Realsports

Wolves fined for Team Selection

2010-02-18T05:33:00.001-08:00

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.

Champions League Playoff for EPL

2010-02-17T05:11:00.001-08:00

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 39^th 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 39^th 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 4^th to 7^th 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.

David Beckham re-United

2010-02-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

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.

May 1958 Eurpean Cup Semi Final
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.

The Six Nations

2010-02-09T01:32:00.000-08:00

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 to the Northern hemisphere rugby elite. Ten years also marks the time most pundits felt Italy would need before making any real break through. So with the first round of matches over, how is this years competition shaping up.

Well if you watched Ireland versus Italy you probably spent the second half sleeping. The game never took shape and in the end neither team seemed to want to push. Ireland most definitely had an eye on this weekends encounter with France in Paris. Italy played there usual dogged, hardworking passionate game. They have come along way in ten years but need to start butting a few winning runs together. Domestically they are suffering a talk of an Italian team entering the Magners League may come as a great help to their development. Italy is desperate for its club players to be playing high profile rugby every week, the Magners League offers this allowing them to play just below International level. Ireland ran out winners in this game but you feel they could have throttled Italy if they applied some pressure, in the end Ireland got the win and a good start to their defence of the grand slam.

As for Scotland there was high hopes after their autumn test win over Australia. However France proved too strong. Scotland lacked a creative edge, however there are signs of potential if they played quicker phases and held the line further up the pitch. Scotland may end up fighting for the wooden spoon, however they are everyone’s banana skin and could have a say in who takes the title this year. The French like Ireland went through the motions, the up coming game this weekend will be decisive in naming this years winners. France showed more enterprise against Scotland than Ireland did against Italy. The match in Paris will hinge on what French side turns up and Irelands control of the scrum. This match will be awesome.

England and Wales provided their usually fan fair. The fixture celebrating a hundreds years on the calendar since it was first played at Twickenham. Wales never held possession for long enough to hurt England, who held a 20-3 lead at the break. Wales cause not helped by Alun Wyn Jones being sin binned, during this ten minute period England notched up seventeen points with no reply.

Wales did hit back, but England held out for a 30-17 victory. A good win for England over a tricky Welsh side, England head to Rome next and manager Martin Johnson should be looking at two straight wins in a row. Wales will entertain Scotland, with both teams looking to get a win and avoid a wooden spoon fight out with Italy. Wales problem is simply, under Gatland they over achieved in his first season winning the Grand Slam. Now their back in the development stage that should have preceded the grand slam, to much too soon for Wales.

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

Ireland 29 - 11 Italy

England 30 - 17 Wales

Scotland 9 - 18 France

Togo Banned

2010-02-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

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 Voice of Rugby

2010-01-27T02:17:00.000-08:00

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.

The Great Bill McLaren 1923 - 2010

Mugabe holds the World

2009-11-27T04:25:00.000-08:00

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.

Henry's Hand

2009-11-23T03:11:00.000-08:00

As the FAI accept defeat in getting a replay with France, the saga of Henry's hand flutters away as club football returns. Fifa got what they wanted the top seed in the world cup draw. But as the anger of the moment withdraws the call for video footage in matches will grow stronger.

To brand Henry a cheat is step too far. Cheating occurs in all sports and no more so than in soccer. Almost every weekend from the Sunday league to the Premier league cheating occurs. From diving, pulling shirts, shoulders and handballs it’s a common sight in everyday football.

The outbursts of anger towards Eduardo’s dive against Celtic and now Henry are a reflection of today’s society. This is a form of Political Correctness is sport. As in society we take the moral high ground in order to succeed or to make others feel inferior, ultimately to win an argument. This PC world is a false attempt at bettering oneself over others.

Now it has entered our sporting arenas. Ireland are taking the moral high ground, their false PC attitude is an attempt to win. To brand a player like Henry a cheat based on a single error is an outrageous accusation. If roles were reversed would Irish players fulfil the acts they are requesting from Henry, France and Fifa most certainly not.

The fact is hand balls are apart of football, they have won, games, titles, and world cups. Maradonas hand ball gained a greater reward than Henrys. Both players are considered to be great players of their generation. In the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was no technology to call on or request, referees decisions were accepted and the game moved on. What saved Maradonna was that after his now famous Hand of God he scored one of the greatest goals ever. The skill and beauty defined the player that was Maradona. Henrys hand ball was not followed up with a moment of foot balling splendour, although his is career full of them. Henry will have to wait until the World Cup to wipe out his error with a goal to equal the greats.

Henry has let himself down on the follow up act. To celebrate so intensely on an act of wrongness was disgraceful. To sit in false sympathy with Irish player’s grotesque, and to admit and request a replay was an act of a false martyr of footballs Fair Play. Henry played the other side of the Political Correctness game. He did and said the right things knowing they would be rendered useless, he took a moral high ground to protect himself, for some he can be called the cheat with a false conscience.

For Martin Hansson the referee there is a great injustice, until that moment he had managed the game excellently. He is suffering the fact that refereeing decisions are not about rules of the game but about money. Refereeing decisions are always read with the words “such decisions cost a team money”. A referee is not an overseer of accounts and financial costs but of rules and laws. Like all rules they are there to be broken. Flying a yellow flag of Fair Play is a dismal attempt to oust player arrogance. Fifas and UEFAs inability to enter the modern sporting world of the fourth referee will allow players arrogance to thrive.

