John Toshack, the Wales manager, has named three uncapped youngsters in his squad for the next two internationals, including the World Cup trip to Azerbaijan. Toshack has called on Swansea's Joe Allen, Reading striker Simon Church and Leicester City's Andy King and all three can expect to be handed their first full caps in the warm-up friendly on May 29 against Estonia at Llanelli.
With Toshack set to cut his 22-man squad to 20 for the World Cup Group Four qualifier in Azerbaijan on June 6, the emphasis will remain on the development of the nation’s top young talent. In addition, with many of the experienced regulars out through injury, it is predicted that Cardiff 's Joe Ledley will be named captain of his country for these two matches.
Allen, 19, impressed in the final months of Swansea's failed push for promotion, while 20-year-old King starred in Leicester's surge back into the Championship. Church, 20, has also escelled and impressed with eight goals in ten Under-21 games. He also figured in Reading 's play-off semi-final against Burnley.
Wales are without a string of senior men through injury, including captain Craig Bellamy (knee), midfielder Simon Davies (foot) and defender James Collins (calf). Young defender Rhys Williams has now defected to Australia , having won 10 Under-21 caps, while Toshack can no longer call upon the services of the retired Carl Robinson.
Also left out are veteran midfielder Carl Fletcher and Wigan playmaker Jason Koumas, who is expected to have an operation on a troublesome hip injury which has meant he has not started a Barclays Premier League match since Wales ' last international against Germany on April 1.
West Ham's Danny Gabbidon, who has been missing for 18 months with stomach muscle problems, is back in full training with the east London side, but will not be risked for the forthcoming fixtures in a bid to return unscathed for pre-season training.
Teammate Jack Collison is also back in the Wales squad for the first time since serious injuring his knee in early March. Peterborough defender Craig Morgan also returns after a foot injury ruled him out of much of his club's successful promotion campaign. Elsewhere, Derby goalkeeper Lewis Price comes back into the squad as third-choice with Stockport 's Owain Fon Williams out with a shoulder injury.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article6342679.ece
Friday, 22 May 2009
Charm and charisma, Mayweather revels in Indian summer
As summer looms round the corner for most of us, there is one person currently revelling in an Indian Summer of his own. Floyd Mayweather Jr was every inch the champion as he met with the world’s media in the Landmark hotel ahead of his showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico. Often described as brash and arrogant, the self proclaimed "Money Mayweather" was refreshingly humble and full of praise for just about everyone in attendance; including his opponent.
Mayweather Jr has been out of the ring ever since he overcame Ricky Hatton by knock out in the tenth round in December 2007, and time has seemingly healed more than just his body. “I’d like to thank God, without whom none of this would be possible” the American sang as he greeted the press conference. “I am truly blessed to have been able to have worked with the best. Boxing is something I have been doing all of my life. It is written.”
Whether time has mellowed the 32 year old, or whether he saw this as an opportunity to distance himself from the insensitive, over confident character we are so used to - images of him throwing money away at the camera have become synonymous with him - remains open to interpretation. Whatever the case, Mayweather conducted himself admirably and with a grace that bellied his aforementioned image.
He also defended his father, who he is rumoured to share a less than amicable relationship with. Commenting on Mayweather Sr’s coaching of Hatton, the champion of five different weight classes admitted: “My father is one hell of a guy, and trainer. It (Hatton’s performance against Manny Pacquiao) was not my dad’s game plan. I’d like to take this opportunity to take the heat off my father.”
Such press conferences are usually billed as an opportunity for the fighters to promote their own abilities, and can portray boxers as chauvinistic, self-righteous individuals. London witnessed a refreshing change this afternoon, and Mayweather was orchestrating proceedings. “This is not a weight thing. I am not thinking about Pacquiao, I believe Marquez beat him in those two fights. Mexico has a lot of great champions – he’s a warrior – and I’ve got to stick to my game plan”.
The boxing world waits in anticipation for the bout, and Mayweather also shares the anticipation as he looks to further cement himself in boxing folklore. “I’m still here. I’ve been around since the eighties. Boxers have come and gone and I’m the last standing. Where are thy all now? They’ve gone”.
