This weekend, David Beckham was unveiled as an AC Milan player during the Rossoneri's 5-1 home victory over Udinese. While it is yet another example of Brand Beckham embarking on a new project, as the boy from Leytonstone further cements his status as a global icon, the move is essential for Beckham the player. The star will be looking to regain his match-fitness and prove to Fabio Capello he is worthy of a place in the next England squad for the qualifier against Ukraine. If selected, he will pick up his 108th cap and in doing so equal Bobby Moore's outfield record.
Much has been said and written regarding Beckham's unerring quest to continue to represent his country. There are some claiming his desire to clock up as many caps as possible is to reach yet another milestone, to add a further achievement and celebrity, and that his selection by Capello in recent qualifiers has been purely for sentimental reasons. But why should he give up his dream of representing his country? His services to our nation, both on and off the field, not to mention his truly amicable charity work, places Beckham in a category that few can be associated with. He is a great and as long as he is fit and playing well in Milan, surely he deserves to oust Moore whilst there is the opportunity to do so.
But is this the right thing to do? It may be for humanitarian reasons, but is it the best thing for England? There is no doubting that very few can strike the ball as good as Beckham, and certainly there are few better who can deliver a cross with as much menace and accuracy. However, Capello's decision to play him eight times, and more recently as a cameo substitute, could be called in for scrutiny. There are plenty of talented young right-sided players waiting in the wings (no pun intended). Theo Walcott, David Bentley, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon, James Milner and Ashley Young will all be looking to replace the monopoly Beckham occupies on the right flank long-term.
It will certainly be interesting to see whether a fully fit Beckham is chosen in April ahead of these talented Premier League players. Certainly Walcott has done enough recently to deserve his selection. However, with the young Arsenal man suffering with a dislocation of the shoulder, it looks as though it will be a fight between Beckham and the remaining candidates for the number 7 shirt. Bentley is only just beginning to find form at Whit Hart Lane since his big money move from Blackburn, as is Lennon; and the two certainly look like they are much more comfortable under Harry Redknapp than Juande Ramos. Wright-Phillips has always flattered to deceive in an England shirt, Milner must cement himself in the Villa line-up first and Young, whilst impressing recently for the Villans, is still a work in progress. Come April, if Beckham's move to Milan is proving to be a success, I know who my money will be on to fill in on that right hand side.
Although Beckham has had his fair share of criticism during his career, he has always managed to rise above it. Rebbecca whose? France 98 saw him become one of England's most despised individuals. He responded by helping United win an unprecedented treble the following season, and the next year saw him appointed England captain by the stand-in manager Peter Taylor for a friendly in Italy. He has since shone in Madrid, and despite the America adventure not entirely going to plan, he has certainly boosted the profile of 'soccer' across the pond and will continue to do so whilst out there.
David Beckham is all set for his next challenge, and while his people will be looking to ensure the Italian job runs smoothly, the pretenders will be waiting in the wings. Perhaps Trademark Theo, Product Shaun, Label Lennon or even Variety Young may be the next marketing schemes to tackle to global market. But for now, the Beckham circus must go on. Golden Balls for 108? For now, it is a nobrainer and, more crucially for Brand Beckham, a certainty.
Thursday 4 December 2008
Sunday 9 November 2008
Bit late, but here's my team of Euro '08
I appreciate this may be a tad late in the day/month/year, but I had time on me hands, got all nostalgic, and thought hows about giving this a go. There were some truly Stella performances this summer and, as an England supporter, may I just add how refreshing it was to sit back and enjoy the cream of the Europe's top talent compete against one another at the highest level. Well, World Cup aside.
Here are my eleven, no doubt many of you will have your own say, and feel free to post your own thoughts in the comments section.
Iker Casillas
The Real Madrid stopper had an excellent tournament, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the knock out stages to lead his side to their fist trophy in 44 years. A standout performance in Spain's penalty shootout victory over Italy in the quarter-final stages.
Sergio Ramos
The young full back had an outstanding tournament, bombing up and down the right flank offering both offensive and defensive excellence. After finally seeing off his predecessor Míchel Salgado, the Real Madrid man is sure to be a firm fixture in the national setup for many years to come.
Carlos Marchena
Yet another Spaniard. The Valencia Captain grew in stature as the tournament developed. Renowned for his man-marking ability, this hard-nut was not to be crossed and was integral to their solid defensive displays.
Pepe
The Euros elevated this Portugezer to new heights with his impressive displays at the heart of Luiz Felipe Scolari's back line. Solid in defence, the Real Madrid player also proved a nuisance in opposition's penalty areas, getting on the score sheet in his side's opening victory against Turkey.
