Sachin Tendulkar is known as the Little Master in cricket. This week he showed how great a sportsman he is – and a decent role model – by hitting 200 not out in a limited overs match for India against South Africa, a world record, and the first time in 30 years of the one-day game it has been achieved.
Tendulkar, who at 36 has been an international cricketer for 20 years, battered the South African attack ignoring occasional attempts to wind him up.
What he did was extraordinary largely because South Africa are top of the tree when it comes to world cricket.
As usual he was modest and gracious in victory. We salute the man.
Ashley, JT, Tiger, take note.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Five To Watch For The Weekend
Five to watch for the weekend....
• Alastair Cooke to hit a ton as he skippers England’s one-day lads against Bangladesh.
• England to squeeze past Ireland in Six Nations – and Wilko’s drop goal wins it
• England’s walk-away star Wayne Bridge to hit the winner for Man City against Chelsea, having been brought down by John Terry.
• John Terry header wins it for Chelsea.
• Despite a dodgy start to the Super League season, Leeds to beat Melbourne in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road
• Alastair Cooke to hit a ton as he skippers England’s one-day lads against Bangladesh.
• England to squeeze past Ireland in Six Nations – and Wilko’s drop goal wins it
• England’s walk-away star Wayne Bridge to hit the winner for Man City against Chelsea, having been brought down by John Terry.
• John Terry header wins it for Chelsea.
• Despite a dodgy start to the Super League season, Leeds to beat Melbourne in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road
Friday, 26 February 2010
I once watch an MMA event in a sports centre in Nottingham and it frightened the living daylights out of me.
MMA – or Mixed Martial Arts – involves super fit contestants with skills in boxing, ju-jitsu, karate, judo and more fighting and grappling in a cage.
When one of my party said it was pub car park scrapping in a wire enclosure he was looked on with disdain.
After two of three bouts, the skill and fitness of the fighters was unquestionable.
The crowd – not all of them the stereotypical knuckle-draggers – were knowledgeable, appreciative and loud.
It’s infectious. I am a huge boxing fan but MMA is rock and roll compared to boxing’s ballroom dancing.
UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship – is the main event of MMA and UFC 110 took place in Sydney last weekend. In the top match American Cain Velasquez knocked out Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira in the first round.
Nogueira, a Mexican-American, is also known as “Big Nog”.
It’s big and it will get bigger.
MMA – or Mixed Martial Arts – involves super fit contestants with skills in boxing, ju-jitsu, karate, judo and more fighting and grappling in a cage.
When one of my party said it was pub car park scrapping in a wire enclosure he was looked on with disdain.
After two of three bouts, the skill and fitness of the fighters was unquestionable.
The crowd – not all of them the stereotypical knuckle-draggers – were knowledgeable, appreciative and loud.
It’s infectious. I am a huge boxing fan but MMA is rock and roll compared to boxing’s ballroom dancing.
UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship – is the main event of MMA and UFC 110 took place in Sydney last weekend. In the top match American Cain Velasquez knocked out Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira in the first round.
Nogueira, a Mexican-American, is also known as “Big Nog”.
It’s big and it will get bigger.
Brian Moore - Rugby Referee
Well done Brian Moore for having the guts to try being a rugby referee.
Pity he only stayed on the field a couple of minutes before being injured but at least he’s had some idea of what the poor bloke in the middle has to go through even before games start.
What chance Messrs Gray, Shearer or Hanson having a go? None. But I might pitch it for a Sky One HD (and also on Sky 1 regular) programme. With Richard Hammond doing the judging and Tess Daly looking lovely I’m sure it would be a hit.
Pity he only stayed on the field a couple of minutes before being injured but at least he’s had some idea of what the poor bloke in the middle has to go through even before games start.
What chance Messrs Gray, Shearer or Hanson having a go? None. But I might pitch it for a Sky One HD (and also on Sky 1 regular) programme. With Richard Hammond doing the judging and Tess Daly looking lovely I’m sure it would be a hit.
Still Dignity in Sport - Joannie Rochette
Still dignity in sport
Amid the Ashley Cole saga, the Tiger Woods confession, Jose Mourinho strutting and preening and the various financial disasters that is football, one piece of news from the Winter Olympics touched me.
Joannie Rochette, a 24-year-old Canadian skater, competed a few hours after her mother died of a heart attack. She was 55.
In an age when we’re Twittering, have our own Facebook page, text and emails, Rochette said she and her father were greatly comforted by the messages she’d received from all over the world. So social networking does have some benefits.
I’m glad. And I hope she skates well enough later to grab a medal. She’s in contention after a personal best score in the short programme.
Ice skating has to be one of the most boring sports on the planet – just ahead of equestrianism – but I wish her a golden Games.
Amid the Ashley Cole saga, the Tiger Woods confession, Jose Mourinho strutting and preening and the various financial disasters that is football, one piece of news from the Winter Olympics touched me.
Joannie Rochette, a 24-year-old Canadian skater, competed a few hours after her mother died of a heart attack. She was 55.
In an age when we’re Twittering, have our own Facebook page, text and emails, Rochette said she and her father were greatly comforted by the messages she’d received from all over the world. So social networking does have some benefits.
I’m glad. And I hope she skates well enough later to grab a medal. She’s in contention after a personal best score in the short programme.
Ice skating has to be one of the most boring sports on the planet – just ahead of equestrianism – but I wish her a golden Games.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
English Cricket - Foreign Legion To The Rescue
Foreign Legion to the rescue again
Craig Kieswetter’s magnificent hundred for England against a Bangladesh XI in the one-day warm-up highlights again the use of overseas players to fill a gap in the English side that the county system plainly isn’t doing.
I’m happy for the young lad but it does irritate me when guys leaner, meaner and more determined get to the top of the English tree by sheer force of talent and persistence.
While we agonise over where to play Ian Bell or what can we do with Matt Prior and Luke Wright, the likes of Kieswetter and Pietersen before him establish themselves at international level for their adopted country.
Kieswetter recently said he’d probably never be accepted by English cricket fans but when they learn that he has a mother from Edinburgh, he spent a year at Millfield School and – more importantly – he has turned down an approach from Graeme Smith for the chance to succeed Mark Boucher in the South African side then his intentions are pretty solid.
But the question is: what do we do with county cricket? It’s boring. It’s largely unseen and it is a nice breeding ground for overseas stars – mainly Aussies – to get used to English conditions.
My “off the top of my head” solution? Make it regional. Three regions, North, Midlands and South playing over three days, 150 overs an innings and then semis and finals on neutral grounds.
It might not suit the purists but it may – just may – get people back to the relatively longer form of the game.
So Cheryl’s finally gone and done it.
Whether Ashley was dumped by text message or not is neither here nor there but it’s always said when a marriage breaks down.
Most bizarre story of the week concerns American wrestler Ric Flair (not his real name!) and his bride of less than a year Jacqueline Beems, 41, (probably is her real name).
She’s been arrested for allegedly assaulting the 60-year old former WWE grappler after a night out.
I wonder if it was as rehearsed as one of his bouts.
Nice to see Barry Hearn talking up snooker in his own inimitable way. The man who has made darts a sport instead of a laughing stock has a welcome attitude to sports which have lost their way: change or die.
Snooker is a bit like rugby union – great at the top level ut pretty ordinary at he week-in, week-out stge.
I hope he brings in shootouts, time limits, doubles, mixed doubles, music and dancing girls and anything else to bring the punters back to a game of fantastic skill.
Craig Kieswetter’s magnificent hundred for England against a Bangladesh XI in the one-day warm-up highlights again the use of overseas players to fill a gap in the English side that the county system plainly isn’t doing.
I’m happy for the young lad but it does irritate me when guys leaner, meaner and more determined get to the top of the English tree by sheer force of talent and persistence.
