Brexit: A NFFO report state how bad the Tories has failed the fisheries

Today the National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisations (NFFO) took stock of the consequences of Brexit in concern to fishing. This is a paper made to show the results for the Fisheries, Fish-Farms and the whole industry as a whole. The promises made is clearly never kept and made out of thin sky. The reported was called: “BREXIT BALANCE SHEET – A report for the NFFO by Gary Taylor, former DEFRA lead fisheries negotiator” (30.09.2021). This report is the numbers I am stating as fact. Since this is directly from the industry itself and it’s grim.

NFFO would unleash this paper or report. If not to show the numbers and the wastage of the whole system. We have already seen reports and worries from parts of the industry earlier in the year. This being the Scottish Fishing Industry and Shell-Fish Farmers as well. These has stated losses and struggled to trade with Europe, which has been their main customers. This is why this report will state the totality and it’s telling a tale that needs to be told.

Barrie Deas, the Chief Executive of the NFFO writes this in the introduction: “The assessment shows that there are very few winners and a great many losers. Gary Taylor’s analysis suggests that the bulk of the UK fishing fleet is on a trajectory to incur losses amounting to £64 million or more per year, with a total loss in excess of £300 million by 2026, unless changes are secured through international fisheries negotiation” (Brexit Balance Sheet, 2021).

We are seeing a massive loss of funds, lots of British Pound Sterling, which is never earned because of the Brexit. The industry is missing out on opportunities and markets, because of the act as a “sovereign” instead of being part of the common market in the European Union.

The technical reasons are explained in the report, but the gist is this:

The reasons for this deficit lie with:

The terms of the TCA agreed with the EU

The impacts of increased red tape and obstacles to trade in fisheries products

The lack of satisfactory outcomes for UK vessels that target non-quota species and

which will be at a disadvantage as a result of the terms of the TCA

The failure to reach annual agreements with Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland or

Iceland” (Brexit Balance Sheet, 2021).

Here we are seeing the details who is a gist, but they says a lot still about the lack of care or concern for the industry by the government. They have not made sure with a deal, which would have made a better impact in the TCA. Secondly, the Industry has lost a lot, because of the Third Country status and being out of the Common Market. Final and third is the lack of agreements with Norway, Faroe Islands, Greenland or Iceland. That says it all really…

Not only has the Tories and Boris Johnson given the fisheries a bad deal, they have double trouble with the trading agreements. The fisheries cannot fish in the seas, which they have shared with other sovereigns. That was a part of the common market and made it possible for vessels to fish there. Alas, the state has not only bitten the hand that feeds it, but has double crossed it. There so many elements, which the state haven’t delivered for the fishermen.

The Tories didn’t even give them bait or a hook. There are not even allowed to get those seas for certain fishermen. That says it all about the lack of care or concern in this regard. Because, the Tories promised total victory and surpluses. Instead they have delivered heavy losses and more expenses for the companies trading seafood. That says it all.

This is why fish has rotten in ports, instead of being served on plates. Peace.

Brexit: The HGV driver shortage was warned about years ago…

The driver shortage has resulted in a dependence on agency and particularly foreign drivers that goes beyond what is needed to cope with seasonal variations and is now necessary to sustain normal operation. The dependence on agency staff means that operators in the sector are probably not investing enough in their staff. We think this creates two risks that need to be managed. First, if the UK becomes relatively less attractive as a place for foreign drivers to work, as it may do as the consequences of Brexit play out, the shortage could become much more acute, possibly quite rapidly. Second, the longer-term sustainability of the UK’s road haulage sector could be undermined if there is not a steady stream of people through the sector gaining the skills and experience that they need to become transport managers and operators” (…) “Both the industry and Government have taken steps to address the shortage. None of these are on a scale likely to deliver the number of drivers needed. The road haulage sector, supported by the Government, needs to take further steps to:

meet any shortage and reduce dependence on foreign drivers (about 60,000 drivers);

meet any predicted growth in demand; and

deal with the demographic time-bomb (about 75,000 drivers by 2020)” (Parliament.uk – ‘Skills and workforce planning in the road haulage sector’ 27.07.2016).