Floyd “Money” Mayweather returns to the ring on July 18th and despite an apparent distortion in his persona, he will be looking to prove he has not altered from his vast array of boxing prowess, including his signature mix of speed, power and natural instinct in the ring. Marquez awaits, and boxing fans the world over look forward to what should be a classic encounter.
Mayweather Jr has been out of the ring ever since he overcame Ricky Hatton by knock out in the tenth round in December 2007, and time has seemingly healed more than just his body. “I’d like to thank God, without whom none of this would be possible” the American sang as he greeted the press conference. “I am truly blessed to have been able to have worked with the best. Boxing is something I have been doing all of my life. It is written.”
Whether time has mellowed the 32 year old, or whether he saw this as an opportunity to distance himself from the insensitive, over confident character we are so used to - images of him throwing money away at the camera have become synonymous with him - remains open to interpretation. Whatever the case, Mayweather conducted himself admirably and with a grace that bellied his aforementioned image.
He also defended his father, who he is rumoured to share a less than amicable relationship with. Commenting on Mayweather Sr’s coaching of Hatton, the champion of five different weight classes admitted: “My father is one hell of a guy, and trainer. It (Hatton’s performance against Manny Pacquiao) was not my dad’s game plan. I’d like to take this opportunity to take the heat off my father.”
Such press conferences are usually billed as an opportunity for the fighters to promote their own abilities, and can portray boxers as chauvinistic, self-righteous individuals. London witnessed a refreshing change this afternoon, and Mayweather was orchestrating proceedings. “This is not a weight thing. I am not thinking about Pacquiao, I believe Marquez beat him in those two fights. Mexico has a lot of great champions – he’s a warrior – and I’ve got to stick to my game plan”.
The boxing world waits in anticipation for the bout, and Mayweather also shares the anticipation as he looks to further cement himself in boxing folklore. “I’m still here. I’ve been around since the eighties. Boxers have come and gone and I’m the last standing. Where are thy all now? They’ve gone”.
Floyd “Money” Mayweather returns to the ring on July 18th and despite an apparent distortion in his persona, he will be looking to prove he has not altered from his vast array of boxing prowess, including his signature mix of speed, power and natural instinct in the ring. Marquez awaits, and boxing fans the world over look forward to what should be a classic encounter.
Rose withdraws from PGA
Justin Rose has withdrawn from the PGA Championship due to a niggling back problem. The Englishman had pulled out of last Wednesday’s pro-am tournament in a bid to be fit for the main competition.
The injury is the latest setback on what has been an indifferent period for the 28 year old. Ranked sixth in the world in 2007, he currently sits at 38 and has only managed top ten in six attempts this year, that at the Dubai Desert classic in February where he finished runner up to Rory McIlroy.
Rose has suffered back problems throughout his career, and the latest setback is attributed to his life off the golf course. "Being back in the UK always ends up being very hectic for me as commitments always get crammed into the one week I am home," he said.
“It has been even more hectic this year travelling back with Leo (his son born in February), where we have been taking him to meet all the extended family and friends.
“Maybe all this rushing around has resulted in my back flaring up again and I am really disappointed to report that I have just had to withdraw.
“This has been a tournament that I have always loved competing in and is the main reason we travelled back, so having to withdraw is very frustrating for me.”
Scotland’s Richie Ramsey will now take Rose’s place in the draw.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/golf/article6328049.ece
The injury is the latest setback on what has been an indifferent period for the 28 year old. Ranked sixth in the world in 2007, he currently sits at 38 and has only managed top ten in six attempts this year, that at the Dubai Desert classic in February where he finished runner up to Rory McIlroy.
Rose has suffered back problems throughout his career, and the latest setback is attributed to his life off the golf course. "Being back in the UK always ends up being very hectic for me as commitments always get crammed into the one week I am home," he said.
“It has been even more hectic this year travelling back with Leo (his son born in February), where we have been taking him to meet all the extended family and friends.
“Maybe all this rushing around has resulted in my back flaring up again and I am really disappointed to report that I have just had to withdraw.
“This has been a tournament that I have always loved competing in and is the main reason we travelled back, so having to withdraw is very frustrating for me.”
