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A common criticism in England amongst football writers and supporters alike is that not enough English players ply their trade abroad. Sure, there have been fine examples of it happening over the years; David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne, Kevin Keegan, Paul Ince, Steve McManaman and Gary Lineker all spent time abroad in the peak years of their career, but ultimately the number of English players abroad is very small in comparison to the number of Spaniards playing outside of Spain or the number of Frenchmen leaving Ligue 1.

One trend becoming increasingly common however is the trend for young, English managers leaving Britain in order to work abroad. The Premier League may be billed as the “best league in the world” but logically, it makes a lot of sense to seek employment elsewhere. Football management in England is far from a secure job; as soon as things start to go wrong on the field, the solution for most teams is to replace the man in charge. For a young manager this can be completely demoralising. Factor in the financial insecurity and the potential impact being sacked so quickly could have on future employers and it actually seems far from desireable to manage in England. Best league in the world or not.

One man to suffer such managerial woes in England was legendary ex-Arsenal defender Tony Adams. A former England captain and mutliple Premier League title winner, Adams suffered from unsuccessful spells in charge of Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth, leaving him virutally unemployable as a first team manager in his homeland.

Adams, like other notable examples such as Steve McClaren, decided to escape England and seek employment abroad. Although, unlike McClaren, Adams soon found himself rather alienated from the glitz and glamour of the western European game…

Gabala FC isn’t a familiar name to most football fans. A club based in Azerbaijan, a nation more famous for its oilfields than its football fields, Gabala FC formed a little over 15 years ago, in 1995. They play home matches at the Gabala City Stadium, a 2,000 seater stadium in the ancient city of Qabala. The club achieved promotion to the top flight in 2005-06 but have failed to push on from that success.

This is where Tony Adams finds himself. A land far, far away from the multi-million pound television deals, multi-million pound training facilities, multi-million pound stadia and multi-million pound footballers on display in the English Premier League.

The appeal of foreign lands to young managers has been covered but one question remains. What on earth is Tony Adams doing in Azerbaijan?!

Adams once famously stated that he preferred the company of his dogs to any human interaction. So it’s perhaps no surprise that one of the main attractions Gabala FC offered was the chance to retreat away from the limelight.

‘I like the fact the spotlight is off me,’ Adams told reporters during the 2010-11 season. ‘I am free to make mistakes here. The only pressure comes from me.’

The luxury of being allowed to make mistakes isn’t the only luxury Adams has been afforded. Azerbaijan may not be a footballing powerhouse and its league certainly lacks the financial might of the Premier League, but his club are far from cash-strapped. Tale Heydarov, financial backer to the club, is the son of a government minister and Adams has been given financial freedom other managers in the league could only dream of. Plush pitches laid by SIS, the company responsible for solving the problems with the Wembley turf, new training equipment, a partially re-built training ground and proven footballers from Europe. Since taking over, Adams has brought in the likes of Deon Burton, once of Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday and Steve Olfers, once a Champions League regular with Aalborg.

That’s not to say it’s all been plain-sailing for the former England and Arsenal captain. Adams has spoken repeatedly of the bizarre situations he has found himself in since moving to Qabala; personally removing dog excrement from the pitch, cows interrupting training sessions, the list goes on.

Ultimately, Adams will be judged on the club’s performances on the field. In his first season, the club finished 7th in the top division, perhaps not the achievement they had hoped for but a satisfactory finish at first glance. You have to dig a little deeper to see the real impact Adams’ management has had on his side.

In previous seasons, Gabala FC had been on the receiving end of some humiliating defeats. In their first season in the top flight, the side scored 17 goals and conceded 47. Indeed, in 3 of the 4 seasons in the top flight prior to Adams’ arrival the club conceded more than they scored. In Adams’ first season the club conceded just 18 goals and scored 31. During the season the club went on an 11 game unbeaten run, keeping 10 consecutive clean sheets in the process.

Adams may have smashed club records during his first season in charge, but there’s no getting away from the fact that his achievements in Azerbaijan will be seen as irrelevent by most major European clubs. Adams however, doesn’t sound as if he has any intention of moving back to the bright lights of the Premier League any time soon.

‘This is absolute heaven for me,’ he said of his job. ‘The pressure was different for me in England having captained my country. It’s fine to be that person and then go to a great club, like Pep Guardiola with Barcelona, but I haven’t had that. I’m sure people say I’m a rubbish manager, but not here.’

Although he failed to win the league in his first season in charge, Adams is very clear that he never expected to.

‘The highlight of my first season was that I feel I’ve been able to develop, to make mistakes but learn from them and go home without 400 interviews, the fans calling for my resignation and the chairman coming in, saying: ‘What is going on?”

To many, the concept of Tony Adams managing in Azerbaijan is a bit of a joke. Some see it as a clear indication that he failed as a top level football manager before he even reached the age of 45. An ever philisophical Tony Adams sees things very differently.