Sometimes you wonder if the Tories and the Cabinet Secretaries are so forgetful. You can wonder, if they care about warnings and red signs. The Brexit referendum would clearly target the haulage industry. As it is dependent on European Union citizens with license and ability to drive heavy-goods driver (HGV).

The Tories have offered a three month visa parley to everyone they sent packing after the Brexit was issued. The European Union Haulage Unions have dismissed this offer. They are saying they can easily be used, but sent straight back without any consideration for work. Therefore, the EU HGV drivers will not return to save Christmas in the United Kingdom.

Yes, the government gave this “amnesty” or ability during the weekend. At the same time it has put in regulations that all vehicles and lorries who is going into EU from the UK has to take-off their stickers with GB and change that to UK. That is actually something they have done. Just like changing colour on the passport. It is symbolic changes, but not what industries need in these dire times.

The Tories and the Downing Street needs to focus on. They are not securing the livelihoods of the HGV drivers. Neither has it made efforts or done anything for the foreseeable future. They are instead trying to patch up the hurt without any real reform for the transport sector. Which is needed to cope with the lack of trained personnel, salaries or even long-term prospects to work in the haulage industry.

The UK needs the EU HGV drivers to be able to cope. That is why we are seeing again the possibility of the army to do logistics in the Kingdom. Since, the Tories haven’t secured or made it possible for others to cover needs, which is clearly there. The Tories cannot even come with sound judgement or policies, which will make it feasible for the grandstanding departure of previous drivers to return. These will not return when they are getting pennies on the pound and working in crappy conditions while staying in UK. It is not like Boris Johnson or any of his cadre will humiliate themselves in the same regard. No, they rather spend vacations in Caribbean and hope someone else fixes the problems they created.

The Tories haven’t secure the basics. That’s why the supermarkets lacks produce and commodities, why farmers lack’s personnel to pick and secure their produce to market and finally lack of drivers to deliver the needed things across the Kingdom. The Tories haven’t given incentives or prospects for anyone then themselves.

The lack of drivers isn’t only the fault of Brexit alone. It is a systemic fault of a incompetent government. Who is all about publicity, but not about proper policies. This is why it is happening. The fuel-shortage and the empty shelves in the supermarkets says it all. It is not the fault of the public, but the politicians that promised heaven. However, they haven’t delivered the golden gates, but instead showed a little piece of hell.

Kudos to the Tories for failing in such a manner. They will blame anyone else and even say it’s the public own faults for buying petrol. The Tories will go after the companies itself, than look into own misgivings. Because that’s what they do.

What is extra tragic here is that they knew this could be amplified and gotten worse by the efforts of Brexit. However, the state didn’t act upon or take in-consideration the needs of the haulage industry. Therefore, the Tories who was in power the whole time could have made things possible, but clearly they never did. Peace.

Opinion: Stoltenberg got to prove his worth now

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has a massive hurdle to pass over. As French President Emmanuel Macron and the French government is reacting to a secretive alliance agreement between United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia (AUSUK).

This agreement or alliance is not only shaping the military alignment in Indo-Pacific sphere, but in Europe as well. The Biden Administration has with this thrown more shade and fire on a fickle organization. Which was already bickering and had lot of internal strife’s.

It is not like NATO has been running smoothly in the Trump era. No, it has been raised havoc and Trump has caused diplomatic furore over his actions. However, Biden is causing even more damage by selling sub-marines and making strategic agreements without considering close allies. This is not a wise move. The United Kingdom has been a running mate of Washington D.C. since the time of Tony Blair. So, it isn’t new on that front and post-Brexit this is just showing their own way.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has a huge burden on his hands. Not only clean up the mess left behind from Afghanistan and other missions associated with NATO. Now he also has a diplomatic task of epic proportions. He has to sit-down and discuss with all the allies. Stoltenberg has to appease the French, meet with Biden and zoom-call Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Because, this has to be settled.

NATO will pay a price for this. The levels of distrust the French feels might goes to others as well. Just like the Turkish are closing the waters of the Greeks in the Mediterranean. The Turks have blocked a Maltese vessel from doing it’s scientific mission in Greek waters. Therefore, Stoltenberg doesn’t only have Macron and the French to appease.

