South Africa, Warsaw and Chelsea all top of the agenda

The dust has now settled on our recent trip to South Africa, and I and my fellow members of the Charlton Athletic Foundation Trust have got the chance to digest another successful trip. After seven years of visits, carefully laying out our template to help some of the country’s most troubled areas, no-one expected the project to run and run like it has done.

It’s been an unqualified success and we’re looking at the World Cup in 2010 as the point where we hand over the reins to the agencies on the ground in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. The legacy we leave behind will be key and, after what we hope to be an amazing four weeks of football, the country should be energized into using the power of the game as a force for good.

UEFA conference to provide direction on discrimination

I’ve just got back from the ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference in the Polish city of Warsaw. This comes as part of my work with the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, a pan-European organisation dedicated to combating discrimination in European football.

These events can help the cause hugely. One only has to look at the English game to see the mix of nationalities and backgrounds in the Premier League alone. This eclectic mix makes for excitement but small-minded groups will always rail against it.

UEFA, in my opinion, have always taken a firm stance against racism at every juncture and whatever form it comes in. They’re ‘the daddy’ and do great work.

The ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference gave players, policy makers and fans the chance to sit down and talk about some of the burning issues we face in a constructive manner. And it’s not rocket science either. Good people, strong leadership and a commitment to the cause is a simple but effective recipe for progression.

Guus banishes the blues at the Bridge

It’s been a busy few weeks at my old club Chelsea. First Scolari leaves in a blaze of publicity and confusion. Then, they land one of the most sought after coaches in the world.

I’ve always held Guus Hiddink in great regard. From his days at PSV to his exploits with South Korea at the 2002 World Cup, his CV is impeccable. In my experience, the arrival of a new manager usually gives the players and the fans a boost.

But when it’s someone with Hiddink’s credentials, it could completely kick start a faltering season. And if recent performances against Juventus and Aston Villa are anything to go by, there’s still life in the title chase yet, though I still think its Manchester United’s to lose.

Hiddink has managed to get inside the players’ heads and make them want to play again. Look at Drogba. A player of unquestionable talent but who’s been underperforming. Now he’s firing on all cylinders. And Chelsea’s season is all of a sudden back on track.

They’ll face a tough challenge in the semi-finals of the FA Cup against either Arsenal or Hull, but with Hiddink at the helm, I see no reason to bet against them making a return trip to Wembley in May.

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.