Wenger As England Manager?

Perhaps because it is an international week. Perhaps it is because reporters are tired of writing about Arsenal's demise on the pitch.  Perhaps they are tired of digging into the books and trying to figure out how many years it will be until the long-term, and now out-dated, deals made to pay for the new stadium will be keeping Arsenal's football revenues from growing at the same pace as their peers in the league.  Perhaps it is because the England team are having a fairly easy run of qualification and with Capello already known to be on his way out there isn't much else to write about this week.  Whatever the reason, there is a rumor making the rounds that Wenger might be the perfect blend of "foreigner, but not really" to lead the England team into Brazil 2014.

To which my reaction is "What?!?!?!??!?!?"

Toffees pair awarded gongs

Looks like I wasn't too far off on my Torres/Arteta rant.

Phil Jagielka and David Moyes have been rewarded for Everton's fine form in February by being named the Premier League's player and manager of the month.

The Toffees recorded two wins and a draw without conceding in their three top flight games last month, a run which saw the Merseyside club gain ground on Aston Villa and Arsenal to move within two points of a Champions League place.

Sweet, sweet vindication.

Toffees stuck on £4m Jag swoop

Everton boss David Moyes is tipped to pip Aston Villa and Newcastle to the £4million signature of versatile Sheffield United ace Phil Jagielka. Jagielka, who is comfortable in midfield or the heart of the defence, has told new Blades boss Bryan Robson he wants to leave Bramall Lane following the club's relegation from the Premiership.

It is reported that Jagielka, who made quite an impact for the Blades despite their failed bid to avoid the drop, had a £4million buy-out clause inserted into his contract in the event of relegation.

Neal and I are a bit divided on this possible signing. While we both agree that 4mil is a lot of money, Neal seems to think that Moyes is in the process of rebuilding his squad with younger, versatile players. I think that Everton have Phil Neville in the utility role, and enough cover in defense and defensive midfield that Jags is a bit of a redundancy. I would rather see them spend the money (and perhaps they will) to improve their depth in the attacking midfield area. With Fernandes unlikely to be signed, Moyes doesn't have much creative spark beyond Arteta, Osman, and Cahill.