Inter Milan coach Leonardo said his players can be proud of their Serie A season, after rivals AC Milan clinched the title on Saturday.AC Milan’s 0-0 goalless draw at Roma gave them a nine-point lead over their cross-town adversaries, who have three games still to play, but because of Inter’s inferior head-to-head record their dreams of a sixth successive Scudetto have been thwarted.
But Leonardo, who has engineered a remarkable turnaround in the clubs league fortunes since taking over from Rafael Benitez in December, said his men have nothing to be ashamed of.
“We’re in second place in Serie A, we reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League,” the Brazilian said.
“The year before, we won everything, and we can still win this year’s Coppa Italia.”
“The team is producing consistent results, the players we’ve had at our disposal this season have performed well.”
“We can look at each game, but the general reading of this season can only be a positive one because that’s the reality, that’s where we are today.”
Inter’s season turned in a three-day period in early April, when they were routed 3-0 by Milan in Serie A and then suffered a 5-2 mauling at home against Schalke in the Champions League, a deficit that proved insurmountable in the second leg.
But Leonardo said he was unsure if it was he or his players who should shoulder the blame for those results.
“Games can be won or lost, mistakes can happen, it’s only natural,” he said.
“I don’t know if I can pinpoint one particular mistake, because we are talking with the benefit of hindsight. Of course, we made some errors but we also benefitted from other team’s mistakes, so it’s all subjective.”
“I don’t think the players who played in the derby or against Schalke could have done anything to radically change the results in those games. I don’t think so.”
“But those players were going through a particular moment and they didn’t manage to close the game, or maybe it was me, I don’t know, there are different reasons.”
Inter are now playing for second place with Napoli, who are just one point behind, and they received further bad news ahead of their home clash with Fiorentina on Sunday with influential Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder ruled out with injury.
Levski Sofia closed the gap on first-placed Litex Lovech to five points after recording a 2-0 win in their clash in the Bulgarian A-League.A 74th-minute goal from striker Garra Dembele and a late sealer from 33-year-old midfielder Hristo Yovov inflicted Litex’s first league defeat of the season with four games remaining this campaign.
Lyuboslav Penev’s team had gone 25 matches without defeat before Sunday’s loss.
Rakovski kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive after a 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Sofia.
Forward Preslav Yordanov had given Lokomotiv the lead after a quarter of an hour, but they were forced to share the spoils when centre-back Aleksandar Branekov struck back on 60 minutes.
Rakovski are still in the bottom two but only on goal difference after collecting the point, while Lokomotiv Sofia are fourth with hopes of gaining a European spot all but over.
Bottom-placed Sliven almost snared an unlikely three points before eventually playing out a 1-1 draw with Slavia Sofia.
Midfielder Yacob Idrizov had given them the lead 17 minutes before full-time, only for Slavia striker Nikolay Bozhov to hit straight back three minutes later.
Sliven are two points from safety with Slavia sitting in ninth spot.
Beroe remain seventh after a strong 3-1 win over Akademik Sofia.
Although Petar Dimitrov opened the scoring in the 24th minute, his goal was cancelled out two minutes before half-time when Enco Malindi equalised.
Second-half goals from Vladislav Zlatinov and Brazilian winger Romario sealed the result, leaving Akademik sitting precariously in the relegation playoff spot.
In the day’s other game, Cherno More and Montana played out a 0-0 draw and both are sitting relatively comfortably in mid-table.
Real Madrid’s Aitor Karanka claims the team are determined to sign off in style as La Liga’s top scorers when they face Almeria on Saturday.With arch-rivals Barcelona already confirmed as league champions, Real have one objective left to play for – goal-scoring pride.
Their Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo tops the individual charts with 38 goals, seven ahead of Barca man Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo is aiming to break the all-time record for goals scored in a single La Liga season at home to relegated Almeria on Saturday.
“Cristiano will get there if he keeps it up,” assistant coach Karanka said.
“Tomorrow we will look to make him top scorer and the team the top scorers in the league.”
“We will try to get as many points as possible, and you will see that the team are motivated, despite not being able to win the league.”
Despite failing to prevent Barca from collecting their third consecutive league title, Real did win their first Copa del Rey since 1993.
And Karanka insists the team have improved in their first season under new manager Jose Mourinho.
“We’ve had a good campaign,” Karanka said.
“The club has returned to the European elite thanks to reaching the Champions League semi-finals, and we won a title we lacked for many years.”
“We are trying to take as many points as we possibly can in the league and we are the top-scoring side in the championship.”
