The Quiet Man of English football - Roy Hodgson - absolutely deserves the challenge of rebuilding Liverpool when the Rafa Benitez experiment ultimately fizzled out after millions wasted on mostly dud players and the one piece of blinding luck in landing the Champions League.
Hodgson is a man in his 60s and he isn't ready to be put out to grass. His fairytale at Fulham has landed him the opportunity of managing one of the big clubs in England and good luck to him.
His signing of Joe Cole also is a wonderful piece of business, getting the Cockney Kid to leave the East End, and the West End, to fit in with a club whose tradition of open, flowing football should suit him down to the ground.
Cole is in the Glenn Hoddle mould, who on his day was sublime. He reminds me of Matt Le Tissier, so much talent that a waft of England managers couldn't fit him into their patterns of play, and he also has the skill of - if you can remember that far back - Tony Currie.
Currie was ex-Sheffield United and latterly Leeds United whose vision and passing was a delight.
Cole has that ability, as well as the knack of scoring good goals.
It's a shame Hodgson has also pledged not to go back to Fulham to sign their better players. One for sure who would be a real asset to Liverpool is Brede Hangeland, the man born in Texas with the Danish name who would shore up that leaky Reds defence which is still reliant on a slowing and ageing Jamie Carragher to perform heroics every week.
Hodgson has his detractors. He won a few titles and cups in Sweden, got to a UEFA Cup Final with Inter and was fired by FC Copenhagen.
But he also took Blackburn to sixth in the Premier League, has managed countries at World Cup and European Championship level and speaks five languages.
He has experience and just as important he has dignity.
Give him a season - or two - but good luck to him!
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Monday, 12 July 2010
Weekend of success
Spain did the business for us at the weekend along with the rest of 5 our to Watch which was in danger of producing a whole set of winners!
I thought it would be close in the World Cup final and it was but Spain deserved to win against a Dutch side that kicked their way to inglorious defeat.
It was a shame - and a pity for Howard Webb who had a good game in difficult circumstances. I don't go along with mouthy commentators who said he should have sent off a couple of Dutch players - or even one.
That would not have helped the game at all and it would have given the Dutch even more ammunition to complain - which they have done in buckets.
True, I'd hoped Spain would have converted their glaring chances and won it in normal time but the right team and the best team won.
Germany were just too good for Uruguay to capture third place and we saw a fitting match to concluse the "also-ran" element of the South African extravaganza.
Away from football and Mark Webber gave his Red Bull Formula One management a true Ozzie blast and a reminder that he is every bit as good as teammate - and supposed number one driver - Sebastian Vettel.
Webber won the British GP in style from a resurgent Lewis Hamilton and showed he's nobody's mug.
The All Blacks kicked off their Tri-Nations rugby series with a 32-13 thumping of South Africa. It was a wider margin than I thought would be the case but the Springboks were no match for the New Zealanders on their home soil.
Finally, Darren Clarke is back in the Open this week after second place in the Scottish Open and nice to see the big man back. We tipped him to win but I'll settle for second and a good showing at St Andrew's this week.
We're not smug - just a good weekend of sport!
I thought it would be close in the World Cup final and it was but Spain deserved to win against a Dutch side that kicked their way to inglorious defeat.
It was a shame - and a pity for Howard Webb who had a good game in difficult circumstances. I don't go along with mouthy commentators who said he should have sent off a couple of Dutch players - or even one.
That would not have helped the game at all and it would have given the Dutch even more ammunition to complain - which they have done in buckets.
True, I'd hoped Spain would have converted their glaring chances and won it in normal time but the right team and the best team won.
Germany were just too good for Uruguay to capture third place and we saw a fitting match to concluse the "also-ran" element of the South African extravaganza.
Away from football and Mark Webber gave his Red Bull Formula One management a true Ozzie blast and a reminder that he is every bit as good as teammate - and supposed number one driver - Sebastian Vettel.
Webber won the British GP in style from a resurgent Lewis Hamilton and showed he's nobody's mug.
The All Blacks kicked off their Tri-Nations rugby series with a 32-13 thumping of South Africa. It was a wider margin than I thought would be the case but the Springboks were no match for the New Zealanders on their home soil.
Finally, Darren Clarke is back in the Open this week after second place in the Scottish Open and nice to see the big man back. We tipped him to win but I'll settle for second and a good showing at St Andrew's this week.
We're not smug - just a good weekend of sport!
Friday, 9 July 2010
Viva Espana on 5 to Watch
World Cup finals are usually cagey affairs - tight and not given to sudden explosions of goals and incident. I know France beat Brazil 3-0 a while ago and I remember Brazil beating Italy 4-1 donkeys years ago.
On Sunday I expect Spain to beat Holland - nothing to do with the psychic octopus but sound football common sense.
On Sunday I expect Spain to beat Holland - nothing to do with the psychic octopus but sound football common sense.
- I like an upset but I think Spain - more than Holland - deserve to win if only because they have never even come close before despite their multi-talented players. Yes, Holland have never won it either and they have had Bergmap, Van Basten and Cruyff, but Spain should edge it.
- The third-placed play off is a bit more clear cut and Germany should win it but that would be tough on Diego Forlan whose outstanding form and goals have buried the myth that he was a useless player - especially when he played for Man United. He was a young lad at Old Trafford and if there was a Uruguayan failure in England it had to be Sebastian Veron.
- It's the British Grand Prix weekend and I would love Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to fight it out over the finish line. But F1 is a true "formula" industry - it's sure as heck not a sport - so it's Mark Webber's turn this weekiend. The Red Bull of Oz to win at Silverstone.
- Tri-Nations rugby starts this weekend and one great thing is that the incessant sound of South Africa - the vuvuzela - is banned. Glory Be! New Zealand take on South Africa in what should be a classic but I expect the All Blacks to squeeze through - just.
- The Scottish Open is the traditional golf curtain raiser to the Open which starts next week and Darren Clarke is hitting form at the right time. He needs to be in the top five to appear at St Andrew's and he should do that. Will he win? Who knows but let's tip him anyway.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Get a taste of the 2012 experience
Now that the World Cup is coming to an end - regrettably long after England have scuttled back to blighty - our thoughts are increasingly turning to London 2012.
I know it's still a way off but there are lots of chances to whet your appetitie just now by attending, at knockdown prices, some of the less popular sports that will be available at the Olympics.
The website Tickets, produced by LloydsTSB, one of the London 2012 partners, is highlighting a range of cut-price bargains for events such as wrestling, water polo and more.
You need to be fairly quick because the offers are usually for events that are happening pretty imminently but at least you get the chance to have a look.
Most of our top wrestlers will be at the Wrestling GB Cup at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, on Saturday July 17. To get up to 50% off call 01246 236446 and quote LOCOG.
The wheelchair basketball world championships take place from July 7-17 in Birmingham and you can get 40% off.
Why not take a look.
I know it's still a way off but there are lots of chances to whet your appetitie just now by attending, at knockdown prices, some of the less popular sports that will be available at the Olympics.
The website Tickets, produced by LloydsTSB, one of the London 2012 partners, is highlighting a range of cut-price bargains for events such as wrestling, water polo and more.
You need to be fairly quick because the offers are usually for events that are happening pretty imminently but at least you get the chance to have a look.
Most of our top wrestlers will be at the Wrestling GB Cup at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, on Saturday July 17. To get up to 50% off call 01246 236446 and quote LOCOG.
The wheelchair basketball world championships take place from July 7-17 in Birmingham and you can get 40% off.
Why not take a look.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
5 to Watch - This Weekend
5 to Watch – but first, England...
It is difficult watching England at the best of times but the World Cup can hardly have produced such a clueless performance than the one against Algeria.
It is tempting to blame the players but the players have to be good enough in the first place to represent the cream of English football.
Emile Heskey isn’t the cream...sadly, he isn’t even the full, blue top – more like that insipid red-topped skimmed stuff that looks like water, tastes like water and probably does you a lot less good than water.
Shaun Wright-Phillips runs about a lot. Well done. He occasionally scores a goal. Great. In an England shirt he does the former, never the latter and contributes even less.
Fabio Capello, please listen to the fans and the more intelligent pundits.
Play Wayne Rooney up front on his own with Steven Gerrard supporting. That’s the way to go. Then we bring in Joe Cole in midfield instead of Lennon.
Like the meerkats say – “Simples!”
• On to the weekend sport and the England rugby team looks just as stuttering as their football counterparts. Martin Johnson once again is struggling with allowing his players the freedom to express themselves. They take on Australia in the Second Test in Sydney and expect another thumping.
• New Zealand v Wales looks an easy call. Wales have never won in Kiwi land – and they won’t this time either unless the home side pick a team so new and experimental that they give it away. But that’s not the All Black style.
• Phil Mickelson is ominously poised to win the US Open golf despite Graeme McDowell holding a two-shot lead at half way in Pebble Beach. Mickelson is free of the Tiger Woods threat and should win it. Open championships are always wide open but the leftie is my favourite.
• So, back to South Africa and the World Cup. The Aussies were so poor against Germany that I expect them to do better against Ghana. But Ghana have the incentive of qualification. I take the Africans to send the Roos home.
• Holland may be the dark horses now that all the favourites seem to be falling over themselves to lose or stumble. The Dutch should have Arjen Robben back and they should be too good for Japan.
It is difficult watching England at the best of times but the World Cup can hardly have produced such a clueless performance than the one against Algeria.
It is tempting to blame the players but the players have to be good enough in the first place to represent the cream of English football.
Emile Heskey isn’t the cream...sadly, he isn’t even the full, blue top – more like that insipid red-topped skimmed stuff that looks like water, tastes like water and probably does you a lot less good than water.