An alliance like NATO builds it’s structure on trust and protocol. This was not only business of military industries of the French, but of their pride as a sovereign within an alliance. They were promised and this wasn’t kept. While the NATO members haven’t talked or been upfront about things. That hurts the pride of Paris and surely they will feel betrayed by their allies. USA and UK might not care, but do they really want more friends anyway?

Stoltenberg has to be clever. He got to be wise and hopefully he got good council at NATO. Since these troubling times will not be easy on him. He has to stand stall until the end of his office in September 2022. Stoltenberg has had the office in 2014 and he thought the idiotic times Trump would be bad enough. However, this will be his biggest personal challenge.

As the Secretary General he has to be strong, confident and humble meeting these Head of State. Stoltenberg needs to confine and find time to build trust. He needs reassurance and security on behalf of the alliance. While trying to forge relations between Macron, Biden, Johnson and Morrison. These has to appeased and feel the vibe. That will not be easy. Yes, Stoltenberg is a seasoned politician and has touched upon trouble before.

Nevertheless, this will be a huge operation. It cannot be saved by speeches or poetic statements. No, this is mending wounds and healing relations between allies. That will not be easy. Especially, when the French says it could even ditch the whole alliance. This is why Stoltenberg have to show character and do it quick.

If NATO is still going to matter. Stoltenberg have to prove it and he got to show courage. He needs to go to Paris, Washington D.C., London and Canberra. Stoltenberg needs to show his whole skill-set of diplomacy and political game of compromise.

This will not be easy. Stoltenberg has to pass over this mountain with a proper compass or a map. He needs to follow streams, use his gut-feeling and follow the lights on the horizon. There will be no second chances and he got deliver. NATO depends on it….

Stoltenberg has to prove it’s validity and it’s value. While building trust…. that’s huge task and it’s his to bear. He got to carry it and resolve the matter. That is an unforgiving mission, but that’s what he signed up for when he accepted the office. Peace.

Opinion: Boris, the Imperial Weights will not salvage Brexit

You know the sun is set on the empire. Prime Minister Boris Johnson isn’t solving the crisis of imports. No, his just boosting his own ego and bringing back the old times. Now the Prime Minister is re-issuing the imperial weights. This means everything will measures in ounces, pounds, stones, quarters and hundredweight.

This is because for some strange reason the metric system is a downfall of the empire. That’s why the imperial measures has to be put back in order. Not like this is solving the shortages, the problems of imports or exports for that matter. No, this is just masking things and making things looks grand.

I am pretty sure that the Ministers or the appointed fellows in the Cabinet of Johnson would themselves struggle to even know how much or how the old system works. The PM isn’t wise in doing this. It is fitting to the older peers and the ones who is soft hearted for the good old days. However, this isn’t fitting in the real world. Especially, when you are living in a global system.

The traders have to repackage and change their products to fit the new paradigm. Some are fitted with both and that’s done with baking equipment. That is well known and the PM should know this. There is only three other nations who is known for using the Imperial system that is Myanmar (Burma), Liberia and United States of America (USA). So, it is not a majority or plenty of nations who uses it, but a very limited group.

That’s why this is a backtrack and not a winning formula. Yes, some parts of society uses it. Heck, people still get weighed in Imperial Weights still, but most products are made within metric scale. That’s why this is a foolish enterprise. The Brexit and Tories are just doing dumb moves.

This isn’t solving anything. The bottlenecks and the troubles of Brexit will persist. The lack of workforce, lorry-drivers and whatnot will not change with this. That’s why this is posturing and a lack of needed reforms. This isn’t what the UK needs … and Boris knows this. He will have support of the older generations and the ones who wishes back to the 1950s. However, the younger generations will not get it and neither will anyone who hopes for a closer connection with Europe again.

The PM re-issuing Imperial Weights is just a bananas move. This isn’t a move of greatness, but of utter failure. Peace.

Opinion: Brexit was bound to fail [and the results are now coming in]

The referendum of withdrawal from the European Union (EU) of 2016 settled the score and made it possible for the Conservative Party (Tories) to launch their campaign and gain majority of the Parliament. In such a manner, that they have had two Prime Ministers and had a long hurdle to come to terms with the EU on how to leave.

After long negotiations and plenty of delay. The final “Brexit Day” was enforced on the 31st January 2020. So, with the months that has gone and with the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement in combination with the talks between London and Brussels. There is no end to this and the effects of the matter is no obvious for everyone to see.

