Slaven Bilic: The Unlikely Man who Bagged the Baggies Job

Slaven Bilic was announced as the new Manager of West Bromwich Albion taking over from Jimmy Shan who completed his time as Caretaker Manager with a lot of class throughout. This appointment raised a few eyebrows as West Brom are renowned, generally, for sticking to British coaches. However, it is one which has been greeted by a huge level of excitement and relief from the supporters who had been growing increasingly frustrated by an ownership that was deemed to be holding back financially and were growing more and more fearful that there may be a "budget" appointment.

European Championships 2016: Golden Boot- Who Will Win It?

Well, this season was one of the most unpredictable seasons in living memory- Well, actually, ever. With Leicester City winning the Premier League title in England, the underdogs in world football have a belief that they've never had before. With England, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland all competing in this year's European Championships, the excitement for this tournament is extremely high. This year's Championship is as unpredictable as any international tournament in recent times. As always, the battle for the Golden Boot will be intense and as you all look to make a cheeky bet on the winner of the most prestigious individual award at the tournament, I try my best to guide you on picking the winner.

The Obvious Contenders: 

Cristiano Ronaldo:

 

Well, who else was I going to start with? For me, there is no question that the Portuguese captain is the best player at this tournament. There is also no question that Ronaldo will be itching to add the European Championships medal to his rather large medal collection, but as always, question marks arise over whether the team behind him is actually good enough to allow him to reach his full goalscoring potential at this tournament. Having scored 2 goals vs Estonia in his only warm-up game before the Euros, there is no doubt that the man who scored the winning penalty in Real Madrid's Champions League success, is on form and with Austria, Hungary and Iceland making up the Portuguese group, there is a great opportunity for Ronaldo to bang away the goals. However, there are question marks over how fit the 31 year old is, having had a thigh strain in the build up to the Champions League final and clearly playing well below his best ability in the game itself. However, there are no doubts he shall be there and he will be doing his utmost to taste international glory before his Argentinian rival, Lionel Messi. 

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: At 7/1, Ronaldo is joint favourite for top scorer (10/6- Paddy Power), so obviously they are not taking their chances by giving better odds for the better, Ronaldo will score goals, but I don't see Portugal going far enough for him to take the golden boot.

Thomas Muller: 

When you think of Germany's attack, the first man that comes to mind is Thomas Muller. The 26 year old seems to have been around for decades, yet people forget this man should only be entering his prime now. With 32 international goals in 71 caps, the attacking midfielder/striker enters this Euros campaign on good form having scored 32 goals in 49 games for Bayern Munich this season. Muller, whose reactions and ability to find the perfect positions make him such a threat at all times, won the Golden boot at the 2010 World Cup and the Silver boot in 2014 and will look to add a Golden boot at the Euros to his achievements. Germany's group is reasonably straight forward; although, should Ukraine hit form they may cause Germany difficulties and Northern Ireland are reasonably tough to break down. 

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: As joint favourite with Ronaldo, Muller will certainly be up there in the mix for top scorer. I would be pretty confident in backing Germany for the semi finals, at least, so to bet against Muller would certainly be a tough thing to do. Could net a few vs Northern Ireland, so don't hesitate to put your money on him.

Antoine Griezmann: 

When I first saw Antoine Griezmann, he was playing out wide for Real Sociedad and was full of confidence, a real outlet for the Spanish side who provided a lot of entertainment. His dribbling was top notch, he clearly had an eye for goal, but what impressed me most was how- if he lost the ball, which wasn't too regular- he'd not waste time before trying to win it back. The only thing he lacked was a small bit more consistency. As he developed physically and mentally, the consistency in his game became more prominent as was shown by his 20 goal season for Sociedad in his last season there. Since his move to Atletico Madrid, all of the above skills that he had at Sociedad have improved no end. Having scored 57 goals in 107 games for the Champions League runners up, he gained more and more spotlight and is now one of the main faces of French football alongside Martial and Pogba. But, don't be surprised if this tournament is the one to push him on to the elite level. As France had no qualifiers, it remains to be seen how they'll line up in a competitive "big match". With Benzema not in the squad, a lot of pressure will be placed on the shoulders of the Atletico star. If Griezmann is central or out wide though, it won't matter, he will score goals. 