Shaun Wright-Phillips runs about a lot. Well done. He occasionally scores a goal. Great. In an England shirt he does the former, never the latter and contributes even less.
Fabio Capello, please listen to the fans and the more intelligent pundits.
Play Wayne Rooney up front on his own with Steven Gerrard supporting. That’s the way to go. Then we bring in Joe Cole in midfield instead of Lennon.
Like the meerkats say – “Simples!”
• On to the weekend sport and the England rugby team looks just as stuttering as their football counterparts. Martin Johnson once again is struggling with allowing his players the freedom to express themselves. They take on Australia in the Second Test in Sydney and expect another thumping.
• New Zealand v Wales looks an easy call. Wales have never won in Kiwi land – and they won’t this time either unless the home side pick a team so new and experimental that they give it away. But that’s not the All Black style.
• Phil Mickelson is ominously poised to win the US Open golf despite Graeme McDowell holding a two-shot lead at half way in Pebble Beach. Mickelson is free of the Tiger Woods threat and should win it. Open championships are always wide open but the leftie is my favourite.
• So, back to South Africa and the World Cup. The Aussies were so poor against Germany that I expect them to do better against Ghana. But Ghana have the incentive of qualification. I take the Africans to send the Roos home.
• Holland may be the dark horses now that all the favourites seem to be falling over themselves to lose or stumble. The Dutch should have Arjen Robben back and they should be too good for Japan.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
If only England were Germany
If only England were Germany - There is something almost surreal about Germany when it comes to big football competitions, especially the World Cup. All the stories of doom and disfavour, disputes and disaster fade as the natural spirit of competitiveness galvanises their players into a smooth fighting unit.
I exaggerate. But not by much. And so our 5 to Watch again took a pasting.
As England stumbled to a 1-1 draw with the USA, thanks to Rob Green’s howler and, let’s not forget, Emile Heskey’s inability to score when clean through, the Germans were hammering Australia 4-0.
Yes Tim Cahill was ludicrously sent off but even so it was mildly impressive.
Elsewhere in our 5 the Aussies turned the tables on England in the rugby union Test. Martin Johnson may have wished for a win but he was denied by a Wallabies side who just refused to be beaten.
The predicted World Cup dark horses Argentina also came good against Nigeria but they made heavy weather of it. Maradona was good value on the touchline, his roly poly posture adding to the general merriment.
Mark Webber let us down at the Canadian Grand Prix but it was great to see Lewis Hamilton finally standing on top of the podium and Jenson Button just below him.
Now all we need is for Michael Schumacher to start firing again...
I exaggerate. But not by much. And so our 5 to Watch again took a pasting.
As England stumbled to a 1-1 draw with the USA, thanks to Rob Green’s howler and, let’s not forget, Emile Heskey’s inability to score when clean through, the Germans were hammering Australia 4-0.
Yes Tim Cahill was ludicrously sent off but even so it was mildly impressive.
Elsewhere in our 5 the Aussies turned the tables on England in the rugby union Test. Martin Johnson may have wished for a win but he was denied by a Wallabies side who just refused to be beaten.
The predicted World Cup dark horses Argentina also came good against Nigeria but they made heavy weather of it. Maradona was good value on the touchline, his roly poly posture adding to the general merriment.
Mark Webber let us down at the Canadian Grand Prix but it was great to see Lewis Hamilton finally standing on top of the podium and Jenson Button just below him.
Now all we need is for Michael Schumacher to start firing again...
Friday, 11 June 2010
World Cup 5 to Watch
World Cup 5 to Watch
Well, we are under way and the manner in which host nation South Africa managed to scramble a 1-1 draw with Mexico in the opening match suggests there may be a few surprises along the way in the 2010 World Cup. 5 to Watch this week has a fairly heavy World Cup bias.
The home nation hardly deserved the point but maybe they have already scored one of the best goals of the tournament.
England take their bow against the USA with the usual jittery nation at home thinking we’re already doomed because we had a dodgy warm-up game against the Platinum Stars.
• Be bold! Man-for-man England should be too strong for the Americans even though they will chase and harry the lads all over the pitch. We must go for England.
• Argentina play Nigeria on the same day and again the form horse is Diego Maradona’s men. Doctors say Lionel Messi is tired after a gruelling season but he should shine anyway. Argentina easily.
• Germany v Australia on Sunday again should be an easy one to call even though the Germans have injury worries and the Aussies can’t seem to score anymore. Germany at a canter.
• In rugby union, Australia provide the opposition for Martin Johnson’s England with Johnners saying his side has a real chanced of an upset. The Wallabies have injury worries but they are on home soil and nothing fires up a man from down under like a Pom in a white rugby shirt. Aussies again!
• It’s another Grand Prix weekend and this time the “action” switches to Canada. It’s usually a three horse race between Mark Webber, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. The form horse is Webber and I take him to win again despite a weather forecast that looks more like a wet weekend in Manchester.
Well, we are under way and the manner in which host nation South Africa managed to scramble a 1-1 draw with Mexico in the opening match suggests there may be a few surprises along the way in the 2010 World Cup. 5 to Watch this week has a fairly heavy World Cup bias.
The home nation hardly deserved the point but maybe they have already scored one of the best goals of the tournament.
England take their bow against the USA with the usual jittery nation at home thinking we’re already doomed because we had a dodgy warm-up game against the Platinum Stars.
• Be bold! Man-for-man England should be too strong for the Americans even though they will chase and harry the lads all over the pitch. We must go for England.
• Argentina play Nigeria on the same day and again the form horse is Diego Maradona’s men. Doctors say Lionel Messi is tired after a gruelling season but he should shine anyway. Argentina easily.
• Germany v Australia on Sunday again should be an easy one to call even though the Germans have injury worries and the Aussies can’t seem to score anymore. Germany at a canter.
• In rugby union, Australia provide the opposition for Martin Johnson’s England with Johnners saying his side has a real chanced of an upset. The Wallabies have injury worries but they are on home soil and nothing fires up a man from down under like a Pom in a white rugby shirt. Aussies again!
• It’s another Grand Prix weekend and this time the “action” switches to Canada. It’s usually a three horse race between Mark Webber, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. The form horse is Webber and I take him to win again despite a weather forecast that looks more like a wet weekend in Manchester.
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Gordon Bennett, stop swearing!
Gordon Bennett, stop swearing! When I was quite small, I remember my mum overhearing me swear. It wasn’t a hair-raising, mouth-open-in-astonishment filthy word that we would all be ashamed of, even today. No, it was something fairly innocuous. But my mum heard it so she looked me in the eye, wagged her finger and spoke in no uncertain terms.
“If you say that again I’ll wash your mouth out with soap”.
I said: “No you won’t,” and said the word again.
When she caught me after she chased me round the house, Daz soap powder in hand, she pinned me on the floor, held my nose and when my mouth opened to take that all important breath, in went the Daz.
It was a valuable lesson because even now I never swear in front of my mother, who is in her 80s.
Wayne Rooney has a similar background to mine and I only wish his mum had washed his mouth out with soap powder when he was a lad.
Swearing in football is almost a required pastime. The “F” word is used liberally to celebrate, complain, admonish and question everything.
But, and it’s a big but, it is not acceptable to swear at officials. That’s not because they are too sensitive but because it represents a lack of respect for authority. That lack of respect carries on into the playground, Sunday football field and the classroom.
It sets a precedent for every hard-done-by 10 to 17 year old to have a go at the man, or woman, in black.
The FA and the Premier League have a Respect campaign which emphasises good behaviour but it’s useless if it is not adhered to and followed up with punishment for transgressors.
I don’t want Rooney sent off in the World Cup. I want England to win. But if our best player doesn’t respect the officials, amateur or not, then what chance have the rest of us have who are looking after young footballers up and down the land.
“If you say that again I’ll wash your mouth out with soap”.
I said: “No you won’t,” and said the word again.
When she caught me after she chased me round the house, Daz soap powder in hand, she pinned me on the floor, held my nose and when my mouth opened to take that all important breath, in went the Daz.
It was a valuable lesson because even now I never swear in front of my mother, who is in her 80s.
Wayne Rooney has a similar background to mine and I only wish his mum had washed his mouth out with soap powder when he was a lad.
Swearing in football is almost a required pastime. The “F” word is used liberally to celebrate, complain, admonish and question everything.
But, and it’s a big but, it is not acceptable to swear at officials. That’s not because they are too sensitive but because it represents a lack of respect for authority. That lack of respect carries on into the playground, Sunday football field and the classroom.
It sets a precedent for every hard-done-by 10 to 17 year old to have a go at the man, or woman, in black.
The FA and the Premier League have a Respect campaign which emphasises good behaviour but it’s useless if it is not adhered to and followed up with punishment for transgressors.
I don’t want Rooney sent off in the World Cup. I want England to win. But if our best player doesn’t respect the officials, amateur or not, then what chance have the rest of us have who are looking after young footballers up and down the land.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Rafa rescues 5 to Watch
Rafa rescues 5 to Watch - The phenomenon that is Rafa Nadal was the rescuer of the 5 to Watch this weekend after his triumph for the fifth time in his career at Roland Garros, overcoming Robin Soderling in straight sets to take the French Open tennis title.
Elsewhere it was a pretty crummy effort.
I know South Africa, the world rugby champions, were in Cardiff to play Wales and they won. But the 34-31 victory was too close to gain much satisfaction from it. Still, we’ll take the win.
Two wins is about it. Rafa rescues 5 to Watch
Bradley Dredge was more drudge in the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor where a final round of 63 gave England’s Graeme McDowell the title.
