Spotlight on - Rapid Vienna

SK Rapid Wien, or Rapid Vienna as they are more commonly known, have a rich history that dates back over 100 years.  They are the most successful club in Austrian football history, and recovered from a nine year hiatus to get back to winning ways and claim a league title 2004/05.

Established:  September 1898
Home Stadium:  Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, 17,500
President:  Rudolf Edlinger
Manager:  Peter Schottel
Home Strip:  Green with white vertical striped shirt, green shorts and green with white hooped socks
Away Strip:  Red shirt with blue shorts and socks

History

The club was founded in 1898 under the name 'Erste Wiener Arbeiter Fußballklub' (First Workers' Football Club of Vienna), but were replaced in early January the following year by SK Rapid.  Foundations have always been built on success, with Rapid now being centurions in the top flight having plied their trade at the top table since 1911.  In addition they were first being forced to play on makeshift pitches, before moving into their 'Pfarrwiese' home in 1912 and staying their for over six decades.

1911 was a year which built the platform from which to move forward, as they won the first league title in that season.  Added to this feat is the fact they also became the same team to win the Austrian Cup in 1918/19, completing a double by adding to it their fifth domestic league title.  Success continued to come their way, until World War II struck and a feat within which the club still pride themselves.

After German invasion Austria was incorporated in the German Reich, and after winning the German Cup in 1938 added a German League title three years later.  Purple patches became a rare thing within the club through the 50s, 60s and 70s, so much so that the club had to move into it's new home in 1977.

The Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion, home of Rapid Vienna

The newly constructed and much larger Weststadion, which came to fruition thanks to a club legend.  Gerhard Hanappi, who made well over 300 appearances for the club and is considered one of the finest footballers produced by the country. turned architect on retirement and helped with the stadiums construction.  Following his death in 1981, the stadium was renamed the Gerhard Hanappi-Stadion.

It was the 80s however which proved to be the real 'golden era' within the clubs history, as they stormed to four League titles, four Cup triumphs and three Austrian Supercups between 1982-1988.  The 'Greens' also made the 1984/85 Cup Winners Cup final but lost out 3-1 to now Premier League side Everton, after dumping out Besiktas, Celtic, Dynamo Dresden and Dinamo Moscow.

Another amazing route to the final came to the forefront in 1996, but this time Paris Saint Germain proved too much and ran out 1-0 victors.  This was also a year in which started a long and arduous barren spell for the club, as little did they know the 1995/96 league title would be their last until 2004/05.

Since breaking the hoodoo and getting back to winning ways the club has gone from strength to strength.  Another league title was added three years later, while attendances have continued to rise.  While on occasion some of the bigger matches have been moved to the Ernst Happel Stadion, which boasts a 50,000 capacity.

Managers

Rapid Vienna have not been shy when it comes to managers, when the list just seeming to go on and on.  Added to the clubs huge trophy haul, it is clear to see that a whole host of managers have had some exciting times at the club.

As previously mentioned it is perhaps the 1980s that proved to be the glory years for Rapid.  So it is perhaps Otto Baric (1982-85 and 1986-89) who deserves the most plaudits, instilling a winning mentality and bulking up the trophy cabinet considerably.

Peter Pacult in the dug out during his time as manager

Ernst Dokupil is also held in high regard, continuing the good times in the early 1990s before what could be considered a barren spell hit.  Peter Pacult, who had played for the club, had some winning over to do after also turning out for fierce rivals Austria Wien (Vienna), but sill holds a whole host of credit amongst green fans.  This is because after the huge gulf between league title triumphs, it is Pacult who brought the good times back to Rapid.

Players

There are a whole host of players from the rich history of this club who are held in high regard, as all cannot possibly be mentioned a few will be pointed out. Josef Uridil enjoyed two spells at the club, 1914-25 and 1926-27, winning five Australian Bundeliga titles and two Austrian Cups while finishing top scorer on two occasions.

Another high achiever, who was with the club during the war, is Franz Binder who held a phenominal scoring record for the club.  His average of 1.33 goals per game is an unofficial world record, while he was also the first European player to reach the 1,000 goals barrier.  Amongst his achievements while at Rapid are four League titles, a German and Austrian cup and multiple indiviual scoring records.

