The past few days have been a tumultuous nightmare of bad publicity for the England team and the Football Association. As the spiralling blame game continues, none of the associated parties are emerging without any fault.
The FA started the ball rolling when they decided to remove John Terry from the England captaincy last week. Their reasoning was that once Terry's trial date had been moved to after the European Championships this summer, they had no choice but to act. Though they may have been clumsy in only making this decision at this late stage, and in neglecting to properly include Fabio Capello in the decision making process, they ultimately, haphazardly reached the correct choice of action.
The press have fuelled the pressure to act, but whatever your reasoning, John Terry's position had become untenable. His profile and former position as captain have responsibilities that exacerbate his precarious reputation, and neither of these should have been allowed to make him immune from the seriousness of what he has been accused of.
The FA were clearly hoping to have had Terry go to trial and to be (ideally) found innocent of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. It is difficult not to be cynical about the FA's motivation and beliefs. Once the police had decided that their investigation warranted a prosecution, the FA should have made a moral stand at that juncture. Instead they have hesitated and squirmed until matters have forced their hand. Ultimately, even the FA realised that for England to go into a major international tournament, with their captain facing such charges, would be a monumentally embarrassing PR disaster.
However, much of the last few days has shifted focus upon a clearly irritable Capello. The England manager has said his piece on Italian TV, in the full deliberate glare of the press and public. Credit where due, he has fairly stated that John Terry is innocent until proven guilty by a civil court. But, he is choosing to ignore Terry's obligations when acting as the figurehead of the national team. In fact it is a common practice for any normal employee under investigation to be suspended or put on gardening leave. Capello should really be grateful that he is still free to select the Chelsea captain at all.
The fact that he can has raised further anger amongst critics. This is understandable as whilst he is apparently unfit to lead the England team, the FA's compromise leaves him able to engage in the full range of his other obligations. Baffling as it may be, there is clearly a grey area over an issue that stems from a black man being allegedly abused by a white man.
The discussion over who will succeed Terry as captain has also been complicated. Capello has made his feelings clear that whoever does get the final nod (most likely Steven Gerrard), will do so in the knowledge that the England manager doesn't really regard them as such.
Of course Terry has already lost the captaincy once before. The infamous situation regarding Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend was denied by all parties except Bridge, who has remained in a silent, self-imposed international retirement ever since. This was preceded by accusations about the Chelsea captain making lucrative sums of bonus money by selling private tours of the Chelsea training ground.
None of these incidents have ever been proven or properly corroborated, but they have all added up to besmirching the character of John Terry. It could be that he has simply been unfairly portrayed over the years by a narcissistic media and that he should be given more credit. Then again, there have been further rumours that Terry was shunned by some members of the England squad when it last met up, suggesting a far from wholly supportive atmosphere.
Whether or not that is the case remains to be seen, but no doubt the former England captain will find the next few months stressful, as will Anton Ferdinand. What is now apparent is that between the FA and Fabio Capello, the England set-up has missed any opportunities it had to handle the issue without creating further ones. If this is as decisive as things get, Euro 2012 may well end up being even worse for England fans than the last World Cup.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Arsenal come Acropo-lis!
On Tuesday evening I was present amongst the away fans at the Karaiskakis Stadium to witness Olympiakos versus Arsenal in the Champions League. Although the result wasn’t to end up matching my expectations, the experience as a whole was to more than make up for the disappointment.
It was my first experience of traveling to an away game for a European club competition, and whilst I have previously traveled to away games in England, the excitement was altogether different. The major factor in this is that you can combine your day at the football, with a small holiday too, what’s there not to like!
Things started off bizarely enough as I made my way through departures at Heathrow, and as I glided down the escalator I realised that Richard E. Grant was standing right in front of me. Thankfully I thought better of disturbing him with 'Withnail and I' quotes, especially as it was early and he didn't look to be in the mood. What I will say though, is that the silver screen doesn't do his height justice!
From the evidence of my flight out to Athens, and the following two and a half days, it was clear that a number of other Arsenal fans had also decided to elongate their trip, rather than plumping for the over-priced 24 hour option offered through the club. And, it must be said, there is an amusingingly surreal nature to bumping into fans of the same club as you when you’re 1500 miles away from your home ground.
