Inspiration in South Africa

I’ve just returned from a busy but inspiring week in South Africa, starting with a visit to the Soccerex convention in Johannesburg, which brings together some of the leading football brands and what you might call “movers and shakers” in the game.

One of the most fascinating sessions was Sepp Blatter's keynote talk, which included what could be best described as an interesting perspective on Thierry Henry and the France handball incident, and more positively an impassioned reasoning of why it had been so important to take the World Cup to Africa.

I moved on to Cape Town in the middle of the week where I helped to launch ‘Offside’, an exhibition looking at the role South African footballers have played in the British game, against the social and cultural background in both countries.

This is a joint venture between the British Council and the District 6 Museum in Cape Town, and Kick It Out, and the Sheffield-based FURD in the UK.

It is an exciting project that will tell us so much about our histories through the mirror of football.

As luck would have it, England were drawn to play their second game of the tournament in Cape Town, against Algeria. Having now been there twice I can tell you that England fans will be in for a treat, it’s a beautiful city with a spirit amongst the people that is unmatched.

Looking at the draw, it was a good one for England. The USA are a strong, well organised team and it would be foolish to write off Slovenia and Algeria, but like most people I am confident England will do well and progress to the next round.

On the 2018 bid front, it was a great week. The team were busy at both Soccerex and the draw and the presence of David Beckham led to some crazy local coverage and by all accounts many positive meetings with the people who will be doing the voting next December – the FIFA Executive Committee members.

There’s still lots to do, many more hurdles to overcome but to me things look good.

The plight of Newcastle and the Champions League Final

Every Newcastle fan's nightmare was confirmed at the weekend. Even Alan Shearer couldn't stop the Toon Army sliding into the Championship.

I'm devastated for the fans. Loud and colourful, they remind me of the Celtic fans I played in front of. And like them, Newcastle fans happiness is governed by the fortunes of the team.

They've been shortchanged by mismanagement and, in all honesty, they are yet to pay the full price.

I feel their demise can be traced back to the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson. He brought the team to the Champions League and fifth in the league. Letting a man of his background go was a huge mistake.

Will they bounce straight back up next season? It depends who takes the reins as manager. But statistics show that only 40% of teams return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

And with 15 players on £50k or more, many of whom certainly aren¹t worth that, it¹s a tall order.

The Champions League final will be a contest between two teams easy on the eye. And it should be very, very entertaining.

Barcelona possess so much creativity, not to mention strength of character; to contain Chelsea in the semi final for 90 minutes then nick it at the last demonstrated this.

Messi, Henry, Eto¹o and Iniesta all have mouthwatering ability. But their equally talented full backs, Alves and Abidal, are both out. And I haven¹t been too impressed with the two centre backs either.

It's these failings that I feel Manchester Utd will exploit. My verdict? Fergie's men to win on penalties.