A man whose name now adorns the stadium in which the national team ply their trade is surely considered a huge legend, and Ernst Happel is precisely that.  The Defender came through the youth ranks at Rapid and enjoyed a long and successful career with the club, 1942-1954 and 1956-1959, with a brief spell at RC Paris the only thing to take him away.  In addition to just over a half century of caps for his country, he was also manager from 1991-1992.  Happel's honours list is quite some haul, both as player and manager.

Herzog during his playing days

Hans Krankl loved this club so much he just kept being drawn back.  The striker had an enviable record during two spells at the club, 1970-78 and 1981-86, he event went back to manage the side between 1989-92, whilst also managing the Austrian national team from 2002-2005.  Two Bundesliga titles, four Austrian Cups and a Cup Winners Cup were won during his two spells at the club, which came either side of a spell at Barcelona.

Peter Schottel has spent nearly all his footballing life at one club.  After coming through the ranks at Rapid the defender enjoyed a 16 year playing career, notching up three League title and two Cup triumphs.  Following a two year management spell at SC Wiener Neustadt, 2009-2011, fate has taken him back to the club where his heart lies.

More modern, and Andreas Herzog is as big a legend as you can get.  After spending the first six years of his career at Rapid, he moved abroad and spent nine years in Germany before returning for another year, 2002-03 back in Austria.  Since retirement from playing he has fulfilled various roles within the national set up.

Honours

Austrian league titles
1912, 1913, 1916, 1917, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1929, 1930, 1935, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1946, 1948, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1988, 1996, 2005, 2008

German league title 
1941

Austrian Cups
1919, 1920, 1927, 1946, 1961, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1976, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1995

German Cup
1938

Austrian Supercups
1986, 1987, 1988

Mitroipacups
1930, 1951

Intertoto Cup
1992, 1993

Norwich City

Living the dream probably falls a little short of describing the ecstasy Norwich City fans are feeling at the moment. Paul Lambert has worked miracles in getting back to back promotions, and a return to the big time must have seemed light years away not so long ago. Everyone will be looking at Queens Park Rangers as the new threat, but this side would well be the surpise package of the Premier League 2011/12.

Goalkeeper

Ex Everton trainee John Ruddy was never really given a proper chance at Goodison Park, and after numerous loan moves he excelled after signing for The Canaries last summer. Maybe not the most experienced keeper in the division, but will revel in proving his old employers that they were wrong to discard him.

Defence

With two new defensive signings already made, Paul Lambert clearly thought they were a little short here. This will be the key to ultimately deciding if this side stays in the Premier League beyond this season, if the defence copes they could swin but if overwhelmed they will definitely sink.

Midfield

Again strengthening has taken place here, and largely throughout the squad Lambert has gone for young talent eager to prove themselves. He beat a host of clubs to the signings of each of the three that have arrived to bolster the middle of the park. However a large chunk of the squad that got them here will be given the chance to keep their top flight status, as promised by the boss after promotion was secured.

Forwards


Grant Holt is the enigma of the Norwich attack, plundering the goals that helped drive his side to the runners up spot in the Championship. Steve Morison has been added, who they hope can step up, and James Vaughan, who is adament he still has what it takes to make it in the top flight. However a striker of proven Premiership talent is still missing, and this could be their major flaw.

Manager

Lambert cannot currently put a foot wrong in his part of the world, such is the esteem he is held in after turning around this side around. The ludicrous terms 'fallen giant' et al can now be forgotten about, but it doesn seem like he could have his work cut out in keeping his side in the big time. Although that was said about a second straight promotion and look what happened their.

Areas to Strengthen

Some players have arrived, and it seems that Norwich are largely relying on players to step up to the demands of the Premier League than shell out over the odds on experience. This could be risk, or it could breathe new life and confidence into his squad.

Expectations

Fans will by no means by getting ahead of themselves, and Premier League survival would mean the world to them

Odds

5000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

James Vaughan £2.5m (Everton) Steve Morison £2.8m (Millwall) Elliott Bennett £1.5 (Brighton Hove Albion) Anthony Pilkington undisclosed (Huddersfield Town) Daniel Ayala undisclosed (Liverpool) Bradley Johnson free (Leeds United) Ritchie De Laet loan (Manchester United) Kyle Naughton loan (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players out

Luke Daley undisclosed (Plymouth Argyle) Owain Tudor Jones undisclosed (Inverness Caledonian Thistle) Cody McDonald undisclosed (Coventry City) Matt Gill free (Bristol Rovers) Sam Habergham free (Tamworth) Jens Berthel Askou free (Vejle Kolding) Ryan Oakley, Stephen Hughes (all released)

Everton

David Moyes continues to defy all logic with his management of Everton. The Toffees have been long renowned for having not much cash to splash, and as a result one of the smallest squads in the Premier League. Something emphasised by just 20 players starting a Premier League game in 2010/11, the fewest throughout the league. However he still run neighbours Liverpool close, and gave them a mighty fright that he could topple them yet again. After just missing out though, a more than respectable 7th place was achieved.

