I'm fast coming to the conclusion that the Nationwide Team of the Week is nothing other than a complete joke.
It appears that it is nothing other than a copy of an attempt by a Sunday rag to come up with a team with at times no sense whatsoever. However for some strange reason it is endorsed by the Football League. I always did think that those running the game didn't know what they were doing.
This week for the first time there are three Clarets in the team but it is the three that have been chosen that makes it somewhat surprising. The team was announced five days ago and therefore is based on last Saturday's games.
Nik Michopoulos wins a place and there is no surprise about that with three outstanding saves, with a late save from Mills absolutely outstanding.
I have no axe to grind with Coxy, he played well, but to see him in the side and Arthur Gnohere miss out is just an absolute nonsense and just makes a mockery of the whole thing. The third Burnley player in the side is Gareth Taylor who of course scored the Burnley goal.
If you think I am being a bit harsh on those responsible for selecting the team then wait for this one. They have given a place in midfield to Robert Prosinecki. I don't doubt the man's ability but last week he was so embarrassingly bad that he would have probably won a place in a worst team.
The reasons given for the choices are somewhat mystifying as you will see below. Promise not to laugh when you read about the industry of Prosinecki.
Nik Michopoulos: The Clarets' keeper's performance in the 1-1 home draw with Portsmouth was on of the highlights of the game. The former Greek international made three stunning saves, from Robert Prosinecki, Peter Crouch and Kevin Harper. He is tipped to add to his 13 Greek caps – on this performance it is easy to see why.
Ian Cox: The absence of skipper Steve Davis for the last two games has allowed Cox and Frenchman Arthur Gnohere to form a new central defensive partnership and the pair have risen to the occasion. They were outstanding in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Portsmouth when they had to snuff out the threat of Robert Prosinecki.
Gareth Taylor: Welsh international Taylor showed his deadly skills in front of goal to earn Burnley a point against Portsmouth. He was a constant threat to the Pompey defence and deservedly gave the Clarets the lead with a superb header at the back post – his sixth goal of the season and his third in successive matches.
Robert Prosinecki: The Croatia international captain so often provides the flair and the driving force in Pompey's midfield and last week's 1-1 draw at Burnley was no exception. He has added a touch of class since arriving at Fratton Park but has also shown a willingness to dig in and work hard when it matters, which he did at Turf Moor.
We will continue to bring you this news though and let you judge the sense and reason in it, after all some of the less inspired Burnley web sites have even found it necessary to copy us on this.
The team last week was, Nik Michopoulos (Burnley), Lee Roget (Stockport County), Ian Cox (Burnley), Andy Tod (Bradford City), Richard Sneekes (Stockport County), Matthew Etherington (Bradford City), Robert Prosinecki (Portsmouth), Kevin Harper (Portsmouth), Paolo Vernazza (Watford), Tommy Smith (Watford), Gareth Taylor (Burnley).
