It's a Happy New Year from Jonathan Northcroft, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson as they join Tom Clarke for the first 2024 edition of The Game.

It was a new year to forget for Wayne Rooney, another example of the golden generation failing in the managerial world. What is the difference between a manager and a coach and is it the same game in the Champions League or League One?   

A look back at a thrilling Christmas and New Year, which young manager topped the table of festive fixtures? Finally, it’s not FA cup weekend, its FA cup week and there are some top ties to look forward to.

Timeline:

Rooney

2’ Rooney sacked at Birmingham, shocked and a reality check?

5’ took over a club doing well, a manager well liked by fans and players.

6’ he was appointed to change a culture and direction of club…can you do that in 15 matches? Gary Cook, odd decision.

8’ he was employed to take them to prem league

11’ Was Rooney set up to fail. After two games the crowd turned, but tat was because of the loss of John Eustace.

13’ Calling out players after only 3 games, not a good idea.

17’ he admires Guardiola. But he thrived with Liam Rosenior

19’ Rooney could be a manager as much as a coach. He is good with people.

21’ Vale park on a Tuesday night isn’t the Nou Camp on a champions league night.

25’ surrounded himself by young ambitious but not very experienced coaching staff.

27’ Rooney doesn’t want special treatment, he will try to reinvent himself.

31’ difference between playing and managing.

33’ He’ll be back.

Title race

36’ Great festive period for Wolves and Gary O’Neil

37’ Man City return only two adrift and with the fire back. And unaffected by AFCON.

38’ Liverpool in great shape but about to lose salah.

40’ What’s gone wrong at Arsenal? Hard to win your first title.

43’ Villa have bounced back, but are they starting to look tired?

45’ all the top teams have flaws this year. Open title race.

West Ham, Wolves and Luton

45’ Looks like Moye will get a new contract. Is peace breaking out at the London stadium?

47’ Wrong that one fixture has moved beyond the AFCON cut off date.

48’ Great back to back wins for Hatters. Ross Barkley pulling strings, adjusting to the league.

FA Cup

53’ Sunderland v Newcastle tie of the round. Newcastle look on the knees with no energy. Sunderland with new manager bounce. Could be a big game.

56’ Is Eddie Howe under pressure?

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