There was another shock in the women’s tennis at the French Open when Francesca Schiavone overcame Aussie Samantha Stosur in straight sets to claim a Grand Slam first for Italian women.
And our Derby tip, Henry Cecil’s Bullet Train, didn’t feature in a race won in record time by another great man of racing Sir Michael Stoute with Workforce.
It's the World Cup next week. Back to footie!
Elsewhere it was a pretty crummy effort.
I know South Africa, the world rugby champions, were in Cardiff to play Wales and they won. But the 34-31 victory was too close to gain much satisfaction from it. Still, we’ll take the win.
Two wins is about it. Rafa rescues 5 to Watch
Bradley Dredge was more drudge in the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor where a final round of 63 gave England’s Graeme McDowell the title.
There was another shock in the women’s tennis at the French Open when Francesca Schiavone overcame Aussie Samantha Stosur in straight sets to claim a Grand Slam first for Italian women.
And our Derby tip, Henry Cecil’s Bullet Train, didn’t feature in a race won in record time by another great man of racing Sir Michael Stoute with Workforce.
It's the World Cup next week. Back to footie!
Friday, 4 June 2010
The Summer of 5 to Watch
The summer of 5 to Watch
A week before the World Cup starts and it’s time to abandon football – can we take the withdrawal symptoms? The shakes will start probably by next Tuesday, then we’ll only have three days before the next fix.
In the meantime, thoughts turn to summer. Last week we had a touch of March but now the sun is out and we’re buzzing.
• Let’s kick-off (pathetic pun) with the French Open tennis. Federer’s gone, Murray failed again and Djokavic stumbled so who can stop Nadal? No-one, so let’s go for a semi and final double win for the Spaniard.
• The women’s final is a surprise. With no Grand Slam winner among the last four it’s left to an Australian, Samantha Stosur, and Italy’s Francesca Schiavone, to fight out the decider. The momentum is with Stosur, having beaten Justine Henin and Serena Williams on the way to the final. C'mon Aussie - Stosur to shine.
• The domestic rugby season gives way to the international matches as England head to the Southern Hemisphere and South Africa arrive in Britain to take on Wales on Saturday. The Welsh have spirit, fight and no little talent but they can’t match the world champions. Springboks by 10 points.
• The Derby is one of those horse races for the connoisseur. It’s the prancing, preening showcase of the thoroughbred elite. The Usain Bolt (!) of the horse world as opposed to the Geoff Capes version that is the Grand National. I’m no racing man except to say that Henry Cecil is a fellow to be reckoned with when it comes to training – he has four Derby wins under his saddle. So let’s have a look at one of his runners, Bullet Train, to triumph.
• The splendidly named Bradley Dredge is a golfer I’ve admired for a while. No matter that his moniker sounds like an Aussie rap star, he’s a Welshman competing in the Welsh Open and hoping – as are many -0 that a good performance may get him a Ryder Cup call. He started well on day one, a shot off the lead, and I’m taking him to go a little better and win at Celtic Manor, venue for the annual GB and Europe v USA battle in the autumn.
A week before the World Cup starts and it’s time to abandon football – can we take the withdrawal symptoms? The shakes will start probably by next Tuesday, then we’ll only have three days before the next fix.
In the meantime, thoughts turn to summer. Last week we had a touch of March but now the sun is out and we’re buzzing.
• Let’s kick-off (pathetic pun) with the French Open tennis. Federer’s gone, Murray failed again and Djokavic stumbled so who can stop Nadal? No-one, so let’s go for a semi and final double win for the Spaniard.
• The women’s final is a surprise. With no Grand Slam winner among the last four it’s left to an Australian, Samantha Stosur, and Italy’s Francesca Schiavone, to fight out the decider. The momentum is with Stosur, having beaten Justine Henin and Serena Williams on the way to the final. C'mon Aussie - Stosur to shine.
• The domestic rugby season gives way to the international matches as England head to the Southern Hemisphere and South Africa arrive in Britain to take on Wales on Saturday. The Welsh have spirit, fight and no little talent but they can’t match the world champions. Springboks by 10 points.
• The Derby is one of those horse races for the connoisseur. It’s the prancing, preening showcase of the thoroughbred elite. The Usain Bolt (!) of the horse world as opposed to the Geoff Capes version that is the Grand National. I’m no racing man except to say that Henry Cecil is a fellow to be reckoned with when it comes to training – he has four Derby wins under his saddle. So let’s have a look at one of his runners, Bullet Train, to triumph.
• The splendidly named Bradley Dredge is a golfer I’ve admired for a while. No matter that his moniker sounds like an Aussie rap star, he’s a Welshman competing in the Welsh Open and hoping – as are many -0 that a good performance may get him a Ryder Cup call. He started well on day one, a shot off the lead, and I’m taking him to go a little better and win at Celtic Manor, venue for the annual GB and Europe v USA battle in the autumn.
Friday, 28 May 2010
5 To Watch - Last Gasp
Last gasp footie in 5 to Watch
The English domestic football season is usually a long drawn out affair with play-offs, finals, news of next season’s friendlies and transfer talk. Sometimes you just want to say: enough, already.
This Saturday sees the last domestic issue resolved: who joins surprise package Norwich and scrappers Leeds in the Championship.
• In the Red corner we have Danny Wilson’s Swindon – all West country “lovely and bunkum”. The Blue corner contains Kenny Jackett’s self-confessed hard nuts of “East Laarndon” Millwall going head-to-head at Wembley for the privilege. A week before the end of the season I’d have said –like most folk – that Leeds had blown it and Millwall were going up with the Canaries. But Millwall blew it at Tranmere and 10-man Leeds, as we know, stuttered to a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. Millwall or Swindon is close. But on the Blackpool principle that the unlikely is always likely to happen let’s go for Swindon.
• Bigger than Millwall v Swindon this weekend is the final of the Guinness Premiership between Saracens and Leicester. The final has added spice because Brendan Venter, the Sarries coach, is banned from the Twickenham match for being nasty – allegedly – to Leicester fans in a recent league game that Sarries won. It’s tempting to go with the Saracens momentum but I think the wily men of Leicester will prevail.
• Aussie Mark Webber is the man of the moment in F1. Two wins in a row make him hot favourite for the drivers’ title even though there is a long way to go but his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel is stuttering and Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are not yet making much impression. Shall we go for three in a row and tempt fate? Why not. Webber to win.
• The law of averages in golf says that whoever leads after round one in any tournament can kiss goodbye to the title by day four. I’m tempted to write off Luke Donald at the Madrid Open in similar fashion but it’s still about time he won so let’s go for the baby-faced swinger to keep the momentum going and reign in Spain.
• One of the most intriguing games in the last 32 of the women’s section of the French Open tennis is Maria Sharapova, the not-so-young grunter, and Justine Henin, the Belgian waif. They will meet over the weekend to decide the dubious pleasure of taking on Serena Williams in the last 16. Henin has the game to upset the volatile Russian beauty (sorry – sexist) and so should win comfortably.
The English domestic football season is usually a long drawn out affair with play-offs, finals, news of next season’s friendlies and transfer talk. Sometimes you just want to say: enough, already.
This Saturday sees the last domestic issue resolved: who joins surprise package Norwich and scrappers Leeds in the Championship.
• In the Red corner we have Danny Wilson’s Swindon – all West country “lovely and bunkum”. The Blue corner contains Kenny Jackett’s self-confessed hard nuts of “East Laarndon” Millwall going head-to-head at Wembley for the privilege. A week before the end of the season I’d have said –like most folk – that Leeds had blown it and Millwall were going up with the Canaries. But Millwall blew it at Tranmere and 10-man Leeds, as we know, stuttered to a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. Millwall or Swindon is close. But on the Blackpool principle that the unlikely is always likely to happen let’s go for Swindon.
• Bigger than Millwall v Swindon this weekend is the final of the Guinness Premiership between Saracens and Leicester. The final has added spice because Brendan Venter, the Sarries coach, is banned from the Twickenham match for being nasty – allegedly – to Leicester fans in a recent league game that Sarries won. It’s tempting to go with the Saracens momentum but I think the wily men of Leicester will prevail.
• Aussie Mark Webber is the man of the moment in F1. Two wins in a row make him hot favourite for the drivers’ title even though there is a long way to go but his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel is stuttering and Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are not yet making much impression. Shall we go for three in a row and tempt fate? Why not. Webber to win.
• The law of averages in golf says that whoever leads after round one in any tournament can kiss goodbye to the title by day four. I’m tempted to write off Luke Donald at the Madrid Open in similar fashion but it’s still about time he won so let’s go for the baby-faced swinger to keep the momentum going and reign in Spain.
• One of the most intriguing games in the last 32 of the women’s section of the French Open tennis is Maria Sharapova, the not-so-young grunter, and Justine Henin, the Belgian waif. They will meet over the weekend to decide the dubious pleasure of taking on Serena Williams in the last 16. Henin has the game to upset the volatile Russian beauty (sorry – sexist) and so should win comfortably.
Monday, 24 May 2010
5 To Watch Review
The pleasure of 5 to Watch failure
There are some things you don’t mind losing over – an argument with the best looking girl in the class or the toss of a coin over who gets to eat up the last cake mix after your mum has given you the bowl – and then there are the 5 to Watch choices that sometimes it is a pleasure to say – I’m glad.
Blackpool’s success in the Championship play-off against Cardiff is one such occasion because it gives their manager Ian Holloway – a man much derided and made fun of in football circles – to say he did it; he got his lowly tangerine toilers into the Premier League. Well done.