What’s even more amusing is when you bump into such fans in the most unique of places. On Monday afternoon, my partner and I were in the midst of wandering around the Acropolis and the temples that adorn it, the most famous of which being the Parthenon.
It’s a mind boggling site, even in its current state of restoration and surrounding scaffolding. An ancient mythological achievement from more than 2000 years ago, and yet here I was, finishing my look around, when I spotted the distinctive site of bright yellows and red.
Three Arsenal fans, with a mixed heritage of Turkish, Pakistani and English between them, were proudly sporting their replica shirts atop the Acropolis. If ever there was proof needed to symbolise that us football fans can be cultured, this was it. We may sometimes drink too much and be a bit loud, but at the very least we contribute to the local tourist industry and learn about our surroundings!
(Here I must thank the guys again for being good sports and for giving me permission to take photographic evidence of them for this article-at the south side of the Parthenon)
As for the game itself, we don't need to go over the scoreline and details again too much (ahem! 3-1 to the home team). Rather, the atmosphere was certainly a pretty tense one to behold. The reputation of the Olympiakos fans had left me expecting to need to be pretty cautious, however, this was misleading.
Whilst the crowd could clearly be intimidating, there was no sense of fear as you would expect away at Galatasaray for example. It was more like an old Eastern bloc political rally at times, with very well regimented chanting and the holding of placards. Around kick-off, the North Stand unveiled a banner than ran the length of the advertising hordings, which simply said 'Score, win and let us dream'. This was something that was to become strangley apt later on in the night.
Arsenal's opening half was calamitous, with Fabianski and then his replacement Mannone both making a hash of the goals. Sébastien Squillaci was awful, and if Johan Djourou ever plays right back again, I will have nightmarish flash-backs.
Therefore, the second half was a case of it can only get better. And sure enough it did, Yossi Benayoun was an inspiration, playing like he had a point to prove he was the driving force going forward.
André Santos also joined the injury list, and his replacement Ignasi Miquel made a good impression on his European debut. He showed far better resolve than plenty of other more experienced players, and contributed to the Arsenal goal, when Benayouns excellent volley found the net.
Sadly, despite chances (especially a late Rosický one-on one), Arsenal could not nick a point and instead they conceded an 89th minute sucker-punch. Nonetheless, the well-represented away fans got many last laughs. The Gunners won their group regardless, and in injury-time news came through that Marseille had dramatically recovered from 2-0 down to eventually defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2, thus ending the home fans dream.
The Olympiakos support suddenly went very flat as the 'Gooners' got very smug. The boldest chants were for the home sides deadliest rivals Panathinaikos, and the funniest concerned the Greek deficit. Although it goes without saying that it was all in good taste- it seems that politics and culture are the surprising bedfellows of English football!
So, all in all my first European away fixture was a lot of fun to be had. I will certainly be planning future voyages, competition progress withstanding. It is doubful though that any future return flight will be matched with the splendid news that both Manchester United and Manchester City would soon be facing up to the Europa League. Never has a defeat been so easy to take!
It was my first experience of traveling to an away game for a European club competition, and whilst I have previously traveled to away games in England, the excitement was altogether different. The major factor in this is that you can combine your day at the football, with a small holiday too, what’s there not to like!
Things started off bizarely enough as I made my way through departures at Heathrow, and as I glided down the escalator I realised that Richard E. Grant was standing right in front of me. Thankfully I thought better of disturbing him with 'Withnail and I' quotes, especially as it was early and he didn't look to be in the mood. What I will say though, is that the silver screen doesn't do his height justice!
From the evidence of my flight out to Athens, and the following two and a half days, it was clear that a number of other Arsenal fans had also decided to elongate their trip, rather than plumping for the over-priced 24 hour option offered through the club. And, it must be said, there is an amusingingly surreal nature to bumping into fans of the same club as you when you’re 1500 miles away from your home ground.
What’s even more amusing is when you bump into such fans in the most unique of places. On Monday afternoon, my partner and I were in the midst of wandering around the Acropolis and the temples that adorn it, the most famous of which being the Parthenon.
