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.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
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.
5 To Watch This Weekend Preview
This week’s 5 to Watch has a wonderful sporting list to go at.
It’s the FA Cup semi-final weekend, the Grand National and top and bottom issues to be fought over in league football. So, here goes.
• It would be foolish to look beyond Tottenham and Chelsea reaching the FA Cup final – so I won’t. Spurs ought to see off Portsmouth, who for all their bravery on the pitch and barminess off it, don’t have the strength in depth to trouble Harry Redknapp’s men. Chelsea, having hammered Aston Villa 7-1 a couple of weeks ago, are on a roll after winning at Old Trafford and should come through easily enough.
• The Grand National is one of those iconic sporting events that captures the spirit of the nation while still being a desperately hard challenge for all concerned. I am a fan of grey horses but not since Nicholas Silver in the 60s has a grey horse won so my choice is based on ignorance and stupidity. I am going for The Package – well fancied and a succinct name? Daft? Of course. Others to watch are Vic Venturi and Comply or Die.
• The Masters golf is of course under way and it won’t be finished until late into the night on Sunday. After round one and the Tiger hype it appears that the event is wide open. Last year it went to a play-off and this year might be the same. For all the wrong reasons, I’m taking fate to deal a decisive hand to Tiger Woods. I hope it’s Lee Westwood but let’s stick with Tiger.
• The biggest football contest in Europe this weekend is El Classico – Real Madrid against Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi. It’s being hyped on TV but doesn’t hold the same aura as an English fixture – Liverpool v Everton for example. Still, it’s intriguing to see the world’s two greatest players battling it out. Madrid are top of La Liga and being at home I go for them to win.
• It’s the Heineken Cup in rugby union this weekend and pick of the battles is Northampton against Munster. Northampton have become very hard to beat and are on a winning roll – 19 victories in their last 21 games – and although Munster beat them earlier in the season I am going for the Saints to turn the tables.
It’s the FA Cup semi-final weekend, the Grand National and top and bottom issues to be fought over in league football. So, here goes.
• It would be foolish to look beyond Tottenham and Chelsea reaching the FA Cup final – so I won’t. Spurs ought to see off Portsmouth, who for all their bravery on the pitch and barminess off it, don’t have the strength in depth to trouble Harry Redknapp’s men. Chelsea, having hammered Aston Villa 7-1 a couple of weeks ago, are on a roll after winning at Old Trafford and should come through easily enough.
• The Grand National is one of those iconic sporting events that captures the spirit of the nation while still being a desperately hard challenge for all concerned. I am a fan of grey horses but not since Nicholas Silver in the 60s has a grey horse won so my choice is based on ignorance and stupidity. I am going for The Package – well fancied and a succinct name? Daft? Of course. Others to watch are Vic Venturi and Comply or Die.
• The Masters golf is of course under way and it won’t be finished until late into the night on Sunday. After round one and the Tiger hype it appears that the event is wide open. Last year it went to a play-off and this year might be the same. For all the wrong reasons, I’m taking fate to deal a decisive hand to Tiger Woods. I hope it’s Lee Westwood but let’s stick with Tiger.
• The biggest football contest in Europe this weekend is El Classico – Real Madrid against Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo v Lionel Messi. It’s being hyped on TV but doesn’t hold the same aura as an English fixture – Liverpool v Everton for example. Still, it’s intriguing to see the world’s two greatest players battling it out. Madrid are top of La Liga and being at home I go for them to win.
• It’s the Heineken Cup in rugby union this weekend and pick of the battles is Northampton against Munster. Northampton have become very hard to beat and are on a winning roll – 19 victories in their last 21 games – and although Munster beat them earlier in the season I am going for the Saints to turn the tables.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Sir Alex Sees Red As United Go Out
Sir Alex sees red as United go out
The left foot of Arjen Robben, which never shone brightly when he played for Chelsea, was the laser that cut Manchester United’s link to the Champions League as Bayern Munich fought back from 3-0 down to score twice and win the quarter final at Old Trafford on away goals.
Coming so soon after United’s defeat at home to Chelsea at the weekend it was perhaps not unexpected that Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, should be less than magnanimous in defeat.
“Typical Germans”, was his comment as Bayern players surrounded the referee just before United defender Rafael was sent off for his second bookable offence.
“We were the better side”, he groaned after Robben’s wonder strike that gave the Germans a semi-final tie against Lyon.
No-one can take away what Ferguson has done for United. His trophies and team-building have been superb.
But isn’t it now time this ageing colossus retired?
His intimidation of referees, his influence over the Premier League and his faintly embarrassing prognostications on the game itself, now render him in danger of becoming a sad, embittered figure.
The loss of the Premier League title – if it happens – will surely hasten his exit. Not before time.
Tiger Woods is back at Augusta, the smile is back and the game to judge from the practice ground.
Part of me hopes he does well.