While we agonise over where to play Ian Bell or what can we do with Matt Prior and Luke Wright, the likes of Kieswetter and Pietersen before him establish themselves at international level for their adopted country.
Kieswetter recently said he’d probably never be accepted by English cricket fans but when they learn that he has a mother from Edinburgh, he spent a year at Millfield School and – more importantly – he has turned down an approach from Graeme Smith for the chance to succeed Mark Boucher in the South African side then his intentions are pretty solid.
But the question is: what do we do with county cricket? It’s boring. It’s largely unseen and it is a nice breeding ground for overseas stars – mainly Aussies – to get used to English conditions.
My “off the top of my head” solution? Make it regional. Three regions, North, Midlands and South playing over three days, 150 overs an innings and then semis and finals on neutral grounds.
It might not suit the purists but it may – just may – get people back to the relatively longer form of the game.
So Cheryl’s finally gone and done it.
Whether Ashley was dumped by text message or not is neither here nor there but it’s always said when a marriage breaks down.
Most bizarre story of the week concerns American wrestler Ric Flair (not his real name!) and his bride of less than a year Jacqueline Beems, 41, (probably is her real name).
She’s been arrested for allegedly assaulting the 60-year old former WWE grappler after a night out.
I wonder if it was as rehearsed as one of his bouts.
Nice to see Barry Hearn talking up snooker in his own inimitable way. The man who has made darts a sport instead of a laughing stock has a welcome attitude to sports which have lost their way: change or die.
Snooker is a bit like rugby union – great at the top level ut pretty ordinary at he week-in, week-out stge.
I hope he brings in shootouts, time limits, doubles, mixed doubles, music and dancing girls and anything else to bring the punters back to a game of fantastic skill.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Poulter Comes of Age
Poulter comes of age
Not long ago golfer Ian Poulter said something to the effect that he was so good, all the tournaments would be a contest between him and Tiger.
I exaggerate a little but it shows how life has a habit of biting you on the bum – no Tiger pun intended.
While Woods struggles with his demons, Poulter seems to have settled into a rhythm that says, “keep quiet, stay fit, practice”. Well, it’s worked as his 4 and 2 win over Paul Casey showed in the World Matchplay Championship in Tucson.
The English like a reformed character; someone who has seen the errors of his ways and comes back humbler and stronger for it.
Poulter made several statements in his younger days, from loud hair to even louder clothes. His win takes him to number 5 in the world rankings, one better vthan Casey and one behind another reformed character, Lee Westwood.
With Rory McIlroy also in the frame and in Ryder Cup year, our home grown talent has never been in better shape.
I just hope we aren’t boasting too much.
Harry Redknapp has that “cheery chappie” demeanor of a football manager who breezes through the job, taking everything in his stride.
But his comments on unhappy Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenkoenforce the notion that he’s a very good man-manager and motivator.
When the Russian didn’t peform in training he wasn’t picked for the first team so became miserable. Harry was unhappy also, having paid out a fortune for the striker.
A call to Guus Hiddink, the Russia team manager, and Harry gets a bit more insight into the man, asks his to perform better in training and lo and behold he comes on and scores a couple against Wigan in the Premier League.
Well done H.
Another man-manager in the making is Roberto Mancini at Man City. His star man Carlos Tevez went home after his partner gave birth prematurely. Tevez has missed three games, none of which City has won, and Mancini wants him back.
Instead of ranting and raving, Mancini says he doesn’t know where Tevez is and asks for him to get in touch.
The message will get back I’m sure.
Not long ago golfer Ian Poulter said something to the effect that he was so good, all the tournaments would be a contest between him and Tiger.
I exaggerate a little but it shows how life has a habit of biting you on the bum – no Tiger pun intended.
While Woods struggles with his demons, Poulter seems to have settled into a rhythm that says, “keep quiet, stay fit, practice”. Well, it’s worked as his 4 and 2 win over Paul Casey showed in the World Matchplay Championship in Tucson.
The English like a reformed character; someone who has seen the errors of his ways and comes back humbler and stronger for it.
Poulter made several statements in his younger days, from loud hair to even louder clothes. His win takes him to number 5 in the world rankings, one better vthan Casey and one behind another reformed character, Lee Westwood.
With Rory McIlroy also in the frame and in Ryder Cup year, our home grown talent has never been in better shape.
I just hope we aren’t boasting too much.
Harry Redknapp has that “cheery chappie” demeanor of a football manager who breezes through the job, taking everything in his stride.
But his comments on unhappy Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenkoenforce the notion that he’s a very good man-manager and motivator.
When the Russian didn’t peform in training he wasn’t picked for the first team so became miserable. Harry was unhappy also, having paid out a fortune for the striker.
A call to Guus Hiddink, the Russia team manager, and Harry gets a bit more insight into the man, asks his to perform better in training and lo and behold he comes on and scores a couple against Wigan in the Premier League.
Well done H.
Another man-manager in the making is Roberto Mancini at Man City. His star man Carlos Tevez went home after his partner gave birth prematurely. Tevez has missed three games, none of which City has won, and Mancini wants him back.
Instead of ranting and raving, Mancini says he doesn’t know where Tevez is and asks for him to get in touch.
The message will get back I’m sure.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
In Tiger's Defence
Tiger’s defence of his love life was rather embarrassing. We had the pregnant pauses – no pun intended – and the anger in defence of claims of domestic violence and we had the close-to-tears dramatics.
But you couldn’t help the feeling as former European Tour golfer Rob Lee said: this was the start of rebuilding Brand Tiger.
And it was as cynical as it was manipulated.
I’m glad Tiger’s into therapy. I can’t help feeling there will be little leaks of news and the odd picture of Mr Woods breaking down or with his kids leaking into the press over the weeks. Shame on you Tiger, for all sorts of things.
But you couldn’t help the feeling as former European Tour golfer Rob Lee said: this was the start of rebuilding Brand Tiger.
And it was as cynical as it was manipulated.
I’m glad Tiger’s into therapy. I can’t help feeling there will be little leaks of news and the odd picture of Mr Woods breaking down or with his kids leaking into the press over the weeks. Shame on you Tiger, for all sorts of things.
Footballer Of The Year Contenders
It’s a straight fight now: Drogba v Rooney for Footballer of the Year.
My vote goes to the Chelsea man.
The way he’s turned from being the sulky, diving, petulant bully to a sublime example of the complete centre-forward is admirable. He deserves it for the way he’s come back from a tricky early career and being on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge.
Plenty of time for Wayne to win it.
My vote goes to the Chelsea man.
The way he’s turned from being the sulky, diving, petulant bully to a sublime example of the complete centre-forward is admirable. He deserves it for the way he’s come back from a tricky early career and being on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge.
Plenty of time for Wayne to win it.
Now That's What I Call A Game
Now that’s what I call a game
I watched an absolutely extraordinary rugby match on Friday on TV.
If I tell you the score was 72-65 you might think it was a schoolboy match or a practice game in the park. Far from it.
It was in the Super 15 – the club competition between the best Southern Hemisphere sides – and it was an 18-try feast that delighted and excited in equal measure for its sheer brilliance in the art of running, passing and adventurous rugby.
For the record the Johannesburg Lions lost to the Waikato Chiefs of New Zealand but to the neutral that hardly mattered as the match swung from one team to another.
And the defences weren’t that bad. The stunning brilliance of both sides was wonderful to watch.
I watched an absolutely extraordinary rugby match on Friday on TV.
If I tell you the score was 72-65 you might think it was a schoolboy match or a practice game in the park. Far from it.
It was in the Super 15 – the club competition between the best Southern Hemisphere sides – and it was an 18-try feast that delighted and excited in equal measure for its sheer brilliance in the art of running, passing and adventurous rugby.