Goalkeeper

Tim Howard has transformed himself since his move to Merseyside from Manchester United in 2006. He has proved himself to be once of the league most reliable, and could be partly thanked for keeping Everton surging up the league year upon year. In Back up, last years signing Jan Mucha still waits for a sniff of a chance.

Defence

There are some very solid performers contained within this back four, something that is emphasised by the persistent rumours linking many of them away. Joseph Yobo could well depart, but Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are also getting the rumours treatment this summer. Tony Hibbert proves to be ever reliable and Phil Neville is still going strong, if Moyes can keep hold of these this shouldn't be too much of a problem next term.

Midfield

Another area that is strong, but similarly to the Defence it is all on the surface with strength in depth very questionable. Leon Osman continues to perform at the highest level, while Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini are two more of this squad surrounding rumours they are soon to be off to pastured new. It is of no doubt though that Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill are the crown jewels of this side, their performances crucial to the success of the side. And as it looked like they could stay, Everton could be set for another good finish next term. Although Diniyar Bilyaletdinov still continues to divide opinion.

Forward

Possibly the weakest part of this side. Louis Saha, when fit is a tremendous striker, but that is all too rare. Jermaine Beckford performed OK after his free transfer from Leeds United, while Yakubu was farmed out on loan to Leicester City and doesn't seem to have a future at the club. Their are however some exiting youngster in the ranks, Joao Silva and Magaye Gueye are definite prospects.

Manager


David Moyes seems to have performed miracles here, and they should be thankful he loves the club so much that he continues to stay. The Scot is ingrained in the fabric of Everton now, and could be here for years to come.

Areas to Strengthen

If players leave they will definitely need to be replaced as numbers are thin, but apart from free transfers and nominal fees selling could be the only way to raise funds. A prolific striker needs to be added, an injury prone main striker and goals from Midfield can only get you so far.

Expectations

Despite the small squad and budget such is the job that Moyes has done at Everton, expectations continue to rise. The Premier League will be the most fiercely competitive for years, but a top half finish should definitely be achieved.

Odds

300/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

Eric Dier loan (Sporting Lisbon) Royston Drenthe loan (Real Madrid) Denis Straqualarsi loan (Tigres)

Players out

James Vaughan £2.5m (Norwich City) Jermaine Beckford undisclosed (Leicester City) Mikel Arteta £10m (Arsenal) Yakubu undisclosed (Blackburn Rovers) Kieran Agard Free (Yeovil Town) Hope Akpan free (Crawley Town) Luke Dobie free (Middlesborough) Tom Donegan free (Fulham) Gerard Kinsella, Iain Turner, Luke Dobie, Daniel Murphy, Craig Nathan, Lee McArdle (all released) Joao Silva loan (Vittoria) Shane Duffy loan (Scunthorpe United)

Transfer flops: Francis Jeffers

A teen prodigy at Everton, and another in a long line to have fallen by the wayside. A teen debutant at Old Trafford in 1997, it seemed like Francis Jeffers was going to take the Premier League by storm but what do we know?

After averaging around one goal every three games at Goodison Park, an infamous row with then manager Walter Smith over a pay rise spelt the end of his time on Merseyside. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a punt on the 'fox in the box', but he couldn't live up to the tag.

At around £8m he was one of Arsenal's most expensive signings, but poor performances and injury limited his playing time. Eventually leading to his Highbury exit. A loan at Everton didn't provide a single goal, and he was then quickly sold to Charlton in 2004. Despite a two year stay Jeffers couldn't even muster half a dozen goals, and since that move to The Valley he plied his trade at seven clubs in as many years

His travels have seen him move up and down England, before an unsuccessful stint at Australia side Newcastle United Jets. However he is now back in Britain and the Scottish Premier League, with Motherwell now giving the fallen idol a home.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2001 Jeffers hasn't even managed over 20 goals. That illustrates the fabulous fall from grace which the Liverpool born front man has endured.