Scotland’s Richie Ramsey will now take Rose’s place in the draw.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/golf/article6328049.ece
Life after relegation: is there return from the abyss?
This weekend will see two from a possible four join West Bromwich Albion in the second tier of English Football. Sunderland, Hull City, Newcastle and Middlesbrough all face the biggest weekend of their recent histories.
Relegation from the Premier League has never guaranteed an immediate return, indeed the last five years has seen mixed fortunes for those who have found themselves flung out of the revolving doors of England’s elite league. Some have returned, while most have had to wait. Others have been dealt crueller fates. This season has seen Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton fall further from grace and all three will be turning out in League 1 come August. Is there hope following relegation? Let us look at the past five years; the comings and goings, what faces the doomed clubs, and see how this year’s relegation candidates compare to previous casualties.
The evidence suggests relegation hits clubs hard. Out of the 15 demotions over the previous 5 seasons, only four clubs have returned, with Birmingham showing decent bounce-back-ability, gaining promotion twice. The other three, Wolves, West Brom and Sunderland, have hardly cemented their statuses in the top flight. Wolves are only now returning after a 5-year absence, the Baggies find themselves back in the Championship and Sunderland face an anxious final day shootout.
Countless others have failed to return following heartbreak. Crystal Palace, relegated on the final day in 2005, have hardly threatened a return in recent years; the same could be said of Watford and Derby. Despite coming close this year, both Sheffield United and Reading ultimately failed in their attempts.
Then there are the extreme cases. Much has been said regarding Leeds United’s fall from grace, but what of Leicester City? Along with the Yorkshire club, they featured in League 1 this season after struggling to retain their top-flight status following relegation in 2004. Thankfully for Foxes fans, they ended the year as champions and will be looking to build on their promotion. The same cannot be said of Leeds, who will have to spend a third successive season in England’s third tier. Then there is the tragedy of this season’s Championship dropouts. Charlton, Norwich and Southampton will join Leeds for an intriguing League 1 next season, but as history will tell you, there is no guarantee these clubs will dominate the division, see the recent deterioration of Luton Town who have had three successive relegations.
One of the reasons clubs find life so difficult after the Premier League is the financial restrictions they face. Sure, there are the parachute payments, but if the clubs fail to return after this two-year window, managers are forced to work under a shoestring budget and are thus unable to exert the authority they would like in the transfer market. A return to the top flight is subsequently made even harder.
A further problem these sides face is the dilemma surrounding their prodigious young talents. Neil Warnock in particular has blooded his young stars through in recent seasons. However, he has seen one such, John Bostock, snatched from his grasp by Tottenham, who paid Palace a measly sum of £700,000 following a tribunal. One may ask what hope such teams have of survival if they are priced out of moves for players and then see their home produced talents leave almost immediately? It is a seemingly vicious and never-ending cycle.
The one thing all the sides who have returned have in common is a fantastic support. I am not suggesting those who have not returned lack this, but a future warning to the four facing relegation this Sunday: disperse your team at you peril. West Brom, relegated three times over the past 6 seasons, are one such club whose support never wavers and this was demonstrated over the weekend following their defeat to Liverpool. Thankfully, the support the Northeast sides receive is arguably the best in the country, and the two that do go down will need it as they enter the next chapter.
Billed as ‘survival Sunday’, this weekend will have a massive say on the futures of the four gunning for Premier League survival. Stay up and there is the opportunity to regroup over the summer, make the appropriate additions and learn from the hardships of a poor season. Relegation and the future of the football club is far from secure. History has shown that promotion the following year is by no means guaranteed and failure of an immediate return can spell the decline of a once great club. The declines of Leeds United, Southampton, Charlton and Luton Town in particular are a warning to whoever falls short this Sunday. Evidence suggests it may get worse before it gets better – just ask Manchester City fans.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2009/05/life-after-relegation-is-there-return-from-the-abyss.html
Relegation from the Premier League has never guaranteed an immediate return, indeed the last five years has seen mixed fortunes for those who have found themselves flung out of the revolving doors of England’s elite league. Some have returned, while most have had to wait. Others have been dealt crueller fates. This season has seen Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton fall further from grace and all three will be turning out in League 1 come August. Is there hope following relegation? Let us look at the past five years; the comings and goings, what faces the doomed clubs, and see how this year’s relegation candidates compare to previous casualties.