The ones that was Remainer and was on the side to stay in the Union is now vindicated. As it is more “red-tape” and the Brexit Agreement isn’t making things easier. There been conflict over fishing rights with France. Fish and Sea-Food have rotted in port, instead of being exported to the mainland Europe from Scotland. Imports has slowed down, hauliers stopping deliveries to the UK and foreign workers to many fields are lacking. With all of this in mind. It is not a success, but a brutal and self-inflicted suffering.

Brexit was bound fail. The utter total failure was anticipated by plenty and it’s now evident. The Brexiteers should also reflect on it. They should man-up and see the results as they are. The possible use of army to get food delivered across the Kingdom. That should say it all. As the importers are not getting their products in time and neither able to secure the delivery from the exports to Britain.

UK becoming a ‘Third County’ isn’t giving it vast freedoms. Yes, the UK could make trade-deals with Australia and Kenya. However, the major trading partners with the EU and near proximity is harden. Not like there been any good industrial news or set-up of factories. Neither, hasn’t there been news of exceptional growth.

The supply-chains have been like this for one simple reason. The UK is out of the Single-Market and there is added bureaucracy and checks on goods passing through the borders. There is need for more documents and hurdles before passing has hurt the Kingdom. That is easy reasons to see why supermarkets run out of goods. Restaurant-chains are running out of main products and cannot serve customers. Other type of goods are lacking too and if that is with the imports. How dire is the situation for the exporters?

We knew earlier in the year that the exports was hit hard. They we’re not able to send produce, sea-food and others on time. The companies was losing money and their assets was rotting in ports. With this knowledge, the same hardship is now hitting home. Not only that the British Sea-Shells and other sea-food isn’t served in Paris anymore. At least not at the scale or in such a manner, which it was in the past.

The ones pledging for this and had their way. Should stand astute and bravely say: “We were wrong and crippled our economy. We fought for freedom, but instead being left alone. Brexit was supposed to give us new profitable terms, but it hasn’t and we lost. That’s why we have to see, if we can negotiate or find new ways of getting into the Single-Market and the Customs Union. As we are now a third country with little to no say. We have to change this and we are sorry for promising the world and not even giving you chicken at Nando’s”. Peace.

Brexit: “Operation Yellowhammer” is in full effect with the Army drive for the supermarkets

Certainly, some should feel a bit vindicated these days. Especially the Remainers who campaigned for “Project Fear” which was so scrutinized and called a blame-game of a worse scenario. The last few weeks has really shown the consequences of the Brexit. A Brexit that the Conservative and Tories promised to be easy and without any real costs.

However, everyone in their right mind knows that a divorce on this scale would cost. The marriage had to end and the transactions after this would be made more difficult. The Tories haven’t made things smooth or better. The rules and regulations between the United Kingdom and European Union is hectic. Several of companies and hauliers have stopped trading with the UK. This is now costing and showing results in the supermarkets across the Kingdom. That is not shocking, but was inevitable.

The Project Yellowhammer and Worst Case Scenario of August 2019 is now playing out. Where there was talks and projected to have disruptions of food supplies and across the supply chain. That was described there and clearly it is evident now.

The recent news says it all:

The Army has been put on standby to deliver supplies to supermarkets as Britain faces a shortage of 100,000 truck drivers. Around 2,000 personnel who are qualified HGV drivers are believed to be on a five-day notice to help distribute food and essentials including medicine. The Government is set to make a formal plea to the military for help ‘imminently’, with members of the Royal Logistics Corps and other regiments expected to be called upon by the end of September” (Siba Jackson – ‘Army ‘on standby’ to deliver food amid shortage of lorry drivers’ 08.08.2021, Metro.co.uk).

You know Brexit is a lose-lose enterprise when the businesses and the supermarkets needs the army to salvage the supply chain. The Tories and the government have failed the businesses and the consumers i.e. the citizens. They have told stories which wasn’t true.

All of the promises of a easy and simple transition is clearly out of the window. The reality is here now and the UK has to face it. The Tories got to find measures, means and possible way out of it. The soldiers and the ones who conscript to the army shouldn’t drive produce to Tesco or pick up lorries in Dover. That is just a failure if there ever was one.