It is in the hands of Fifa and UEFA to end these sagas. The technology is there and other sports like tennis and rugby have shown that the game can continue unhindered. It is correct that a replay is not granted, because for now handballs and diving are an accepted method of gaining the advantage. It is not the sole responsibility of the referee to fly the Fair Play Flag. It lies on the shoulders of players and mangers but above all Fifa. It is Fifa who have the power to end all this, it is they who have the power to ensure a greater level of fairness. As they mull over this Henry will have to live with his conscience.

Ireland passion not enough

2009-11-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

We waited a long time for an Irish performance in soccer. When it arrived again it disappointed. Once again our hearts and expectation have been teased and dumped. Against Italy we had it in the bag losing out to a last minute equaliser. We were dashed but thankful of a play off place. The journey could continue.

On Saturday the teams performance was outstanding for the first half. We had belief at half time. This was it this was our moment again. We were back, back to the good old days. For the first time in a long time we looked like a team. But like all good things in Ireland at present it did not last. Graeme Souses remarked that France had another gear.

As Ireland failed with fatigue, France notched it one only half a gear and took the spoils. Anelkas deflected shot was cruel to us all. Ireland persevered and had their chances to get a draw. But it was not to be, the old days still a distant memory.

The playoffs are about letting the best teams go to the World Cup. France is the better team without doubt. For Ireland to go to Paris and win is a big ask. For fourth five minutes we had France, we had bravery, commitment and passion but no direct skill, not world class player to change the game. France had Anelka, Henry. For team in apparently in disarray with their manager, France showed us passion means noting, to win its about skill and so it was.

For Ireland now face a trip to Paris. Last time they got a draw, this time they must win. To do so Ireland need to go out all guns blazing, get a goal within the first thirty minutes. If they manage that then who knows, but fitness might undo Ireland again as it did on Saturday. Extra time could kill Ireland’s hopes in Paris, and to ask Ireland to score twice is a stretch too far.

Irish fans have been hurt to many times to get their hopes up. But another summer without World Cup football will be the final nail in the coffin.

Robinsons International Return

2009-11-10T08:29:00.001-08:00

Former England head coach Andy Robinson will venture back into the international scene. He will do so as Scotland’s coach and first up are the tricky Fijians. It’s hard to believe that three years ago Robinson left the reigns of English Rugby. A time no doubt he will be happy to forget that is in terms of statistic anyway, nine wins out of twenty two games.

It is difficult to judge Robinsons International managerial talent. Lets face it the task of England was difficult for anyone. He took over at time when English rugby had many a change of guard and old battered war heroes retired with their world cup medal firmly pinned to their chests. English rugby had peaked. Under Clive Woodward English rugby was seven years waiting to peak. It finally did in winning the world cup. Robinson was not going to be given time to rebuild. World Champions have never fallen as quickly as the English rugby team.

England is still seeking a team that can justify its World Championship title. Robinsons tenure as England manager did him few favours. However he has gone on to a successful time as Edinburgh head coach. Success that has opened the door back to international rugby again. He now has a team were expectation is limited. There’s no world cup or glorified players to defend.

Robinson can quietly go about his business in Scotland. As things are he seems to be pressing all the right buttons up North. Most noticeably he has learnt the importance of the press. This week players have been doing media work for all but one day. Robinson has even invited fans and journalist to an open training session, as he says himself " the open session is important to kick of the autumn international".

Robinson is also making big decisions. Allister Hoggs is replaced by a young twenty two year old Alex Grove. Hoggs was Scottish captain last season. Robinson has overcome his fear of the press. As England coach he was always heavily criticised. Robinson seems to have overcome this and is happy to be back in the spot light. This time Robinson is there as a proven coach after his success with Edinburgh.

As like any sport, results will count to how good Robinson is as an international manager. We would expect Scotland to win this weekend, but we can make allowances for a new manager. But unlike in England he has a whole new nation of talent and players to choose from, a lot more than what he had down North. To the Scottish players he will have new ideas. Ideas that got lost in the transition in England. Coaching England was a case of teaching old dogs old tricks. Now it’s new for all concerned. The autumn internationals are about pulling one over the big teams, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The coming tests are the building process. Like all managers The Six Nations will define Robinson as an international manager.

Autumn Tests

2009-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again when you know Autumn has finally arrived. The Autumn tests mark the true start of the Rugby Calendar. The visit of the Southern Hemisphere is always inspiring. The Northerners hoping to claim a scalp or two over their travelling counterparts.

English fans lived in hopes of granger leading the Australians at half time. But such hopes short lived. One match in to the international calendar and the English pack is under question. Johnson expects England to learn from it lose. But many an English fan will wonder when this learning by defeat will end. England need to start knowing by winning. Already Dallaglio is asking for a new look team and a younger selection. England need to blood young players, but Johnson is not taking that responsibility. For England these are the years of discontent.

Wales and New Zealand. Always look forward to this fixture it constantly delivers entertainment and excitement. But this year not so. Even the Hakka seemed a little subdued. A tight game but Wales showed done of their invention. Both teams failed to turn it on.

