With the Premier League and Championship out of action this weekend due to the beloved international break, I had to look elsewhere for my super six this week, as usual suspects Manchester United were unavailable for selection.
- Southend United
Southend have had an abysmal start to the season. The Shrimpers have amassed just 4 points from their opening 12 games, and only Bolton being on -8 points keeps them from being rock bottom of the league. Saturday’s game, however, was perhaps a new low for the team rumoured to be on the verge of appointing Dirk Kuyt and Henrik Larsson as their new management team, as they were trounced 4-1 at home by fellow strugglers AFC Wimbledon. If Kuyt and Larsson were present, they’ll know they have a big task on their hands to keep them up this season.
- AFC Fylde
It was perhaps harsh of the AFC Fylde board to sack their manager Dave Challoner on ‘non-league day’ and perhaps even more harsh when you realise, they didn’t even play a game. Fylde’s match was postponed due to rail troubles, and it was announced that manager Challoner had been sacked at 15:30, which would have been during their game should it have been played.
- Petr Cech
In case you missed this, former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech signed for a new club this week. What is surprising, however, is that that club plays ice hockey. The legendary goalkeeper made his debut for Guildford Phoenix, and earned the man of the match award after saving a penalty for his new team.
- Oldham Athletic
Oldham had a pretty awful time this weekend, but most of their problems originated within the space of 30 seconds away at Mansfield. They were already two goals down when they had not one, but two men sent off in the 37th minute, due to a straight red offence occurring just seconds after Filipe Morais committed a second bookable offence, and both men received their marching orders. Remarkably, Oldham then made it 2-1 with 9 men, but their resolve didn’t last long, and Mansfield went on to win 6-1.
- England
I think it would be fair to suggest that the majority of England fans and players were expecting a fairly routine win in the Czech Republic to seal a spot at Euro 2020. However, a combination of poor team selection (how is Michael Keane in the starting eleven) and shoddy defending meant that England lost a qualifier for the first time in ten years, and will have to wait until Monday at least to secure their spot.
- Scotland
At least England fans can take solace in that however bad things may get, Scotland will always be worse. Although they had no chance of qualification, fans were still hopeful of a promising display when Steve Clarke’s side travelled to Russia. However, they were soundly beaten 4-0, meaning they remained second bottom of a group that includes both Kazakhstan and San Marino. Sunday night saw a slight improvement as the Scots thrashed San Marino in a result that will surely go down in history, but it’s going to be another international tournament without our northern neighbours.