This is just proving the pointers of the Remainers ahead of the referendum. The Brexiteers who promised so blatantly and wrongly that this would be a neat process. They should all take the mantle and configure this out. Since they are the ones who made it happen and ensure everyone that the basics are in order. Because, when the supermarkets and the convenient stores are running out of goods. You know you are in trouble.

There was plenty of folks who knew the Brexit and the new bureaucratic hurdles would cost, take time and stifle the logistics from Europe to the United Kingdom. The ones who has to import or export is paying the price. There has already been fish rotting in the ports and not getting through the system before they are expired. Therefore, the Brexit has destroyed businesses and ensured many are harder daily life.

The Tories especially, the wing of the Brexiteers has to take accountability. They need to fix this and not just settle with the army on standby. That is a show of weakness and that they totally failed. The Brexit isn’t a success, but a abomination of a government policy. It is a train-wreck and an insult to citizens. They sold a story of gold, but not everything that is shimmering is that. The Brexiteers sold fools-gold and a small majority believed it.

Now, everyone has to pay the price for it and surely nobody wants to hear it. Since it is visible and the HM Government haven’t got the qualified or the ability to figure this one out. The inept and corrupt government will not have the skills or the mindset to fix this. They will only make another circus and hope no-one see the real problems. Peace.

Opinion: Pochettino got no excuses [and he got to win trophies now]

There is no more jokes anymore or open questions about the possible talent in the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) squad. This club got to conquer the Ligue 1 and possibly win the Champions League. The recent additions to an already great squad should be all the reasons for a cake-walk of a season. Not talking about the salaries and the spending on these players, which is vastly different from the rest of the French League.

This year, Mauricio Pochettino got to achieve greatness now. He better become a victor and not prolong the agony with another second place in the league. The manager better have a victory run unknown to men. This because the move of Lionel Messi should say it all. That the PSG is getting Messi should ensure the season and trophies.

However, the PSG have already gotten a world class recruits ahead of the season. They have gotten AC Milan’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (free transfer), Real Madrid’s centre-back Sergio Ramos (free transfer) , Inter Milan’s Right-Back Achraf Hakimi and Liverpool’s Central Midfield Georginio Wijnaldum (free transfer). All of these players are winners and been vital players in their teams. They have all been victors and been successful. While Lionel Messi also on free transfer from Barcelona.

Not like the PSG got lack of talent before all of these players arrived to the French Capital. No, the team had already Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Central Midfield Marco Verratti, Left Wing Neymar, Right Winger Ángel Di María, Centre Forward Kylian Mbappé and Mauro Icardi. This is just to mention a few and then leaving out Draxler and Gueye who is world-class as well.

Therefore, this team is packed and has a players who can change matches. The PSG should with all these player be superior in France and be able to challenge anyone in the Champions League. If they cannot do this with this squad. They never will succeed. Because, they have the stars, the experience and the possible goal-scorers to make a winning team.

The only question now with possibly Messi arriving in Paris. Will Pochettino be able to handle all this and the pressure put on him. He can skate away and linger on the lack of talent. It is not like he can complain that he doesn’t have a player or big enough squad to succeed. Because, this is the Football Manager or Champions Manager dream-team. It is the sort of trade-off and recruitment your dream of achieving in fantasy football. This is usually only happening in the virtual world. As the free transfers of PSG is so world-class. That you can wonder what happened to their teams and why they let these players go…

PSG has had the best transfer window any club can have. In a market and when other clubs are struggling financially. When European football is bleeding and lacking funds for salaries and transfers itself. At that time they are able to pick up stars for nothing and only paying additional sign-on fees and such. Which is something they would have if they had bought them as well. Therefore, the PSG has won this and now they got to win on the pitch too.

The Manager got to carry PSG and ensure the results are coming. He has a team to dream of and with such massive skills. That Pochettino has no excuses or say, if the results doesn’t goes his way. The Argentinian manager better show his tactical mind and use these player at full capacity. He has a defence, a magical midfield and strikers to end any opponent. Pochettino just got to execute and secure the win before the final whistle. Peace.

Opinion: Messi leaving FCB …. a legend is leaving the club!