For the record the Johannesburg Lions lost to the Waikato Chiefs of New Zealand but to the neutral that hardly mattered as the match swung from one team to another.
And the defences weren’t that bad. The stunning brilliance of both sides was wonderful to watch.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Amy Williams Wins Britain's First Gold Medal
A magnificent well done to Amy Williams, Britain’s first gold medallist of the Winter Olympics.
Hurtling down a wall of ice at 90mph on a tin tray is a clichéd version of the courage and skill it takes to compete and win.
I only hope there is the money to continue her training and progress when she gets home despite the sport’s governing body going bust
Hurtling down a wall of ice at 90mph on a tin tray is a clichéd version of the courage and skill it takes to compete and win.
I only hope there is the money to continue her training and progress when she gets home despite the sport’s governing body going bust
Liverpool and the Europa Cup Win
Liverpool laboured to their Europa Cup win against the Romanian unpronounceables but despite all the bullish talk by Rafa and the players after the match it became clear that the match turned out what we expected – second class, second rate and boring.
Danny Cipriani off to Oz
The news that Danny Cipriani is heading for Australia is a shock. I know it’s been in the news for a few weeks but the fact that he’s doing it is a sad reflection on England.
Cipriani said he’s had little indication that he figures in Martin Johnson’s England plans and with his loss of direction over here he might as well face the toughest opponents on the rugby planet in the Super 15, as it will be.
I wish him luck.
He deserves to succeed and who know two years down the line he may have picked up some of the Kiwi, Australian or All Black freedom tom play that England won’t be able to ignore him.
Cipriani said he’s had little indication that he figures in Martin Johnson’s England plans and with his loss of direction over here he might as well face the toughest opponents on the rugby planet in the Super 15, as it will be.
I wish him luck.
He deserves to succeed and who know two years down the line he may have picked up some of the Kiwi, Australian or All Black freedom tom play that England won’t be able to ignore him.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Tiger Woods - Just Be Thankful
Just be thankful, Tiger
It’s a good job Tiger Woods doesn’t live in Britain.
His well-publicised “meeting” with invited guests and friends would have been a waste of time. Tiger’s confession, in front of an invited audience, smacks of the most supreme arrogance and attempt at news management. But that’s nothing new to the Americans.
Tiger’s story would have been picked over, his lady friends splashed over the red tops and Sundays and every wonderfully tacky detail analysed and exposed.
Before they’d finished the papers would have made sure Tiger’s comeback would have been kicked into the autumn – or forced him into the open long before now.
The man’s fallen so very far that even his fellow pros are having a go for his comeback timing. I have to say that, despite all Woods’s skill and success, the game would be better off without him.
It’s a good job Tiger Woods doesn’t live in Britain.
His well-publicised “meeting” with invited guests and friends would have been a waste of time. Tiger’s confession, in front of an invited audience, smacks of the most supreme arrogance and attempt at news management. But that’s nothing new to the Americans.
Tiger’s story would have been picked over, his lady friends splashed over the red tops and Sundays and every wonderfully tacky detail analysed and exposed.
Before they’d finished the papers would have made sure Tiger’s comeback would have been kicked into the autumn – or forced him into the open long before now.
The man’s fallen so very far that even his fellow pros are having a go for his comeback timing. I have to say that, despite all Woods’s skill and success, the game would be better off without him.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Arsenal Loss - Arsene right to be upset
Arsene right to be upset
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s blood must have been boiling last night. And I bet even today it’s on a bubbling simmer.
The dodgy keeper that is Lukasz Fabianski gave Porto their Champions League win but Arsenal showed enough class and created enough chances to demonstrate that the 2-1 scoreline should hold no fears once back in London on March 10.
Referee Martin Hansson was at fault, too, for the quickly-taken free kick. I don’t go along with Arsenal should have been ready – they didn’t have the time and if a player picks up the ball to delay the opposing side setting themselves up he risks a booking.
Dodgy keeper, dodgy ref at least big Sol Campbell is back scoring goals!
Meanwhile, even the Italian press came to praise Rooney not bury him.
The phenomenal Rooney was the star and we can only hope he hasn’t peaked too early in this World Cup year or that he’ll get crocked.
All this and Liverpool prepare to take on err...sorry, while I look it up...Unirea Urziceni.
The Merseyside decline hasn’t yet hit the crowd though with about 40,000 expected at Anfield for the Europa Cup first leg tie.
But it’s a far cry from Milan or Portugal.
Maybe next year....
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s blood must have been boiling last night. And I bet even today it’s on a bubbling simmer.
The dodgy keeper that is Lukasz Fabianski gave Porto their Champions League win but Arsenal showed enough class and created enough chances to demonstrate that the 2-1 scoreline should hold no fears once back in London on March 10.
Referee Martin Hansson was at fault, too, for the quickly-taken free kick. I don’t go along with Arsenal should have been ready – they didn’t have the time and if a player picks up the ball to delay the opposing side setting themselves up he risks a booking.
Dodgy keeper, dodgy ref at least big Sol Campbell is back scoring goals!
Meanwhile, even the Italian press came to praise Rooney not bury him.
The phenomenal Rooney was the star and we can only hope he hasn’t peaked too early in this World Cup year or that he’ll get crocked.
All this and Liverpool prepare to take on err...sorry, while I look it up...Unirea Urziceni.
The Merseyside decline hasn’t yet hit the crowd though with about 40,000 expected at Anfield for the Europa Cup first leg tie.
But it’s a far cry from Milan or Portugal.
Maybe next year....
Life In The Old Dog Yet
Life in the old dog yet
Great show by Manchester United. Ferguson’s men did more than enough to stifle the hopes of David Beckham and his AC Milan side to seal a Champions League victory that will surely be enough to see them through to the last eight.
Yes, they were under the cosh in the first half and fell behind but Scholes and Rooney made sure they go back to Old Trafford with a lead so that not even the faintest of United hearts will be worried.
Fergie, looking grumpy and irritated as the first half wore on, probably told his side to keep the faith, keep playing. His pre-match comment about how Milan would miss their former best player Kaka was spot on.
But, with Fabio Capello watching, Wayne Rooney stole the show with two classic headers. The England manager had asked Fergie to rest his star man at some stage in the season to be fresh for South Africa. How does he do that?
Well done United. Beckham? Maybe next year before retiring.
Saddest news of the week so far is that Brett Lee, tormentor of English batsmen and an Aussie who smiles as much as he snarls, is facing retirement through injury.
Lee, an amazing 33, has an elbow injury that even after surgery isn’t right. I hadn’t realised that he hasn’t played a full Test since late 2008 although a regular in the one-dayers.
If he is forced to go his record of 310 wickets in 76 Tests is a wonderful testament to his skill and fearsome power.
Hang in there Brett. Cricket needs you.
After less than a week the finger-pointing and backbiting has started at the Winter Olympics. Forgiving the weather for misbehaving is one thing, but one venue in particular has been running out of hot dog buns and cups for the stew!
Worse, spectators who bought tickets have found events cancelled or no seats and the loos have been a nightmare too.
All will be well in London, rest assured. Lord Coe is in Canada checking out what works and what doesn’t so that, come 2012, we will be ready!
Great show by Manchester United. Ferguson’s men did more than enough to stifle the hopes of David Beckham and his AC Milan side to seal a Champions League victory that will surely be enough to see them through to the last eight.
Yes, they were under the cosh in the first half and fell behind but Scholes and Rooney made sure they go back to Old Trafford with a lead so that not even the faintest of United hearts will be worried.
Fergie, looking grumpy and irritated as the first half wore on, probably told his side to keep the faith, keep playing. His pre-match comment about how Milan would miss their former best player Kaka was spot on.
