The FA has given a £25,000 suspended fine to Primer league outfit Wolverhampton Wanders. This comes after Wolves manager Mick McCarthy fielded weakened team against Manchester United back in December. The FA are fining Wolves in breach of Rule E20, which states that clubs must filed a full strength side in all top flight games. There was also a reference to Rule B13 an obligation of upmost good faith to the league.
In December Wolves had played two intense EPL games against Bolton Wanders, followed by Tottenham. Wolves won both games and feeling his players had given their all McCarthy chose to change the team for the upcoming match with Man Utd. To the shock of the footballing world McCarthy made ten changes, with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann the only player to remain in the team. McCarthy justified the move by saying “We had a great result at Spurs and every player rated it 9 to 9.5/10 in terms of how hard it was....I need to protect them. If you have another match of that magnitude, you can't cope. We have big games coming."
Man Utd took all three points against the much changed Wolves team. The “next big game” for Wolves was against fellow promoted team Burnley. Returning the team to its so called first eleven Wolves beat Burnley 2-0 in a dominate performance, the win taking Wolves out of the regulation places lifting them to twelfth in the league.
Wolves have accepted the find and Mick McCarthy hopes it puts an end to the ordeal. But there’s a certain somebody who might find all this interesting. Neil Warnock the current Crystal Palace manager in the Championship, will no doubt have a few word to say on this.
On the final day of the 2006-2007 EPL season, Sheffield United whom Warnock managed at the time, would be regulated. A factor in his sides drop was that Fulham had beaten Liverpool. This had occurred because Liverpool fielded the so call weaker side. Liverpool had an upcoming Champions League game to concentrate on, so Benitez was not risking injury to his main players.
Liverpool were never called up on Rule 20 or B13, nor are there any repercussions when Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United field youngsters in the FA Cup and League Cup. Warnock has always believed the FA and EPL wanted Sheffield Utd out of the Primer League. No doubt the latest FA ruling will add strength to his argument. There’s also the Carlos Tevez affair but let’s not go there.
The fact is the manager controls his team and picks the players. Most teams have a squad of twenty-two players. This squad is in my opinion the first team and can play in any combination the manager chooses. Yes fans do pay to see the best players on show, but they have to trust the manager to do what’s best. At the end of the day it’s the manager who works closest to the players and knows their form and fitness.
The FA has claimed they will now take infringements on these rules more seriously, but these rules must be applied to all teams and all competition. It’s only fair that big clubs play their best players in the cup games even if it’s against a lonely opposition. As for Neil Warnock watch out for any new head injuries , he may be banging the wall again.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Champions League Playoff for EPL
The English FA is now considering a playoff system to decide the final Champions league spot in the EPL. Currently the top four teams qualify for Europe. This proposal falls in line with the previous attempt by the FA to have an additional 39th game. The extra games being played in Asia to take advantage of the overwhelming interest there. More importantly fill the FA’s pockets with money.
The 39th game proposal was quickly dismissed by many and the governing bodies of football, Fifa and Uefa. The new playoff proposal has some merits to its madness. The idea is to open the league to better competition. Since the beginning the Premier league’s top four have traditionally been Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. This has meant the rich finical offerings of Champions Leaguefootball have been controlled by the top four. Allowing them to spend bigger and buy better.
Opening up the final Champions League spot would see teams from 4th to 7th enter into a two leg semi final playoff and then the final. This is similar to the final promotion place off’s in the lower leagues. Currently these positions are held by Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa. But with Man City, Tottenham and Villa pushing Liverpool for that final spot in the current season is the proposal a little premature. It would appear that the second tier of the EPL is catching up on the mighty top four. This shows signs that the EPL is maturing and settling down to open and competitive football. But it is up to the other teams to maintain the pressure.
The reaction from managers has been mixed. Arsene Wenger has already stated his dislike to the idea “after 38 games you have to consider the table”. He also believes should it happen that a similar system be introduced for regulation, thus keeping the league fair and balanced. On the other hand Martin O’Niell the Villa manager finds it “Interesting” believing “outside the top sides people might go for it”.