Blindsman's Flag Verdict: Should Griezmann be capable of putting the disappointment of the Champions League final behind him, expect him to light up the tournament. At 9/1 he's really, once again, a pretty obvious shout for the golden boot. The only worry may be that France may wrap up qualification very quickly from the groups and look to rest him for the latter stages. But, he won't be too keen to sit on the bench at any point. Switzerland are the main team capable of shutting him out in Group A, I believe. 

Robert Lewandowski: 

With the rumours flying about him leaving Bayern Munich for Real Madrid this summer, Lewandowski will be keen to put all of the speculation behind him and get down to business at the Euros now. There is no doubting that Poland certainly have a group they're capable of escaping with Ukraine and Northern Ireland being beatable opponents, but there is also no expectations of them topping the group as they will face Lewandowski's team mates Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller, to name a few, in the German side. However, let's not forget that this Polish side beat the Germans in qualifying 2-0 and also only lost one game from 10 in their group. They scored 33 goals in these games and Robert Lewandowski scored a record equalling 13 goals in a European qualifying campaign. As a matter of fact, Poland will face Northern Ireland in their group and with his joint record holder being the North's David Healy, Lewandowski will only wish he could reach the heights of the former Leeds United striker (Of course, I am joking). 

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: The rumours linking him to Madrid said it all really. This man is the business. He is one of the most clever players at this tournament. Expect some theatrics from him, but don't let them confuse you, this man is top notch. Capable of scoring any kinds of goals at any given moment, he will be up there in the race for the Golden Boot, but at 16/1, I think his odds represent how he is a bit more of an outside bet than the previous mentions due to the poorer quality of a team behind him. 

The Outside Contenders:

Mario Mandzukic:

Having had a slightly disappointing season, by his standards, at Juventus this year, people have begun to forget about the man who was joint top scorer at the 2012 European Championships. However, this target man, who has a bit more technical ability than people give him credit for, is really capable of being a thorn in the side of any team at this Championships. The only major worry for Croatia, is that they've been drawn in one of the most unpredictable groups at this tournament. Facing the "new look" Spanish side, who look to put the demons of the 2014 World Cup behind them at this Championships will not be easy. Let's not forget how good of a manager Vicente Del Bosque is and how capable he will be of putting a plan in place to stop the creativity of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic when the two sides meet. Tricky games vs Czech Republic and Turkey may be good opportunities for Mandzukic to score goals though. Expect goals in Croatia games as Mandzukic is also very capable of providing assists.

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: With 3 teams going through in some groups, I'd expect Croatia to make the knockout stages and as a result of that, I can see Mandzukic reaching 3, maybe 4 goals. It depends whether this Championships turns out to be as high scoring as I expect, because if it does, I can see Mandzukic being outscored, but if not, 3 or 4 may be a very good return. Always in with a shout in a short competition like this for top scorer. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 

As a Republic of Ireland fan, I sincerely hope Zlatan doesn't arrive at his best at what may be his last European Championships. If he was to arrive at his best, there is no doubt that all of the Irish fans in France will be making a very quick return to Ireland. This season, the performances Zlatan put in have been top notch to say the least. In Europe's top 5 leagues, his 38 league goals for PSG were the second highest total. He arrives off the back of a season that was to be his final one in the French capital and there is no doubt that this man is not only aiming to get out of the group stage, a very tough group at that, but he'd enjoy his last game in Paris, this season, to be in the final in July. However, Sweden's mediocrity is summed up by the fact that Sunderland's Sebastian Larsson and West Brom's Jonas Olsson are two of the most recognisable players on the team sheet. The Swedish captain, will be looking to make the mouths water of United fans this summer with him expected to join his "friend" Mourinho, is the coming weeks. Don't be surprised if he guides Sweden of out what many have labelled "The Group of Death".

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: Not many will fancy Zlatan (33/1) here and well, on paper they'd probably be right not to with his patchy record in knockout competitions, shown mainly by him never having won a Champions League. But, this man will always back himself to lead Sweden to glory and having scored 11 goals in the qualifying campaign, including 3 over the two legs in the playoffs vs rivals Denmark, Zlatan will know, at 34, this is one of his last shots to win the Golden Boot at an international competition. Don't rule it out.