But, with Fabio Capello watching, Wayne Rooney stole the show with two classic headers. The England manager had asked Fergie to rest his star man at some stage in the season to be fresh for South Africa. How does he do that?
Well done United. Beckham? Maybe next year before retiring.
Saddest news of the week so far is that Brett Lee, tormentor of English batsmen and an Aussie who smiles as much as he snarls, is facing retirement through injury.
Lee, an amazing 33, has an elbow injury that even after surgery isn’t right. I hadn’t realised that he hasn’t played a full Test since late 2008 although a regular in the one-dayers.
If he is forced to go his record of 310 wickets in 76 Tests is a wonderful testament to his skill and fearsome power.
Hang in there Brett. Cricket needs you.
After less than a week the finger-pointing and backbiting has started at the Winter Olympics. Forgiving the weather for misbehaving is one thing, but one venue in particular has been running out of hot dog buns and cups for the stew!
Worse, spectators who bought tickets have found events cancelled or no seats and the loos have been a nightmare too.
All will be well in London, rest assured. Lord Coe is in Canada checking out what works and what doesn’t so that, come 2012, we will be ready!
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
David Beckham - the perfect prodigal
Beckham, the perfect prodigal
As usual David Beckham spoke eloquently – for him – in Milan where his new side take on his old side Manchester United in the Champions League tonight (Tuesday).
He said all the right things about Sir Alex Ferguson, calling him an “incredible man”, a father figure who had given him his chance to play for the club he always dreamed of playing for.
Quite right.
Beckham is one of those players whose worth to a side can sometimes be seen as narrow and peripheral. He’s an incredible artist with a static football and can place a pass with pinpoint accuracy. But does he run enough? Does he create enough? Does he work hard enough?
The answer to all three is yes.
A player’s worth isn’t just in the amount of miles he runs on a pitch or the number of goals he scores. A player’s presence can also have a profound effect on a team and that’s what Beckham brings to the sides he plays for.
Wherever he has gone he has had to prove himself, especially at Real Madrid where Fabio Capello, initially it seems a sceptic to Beckham’s talent, was won over by the sheer determination and skill of the man.
Try getting Capello to say something negative about Beckham these days and it won’t happen.
That’s why Beckham is such a vital part of England’s World Cup bid. He says the right things and he acts responsibly and he is looked up to by those around him which is no bad thing in a team full of potential plonkers.
And he also produces the goods on the pitch.
I wonder what price you’d get for a win double – AC Milan to win the Champions League and David Beckham to help England to World Cup success in South Africa in the summer?
I see the Premier League is tinkering again.
Stung by the “league within a league” criticism with the big four dominating the top of the table, the League is considering a play-off from the fourth to the seventh for the last Champions League place.
David Moyes has given a tentative welcome and no doubt Martin O’Neill, Harry Redknapp and Roberto Mancini would echo that.
But do we need it? Aren’t there enough games already?
Rugby Union and Rugby League already have play-offs but they are – relatively – minor sports that need to generate revenue. The Premier League doesn’t.
Much better to work at making the finances of clubs more robust, ownership better established and a fairer distribution of wealth at the end of the season than more Mickey Mouse gimmicks.
I’m in two minds about Andy Powell’s sacking from the Welsh RU squad after his early morning drunken prank, allegedly taking a golf buggy on to a motorway hard shoulder.
The police are involved so the Wales team management probably thought they had no choice. But shouldn’t they wait until the police action is concluded?
I know of plenty of other – alleged – pranks by sports people that could have ended in much worse incidents. Fire extinguishers have been known to leave hotel rooms – through the windows – water hoses and fire alarms have regularly been set off sometimes with real fires as the excuse.
I feel a bit for Powell but, then, when will sports stars realise that at some stage in their privileged lives they have to grow up.
As usual David Beckham spoke eloquently – for him – in Milan where his new side take on his old side Manchester United in the Champions League tonight (Tuesday).
He said all the right things about Sir Alex Ferguson, calling him an “incredible man”, a father figure who had given him his chance to play for the club he always dreamed of playing for.
Quite right.
Beckham is one of those players whose worth to a side can sometimes be seen as narrow and peripheral. He’s an incredible artist with a static football and can place a pass with pinpoint accuracy. But does he run enough? Does he create enough? Does he work hard enough?
The answer to all three is yes.
A player’s worth isn’t just in the amount of miles he runs on a pitch or the number of goals he scores. A player’s presence can also have a profound effect on a team and that’s what Beckham brings to the sides he plays for.
Wherever he has gone he has had to prove himself, especially at Real Madrid where Fabio Capello, initially it seems a sceptic to Beckham’s talent, was won over by the sheer determination and skill of the man.
Try getting Capello to say something negative about Beckham these days and it won’t happen.
That’s why Beckham is such a vital part of England’s World Cup bid. He says the right things and he acts responsibly and he is looked up to by those around him which is no bad thing in a team full of potential plonkers.
And he also produces the goods on the pitch.
I wonder what price you’d get for a win double – AC Milan to win the Champions League and David Beckham to help England to World Cup success in South Africa in the summer?
I see the Premier League is tinkering again.
Stung by the “league within a league” criticism with the big four dominating the top of the table, the League is considering a play-off from the fourth to the seventh for the last Champions League place.
David Moyes has given a tentative welcome and no doubt Martin O’Neill, Harry Redknapp and Roberto Mancini would echo that.
But do we need it? Aren’t there enough games already?
Rugby Union and Rugby League already have play-offs but they are – relatively – minor sports that need to generate revenue. The Premier League doesn’t.
Much better to work at making the finances of clubs more robust, ownership better established and a fairer distribution of wealth at the end of the season than more Mickey Mouse gimmicks.
I’m in two minds about Andy Powell’s sacking from the Welsh RU squad after his early morning drunken prank, allegedly taking a golf buggy on to a motorway hard shoulder.
The police are involved so the Wales team management probably thought they had no choice. But shouldn’t they wait until the police action is concluded?
I know of plenty of other – alleged – pranks by sports people that could have ended in much worse incidents. Fire extinguishers have been known to leave hotel rooms – through the windows – water hoses and fire alarms have regularly been set off sometimes with real fires as the excuse.
I feel a bit for Powell but, then, when will sports stars realise that at some stage in their privileged lives they have to grow up.
Premier League Shut the Stable Door
Premier League shut the stable door
One of the Sunday heavies reported that the Premier League has acted to curb the possibility of any more clubs getting into the financial mess Portsmouth find themselves in.
By March 1 PL clubs will have to submit detailed financial reports and spending plans to independent auditors. The bean counters can then look at the numbers, stroke their beards sagely, calculate their own bonuses and, like a Roman emperor, put the thumbs up or down as required.
Marvellous.
Forgive the cynicism but doesn’t this smack of a huge stable door closing as the football nag disappears over the horizon?
Clubs spending huge amounts on wages and running up debts while revenue stagnates or, worse, falls, are asking for trouble. Hasn’t the lesson of Leeds United sunk in at all?
Yet the league perpetuates the frantic, desperate battle for survival by rewarding speculative financial dealing involving huge corporate debt.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has called on the PL to limit club spending to 25% of annual turnover. It’s a start but won’t be accepted because it is not in the interests of the PL.
The clubs, also, can’t comply. Manchester United’s debts are currently £716m – more than 250% greater than turnover.
The situation reminds me of the dot com bubble of years ago, or the banking crisis: we all ignore it so hope it will go away.
Doesn’t life have a wonderful way of providing a fitting symmetry to the pompous or the just plain dumb.
Vernon Kay, married to the lovely Tess Daly, is caught “suggestively texting” then compounds the folly by being pictured sneaking through the undergrowth to get into his Bucks home and thus avoid the snappers. Daft.