With the Southerners recovering from the Tri Nations they are already up to match speed and fitness. What’s worse is they don’t seem to be tiring. Difficult for England and Wales too perform off the cold foot. We wait to see what the other matches will bring, but you can only assume the Southerners will do what they do best and win.

The Final Whistle

2009-11-04T00:43:00.000-08:00

Last nights game at Old Trafford was a clear reminder of what Manchester United are all about. Over the years Sir Alex Ferguson has over seen many a United team. Players have come and gone, and there’s been many a change of guard. But one thing that has never changed and that’s United’s inability to give up, to fight to the bitter end.

Defensive errors saw United go two goals down at 3-1. The final flurry by United last night against CSKA Moscow, was typical United. The fight back was not about winning, nor was it about maintaining a undefeated record, it was about pride and honour.

United do not give up easily, they fight on and this is a characteristic of all Fergusons teams through the years. From Marks Huges late goal against Oldham in 1994 FA Cup semi final. The goal granted United a replay, they would go to win the cup. The Champions League final 1999, United fought to the end and pressured Bayern Munich. There reward two late goals in injury time and victory.

There seems to be a mentality about United teams. United don't except score lines. If you’re going to be defeated, then lose fighting. When you take the fight on, work hard and don't give up you get results like United.

A lot is made about the so called 'Fergie Time' but United play to the final whistle, and these days very few matched end on the ninetieth minute. United don't create injury time their opposition do. Under pressure oppositions crumble. They start fouling, faking injury, making substitutes all adds to the injury time.

At Old Trafford you have to play to the end, the final whistle. United will never lose without a fight. This is a trate embedded in all United sides since Ferguson became manager. It is not that often you will see a United team slump to a defeat. Watching the game last night you just knew, you felt United were going to claw this game back and they did.

Even as they equalised United were not finished. They continued to pressure and hunt down a victory. Open at the back as they pressurised CSKA, they ran the risk of being hit on the counter. Having equalised United did not close up and accept the point. They fought on in seeking victory.

As they say you have to create your own luck, and last night United did. A wicked deflection of a Valencia long shot made it all square. If United had accepted defeat, given up that shot would never have happened, and the point not saved. Over twenty years at the helm, opposition still don’t realise that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United do not give up, especially at Old Trafford.

Adebayor

2009-09-14T04:26:00.000-07:00

In a time when English soccer needs to be calm, Adebayors actions are less than pleasing. His initial tackle on Van Persie was bad and uncalled for. It seems Adebayor was on a mission to prove something to his old club.

The Van Persie tackle will be reviewed. Strangely as the referee took no action, the FA can review the incident. Had Adebayor been booked the case would be closed. Put his goal scoring celebration was just simple uncalled for.

The English FA hope to be successful in bids for World Cup and Euro Championships. They have put in a lot of hard work to end soccer violence. The recent events from the West Hams game against Millwall will have undone a lot of hard work.

There was no need for Adebayor celebration; there was no need to run the length of the pitch. He deliberately aggregated fans, the result was missiles thrown onto the pitch. Again another picture the FA could do without. The finger is being pointed at the fans, why did they throw missiles. Simple answer Adebayor ran the length of the pitch.

If he had celebrated with the City fans, there would be no missile throwing. Adebayor actions incised a crowd unnecessarily. He should have been aware the travelling fan would be hostile. At a cost of 25.5 million pound and god knows what wage a week he should of simple known better. He hurt Aresnal by scoring a goal that was sufficient.

Adebayor went over the top, he did English football few favours and should be rightly punished. On his wage I would expect a big fine from both FA and Club. Injured stewards will get little credit but they handled the incident very well. Fans throwing a chair was excessive too, so chairs for the stewards will probably be banned from the touchline. An over reaction from the FA to show FIFA were doing something.

There seems to be a low insurgence of fan trouble, and players need to be aware of fan/ club politics. Player should also learn not to be the cause of unwanted crowd disorder.

Premier League 2009

2009-08-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Another season of high hopes, over achievers, sacked managers and controversy that is the Premier League, how will the top four finish up, well lets take a look.

Manchester United:
They may have lost Ronaldo, but if there’s one thing Alex Ferguson knows how to do and that’s build a team. Less face it, Ronaldo was becoming annoying, so to see the back of the huffy moaning diving wizard is a pleasure. That aside, United will miss his goal scoring ability, but now is the time for Rooney to step up and become the player we know he can be. The purchase of Owen will give the club experience and once he is match fit no doubt goals will follow. United can win the league, based on their ability to get results against all teams. They may find it hard against the other top four, but unlike Liverpool they'll not drop points at Burnley or Hull. Avoiding injury and not distracted by Europe and four in a row, United are the favourites.

Chelsea:
Not buying many players these days, but certainly know how to go through managers. If Chelsea manage to keep their manager for at least one season they can win. There’s not much separating Chelsea and United on the pitch. Off the pitch, Chelsea going Italian this time, but Ancelotti’s lack of English experience could be Chelsea failure. To claim the spoils this year Chelsea will have to do the double on United and hit the ground running, but the big man Abramovich wants Europe and this could see Chelsea finish a close second.

Liverpool:
Benitez has more control than ever before, he has a team that contains all his buys except for the local lads, there’s no excuse but to deliver the title. There’s no hiding now, this is make or break season, and if Benitez fails to deliver then the door is wide open for him to walk out. Europe can't be a distraction this year, the fans need and demand a League Title and the sniff off success last year has feed that hunger. No more losing or dropping points to lowly teams, its a title winning season or Benitez is gone. Verdict Benitez is gone, Liverpool to take third.

