Steve McLaren – The no-nonsense manager

Steve McLaren had to make quite a few big decisions in last few days and I have a feeling that he is getting everything spot on. And he doesnt seem to be bothered too much about the media. That’s a big relief when you compare him to Eriksson.

Some of his good decisions have been:

a. John Terry made captain – He didnt go for the popular choice of Steven Gerrard. Rather he has considered just the merits of the job and the capabitlities.

b.Dropped David Beckham – Well, this could have happened long back. Lennon was too irresistible in the World Cup. Beckham does not fit well with Lampard and Gerrard in the team. Poor dribbling and loss of possession and occasional spark of genius.

c. Dropped Theo Walcott – Put things into perspective. Theo is no genius. He is just a good young player. He needs play more matches at his level and needs to gain more experience. I’m not sure whether he would play the 2010 world cup. Steve did the right thing in placing him where he belongs.

d. Picked Shaun Wright-Phillips / Darren Bent /Defoe – Just spot on. The team is now so well balanced now.

One thing I would have liked him to do is to drop Peter ‘where-is-the-ball’ Crouch.