Lionel Messi, the Argentinian footballer who has achieved everything possible in his career. A man who has been the centre of Futbol Club Barcelona (FCB) or Barça. He has been at the clubs since a youngster as the talent was picked up or bought from Newell’s in 2002. The rest is history.

Messi have been a key player, the MVP and the living legend at Camp Nou. Nobody is bigger or more well known right now. Except for Cristiano Ronaldo. The rest is not in the same league as him. It is hard to hate Messi, since he scores goal, win titles and excites every single time.

He has had a huge salary and other perks. The man has had advertisements centred around him just like managers has been picked by him or his team. The Barça formation and team has over the years been built around him too.

There is no wonder why, because in all competitions he has played 778 matches and scored 672 goals and 305 assists. He has several of La Liga titles, Champions League and other cup titles. Messi is an outstanding player and his stats says it all.

Lionel is now 34 years old, but still has more to give. It will be weird seeing him in another jersey than the ones for Barça. He is the embodiment of the club and has had his whole career here. Him playing for PSG or Juventus will not be same. Neither would it be to see him in Chelsea or anywhere else.

He just belongs to Barça. Anyone who has followed football and knows the sport knows this. Where does Messi play? Barça. We don’t need to ask and we just know this. We who follows knows that the economy and the financial situation of the club isn’t cracking. Even if it is one of the biggest earners and has a huge fan-base across the globe. Still, the financial constraints, the huge wage bill and cap-on this from La Liga is the reason for contractual trouble ahead. As Messi anticipates and has a “money-ball” vision, which isn’t fitting the current financial times. Since also other players on the rooster is making it hard to fit in with the wage cap the club has ahead of the season. Therefore, the contract has been the talk of town for a long time.

Now, today it is suddenly out of thin air that’s his leaving. We don’t know where… but where would he go? To a club who European Conference League? Well, I doubt that… even playing European League and not Champions League is out of bound. Secondly, the club has to pay him huge sums of wages, perks and additional fees. Because, his used to the finer things and getting paid as the superstar and extraordinary player he is.

It is just hard to imagine him wearing any other jersey than the ones his been wearing all his career. You know that FCB is broke when they are giving up having Messi. He is the club and been the front-runner all these years. Yes, the club has had other big stars and players which has been world class. It is a reason why they have been contender for the titles and Champions League. That is what is expected of this team.

Seeing a season without Messi in Barcelona is just weird. It is the end of an era. The Tiki-Taka is totally gone and the times of FIFA PlayStation Football is maybe over too. Because, who will carry his weight and his profile in the club? They have names and well known stars in club still. However, none of them can compare to Messi.

That’s why this is a shocker and it doesn’t really matter where he goes. He will forever be connected and be a legend in Barça. Peace.

Opinion: The Grealish transfer is insane

Jack Grealish, the English national, the 25 year old midfielder (soon 26 years old), the erratic and spontaneous player who can create something out of nothing. The player who has been in Aston Villa since 2013 and only other club was Notts County. He has excelled and been vital in Villa during the previous seasons.

Grealish overall stats isn’t that inspiring and grand. In a total of 295 matches he has scored 43 goals and 59 assists. That is in all competitions as registered. He has been loyal and been a team-player at Villa. Clearly all the years and been there since the years in Championship.

He is a proven player for the Premier League, though he is a man of a lot of hype. The stats themselves tells it. Grealish haven’t scored 20 goals a year or been a match-winner on the regular. He has been an uncertainty and could create something out of nothing. However, that was not done in every single match. Grealish have the ability and the sight to do it, but not all the time. If it was so… then the stats would have said so.

It is clear that his hyped up. Grealish have a few more seasons to play. That’s why his of value for Manchester City. They will have in the midfield with Sterling and De Bruyne. That can be a trio and a force to be reckoned with. These are players who has all proven themselves. They have years in the Premier League and in the Champions League as well.

Grealish doesn’t have that, but he has some seasons in the Premier League and 12 matches for the English National Team. So, he has played matches that matters …

He is following what Fabian Delph did in the past. Where he not long ago promised loyalty to Villa and later went to City. Grealish has built his career in Villa and that’s why he has a hype around him. Where he has performed and become established.

