy dunes. The course takes every type of golfer into consideration, whether a beginner or an advanced player. You can enjoy anything from 5290 to 7806 teeing areas depending on your ability. You might also want to remember the HSBC Championships are held in January too if you would rather watch than play!

Course 2: Yas Links

Yas Links was recently named by influential US magazine Golf Digest as one of the world’s top 25 golf courses. But this place is more than just a driving range;they pride themselves on the experience. Designed by Kyle Phillips, Yas Links is the first links golf course in the Middle East region, providing the ultimate golfing experience including pot bunkers, rolling fairways and sloping run off areas around the greens making it the pinnacle of golfing challenges. Surrounded by the Yas Marina, Formula 1 race track and Ferrari World, it means you can find plenty of things to occupy yourself with when not golfing!

Course 3: Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin features a 27-hole championship course over 162 hectares of land, home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf championship. Often referred to as the most luxurious resort experience within the Middle East, the Westin boasts a truly relaxing atmosphere with palms, decorative trees, shrubs and saltwater lakes dotted all around. As the name would suggest there is plenty to do in the Westin other than just golf. After a long day on the course and a few more triple bogey’s then you care to remember, go back to the hotel to experience a full body massage or maybe unwind with a golfers manicure if that takes your fancy?

So that is our top picks of must-visit golf resorts in Abu Dhabi. Remember, what you’re paying for here isn’t only a golfing trip but a luxury, totally reviving holiday which is going to make you feel reinvigorated and amazing. What more could you want? 

Inside Coach is the smartest football on the planet – it takes your game to the next level

When it comes to playing football we all want to get better at it every day. Even the top players in the world train hard every day to take their skills to the next level. But what if you could get all the data you need to improve your game in the same way the analysts at the top clubs help players like Messi, Ronaldo, Hazard and Pogba.

Well now you can. Inside Coach is a revolutionary way to practice your skills, get better at football and become a better player. The way that it works is Inside Coach is actually a smart football. It uses the sensors in the ball to detect-

•          How hard you strike the ball
•          The spin you impart on it
•          The angle you send the ball in
•          How many touches you have
•          How many passes you make

And all of this data is transmitted to your smartphone so you can easily see the way you are playing, review it to get better, share it with others and show off your stats. It is a great way to train yourself to become one of the greats of the game! Inside Coach is the guide that you have always been looking for when it comes to seeing exactly what you do on the pitch and in training.

Check it out at http://www.insidecoach.com/ and you can see the great opportunity that this smart soccer ball offers you.

What’s more is that the ball can link wirelessly to a headset and from there you can real time cues on how to improve your game. It is like having a coach in your ear as you practice your skills. It is the only product of its kind on the market and is blazing a trail when it comes to personalized football or soccer training.

You can even share the results with your friends and compete with each other to deliver the best statistics in any training session. Be the one that shines when it comes to Inside Coach and you will be the envy of all your teammates. You will be able to analyze your performance and develop your game to take you to the next level and compete every time.

Inside Coach Footballs are available to pre-order now. Check them out and you can start your path to fame and fortune in the world of football or soccer today.

My Euro 16 team of the tournament

With the final only just over a day away it's time to look back over the Euro 16 tournament and select the best team. I have had a look through my notes and these are the eleven they I think have performed best-

Hugo Lloris has performed wonders as France goalkeeper and captain. He has captured the mood of the nation and kept his teammates calm when needed. A great influence.

Joshua Kimmich has been a bit of a revelation for me. I'd not seen much of him before Euro 16 but he has looked composed in defence and really useful in attack.

Ragnar Siggurdson is the player I have chosen to represent Ireland's success. He plays football the way it was played when I was a kid. No-nonsense and just good solid defending.

Georgio Chiellini played in his own style. He knows all the dark arts but is just a great defender as well. The Italian team looked like they could defend all day if needed and Chiellini was the best of this bunch.

Neil Taylor was an integral part of the success of the Wales team at Euro 2016. He defended brilliantly, caused problems on the flanks and got a goal - and it would have been two but for Courtois in the Belgium goal.

Eric Dier was the one bright spot in a dismal campaign for England. He looked the only world class player for England and had a massive impact. He did fail with the rest of the team against Iceland though.

Gareth Bale was phenomenal. Scored free kicks in the first two games on the back of his reputation - he scared the keepers into conceding! He ran the show for Wales but was always a part of the team. Must be able to claim he's at the top table now in world football.

Dimitri Payet has shone for France. He has demanded the ball and tried to make things happen. The winner in the first match followed by his tears of joy got Euro 16 started in style. A class player that West Ham will struggle to keep hold of.

Mesut Ozïl is more than the King of the assists - even though that would be enough on its own. He has worked hard, tracked back and driven his team forward. He looks the player he was at Real Madrid again.

Antione Greizmann looks like being the top scorer. He has an eye for goal but is a flair player too. His skill sets him apart from others and he might yet guide France to victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been at his best but it's still enough to secure his place in the team of Euro 16. He knows when to switch on the power and how to manage his body to get through to the next round. Time will tell if he lifts Portugal to the title.

What do you think? Agree of disagree? Let me know your thoughts and your top team of Euro 16 in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.