Aresenal:
The learning curve is over, the young boys are not all that young now, time to deliver on this potential. Like Benitez, Wenger is hanging onto old excuses, no silverware in four years is too long a drought. Wenger needs to claim a prize this year and it needs to be big, Premier League or Europe. Given there legion of foreign players I believe Arsenal are more suited to Europe, but whatever happens Wenger needs to deliver or the door beckons, past success and future possibility are no excuse for failure in the present. Arsenal to fight and hold fourth.

Manchester City we all await in anticipation to what will come, they may claim fourth spot but fifth a more likely position given they have no experience on closing out a competitive season. This lack of experience killed Aston Villa last season, and with no major investment, Villa will fall to mid table, expect the same from Everton, these teams have not got the strength or deep and money to sustain back to back successful seasons. Tottenham Hotspurs are the ones to watch and will fight Arsenal all the way, Harry is a footballing genius, and if they manage to do a double over Arsenal they may claim fourth, but it could be a season to early for Harry's team.

Manchester City

2009-07-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

Alex Ferguson, has admitted that he see's Manchester City as no threat this coming season. That may be true but we'll have to let time and Man City to prove him wrong. It appears Alex is already getting early return on his surprise signing of Owen.

As many a great manager has said, your best team is not necessarily made of your best players. Its all about balance and movement and working well as an unit. Mark Hughes has always been successful with the hard working, ordinary player. He got Wales moving with a less than star studded squad and the same can be said about Blackburn. Hughes is an ordinary working class manager, a simple emotional team talk inspires his team of average players. Mark has always managed teams with few egos, and any that have existed are easily dealt with.

Mark now has and is still in pursuit of some of the world great players. Well we believe them to be great based on price tag, but really is Gareth Barry a world class player, I doubt it. What Barry is, is the ordinary working class player Hughes can inspire and motivate, the player Hughes management skills can get the best out off.

Now Hughes is surrounded by players on unimaginable salaries. Most players have bonuses built into their contract, if your player on £100,000 or more a week, what good is few thousand in a bonus. We can probably assume Mark is being paid less than some of his players, so automatically just as at Chelsea, his control of players is undermined.

Your thinking if a player fails to perform he'll destroy his career, most likely, but will they need football after earning the money they'll get on a two year contract at Man City. Football is no more than a routine, a procedure and act to fulfil a contract. Occasionally we will see such players do something amazing and convince ourselves that he is worth it.

Mark is a traditional manager of ordinary players, players like Barry, can he manage over paid, big ego players to success. Man City is another Chelsea in the making, but Chelsea had a manager whose personality out shone his stars, Hughes does not have that. Man City can be only one of two things, a success or a great failure, obvious yes, but when great failure comes at failing to win a top four league position and a cup, then it could be a short life for all at Man City.

Tom Watson

2009-07-20T03:10:00.000-07:00

What a weekend of golf, what a weekend for Tom Watson and what a weekend for Stewart Cink. How could any man turn to Tom Watson and find the words to honour a great golfer in missing out. Cink is a deserving champion and true golfer, and its always great to see a golfer win their first major.

Tom has been a professional for a long time and will know how to handle a loss, but this is no ordinary loss, this is The Open Championship, a title Tom has held 5 times in his career, so no doubt it holds a special place in his heart. For Tom it must have been like visiting an old friend after many years. Tom won his first Open at Turnberry in 1977, 32 years later he recounts, replays and masters the shots, the putts and the course, to finish a honourable second. Turnberry, Toms old friend, welcomed him back, entertained him for four great days, but faded as the party came to a close on Sunday evening.

The golfing world and beyond wanted a Watson win, the drama, emotion and the absolute splendour of such a victory would have been legend. Tom, interviewed on the BBC, would reflect on the tournament, but would prepare himself for the Seniors Open at Sunningdale this coming week, momentum is key to most sports, and Tom could have no better preparation than his challenge for the Claret Jug.

When Stewart Cink, held the Claret jug, and no doubt afterwards, when he was alone, he most probably looked at the long list of winners. There edged in history he will find Tom Watson’s name, not once but five times. Stewart will know, perhaps more than ever, how great a golfer Tom was and is. Cink knows now to win one Open is difficult to win 5 is extraordinary.

The 138th Open Championship will be the one Stewart Cink won, not the one Tom lost, and it should always be remembered for that. Stewart could have beaten anyone on Sunday, even Tiger, but by defeating Tom, Stewart has added, romance, affection, emotion and poignancy to his victory, beating anyone else would not give him that.

Stewarts win, now has a build up, a story, a twist and tale that will mean that this years Open will be remembered longer than others. As Tom said, "it would have been a great story" and it would have, but in many ways it still is, because it will add to Cinks great story, to his fairytale, and Tom will always be apart of that, again edged in history.

Champions League

2009-07-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year and teams are preparing for qualification for this years Champions League. Of course the regulars are there, Man Utd, Barcelona and Inter Milan, they all make it as Champions, but inside the qualifying rounds there are a few Champions. We all know the Champions League is about the best teams in Europe, we all know we want to watch the best players and that the best club team win's.