Philipp Lahm
Not blessed with Crouchy-esque height, this nipper from Bayern Munich proved why Sir Alex has been casting a watchful eye over him lately. Assured on the ball, he hit the crucial injury-time winner versus Turkey at the semi-final stage. One for the future as well as today.
Andre Arshavin
Received interest from Europe's elite clubs following his outstanding attacking midfield displays. The Zenit St. Petersburg magician turned matches and heads and is largely responsible for Edwin Van der Saar's premature retirement from international football with his man of the match display in their 3-1 extra time victory over Holland.
Cesc Fabregas
Despite starting the vast majority of the games on the bench, the Arsenal prodigy appeared from the touchline to produce some mesmerising displays. Comfortable in possession of the ball, the Spanish starlet was a key component in their eventual triumph. Hit the winning penalty in the shoot-out against the Italians.
Marcos Senna
Unquestionably the unsung hero of Luis Aragonés side. This midfield general marshalled his side to glory, providing an excellent shield to an already impressive defence. The Villarreal man was crucial in dead ball situations, able to deliver the ammunition to Torres and Villa.
Wesley Sneijder
When Holland topped Group C comprising of France, Italy and Romania, much of what the Oranges did well came through the Ajax graduate. Now at Real Madrid, Sneijder demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe's finest playmakers, scoring key goals in their victories against Italy and France.
David Villa
Took the tournament by storm in Spain's opening fixture, putting Russia to the sword with an impressive hat-trick in their 4-1 triumph. Despite only adding one more to his tally for the competition, he terrorised opposition defences and was the perfect foil for the equally dangerous Torres, who just misses out on my eleven.
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Now finding his feet at White Hart Lane, the Russian forward hit an impressive three goals as the Russians continued to defy the odds in their route to the semi-final. With eloquent grace on the ball for one so tall, he was able to bring team-mates into the game as well as score important goals. As the Harry Redknapp revolution gathers pace, Premiership defences beware.
Here are my eleven, no doubt many of you will have your own say, and feel free to post your own thoughts in the comments section.
Iker Casillas
The Real Madrid stopper had an excellent tournament, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in the knock out stages to lead his side to their fist trophy in 44 years. A standout performance in Spain's penalty shootout victory over Italy in the quarter-final stages.
Sergio Ramos
The young full back had an outstanding tournament, bombing up and down the right flank offering both offensive and defensive excellence. After finally seeing off his predecessor Míchel Salgado, the Real Madrid man is sure to be a firm fixture in the national setup for many years to come.
Carlos Marchena
Yet another Spaniard. The Valencia Captain grew in stature as the tournament developed. Renowned for his man-marking ability, this hard-nut was not to be crossed and was integral to their solid defensive displays.
Pepe
The Euros elevated this Portugezer to new heights with his impressive displays at the heart of Luiz Felipe Scolari's back line. Solid in defence, the Real Madrid player also proved a nuisance in opposition's penalty areas, getting on the score sheet in his side's opening victory against Turkey.
Philipp Lahm
Not blessed with Crouchy-esque height, this nipper from Bayern Munich proved why Sir Alex has been casting a watchful eye over him lately. Assured on the ball, he hit the crucial injury-time winner versus Turkey at the semi-final stage. One for the future as well as today.
Andre Arshavin
Received interest from Europe's elite clubs following his outstanding attacking midfield displays. The Zenit St. Petersburg magician turned matches and heads and is largely responsible for Edwin Van der Saar's premature retirement from international football with his man of the match display in their 3-1 extra time victory over Holland.
Cesc Fabregas
Despite starting the vast majority of the games on the bench, the Arsenal prodigy appeared from the touchline to produce some mesmerising displays. Comfortable in possession of the ball, the Spanish starlet was a key component in their eventual triumph. Hit the winning penalty in the shoot-out against the Italians.
Marcos Senna
Unquestionably the unsung hero of Luis Aragonés side. This midfield general marshalled his side to glory, providing an excellent shield to an already impressive defence. The Villarreal man was crucial in dead ball situations, able to deliver the ammunition to Torres and Villa.
Wesley Sneijder
When Holland topped Group C comprising of France, Italy and Romania, much of what the Oranges did well came through the Ajax graduate. Now at Real Madrid, Sneijder demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe's finest playmakers, scoring key goals in their victories against Italy and France.
David Villa
Took the tournament by storm in Spain's opening fixture, putting Russia to the sword with an impressive hat-trick in their 4-1 triumph. Despite only adding one more to his tally for the competition, he terrorised opposition defences and was the perfect foil for the equally dangerous Torres, who just misses out on my eleven.
Roman Pavlyuchenko
Now finding his feet at White Hart Lane, the Russian forward hit an impressive three goals as the Russians continued to defy the odds in their route to the semi-final. With eloquent grace on the ball for one so tall, he was able to bring team-mates into the game as well as score important goals. As the Harry Redknapp revolution gathers pace, Premiership defences beware.
