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.

Playing slots is an exciting way to spend your time

It is the excitement of football that draws me towards it. The game is fast-paced and interesting from start to finish. It is why the beautiful game of football is played and loved all over the world. This is why I love football. It is known and loved the world over and you can start a conversation in almost anywhere you travel to about football and find fellow enthusiasts. There is very little that can match that level of excitement but one of the ways in which you can get a similar buzz is by playing slots.

It is a fun way to spend time and can really give you the opportunity to win money while having fun. What other things in life can offer you this combination? Playing slots is a real thrill because you don't know what is going to happen next. And this mirrors the thrill of football because you have an emotional connection with the game but your chances are a little bit in the lap of the gods. But the good slots player can while away several hours and end up making money through their sill and good fortune. How about you?

Playing slots can be all about making the most of the bonuses and offers that are available to the new starter. If you play the game correctly then you can join the right lots sites at the right time to make the most from all of the offers available. This is how you can turn a small win into a real pay out. It maximises your ability to win because you are playing with the money that you have been offered as a bonus by the slots websites. They want you to join and play so get on to the sites and find the best deals you can. Playing slots is an absolute blast for you and your friends so spread the word on how much fun it is and how you can make the most of your money with the bonus offers that can be found if you look in the right places.

Slots are a great idea when you have a little bit of time and a little bit of money on your hands. You can get a real thrill from watching those reels spin to see what you can win next. You could be the next Leicester City. They won big when it wasn’t expected at all and there's nothing to stop this from happening to you. Try your luck and see where it takes you. You never know where it could end and what you could be cashing out! Just think of the people who put a few quid on Leicester at the start of the season – they are now raking it in. You can do the same thing with playing slots if you play things the right way. Get over to the site now and find out what all the fuss is about. Once you have found the right sites that offer you a big incentive to join then you can be a winner all the way. Are you the next Jamie Vardy? A new Riyadh Mahrez? A budding Danny Drinkwater? They all went from nothing to make it really big this season. Is it your turn next?

The taboos over playing slots have been largely washed away over recent years. The fact is that gambling sensibly with your own money as a form of entertainment is an accepted way of spending your time and money in the internet age. Once you have gone out an earned that money then it is down to you to decide what to do with it. Online slots have come a long way and can be fun for anyone whenever they want to have a great time. Personal choice is the way that people want to live their lives rather than be regulated by lawmakers at every turn says the Competitive Enterprise Institute in a study.

Slots are the equivalent of football when it comes to excitement. It's just like watching your favourite team. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the action unfolds. Slots will take you on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. And at the end of it all you could walk away with some big money in your pocket. How about that for a real thrilling way to spend a few minutes or a few hours? I can’t think of a better way to get my kicks. Playing slots is something that you will get into and want to play over and over again. There are so many different slots websites to choose from and then there are many more different games to choose from when you get on the website. The potential for amusement is endless. So give it a go today and see where it takes you. There could be no end to the excitement in store for you.

Louis van Gaal will have some time on his hands now that he has been sacked by Manchester United. He could do a lot worse than spending some of his free time playing slots for fun. There is a lot to be said for playing slots because it is a stimulating way to pass away a few hours when you are at a loose end, just like the former Manchester United manager. There will always be the opportunity for Louis van Gaal to make a bit of money and have a lot of fun with online slots while he is waiting for the phone to ring with another job offer. Some of the best slots will keep you interested and occupied for some time if you want them to so Louis will not get bored this summer! On a serious note through, now that he is unemployed, it would be a good time for him to make the most of the offers and bonuses that are available to all new players when it comes to using the biggest and best online slots games website around. Some of the biggest names such as Heart Bingo, Sun Bingo and Virgin Bingo offer v-great incentives to sign up with them. This is a great time to be playing slots.

Playing slots is a great alternative to placing a bet at the bookmakers it visiting your local racetrack. It is a hugely convenient way to place a bet that is fun and thrilling. You will have a great time from your own living room. You can be playing slots from your smartphone, tablet laptop or desktop computer. This makes it an easy thing to just pick up and play. It is something that is easy to understand so you won't be lost in a sea of rules and regulations. You can just get on with having fun without the fear that you will not understand what is going on. Once you have played for a little while you will be hooked by the fast paced excitement and energy they playing slots has to offer you. The idea behind playing slots is that you can pick it up and only play for a few minutes at a time or if you have longer then you can play for longer. Playing slots is a great way to pass the time when waiting for friends, before going to work or in the evening when you are watching television or even when you are out and about with your mates. It is something that you can do at any time thanks to the advancements of technology and the fact that you can carry the internet around with you wherever you go on your smartphone.