But for the good of golf I hope his comeback is a disaster if only to show him and his minders that you cannot manipulate the world to how you want it to react to your mistakes.
You can’t manage all of the people all of the time.
What a contrast to Ferguson and Woods is the young man Lionel Messi of Barcelona. His youthful enthusiasm, joyful play and stupendous skill show is that there are still some things in sport worth watching.
The left foot of Arjen Robben, which never shone brightly when he played for Chelsea, was the laser that cut Manchester United’s link to the Champions League as Bayern Munich fought back from 3-0 down to score twice and win the quarter final at Old Trafford on away goals.
Coming so soon after United’s defeat at home to Chelsea at the weekend it was perhaps not unexpected that Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, should be less than magnanimous in defeat.
“Typical Germans”, was his comment as Bayern players surrounded the referee just before United defender Rafael was sent off for his second bookable offence.
“We were the better side”, he groaned after Robben’s wonder strike that gave the Germans a semi-final tie against Lyon.
No-one can take away what Ferguson has done for United. His trophies and team-building have been superb.
But isn’t it now time this ageing colossus retired?
His intimidation of referees, his influence over the Premier League and his faintly embarrassing prognostications on the game itself, now render him in danger of becoming a sad, embittered figure.
The loss of the Premier League title – if it happens – will surely hasten his exit. Not before time.
Tiger Woods is back at Augusta, the smile is back and the game to judge from the practice ground.
Part of me hopes he does well.
But for the good of golf I hope his comeback is a disaster if only to show him and his minders that you cannot manipulate the world to how you want it to react to your mistakes.
You can’t manage all of the people all of the time.
What a contrast to Ferguson and Woods is the young man Lionel Messi of Barcelona. His youthful enthusiasm, joyful play and stupendous skill show is that there are still some things in sport worth watching.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
5 To Watch A Mixed Bag
5 to watch a mixed bag
David Haye didn't let us down with a crushing performance to retain his WBA world heavyweight crown.
Our 5 to Watch suffered apart from that
Wasps were the big surprise, taking London Irish apart in the Guinness Premiership.
And I must stop relying on Lewis Hamilton.
Another decidedly dodgy drive in Malaysia does little for our confidence.
Hamilton followed Man U and Oxford in the Boat Race.
Still I'm glad for the Light Blues - a great upset.
David Haye didn't let us down with a crushing performance to retain his WBA world heavyweight crown.
Our 5 to Watch suffered apart from that
Wasps were the big surprise, taking London Irish apart in the Guinness Premiership.
And I must stop relying on Lewis Hamilton.
Another decidedly dodgy drive in Malaysia does little for our confidence.
Hamilton followed Man U and Oxford in the Boat Race.
Still I'm glad for the Light Blues - a great upset.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Martin Johnson's Charmed Life
Martin Johnson’s charmed life
The Rugby Football Union made a remarkable statement this week. It was one which may gladden the heart of many rugby fans but I suspect will dismay a whole lot more.
The RFU, the governors of the game, said they were going to be kind to Johnson and let him keep his job until the next World Cup in 2011 despite the fact that his ratio of wins to games is, frankly, poor.
His predecessors, Brian Ashton and Andy Robinson, both had better records when it came to victories and it could be argued that Ashton and Robinson had the residue of the World Cup winners still available and Johnson rebuilding job is harder.
All true.
But RFU chairman Martyn Thomas’s plea that they should be praised for being more lenient with Johnson for not sacking him after being berated for doing exactly that to the previous two, doesn’t ring true.
We have the spectre of the emperor’s new clothes here.
The RFU is desperately hoping that Johnson gets it right in time for the World Cup. If he doesn’t they will be made to look like plonkers but I suspect they will still carry on.
It’s a bit like the LTA.
They are failing to bring young tennis stars into the world’s top 50 – or even top 100 – yet they insist what they are doing is right and hoping all will be well.
The Rugby Football Union made a remarkable statement this week. It was one which may gladden the heart of many rugby fans but I suspect will dismay a whole lot more.
The RFU, the governors of the game, said they were going to be kind to Johnson and let him keep his job until the next World Cup in 2011 despite the fact that his ratio of wins to games is, frankly, poor.
His predecessors, Brian Ashton and Andy Robinson, both had better records when it came to victories and it could be argued that Ashton and Robinson had the residue of the World Cup winners still available and Johnson rebuilding job is harder.
All true.
But RFU chairman Martyn Thomas’s plea that they should be praised for being more lenient with Johnson for not sacking him after being berated for doing exactly that to the previous two, doesn’t ring true.
We have the spectre of the emperor’s new clothes here.
The RFU is desperately hoping that Johnson gets it right in time for the World Cup. If he doesn’t they will be made to look like plonkers but I suspect they will still carry on.
It’s a bit like the LTA.
They are failing to bring young tennis stars into the world’s top 50 – or even top 100 – yet they insist what they are doing is right and hoping all will be well.
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