Another defeat that put a smile on my face was the PGA Championship victory of Simon Khan. Who? You might say. Well, the man ranked 471st in the world of golf before the weekend and who didn’t even know he was playing in the event until Monday actually won it with the best final round comeback ion the history of the European Tour. He was seven shots adrift at the start of the final round in Wentworth but managed through good luck, hopeless opposition and good finishing to win. Great stuff. Our choice? Luke Donald nowhere.
Toulouse came home victorious in the Heineken Cup but they made hard work of winning the trophy over fellow French side Biarritz, 21-19 in Paris.
Cardiff also upset the apple cart in the Amlin Cup – beating their French rivals on their own patch. Some consolation for the Welsh city after the Blackpool defeat but not much.
Finally, Jose Mourinho didn’t need penalties to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. The remarkable coach looks to be heading for Real Madrid but on Saturday his Inter Milan side did him proud with a 2-0 victory.
There are some things you don’t mind losing over – an argument with the best looking girl in the class or the toss of a coin over who gets to eat up the last cake mix after your mum has given you the bowl – and then there are the 5 to Watch choices that sometimes it is a pleasure to say – I’m glad.
Blackpool’s success in the Championship play-off against Cardiff is one such occasion because it gives their manager Ian Holloway – a man much derided and made fun of in football circles – to say he did it; he got his lowly tangerine toilers into the Premier League. Well done.
Another defeat that put a smile on my face was the PGA Championship victory of Simon Khan. Who? You might say. Well, the man ranked 471st in the world of golf before the weekend and who didn’t even know he was playing in the event until Monday actually won it with the best final round comeback ion the history of the European Tour. He was seven shots adrift at the start of the final round in Wentworth but managed through good luck, hopeless opposition and good finishing to win. Great stuff. Our choice? Luke Donald nowhere.
Toulouse came home victorious in the Heineken Cup but they made hard work of winning the trophy over fellow French side Biarritz, 21-19 in Paris.
Cardiff also upset the apple cart in the Amlin Cup – beating their French rivals on their own patch. Some consolation for the Welsh city after the Blackpool defeat but not much.
Finally, Jose Mourinho didn’t need penalties to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. The remarkable coach looks to be heading for Real Madrid but on Saturday his Inter Milan side did him proud with a 2-0 victory.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
5 To Watch Preview
The £90m 5 to Watch
It has been called the £90 million match and the Blackpool v Cardiff City Championship play-off final at Wembley leads our 5 to Watch this weekend.
The winners will join the elite in the Premier League and even if it is for one season Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has estimated that £90m will flow through the coffers of the winning side in the next three years, largely through TV money, parachute payments if they go down straight away and marketing and sponsorship revenue.
• All this makes it difficult to call. But we must and I’m siding with Cardiff who have more experience and better players. Don’t write off Ian Holloway and his Seasiders but it’s Cardiff for me.
• Saturday night sees the most unlikely Champions League final for years with few predicting Inter Milan taking on Bayern Munich. Barcelona v Man United may have been most people’s choice but the combined talents of Jose Mourinho at Inter and Louis van Gaal at Bayern scuppered both teams. I would like to see Mourinho win it if only because it will probably hasten the departure of Ferguson at Man United and install the special one at Old Trafford in the next couple of seasons. Inter to win but it may take penalties.
• The Heineken Cup final in rugby union is one of the game’s showpieces and it is unusual that this season there is no English presence. Toulouse take on Biarritz in Paris in what should be a classic final. Toulouse for me.
• On Sunday we have the Amlin Cup in rugby union when Cardiff play Toulon in another beautifully poised final, in Marseille. Jonny Wilkinson has joined the Gallic rush and could make the difference between the sides. Toulon for a French double.
• Two rounds gone in the PGA at Wentworth and my pick for victory is leading. It’s about time Luke Donald came out from the shadow of Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood and what better place to do it than one of the homes of golf – even though not many people are pleased with the way Ernie Els has altered the famous course. Donald to win.
It has been called the £90 million match and the Blackpool v Cardiff City Championship play-off final at Wembley leads our 5 to Watch this weekend.
The winners will join the elite in the Premier League and even if it is for one season Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has estimated that £90m will flow through the coffers of the winning side in the next three years, largely through TV money, parachute payments if they go down straight away and marketing and sponsorship revenue.
• All this makes it difficult to call. But we must and I’m siding with Cardiff who have more experience and better players. Don’t write off Ian Holloway and his Seasiders but it’s Cardiff for me.
• Saturday night sees the most unlikely Champions League final for years with few predicting Inter Milan taking on Bayern Munich. Barcelona v Man United may have been most people’s choice but the combined talents of Jose Mourinho at Inter and Louis van Gaal at Bayern scuppered both teams. I would like to see Mourinho win it if only because it will probably hasten the departure of Ferguson at Man United and install the special one at Old Trafford in the next couple of seasons. Inter to win but it may take penalties.
• The Heineken Cup final in rugby union is one of the game’s showpieces and it is unusual that this season there is no English presence. Toulouse take on Biarritz in Paris in what should be a classic final. Toulouse for me.
• On Sunday we have the Amlin Cup in rugby union when Cardiff play Toulon in another beautifully poised final, in Marseille. Jonny Wilkinson has joined the Gallic rush and could make the difference between the sides. Toulon for a French double.
• Two rounds gone in the PGA at Wentworth and my pick for victory is leading. It’s about time Luke Donald came out from the shadow of Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood and what better place to do it than one of the homes of golf – even though not many people are pleased with the way Ernie Els has altered the famous course. Donald to win.
Monday, 17 May 2010
5 To Watch Review
Murray the weak link in 5 to Watch
Andy Murray, so often the hero in our sporting lives, let us down this weekend as we went for a grand slam of 5 to Watch.
The Scot – he will always be a Scot when he loses – was dumped in the Madrid Open by Spain’s David Ferrer, repeating his success over Murray in the Rome Masters a week or so before.
We flew out of the blocks on Friday when the Ospreys reached the Magners League Grand Final, beating Glasgow 20-5 and all looked set fair for a nice winning weekend.
Chelsea duly won the FA Cup final, making hard work of turning over Portsmouth at Wembley after hitting the woodwork more times than a lumberjack in the Canadian Rockies. Good job they had Didier Drogba.
I deliberately avoided the Monaco Grand Prix because invariably whoever is on pole wins the race and Mark Webber did the honours.
There was much more fun in picking Amir Khan to beat tough New Yorker Paulie Malanaggi and the Bolton boy came up trumps by stopping his man in the 11th round to retain his WBA light-welterweight crown.
Finally, gloriously, England cricketers did the game a world of good by crushing the Aussies in the World Twenty20 final in Barbados. What a performance throughout the tournament from Paul Collingwood’s men – half of whom I know talk like a Cape Town taxi driver but no matter.
The trophy will say Winners 2010: England. Job done!
Andy Murray, so often the hero in our sporting lives, let us down this weekend as we went for a grand slam of 5 to Watch.
The Scot – he will always be a Scot when he loses – was dumped in the Madrid Open by Spain’s David Ferrer, repeating his success over Murray in the Rome Masters a week or so before.
We flew out of the blocks on Friday when the Ospreys reached the Magners League Grand Final, beating Glasgow 20-5 and all looked set fair for a nice winning weekend.
Chelsea duly won the FA Cup final, making hard work of turning over Portsmouth at Wembley after hitting the woodwork more times than a lumberjack in the Canadian Rockies. Good job they had Didier Drogba.
I deliberately avoided the Monaco Grand Prix because invariably whoever is on pole wins the race and Mark Webber did the honours.
There was much more fun in picking Amir Khan to beat tough New Yorker Paulie Malanaggi and the Bolton boy came up trumps by stopping his man in the 11th round to retain his WBA light-welterweight crown.
Finally, gloriously, England cricketers did the game a world of good by crushing the Aussies in the World Twenty20 final in Barbados. What a performance throughout the tournament from Paul Collingwood’s men – half of whom I know talk like a Cape Town taxi driver but no matter.
The trophy will say Winners 2010: England. Job done!
Friday, 14 May 2010
5 To Watch Preview
5 To Watch takes a gamble
This week, we’ll have a go at the World Twenty20, the Cup final and a bit of boxing. But the worst of it is that I’m going to tip England to be world champions which has to spell disaster.
• Let’s start with one of the rising stars of British sport – Amir Khan. The youngster is now under the wing of trainer Freddie Roach, one of the shrewdest men in world boxing, who has said the Briton has all the attributes it takes to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. How can we argue with that? On Saturday he fights New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi for Khan’s WBA Light-welterweight title at the famous Madison Square Garden. It might be Malignaggi’s back yard but we have to go with Khan.
• The FA Cup final is an intriguing match because it pits relegated Portsmouth – broke, broken and seemingly helpless – against Premier League champions Chelsea who would surely love to complete the double to make up for their Champions League disappointment. Sentiment has its place and I can see Pompey doing well but the head rules: Chelsea to win.
• England’s cricketers have reached the World Twenty20 Cup final with a combination of dashing stroke play, miserly bowling and acrobatic fielding – just like all the Aussie teams over the years. The fact that the team has its fair share of South African exiles in the squad doesn’t matter to me, it’s still England. They could be taking on the Aussies in the final but whoever they face I’m taking them to go one further than merely reaching the final and actually winning it.
• Andy Murray’s roller coaster career has yet to include a Grand Slam – and I for one have a nagging fear it never will. But he can creep closer to a clay court crown with victory over David Ferrer of Spain in the Madrid Open. Ferrer beat Murray in Rome recently but the Scot was very off his game. Now he’s back and ready – he says – to do justice to his talent. Good luck to him. Let’s back the Brit – Murray to win.
