News from the Valley and South Africa

From the peak of the Premier League to the foot of the Championship and Charlton Athletic, the team where I began my career back in 1981, are having mixed fortunes.

On the field, they're having a torrid time. One win in 17 tells its own story. But off the pitch, the club continues to shine.

The club's Charitable Trust along with the CARE (Charlton Athletic Race Equality) Partnership is doing strong community work. I'm currently in South Africa as part of the club's international outreach work.

We've linked up with the enforcement agencies in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg to help them forge long-term and effective links with young people.

The inner cities in these areas are blighted with crime, rape and other serious issues. But it's football that has the real hold on the youngsters there.

We're using our experience and know-how to help bind the police and the kids, using sessions and workshops and some good old-fashioned kickabouts too.

In the past there hasn't been too much in the way of trust between the two parties. But football is the tool to help change that.

Charlton has long received plaudits for its community work and rightly so. And as a fan, I'm hoping some of this positivity can translate to the pitch. I for one am keeping the faith.

Scolari, and patience, have left the building

Like a lot of people, I’m a little bit shocked. Chelsea are still very much in the race for honours but it appears that there’s been unrest rumbling with the players for some time.

Scolari has I think failed to draw on his undoubted class as a national manager and adapt to the day-to-day running of a high-profile club in a very difficult league.But despite all of that, do the results warrant a sacking this early in the season? I’d have to say no. And this simply reinforces the notion that Premier League managers aren’t given the requisite time to hatch success.

First Paul Ince, then Tony Adams, now Scolari, all talked up to be the answer and then dismissed before really having the chance to stamp their authority, influence and ideas on the team.

It’s a throwback to Serie A in the 80’s, where tolerance and patience where equally scant. Compare this sort of situation to the stability long in evidence at Arsenal, Manchester United and even Everton, a team not considered to be amongst the ‘Big Four’. The message from these clubs is that success comes in part through sticking by your manager and trusting his judgement.

Clubs' punishments must fit their crimes

Away from the domestic scene much of my work takes me into Europe. I am active in campaigning for racial equality across the continent. And one issue that is consistently raised in dialogue, is the problem in Spanish football.

We’ve seen the Spanish FA’s latest gaffe by penalising Real Madrid a mere 3,000 Euros after their fans made fascist gestures at a recent La Liga fixture. How can this derisory fine possibly serve as a deterrent to one of the richest clubs in the world?

For me, the solution is simple; implementation and enforcement of the law, alongside educational measures that aid integration. Governing bodies must get tough with incidents like the Real Madrid one. And, if key social messages are ever going to filter through to young football fans across the country, then the grassroots game needs closer inspection too.

I'll be watching the upcoming international fixture between Spain and England with anticipation. If we see a repeat of the vile monkey chanting of 2004, the Spanish FA must act. I’ve called for zero tolerance if we see a repeat of scenes in the Bernabeau of 2004 because I believe that footballers, like everyone else, have the right to work and perform in a racism free environment. Anything else simply isn’t good enough.

The problem with Chelsea

On paper Chelsea have got it all. Great players, a great squad, with a mix of European talent and English backbone. The pre-requisites for success are there.

But as we've been seeing over the past few weekends they are struggling and I cant help but think its down to one individual. No, not ‘Big’ Phil. Im talking about Steve Clarke, an ex-teammate and great friend of mine. Chelsea have been famed for the stubbornness of their defence in recent years. Now, they seem to be leaking soft goals. When I was playing at the club, Steve was a massive figure on the training ground, well respected and at the heart of all that was good about Chelsea’s defence. Now he’s gone, that steeliness is and ruthless rearguard appear vulnerable. And is it just a coincidence that his new club, West Ham Utd, are unbeaten in eight?

Another big blow is the absence of Michael Essien. This man is the embodiment of the modern midfielder; quick, strong, and gets himself on the scoresheet. His experience and dynamism is being sorely missed.

The other obvious factor is Scolari. The honeymoon period is certainly over and he’s quickly learning that the Premier League is a harsh environment. The pressure and constant media scrutiny is a world away from the different pace of national team management. And the off field wrangling is having a drip-down effect to the team. It’s the same situation with title rivals, Liverpool, who also have off field debates raging about ownership, contracts, responsibilties.. Compare this with the harmonious spirit at Manchester Utd and Aston Villa. They both keep winning …and with very little fuss from the moneymen upstairs.