Dear Ashley Cole, wed to the equally gorgeous Cheryl, gives up his phone with naughty – allegedly – pictures of himself in a hotel room. This hot on the heels of the Chelsea man’s apology for a drunken arrest last year and copious allegations of more naughtiness.
No-one wishes injuries on footballers but Ashley’s busted ankle may keep him out of mischief for long enough to get back to thinking about the World Cup.
Maybe he could referee the John Terry-Wayne Bridge situation.
One of the Sunday heavies reported that the Premier League has acted to curb the possibility of any more clubs getting into the financial mess Portsmouth find themselves in.
By March 1 PL clubs will have to submit detailed financial reports and spending plans to independent auditors. The bean counters can then look at the numbers, stroke their beards sagely, calculate their own bonuses and, like a Roman emperor, put the thumbs up or down as required.
Marvellous.
Forgive the cynicism but doesn’t this smack of a huge stable door closing as the football nag disappears over the horizon?
Clubs spending huge amounts on wages and running up debts while revenue stagnates or, worse, falls, are asking for trouble. Hasn’t the lesson of Leeds United sunk in at all?
Yet the league perpetuates the frantic, desperate battle for survival by rewarding speculative financial dealing involving huge corporate debt.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has called on the PL to limit club spending to 25% of annual turnover. It’s a start but won’t be accepted because it is not in the interests of the PL.
The clubs, also, can’t comply. Manchester United’s debts are currently £716m – more than 250% greater than turnover.
The situation reminds me of the dot com bubble of years ago, or the banking crisis: we all ignore it so hope it will go away.
Doesn’t life have a wonderful way of providing a fitting symmetry to the pompous or the just plain dumb.
Vernon Kay, married to the lovely Tess Daly, is caught “suggestively texting” then compounds the folly by being pictured sneaking through the undergrowth to get into his Bucks home and thus avoid the snappers. Daft.
Dear Ashley Cole, wed to the equally gorgeous Cheryl, gives up his phone with naughty – allegedly – pictures of himself in a hotel room. This hot on the heels of the Chelsea man’s apology for a drunken arrest last year and copious allegations of more naughtiness.
No-one wishes injuries on footballers but Ashley’s busted ankle may keep him out of mischief for long enough to get back to thinking about the World Cup.
Maybe he could referee the John Terry-Wayne Bridge situation.
We all need a Warnock on our side
Warnock: A man apart
I once sat next to Neil Warnock at a football dinner and he was good company. He was nothing like the aggressive, snarling, intimidatingly humorous image he portrays for the TV cameras.
He was modest and charming and very clear about what he wanted to do when he finished with football: “I’ll be a media man,“ he said. “It’s easy. TV boys always like a bloke with an opinion”.
And he’s right. They do. And so do we. That’s why I love Geoff Boycott on cricket, Brian Moore on rugby – but not as much as Stuart Barnes – and Jonathan Pearce over Alan Green on football, despite Green never being afraid to say what he thinks.
But back to Warnock.
He’s a remarkable football manager, someone who has had success it seems wherever he has gone. How we’d love a man like that at our club, especially if you’re short of cash, perpetually struggling and need a season or two of excitement instead of the usual humdrum monotony of life in the lower leagues.
He’s a character but someone who knows how to get the best out of a team. Long may he reign before retiring to the commentary booth.
England’s narrow win over Italy in the Six Nations seemed to confirm all the prejudices of Martin Johnson’s men. Few ideas, easily stifled and woefully lacking in creativity.
I fear it’s time for Jonny Wilkinson to go.
Can’t we find a young, gifted, explosive fly half? Oh yes, Danny Cipriani. Not any more.
Toby Flood’s playing well...never mind still months to go before the World Cup.
I once sat next to Neil Warnock at a football dinner and he was good company. He was nothing like the aggressive, snarling, intimidatingly humorous image he portrays for the TV cameras.
He was modest and charming and very clear about what he wanted to do when he finished with football: “I’ll be a media man,“ he said. “It’s easy. TV boys always like a bloke with an opinion”.
And he’s right. They do. And so do we. That’s why I love Geoff Boycott on cricket, Brian Moore on rugby – but not as much as Stuart Barnes – and Jonathan Pearce over Alan Green on football, despite Green never being afraid to say what he thinks.
But back to Warnock.
He’s a remarkable football manager, someone who has had success it seems wherever he has gone. How we’d love a man like that at our club, especially if you’re short of cash, perpetually struggling and need a season or two of excitement instead of the usual humdrum monotony of life in the lower leagues.
He’s a character but someone who knows how to get the best out of a team. Long may he reign before retiring to the commentary booth.
England’s narrow win over Italy in the Six Nations seemed to confirm all the prejudices of Martin Johnson’s men. Few ideas, easily stifled and woefully lacking in creativity.
I fear it’s time for Jonny Wilkinson to go.
Can’t we find a young, gifted, explosive fly half? Oh yes, Danny Cipriani. Not any more.
Toby Flood’s playing well...never mind still months to go before the World Cup.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Winter Olympics - Tragedy / Six Nations Riveting Scotland/Wales Match
In the midst of tragedy the show goes on
The awful accident to Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili overshadowed the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver which has had a pretty inauspicious start after death, too little snow and claims of gamesmanship against the Canadians.
Kumaritashvili’s death is only the fourth in Winter Olympic history but it is still an awful indictment of the safety precautions that in the modern era someone’s life is at risk outside the track.
Ski-ing is dangerous but nets and open fences usually prevent serious injury. There had been warnings that the run was too risky but perhaps that’s the risk modern sportspeople face to give us the thrills.
Other competitors have accused the Canadians of limiting time on the ice to give their medal hopefuls a better chance. Not so in the tragic luge. The biggest ongoing worry is that the weather is playing up – it’s too warm so there isn’t enough of the white stuff to make the men’s downhill a runner.
I’m not going to be looking in too much. Not because I don’t like the sport. It’s awfully dull until you get to the latter stages of the ice hockey and the speed skaters start falling over.
But I hope all goes well, for Nodar’s memory.
The astonishing comeback of Wales against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday belied the belief that the Six Nations is a boring second rate Northern Hemisphere version of the Super 14.
The wastefulness of the Welsh, the luck of the Scots then their final capitulation made for a riveting match.
How could the Scots lose? The answer is that they didn’t know how to win; to shut a game up and keep things tight. They continued to try to contain the Welsh but then kicked away possession, missed touch-finder kicks and passed forward when it was easier to score.
Great stuff. The French were too good for an unusually poor Ireland. All we need now is for England to rattle 40 points past Italy.
The awful accident to Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili overshadowed the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver which has had a pretty inauspicious start after death, too little snow and claims of gamesmanship against the Canadians.
Kumaritashvili’s death is only the fourth in Winter Olympic history but it is still an awful indictment of the safety precautions that in the modern era someone’s life is at risk outside the track.
Ski-ing is dangerous but nets and open fences usually prevent serious injury. There had been warnings that the run was too risky but perhaps that’s the risk modern sportspeople face to give us the thrills.
Other competitors have accused the Canadians of limiting time on the ice to give their medal hopefuls a better chance. Not so in the tragic luge. The biggest ongoing worry is that the weather is playing up – it’s too warm so there isn’t enough of the white stuff to make the men’s downhill a runner.
I’m not going to be looking in too much. Not because I don’t like the sport. It’s awfully dull until you get to the latter stages of the ice hockey and the speed skaters start falling over.
But I hope all goes well, for Nodar’s memory.
The astonishing comeback of Wales against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday belied the belief that the Six Nations is a boring second rate Northern Hemisphere version of the Super 14.
The wastefulness of the Welsh, the luck of the Scots then their final capitulation made for a riveting match.