But it is the Champions League, therefore is it not only right that all the champions from every league, whether its the money flying English Premier League or the part time amateurs from Denmark or Ireland. Every champion from every competing nation should take part without qualifying.

Qualification is UEFA's way of letting the minnows take part but ultimately rejecting their presence. For these competing nations, there football will never develope as they will not be allowed to play at the top of the soccer pyramid. Liverpool, have not won a domestic league in 20 years yet they find there way into the champions league, admittedly by means of qualification, that’s qualification against league champions of other nations.

Yes we want the best footballers and so on, but do we want a team without a domestic crown in 20 years to be champions of Europe. The minnows don't get the chance to reach the high money earning stages of the champions league, thus the money makes the rich richer.

Many years ago, the number of teams allowed to qualify for the Euro Cup and World cup was increased. Nations like Liechtenstein, San Marino, Slovakia and Slovenia appeared. They were whipping boys, and indeed some still are today. But what about nights when, San Marino score first against England, and I’m sure if you check, they may still be whipping boys but the goals conceded are less and their fighting for more draws, you probably also find their domestic league has improved and number of players get recognised to play elsewhere has increased. This all amounts to developing the game it each individual nation. Of course if you take Slovenia, they reached the 2002 World Cup and impressed.

If we take the same rule, and allow the champions from minor leagues compete in the Champions League without the need to qualify, then maybe their soccer will improve. Firstly thy will receive money to allow for development, secondly they gain valuable experience competing against the best. It maybe that they are whipping boys, but occasional one team will achieve great victories and over time they may progress to the next stages. Fans have right to sit in pubs and remember nights they held Milan to a draw in 5,000 sitter stadium, they have the right to talk for years about such a game. But above all its fair, you have champions in the so called Champions League.

I know what your all thinking, the money the minor teams earn will only develope that particular club and not the domestic league, but we could over come that. A percentage of there winning goes to league development, shared amongst the other clubs. Therefore no one club will advance into domination of the league. Equally so, it is always the big clubs that dominate there leagues, Man Utd, Aresnal, Chelsea and Liverpool dominate the English League, Utd especially, why, most likely helped with money generated in the champions league.

The fact is UFEA want the best to make money, they want to riddle out the minnows and have a league of great clubs, rich clubs, clubs that sell and not necessarily champions. They have created an unequal unfair competition to generate and develope their own ideas of football. Why, what are UFEA so scared off, its unlikely that Shamrock Rovers will ever win the Champions League, but they may over time become tough opposition. Eventual after the group stages the minnows will have been riddle out, so UEFA will still get their best teams in, but the minnows as champions of their own nation have a right to compete at the group stages. Lets remember its a League of Champions, not the League of rich Champions and selected best money making runners up.

Aren’t UFEA suppose to have FAIR PLAY.

Mark Webber

2009-07-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

In 1985 Mansell secured his first GP win, this was achieved after a good run claiming two second place finishes, Mansell was 32 years old at the time. From there his career took off leading to a world title in 1992 and success in the US Cart series.

Step up Mark Webber aged 33 and who has just taken his maiden victory. Many people have already analysed the similarities of both these drivers. Many believe this victory will be the start of a successful career for Mark Webber. Personally I hope so, for Formula One needs it so badly. The true comparison that can be made and indeed the only one, is the patience both these drivers showed. I believe you can never compare sport people from different eras, the changes are too much. Mansell never gave up and kept chasing, determined to achieve the ultimate goal. Mark has shown the same attributes, determination, strong willed and above all patience.

Both these drivers where expected to win, we all saw there talent, we all knew they were fast and will all knew they had the skill. For whatever reasons they both had to wait for the their maiden victory. You always felt Mark would finish his career being remembered as an unlucky driver. But Mark seems to have extraordinary mental strength. He has an inner belief in himself that appears to drive him on. Mark new the win would come, he new he had the car, so the pressure was on to get the win. He also had the team around him to deliver on that victory. Marks Red Bull pit crew played a vital part in his victory.

Sometimes when a sports person need to succeed they try to hard, the harder they try the worse it gets. Most soccer strikers go thru a goal scoring drought, they try everything, train harder, shoot from further out, go for every ball. In most cases the drought is ended with a fluke, a miss kick, a fumble over the line. Mark could have done this, but he didn't, he never over drove the car, never tried to break later, never went for foolish overtaking moves. He kept going as he was, patience is a virtue and Mark has it. With patience and the belief he knew he would win, and with this Mark finally stood on the top step of the podium.

Formula One has lost some of its appeal in recent years, sex, drugs and rock and roll image has gone, the drivers are now super fit clinical machines. Today’s drivers are designed and engineered with the same precision as the car. Raikkonen won the world title, most people had to do a double take, and ask themselves how, why and what the hell. The most boring man in Formula, won the title in the most boring of manner. Hamilton won the title with a degree of excitement, mainly thanks to Masa, but Hamilton has been groomed and engineered since birth to win the title. Schumacher, well he just won, it became the norm.

This year Button, Vettel and Webber fight for the title. Red Bull are on a charge and Brawn have stumbled a little but what a start to the season. For a long time F1 has three drivers, each with their own path to F1. They show great emotion and delight in achieving victory. Vessel aside, Mark and Button have been around. Button has spent years in the dog house, Mark the unlikely lad, now they have it in their grasp a World Title. We finally have fight in F1, with drivers that are human, un-engineered, emotional, drivers who are well, ordinary guys with a great job.