On my blog 'In Off The Post' I like to look at football from all angles. Now that the domestic seasons are over for a while you will need another form of entertainment to tide you over until the Euros or the Copa America. Well slots are a superb way to give you something interesting and exciting to do in this downtime. Don't forget that the football starts again soon but once you've started playing slots I'm sure that you will be hooked and will be playing them for the rest of your life. They can be a great way to have fun, meet others online and can be a fantastic conversation starter with friends and strangers alike. The joy about playing slots is that so many people are doing it and they love to talk about it. This just adds to the excitement of the game and can only make playing slots a bigger and better experience for you and everyone you know. Spread the word!

Give it a go today. You can have great fun from the comfort of your own home. You also stand the chance to make money. There are a variety of different slots games to keep anyone intrigued for hours. You won't regret giving it a go. Playing slots is something that can be done by young and old. It is something that the football fan will enjoy day in and day out. Try playing slots today to make the most of your money. Incentives are out there to be found if you look in the right places. Make sure that you don’t miss out on maximising your money when it comes to your online slots games. Start today and you will wonder why you ever waited. Online slots are the new way that the world has chosen to have fun and win money. It is time you joined in.

How will England fare this week? Fancy a bet? How about a bonus as well?

It is time for international friendlies and I must admit I haven't watched a lot of these since the time of Sven Goran Erikson as England manager and the amount of substitutes he used. I understand that the England manager has conversations with club managers and tries to keep them onside, especially at this crucial time of the season, but these matches must mean something to the supporters, the players and the England team. This is particularly relevant in the run up to a major tournament, so let's take a look at what England and Roy Hodgson might find out from the upcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

With an injury to Joe Hart, this is a chance for the other goalkeepers to stake their claim as the official number two in the squad. Hart's form has been indifferent this season and he has grown more susceptible to injuries so the position as back-up has a value in the England squad. Jack Butland appears to be at the front of this queue at the moment, but I see Fraser Forster as the best keeper in the squad at the moment. It will be an interesting watch.

Do you think England will be able to turn Germany over on their own patch? Well the best way to make the most of your predition is to maximise your bet with http://bigbonuscode.co.uk as they get you the best Bet 365 bonus codes.

The other area of complete interest in these two friendlies is the attack. Competition exists elsewhere in the team but the fans most want to see is if we can survive (or even thrive) without Wayne Rooney. His powers are definitely weakened by the year and his place is under real threat for probably the first time.

I would like to see Roy Hodgson pair Harry Kane with Jamie Vardy for as long as possible in both games to find out if these two can cut it against some of the best teams in the world. Germany away is much tougher then the Netherlands at home but both games will be test of whether these guys can get us far into the Euro 2016 tournament or fall at the first stage again.

If you think England have a great chance against the Netherlands in the week then put your money where your mouth is. A bet at www.bet365.com can give you the opportunity to make a winning.

The league title race hots up - will we have a new Premier League winner this season?

Has the league title fight now come down to two teams? With another disappointing two round of fixtures for Arsenal and Manchester City - one on the league and one in the Champions League - there is a growing feeling that only Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur can win the Barclays Premier League now this season.

Manchester City have progressed in Europe but the loss of Vincent Kompany to injury again raises fears that their title push is over. Without their captain they have struggled at the back and they are now relying on defenders that haven't cut the mustard in their time in the country. It looks like the clubs hierarchy are looking at next season and the arrival of Pep Guardiola for their next set of glory. A Champions League quarter final for the first time is nothing to be sniffed at but City don't look like potential winners of that tournament. Only a major collapse by both the top two will let them back into the Premier League title race.

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Arsenal have some big problems of their own. The calls for the head of the manager Arsene Wenger grow louder every day and their exit from the Champions League, the FA Cup and their recent failures in the league are not going to make any of this go away. The recent falling away of Manchester United after the long reign of Sir Alex Ferguson may persuade the board to keep hold of him for a little while longer but the results on the pitch are not what the fans want to see.

The odds on the next Arsenal manager are always interesting reading so head over to betfred.com to see what you make of it all.

Leicester City did on Monday night what all the big clubs have always managed to do - win even when not playing well. It is a sign of champions but the last few weeks of the season will see them becoming more and more nervous as they near the impossible dream. They still have away games to Manchester United and Chelsea so the season is far from over.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been also-rans for a long time. They play football which is tough on their players because of the amount of running they are required to do. This may come back to haunt them later in the season as the players tire. Is the squad big enough? DO they have strength in depth? What about cover for injuries?

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