Indeed it is interesting and Wengers comments suggest he is out to protect his top four status. With Arsenal on a permanent learning curve, Wenger may feel it’s his side that could suffer. But he can relax for a while. The FA has already agreed TV deals so the proposals is another three years away, it would also require 14 of the 20 clubs to back the idea. So for the moment the FA’s new but worthy proposal is simply testing the water.
These proposals that keep coming out of the FA offices may have an underlining issue that the FA and EPL are afraid to discuss. With Premier league clubs suffering of late such as Portsmouth, are the FA worried the Primer League bubble might burst. The FA is still in need of cash to pay for the construction of Wembly Stadium. The EPl is all about TV deals, and with Setanta going bust and leaving Scottish clubs without finance, perhaps the FA and EPL see TV deals as less than a certainty. After eighteen years perhaps the EPL needs a reshuffle and a slight reinvention keep them ahead of the Spanish league.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
David Beckham re-United
As the next phase of the Champions League gets underway, one fixture stands out amongst them all. On Tuesday night David Beckham will be reunited with his former club Manchester United. This will be the first time he has faced the English outfit since leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.
European football offers the only chance for such a reunion, and over the years the draw has been unkind to Beckham’s wish to play against his old club. It was at the Old Trafford club that he made his name, propelled into the limelight in 1996 having scored a goal from his own half against Wimbledon. From then on there was not turning back for the former England captain.
But this is no normal coming together, Beckham is a Manchester United fan, and often refers to his former club as his "beloved ex". This will be the first time he has met any of his former clubs "I've never had to do this before, play against one of my old teams". Lining up against Man Utd he will have the chance to shake hands with old friends such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Unfortunately for Beckham, Ryan Giggs will miss the first leg through injury but all going well should be available for the return leg at Old Trafford.
But there’s more to this game for Beckham than sentiment. It is fifteen years since he made his debut for Man Utd in the Champions League and this coming fixture will be his debut for AC Milan in the same competition. In the stand will be England manager Fabio Capello. It is well known Capello wants Beckham playing competitive soccer, and is not convinced MLS is a platform for this. Beckham understands this to well "you have to be playing with top players and be at the top of your fitness". One thing is for sure Beckham is a fiercely determined player. He has sustained a high performance level over many years and is a sportsman of unrivalled dedication. He has played for the three most glamorous clubs in the three most celebrated leagues, Manchester United, Real Madrid and now AC Milan. Many will see his time in the MLS as a blip.
Beckham will be out to prove he deserves a place in the England squad for South Africa. His problem will not be playing to a high standard on Tuesday but maintaining it for the remainder of season. He returned to the Milan team at the weekend with a win against Udinese, having been left on the bench for the Milan derby. Man Utd will most likely be the fresher team having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Leeds, they missed out on the weekends action.
But we can add more spice to this fixture it is also a celebration for AC Milan as they play their 100 match at the San Siro site. More importantly Manchester United have never won over two legs in European competition against AC Milan, so history is in Beckham’s favour to pull one over his old club. The return leg to his spiritual home Old Trafford will be high emotion for Beckham but he is at no odds to the games that are coming up "the United matches coming. Both are going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it".
Of course this all relies on him playing. Milan favour a 4-3-3 system and should manager Leonardo prefer some of his players coming into form the front three could easily be Pato-Huntelaar and Ronaldinho, leaving Beckham in the midfield or on the bench. Either way the bottom line for Beckham and AC Milan is victory, this is the knock out stages so emotion and sentiment can't get in the way of the job to be done, which is to beat Manchester United.
European football offers the only chance for such a reunion, and over the years the draw has been unkind to Beckham’s wish to play against his old club. It was at the Old Trafford club that he made his name, propelled into the limelight in 1996 having scored a goal from his own half against Wimbledon. From then on there was not turning back for the former England captain.
