Scolari a boost to Premier League, TFC need win to avoid embarrassment

After watching clips of the initial news conference held by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the new manager of Chelsea, I couldn't help but smile. Seeing the Brazilian in action was like a breath of fresh air ... almost like, like something special?

He also appeared to have no fear of his new boss, Roman Abramovich. When asked what his relationship is like with the Russian owner, he replied that he had met Abramovich twice and they're getting along well. I believe he even said they're friends. Bold, very bold, I'd say.

No he's not the second coming of The Special One. When asked whether he was special, the former Portugal manager replied, in much better English than Fabio Capello can muster, that he is special: to his family and friends.

There is a boldness, a confidence about Scolari. He appears ready for the task at hand, perhaps much more ready than several other managers who have recently been appointed (not to point fingers, but Kevin Keegan hasn't really exuded too much confidence in his second spell at Newcastle).

He'll need every ounce of courage he can muster, since chief executive Peter Kenyon, in an article posted on ESPN Soccernet, suggested that along about mid-season Scolari will learn what it means to be the manager of one of the top four clubs in England.

I'm sure with the media circus surrounding the club Scolari has already figured that out. The transfer saga surrounding Frank Lampard and the possible departure of the club's top striker in Didier Drogba (Scolari says he's 200 per cent in his plans, however) has surely given the man known as Big Phil all the warning he needs as to what he's about to experience.

I'm prepared to tip Chelsea for some form of success this year, they have deep pockets and now have a manager who appears a match for the task at hand.

Toronto FC have work to do after draw

After drawing 2-2 with the Vancouver Whitecaps last night at Swangard Stadium, Toronto FC have their work cut out for them to avoid embarrassment in the Nutrilite Canadian Championships. The three team tournament determines Canada's entrant into the 32 team CONCACAF Champions League.

TFC currently have four points through three games: a victory over the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium, their first home defeat of the season against Vancouver at home and last night's draw.

It wouldn't look good at all for Canada's sole MLS side to bow out to a USL foe, which is what will happen if Toronto fail to beat Montreal on July 22 at BMO Field.

The Reds striking woes continue to haunt them with only the disappointing Jeff Cunningham available to lead the line with Danny Dichio out injured. Head coach John Carver and company better get things sorted out in a hurry if they want to be playing in the continent's top competition later this year.

Transfer News & Rumours

As I alluded to above, Frank Lampard is threatening to quit Chelsea after they turned down a £7.95 million transfer offer from Inter Milan, according to The Guardian. The article goes on to say that the 30-year-old Lampard is considering exploiting a rule whereby a player who signed a contract before he is 28 years of age can buy out that contract after three years have elapsed. Very heavy stuff indeed, things could get ugly for Mr. Lampard.

The Telegraph is that Barcelona has agreed to a fee for Arsenal's unsettled midfielder Alexander Hleb. The Catalan club will pay £11.9 million up front, with the fee rising to £13.3 million depending on how Hleb's new club performs.

Fans of Olympique Marseille are trying to muster up enough cash to help the club purchase Didier Drogba from Chelsea, according to a report on ESPN Soccernet. The group has already raised £4,000 of the £22 million they feel is required to prise the striker from the London club. If you want to contribute to the cause, go to www.doodle.ch, but I'm pretty sure the sum is a bridge two or three too far.

The Daily Mail is reporting that striker Andy Johnson could be moving to Wigan if Everton accepts a £10 million bid. Johnson, who moved to Everton from Crystal Palace for £8 million, has become unsettled in David Moyes side the story reports. I think a move away from Goodison could be positive for the England international, who could benefit from playing alongside target man Emile Heskey at the JJB.

Also on Soccernet, eight of the 17 directors of Barcelona have stepped down following the near successful vote to unseat club president Joan Laporta on Sunday. This surely makes Laporta's position untenable and his days at the club will be numbered.