The evidence suggests relegation hits clubs hard. Out of the 15 demotions over the previous 5 seasons, only four clubs have returned, with Birmingham showing decent bounce-back-ability, gaining promotion twice. The other three, Wolves, West Brom and Sunderland, have hardly cemented their statuses in the top flight. Wolves are only now returning after a 5-year absence, the Baggies find themselves back in the Championship and Sunderland face an anxious final day shootout.
Countless others have failed to return following heartbreak. Crystal Palace, relegated on the final day in 2005, have hardly threatened a return in recent years; the same could be said of Watford and Derby. Despite coming close this year, both Sheffield United and Reading ultimately failed in their attempts.
Then there are the extreme cases. Much has been said regarding Leeds United’s fall from grace, but what of Leicester City? Along with the Yorkshire club, they featured in League 1 this season after struggling to retain their top-flight status following relegation in 2004. Thankfully for Foxes fans, they ended the year as champions and will be looking to build on their promotion. The same cannot be said of Leeds, who will have to spend a third successive season in England’s third tier. Then there is the tragedy of this season’s Championship dropouts. Charlton, Norwich and Southampton will join Leeds for an intriguing League 1 next season, but as history will tell you, there is no guarantee these clubs will dominate the division, see the recent deterioration of Luton Town who have had three successive relegations.
One of the reasons clubs find life so difficult after the Premier League is the financial restrictions they face. Sure, there are the parachute payments, but if the clubs fail to return after this two-year window, managers are forced to work under a shoestring budget and are thus unable to exert the authority they would like in the transfer market. A return to the top flight is subsequently made even harder.
A further problem these sides face is the dilemma surrounding their prodigious young talents. Neil Warnock in particular has blooded his young stars through in recent seasons. However, he has seen one such, John Bostock, snatched from his grasp by Tottenham, who paid Palace a measly sum of £700,000 following a tribunal. One may ask what hope such teams have of survival if they are priced out of moves for players and then see their home produced talents leave almost immediately? It is a seemingly vicious and never-ending cycle.
The one thing all the sides who have returned have in common is a fantastic support. I am not suggesting those who have not returned lack this, but a future warning to the four facing relegation this Sunday: disperse your team at you peril. West Brom, relegated three times over the past 6 seasons, are one such club whose support never wavers and this was demonstrated over the weekend following their defeat to Liverpool. Thankfully, the support the Northeast sides receive is arguably the best in the country, and the two that do go down will need it as they enter the next chapter.
Billed as ‘survival Sunday’, this weekend will have a massive say on the futures of the four gunning for Premier League survival. Stay up and there is the opportunity to regroup over the summer, make the appropriate additions and learn from the hardships of a poor season. Relegation and the future of the football club is far from secure. History has shown that promotion the following year is by no means guaranteed and failure of an immediate return can spell the decline of a once great club. The declines of Leeds United, Southampton, Charlton and Luton Town in particular are a warning to whoever falls short this Sunday. Evidence suggests it may get worse before it gets better – just ask Manchester City fans.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2009/05/life-after-relegation-is-there-return-from-the-abyss.html
Northeast sides deny possibility of court action
Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland have all firmly denied this morning’s allegations they are to take legal action against Manchester United ahead of the champions’ visit to Hull City this weekend. All three Northeast sides rely heavily on Sir Alex Ferguson’s men ending Hull’s debut season in the Premier League and rumours were circulating the trio would take legal action against the Old Trafford outfit should they field an under strength side with the Champions League final in mind next Wednesday.
Newcastle need to better Hull’s result, with Phil Brown’s men currently one point above the Magpies who occupy 18th position. Middlesbrough, who travel to West Ham, need both themselves and United to secure healthy wins, as Gareth Southgate will be looking to make up a deficit of five in goal difference. Sunderland’s task is a little more straightforward: win and safety is there’s. With Ricky Sbragia’s men hosting Chelsea, such an outcome is far from an inevitability and they will be hoping Aston Villa, who entertain Newcastle, and United both avoid defeat.