But this is no normal coming together, Beckham is a Manchester United fan, and often refers to his former club as his "beloved ex". This will be the first time he has met any of his former clubs "I've never had to do this before, play against one of my old teams". Lining up against Man Utd he will have the chance to shake hands with old friends such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Unfortunately for Beckham, Ryan Giggs will miss the first leg through injury but all going well should be available for the return leg at Old Trafford.
But there’s more to this game for Beckham than sentiment. It is fifteen years since he made his debut for Man Utd in the Champions League and this coming fixture will be his debut for AC Milan in the same competition. In the stand will be England manager Fabio Capello. It is well known Capello wants Beckham playing competitive soccer, and is not convinced MLS is a platform for this. Beckham understands this to well "you have to be playing with top players and be at the top of your fitness". One thing is for sure Beckham is a fiercely determined player. He has sustained a high performance level over many years and is a sportsman of unrivalled dedication. He has played for the three most glamorous clubs in the three most celebrated leagues, Manchester United, Real Madrid and now AC Milan. Many will see his time in the MLS as a blip.
Beckham will be out to prove he deserves a place in the England squad for South Africa. His problem will not be playing to a high standard on Tuesday but maintaining it for the remainder of season. He returned to the Milan team at the weekend with a win against Udinese, having been left on the bench for the Milan derby. Man Utd will most likely be the fresher team having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Leeds, they missed out on the weekends action.
But we can add more spice to this fixture it is also a celebration for AC Milan as they play their 100 match at the San Siro site. More importantly Manchester United have never won over two legs in European competition against AC Milan, so history is in Beckham’s favour to pull one over his old club. The return leg to his spiritual home Old Trafford will be high emotion for Beckham but he is at no odds to the games that are coming up "the United matches coming. Both are going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it".
Of course this all relies on him playing. Milan favour a 4-3-3 system and should manager Leonardo prefer some of his players coming into form the front three could easily be Pato-Huntelaar and Ronaldinho, leaving Beckham in the midfield or on the bench. Either way the bottom line for Beckham and AC Milan is victory, this is the knock out stages so emotion and sentiment can't get in the way of the job to be done, which is to beat Manchester United.
May 1958 Eurpean Cup Semi Final
Man Utd 2-1 AC Milan
Man Utd 2-1 AC Milan
AC Milan 4-0 Man Utd
April/May 1969 European Cup Semi Final
AC Milan 2-0 Man Utd
Man Utd 1-0 AC Milan
February/March 2005 Champions League 2nd Round
Man Utd 0-1 AC Milan
AC Milan 1-0 Man Utd
April / May 2007 Champions League Semi Final
Man Utd 3-2 AC Milan
AC Milan 3-0 Man Utd
AC Milan have won all previous fixture against Man Utd. In 1969 and 2007 AC Milan went on to lift the trophy.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
The Six Nations
Another cold winter and another Six Nations to wet the appetite. This year marks the tenth year of the Six Nation format and the introduction of Italy Italy
Well if you watched
As for
Overall the opening weekend was a mixture of rugby most of it you could have missed, but with France against Ireland coming this Saturday the Six Nations party is about to get started.
Results
Monday, February 1, 2010
Togo Banned
The African Cup of Nations has come to an end. Egypt yet again crowned champions of the continent, but a bitter pill to swallow as they will not travel to South Africa for the World Cup. But the tournament has ended as it started in controversial means.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned Togo from entering the next two African Cups. So how does it work, well Togo are in breach of Article 78 for withdrawn from a competition before it begins, however Article 80 allows for withdrawal "in cases of force majeure accepted by CAF".
Majeure meaning a "superior force", having been attacked on route to Angola with the loss of two officials is good grounds for withdrawal "in case of majeure". A lot has been done to bring the tournament to where it is today. The CAF have always wanted to promote the football and not the backdrop stories of politics.