Romelu Lukaku: 

At 23, there is a lot of expectation on this man's shoulders already. but he's more than capable of dealing with pressure. Very strong, quick, confident and lethal, Lukaku is definitely going to use this European Championships to try and find himself a move from Everton. Well, actually, he already has many suitors, if you're to believe reports. Lukaku is certainly in one of the stronger sides in this tournament, with supply coming from the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, to name a few. Belgium were underwhelming at the 2014 World Cup and I personally believe that to be somewhat as a result of their lack of out and out full backs- an issue they've not completely resolved. However, this time their centre back pairing of Alderweireld and Vertonghen, which proved to have a perfect balance at Tottenham, will provide a solid base for their attack to build on. That attack is what Lukaku will spearhead and having got 4 in 4 for Belgium in 2016, he arrives in good form.

Blindsman's Flag's Verdict: Lukaku's (16/1) career high of 25 goals this season (in all competitions), conveys that this man is not entering this competition short of confidence. The tricky group in which he will face Italy, Ireland and Zlatan's Sweden maybe why you see him further out than France's Olivier Giroud (14/1), but I'd expect him to nab a few more goals than the Arsenal striker, even if Belgium may not go as far in the competition. There's less pressure on this Belgian side than in the 2014 World Cup, I feel, as every single person in the world hasn't labelled them their "dark horse". Lukaku is capable, on his day of outscoring most, the only worry is, with Origi waiting in the wings, how much patience will the Belgians have if he started the tournament off slowly?

Each Way Bets for Those Who Love a Surprise Story:

Gylfi Sigurdsson:

The Swansea star had a great end to the season and is undoubtedly Iceland's main threat. With 11 Premier League goals this season and the majority arriving towards the end of the season, he is one to watch out for. His free kicks are a huge threat to any side and he will cause huge trouble with late runs from midfield. With a reasonable group, 150/1 are really good odds for a sneaky bet where you're going all out. 

Graziano Pelle:

It may come as a surprise to those of you who watch the Premier League regularly that Pelle starts for a nation with as proud a history as Italy. However, should Italy get goals at these Euros, which is no guarantee, Pelle is most likely going to be the source. His ability in the air makes him tough to mark and well, should he reach his best vs Ireland, Richie Keogh and John O'Shea are there for the taking. 40/1 aren't bad odds really.

Marko Arnautovic:

In my lifetime, this is the strongest Austrian football has been in a while. There is a real belief around Europe that this side may be capable of pulling up a few trees in France this summer. To be honest, if that's to be the case, many will think David Alaba, the Bayern Munich left back who is capable of playing anywhere bar in goal and as a striker, will be key and yes, he definitely will be. But, let's not forget Arnautovic who had a very good season at Stoke this year. Arnautovic, who is capable of playing all across the front 3 is capable of tormenting defences this summer. His trickery and unpredictability makes him a nightmare for defences and he is capable of scoring vs any team on his day, the main worry is, how often he has them days. At 100/1, he's not a horrendous outsider for maybe 3rd. Probably unlikely though.

Andre Schurrle:

Why Chelsea let this man go is still a surprise to me. Schurrle (66/1) has shown over the last few years, on countless occasions that he is the man for the big moment. He isn't the most eye catching wide man you've seen in recent times, but he certainly is effective. His ability to find the right areas, like Thomas Muller, is phenomenal and he loves to rack away a few goals vs the smaller teams. Northern Ireland- Beware!

Other Must-Mentions:
Here comes a list of players who really could come out with the Golden Boot and I just need to mwntion to cover my ass incase they do!

Alvaro Morata (18/1)


Harry Kane (14/1)


Anthony Martial (25/1)


Eden Hazard (33/1)


Gareth Bale (50/1)


Nolito (33/1)

And the Irish Lads:
Couldn't leave this article without mentioning the Irish lads. Here's hoping they can sneak into the running for the top scorers, but really... It won't happen.