Each were quick to deny the possibility of a court wrangle based on the Premier League rules which state that member clubs are required to field full-strength teams. (Ironically, the last team to be docked points for such a scenario were Middlesbrough in December 1997, when they called off their fixture away at Blackburn Rovers due to a flu epidemic sweeping through the club).
A Boro spokesman revealed: “It’s not true, it’s nonsense” whilst a Newcastle statement read: “There’s no truth in it whatsoever”. Despite Sunderland refusing to comment on the story, sources from the club insist there is no foundation to the reports.
Following their damaging 1-0 home defeat to Fulham at the weekend, Alan Shearer was asked about the side Sir Alex would field at the KC Stadium. He responded: “Alex, when he has been in that position, has always put out a side that does his club proud, so whoever he puts out, Manchester United are that professional so they will go out and try to win that game. I have not got any problems with that.”
Newcastle need to better Hull’s result, with Phil Brown’s men currently one point above the Magpies who occupy 18th position. Middlesbrough, who travel to West Ham, need both themselves and United to secure healthy wins, as Gareth Southgate will be looking to make up a deficit of five in goal difference. Sunderland’s task is a little more straightforward: win and safety is there’s. With Ricky Sbragia’s men hosting Chelsea, such an outcome is far from an inevitability and they will be hoping Aston Villa, who entertain Newcastle, and United both avoid defeat.
Each were quick to deny the possibility of a court wrangle based on the Premier League rules which state that member clubs are required to field full-strength teams. (Ironically, the last team to be docked points for such a scenario were Middlesbrough in December 1997, when they called off their fixture away at Blackburn Rovers due to a flu epidemic sweeping through the club).
A Boro spokesman revealed: “It’s not true, it’s nonsense” whilst a Newcastle statement read: “There’s no truth in it whatsoever”. Despite Sunderland refusing to comment on the story, sources from the club insist there is no foundation to the reports.
Following their damaging 1-0 home defeat to Fulham at the weekend, Alan Shearer was asked about the side Sir Alex would field at the KC Stadium. He responded: “Alex, when he has been in that position, has always put out a side that does his club proud, so whoever he puts out, Manchester United are that professional so they will go out and try to win that game. I have not got any problems with that.”
Battle to fill James’ gloves underway
This summer, England face both Kazakhstan and Andorra with Fabio Capello looking to cement England’s place in next year’s World Cup Finals. The Italian’s task is, on paper at least, a straightforward one; however, he will have to do it without his number one goalkeeper, Portsmouth’s David James. In addition, it was revealed yesterday that Manchester United’s Ben Foster will also be out for the next few months, undergoing an operation on a troublesome thumb. Capello will now have to shuffle his goalkeeping pack, but who will win the race to fill James’ gloves?
Despite England having a plethora of outfield talent, the nation is not exactly beset by goalkeeping excellence, and the current crop is hardly setting the world alight. Yes, James has served the nation admirably since the retirement of Arsenal legend David Seaman, but he will hardly go down in the history books as a world-class stopper. And the rest? Paul Robinson has arguably set the best case for selection this summer, with a string of impressive performances since the New Year. Tipped to be England’s number one for many years, the Blackburn stopper suffered a sever fall from grace following an indifferent World Cup in Germany. The Yorkshire lad has got himself into good shape, and seems to be flourishing under the recent guidance of Sam Allardyce. His critics will point to the fact he was given a good crack at the jersey, and cannot hack it on the big stage. However, if there is one position on the park that benefits from experience it is goalkeeping, and for that reason alone Robinson cannot be ruled out for return from the international wilderness.
The next name Capello will certainly consider is West Ham’s Robert Green. Since joining the Hammers from Norwich in the summer of 2006, Green has more than held his own in the Premiership, and has put in some impressive performances. Earning a reputation as an excellent penalty stopper, the one thing counting against him is consistency and this has perhaps cost him usurping James in recent years. West Ham have had a relatively successful campaign by their standards, missing out on the Europa League in the final weeks of the season, and Green has played a pivotal role in their resurgence under Gianfranco Zola. Whether Capello sees Green as the long-term option between the sticks remains open to question, but ‘England’s number four’ (a reference to Green’s own self-deprecation) certainly merits a chance this summer.