Monday 3 November 2008
The Constant Gardner
This Sunday, something beautiful happened. Lewis Hamilton became the youngest ever Formula One World Champion and, in doing so, gave the British public something to cheer about; the same which could not be said about our current crop of rugby league players carrying the flag down under. However, beauty is to the beholder, and I observed something that, although not obviously beautiful, brought a smile to my face, restored my faith in sport, and I believe eclipses Hamilton's achievement. This was the beauty that radiated from the the Reebok Stadium as Bolton ground out a 2-0 victory over Manchester City and, in particular, from one man: Ricardo Gardner.
At half time, the score stood at 0-0 in this mundane North-West derby, with the only real endeavour coming from those dishing out the pies and bovril to help keep those poor souls who turned up to this 'contest' satisfied. However, the second half proved to be a much greater spectacle, largely due to the introduction of the aforementioned Jamaican. Both of the host's goals can largely be accredited to the wide man, with him netting the first and providing the assist to Richard Dunne's own goal for the second. He sparked the contest into life and proved one thing to the millions no doubt watching the game from around the world: that you don't need the millions of a tycoon to win Premier League football matches.
Who better than to prove this point to than against Manchester City, the latest club to be bought by billionaire owners? In the 1998/99 season, Gardner was bought for a respectable £1,000,000 from the Jamaican outfit, Harbour View FC. Since then, he has gone on to clock up 292 appearances and 16 goals. Now, although his goals tally could be bettered, his service to Bolton spanning over ten years is refreshing in an age where money dictates so much, and players move to the tune of the big spenders.
He is approaching 300 appearances for a club who, at best, are seen as a stable Premier League outfit, but, more often than not, have flirted with the lower reaches of the division. Indeed, Bolton have plied their trade in what is currently known as The Championship for three of the years Gardner has stuck around. Quite conceivably, he may have asked for a transfer in this period, in the hope to better his career. However, far from in keeping with what a large number of Premier League footballers have done in recent years, Gardner has demonstrated a loyalty and a professionalism that more than merits the testimonial he will receive in the near future.
Gardner is not alone in his campaign demonstrating true allegiance to his football club. This summer, Joseba Etxeberria of Athletic Bilbao signed a contract effectively meaning he will play out his final season in professional football for free. Contracted to the Basque club since his transfer from Real Sociadad in 1994 at the age of 17, the midfield ace hopes to reach the landmark of 500 appearances for the club who only has players born in the Basque region on their books. Modestly, he remarked on signing, "I wanted to do this gesture but never did I want to set a precedent."
Both Gardner and Etxeberria are of course not alone. There are countless others who have demonstrated a dignity and an integrity whilst at a football club that have lasted less than ten years, or even beyond. Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes from Manchester United alone all fall into this category. However, they have received countless plaudits over the years which has seen United win 10 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I though I would leave these legends alone for now, and focus on a dread-locked Jamaican from Bolton. Much of his eleven seasons have been spent in the shadows, and very rarely has Gardner received the plaudits his play and loyalty deserves. Until now. Bravo Ricardo Gardner, the unsung hero of the Reebok.
At half time, the score stood at 0-0 in this mundane North-West derby, with the only real endeavour coming from those dishing out the pies and bovril to help keep those poor souls who turned up to this 'contest' satisfied. However, the second half proved to be a much greater spectacle, largely due to the introduction of the aforementioned Jamaican. Both of the host's goals can largely be accredited to the wide man, with him netting the first and providing the assist to Richard Dunne's own goal for the second. He sparked the contest into life and proved one thing to the millions no doubt watching the game from around the world: that you don't need the millions of a tycoon to win Premier League football matches.
Who better than to prove this point to than against Manchester City, the latest club to be bought by billionaire owners? In the 1998/99 season, Gardner was bought for a respectable £1,000,000 from the Jamaican outfit, Harbour View FC. Since then, he has gone on to clock up 292 appearances and 16 goals. Now, although his goals tally could be bettered, his service to Bolton spanning over ten years is refreshing in an age where money dictates so much, and players move to the tune of the big spenders.
He is approaching 300 appearances for a club who, at best, are seen as a stable Premier League outfit, but, more often than not, have flirted with the lower reaches of the division. Indeed, Bolton have plied their trade in what is currently known as The Championship for three of the years Gardner has stuck around. Quite conceivably, he may have asked for a transfer in this period, in the hope to better his career. However, far from in keeping with what a large number of Premier League footballers have done in recent years, Gardner has demonstrated a loyalty and a professionalism that more than merits the testimonial he will receive in the near future.