But CAF's decision has taken attention off the football themselves by releasing their decision before the final. CAF have willingly allowed the politics to come to the front. Adhering to the laws CAF believe they are protecting African football. But a young Togolese team will see their foreseeable international future ended. A Tournament like the African Nations is a window for young footballers to show of their skills. Without this young promising lads may not get the chance to fulfil their potential or be lured to a dream club in Europe.
Togolese travel plans are in doubt but no team should enter the host nation under treat. CAF's decision implies that Togo are to take some of the responsibility. But it also appears as a power struggle between CAF and Togo, with the governing body wanting to prove they are in charge of all things football in Africa.
Done of which does Kodjovi Obilale any good or give much inspiration, the Togolese reserve goal keeper lies in hospital with a bullet trapped in his spine "majeure" indeed.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has banned Togo from entering the next two African Cups. So how does it work, well Togo are in breach of Article 78 for withdrawn from a competition before it begins, however Article 80 allows for withdrawal "in cases of force majeure accepted by CAF".
Majeure meaning a "superior force", having been attacked on route to Angola with the loss of two officials is good grounds for withdrawal "in case of majeure". A lot has been done to bring the tournament to where it is today. The CAF have always wanted to promote the football and not the backdrop stories of politics.
But CAF's decision has taken attention off the football themselves by releasing their decision before the final. CAF have willingly allowed the politics to come to the front. Adhering to the laws CAF believe they are protecting African football. But a young Togolese team will see their foreseeable international future ended. A Tournament like the African Nations is a window for young footballers to show of their skills. Without this young promising lads may not get the chance to fulfil their potential or be lured to a dream club in Europe.
Togolese travel plans are in doubt but no team should enter the host nation under treat. CAF's decision implies that Togo are to take some of the responsibility. But it also appears as a power struggle between CAF and Togo, with the governing body wanting to prove they are in charge of all things football in Africa.
Done of which does Kodjovi Obilale any good or give much inspiration, the Togolese reserve goal keeper lies in hospital with a bullet trapped in his spine "majeure" indeed.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Voice of Rugby
When you played rugby as a kid you probably gave a running commentary in the voice of
Bill McLaren. Bill held the microphone for fifty years and became the voice of rugby. His commentary was a reflection of the man himself, passionate, loyal, unbiased and above all a gentleman. His passing away is met with much sadness, but his voice still rings out in our minds.
Born in Hawick in 1923, Bills commentary career began far from any rugby pitch. While in hospital recovering from tuberculosis he would commentate on table tennis matches for hospital radio. His big break came in 1953 when his voice was heard on radio for the Scotland game with Wales. A few years later Bill moved to television, rugby had found its voice.
Bill gave more to rugby than his voice. In his private life he remained a physical education teacher in his home town. There he coached future stars of Scottish rugby Jim Renwick, Colin Dean and Tony Stanger. He was passionate about his rugby and very active with his local hometown club.
Bill retired in 2002, and his dedicated work as a commentator was honoured with OBE, CBE and a MBE, he is also the only non international rugby player to be inducted to the Rugby Hall of Fame, a reflection his influence on rugby and the respect he generated from the game. Such was his professionalism he would often spend days at training with teams before big games. He was a furious researcher, and is known to have offered players Hewick mints before interviewing them.
Bill McLaren was one of those commentators born for the role, there’s not many of them and he is joined by Murray Walker, Harry Carpenter and John Motson. Each one is an institution to their chosen sports. Today’s commentators are all statistics and facts, often missing out on the passion of a game. These kings of commentary have coined all the phrases making life difficult for today’s want a be voice legends. What they need to remember is Bill was like an invited friend sitting in the living room.
As Gavin Hastings said Bill was a "very proud and passionate Scot" although he remained unbiased in his words, in 1990 Bill saw his beloved Scotland beat England for the Grand Slam, he chose his words but no doubt he went home smiling that day.
Bill McLaren. Bill held the microphone for fifty years and became the voice of rugby. His commentary was a reflection of the man himself, passionate, loyal, unbiased and above all a gentleman. His passing away is met with much sadness, but his voice still rings out in our minds.