“The top scorer is also on our squad. I would give us a good grade.”
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is planning a raid on his former club, according to the Daily Mail. Bruce is hoping to tie up a double deal for defender Wes Brown and midfielder Darron Gibson.
Brown made his Manchester United debut in 1998 but has since fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. After a reported bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson last season, the 31-year old is rumoured to be on his way out of the club.
Republic of Ireland international Gibson has endured a difficult season at United. With many fans seemingly turning on the 23-year old United would listen to offers to the player they value at £6 million.
The pair may even be used as a makeweight in any deal for long-term target Jordan Henderson. United have been linked with the midfielder before but Liverpool are also thought to be readying an offer.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Interest in Brown is high with Everton also linked with the England international. In addition, Bolton also see the player as an ideal replacement for Gary Cahill who has been linked with Arsenal.
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager on a three-year deal.The former Porto boss, 33, will start work at Stamford Bridge immediately, the English Premier League club said on Wednesday.
It comes a day after the London club paid 15 million euros to release him from his contract with the Portuguese champions and his appointment comes a month after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked.
“Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time,” a statement on the club’s website read.
“His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre’s leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.”
“Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years.”
“He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him.”
Villas-Boas led Porto through an undefeated league campaign and Europa League glory last season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Portuguese manager spent time working under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Inter Milan as head of opposition scouting – as well as a stint as assistant coach at Porto prior to that.
He moved to lead Portugal’s Academica from a relegation battle to mid-table respectability before re-joining Porto a year ago.
The Daily Mail is reporting that Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku is closing on a move to Chelsea.
The Blues lodged an £18 million bid for the Anderlecht youngster and are hoping to have a deal tied up before the transfer window closes.
Since making is debut as a 16-year-old in 2009 Lukaku has been destined for a big move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
A move to Stamford Bridge would fulfil a lifelong ambition for the 18-year-old who has been labelled the next Didier Drogba.
He has made no secret of his desire to join the Blues and it appears his dream may be about to come true.
General manager at the Belgian side Herman van Holsbeeck met with Chelsea officials on Saturday to negotiate a deal for the striker.
Its reported that a fee has been agreed and that Lukaku’s agent Christophe Henroty will discuss personal terms with Chelsea.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If the deal does go through he will be new boss Andre Villas-Boas’ second signing of the transfer window after Genk keeper Thibaut Courtois.
The impending arrival of the powerfully built striker will also raise question marks over the future of aging duo Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka with the latter in the final year of his contract.
Uruguay partied through the night as their football team arrived home after winning the Copa America.Tens of thousands of supporters were at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, most of them cheering for Diego Forlan, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Paraguay.
“This is such a great moment and you can see it in all the people: proud to be Uruguayan. Look at all the Uruguay flags, I’ve never seen such a thing and I’m 50 years old,” one proud fan said.
“I’m so happy. Happy, happy, happy. Everyone is happy.”
Uruguay were crowned South American champions for a record 15th time, but this is their first Copa America triumph since 1995.
Uruguay captain Diego Lugano said winning the Copa America was the icing on the cake after finishing fourth at last year’s World Cup in South Africa.
“This Cup was won with a lot of effort, a lot of sacrifice with this dream in mind. And this group have dedicated their hearts to all of you. Thank you so much for your support. Let’s go Uruguay!”
Argentine striker Sergio Aguero has signed with English Premier League big-spenders Manchester City.Aguero, 23, touched down in Manchester on Wednesday to thrash out the terms on a five-year contract with Roberto Mancini’s side, with City reported to have agreed a 38 million pound fee with the forward’s current club, Atletico Madrid.
“Aguero signs!” City posted via their official Twitter account on Wednesday.
The club also posted pictures of the forward being greeted by the club’s fans outside the club’s newly named Etihad Stadium.
La Liga outfit Malaga have also splashed the cash, signing Spanish international Santi Cazorla from Villarreal for a reported fee of 20 million pounds.
Malaga announced the transfer on Tuesday after the midfielder completed a medical and he has signed a five-year contract.
Cazorla is the 10th new signing at Malaga, joining the likes of new signings Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joaquin and Jeremy Toulalan.
Returning to the English Premier League, Bolton have signed 27-year-old midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on a free transfer.
Reo-Coker captained Aston Villa last season and he is expected to make his Wanderers debut in a friendly against Bury on Wednesday.
Newly promoted Swansea City have moved to bolster their strikeforce, with Brendan Rodgers’ side said to have agreed a 1.75 million pound fee with Middlesbrough for forward Leroy Lita.