• And finally, when the TV company Setanta failed, the Magners League was hit by a lack of a broadcast partner for some of its teams. Now that has been resolved and BBC Alba (eh?) will screen the league final when the Ospreys take on Glasgow in the Liberty Stadium, Swansea. The Ospreys are favourites and you can’t bet against them. Glasgow it is.
This week, we’ll have a go at the World Twenty20, the Cup final and a bit of boxing. But the worst of it is that I’m going to tip England to be world champions which has to spell disaster.
• Let’s start with one of the rising stars of British sport – Amir Khan. The youngster is now under the wing of trainer Freddie Roach, one of the shrewdest men in world boxing, who has said the Briton has all the attributes it takes to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. How can we argue with that? On Saturday he fights New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi for Khan’s WBA Light-welterweight title at the famous Madison Square Garden. It might be Malignaggi’s back yard but we have to go with Khan.
• The FA Cup final is an intriguing match because it pits relegated Portsmouth – broke, broken and seemingly helpless – against Premier League champions Chelsea who would surely love to complete the double to make up for their Champions League disappointment. Sentiment has its place and I can see Pompey doing well but the head rules: Chelsea to win.
• England’s cricketers have reached the World Twenty20 Cup final with a combination of dashing stroke play, miserly bowling and acrobatic fielding – just like all the Aussie teams over the years. The fact that the team has its fair share of South African exiles in the squad doesn’t matter to me, it’s still England. They could be taking on the Aussies in the final but whoever they face I’m taking them to go one further than merely reaching the final and actually winning it.
• Andy Murray’s roller coaster career has yet to include a Grand Slam – and I for one have a nagging fear it never will. But he can creep closer to a clay court crown with victory over David Ferrer of Spain in the Madrid Open. Ferrer beat Murray in Rome recently but the Scot was very off his game. Now he’s back and ready – he says – to do justice to his talent. Good luck to him. Let’s back the Brit – Murray to win.
• And finally, when the TV company Setanta failed, the Magners League was hit by a lack of a broadcast partner for some of its teams. Now that has been resolved and BBC Alba (eh?) will screen the league final when the Ospreys take on Glasgow in the Liberty Stadium, Swansea. The Ospreys are favourites and you can’t bet against them. Glasgow it is.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Getting The Hang Of 5 To Watch: Review
Getting the hang of 5 to Watch
Well, that was a nice weekend. One in which we seem at last to be coming into our own on the success front. But let’s not gloat.
• The top two in the Premier League were a spectacular triumph, not least because Chelsea banged in 8 goals against Wigan and Man United were stimulated enough to knock in four past Stoke.
• Leigh Rugby League club couldn’t come near the giant-killing act against Bradford Bulls and took a 50-point pasting.
• Jenson Button continues to blow hot and cold on the F1 track. Our prediction that Mark Webber and Sebastien Vettel should shine was spot on but we went for the plucky Brit to beat Lewis Hamilton. This he did but only after Hamilton blew a tyre – and probably a metaphorical gasket – two laps from home. Next up Monaco.
• Finally, finally, England’s spin bowlers tied South Africa down so much in the World Twenty20 group game in the West Indies that the winning margin of 39 runs was an annihilation.
Well, that was a nice weekend. One in which we seem at last to be coming into our own on the success front. But let’s not gloat.
• The top two in the Premier League were a spectacular triumph, not least because Chelsea banged in 8 goals against Wigan and Man United were stimulated enough to knock in four past Stoke.
• Leigh Rugby League club couldn’t come near the giant-killing act against Bradford Bulls and took a 50-point pasting.
• Jenson Button continues to blow hot and cold on the F1 track. Our prediction that Mark Webber and Sebastien Vettel should shine was spot on but we went for the plucky Brit to beat Lewis Hamilton. This he did but only after Hamilton blew a tyre – and probably a metaphorical gasket – two laps from home. Next up Monaco.
• Finally, finally, England’s spin bowlers tied South Africa down so much in the World Twenty20 group game in the West Indies that the winning margin of 39 runs was an annihilation.
Friday, 7 May 2010
5 To Watch Preview: Closing In
Closing in on 5 to Watch
It’s the final weekend of the regular football season and having been bitten by Leeds United’s abortive promotion hopes last week I’m inclined to be a bit more cautious this time around.
• However, the big one is the Premier League title and we would be foolish in the extreme to look further than Chelsea on Saturday. They face a Wigan side who gave them a pasting at the DW Stadium but it isn’t going to happen this weekend. The Blues to be crowned champions.
• Manchester United face a Stoke side buoyed by their elevated status of 10th in the league thanks to a win at Fulham in midweek, Fulham had the Europa League final on their minds – Man United won’t so the Reds will win comfortable.
• It’s another Formula One weekend and the Spanish Grand Prix is wide open. Sebastien Vettel and Red Bull teammate Mark Webber should shine but I’m sticking my GB neck out again and going for Jenson Button. Daft, I know, but he looks to have the beating of Lewis Hamilton.
• England v South Africa in the World Twenty20 should be a cracker. The Boks are a formidable side but England have proved fearless at the top of the order and experienced where it matters in the middle. It’s a tough one to call and I am hoping England can pull off a shock win with tighter bowling.
• Finally, it is Rugby League Challenge Cup time again and former Bradford Bulls star Robbie Paul now leads Leigh against his stuttering former club. It might be close but I don’t think the Bulls will falter, Bradford to win.
It’s the final weekend of the regular football season and having been bitten by Leeds United’s abortive promotion hopes last week I’m inclined to be a bit more cautious this time around.
• However, the big one is the Premier League title and we would be foolish in the extreme to look further than Chelsea on Saturday. They face a Wigan side who gave them a pasting at the DW Stadium but it isn’t going to happen this weekend. The Blues to be crowned champions.
• Manchester United face a Stoke side buoyed by their elevated status of 10th in the league thanks to a win at Fulham in midweek, Fulham had the Europa League final on their minds – Man United won’t so the Reds will win comfortable.
• It’s another Formula One weekend and the Spanish Grand Prix is wide open. Sebastien Vettel and Red Bull teammate Mark Webber should shine but I’m sticking my GB neck out again and going for Jenson Button. Daft, I know, but he looks to have the beating of Lewis Hamilton.
• England v South Africa in the World Twenty20 should be a cracker. The Boks are a formidable side but England have proved fearless at the top of the order and experienced where it matters in the middle. It’s a tough one to call and I am hoping England can pull off a shock win with tighter bowling.
• Finally, it is Rugby League Challenge Cup time again and former Bradford Bulls star Robbie Paul now leads Leigh against his stuttering former club. It might be close but I don’t think the Bulls will falter, Bradford to win.
Monday, 3 May 2010
5 To Watch Review: A Close Call
A close call for 5 to Watch
We were pretty average again this weekend with our 5 to Watch although a couple of goodies did do us proud.
Floyd Mayweather came through the formidable test of facing Shane Mosley to record a very hard-fought points victory but Chelsea had few problems against a tired and deflated looking Liverpool side to maintain their quest for the Premier League title.
Hopefully, the dismal season and Liverpool’s search for new owners will hasten the all-too-overdue exit of Rafa Benitez – a much overrated manager.
Unfortunately, Danny Cipriani’s final game for Wasps before his Australian adventure ended in defeat at the hands of the Cardiff Blues and Pakistan spoiled our Twenty20 World Cup prediction by beating Bangladesh comfortably by 20 runs.
Then we had Leeds United who were very unlucky to fall to a late, late Charlton goal in their League One game.
However, they do have the promotion prize in their own hands.
Beat Bristol Rovers at home next week and they are up after a significant wobble.
Shall we pick them again next week? Maybe.
We were pretty average again this weekend with our 5 to Watch although a couple of goodies did do us proud.
Floyd Mayweather came through the formidable test of facing Shane Mosley to record a very hard-fought points victory but Chelsea had few problems against a tired and deflated looking Liverpool side to maintain their quest for the Premier League title.
Hopefully, the dismal season and Liverpool’s search for new owners will hasten the all-too-overdue exit of Rafa Benitez – a much overrated manager.
Unfortunately, Danny Cipriani’s final game for Wasps before his Australian adventure ended in defeat at the hands of the Cardiff Blues and Pakistan spoiled our Twenty20 World Cup prediction by beating Bangladesh comfortably by 20 runs.
Then we had Leeds United who were very unlucky to fall to a late, late Charlton goal in their League One game.
However, they do have the promotion prize in their own hands.
Beat Bristol Rovers at home next week and they are up after a significant wobble.
Shall we pick them again next week? Maybe.
5 to Watch This Weekend: The Crunch
The 5 to Watch crunch
It’s crunch time for many teams as we reach the end of the domestic football season and there are a few new things to keep us occupied over the next few weeks – the World Twenty20 for a start.
The 5 to Watch this weekend takes in both these bits of sporting competition so let’s start.
• Chelsea face probably – on paper – their toughest test for weeks when they go to Anfield trying to maintain their lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table. Liverpool’s shocking exit from the Europa League on Thursday should hasten Rafa Benitez’s exit and this is what makes them dangerous. I think it will be a draw but hope Chelsea win – and that’s the prediction: Chelsea victory.
• In the World Twenty20, Afghanistan are unlikely opponents for India but in the match after that we have the intriguing contest between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Both teams are inconsistent but I’m plumping for Bangladesh to steal it
• Two of the greatest welterweight boxers of all time meet on Saturday in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather – destroyer of Ricky Hatton – and Shane Mosley meet in a fight that is very close to call. Mayweather is mouthy, brash and super rich while Mosley is more modest but the two have 12 world titles between them and for me I’m going to go with Mayweather to win.