Now Grealish will have to show his value. He has to prove that his worth the £100m pound transfer fee plus add-ons. While also surely getting a salary bump for trading clubs. Now he also has compete with not only Sterling and De Bruyne, but also the likes of Mahrez and Gundogan as well. He will be another midfielder and isn’t an automatic selected player like he was in Villa.

Grealish has to really improve and show his skills. He cannot be another cashing-in the check and call it a day on the bench. Not at the price he came with. The fans and everyone else would expect something magnificent. He needs to become a Beckham or something of that stature. Grealish has to perform at the levels of Sterling, week-in and week-out.

Now Jack has to live up to his hype. He has to aspire to become a match winner and not just another squad player. Especially with the transfer fee and the salary itself. Grealish needs to show that he deserves this and belong at this rate. Delph was sold at a low rate of £8m and he didn’t have that pressure.

Grealish has to outperform all expectations and bet the player so many has talked about. He needs to shine and be bloody brilliant. The price on his services says it all.

Villa fans shouldn’t feel betrayed. He stayed loyal and signed a 5 year contract last year. That’s why his such costly player now. He was deemed to be around £60m of value but City is paying about double of that. This means the offer they gave was to good to be refused. I don’t blame Villa for that. To get such a price is for Grealish and it’s good business.

Villa has already replacements and seems to be prepared for the trade. Now, it is just time for Grealish to prove himself and be the genius he is promoted to be. When he wears that jersey and goes on the pitch this season. He better shine like the sun and be bloody brilliant.

Jack has the pressure piled upon him now and its his time to become a Ballon d’Or player. Since they have paid so much for him… and only time will tell if he was worth it. Peace.

Opinion: Benitez will walk alone on this one

Rafael Benítez was appointed on the 30th June 2021 as the Everton manager. He is taking over for Carlo Ancelotti who returned recently to Real Madrid for his second stint as manager there. Benitez isn’t a random bloke or a fella walking into Stanley Park as a manager.

No, his a former legendary manager of Liverpool. The arch-rival at Anfield. The one who had the miracle in Istanbul and secured Liverpool the Champions League. That’s who Benitez is. Yes, he has shown he is capable of making a winning team, but that is long time ago now.

Still, his tenure at Liverpool lingers on. What he said and how he acted. He has long since then worked for Dalian Professionals in China ahead of this appointment. So, it is not like his coming from a winning streak or a place of prestige.

No, Benitez is living of his name. The owners has picked him because of his past glories. Just like they did with Ancelotti. There was a lot of promise, but not the execution for it. Benitez needs to hit the ground running and prove his skills. He cannot live on borrowed time here.

Rafa needs to show results and quickly. That with a mismatch of players, a squad that has been expensively bought over the years, but not with a long term plan. Where several of other managers have picked their choices and possibilities, but not delivered.

There are promise in the team and on a good day. Everton can beat anyone on a good day and when the key players are in form. However, that isn’t everyday and that was visible the last two seasons. Even with Ancelotti spending like a drunk sailor and continuing to haemorrhaging players, which some he didn’t even use like King.

That’s why at this current time. Everton isn’t based to go anywhere. Benitez is questioned just for his past history and words. As he now joins the ranks of a small club and that will linger on until he gets a slice of silver-wear.

Benitez have made this one hard on himself. He knows what he did and that cannot be forgotten. He has now gone from the red to the blue side of the city. From Bill Shankly to Duncan Ferguson. That is just the reality of this.

This will not be an easy walk and here he might have to walk alone actually. It is a unforgiving route his taking. As it is not like it is just water under the bridge. No, this man is walking in the steps of Michael Owen and others who went from one team to a rival. The same he has done now and that will be questioned, as long as his in-charge.

Benitez cannot just fumble the club and play along. He got to deliver and with a mediocre squad and with uncertain transfer kitty. In combination with distrust from the fans and the general supporters of the sport. Since he has gone from one side to the other.

That’s why I don’t want to be in Benitez shoes right now. The walk alone and without the people behind you. That got to be tough. Even for a seasoned and well travelled man like Rafa. He got to feel it too.

The only thing that will redeem him here is actual results and progress. He needs to do like Martinez did in his first season to have hope to keep this going. That’s what he needs and that’s the only way out.

If not there will be quickly singing in the stands: “Rafa sacked in the morning” Peace.