Meanwhile a move for Ben Foster appears only a matter of time from being sorted, with the Birmingham shot-stopper set to link up with Roy Hodgson at West Bromwich Albion.
As Liverpool enter their second consecutive season without Champions League football, there remains a fresh sense of optimism on Merseyside that seems to have carried over from where they left off at the end of last season. The return of King Kenny at Anfield triggered such optimism, and the signings of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll not only softened the blow of losing Fernando Torres to Chelsea, but signalled an intent to try and get Liverpool back in to the Premier League’s top four. Liverpool finished the season in sixth place, and after a start to the campaign that saw Roy Hodgson out of a job, many Liverpool fans will have been content with this kind of finish.
This summer transfer window has seen a number of changes at Liverpool with Dalglish’s priority of strengthening his midfield evident from the outset. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, and Stewart Downing had all completed their moves to Liverpool by mid-July, and despite a relatively poor pre-season, these players appear to have adjusted well in their new surroundings. Liverpool have taken 7 points from their opening three league games, but their performances away at Arsenal and at home to Bolton have already provided reason to believe that this current crop of players are a force to be reckoned with.
Both Henderson and Adam opened their goal scoring accounts against Bolton on the weekend, and Luis Suarez has continued to impress the Liverpool faithful after showing glimpses of his ability on the back end of last season. The only concerns that some fans may have will lie in the impact that Andy Carroll is yet to make at Anfield, though Dalglish has suggested that the club may have rushed his recovery from injury last season, and the £35m striker has been tipped by the Scotsman to prove his worth over this campaign.
Dalgish has the depth and strength of a squad certainly capable of a top four finish, and if anything, will be hoping to offload some of his fringe players before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Wednesday. Having brought in two forwards, three midfielders, a full-back, and a goalkeeper since taking over in January, the Liverpool boss is expected to end his spree with the signing of Uruguayan centre-back Sebastien Coates in the next 24 hours. While most Liverpool fans would be satisfied with a top-four finish come May, there are undoubtedly some who are already dreaming of being crowned champions of England for the first time since 1990 – and if these first three games of the season are an indication of what is to come at Anfield, one can hardly blame them.
Liverpool have already been tipped to finish in the top four alongside Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. While the other three sides will be competing on both a domestic and European front, Liverpool did not even qualify for the Europa League this season, and so will be playing just once a week and having regular breaks between games which could prove to be crucial to their season. While both City and Untied have looked just as strong in their opening fixtures, when the Champions League campaign gets underway, and as fatigue and injuries begin to take their toll on first team players, Liverpool may be able to take advantage.
Chelsea, though they have also taken 7 points from their opening games, have looked far from convincing under new boss Andre-Villas Boas. Late goals against both West Brom and Norwich have kept his side’s unbeaten start to the campaign in tact, though it is clear there is still work to be done if they are to be serious title contenders. Liverpool, at the moment, will fancy their chances against any of the (predicted) top four, and after recent seasons in which they have struggled to come close to the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea, Dalglish’s players will be relishing the opportunity to compete at the very top of the table.
While fourth place remains to be the target for Dalglish, this could ultimately turn out to be a minimum expectation for the club as the season progresses. The championship may be out of reach this year, as new faces continue to adapt and defensive frailties may prove to be costly once more, however third place, or perhaps even second is not necessarily out of the question for this Liverpool side. Dalglish will be desperate to keep his players focused and unphased by any initial success, but for those optimistic fans in the Kop end, the dream of reclaiming the English championship is likely to live on for the foreseeable future – and until they see any different on the field, it’s probably fair enough.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Where will Liverpool finish this season? Is 4th place really the limit for this side? Let me know your thoughts either below or @sixthofficial on Twitter!
Goaldash is the NEW gaming phenomenon and gives you the chance to use your football knowledge, foresight and knowhow to win a jackpot of a million pounds every given week. Football and gambling has never been so much fun and at £1 a pop it is surely worth a punt.
To celebrate the launch of the game, our next article looks at the six Tottenham returns from hell.
They say you should never go back, and yet there have been countless figures over the years who have returned, unsuccessfully, to White Hart Lane. Tottenham Hotspur are by far the worst offenders in recent history for attempting to wind back hands of time, with the likes of Pascal Chimbonda, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch and Younes Kaboul all rejoining the club under Harry Redknapp. However, whilst the jury is still out on Crouch and Kaboul, let’s take a trip down memory lane, and remember some of the worst comebacks in Tottenham’s illustrious history…
1. Glen Hoddle (1975-1987 and 2001-2003)
Glenn Hoddle, like Danny Blanchflower or Jimmy Greaves , is one of Tottenham Hotspur’s greatest players. However, unfortunately, a great player does not necessarily make a great manager. Despite 490 appearances, 110 goals, two FA Cups, one UEFA Cup and 12 years service for Tottenham as a player, Glenn Hoddle’s return as manager turned out to be a huge disappointment for both Hoddle and the supporters who so badly wanted their hero to succeed.