Born in Hawick in 1923, Bills commentary career began far from any rugby pitch. While in hospital recovering from tuberculosis he would commentate on table tennis matches for hospital radio. His big break came in 1953 when his voice was heard on radio for the Scotland game with Wales. A few years later Bill moved to television, rugby had found its voice.
Bill gave more to rugby than his voice. In his private life he remained a physical education teacher in his home town. There he coached future stars of Scottish rugby Jim Renwick, Colin Dean and Tony Stanger. He was passionate about his rugby and very active with his local hometown club.
Bill retired in 2002, and his dedicated work as a commentator was honoured with OBE, CBE and a MBE, he is also the only non international rugby player to be inducted to the Rugby Hall of Fame, a reflection his influence on rugby and the respect he generated from the game. Such was his professionalism he would often spend days at training with teams before big games. He was a furious researcher, and is known to have offered players Hewick mints before interviewing them.
Bill McLaren was one of those commentators born for the role, there’s not many of them and he is joined by Murray Walker, Harry Carpenter and John Motson. Each one is an institution to their chosen sports. Today’s commentators are all statistics and facts, often missing out on the passion of a game. These kings of commentary have coined all the phrases making life difficult for today’s want a be voice legends. What they need to remember is Bill was like an invited friend sitting in the living room.
As Gavin Hastings said Bill was a "very proud and passionate Scot" although he remained unbiased in his words, in 1990 Bill saw his beloved Scotland beat England for the Grand Slam, he chose his words but no doubt he went home smiling that day.
The Great Bill McLaren 1923 - 2010
Friday, November 27, 2009
Mugabe holds the World
I have always believed that sport and politics should not cross each other. Sport is not a vehicle for political ideals. Each sport is represented by a national and international body. It is them who should lead their respective sports in international affairs. Sport must not be influences by governments or lobby groups over political situations. Ultimately the ticket paying public suffer.
The World Cup Trophy journeys around Africa on its way to South Africa. I’m sure Fifa have good intentioned plans to have it visit schools and lesser known football clubs. But what I saw this morning has angered me and left me despising Fifa even more.The World Cup Trophy has arrived in Zimbabwe and has been lifted by the hands of Mugabe. Held high in celebration by a man who has crippled his nation and his people.
I’m sorry but Fifa have got it seriously wrong here. Many great men have lifted the World Cup Trophy. Men who have fought out of poverty and slumps, such slumps created by leaders like Mugabe. These men have all held the Trophy with pride for their nation and its people.
Now Fifa are very happy for Mugabe a reckless president who has self progressed at the expense of his people. A man who shows no pride or remorse for his nation or suffering people. We have had uproar over a handball, yet I’m sure this show casing of a political monster will go unnoticed. The World Cup Trophy could have easily gone to Zimbabwe without Mugabe touching it. Without the need to give him a world audience of press to see him lift the Trophy like a hero, to me this is disgusting.
The World Cup Trophy journeys around Africa on its way to South Africa. I’m sure Fifa have good intentioned plans to have it visit schools and lesser known football clubs. But what I saw this morning has angered me and left me despising Fifa even more.The World Cup Trophy has arrived in Zimbabwe and has been lifted by the hands of Mugabe. Held high in celebration by a man who has crippled his nation and his people.
I’m sorry but Fifa have got it seriously wrong here. Many great men have lifted the World Cup Trophy. Men who have fought out of poverty and slumps, such slumps created by leaders like Mugabe. These men have all held the Trophy with pride for their nation and its people.
Now Fifa are very happy for Mugabe a reckless president who has self progressed at the expense of his people. A man who shows no pride or remorse for his nation or suffering people. We have had uproar over a handball, yet I’m sure this show casing of a political monster will go unnoticed. The World Cup Trophy could have easily gone to Zimbabwe without Mugabe touching it. Without the need to give him a world audience of press to see him lift the Trophy like a hero, to me this is disgusting.
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