Then there are the unlikely lads. Manchester City’s Joe Hart, Wigan’s Chris Kirkland and the recently deposed Scott Carson at West Brom. Hart arguably has the biggest credentials to be England’s number one for many years, but the challenge for the former Shrewsbury trainee is to get himself back into the City line up. Following the arrival of Shay Given in January, Hart has not kicked a ball in anger, and he will have to decide whether Eastlands is the right place for him to continue his footballing education before he even considers adding to his solitary cap.
Kirkland is an interesting case. Despite bursting onto the scene some eleven years ago at Coventry City, I for one still regard the Wigan keeper as a relative novice. With over ten years of top-flight experience, including five years at Anfield, one may have expected Kirkland to have developed more. There is no doubting his ability, but while others shine at so-called lesser clubs, Jussi Jääskeläinen at Bolton and Given when he was at Newcastle are two that spring to mind, Kirkland fails to produce match winning performances at the JJB.
Carson, like Kirkland, is another failed Liverpool acquisition. Signed from Leeds in the January of 2005 for a reported £750,000, the current West Brom player has endured a torrid start to international football. Despite keeping a clean sheet on his England debut against Austria in November 2007; his next two appearances have been shocking by his own admission. Although he cannot be held solely accountable for the failure of qualifying for the Euros last summer, he certainly contributed more than most on that infamous night when Croatia ended Steve McClaren’s short reign as the national coach. In addition, he seems more affected by the big stage than any of the aforementioned options, and he will need to beat this mental barrier if he is indeed to stake a claim for a regular shot at the number one jersey.
Finally, there is the wildcard: Arsenal’s Manuel Almunia. Spanish by birth, growing up in Navarra’s mountainous valley of Pamplona, he has been one of the success stories in an otherwise disappointing season at the Emirates. Expressing on more than one occasion a desire to represent England, Almunia will qualify for British citizenship in July 2009 having spent five years residence in the United Kingdom, purists would not entertain such a notion. His quality would ensue that he would command a place in the England squad and, on current form, he would walk into the team. For me, it is a no go. Imagine the scenario of a Spain-England Final come the tournament in South Africa, and the furor that would surround his involvement for the mother nation of the game. It would place unprecedented pressure on his shoulders, and no sportsman should be subjected to such scrutiny, let alone be able to perform under it.
Ultimately, Capello’s selection should have no bearing on the overall outcome of this qualifying phase. England should qualify for football’s premier national tournament and with the amount of quality in front of England’s goalkeeper, results against the Kazaks and Andorra should boarder on a rugby scoreline. Who the Italian goes for is open to interpretation, but Paul Robinson should count himself an unfortunate man if the number one spot evades him once more come June 6.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2009/05/debate-who-should-be-englands-no-1.html
Despite England having a plethora of outfield talent, the nation is not exactly beset by goalkeeping excellence, and the current crop is hardly setting the world alight. Yes, James has served the nation admirably since the retirement of Arsenal legend David Seaman, but he will hardly go down in the history books as a world-class stopper. And the rest? Paul Robinson has arguably set the best case for selection this summer, with a string of impressive performances since the New Year. Tipped to be England’s number one for many years, the Blackburn stopper suffered a sever fall from grace following an indifferent World Cup in Germany. The Yorkshire lad has got himself into good shape, and seems to be flourishing under the recent guidance of Sam Allardyce. His critics will point to the fact he was given a good crack at the jersey, and cannot hack it on the big stage. However, if there is one position on the park that benefits from experience it is goalkeeping, and for that reason alone Robinson cannot be ruled out for return from the international wilderness.
The next name Capello will certainly consider is West Ham’s Robert Green. Since joining the Hammers from Norwich in the summer of 2006, Green has more than held his own in the Premiership, and has put in some impressive performances. Earning a reputation as an excellent penalty stopper, the one thing counting against him is consistency and this has perhaps cost him usurping James in recent years. West Ham have had a relatively successful campaign by their standards, missing out on the Europa League in the final weeks of the season, and Green has played a pivotal role in their resurgence under Gianfranco Zola. Whether Capello sees Green as the long-term option between the sticks remains open to question, but ‘England’s number four’ (a reference to Green’s own self-deprecation) certainly merits a chance this summer.