Hoddle was appointed Spurs manager in March 2001 following the sacking of the ‘man in the raincoat’ George Graham.
Whilst history will regard Hoddle’s tenure as a ‘disaster’, a revisionist approach provides a more balanced appraisal. Whilst Graham is regarded as having been more successful owing to his delivering the League Cup in 1999, just five months after taking charge, Hoddle was just one game away from producing a similar feat, but ultimately fell at the final hurdle as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers in the 2002 League Cup final. However, Both Graham and Hoddle spent approximately two years and five months in charge at Tottenham, with Hoddle spending about £36m and Graham £35m. The result was that neither manager could steer Tottenham away from mid-table obscurity.
In the end, Hoddle’s return proved so disappointing because of Tottenham fan’s huge expectations. It would have been only too perfect for Hoddle to return to the club where he was loved so dearly, and roll back the years at White Hart Lane, producing the exciting, winning football Hoddle himself had been a part of in the 1980s. Unfortunately however, Hoddle’s return was just another instance of that wise old saying… you should never go back.
2. Pascal Chimbonda Tottenham, (2006-2008 and 2009)
With the £9m signing of Alan Hutton, Pascal Chimbonda’s days at White Hart Lane were numbered. Good riddance the fans said. In the League Cup final against Chelsea in 2008, the player had sulked off after being substituted, only celebrate wildly at the final whistle, joyfully collecting his winner’s medal. Juande Ramos offloaded the French mercenary to Sunderland in August 2008, and that, Tottenham fans believed, was that. However, with Spurs staring relegation in the face in the 2008/09 season, Harry Houdini bought Chimbonda back to the Lane for one last hurrah in January 2009. Tottenham’s decision to give Sunderland back the £3m they’d paid just six months after letting the Frenchman go backfired however, as he started just one match for the club following his return. Chimbonda left for Blackburn Rovers the following August, with Tottenham taking a reported £500,000 hit. Complete waste of time and money.
3. Peter Shreeve(s) 1984-1986 and 1991-1992)
Is it Shreeve or Shreeves? Either way, much like David Pleat, Peter Shreeve is one of Tottenham’s ‘nearly men’. Shreeve joined Tottenham as a coach in 1974, before being promoted to manager of the reserve team in 1979, and then assistant manager in 1980. However, in 1984, Shreeve was given the uncomfortable job of succeeding the hugely successful and popular Keith Burkinshaw. In the 1984/85 season, Shreeve finished 3rd in the First Division, and Tottenham would have qualified for Europe were there not a ban on English clubs following Heysel. However, the following season, Tottenham finished 10th in the league, and Shreeve was sacked and replaced with David Pleat.
Shreeve was not quite finished at Tottenham yet however, and in 1991-92, Shreeve was appointed Tottenham head coach, with Terry Venables ‘moving upstairs’ to become Chief Executive. However, Shreeve was sacked after just one season in charge, as Tottenham finished 15th in the league, and so became Tottenham’s last manager of the old First Division. Tottenham were going through a transitional stage under Shreeve, with Paul Gascoigne out injured for the season, and only Gary Lineker, who scored 28 goals in 35 league games in 1991/92, Tottenham’s truly world class player. Shreeve was replaced by Ray Clemence and Doug Livermore, and Shreeve’s return in 1991 can only be perceived as a failure
Continued on Page TWO
[divider]
Find Out More About GOALDASH by clicking here
[divider]
4. Robbie Keane Tottenham, (2002-2008 and 2009 – present)
Robbie Keane left Tottenham for the team he followed as a boy (not Celtic you fools!) in August 2008, as Liverpool departed with £20m to take the player to Anfield. The deal represented good business for Spurs considering Keane had cost the North Londoners just £7m in August 2002.
Keane netted a respectable 5 goals in 16 starts for Liverpool, but ultimately failed to cement a place in the first team. In fact, it became increasingly obvious that Rafael Benitez had never really wanted ‘Keano’, at the club, and Harry Redknapp was delighted to bring the Irishman back to the Lane for a fee believed to be in the region of £15m. Keane returned to Tottenham as club captain, and his experience and enthusiasm was an important factor in Tottenham maintaining their Premier League status.