Gardner is not alone in his campaign demonstrating true allegiance to his football club. This summer, Joseba Etxeberria of Athletic Bilbao signed a contract effectively meaning he will play out his final season in professional football for free. Contracted to the Basque club since his transfer from Real Sociadad in 1994 at the age of 17, the midfield ace hopes to reach the landmark of 500 appearances for the club who only has players born in the Basque region on their books. Modestly, he remarked on signing, "I wanted to do this gesture but never did I want to set a precedent."
Both Gardner and Etxeberria are of course not alone. There are countless others who have demonstrated a dignity and an integrity whilst at a football club that have lasted less than ten years, or even beyond. Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes from Manchester United alone all fall into this category. However, they have received countless plaudits over the years which has seen United win 10 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I though I would leave these legends alone for now, and focus on a dread-locked Jamaican from Bolton. Much of his eleven seasons have been spent in the shadows, and very rarely has Gardner received the plaudits his play and loyalty deserves. Until now. Bravo Ricardo Gardner, the unsung hero of the Reebok.
Sunday 19 October 2008
The Ultimate Penalty
I have a proposition for the FA. Increasingly there have been cries for referees to show a greater leniency when met with challenging decisions concerning foul play. Yes, if a player is considered to be a danger on the field and has put in a reckless challenge, then he should be punished. However, we all want a contest fought out between two sides consisting of eleven players and for skill to be the overriding factor on the day; rather than a card-happy ref handing over the initiative to one side by reducing the other to ten men.
After watching ten man Tottenham battle so bravely at Stoke this weekend, the red card shown to Gareth Bale got me thinking. After bundling his way into Spurs' area, Tom Soares was unceremoniously brought down when put clear through on goal. Granted it was a goal-scoring opportunity, and Bale certainly denied Soares the chance to put his side ahead. However, there are never any guarantees in football and Soares may well have put the ball into row z. Therefore perhaps the red card was rather harsh.
My main argument is thus: surely the penalty being awarded is punishment enough. Eye for an eye etc, etc. If Bale has denied Soares the chance of a goal, then perhaps a penalty is adequate punishment for the foul committed. My thoughts continued to roam, and my train of thought stumbled upon the rather interesting notion of a sin-bin style punishment. The player who has committed the foul, in this case Bale, temporarily waits on the sideline for the penalty to be taken. There are now two scenarios. If the penalty is scored, Bale returns to the pitch, with a goal conceeded sufficient punishment. The goalscoring opportunity that had been denied has been rectified and normal play can resume. Conversely, if the penalty is missed, then Bale would have to sit out the remainder of the game and there is sufficient punishment with the side now a man short.
Therefore the foul is punished, in my opinion, in a more pragmatic way. Rather than reducing a side to ten men and putting the accused a goal down, which has proved to kill games off in the past, there is a more reasonable solution. Upon reading this, there may well be those thinking shut up, why change rules for the sake of it? Fair point. But I, like many, want to see the beautiful game played out eleven versus eleven, with skill and finesse the ultimate judge on the result.
After watching ten man Tottenham battle so bravely at Stoke this weekend, the red card shown to Gareth Bale got me thinking. After bundling his way into Spurs' area, Tom Soares was unceremoniously brought down when put clear through on goal. Granted it was a goal-scoring opportunity, and Bale certainly denied Soares the chance to put his side ahead. However, there are never any guarantees in football and Soares may well have put the ball into row z. Therefore perhaps the red card was rather harsh.
My main argument is thus: surely the penalty being awarded is punishment enough. Eye for an eye etc, etc. If Bale has denied Soares the chance of a goal, then perhaps a penalty is adequate punishment for the foul committed. My thoughts continued to roam, and my train of thought stumbled upon the rather interesting notion of a sin-bin style punishment. The player who has committed the foul, in this case Bale, temporarily waits on the sideline for the penalty to be taken. There are now two scenarios. If the penalty is scored, Bale returns to the pitch, with a goal conceeded sufficient punishment. The goalscoring opportunity that had been denied has been rectified and normal play can resume. Conversely, if the penalty is missed, then Bale would have to sit out the remainder of the game and there is sufficient punishment with the side now a man short.
Therefore the foul is punished, in my opinion, in a more pragmatic way. Rather than reducing a side to ten men and putting the accused a goal down, which has proved to kill games off in the past, there is a more reasonable solution. Upon reading this, there may well be those thinking shut up, why change rules for the sake of it? Fair point. But I, like many, want to see the beautiful game played out eleven versus eleven, with skill and finesse the ultimate judge on the result.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
During Credit Crunch, why we should not support Cashley
When the boos rang around Wembley Stadium on Saturday, one could be forgiven for thinking they were being directed at a team who had been struggling against a side placed 131 in the world. As it was, the jeers were reserved for a solitary figure. Right or wrong, Ashley Cole was singled out amongst a squad of players that increasingly look detached from reality and from the people who continuously inject their hard-earned cash into the game. A right to boo? You bet they do.