He recently told a reporter for The Guardian ‘I’ve seen it written that I have gone out on a limb with the move to Gabala but I really don’t see it that way. I think that I’ve actually gone out on a limb if I take a job in England, particularly with the tenures being what they are.’

Strange as it may seem to some, it’s hard to argue. And in ten years time, who’s to say that Tony Adams won’t be managing at the top level in England, having learned his most valuable lessons during his time in Azerbaijan? After all, his former manager Arsene Wenger spent several years managing in Japan before leading a side to Premier League glory.

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25. David Beckham (Manchester United)

24. Emile Heskey (Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa)

23. Wayne Rooney (Everton, Manchester United)

22. Kevin Muscat (Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers)

21. Frank Lampard (West Ham United, Chelsea)

20. Rio Ferdinand (West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United)

19. Paul Ince (West Ham United, Manchester United, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers)

18. Robbie Keane (Coventry City, Leeds United, Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham United)

17. Manuel Almunia (Arsenal)

16. David Speedie (Southampton)

15. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

14. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

13. Dennis Wise (Chelsea, Leicester City)

12. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

11. John Terry (Chelsea)

10. Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)

9. Craig Bellamy (Coventry City, Newcastle United, Blackburn, Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester City)

8. Joey Barton (Manchester City, Newcastle United)

7. Lee Bowyer (Charlton, Leeds United, West Ham United, Newcastle United, Birmingham City).

6. El-Hadji Diouf (Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Blackburn)

5. Robbie Savage (Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn)

4. David Bentley (Arsenal, Blackburn, Tottenham, Birmingham City)

3. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, Manchester City)

2. Gary Neville (Manchester United)

1. Ashley Cole (Arsenal, Chelsea)

Notts County manager Paul Ince has left the club by mutual consent after just over five months in charge.

Ince, 43, only took over in October but the Magpies have lost five games in a row and are only two places above the League One relegation zone.

Head scout Carl Heggs will take charge for Tuesday’s game with Rochdale.

Notts chairman Ray Trew told the club website: “It was with a heavy heart that the board called a meeting in the aftermath of our defeat by Oldham.”

Trew continued: “The recent run of results, which saw us win just once in March, meant that we were all in agreement that we had to address the situation.

“When we sat down to discuss the matter with Paul, it became clear that we were in agreement that a parting of the ways would be the best way forwards for all parties.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Paul for his effort and commitment during his time at Meadow Lane.

“I am certain that, under other circumstances, things could have been very different, but we believe that this decision is in the best interests of both Paul and the club.” (BBC Sport)

Whilst its true that Paul Ince hasn’t exactly set the world alight at Meadow Lane it is also worth noting that Notts County only got promoted to League One last term and they do have a fair few games in hand over clubs around them and that is due to a laudable FA Cup run that would have made a great deal of money for the bankrolled club.

For the record during his time at Notts County, Ince won 10 and lost 13 out of 29 games. Not amazing but not that bad either.

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For 25 years Sir Alex has run the rule at Old Trafford.

He has chopped and changed his squad so much it would be easy to forgive him if he has forgotten some of those players.

But here at COS we want to know who his all-time best eleven would be – and we want you to help!

Vote for players in each position over the next few days and we will reveal the best eleven in the Fergie era on Friday.

Today we will start with goalkeepers and defenders, so stay tuned and the only way to make sure your choice is selected is to vote on the poll to the right of the screen.

Centre-midfield

Bryan Robson:

‘Captain Marvel’ may have been inherited by Sir Alex but the Scot felt very lucky to have him. He led United to two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Cup Winners’ Cup. Injuries blighted his career but is still regarded as one of United’s finest ever players.

Paul Ince:

The midfield hardman was integral to the first great Fergie team. With snapping tackles, raking passes and some tremendously hit shots he bossed the midfield. He won two league titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and a Cup Winners’ Cup. Controversial entrance and exit to Old Trafford but what a player.

Roy Keane:

He broke into the first-team at a time when Bryan Robson and Paul Ince were the senior players. A tough character but the ultimate team player, leading the United team through their most dominating period and inspiring future generations. A great player who embellished Fergie’s fighting spirit.

Nicky Butt:

A member of the FA Youth Cup winning team of ’92, that became known as Fergie’s Fledglings. He took over the mantle of Paul Ince and helped secure the first Champions League success of Fergie’s era. He also won six Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

Paul Scholes:

Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation and was part of the Fergie Fledglings. He started his career as a striker but Fergie realised his passing quality was too good to be wasted. He is still playing despite a chronic eye problem and suffering from asthma. Has won 16 major medals at United.

Owen Hargreaves:

Is there an unluckier player in United’s history in terms of injury? He signed in 2007, but has only been able to play one full season. United won the Champions League and Premier League double that year showing the quality Hargreaves brings. Fergie and Fabio Capello wish they could have called upon him more.

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Notts County have confirmed former England captain Paul Ince as their new manager at Meadow Lane.

As first revealed by skysports.com, Ince has succeeded Craig Short at the club following his sacking last week.

Ince has signed a three-year and eight-month deal at County and will take charge for the first time against Southampton this weekend.