It’s a mind boggling site, even in its current state of restoration and surrounding scaffolding. An ancient mythological achievement from more than 2000 years ago, and yet here I was, finishing my look around, when I spotted the distinctive site of bright yellows and red.
Three Arsenal fans, with a mixed heritage of Turkish, Pakistani and English between them, were proudly sporting their replica shirts atop the Acropolis. If ever there was proof needed to symbolise that us football fans can be cultured, this was it. We may sometimes drink too much and be a bit loud, but at the very least we contribute to the local tourist industry and learn about our surroundings!
(Here I must thank the guys again for being good sports and for giving me permission to take photographic evidence of them for this article-at the south side of the Parthenon)
As for the game itself, we don't need to go over the scoreline and details again too much (ahem! 3-1 to the home team). Rather, the atmosphere was certainly a pretty tense one to behold. The reputation of the Olympiakos fans had left me expecting to need to be pretty cautious, however, this was misleading.
Whilst the crowd could clearly be intimidating, there was no sense of fear as you would expect away at Galatasaray for example. It was more like an old Eastern bloc political rally at times, with very well regimented chanting and the holding of placards. Around kick-off, the North Stand unveiled a banner than ran the length of the advertising hordings, which simply said 'Score, win and let us dream'. This was something that was to become strangley apt later on in the night.
Arsenal's opening half was calamitous, with Fabianski and then his replacement Mannone both making a hash of the goals. Sébastien Squillaci was awful, and if Johan Djourou ever plays right back again, I will have nightmarish flash-backs.
Therefore, the second half was a case of it can only get better. And sure enough it did, Yossi Benayoun was an inspiration, playing like he had a point to prove he was the driving force going forward.
André Santos also joined the injury list, and his replacement Ignasi Miquel made a good impression on his European debut. He showed far better resolve than plenty of other more experienced players, and contributed to the Arsenal goal, when Benayouns excellent volley found the net.
Sadly, despite chances (especially a late Rosický one-on one), Arsenal could not nick a point and instead they conceded an 89th minute sucker-punch. Nonetheless, the well-represented away fans got many last laughs. The Gunners won their group regardless, and in injury-time news came through that Marseille had dramatically recovered from 2-0 down to eventually defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2, thus ending the home fans dream.
The Olympiakos support suddenly went very flat as the 'Gooners' got very smug. The boldest chants were for the home sides deadliest rivals Panathinaikos, and the funniest concerned the Greek deficit. Although it goes without saying that it was all in good taste- it seems that politics and culture are the surprising bedfellows of English football!
So, all in all my first European away fixture was a lot of fun to be had. I will certainly be planning future voyages, competition progress withstanding. It is doubful though that any future return flight will be matched with the splendid news that both Manchester United and Manchester City would soon be facing up to the Europa League. Never has a defeat been so easy to take!
Thursday, 17 November 2011
What will Sepp Blatter do next?!
If it wasn't so tragic, you could almost laugh at the awkward absurdity that has enveloped the football world in the past couple of days. Sepp Blatter, the embarrassing elder statesman of the sport- and still the most powerful man in it, has struck again. FIFA may like to claim that they are the victims of a witch-hunt by a resentful British press, but with friends like Blatter, they have all the enemies they could need.
Many people will have heard of the FIFA president's comments regarding racism, made in two separate interviews, and which came to light this Wednesday. If only diplomatic relations could be settled by the shaking of hands, think of all the wars and conflicts throughout history which could have been ended before they had started! Blatter must believe we live in a naive Utopia where everything can be swept under the carpet.
Alas this is far from reality, FIFA's leading figure has simply notched up another in a long line of clangers. If you look back at his track record there have been comments about women footballers wearing more revealing kits, and last year he jokingly suggested that homosexuals “should refrain from any sexual activities” during the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
With his latest episode he has edged closer to a full house of ignorant comments, it's as if he wondered- “hmmm, sexism-check, homophobia-check, what am I missing? Oh yes something inappropriate about racism issues!”