The media this week have had a rather mixed response to the cat-calls directed at arguably the premier left back in Europe, if not the world, at this current time. Paul Hayward at the Daily Mail labelled those who berated the full back as naive and immature, whilst others have supported the notion that the players should take it on the chin whatever is thrown at them from an expectant crowd. What has not been touched on, however, is the real reason why Ashley Cole was victimised by some sections of the Wembley crowd.
Thus far, it has been suggested that Cole was singled out for the rather dreadful cross-field pass that lead to Kazakhstan halving the arrears on the night. Although there is no question this would have acted as a catalyst for his abuse, the real reason why 'Cashley' was subject to such a reaction is simple. He typifies everything that is bad about the current crop of professional footballers. Far from writing this piece in an attempt to lambaste the entire playing population as money-lead scumbags, I will merely be attempting to highlight the current ills that are polluting our game. Gone are the days when, after a gruelling 90 minutes of blood, sweat and, in Gazza's case, tears, the players would join with the locals for a pint and discuss the afternoon's entertainment. Now although I am not suggesting a return to this, as the notion of Messrs Beckham and Henry delightfully indulging in a pint of John Smith's is ludicrous, a bit of a reality check for these overpaid prima donnas would not go amiss.
So out of touch with reality are these footballers, that our very own Ashley was once heard in stipulating why he did not take up Arsenal's offer of a contract extension: "I nearly crashed my car when they only offered me £55,000 a week". Hello? If only I could earn that in two years! And the current crop of journos think the boos were served up due to a misplaced pass? Get real. This is the first in a long line of reasons why Mr. Cole is not on the vast majority of England fans' Christmas card list (not that he should be anyway).
I would even go as far to say that the recent respect campaign we are seeing in the Premier League came as a direct result of the antics of our Nation's number 3. We all remember the incident at White Hart Lane as Mike Riley tried in vain to calm this petulant squirt down. "Ashley, please turn around, you're going to get yourself sent off in a minute" was the plea from the despairing man in the middle. Surely the fact he said "please" could have counted for something? Cole displayed a complete lack of respect, refusing to cooperate with the official as he took his name in the book. If only he had shown him a second yellow. The incident provoked huge debate on the current disregard for referees in the modern game and, thankfully, measures are now being made to follow in the footsteps of the respect we see from our top rugby stars. However, it is a shame that it had to take an act of such petulance to alert those at Soho Square, and the wide-spread condemnation that followed; which was increasingly portraying a man who was quickly becoming public sporting enemy no.1.
As we go through the keyhole, there are yet more clues which suggest why Cole has fallen into the boo-box. The scene at White Hart Lane is not the first time Cole has turned his back on a figure of authority. The contempt and lack of loyalty he has shown to those who have looked after him and supported him both in his professional and personal life beggars belief. Our first port of call is Arsenal Football club and, in particular, Arsene Wenger. Wenger has created a legacy at the Gunners, continuously giving youngsters the chance to flourish at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Fabregas, Clichy, Denilson, and now Wilshere to name but a handful have all been thrown in at the deep-end by Wenger and have relished the opportunity to work with seasoned stars. Cole, despite established in both the Chelsea and England set-ups, was once a starry-eyed teenager and it was Wenger who had the faith to put him in and amongst the likes of Sol Campbell, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown. Wenger's chance on Cole, with hindsight, has not been fully rewarded, as the cash of Roman Abramovic proved too much of a lure. This explains why Arsenal fans hold him in such contempt, but the general footballing fan was beginning to see a side of a man that would be subjected to such abuse on Saturday evening.
Without wishing to go into too much detail of his sordid affair, as the girl seeking to audition for WAG factor need not be given the time of day, how Ashley treated Cheryl was despicable. I mean, how could he? He has managed to land one of the most beautiful girls available on the celebrity market, and what the average Jo on the street wouldn't do to just converse with the stunner remains open to interpretation. Either way, it was a further example whereby Mr. Cole has wrongly exploited the privileged situation he has found himself in at the expense of someone who is close to him. This is what grinds the gears of the aforementioned Jo Bloggs, because you can bet your bottom dollar that if he was in Cole's privileged position, he would not have exploited the luxury afforded him.
The boos on Saturday may well have been due to a misplaced back pass. However, I can almost certainly guarantee that if it had been from Barry, Upson or Lampard, the chorus that followed would have never taken place. Sure, perhaps we would have come to expect it from these players, but the menace and disdain in the barrage was down to a collaboration of incidents involving a man who has not portrayed himself in a positive light ever since he was given the marvellous opportunity by one of the current greats in management.
