Cech is young and is still learning. I'm sure, if he looks at the video replay, he will realise that the blame for that incident belongs completely to both himself and Guddy. Guddy should never have left his station in front of the ball and Cech should have been paying attention!

Of course, I was extremely PO'd with Poll for that goal but have now seen the replay (sober!). I still thought Poll had a bad game and did not like Jose's claim that Poll is one of the world's best referees!

True about Cech, hopefully this will be a lesson he'll learn (and, being the generally fair person I am, I did mention the fact that he was new to the English game).

Whether you saw the replay or not, a "quick" free-kick is part of the game. If a whistle were *required* for a free, you wouldn't see quick free-kicks taken in midfield, defence or by the keeper - there's no rule in the very few rules of the game that demand a whistle. The reason for the whistle is if a opposition player is cautioned for not moving 10 yards back - and is the prime reason for the (incorrect) assumption of a whistle (or wall) requirement when the free-kick is within shooting distance of the goal. Although, after consulting the Laws of The Game again, no one anywhere on the field should be able to take a quick free-kick.

Law 13:
Rules for position of the free-kick: Free Kick Outside the Penalty Area:

All opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play.

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves.

The free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred.

Infringements/Sanctions: If, when a free kick is taken, an opponent is closer to the ball than the required distance: the kick is retaken

So, either the rules are ignored completely and you can take a quick free-kick anywhere, or you can't do it anywhere... confusing, huh?

(Hey, Mike, pass this on to Steve C. if you have a chance - may make a good bit for him...)

As far as Jose goes, I can't say I have a lot of respect. Ranieri yes, and not just because he held you back when you had a better team (before Roman arrived... Jeez, with a better manager you'd be years ahead of where you are now... seriously!). Ranieri was class; Ol'Red Nose can be a pain, but you know it's mind-games (plus maybe some dislike of Wenger), same goes for The Boss (Arsene) too...

Morinho, however, just seems like a bit of a Richard Skull... his insults seem intentional and from the heart - whether an opponent has said, or done a thing. I've thought he's lacked class after draws and losses (including after last weekend - compare his comments to those from someone like Terry (who have I lots of respect for)), including - much as it pains me to admit it - after your draw with The Scum...

I loved/hated Renieri!! He was such a pain in the rump but he was class personified!! We met him at the training ground in April and talked to him about the upcoming tour of the US. He was joking with us and saying that he might see us there if he is on holiday!! What he went through was disgraceful but he wasn't a good manager IMO.

As for Jose, he's the showman. The media hated him but learned to like him over time as he's very to the point. He doesn't hold back but there is no doubt that he is a good manager. You don't do what he's done without being good. Yes, Chelsea have the money and the players. However, Porto did not and he's won more in Europe than both Red Nose and Wenger over almost the last decade! That's quite incredible considering that Porto didn't have any money and he's only been a manager for a couple of years!

Give him time, Grahame, he's one of a rare breed. He's won me over!!