Robbie Earle: Talking Roy, Rio, Rafa and Relegation




Beyond The Pitch show

Summary: Several major stories are the focus of this episode with ESPN FC commentator Robbie Earle which starts nowhere more pressing than the England campaign for Brazil 2014 where the lack of communication between Rio Ferdinand, Roy Hodgson and Manchester United surfaced with disastrous consequences to the chase for Champions League football and then the always important examination of the relegation zone as no less than 7 teams are four points from the drop. We also examine the problems that England continues to have under Roy Hodgson in what was originally thought to be one of the easier paths to Brazil after the draw, whether much stylistically and tactically has changed since the departure of Fabio Capello and whether UEFA needs to take another look at seeding the lesser nations such as San Marino as too much of the qualification process is being settled by picking on weaker sisters. Also in view here is that battle between Arsenal and Tottenham and whether Andre Villas-Boas might have to gamble a bit with the Europa League even though he does appear to have the better squad on paper. More discussion as well on Chelsea and what could be in the cards this summer once Rafa Benitez moves on and with him the end of an era at Stamford Bridge, more on the messages being sent to Wayne Rooney by Sir Alex Ferguson and if a departure from Old Trafford could happen, and then we turn our attention to the mad relegation scrap engulfing a number of teams. This is where the Bermuda Triangle of the Premier League comes into view - Roberto Martinez and Wigan Athletic who continue year upon year with a dance with disaster only to resurrect themselves after Easter Sunday by feasting on some big teams and lesser ambitions at the DW.