• Danny Cipriani signs off for Wasps before heading for Australia as his side take on Cardiff in the Amlin Cup. It could be a tasty battle between the Anglo-Welsh wizards and I’d like Cipriani to end up on the winning side – it’s Wasps.
• Finally back to footie and the race to move up to the Championship. The teams in the frame are Leeds United, Millwall, Swindon and Charlton. Leeds are a point ahead of Millwall but are wobbling furiously. They play Charlton and I fancy them to take the points and consolidate their promotion charge. Leeds to win.
It’s crunch time for many teams as we reach the end of the domestic football season and there are a few new things to keep us occupied over the next few weeks – the World Twenty20 for a start.
The 5 to Watch this weekend takes in both these bits of sporting competition so let’s start.
• Chelsea face probably – on paper – their toughest test for weeks when they go to Anfield trying to maintain their lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table. Liverpool’s shocking exit from the Europa League on Thursday should hasten Rafa Benitez’s exit and this is what makes them dangerous. I think it will be a draw but hope Chelsea win – and that’s the prediction: Chelsea victory.
• In the World Twenty20, Afghanistan are unlikely opponents for India but in the match after that we have the intriguing contest between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Both teams are inconsistent but I’m plumping for Bangladesh to steal it
• Two of the greatest welterweight boxers of all time meet on Saturday in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather – destroyer of Ricky Hatton – and Shane Mosley meet in a fight that is very close to call. Mayweather is mouthy, brash and super rich while Mosley is more modest but the two have 12 world titles between them and for me I’m going to go with Mayweather to win.
• Danny Cipriani signs off for Wasps before heading for Australia as his side take on Cardiff in the Amlin Cup. It could be a tasty battle between the Anglo-Welsh wizards and I’d like Cipriani to end up on the winning side – it’s Wasps.
• Finally back to footie and the race to move up to the Championship. The teams in the frame are Leeds United, Millwall, Swindon and Charlton. Leeds are a point ahead of Millwall but are wobbling furiously. They play Charlton and I fancy them to take the points and consolidate their promotion charge. Leeds to win.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Snooker: Steve Davis
One old man we can all admire is snooker player Steve Davis.
Not content with qualifying in the first place, he came through the first round of the World Championship at The Crucible, Sheffield, by a whisker against his practice partner Mark King
Up against the holder John Higgins in the next, he did for him as well.
So, when you think life has nothing to aim for and your bones are aching think Steve Davis.
Who cares if he gets beaten in the quarter final against Mark Selby?
Well, he does. And that’s what keeps him going.
Not content with qualifying in the first place, he came through the first round of the World Championship at The Crucible, Sheffield, by a whisker against his practice partner Mark King
Up against the holder John Higgins in the next, he did for him as well.
So, when you think life has nothing to aim for and your bones are aching think Steve Davis.
Who cares if he gets beaten in the quarter final against Mark Selby?
Well, he does. And that’s what keeps him going.
Do Me A Favour, Liverpool
Do me a favour, Liverpool
The wonder that is Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt later this week try to stir the water between Liverpool and Chelsea before their Premier League match at Anfield this weekend.
The Manchester United manager likes to think he’s a dab hand at throwing spanners in well-oiled works to try to disturb things in his favour.
In the past he’s been good at it. Who can forget Kevin Keegan’s “I’d love it” rant which has forged many a YouTube chuckle.
But like most men of a certain age his powers of persuasion, influence and sincerity are fading fast.
No-one takes him seriously outside Old Trafford anymore and great results person that he is he won’t upset Chelsea as they try to pip the Reds to a fourth Premier League title and he won’t do anything for Rafa Benitez and his Liverpool stars.
No, the game will be tough and tight and I expect it to be close.
Without pre-empting the 5 to Watch this weekend, I’d love Chelsea to win and a Liverpool side without Torres and on the back of what promises to be a tough Europa League semi-final on Thursday may just be a little off the boil.
The wonder that is Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt later this week try to stir the water between Liverpool and Chelsea before their Premier League match at Anfield this weekend.
The Manchester United manager likes to think he’s a dab hand at throwing spanners in well-oiled works to try to disturb things in his favour.
In the past he’s been good at it. Who can forget Kevin Keegan’s “I’d love it” rant which has forged many a YouTube chuckle.
But like most men of a certain age his powers of persuasion, influence and sincerity are fading fast.
No-one takes him seriously outside Old Trafford anymore and great results person that he is he won’t upset Chelsea as they try to pip the Reds to a fourth Premier League title and he won’t do anything for Rafa Benitez and his Liverpool stars.
No, the game will be tough and tight and I expect it to be close.
Without pre-empting the 5 to Watch this weekend, I’d love Chelsea to win and a Liverpool side without Torres and on the back of what promises to be a tough Europa League semi-final on Thursday may just be a little off the boil.
Grassroots Cricket: Tears and Tantrums
Grassroots Cricket
I knew we were in trouble when the Year 7 skipper disappeared into the outfield in tears.
And this was before the first ball had been bowled!
It all started so well in what was our first game of the season and the first time I had coached these budding Botham’s.
The collection of 12-year-olds was immaculate in their brand new whites, shiny helmets and oversized gloves. The bats were gleaming and one or two had even brought along untarnished cricket balls.
We did a quick warm-up of catching practice and that’s where the problem started.
Young Matt, my captain, a quiet lad, good at the game and a cracking left-hander, dropped the first ball and Robbie the wise-cracking chatterbox, couldn’t resist a playful dig
“Get a bucket” he said, an expression I hadn’t heard since I were a lad.
It was too much for Matt. Rather than let the rest of the team see the tears, he turned and wandered off.
“Carry on lads”, I said, hoping their collective excitement didn’t boil over into mayhem, and I went to console the skipper.
“Come on, Matt, “I said, “I know he was only joking and I’ll have a word.”
I did. Robbie was encouraged to be supportive and kind – the spirit of our village cricket league and in keeping with ECB guidelines on grassroots cricket. Matt came back wiping away the shameful droplets from his eyes.
On a beautiful summer’s evening we had a final chat and I extolled the virtues of sportsmanship, straight bat to the straight ball and belting the bad ones. Then Hamish – the Ernie Wise to Robbie’s Eric Morecombe – piped up: “Aye, let’s belt ‘em!”
Much giggling, pushing and shoving and loud laughter.
“Calm down,” I said in what I knew was already a losing plea. “We’re playing the top side in the district”.
“We know, “said Harry. “We’re going to get stuffed”.
And we were.
They batted first. 20 overs of gentle bowling, the odd wide from us and a couple of nice catches. They made 90. Good score
We batted.
The sun went down, the clouds gathered, it got darker and colder and there was even a spot or two of rain. Our spirits were also dampened, so much so that we were soon 9 for 4 after 6 overs.
We rallied, played well for a time and hit some lusty blows but the bowling, fielding, discipline and standard of the champions as too good. 58 all out in 15 overs.
“Well done, lads” I said. “We came back strongly and we’ll do better next time. “
“Who are we playing”, said Joe.
I told him.
“We’ll get stuffed”.
I knew we were in trouble when the Year 7 skipper disappeared into the outfield in tears.
And this was before the first ball had been bowled!
It all started so well in what was our first game of the season and the first time I had coached these budding Botham’s.
The collection of 12-year-olds was immaculate in their brand new whites, shiny helmets and oversized gloves. The bats were gleaming and one or two had even brought along untarnished cricket balls.
We did a quick warm-up of catching practice and that’s where the problem started.
Young Matt, my captain, a quiet lad, good at the game and a cracking left-hander, dropped the first ball and Robbie the wise-cracking chatterbox, couldn’t resist a playful dig
“Get a bucket” he said, an expression I hadn’t heard since I were a lad.
It was too much for Matt. Rather than let the rest of the team see the tears, he turned and wandered off.
“Carry on lads”, I said, hoping their collective excitement didn’t boil over into mayhem, and I went to console the skipper.
“Come on, Matt, “I said, “I know he was only joking and I’ll have a word.”
I did. Robbie was encouraged to be supportive and kind – the spirit of our village cricket league and in keeping with ECB guidelines on grassroots cricket. Matt came back wiping away the shameful droplets from his eyes.
On a beautiful summer’s evening we had a final chat and I extolled the virtues of sportsmanship, straight bat to the straight ball and belting the bad ones. Then Hamish – the Ernie Wise to Robbie’s Eric Morecombe – piped up: “Aye, let’s belt ‘em!”
Much giggling, pushing and shoving and loud laughter.
“Calm down,” I said in what I knew was already a losing plea. “We’re playing the top side in the district”.
“We know, “said Harry. “We’re going to get stuffed”.
And we were.
They batted first. 20 overs of gentle bowling, the odd wide from us and a couple of nice catches. They made 90. Good score
We batted.
The sun went down, the clouds gathered, it got darker and colder and there was even a spot or two of rain. Our spirits were also dampened, so much so that we were soon 9 for 4 after 6 overs.
We rallied, played well for a time and hit some lusty blows but the bowling, fielding, discipline and standard of the champions as too good. 58 all out in 15 overs.
“Well done, lads” I said. “We came back strongly and we’ll do better next time. “
“Who are we playing”, said Joe.
I told him.
“We’ll get stuffed”.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Success Story 5 To Watch Review
Success story of 5 to Watch
The sweet smell of success wafts round our 5 to Watch this weekend with only poor old boxer Carl Froch letting us down.