Thankfully, Cole sits out Wednesday's tie in the Dinamo Stadium, due to a niggling hamstring injury. I can only hope that he takes this opportunity to reflect on his recent demeanours and begins to plot a way out. It is not impossible, nor improbable. David Beckham managed it following France '98 as he was subjected to sickening chants and burning effigies when he returned home. He has since transformed himself into one of the most respected and revered individuals of our country. Although these are rather large boots to follow, Cole can mute the boo boys, and I sincerely hope he does. He is a talent, and when he is on the top of his game there are few better. After all, we're going to need him if we are to silence the world doubters in South Africa 2010.
The media this week have had a rather mixed response to the cat-calls directed at arguably the premier left back in Europe, if not the world, at this current time. Paul Hayward at the Daily Mail labelled those who berated the full back as naive and immature, whilst others have supported the notion that the players should take it on the chin whatever is thrown at them from an expectant crowd. What has not been touched on, however, is the real reason why Ashley Cole was victimised by some sections of the Wembley crowd.
Thus far, it has been suggested that Cole was singled out for the rather dreadful cross-field pass that lead to Kazakhstan halving the arrears on the night. Although there is no question this would have acted as a catalyst for his abuse, the real reason why 'Cashley' was subject to such a reaction is simple. He typifies everything that is bad about the current crop of professional footballers. Far from writing this piece in an attempt to lambaste the entire playing population as money-lead scumbags, I will merely be attempting to highlight the current ills that are polluting our game. Gone are the days when, after a gruelling 90 minutes of blood, sweat and, in Gazza's case, tears, the players would join with the locals for a pint and discuss the afternoon's entertainment. Now although I am not suggesting a return to this, as the notion of Messrs Beckham and Henry delightfully indulging in a pint of John Smith's is ludicrous, a bit of a reality check for these overpaid prima donnas would not go amiss.
So out of touch with reality are these footballers, that our very own Ashley was once heard in stipulating why he did not take up Arsenal's offer of a contract extension: "I nearly crashed my car when they only offered me £55,000 a week". Hello? If only I could earn that in two years! And the current crop of journos think the boos were served up due to a misplaced pass? Get real. This is the first in a long line of reasons why Mr. Cole is not on the vast majority of England fans' Christmas card list (not that he should be anyway).
I would even go as far to say that the recent respect campaign we are seeing in the Premier League came as a direct result of the antics of our Nation's number 3. We all remember the incident at White Hart Lane as Mike Riley tried in vain to calm this petulant squirt down. "Ashley, please turn around, you're going to get yourself sent off in a minute" was the plea from the despairing man in the middle. Surely the fact he said "please" could have counted for something? Cole displayed a complete lack of respect, refusing to cooperate with the official as he took his name in the book. If only he had shown him a second yellow. The incident provoked huge debate on the current disregard for referees in the modern game and, thankfully, measures are now being made to follow in the footsteps of the respect we see from our top rugby stars. However, it is a shame that it had to take an act of such petulance to alert those at Soho Square, and the wide-spread condemnation that followed; which was increasingly portraying a man who was quickly becoming public sporting enemy no.1.
As we go through the keyhole, there are yet more clues which suggest why Cole has fallen into the boo-box. The scene at White Hart Lane is not the first time Cole has turned his back on a figure of authority. The contempt and lack of loyalty he has shown to those who have looked after him and supported him both in his professional and personal life beggars belief. Our first port of call is Arsenal Football club and, in particular, Arsene Wenger. Wenger has created a legacy at the Gunners, continuously giving youngsters the chance to flourish at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Fabregas, Clichy, Denilson, and now Wilshere to name but a handful have all been thrown in at the deep-end by Wenger and have relished the opportunity to work with seasoned stars. Cole, despite established in both the Chelsea and England set-ups, was once a starry-eyed teenager and it was Wenger who had the faith to put him in and amongst the likes of Sol Campbell, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown. Wenger's chance on Cole, with hindsight, has not been fully rewarded, as the cash of Roman Abramovic proved too much of a lure. This explains why Arsenal fans hold him in such contempt, but the general footballing fan was beginning to see a side of a man that would be subjected to such abuse on Saturday evening.
Without wishing to go into too much detail of his sordid affair, as the girl seeking to audition for WAG factor need not be given the time of day, how Ashley treated Cheryl was despicable. I mean, how could he? He has managed to land one of the most beautiful girls available on the celebrity market, and what the average Jo on the street wouldn't do to just converse with the stunner remains open to interpretation. Either way, it was a further example whereby Mr. Cole has wrongly exploited the privileged situation he has found himself in at the expense of someone who is close to him. This is what grinds the gears of the aforementioned Jo Bloggs, because you can bet your bottom dollar that if he was in Cole's privileged position, he would not have exploited the luxury afforded him.