How could the Scots lose? The answer is that they didn’t know how to win; to shut a game up and keep things tight. They continued to try to contain the Welsh but then kicked away possession, missed touch-finder kicks and passed forward when it was easier to score.
Great stuff. The French were too good for an unusually poor Ireland. All we need now is for England to rattle 40 points past Italy.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Football Agents - Not so secret Agents
Not so secret agents
The role of the agent in football is one which is generally not well admired.
Stories of ludicrous demands, threats and outrageous fees abound but the only time I met an agent was some years ago when he represented a player in what is now the Championship.
The agent said the player, still in his 20s, had started to get injured more than usual and his club were reluctant to offer an extension to a contract that had about 18 months to run.
The player, said the agent, had spent almost five years with the same side and had been given the chance to go some years before but had stayed because the club was in a tricky place in the table and could have gone down.
The club, once relegation had been averted, rewarded the player with a two-year contract and all seemed well. That is until the knocks started to arrive and the player spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch.
It shows that while there undoubtedly are agents who will deal and delve into areas that border on the ridiculously greedy, like most things in life, the majority of people are trying to protect their employees and get for them what is, in reality, a very short working life.
I remember one of the best goalscorers I ever saw was Kevin Hector, ex-Derby County who, if memory serves me right, retired and became a postman. Nothing wrong with postmen. But can you imagine John Terry giving it all up, or being forced to, and becoming a brickie?
Life at the top in all walks of life has fabulous rewards but agents – most of them anyway – are trying to earn a crust like the rest of us.
The role of the agent in football is one which is generally not well admired.
Stories of ludicrous demands, threats and outrageous fees abound but the only time I met an agent was some years ago when he represented a player in what is now the Championship.
The agent said the player, still in his 20s, had started to get injured more than usual and his club were reluctant to offer an extension to a contract that had about 18 months to run.
The player, said the agent, had spent almost five years with the same side and had been given the chance to go some years before but had stayed because the club was in a tricky place in the table and could have gone down.
The club, once relegation had been averted, rewarded the player with a two-year contract and all seemed well. That is until the knocks started to arrive and the player spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch.
It shows that while there undoubtedly are agents who will deal and delve into areas that border on the ridiculously greedy, like most things in life, the majority of people are trying to protect their employees and get for them what is, in reality, a very short working life.
I remember one of the best goalscorers I ever saw was Kevin Hector, ex-Derby County who, if memory serves me right, retired and became a postman. Nothing wrong with postmen. But can you imagine John Terry giving it all up, or being forced to, and becoming a brickie?
Life at the top in all walks of life has fabulous rewards but agents – most of them anyway – are trying to earn a crust like the rest of us.
Football Club Ownership - Never Mind the Quality
Never Mind the Quality
More years ago than I care to remember there was a TV comedy show called “Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width” about two tailors, one Irish, one Jewish, who represented the two attitudes embodied in the title.
One said, in effect, who cares how much time we spend on every aspect of the suit so long as the customers are coming through the door? The other advocated making all parts of the suits the best they can possibly be so that the reputation of their business was known and admired.
Watching what’s going on with Portsmouth puts me in mind of the Premier League. I don’t have to labour the point but that seems to be the attitude of the folks in Gloucester Place: “once we’ve set up the golden goose, who cares what happens round the back with the dirty bits”.
Richard Scudamore and his mates at the PL would disagree, of course. They have a “fit and proper” test for owners of their clubs these days and no doubt every Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, American, Russian or British wannabe football god has come through that test with flying colours.
Pity they don’t have a rule which says a club is allowed only one owner per season. Pompey have had four so far. They are, we are told, £11 million pounds in debt and have a week to sort it out. I hope they do, for the fans sake, but then I hope they don’t for the sake of football.
Until a club goes bust we will continue to believe that the PL is the best in the world. It isn’t.
It is allowing a free reign to the financial speculators to mess up – just like the banks. Trouble is, there aren’t enough governments interested in baling out football clubs.
More years ago than I care to remember there was a TV comedy show called “Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width” about two tailors, one Irish, one Jewish, who represented the two attitudes embodied in the title.
One said, in effect, who cares how much time we spend on every aspect of the suit so long as the customers are coming through the door? The other advocated making all parts of the suits the best they can possibly be so that the reputation of their business was known and admired.
Watching what’s going on with Portsmouth puts me in mind of the Premier League. I don’t have to labour the point but that seems to be the attitude of the folks in Gloucester Place: “once we’ve set up the golden goose, who cares what happens round the back with the dirty bits”.
Richard Scudamore and his mates at the PL would disagree, of course. They have a “fit and proper” test for owners of their clubs these days and no doubt every Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, American, Russian or British wannabe football god has come through that test with flying colours.
Pity they don’t have a rule which says a club is allowed only one owner per season. Pompey have had four so far. They are, we are told, £11 million pounds in debt and have a week to sort it out. I hope they do, for the fans sake, but then I hope they don’t for the sake of football.
Until a club goes bust we will continue to believe that the PL is the best in the world. It isn’t.
It is allowing a free reign to the financial speculators to mess up – just like the banks. Trouble is, there aren’t enough governments interested in baling out football clubs.
Winter Olympics 2010 - Cold Shoulder for Winter Sports
Cold shoulder for winter sports
I’m sure you all know that the Winter Olympics get under way in Vancouver on Friday.
Britain will be there, of course, with 14 skiers and snowboarders taking part in competitions we don’t excel in but in which, true to the Olympian ideal, we will compete because we can.
A bit unfortunate then that the governing body of our intrepid winter sportspeople, Snowsport GB, has gone bust.
Last month Snowsport GB said it needed £200,000 to carry on. No money turned up so the organisation went into administration.
In stepped the British Olympic Association to pay for our teams to go to Vancouver. Well done.
But what happens after the games is a bit up in the air. Talks are planned to see what can be done.
As Olympian officials gather to discuss, among other things, the summer games and London’s 2012 progress it’s a pity that some of the cash from those preparations couldn’t be directed to our snow sporters.
The alternative, of course, is that we abandon all hope of competing in snow-based events because we probably won’t win anything anyway.
I don’t agree.
Anyone with talent who passes the required standard to compete in major competitions in any sport, anywhere should be allowed to do so and if they represent their country their training, coaching, travel and living expenses should be paid – in full.
I feel better now.
Allowing a governing body to go bust on the eve of its major showcase and when we’re trying to present an impression of efficiency and excellent money-management with regard to 2012 is folly.
I’m sure you all know that the Winter Olympics get under way in Vancouver on Friday.
Britain will be there, of course, with 14 skiers and snowboarders taking part in competitions we don’t excel in but in which, true to the Olympian ideal, we will compete because we can.
A bit unfortunate then that the governing body of our intrepid winter sportspeople, Snowsport GB, has gone bust.
Last month Snowsport GB said it needed £200,000 to carry on. No money turned up so the organisation went into administration.
In stepped the British Olympic Association to pay for our teams to go to Vancouver. Well done.
But what happens after the games is a bit up in the air. Talks are planned to see what can be done.
As Olympian officials gather to discuss, among other things, the summer games and London’s 2012 progress it’s a pity that some of the cash from those preparations couldn’t be directed to our snow sporters.
The alternative, of course, is that we abandon all hope of competing in snow-based events because we probably won’t win anything anyway.
I don’t agree.
Anyone with talent who passes the required standard to compete in major competitions in any sport, anywhere should be allowed to do so and if they represent their country their training, coaching, travel and living expenses should be paid – in full.
I feel better now.
Allowing a governing body to go bust on the eve of its major showcase and when we’re trying to present an impression of efficiency and excellent money-management with regard to 2012 is folly.