Webber is not Mansell, Button not a useless driver, they've final got what patience brings a crack at something big, a chance to find glory. The question is which one, the answer I hope will be Webber, why, because if I was to go to the pub with either of these guys, it would have to be Mark. Both have shown what patience brings, backed by determination and self belief.

The absoulute need to be a success has seen many sport persons end their careers early. Young female tennis players are falling by the waste side, soccer players reach burn out at 28 - 29 years old, but with a degree of patience and the belief in your abilities, success will come to those who wait.

The Open

2009-07-15T06:31:00.000-07:00

Time goes by quickly, here we are yet again looking on to see if Harrington can defend his title again at Turnberry. To ask any man to defend a title for a third time is a tall order, and for Harrington who is not himself lately it could be a big ask.

But we never know, maybe there’s something in Harrington that clicks when it comes to The Open, its too wonderful a prize to surrender and we know Harrington is good for a fight. However Harrington seems not to believe it himself. Last year he was very level headed in his approach to a second title, but he saw it as a challenge, and a challenge he wanted to win.

But this year one Tiger Woods lurks about the links course at Turnberry. Has Woods presence made Harrington worry. There has been questions about Harrington majors, could he have win if Tiger was there. The answer is yes, he did in 2007 Open at Carnoustie, maybe its history that’s effecting Harrington. He was the first European to retain the title since 1906, first European winner of USPGA Championship in 78 years in 2008, so Harrington is well use to creating history. To note the last man to achieve three in a row in The Open was Peter Thompson from 1954-56.

We know Harrington is adjusting his swing to improve his golf, we ask why, his swing has already won him three majors. Maybe there’s a Tiger influence, last summer Harrington dominated world golf, with Tiger on his sick bed. Tiger is man consistently looking at ways to improve, maybe Harrington took note, maybe Harrington got scared his swing was no longer a match for Tiger or more importantly for winning more majors. Like most people who are successful reinventing themselves keeps them on top, so far Harrington’s reinvention needs more time on the drawing more.

Personally I think Harrington has no sleepless nights over Woods, making history is not a problem for him we know all this. It could be that the attention that success brings is interfering with Harrington. He is now under the microscope more, every action looked at, examined, replayed and analysed. The last few years Harrington has been a novelty a breath of fresh air, mainly down to creating history and the professional manor in which he conducts himself off the course. Now he is a three times major winner, now he's two times Open defender, now he will be man who falls of the perch if he loses, the man who will fail in creating history for not winning. Typically the papers are on to him and we are asking too much of him. It could well be Harrington needs a few years without a crown to get his form, before he hits another major winning run.

When Harrington won in 2007 I believed he would never win a major again, simply because he has always been great at runner up and failing to kill off tournaments. I felt the mental and physical demands would over power him. I felt that he if achieved one major he could tell himself it was all worthwhile and grow old happy. But he proved me wrong, very wrong. There have been many winners of majors not just in golf that were one hit wonders. They won and disappeared, but at that time on that day they were the greatest. To maintain the mental and physical demands to keep winning as Tiger does are incredible. It is this sustainability that makes great sports people and Harrington like Tiger is one of them. But how one maintains it for longer is what separates the greats from the truly GREAT.

Watch out English Soccer

2009-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Setanta’s failings to pay up for Premier League rights does this mark the end of satellite sports. Most unlikely as long as Sky are ever present, and lets face it, it’s a European order on competition law that stops them from owning all of the English FA’s packages. And as proven there’s more than enough people out there ready to snap up what’s left, ESPN buying up Setantas lost rights.

But is there more happening this summer than just the loss of Setanta. Real Madrid are buying up every player, or every great player they can get there hands on. But this and the fact that a number of top European players, not brought by Madrid as yet, have snubbed England’s biggest clubs. Even Manchester City the world richest can’t even offer enough money to lure Eto’o.
So what good will it be to watch the Premier League without the crème of world soccer.

Well it would be pointless, and so the worlds focus will go to Spain most likely. In the 90’s Serie A was the world league, then Dutch soccer nominated. It seemed almost every season Ajax were building a new stadium ,the old stadium becoming their new training ground. Well Italian and Dutch football has over time lost all appeal. For the Italians its most likely down to corruption. For the Dutch their downfall is of their own making. Producing top class youngsters brought up by foreign clubs. Dutch football is a selling league.

Its only logical to think that some day the bubble will burst on English soccer, that the Television interest will move to Spain, where the top players are. And with television comes money, and money is what all players follow. Take that and the fact that the climate in Spain is a lot nicer, well were else would you go.

Manchester United will always remain top, but Arsenal look to be falling away, Chelsea have discovered the difficulty in buying success, and you get the feeling if the Russians get bored then they’ll close up shop. Liverpool will survive on loyalty of fans and romance of what it once was. Manchester City who knows, if you had a choice between Man City or Real Madrid where would you go.

Setanta may mean noting now, but it could be the start of slippery end to English football, which without money it's noting. We’ll watch on to see the outcome, but FA better have a Plan B just in case the world decides to go to Spain. Players move clubs for higher wages, just as we normal folk change jobs for the same reason. The FA have already reinvented the English league introducing the Primiership, when the money goes dry, how do you revented an already revented league.