The boos on Saturday may well have been due to a misplaced back pass. However, I can almost certainly guarantee that if it had been from Barry, Upson or Lampard, the chorus that followed would have never taken place. Sure, perhaps we would have come to expect it from these players, but the menace and disdain in the barrage was down to a collaboration of incidents involving a man who has not portrayed himself in a positive light ever since he was given the marvellous opportunity by one of the current greats in management.
Thankfully, Cole sits out Wednesday's tie in the Dinamo Stadium, due to a niggling hamstring injury. I can only hope that he takes this opportunity to reflect on his recent demeanours and begins to plot a way out. It is not impossible, nor improbable. David Beckham managed it following France '98 as he was subjected to sickening chants and burning effigies when he returned home. He has since transformed himself into one of the most respected and revered individuals of our country. Although these are rather large boots to follow, Cole can mute the boo boys, and I sincerely hope he does. He is a talent, and when he is on the top of his game there are few better. After all, we're going to need him if we are to silence the world doubters in South Africa 2010.
Thursday 2 October 2008
Blow the whistle on Respect
On Tuesday 5th August 2008, the FA launched a new respect initiative in an attempt to eradicate the unsavoury scenes that have become more commonplace in recent campaigns. The scheme has received great backing, from managers and players alike and all was well, until the season kicked off.
Respect is a two way street, and although managers and players have adhered to this new policy, it seems as though the men in black have not kept to their side of the bargain. This new period of respect has in actuality given the referees an even greater celebrity, one which they have done little to earn judging on the opening months of the season. They have become far too big for their boots and, if anything, the controversies that were in existence before the new initiative are here in even greater capacities.
Stoke City versus Everton, The Britannia Stadium. Located in the land of the giants, it was a chance for the man in the middle to be an ever bigger man. He failed. Although early in the season, it was a key game for both sides. Stoke had already won their first game at home, against an already impressive Aston Villa outfit, and were looking to add to their early points tally. Everton, similarly, after an erratic start, needed the points to stabilise their opening to the season. The result, a 3-2 victory for the Toffeemen, was perhaps deserved. However, the scene of events which led to this scoreline could be best described as farcical.
Victor Anichebe gave the visitors a 2-0 lead and it seemed as though the points would be heading to Merseyside. However, the hosts rallied and halved the arrears, thanks to a well taken volley from Seyi Olofinjana. What then happened just was not cricket, let alone football. Ricardo Fuller legitimately deposessed a clumsy Joseph Yobo, rounded Tim Howard, and levelled the match. Cue pandemonium in the Potteries. Wrong! Alan Wiley, respected referee of 27 years, saw what both 25,000 Stoke City fans and messrs Grey and Tyler in their tv gantry did not and awarded a freekick against the forward. Justice was done thankfully when Phil Jagielka headed into his own net to make it 2-2, but no thanks to Wiley.
Not to be outdone by his referee, the linesman conjured up an equally impressive howler. Leon Cort clearly handled in his area under pressure from Everton's Yakubu. Wiley gave the penalty, but after discussing it with his linesman, gave a freekick to Everton outside the area. There may have been a push by Yakubu on Cort, which may have placed doubt in Wiley's head, but if that was the case why give the freekick to Everton? Visiting manager Moyes now looks set to receive a touchline ban and possibly a heafty fine following his touchline tantrum, but had Wiley made the correct decision such a hardline stance from the FA would not be needed.
As if two controvertial incidents in one game was not enough, there have been two more seperate occasions in as many opening months to this season. Last weekend, Bolton were holding on to a well earned point at Old Trafford. Although United comfortably went on to win the contest, the pentalty decision ultimately turned the game and the hosts, having taken the lead, were perhaps under less pressure to get the win and were able to take their foot off the gas and add a second.
Rob Styles, again one of the more respectable referees in the game. But even he has history, in particular in the awarding of soft penalties. He allowed Chelsea to equalise at Anfield in August 2007 and penalised Sun Ji Hi for, at worst, a shoulder-barge on Birmingham's Garry O'Connor during their 3-1 victory over Ji Hi's employers at the time, Manchester City. Now although City can buy their own luck these days, that is no excuse for Styles' inability to make the correct decision. And they want our respect?
As if this wasn't enough, lets examine possibly the most controvertial incident in recent footballing history. Well, almost. Vicarige Road, Watford, and the 'Ghost Goal' that possibly cemented in my mind the need to address the inbalance in the respect relationship that is supposed to be existing between the officials and our football clubs. A great deal has already been said on this phantom goal. Should Reading have allowed Watford the freedom of their half to equalise? Should goal line technology be used to erradicate such incidents? Either way, there is no doubt in my mind that this result is void of any legitimacy, and the fans of both Reading and especially Watford have been cheated. The culprits? At risk of sounding like a broken record, the officials.