First up, Manchester United came good thanks to two Ryan Giggs penalties against Tottenham on Saturday to maintain the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea promptly fired back a warning in the most emphatic way, hammering Stoke 7-0, to stay one step ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson and his team.
Carl Froch had been unbeaten in the professional ring for eight years and in 26 fights before coming a cropper against fellow super-middleweight Mikkel Kessler in Denmark on Saturday.
The pair were fighting for Froch’s WBC world title and the man from Nottingham was expected to win a tough contest. In the end the Briton was unanimously outpointed in what the radio commentators said was a performance lacking a lot of Froch’s usual fight and determination.
Leeds Carnegie secured their Guinness Premiership future for another season by beating fellow strugglers Worcester 12-10 at Headingley. A close run thing for Leeds who survived a terrible start to their first season back among rugby’s club elite to stave off relegation. Good on them!
Then we come to Arsenal v Manchester City who I thought would raw and indeed they did but in keeping with our “must pick a winner” ethos I went for Arsenal. Close.
There’s an interesting story from the Masters golf and James Pearce of the BBC.
Pearce filed his reports from Augusta like a good lad but failed to tell the audience he didn’t have the proper accreditation for the tournament so wasn’t actually at the course where the Masters was being played but another one just down the road.
All’s fair in love, war and sport so instead he said “here at Augusta”.
A BBC spokesman said there was nothing wrong with that, Augusta’s full of golf courses.
There are lies, damned lies and then there’s the subtle bending of the sporting truth. Happens all the time...
The sweet smell of success wafts round our 5 to Watch this weekend with only poor old boxer Carl Froch letting us down.
First up, Manchester United came good thanks to two Ryan Giggs penalties against Tottenham on Saturday to maintain the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.
Chelsea promptly fired back a warning in the most emphatic way, hammering Stoke 7-0, to stay one step ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson and his team.
Carl Froch had been unbeaten in the professional ring for eight years and in 26 fights before coming a cropper against fellow super-middleweight Mikkel Kessler in Denmark on Saturday.
The pair were fighting for Froch’s WBC world title and the man from Nottingham was expected to win a tough contest. In the end the Briton was unanimously outpointed in what the radio commentators said was a performance lacking a lot of Froch’s usual fight and determination.
Leeds Carnegie secured their Guinness Premiership future for another season by beating fellow strugglers Worcester 12-10 at Headingley. A close run thing for Leeds who survived a terrible start to their first season back among rugby’s club elite to stave off relegation. Good on them!
Then we come to Arsenal v Manchester City who I thought would raw and indeed they did but in keeping with our “must pick a winner” ethos I went for Arsenal. Close.
There’s an interesting story from the Masters golf and James Pearce of the BBC.
Pearce filed his reports from Augusta like a good lad but failed to tell the audience he didn’t have the proper accreditation for the tournament so wasn’t actually at the course where the Masters was being played but another one just down the road.
All’s fair in love, war and sport so instead he said “here at Augusta”.
A BBC spokesman said there was nothing wrong with that, Augusta’s full of golf courses.
There are lies, damned lies and then there’s the subtle bending of the sporting truth. Happens all the time...
Friday, 23 April 2010
Football Special - 5 To Watch This Weekend
Football special 5 to Watch
As another football season speeds its way to the inevitable climax, it’s not a bad idea to take a look at some of the issues raised in vital games this weekend and have a mini Football Special.
• Manchester United are back in the Premier League title hunt thanks to Tottenham’s demolition of Chelsea last week. The score might have been 2-1 but Spurs looked superb. But – and it’s a big but – they are at Old Trafford and that’s different. I have to take United to win.
• Chelsea against Stoke is another intriguing encounter but it’s hard not to see past the Blues gaining another three points as they stay a gnat’s whisker in front of United. Chelsea to win it – just.
• Then there is the fascinating match between Arsenal and Man City at The Emirates. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was shocked and stunned after the defeat against Wigan and City are chasing the fourth Champions League place. Will Wenger have the Gunners fired up? Will Emmanuel Adebayor return to haunt Arsenal, his former team? No. I’d like to say it will be a draw but Arsenal to win.
• Now we shift to boxing and a British world champion I suspect few people have heard of outside the noble art. Carl Froch is the WBC super-middleweight champion and on Saturday faces Dane Mikkel Kessler, a formidable opponent in Herning, Denmark. Froch hasn’t lost in 26 pro fights and I take him to edge home.
• Finally, Leeds Carnegie are clinging to their Guinness Premiership lives and after their magnificent win against London Irish last week they will be favourites to beat fellow strugglers Worcester at Headingley. With home advantage Leeds should edge it but it will be a tense, tense match.
As another football season speeds its way to the inevitable climax, it’s not a bad idea to take a look at some of the issues raised in vital games this weekend and have a mini Football Special.
• Manchester United are back in the Premier League title hunt thanks to Tottenham’s demolition of Chelsea last week. The score might have been 2-1 but Spurs looked superb. But – and it’s a big but – they are at Old Trafford and that’s different. I have to take United to win.
• Chelsea against Stoke is another intriguing encounter but it’s hard not to see past the Blues gaining another three points as they stay a gnat’s whisker in front of United. Chelsea to win it – just.
• Then there is the fascinating match between Arsenal and Man City at The Emirates. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was shocked and stunned after the defeat against Wigan and City are chasing the fourth Champions League place. Will Wenger have the Gunners fired up? Will Emmanuel Adebayor return to haunt Arsenal, his former team? No. I’d like to say it will be a draw but Arsenal to win.
• Now we shift to boxing and a British world champion I suspect few people have heard of outside the noble art. Carl Froch is the WBC super-middleweight champion and on Saturday faces Dane Mikkel Kessler, a formidable opponent in Herning, Denmark. Froch hasn’t lost in 26 pro fights and I take him to edge home.
• Finally, Leeds Carnegie are clinging to their Guinness Premiership lives and after their magnificent win against London Irish last week they will be favourites to beat fellow strugglers Worcester at Headingley. With home advantage Leeds should edge it but it will be a tense, tense match.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Grass Roots Cricket: Year 7
Year 7 cricket: Like trying to herd cats
I don’t know why I volunteered to run the Year 7 cricket team at my local club. I already have a hand in with the Under 15s and my eldest boy plays for the Under 17s.
It’s a great club. There are four senior teams playing adult cricket, the 4ths being a “Dads and Lads” combination of old lags of varying degrees of talent and young bucks out to prove themselves, slog the odd six and sling the ball down as fast as they can.
Coming up against men, as they have done for a few years now, is a great education in the art of gamesmanship, sledging, and short-pitched deadly bowling.
But back to the Year 7s. They are all 12, on the edge of teenage years and barmy.
But they are talented when they want to be and can bat and bowl superbly – in bursts.
Take Tim for example. He’s one of three brothers who are all superb cricketers. Middle boy Matt is a very correct opener and occasional off spin bowler while eldest brother Simon is another cracking bowler and can bat a bit too.
Tim is small, wickedly fast but hardly says a word. He lets his bowling arm do the talking and he can menace many a batter older than himself.
Hamish is the daft one. He’s having professional coaching for his bowling – I don’t know why – but he can wield a bat like a Wiltshire farmer on a sunny day on a flat track.
There’s Max and Robbie, Jake and Dom, quiet James then Harry.
Harry’s my lad – 12 going on 17, a neat spin bowler when he puts his mind to it and with a good eye for the odd four or six. He won’t take a guard – doesn’t believe in it – and quietly resents his dad telling him what to do but then what son doesn’t?
We start next week – first game against the local top team.
I’ll let you know how we get on regularly.
I don’t know why I volunteered to run the Year 7 cricket team at my local club. I already have a hand in with the Under 15s and my eldest boy plays for the Under 17s.
It’s a great club. There are four senior teams playing adult cricket, the 4ths being a “Dads and Lads” combination of old lags of varying degrees of talent and young bucks out to prove themselves, slog the odd six and sling the ball down as fast as they can.
Coming up against men, as they have done for a few years now, is a great education in the art of gamesmanship, sledging, and short-pitched deadly bowling.
But back to the Year 7s. They are all 12, on the edge of teenage years and barmy.
But they are talented when they want to be and can bat and bowl superbly – in bursts.
Take Tim for example. He’s one of three brothers who are all superb cricketers. Middle boy Matt is a very correct opener and occasional off spin bowler while eldest brother Simon is another cracking bowler and can bat a bit too.
Tim is small, wickedly fast but hardly says a word. He lets his bowling arm do the talking and he can menace many a batter older than himself.
Hamish is the daft one. He’s having professional coaching for his bowling – I don’t know why – but he can wield a bat like a Wiltshire farmer on a sunny day on a flat track.
There’s Max and Robbie, Jake and Dom, quiet James then Harry.
Harry’s my lad – 12 going on 17, a neat spin bowler when he puts his mind to it and with a good eye for the odd four or six. He won’t take a guard – doesn’t believe in it – and quietly resents his dad telling him what to do but then what son doesn’t?
We start next week – first game against the local top team.
I’ll let you know how we get on regularly.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Referees - What do they learn at Ref School?
Much discussion over the season about the men in black.
Referees have a thankless, unenviable job and for the most part I won’t hear a word said against them but you do wonder after the inconsistencies of recent weeks what they learn at Ref School.
Refereeing, despite all the punditry, is a game of judgement. Yes, there are rules but the decisions are instinctive and therefore down to interpretation in the split second the poor bloke in the middle has to decide.
So I say leave them alone.
Stop pillorying them and don’t condemn them by camera.