However, Keane returned to Tottenham a different player to the one many had remembered. Barely a year after rejoining, the Irishman fell out of favour at White Hart Lane, returning to his other boyhood favourite Celtic on a six month loan in January 2010. Maybe Tottenham’s play had moved on? Maybe Berbatov had made Keane look good? Either way, despite scoring 11 goals in 34 games following his return to North London, Keane was ultimately a failure upon his return. Never go back Robbie….
5. Osvaldo Ardiles (1978-1988 and 1993-1994)
‘Ossie’ Ardiles is the most decorated foreign player Tottenham have ever had at White Hart Lane, winning the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Cup once during his ten year stay with the club, as well as making some 311 appearances and scoring 25 goals. In short, Ardiles is one of Tottenham’s finest ever players, and so when Ardiles returned to White Hart Lane as manager in 1993, the club was brimming with nostalgia and excitement.
As a manager, Ardiles had achieved promotions with both Swindon Town and West Bromwich Albion. However, perhaps his disastrous spell at Newcastle United, where he was sacked after just 12 months into the job with the Toon languishing at the foot of the table, was an indicator of what was to come at Spurs.
In Ardiles’ first season in charge, Tottenham finished 15th in the league and just three points above the relegation zone, as injuries to Teddy Sheringham, Darren Anderton (Quelle surprise) and Gary Mabburt took their toll. In 1994/95, despite Alan Sugar bringing in the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann, Ilie Dumitrescu and Gheorghe Popescu at great expense, Tottenham were hovering precariously above the relegation zone once again. Ardiles was criticized for playing a ‘famous five’ in attack (Darren Anderton right, Nick Barmby behind the front two, Ilie Dumistrescu on the left and Teddy Sheringham and Jurgen Klinsmann up front), and was seen as tactically naive. In October 1994, after an embarrassing defeat by Notts County in the League Cup, Ardiles was sacked, with Gerry Francis appointed to steady the ship.
Ardiles remains a legend at White Hart Lane after his efforts as a player, but unfortunately, his turn as a manager was another disappointment.
6. David Pleat (1986-1987 and 1998-2004)
David Pleat’s one and only stint as a manager at Tottenham came in the 1986/87 season. That season, Tottenham finished 3rd in the First Division, runners-up in the FA Cup, and semi-finalists in the League Cup. Clive Allen, Tottenham’s lone front man, scored 49 goals in one season, and Tottenham scored more than four on nine occasions. Pleat delivered some of the most exciting football Tottenham supporters had seen at White Hart Lane since the 1960s.
Unfortunately, Pleat was hounded out of Tottenham by the media after allegations surrounding his private life were splashed across tabloid front pages in 1987. However, Pleat’s association with Tottenham was not over yet, and in 1998, he returned to Tottenham as ‘Director of Football’. Before a certain Damien Comolli forever cast a cloud over the title, Pleat held the position at White Hart Lane from 1998-2004.
The extent to which Pleat was responsible for player recruitment, scouting and the youth team is debatable, but during his stint as Director of Football, Tottenham’s highest League position was ninth, and the club went through managers like a hot knife through low fat butter.
Pleat finally left the club in 2004, ending the season as caretaker boss following Hoddle’s dismissal in September 2003. Whilst one man can never be solely responsible for a club’s failure, Pleat outlasted the likes of Graham and Hoddle, and yet escaped the ridicule and blame that befell the two managers. Ultimately, Pleat failed to take Tottenham forward during his second spell ‘upstairs’, and his return can only be judged as a failure.
So, there you have it, six of the worst Tottenham returns in recent history, well in my opinion.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[divider]
So what is Goaldash all about then?
‘Goaldash’ is a fabulous concept which fuses the Lottery format with pre-chosen football fixtures. Whereas you may use birthdays or your own favourite numbers to pick your six numbers, with ‘Goaldash’ you need to use your foresight of the Beautiful Game to select the six teams that are likely to score the quickest in the pre-selected 24 fixtures.
It only costs £1 a pop to enter and you have the chance to win a million pounds, every given week.
All you have to do is scour the 48 teams and pick out the 6 teams that are likely to score the quickest on the Saturday afternoon. The matches are chosen from the Premier League, the Football League, as well as the Scottish divisions therefore you will have plenty to work out and strategise before you make your selections.
Playing the Lottery has just got fun, especially as your odds are a damn sight greater.
Fancy your chances? Fancy winning £1million pounds? Why not give it a go!