Kenna and Rafa

KENNA TAKES THE HELM
Galway United have taken something of a calculated gamble in the appointment of Jeff Kenna as their new manager. Rooted to the bottom of the Eircom Premier League with only a single point on the board so far means the former Republic Of Ireland International will have his work cut out for him from the word go.

His brief is straightforward, keep Galway in the Premier League for next season. Kenna was non-committal on wether or not sufficient funds would be made available in July when the domestic transfer window opens. It is likely he will have to contend with the current squad in an effort to maintain Galway’s top flight status which will hardly fill United’s supporters with much confidence going on the displays they have witnessed so far this term.

It would be a real fairy-tale story if Kenna could keep Galway up at the end of the season so good luck to him and the Galway supporters.

TAKE A BOW RAFA
Rafa Benitez deserves much credit for steering his side towards yet another Champions League semi final meeting with Chelsea tonight. The Spaniard has been on the receiving end of much criticism this term for Liverpool’s failure to challenge for the Premier League title and rightly so. In Europe though, Benitez’s side is purring and hitting form at just the right time.

Amidst the recent boardroom shenanigans Liverpool have embarked on one of their most impressive runs of the season so far which could culminate in a third Champions League final in four years if they can overcome their London rivals over another two-legged semi final, beginning in Anfield tonight.

For all the detractors about ‘squad rotation’ the Merseyside outfit – bar Steven Gerrard – are at full fitness and look a lot more refreshed than Chelsea coming into the final stretch of the campaign. Torres, Babel, Alonso and Carragher should prove too much for a tiring Chelsea and Liverpool should be able to look forward to a date in Moscow and possibly another unforgettable European night.