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The World Cup is nearly upon us and this year there will be no Sheepskin Jackets in South Africa as John ‘Motty’ Motson is no longer commentating on International Football following his retirement after the Euro 2008 final. Hanging up his jacket leaves it open for other commentators to get themselves in the history books. From “they think it’s all over…..it is now” made infamous by Kenneth Wolstenholme in 1966, commentators have been trying to make their mark on the biggest stage.

Do you remember Motty’s quote against Belgium in Italia ’90? Gazza played the free kick into David Platt, who turned and volleyed the winning goal that got us through to the quarter finals against Cameroon.

England have done it, in the last minute of extra time!

Or when Becks put us ahead in 2002 against Argentina from the penalty spot:

Hold on to your cups and glasses……..You can smash them now, David Beckham has scored!

Good old Motty will be remembered fondly amongst England fans for his charming, witty punditry on games but this year in South Africa it’ll be left to Jonathan Pearce, Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson et al to live long in our memories in a year when we hope football will finally come home.

Come on England!!!

Joe Cole is officially a free agent. Chelsea confirmed yesterday that they will not be renewing the contracts of Joe Cole or Michael Ballack for next season, therefore both players are free to join other clubs. For me, Joe Cole is one of the best players in England, and would be one of the first names I put on the team sheet for England’s starting eleven at this years World Cup.

Cole has enjoyed much success with Chelsea, winning 3 league titles, 2 under Jose Mourinho and 1 under Carlo Ancelotti this season. However he has become frustrated by his lack of first team action since he returned from long term injury recently.

Clubs lining up to sign him are Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham. Harry Redknapp has come out saying he would love to sign his former West Ham player but believes an agreement may have already been reached with another club. Personally I REALLY hope it’s United. They really need a player to take over from Paul Scholes and Joe Cole has the natural talent and vision to be a perfect replacement.

Over at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson is being very quiet about who he wishes to sign – even insisting he will rely on the development of his current squad next season. Hopefully, he’s going to pull a rabbit out of the hat, and Cole could be just the man.