Snooker Calander

2009-07-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or has the snooker calendar become boring, in fact has snooker lost all appeal. Take a number of sports and each one is defined by major tournaments. For example

Golf: US Masters, US Open, British Open, US PGA
Tennis: US Open, Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon
Soccer: Certain Premier League fixtures, FA Cup, Champions League Final
Cycling: Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta de Espana

....and so on. Yet snooker is defined by one major event the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield. Outside of this there’s not much to remember in snooker tournaments of any great importance. It also seems one has to achieve very little in the sport to retain a high ranking. I remember a few years back Ken Doherty was ranked in the top six, but had not won a tournament in two years.

Snooker is dead at the moment, cricket has reinvented itself with fast paced exciting game of twenty20, maybe snooker needs something new too. They could start with the calendar. I think its time to end the seasonal timeline, and make snooker an annual calendar. Snooker should follow Formula One, start in March and have a tournament every two to three weeks until lets say October, move the World Championships to mid season. But an end to top 16 player tournaments open it up to 32 players, speed round the first few games in any tournament and then get to the serious stuff. Revise the ranking system and basically start from scratch.

Introduce three extra majors to join the World Championships, like a European Championship, Asian Championship and the Americans Championship, four majors up for grabs and all 32 player events. Time to reinvent snooker and add in some excitement, but a limit on the number of snookers a player is allowed in a frame creating attacking snooker. It would be a shame to lose snooker and less face it theirs no more players like Alex Higgins to save snooker this time around.

The Ashes

2009-07-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

The Ashes in finally here after so much talk. Its interesting how Sky Sports have advertised The Ashes series, it has Ian Botham and Shane Warne reminiscing about the 2005 series. Somehow Sky have forgotten about last years series, I wonder why.

England believe they can win this years series, and there’s no reason to say otherwise. The 2005 test was heroic for both teams, and strengthened the reason how sport can capture the mind. But when all is said and done, England talking of a more solid rounded team with a good balance in batting and fielding, are simply clouding the underlining fact. Apart from 2005, England are hoping to win this year based on a weakened Australian team.

One assumes both teams field their strongest lineout, and so since 1989 England have won just one Ashes Series. This simply acknowledges the strength of Australian cricket. England hoping that the lack of Australian experience will ultimately allow them to win.

So basically England will win based on a weakened Australian side missing McGrath and Warne and so on. That hardly inspires confidence in the England team. After this series the Australians will have experience, so England we suspect will not win another ashes until they either, repeat a performance like 2005 or when this next generation of Australians retire in about 10 - 15 years from now. This says very little for English cricket, that the English team cannot perform at a high level consistently over long periods of time. England are basically no better than a weakened Australia team, a weaken Australian team for now that is.

One feels Australia will not suffer much from the inexperience, yes this year may be difficult may even mean defeat, but you somehow you know Australia are not about to lose eight Ashes tests in a row, and if England believe they can only get Australia on a change of guard, Australia have little to worry about from England.

Cricket and Ireland

2009-07-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that in a recession Ireland hold three prestige’s ruby titles, Six Nations Grand Slam, Magners League and the Heineken Cup. It’s wasn’t that long ago people where talking about the effects the success of the Irish soccer team had in 1988 and 1990, the driving force behind our now deceased economic boom. This early success under Jack Charlton, meant Irish people started to believe in themselves. We started to believe we could achieve greatness, we had brushed away the negative and suppressing influence of the church, governments and our parents. We young Irish had self belief and drive.

Now we have the same success, even better, we have actual won, got the trophies to prove it. But will this success on the rugby pitch encourage our next generation of business leaders and millionaires. It may be, given rugby’s social status, that it will re-encourage the upper class, some of whom have pulled their way out off the lower class, thanks to our building boom.

Where soccer inspired a nation, rugby seems set to inspire the classes. Shame really, given that our rugby teams hold a lot more home grown players than our soccer team. It’s also an issue that our upper class are to depressed right now. Their way of life is threaten by this recession, they are most likely down sizing. If not that, their reviewing bank statements, yes theirs millions but not in the bank just on paper. It could be their so low right now that no amount of trophies will get them on their feet again.

Then there’s the lower class, they’ve enjoyed a ten to fifteen year period of sitting on their asses. How could anyone inspire a person who during the economic heights still didn’t bother to go out and get work. How could anyone inspire a person who has enjoyed life on the sofa as benefit payments arrive weekly on time. How could anyone inspire a person whose home is mortgage free, a home they probably received by jumping up the housing list by having a baby, which also increases benefit payments, this realization and quick math sees more babies being born.

Apart from a few of our lower class, they will most likely never be inspired by rugby or soccer, our middle class is seeking refuge in English soccer and clinging on to there false admiration of rugby. Rugby to them meant business, business meant free trips with the boss. With out free trips and taking the brut of the recession the middle class are depending on television The middle class are resigned to the days of old with the international soccer team, they’ll get inspired after 2010 world cup in south Africa, should we make it, but can we wait that long. Until then they will take false hope in whoever wins the English Premier League, this years its United.