Monday, 8 February 2010
New Orleans Saints - Saints and Sinners
There was the heartwarming tale of a sporting success over the weekend that even the opposition’s fans were happy to applaud. Then there was the complete frustration of the most admired manager in the Premiership complaining that the other side didn’t play fair.
The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl thanks to an intercepted pass that was run in for a touchdown four minutes from time to give the city ravaged by a hurricane some sort of sporting closure.
Somehow it’s fitting that the Saints won. Sport does have the capacity to lift individuals and indeed nations and provide some sort of hope, however fleeting.
England’s rugby players, while the 30-17 scoreline against Wales flattered them, will gain enormous confidence from the win and the fact that they scored three tries against a side who had dominated them in the past.
I must say didn’t expect Arsene Wenger to complain that Chelsea were content to sit back, defend and hit his team on the counter at Stamford Bridge.
He is such a cultured man but sometimes he betrays his own desire to see the game played in his own team’s beautiful image.
Sometimes you have to battle and scrap for success. Arsenal are a lovely sight when dominating teams but Chelsea and Manchester United have found a way to stifle their creativity by crowding out the more gifted players then exploiting the space behind the defence with quick counters.
Yes, Arsenal had loads of possession and Arshavin and Nasri might have scored but the truth is that when it came to taking chances Chelsea were in a different league.
The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl thanks to an intercepted pass that was run in for a touchdown four minutes from time to give the city ravaged by a hurricane some sort of sporting closure.
Somehow it’s fitting that the Saints won. Sport does have the capacity to lift individuals and indeed nations and provide some sort of hope, however fleeting.
England’s rugby players, while the 30-17 scoreline against Wales flattered them, will gain enormous confidence from the win and the fact that they scored three tries against a side who had dominated them in the past.
I must say didn’t expect Arsene Wenger to complain that Chelsea were content to sit back, defend and hit his team on the counter at Stamford Bridge.
He is such a cultured man but sometimes he betrays his own desire to see the game played in his own team’s beautiful image.
Sometimes you have to battle and scrap for success. Arsenal are a lovely sight when dominating teams but Chelsea and Manchester United have found a way to stifle their creativity by crowding out the more gifted players then exploiting the space behind the defence with quick counters.
Yes, Arsenal had loads of possession and Arshavin and Nasri might have scored but the truth is that when it came to taking chances Chelsea were in a different league.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
John Terry - Just take the hit, John
Just take the hit, John.
Do you remember at school there was usually one teacher you had a grudging respect for? The man or woman who, whenever they told you off, you knew deep down that they were right.
In my case it was Mr Ellis the history master. He used to come in to the classroom holding a cricket bat. Not to beat us with but to smote imaginary cover drives to the boundary while he told us about the Black Death.
At first we thought he was just weird but soon we realised he was a good sort, strict but fair and he made lessons interesting because they were sprinkled with nuggets of sporting knowledge that appealed to us.
I get the feeling Fabio Capello is a bit like Mr Ellis. He’s someone the boys have grown to admire because he accepts no nonsense and you know what he’s telling you are the nuggets you need to keep you on course for a decent mark.
I admire Capello for sacking John Terry. There’s no nonsense with him. Capello flies in, arranges the meeting, says a captain should set an example, decides Mr Terry hasn’t been up to the mark and cans him.
My one regret that is that John Terry didn’t have the bottle – or was just too arrogant – to resign in the first place.
I suppose that tells you the measure of each man.
1-0 to Capello. And you can bet there won’t be much dissent. The rest of the class know he’s right.
Do you remember at school there was usually one teacher you had a grudging respect for? The man or woman who, whenever they told you off, you knew deep down that they were right.
In my case it was Mr Ellis the history master. He used to come in to the classroom holding a cricket bat. Not to beat us with but to smote imaginary cover drives to the boundary while he told us about the Black Death.
At first we thought he was just weird but soon we realised he was a good sort, strict but fair and he made lessons interesting because they were sprinkled with nuggets of sporting knowledge that appealed to us.
I get the feeling Fabio Capello is a bit like Mr Ellis. He’s someone the boys have grown to admire because he accepts no nonsense and you know what he’s telling you are the nuggets you need to keep you on course for a decent mark.
I admire Capello for sacking John Terry. There’s no nonsense with him. Capello flies in, arranges the meeting, says a captain should set an example, decides Mr Terry hasn’t been up to the mark and cans him.
My one regret that is that John Terry didn’t have the bottle – or was just too arrogant – to resign in the first place.
I suppose that tells you the measure of each man.
1-0 to Capello. And you can bet there won’t be much dissent. The rest of the class know he’s right.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Looking ahead y’all
Looking ahead y’all
Look, I know we’ve got John Terry and Capello, Arsenal v Champions-elect Chelsea and the Six Nations going on this weekend but despite my misgivings it’s the Super Bowl that is dragging my attention away from the domestic rumbles.
Since I noted a week or so ago that I still can’t get into the game, several helpful suggestions have been made around “you don’t know what you’re talking about” variety. Fair enough.
I looked at the two championship games when the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings with an overtime field goal in the NFC title decider then saw some of the AFC championship play-off with the Indianapolis Colts reaching the Super Bowl with a comfortable 30-17 win over the New York Jets.
Played well, as these two games were, it was absorbing, exciting and – in the case of the Saints – tense.
The trouble is, there are two many dead times in a match, especially on TV, when play stops, ad breaks are taken, teams are changed and the officials get involved.
Just play the game!
Played well, most professional sport – with the exception of ice skating and equestrianism – can be riveting. Skating is just too dull for words and horses are only worth watching when someone falls off.
But I’ll give the SB a go. And just hope the highlights live up to the hype.
Look, I know we’ve got John Terry and Capello, Arsenal v Champions-elect Chelsea and the Six Nations going on this weekend but despite my misgivings it’s the Super Bowl that is dragging my attention away from the domestic rumbles.
Since I noted a week or so ago that I still can’t get into the game, several helpful suggestions have been made around “you don’t know what you’re talking about” variety. Fair enough.
I looked at the two championship games when the New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings with an overtime field goal in the NFC title decider then saw some of the AFC championship play-off with the Indianapolis Colts reaching the Super Bowl with a comfortable 30-17 win over the New York Jets.
Played well, as these two games were, it was absorbing, exciting and – in the case of the Saints – tense.
The trouble is, there are two many dead times in a match, especially on TV, when play stops, ad breaks are taken, teams are changed and the officials get involved.
Just play the game!
Played well, most professional sport – with the exception of ice skating and equestrianism – can be riveting. Skating is just too dull for words and horses are only worth watching when someone falls off.
But I’ll give the SB a go. And just hope the highlights live up to the hype.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Six Nations magic fading
Six Nations magic fading
I’ll probably upset a few people by saying that I can’t get too excited by the Six Nations which starts this weekend.
Maybe the years are taking their toll or the expectation of success is too great – particularly in England - but it’s no fun seeing your heroes struggling. Worse, it’s no fun seeing your team not playing the way you know they can.
There seems to be an attitude in the England camp that we can succeed through attrition – the classic forward’s play – especially when we don’t think we have the backs to express themselves.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that England are led by an iconic forward in Martin Johnson.
There’s much talk of people not having the bottle to challenge the big man, that his impatience is intimidating. Well, it can’t be more scary that 70,000 Twickenham fans groaning every time another pass is dropped or a talented scrum-half, fly half or centre runs up another blind alley.
Johnson advocates winning every game and picking a team to win that game but there’s a World Cup coming; bring out the youngsters.
Injuries aside, don’t England need permission to play?
Come on, Jonno, release the young Lions.
I’ll probably upset a few people by saying that I can’t get too excited by the Six Nations which starts this weekend.
Maybe the years are taking their toll or the expectation of success is too great – particularly in England - but it’s no fun seeing your heroes struggling. Worse, it’s no fun seeing your team not playing the way you know they can.