The former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder has been out of work since leaving his second spell at MK Dons in April.

Notts County chairman Ray Trew believes the former Blackburn and Macclesfield boss is the right man to take the club forward.

“Paul has a wealth of experience as a player and a solid track record as a manager in the Football League, making him the obvious choice for me when we began our search for a new manager,” Trew told the club’s official website.

“There were a number of high calibre applications for the position and it was encouraging to see just how attractive a proposition managing Notts County remains to some very prestigious names in the world of football management.

“However, when we met Paul it quickly became clear that he was the ideal candidate, he’d done his homework, had some big ideas and was ready to get stuck in straightaway.” (Sky Sports)

Craig Short didn’t last long at Meadow Lane and one wonders if Paul Ince will similarly struggle to meet Notts County’s ambitious aims. The League One club is just four points from the play-off spots and given that the club are in their first season back in the division following their title success last term, one would have thought that a decent start to the campaign.

One wonders how long Ince will last if he doesn’t achieve promotion this term, such are the hopes of the club’s owner Ray Trew.

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Paul Ince has told talkSPORT he wants to become manager of West Ham one day despite the hateful abuse he has received at Upton Park over the years.
Ince began his playing career at the club but has never been forgiven by many Hammers fans for his controversial exit in 1989, when he was photographed in a Manchester United shirt before he had completed his move to Old Trafford.
However, in an exclusive interview, Ince insists he holds no ill-feeling towards West Ham supporters and would love the chance to take charge of the club he supported as a boy.

“I’ve always loved West Ham and always loved West Ham fans. I loved playing there, it’s a fantastic flub, it’s a family club the way they bring the players through,” he told talkSPORT.
“It’s funny when Zola left [my wife] Claire said to me ‘could you go back there?’ I said it would be a shock. But it was in my head that one day I would like to go back there as manager because that is where I started my career as a kid.
“I still love the club, whether the fans might think completely different that’s fair enough, but it’s always something that’s in my mind.” (TalkSPORT)

This is shockingly good timing. Avram Grant hasn’t stated his Upton Park reign very well at all and this may be why Paul Ince, out of management leaving Milton Keynes Dons in April, has decided to reveal his desire to manage West Ham. Given that the Hammers fans pretty much all despise the former England midfielder for the manner in which he left the east London club for Man United, including of course wearing a United shirt before he even completed his move to the club, is there any chance he would get the potentially soon to be vacant job? Probably not.

The 42 year old did a fine job at Macclesfield and in his first stint at the MK Dons but failed pretty spectacularly at Blackburn Rovers. I have no doubt the former midfield battler will get another job in management soon enough but if it is at Upton Park I will eat my own knees.

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Setanta reports that the former United midfielder has likened his old club to the Arsenal team that won many games by a 1-0 scoreline in the 90′s. While Fergie would much rather be seen as presiding over a team in a similar vein to the Arsenal of 2004, the ‘Guv’nor’ can see parallels elsewhere.

“I think the scary thing about it is the fact that Manchester United aren’t playing that well, and that’s worrying for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool,” Ince told Setanta.

“Normally, when United go one-up, they go on to win by two, three or four. They are not doing that, instead teams are given the chance to get back into games and aren’t taking those chances.

“Nobody is playing particularly well in The Premier League, but where the others are dropping points, United keep picking up those one-nils.

“It’s a bit Arsenal like – I don’t think Fergie will like me saying that – but it is.

“They’re not playing great, but they keep winning instead of getting draws or defeats.”

No team wins the Premier League title playing brilliantly every week, yet Manchester United appear to have the players to unlock the meanest of defences. Whether it’s Berbatov, Ronaldo, Tevez or Carrick doing the damage, there’s always the likelihood of United scoring. However, is it fair to compare them to a team famous for an offside trap rather than the ability to overpower the opposition home and away? Do you think that United are still to find an extra gear or two?

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Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Rovers sacked Paul Ince on Tuesday and made it clear they wanted a new boss at the helm for Saturday’s home game against Stoke.
Allardyce has been out of work since he was dismissed as manager of Newcastle in January.
Graeme Souness had also been linked with the job but had already ruled himself out of the running.
Ince was dismissed by Rovers after only 17 Premier League games in charge. (BBC Sport)

Granted Big Sam is not known for playing football in a graceful fashion but if a team needs a grinder, a manager who can push his average players to bigger and better things then Allardyce could be that person. At least it’s not Souness!

So Rovers fans, what do you think? Good move or bad blunder?

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For a while now, West Ham fans have been extremely annoyed with the lack of character and passion shown by some of the better paid players at Upton Park, this sketch, sums the problem in a nutshell.

On a positive note the team’s performance at Stamford Bridge was superb with just about every player doing their utmost for the valuable point against Chelsea. Do West Ham fans feel that Zola has what it takes to steer the club from the relegation zone?

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Just been announced on the BBC Five Live, Paul Ince has been relieved of his duties, anyone surprised?

Also Rovers fans, who do you want to see replacing Paul Ince?