Chaos at Manchester United!

Fourth place in the league is not what was expected by fans on the red half of Manchester prior to this seasons big kick off, but that is just where they find themselves.

Although still unbeaten and level on points with Arsenal, everyone connected with the club will be worried about how they just keep on throwing away leads.

Fulham, Everton and West Bromwich Albion have all recovered from going behind, while Liverpool also came from two down but couldn't hold on and Bolton Wanderers also put the frighteners on them by twice going ahead.

For a team and set of fans well used to winning this just isn't good enough.

And the rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney don't help at all.

It is looking increasingly likely that the former Everton hitman could well be on his way, sooner or later.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are possible destinations, with Chelsea and Manchester City also in the frame as it is known he is not keen on a move abroad.

The problems are centred round Rooney's new contract, which he is now demanding £200,000 a week, and the ankle injuries or lack of which have led to him being dropped lately.

Although it is no secret that he is disturbingly out of form, cashing in isn't an options for the club if they are to remain challengers on all fronts.

They still haven't recovered from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, so another prized asset going could be too much.

Especially if he just drifts across the city and joins the blue half of Manchester, who would certainly match his wage demands.

Added to the twist is the hype surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson, who could also leave the club if you believe such things.

This however seems way wide of the mark, after all he hasn't fully knocked Liverpool of their perch yet.

They are still clinging their by the skin if their teeth.

United will no doubt recover from this and be their by the end of the season challenging for honours.

Fergie will no doubt steer his ship through these choppy waters and emerge stronger than ever once more.

Rooney lay off - just what he needs!

Following a sub standard World Cup, allegations about his private life, a poor start to the new campaign and calls for his boss for the media to lay off it has not been a good few months for Wayne Rooney.

Now it has been announced by Sir Alex Ferguson that the striker will be out for three weeks, due to an ankle injury picked up during the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers.

However this could be the perfect tonic to get back to form upon his return.

If, against the odds, he can get away from the spot light and sort out some of the problems that have blighted his recent past maybe he could return to form on the field.

So far this season Rooney has only scored once, from the penalty spot, whereas Dimitar Berbatov is the clubs top scorer with seven and Michael Owen has been strengthening his case for a starting spot with three goals in a week.

The former Everton hitman though has cut a forlorn figure up front this season, the weight of the world clearly implanted on his shoulders.

One thing is for sure though, he needs to rid the skeletons from his closet before his form returns and this injury could've come at the perfect time.

Rest, recuperation and no media intrusion, could just bring about the old Wayne Rooney in a months time when he graces the football pitch again.

It could also be a blessing for Manchester United, they have got nothing out of the striker this season and have struggled for wins.

They face a Valencia side tomorrow who top La Liga, as well as needing some big points in the Premier League before the international break hits.

It seems this injury could be perfect for club and player.

Fergie's bizarre week so far

Following the weekends crazy 3-3 draw at Everton, with two goals conceeded in injury time, Manchester United headed into the Champions League as over whelming favourites for their game at home to Rangers.

However a second debatable team selection in a week left the Red Devils with their second draw in four days.

The decision to keep Wayne Rooney out of the cauldron of hate at Goodison Park seemed the correct one at 3-1 up, but with the Toffees fighting back the debate was always going to be raised.

So we headed into the first round of the Champions League proper, with United Fans quite rightfully optimistic about their sides chances against a Rangers side that in all honesty doesn't quite match up.

While we can praise the defensive performance of the Scottish side, you have to point to Sir Alex's team selection as the main reason as to why the English side didn't come out huge victors.

A number of first teamers were left out, as confidence seemed to be brimming within the United squad.

Either confidence or arrogance.

As the game grew on it was clear United didn't have the creativity to open up Rangers, and the finger will no doubt to the manager and the team he selected.

Nani, who had one of his better displays on Saturday, and Dimitar Berbatov were both left out as they seem to show signs of hitting form.

While there are still five games left in the group stage and they remain favourites to top the group, they can't allow future games to hugely dictate squad selection like last night.

Many sides have tried it in the past and it simply doesn't work, just looked at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez.

Although the game against the Anfield side on Sunday in huge, and now people are rested, surely if they had played against Rangers and won the confidence gained would be the greatest motivator.

If United don't win on Sunday the accusatory finger will once again linger over Old Trafford.