There seems to be an attitude in the England camp that we can succeed through attrition – the classic forward’s play – especially when we don’t think we have the backs to express themselves.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that England are led by an iconic forward in Martin Johnson.
There’s much talk of people not having the bottle to challenge the big man, that his impatience is intimidating. Well, it can’t be more scary that 70,000 Twickenham fans groaning every time another pass is dropped or a talented scrum-half, fly half or centre runs up another blind alley.
Johnson advocates winning every game and picking a team to win that game but there’s a World Cup coming; bring out the youngsters.
Injuries aside, don’t England need permission to play?
Come on, Jonno, release the young Lions.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
It's all about the words
It’s all about the words
I made a passing reference to reporters and commentators who were good with words the other day and people were kind enough to offer other suggestions.
The debate came out of the death of rugby’s Bill McLaren who most people admired – me included – for his charm of his descriptions and the instinct he had of letting the pictures do the talking.
I am reminded of a man on Sky called Graham Symonds – another RU correspondent – who again has a lovely way with the spoken word and how it can be used in a way that enhances what you are looking at.
Mihir Bose was a newspaper man before coming to TV as the BBC’s sports editor and while he could get the good stories I never felt he was entirely comfortable with the camera. But one correspondent said his words could get her to love camel racing. Well, it’s a start.
I like my commentators to be understated and I can’t do with people who tell you the obvious or analyse games with the aid of fancy technology.
My bête noir is Andy Gray. I’m sorry but he’s becoming a caricature of himself. Even Soccer AM used to have a “Take a Boo son” feature of the way he used his stock phrase in commentary.
The best pundit and the best commentator for me are Sky’s RU dup of Stuart Barnes and Miles Harrison. The former all opinion and common sense, the latter an enthusiast and true conveyor of the excitement and drama of what’s happening in front of him.
I made a passing reference to reporters and commentators who were good with words the other day and people were kind enough to offer other suggestions.
The debate came out of the death of rugby’s Bill McLaren who most people admired – me included – for his charm of his descriptions and the instinct he had of letting the pictures do the talking.
I am reminded of a man on Sky called Graham Symonds – another RU correspondent – who again has a lovely way with the spoken word and how it can be used in a way that enhances what you are looking at.
Mihir Bose was a newspaper man before coming to TV as the BBC’s sports editor and while he could get the good stories I never felt he was entirely comfortable with the camera. But one correspondent said his words could get her to love camel racing. Well, it’s a start.
I like my commentators to be understated and I can’t do with people who tell you the obvious or analyse games with the aid of fancy technology.
My bête noir is Andy Gray. I’m sorry but he’s becoming a caricature of himself. Even Soccer AM used to have a “Take a Boo son” feature of the way he used his stock phrase in commentary.
The best pundit and the best commentator for me are Sky’s RU dup of Stuart Barnes and Miles Harrison. The former all opinion and common sense, the latter an enthusiast and true conveyor of the excitement and drama of what’s happening in front of him.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Clubbing a way into court
Clubbing a way into court
Did you see the stories about golfer Phil Mickelson threatening to sue a fellow professional this week because of the word “cheat”?
It’s complicated but essentially Mickelson – the world’s top golfer now that Tiger has gone walkabout – is using a wedge that is 20 years old which helps him bypass a new rule about the size of the grooves on the club face.
Well, the US PGA said golfers were getting too much help from a particular form of groove so they changed the rule saying that from January 1 this year most of the old-style clubs were banned – except for a Ping version.
Still with me? Ping had threatened to sue the PGA over the change but under a settlement the two sides decided the rule could change but only unless Ping’s old-groove wedge, made before April 1 1990, was exempt.
Mickelson just happens to have an old Ping and he used it at the weekend in a Tour event in San Diego.
Scott McCarron was the man using the “C-word” and he may now face the Mickelson lawyers. McCarron said he was appalled at the top guy trying to get round the rules and he should be ashamed of himself.
Mickelson blamed the PGA for changing the rule in the first place.
Golf’s probably the last sport to uphold the ethos of utter fairness, probity on the course and sportsmanship.
Lord help us if they become as selfish as footballers.
By the way, Mickelson finished 19th in San Diego, five shots off the lead.
Did you see the stories about golfer Phil Mickelson threatening to sue a fellow professional this week because of the word “cheat”?
It’s complicated but essentially Mickelson – the world’s top golfer now that Tiger has gone walkabout – is using a wedge that is 20 years old which helps him bypass a new rule about the size of the grooves on the club face.
Well, the US PGA said golfers were getting too much help from a particular form of groove so they changed the rule saying that from January 1 this year most of the old-style clubs were banned – except for a Ping version.
Still with me? Ping had threatened to sue the PGA over the change but under a settlement the two sides decided the rule could change but only unless Ping’s old-groove wedge, made before April 1 1990, was exempt.
Mickelson just happens to have an old Ping and he used it at the weekend in a Tour event in San Diego.
Scott McCarron was the man using the “C-word” and he may now face the Mickelson lawyers. McCarron said he was appalled at the top guy trying to get round the rules and he should be ashamed of himself.
Mickelson blamed the PGA for changing the rule in the first place.
Golf’s probably the last sport to uphold the ethos of utter fairness, probity on the course and sportsmanship.
Lord help us if they become as selfish as footballers.
By the way, Mickelson finished 19th in San Diego, five shots off the lead.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Terry: What about the wife?
Terry: What about the wife?
In all the hoo-ha about John Terry I haven’t heard much about his wife, Toni, his childhood sweetheart and mother of his twin girls. She is supposedly seeking a divorce which if the stories are true is understandable.
The casualties of Terry’s frolics are his family.
The Chelsea and England man – variously said to be on about £170K a week – is a working class hero exalted by his peers and followers to a status that few of us can comprehend.
He has fame, wealth, fitness and an ability that puts him apart. But let’s look at the man.
A few weeks ago he was implicated in a plan that supposedly saw him paid £10,000 for easing the way for a tour the Chelsea training ground. Now he is supposed to have had an affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend and paid for an abortion. Well, even in these sexually free times that’s pretty low.
Should he lose the England captaincy? No, not just because he’s had an affair.
Like Tiger Woods, once you are found out then the way to redemption is to make known your contrition and be seen to be getting help.
Tiger’s in a sex rehab clinic. The cynic in me says his “people” leaked that information.
Terry? He should offer to quit as England skipper first before being pushed.
Whether he feels any or not it will pay John Terry to make it look as though he is ashamed of what he has done.
What he should do is seek the forgiveness of the mother of his kids.
In all the hoo-ha about John Terry I haven’t heard much about his wife, Toni, his childhood sweetheart and mother of his twin girls. She is supposedly seeking a divorce which if the stories are true is understandable.
The casualties of Terry’s frolics are his family.
The Chelsea and England man – variously said to be on about £170K a week – is a working class hero exalted by his peers and followers to a status that few of us can comprehend.
He has fame, wealth, fitness and an ability that puts him apart. But let’s look at the man.
A few weeks ago he was implicated in a plan that supposedly saw him paid £10,000 for easing the way for a tour the Chelsea training ground. Now he is supposed to have had an affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend and paid for an abortion. Well, even in these sexually free times that’s pretty low.
Should he lose the England captaincy? No, not just because he’s had an affair.
Like Tiger Woods, once you are found out then the way to redemption is to make known your contrition and be seen to be getting help.
Tiger’s in a sex rehab clinic. The cynic in me says his “people” leaked that information.
Terry? He should offer to quit as England skipper first before being pushed.
Whether he feels any or not it will pay John Terry to make it look as though he is ashamed of what he has done.
What he should do is seek the forgiveness of the mother of his kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)