One thing, though, they should be allowed to explain their decisions on the box after matches.
Referees have a thankless, unenviable job and for the most part I won’t hear a word said against them but you do wonder after the inconsistencies of recent weeks what they learn at Ref School.
Refereeing, despite all the punditry, is a game of judgement. Yes, there are rules but the decisions are instinctive and therefore down to interpretation in the split second the poor bloke in the middle has to decide.
So I say leave them alone.
Stop pillorying them and don’t condemn them by camera.
One thing, though, they should be allowed to explain their decisions on the box after matches.
Jose Mourinho - When The Luck Is With You
When the luck is with you
The contrast between Arsenal’s Champions League encounter and that of Inter Milan is amazing and it makes me feel that maybe Jose Mourinho is after all “the special one”.
Mourinho’s Inter absorbed the pressure of the cup favourites and despite going a goal down came back to win 3-1. Arsenal, for all Arsene Wenger’s commitment to total football, were simply blown away.
The luck was with them – or him – for sure. The last goal was a yard offside and should not have stood but in a way I’m glad it did because now Mourinho’s defensive talent will be tested in the Nou Camp next week.
But maybe it won’t. Maybe Mourinho will confound us all by attacking Barcelona on their own patch. I hope so.
For all Lionel Messi’s talent and precocious enthusiasm for the game, I hope Barcelona’s star man ends up on the losing side because we need to recognise Mourinho for what he is: probably the best coach there is.
The contrast between Arsenal’s Champions League encounter and that of Inter Milan is amazing and it makes me feel that maybe Jose Mourinho is after all “the special one”.
Mourinho’s Inter absorbed the pressure of the cup favourites and despite going a goal down came back to win 3-1. Arsenal, for all Arsene Wenger’s commitment to total football, were simply blown away.
The luck was with them – or him – for sure. The last goal was a yard offside and should not have stood but in a way I’m glad it did because now Mourinho’s defensive talent will be tested in the Nou Camp next week.
But maybe it won’t. Maybe Mourinho will confound us all by attacking Barcelona on their own patch. I hope so.
For all Lionel Messi’s talent and precocious enthusiasm for the game, I hope Barcelona’s star man ends up on the losing side because we need to recognise Mourinho for what he is: probably the best coach there is.
Friday, 16 April 2010
Google - Create A Football Doodle For Google
Create A Football Doodle For Google
Those clever Google people have launched a neat plan for kids from 4 to 17: do a doodle to show how much you love football.
We all like a doodle so try it. The competition can be accessed here Doodle For Google and looks good fun.
The winning entry will be displayed on Google’s home page on July 11 2010 which of course is World Cup final day.
My doodle will be...but I don’t know yet!
Liverpool FC Ownership - It figures Why Liverpool Are For Sale
It Figures Why Liverpool Are For Sale
Liverpool’s owners have put the club up for sale and many an Anfield fan will say ”about time too” after the relationship with Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks soon soured just after they arrived three years ago.
A statement from the club was quick to point out the commercial success they bought to the business - revenue up 55 per cent, commercial revenue up 83 per cent and profit up 60 per cent. Impressive.
But few things illustrate the stark difference in attitude to the two sides of the club – on the field and off – than these figures when compared with team performance.
Liverpool are struggling in the league, have never won the Premier League title, have a poor domestic cup record and have two Champions League final performances to boast about.
Their manager Rafa Benitez gave up on Champions League qualification this season, preferring to gamble on winning the second division Europa League. If he does win it he may stay on for another season of poor play and even worse signings.
I hope he goes and I hope Liverpool ’s new owners whoever they may be have the courage to invest in an English – or certainly British – manager.
Jose Mourinho’s name has been bandied about and he’ll no doubt bring the headlines back but he’ll want a fortune to spend and a fortune in his wage packet.
Mark Hughes is your man. Agree Liverpool fans?
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Unsung Heroes of the Premier League
Over the past few weeks there are a few players in the Premier League that have caught my eye as being full of the sort of skill that the superstars are paid handsomely for yet are with the “lesser” teams so don’t get the recognition they deserve.
We all know about Rooney, Tevez, Lampard, Fabregas and the like but there are players who would not disgrace a more prestigious club.
One is Kevin Doyle of Wolves. He was a star at Reading
The player has class and vision and an intelligence that I think would even do Arsenal proud.
Another chap I like the look of is Hugo Rodallega at Wigan. He may have gone off the boil recently but that’s largely because his side has slipped dangerously close to the bottom three. But Rodallega’s ability probably deserves better reward with better players around him.
At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland have a defender who should be playing at a higher level – Michael Turner – the ex-Hull City stopper has again blossomed with good players around him.
I’m sure there are plenty of players you’ve admired? Name them!
Monday, 12 April 2010
Chelsea Save The Day: 5 To Watch
Chelsea save the day: 5 to Watch
Sometimes, when all your predictions go wrong, you can bask in the glory of the winning choices being the best for sport. So it was this weekend.
Chelsea duly came up with the goods against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi final – even though the 3-0 scoreline flattered them and referee Howard Webb’s reputation took a further nosedive as the only man “not to recognise penalties when they are obvious”.
AP McCoy’s win in the Grand National ended 15 years of waiting for our greatest jump jockey to triumph at Aintree which he did on the joint favourite Don’t Push It – thereby creating two satisfactory scenarios: intense personal satisfaction and a drubbing for the bookies.
Northampton Saints were on the end of a mauling in Munster in the Heineken Cup but the Irish rugby side are masters at lifting their game for the one-off matches so no disgrace there.
You see how any disaster can be turned into a sporting triumph?
Here’s another one. Lee Westwood played magnificently in the Masters and Tiger Woods threatened briefly but in the end the best man won – American Phil Mickelson whose personal journey has taken such an awful twist this year with his wife and his mother undergoing treatment for breast cancer. So it is with deep joy that he came through to win his third Masters.
And if we are honest - and not a Spurs fan – can we not be well chuffed that Portsmouth, relegated, broke and at one time on the verge of oblivion, reached the FA Cup final with a stirring 2-0 win over favourites Tottenham on Sunday.
Sport’s a great leveller – someone once said.
Sometimes, when all your predictions go wrong, you can bask in the glory of the winning choices being the best for sport. So it was this weekend.
Chelsea duly came up with the goods against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi final – even though the 3-0 scoreline flattered them and referee Howard Webb’s reputation took a further nosedive as the only man “not to recognise penalties when they are obvious”.
AP McCoy’s win in the Grand National ended 15 years of waiting for our greatest jump jockey to triumph at Aintree which he did on the joint favourite Don’t Push It – thereby creating two satisfactory scenarios: intense personal satisfaction and a drubbing for the bookies.
Northampton Saints were on the end of a mauling in Munster in the Heineken Cup but the Irish rugby side are masters at lifting their game for the one-off matches so no disgrace there.
You see how any disaster can be turned into a sporting triumph?
Here’s another one. Lee Westwood played magnificently in the Masters and Tiger Woods threatened briefly but in the end the best man won – American Phil Mickelson whose personal journey has taken such an awful twist this year with his wife and his mother undergoing treatment for breast cancer. So it is with deep joy that he came through to win his third Masters.
And if we are honest - and not a Spurs fan – can we not be well chuffed that Portsmouth, relegated, broke and at one time on the verge of oblivion, reached the FA Cup final with a stirring 2-0 win over favourites Tottenham on Sunday.
Sport’s a great leveller – someone once said.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Liverpool Carry The European Dream
Liverpool carry the European dream
It’s ironic that in a football season that many expected Manchester United and Chelsea to dominate European competition it is derided Liverpool and amazing Fulham that are still in with a chance of silverware abroad.
There will be plenty of people being pretty sniffy at the Europa Cup, the poor man’s UEFA Cup, but I wouldn’t mind betting that many fans wopuld take a bit of European success when all is falling apart around them.
But Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Benfica shouldn’t mask Rafa Benitez’s failure again to live up to the expectation of Anfield fans.
But he has the happy knack of pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat when it looks like he’s on his bike – no matter what the contractual cost to the Liverpool board.
I am prepared to bet that manager Benitez will leave in the summer if Real Madrid come calling – or maybe Inter Milan if Jose Mourinho gets his way and talks himself out of a job at the San Siro.
And what of Fulham? Fantastic, marvellous, brilliant – and that’s only the manager Roy Hodgson.
Fulham started their Europa League campaign last July and 19 games later they are in the semi-finals. It is a fairy story that we hope will end in them winning the whole thing – but Hamburg, and possibly Liverpool, stand in their way.
It’s ironic that in a football season that many expected Manchester United and Chelsea to dominate European competition it is derided Liverpool and amazing Fulham that are still in with a chance of silverware abroad.
There will be plenty of people being pretty sniffy at the Europa Cup, the poor man’s UEFA Cup, but I wouldn’t mind betting that many fans wopuld take a bit of European success when all is falling apart around them.
But Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Benfica shouldn’t mask Rafa Benitez’s failure again to live up to the expectation of Anfield fans.
But he has the happy knack of pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat when it looks like he’s on his bike – no matter what the contractual cost to the Liverpool board.
I am prepared to bet that manager Benitez will leave in the summer if Real Madrid come calling – or maybe Inter Milan if Jose Mourinho gets his way and talks himself out of a job at the San Siro.
And what of Fulham? Fantastic, marvellous, brilliant – and that’s only the manager Roy Hodgson.
Fulham started their Europa League campaign last July and 19 games later they are in the semi-finals. It is a fairy story that we hope will end in them winning the whole thing – but Hamburg, and possibly Liverpool, stand in their way.
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