Then there are the unlikely lads. Manchester City’s Joe Hart, Wigan’s Chris Kirkland and the recently deposed Scott Carson at West Brom. Hart arguably has the biggest credentials to be England’s number one for many years, but the challenge for the former Shrewsbury trainee is to get himself back into the City line up. Following the arrival of Shay Given in January, Hart has not kicked a ball in anger, and he will have to decide whether Eastlands is the right place for him to continue his footballing education before he even considers adding to his solitary cap.
Kirkland is an interesting case. Despite bursting onto the scene some eleven years ago at Coventry City, I for one still regard the Wigan keeper as a relative novice. With over ten years of top-flight experience, including five years at Anfield, one may have expected Kirkland to have developed more. There is no doubting his ability, but while others shine at so-called lesser clubs, Jussi Jääskeläinen at Bolton and Given when he was at Newcastle are two that spring to mind, Kirkland fails to produce match winning performances at the JJB.
Carson, like Kirkland, is another failed Liverpool acquisition. Signed from Leeds in the January of 2005 for a reported £750,000, the current West Brom player has endured a torrid start to international football. Despite keeping a clean sheet on his England debut against Austria in November 2007; his next two appearances have been shocking by his own admission. Although he cannot be held solely accountable for the failure of qualifying for the Euros last summer, he certainly contributed more than most on that infamous night when Croatia ended Steve McClaren’s short reign as the national coach. In addition, he seems more affected by the big stage than any of the aforementioned options, and he will need to beat this mental barrier if he is indeed to stake a claim for a regular shot at the number one jersey.
Finally, there is the wildcard: Arsenal’s Manuel Almunia. Spanish by birth, growing up in Navarra’s mountainous valley of Pamplona, he has been one of the success stories in an otherwise disappointing season at the Emirates. Expressing on more than one occasion a desire to represent England, Almunia will qualify for British citizenship in July 2009 having spent five years residence in the United Kingdom, purists would not entertain such a notion. His quality would ensue that he would command a place in the England squad and, on current form, he would walk into the team. For me, it is a no go. Imagine the scenario of a Spain-England Final come the tournament in South Africa, and the furor that would surround his involvement for the mother nation of the game. It would place unprecedented pressure on his shoulders, and no sportsman should be subjected to such scrutiny, let alone be able to perform under it.
Ultimately, Capello’s selection should have no bearing on the overall outcome of this qualifying phase. England should qualify for football’s premier national tournament and with the amount of quality in front of England’s goalkeeper, results against the Kazaks and Andorra should boarder on a rugby scoreline. Who the Italian goes for is open to interpretation, but Paul Robinson should count himself an unfortunate man if the number one spot evades him once more come June 6.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2009/05/debate-who-should-be-englands-no-1.html
Lucky escape for Ferguson family
The family of Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson are recovering from a serious car accident that took place earlier this month. Nadine Ferguson, 30, currently separated from Sir Alex’s son, was trapped along with the pair’s two children, Charlie, 10, and their youngest, Grace, 6, when their car was involved in a head-on collision on May 5.
Despite the severity of the incident, where it has been revealed by Darren that neither of the children were using their booster seats or wearing their seatbelts correctly, all three are in a stable condition and recovering well, in particular Charlie, who underwent an operation.
The Peterborough chief remarked: “Luckily, Charlie is making a full recovery. Grace is reasonably unscathed.
"Personally I would like to thank the hospital staff for all their support.
"They have been outstanding throughout this difficult time.
"I would also like to thank everybody for their best wishes and support over the last few weeks."
Despite the severity of the incident, where it has been revealed by Darren that neither of the children were using their booster seats or wearing their seatbelts correctly, all three are in a stable condition and recovering well, in particular Charlie, who underwent an operation.
The Peterborough chief remarked: “Luckily, Charlie is making a full recovery. Grace is reasonably unscathed.
"Personally I would like to thank the hospital staff for all their support.
"They have been outstanding throughout this difficult time.
"I would also like to thank everybody for their best wishes and support over the last few weeks."
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