Our upper class have enjoyed the moment and the glory rugby has brought them, there’s still the odd free trip to games, but no staff welcome. But still the clouds are to dark for any sunshine to get thru just yet, so those trophies will sit in darkness for a while. Those trophies will be a reminder of that time the shit hit the fan, big style. The GAA will only keep the country divided at county level, the Dub’s will suffer most in another failed attempt at the football title, Cork will no doubt go on strike, and Kilkenny will do what Kilkenny do, simple win.

Our only saviour will be cricket, untapped by any of the classes. Ireland were inspirational in 2007 World Cup, typically Irish they embroiled in a murder inquiry. Thankfully it wasn’t murder and our Ireland have continued their high performance to date. In 2007 this nation started talking about, over’s, runs, wickets lbw’s, fours and six and what are extras. Maybe this summer, in England our cricket team can do it again in the 20-20 world cup, an unlikely sport to inspire a nation, but is not test cricket, so there’s not much yawning. But a sport not divided in Ireland class system has to be good. Just as ice hockey in Belfast, had no territorial, political or social divides it has become the outlet for both Catholics and Protestant. Perhaps here in the South it will be cricket that inspires a nation, all of a nation lower to upper, and will inspire us to go for it again.

Hull City

2009-05-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

Another footballing season ends, Newcastle are down, much to their own doing. But its Hull City that you have to wonder about. I am thankful to Hull city for many things this season. A lot of my thanks goes to them for winning me some money at the start of the season. I also have to thank them for some great games thru the season and never lying down.

Its just something Phil Brown said before the game with Manchester United, he was thankful that Hulls destiny was in their hands, they just had to play to win or draw. In the end their destiny was in the hands of Newcastle United’s failing to beat Aston Villa, this saw Hulls status in the Premier League remain.

It just seems to me Hull are taking to much joy out of their survival, when in fact they failed in achieving their destiny. Yes their overall seasons target of surviving has been achieved, and their great start to the season is pivotal to that. The fact is if your asked why Hull City stayed up, “its because Newcastle lost” would it not sound better to say “ yes they stayed up because they won”.

Hull City in failing have succeeded, but that sort of luck runs out, and we all know how difficult the second season is. I’m just wondering how Phil Brown will build on such a failing. Hull have the right to enjoy their survival, but they should be careful in reflection it could have been so much different, but I guess Newcastle are thinking the same.

Newcastle Utd

2009-04-28T04:39:00.001-07:00

Its over, lets face it Newcastle are going down, and about time. A club who presses the self destruct button so many times deserves to be regulated. When Kevin Keegan came back to the game, he looked like someone who had been plucked from the golf course and thrown into the dugout, he always looked shocked to be sitting again at the sideline. Then Newcastle bring in Joe Kinnear, I love this man, and it was a good move on Newcastle’s part, one of very few.

Poor Joe, to get back in the game and to suffer health issues again, no surprise really having to deal with Newcastle. The answer to this, Newcastle take on Alan Shearer. Again looking at him on the sideline, he looks like a lost puppy, not really knowing what to do with his hands, and his stance as boring as one of his goal celebration. How can Alan Shearer inspire, the man whose voice buts use all to sleep during match of the day.

I heard this morning that Newcastle had 40 professional players on there books. Damien Duff is now playing left back, Duff can't tackle to save his life. So The Shearer with 49 other players to pick from, can't find in this group another left back or some even more suited to the position than an attacking left winger. Really if that’s not bad management what is. The only thing Newcastle haven't done this season is but a jersey on Keegan and Shearer and but them on the pitch.

When will the Newcastle fans learn, that the appointments of Keegan and Shearer where only done to keep them happy and to shut them up, and get them off Ashley's back. Newcastle fans have to learn that, there happiness will not make or bring success to the club. How many former Newcastle legend have managed Newcastle and have be turned on, Shearers appointment is going to end like all the others in tears and lots of them. When Newcastle fans start moaning all the chairman needs do is dangle a carrot in front of them, this time the carrot is Shearer, who's next for the carrot job....

Great Soccer Games

2009-04-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

So Liverpool and Arsenal just gave us one of the greatest games ever, well at least since Chelsea beat Liverpool in the Champions League recently. Either way Liverpool have now been involved in the two best games this season. Soccer pundits as they do, cannot just admit to a great game, no, they have to dig deep and tell us all that was wrong, bad defending, goalkeeping errors, bad decisions and tactics.

Fare enough, but its these mistakes that gave us such a great game, so more mistakes please. The fact is you probably had to watch 10 - 12 league matches before you saw a great game, you most likely watched every champions league game, and only seeing Chelsea play Liverpool did you walk away saying great game. And why, because each great game has goals, lots of goals.

As much as Formula 1 is desperate for overtaking so too is soccer for goals. Goals are created by moments of individual magic or mistakes. If you think about individual goals of magic, are caused by a mistake somewhere along the line. If every player on the pitch did there job to perfection, well goalkeepers would save all shoots, but there be no shoots, because the defenders have cut off the supply, but there would be supply because the midfielders are playing total football, and there be loads of goals, because every shoot from a striker would be goal, but the goalkeeper would save everything. So the fact that there are mistakes the better the football match, the more mistakes the more goals, and so with get the great games.

Unfortunately there are teams with great defences that kill games, but never win, bad strikers, there teams with great strikers but always lose because of there defence. So why not stop the pursuit of perfection, let there be more mistakes, lets have more high scoring games and let there be great games every weekend.