Shane Long (100/1)


Jonathan Walters (100/1)


Robbie Keane (175/1)

Premier League Player of the Season (15/16-So Far)

As Christmas approaches, I thought "What better present is there for the followers than the return of The Blindsman's Flag?" and really... There is no better present. IT'S BACK (And will probably take a long break again after this article), but we've looked at the best players so far this season and rated them with "The Blindsman's Flag Rating". Anyways, I better leave you all to read this masterpiece. Happy Christmas, readers!!

Club by Club Preview: Arsenal

Last Season: 3rd
After winning just 2 out of their first 8 games in the Premier League season, many doubts were raised as to whether Arsenal could actually qualify for the Champions League. But, in true Arsenal under Wenger style, Arsenal once again qualified for this year's competition. If offered 3rd and the retaining of the FA Cup at the start of the season, Arsenal fans would have been satisfied, but not ecstatic by any means, if you ask me. But, following their opening to the campaign, they made the best of what could've been an utter disaster. A good run following the return of Koscielny after injury gives Arsenal a huge amount of hope coming into the new season. The dramatic improvement of Giroud led to a more relaxed Claude on Arsenal Fan TV (If you have not watched that, shame on you!) and a small improvement and reduction in Wenger's naivety in big games also gives a lot of hope for the new campaign.

The Blindsman's Flag: Back in Business

Wait, what? The Blindsman's Flag? Whose even is this? @BoboChubbles19 is the name, getting Premier League predictions wrong is the game and I'm back just before the new season once again in time to embarrass myself with many hapless predictions on the Blog again (I'm the Andy Townsend of the blogging world really, so beware). Now, it is time for the club by club season previews.

Club by Club Preview: Crystal Palace- Can The Run Go On?

Last Season: 11th
To think, most Crystal Palace fans were preparing themselves for relegation in the coming season this time last summer is almost amusing. With no Wilfried Zaha, Ian Holloway scrounging the dregs of the free agent list to put together a reasonable team and very little financial backing to raise the spirits at Selhurst Park, I was amongst those who tipped Palace for the drop. But, after Holloway's dismal start to the campaign, he was dismissed from his position at the club and Palace's fortunes began to change. Tony Pulis replaced Holloway in what was to be Pulis' second club in the Premier League. Well, let's just say, Pulis established his reputation as one of the best managers to keep a team up. The rapid improvement of Jason Puncheon's form was almost scary for sides around Palace. Having arrived when Palace were in deep trouble, Pulis ensured Palace were (not mathematically) safe by around the 30th game of the season. Bolasie, Puncheon, Speroni, Jedinak and Dann were 5 players key in turning around the season for Palace. The game that summed their season up was their 3-3 draw with Liverpool, down and out where many people had written them off but they struck back and managed to salvage a 3-3 draw against all the odds. The season couldn't have gone any better.

Club by Club Preview: Chelsea- Still That Little Horse?

Last Season: 3rd
Mourinho repeatedly expressed, throughout last season, that he wanted to be judged in the coming year, but people have been raising question marks over why the Chelsea side who added stars like Willian, Matic, Schurrle and Eto'o during the course of the season were unable to finish ahead of Liverpool last season. Mourinho will be quick to point out the fact that he had one of the youngest attacks in the league in response to these claims. Chelsea's inability to land Mourinho's ideal target, Wayne Rooney, would've been of huge frustration to the Portuguese manager who returned to Stamford Bridge that summer. The attack is, without question, where Chelsea fell down last season. Their inability to break down teams like West Ham, West Brom, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are inevitably what led to Chelsea being unable to match Manchester City. With the best defence in the league and the best record against fellow members of the top 7, it would seem a certainty that they would've ended up winners of the league, but that was not the case. Eden Hazard came in for criticism from "The Special One" during the first leg of their defeat to Atletico Madrid, in the Champions League semi final, due to an unwillingness to track back that led to a goal and the Belgian's season which looked reasonably impressive statistically underwhelmed me, as a man who expected a huge improvement from Hazard. Willian, who arrived from Shakhtar last summer for a hefty transfer fee seemed to settle into England very well and added a lot to Chelsea's attack, even though it wasn't enough. Oscar's huge downturn in form following the departure of Juan Mata and as he prepared for the World Cup was something of a concern to Chelsea fans, but there is a solid foundation to build on for the coming season.