David Moyes now faces an extended spell on the sidelines, at the potential detriment to Everton Football club and, most importantly, their fans. Bolton are potentially one point worse off then they should be. Watford, like Bolton, have been the victims of refereeing incompetence. How much longer can this go on for? They say that over the course of the season things even themselves out. But why risk this? Why do we always turn to this excuse and the hope that the Footballing Gods will look upon the aggrieved clubs? Do we honestly trust this court located in the midsts of the unknown? Video technology is used in cricket, and in both codes of rugby. It is only a matter of time before the souls of Soho Square realise the need to join this club of common sense. In the words of Aretha Franklin: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Take care, referees.
Respect is a two way street, and although managers and players have adhered to this new policy, it seems as though the men in black have not kept to their side of the bargain. This new period of respect has in actuality given the referees an even greater celebrity, one which they have done little to earn judging on the opening months of the season. They have become far too big for their boots and, if anything, the controversies that were in existence before the new initiative are here in even greater capacities.
Stoke City versus Everton, The Britannia Stadium. Located in the land of the giants, it was a chance for the man in the middle to be an ever bigger man. He failed. Although early in the season, it was a key game for both sides. Stoke had already won their first game at home, against an already impressive Aston Villa outfit, and were looking to add to their early points tally. Everton, similarly, after an erratic start, needed the points to stabilise their opening to the season. The result, a 3-2 victory for the Toffeemen, was perhaps deserved. However, the scene of events which led to this scoreline could be best described as farcical.
Victor Anichebe gave the visitors a 2-0 lead and it seemed as though the points would be heading to Merseyside. However, the hosts rallied and halved the arrears, thanks to a well taken volley from Seyi Olofinjana. What then happened just was not cricket, let alone football. Ricardo Fuller legitimately deposessed a clumsy Joseph Yobo, rounded Tim Howard, and levelled the match. Cue pandemonium in the Potteries. Wrong! Alan Wiley, respected referee of 27 years, saw what both 25,000 Stoke City fans and messrs Grey and Tyler in their tv gantry did not and awarded a freekick against the forward. Justice was done thankfully when Phil Jagielka headed into his own net to make it 2-2, but no thanks to Wiley.
Not to be outdone by his referee, the linesman conjured up an equally impressive howler. Leon Cort clearly handled in his area under pressure from Everton's Yakubu. Wiley gave the penalty, but after discussing it with his linesman, gave a freekick to Everton outside the area. There may have been a push by Yakubu on Cort, which may have placed doubt in Wiley's head, but if that was the case why give the freekick to Everton? Visiting manager Moyes now looks set to receive a touchline ban and possibly a heafty fine following his touchline tantrum, but had Wiley made the correct decision such a hardline stance from the FA would not be needed.
As if two controvertial incidents in one game was not enough, there have been two more seperate occasions in as many opening months to this season. Last weekend, Bolton were holding on to a well earned point at Old Trafford. Although United comfortably went on to win the contest, the pentalty decision ultimately turned the game and the hosts, having taken the lead, were perhaps under less pressure to get the win and were able to take their foot off the gas and add a second.
Rob Styles, again one of the more respectable referees in the game. But even he has history, in particular in the awarding of soft penalties. He allowed Chelsea to equalise at Anfield in August 2007 and penalised Sun Ji Hi for, at worst, a shoulder-barge on Birmingham's Garry O'Connor during their 3-1 victory over Ji Hi's employers at the time, Manchester City. Now although City can buy their own luck these days, that is no excuse for Styles' inability to make the correct decision. And they want our respect?
As if this wasn't enough, lets examine possibly the most controvertial incident in recent footballing history. Well, almost. Vicarige Road, Watford, and the 'Ghost Goal' that possibly cemented in my mind the need to address the inbalance in the respect relationship that is supposed to be existing between the officials and our football clubs. A great deal has already been said on this phantom goal. Should Reading have allowed Watford the freedom of their half to equalise? Should goal line technology be used to erradicate such incidents? Either way, there is no doubt in my mind that this result is void of any legitimacy, and the fans of both Reading and especially Watford have been cheated. The culprits? At risk of sounding like a broken record, the officials.
David Moyes now faces an extended spell on the sidelines, at the potential detriment to Everton Football club and, most importantly, their fans. Bolton are potentially one point worse off then they should be. Watford, like Bolton, have been the victims of refereeing incompetence. How much longer can this go on for? They say that over the course of the season things even themselves out. But why risk this? Why do we always turn to this excuse and the hope that the Footballing Gods will look upon the aggrieved clubs? Do we honestly trust this court located in the midsts of the unknown? Video technology is used in cricket, and in both codes of rugby. It is only a matter of time before the souls of Soho Square realise the need to join this club of common sense. In the words of Aretha Franklin: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Take care, referees.
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