All of this doesn't even touch upon the large dossier of unanswered questions that remain over the alleged corruption that FIFA is riddled with. Surely this man's position is completely untenable? Sadly, it is more likely that the ageing Swiss will dodge another scandal and maintain the norm. If you think politicians get away with far too much, try the plush surroundings of a FIFA presidency to make yourself impenetrable.
Rather depressingly there has been far from widespread global condemnation of Blatter and his slip-up. Either other footballing associations are in fear of the despot, or campaigns such as Kick it Out have plenty left to negotiate when tackling attitudes towards race around the world. England players being abused on the basis of their skin colour has occurred in Spain and Bulgaria in recent years, and this has demonstrated how less ethnically diverse societies still have a long way to go in eradicating old prejudices.
The former footballer Paul Elliot, in an interview with Thursday's Guardian, spoke about how football mirrors wider society. He makes a very good point, and I have mentioned this in the past in relation to times of economic woe, and this coinciding with a rise in football violence amongst fans (Football Troubles).
Racism had already re-emerged as a prevalent issue in the British game due to Luis Saurez being charged by the FA for racially abusing Patrice Evra, and John Terry being under investigation for similar actions towards Anton Ferdinand. However, on the positive side, society in Britain has moved on in a huge way from the 1970's and 80's. Rather than these incidents and Blatter's comments being accepted, they have been rightly and widely condemned as unacceptable.
Of course, this does not mean that bigoted views no longer exist in grounds around the UK, education is still required to further improve attitudes, as organisations like the BNP are sadly still visible- even if they are a twisted minority.
Football and other sports are still very far from dealing with other areas of discrimination too, such as on the basis of sexuality and religion, but as society becomes more accepting so should this improve. What could help is the bringing in of a younger generation at the top of the FIFA infrastructure, and the resignation of Mr Blatter.
Ultimately, the likes of Kick it Out will face being undermined if the most accountable man in football is allowed to keep making a mockery of a game that is played by and can influence billions of people.
Many people will have heard of the FIFA president's comments regarding racism, made in two separate interviews, and which came to light this Wednesday. If only diplomatic relations could be settled by the shaking of hands, think of all the wars and conflicts throughout history which could have been ended before they had started! Blatter must believe we live in a naive Utopia where everything can be swept under the carpet.
Alas this is far from reality, FIFA's leading figure has simply notched up another in a long line of clangers. If you look back at his track record there have been comments about women footballers wearing more revealing kits, and last year he jokingly suggested that homosexuals “should refrain from any sexual activities” during the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
With his latest episode he has edged closer to a full house of ignorant comments, it's as if he wondered- “hmmm, sexism-check, homophobia-check, what am I missing? Oh yes something inappropriate about racism issues!”
All of this doesn't even touch upon the large dossier of unanswered questions that remain over the alleged corruption that FIFA is riddled with. Surely this man's position is completely untenable? Sadly, it is more likely that the ageing Swiss will dodge another scandal and maintain the norm. If you think politicians get away with far too much, try the plush surroundings of a FIFA presidency to make yourself impenetrable.
Rather depressingly there has been far from widespread global condemnation of Blatter and his slip-up. Either other footballing associations are in fear of the despot, or campaigns such as Kick it Out have plenty left to negotiate when tackling attitudes towards race around the world. England players being abused on the basis of their skin colour has occurred in Spain and Bulgaria in recent years, and this has demonstrated how less ethnically diverse societies still have a long way to go in eradicating old prejudices.
The former footballer Paul Elliot, in an interview with Thursday's Guardian, spoke about how football mirrors wider society. He makes a very good point, and I have mentioned this in the past in relation to times of economic woe, and this coinciding with a rise in football violence amongst fans (Football Troubles).
Racism had already re-emerged as a prevalent issue in the British game due to Luis Saurez being charged by the FA for racially abusing Patrice Evra, and John Terry being under investigation for similar actions towards Anton Ferdinand. However, on the positive side, society in Britain has moved on in a huge way from the 1970's and 80's. Rather than these incidents and Blatter's comments being accepted, they have been rightly and widely condemned as unacceptable.
Of course, this does not mean that bigoted views no longer exist in grounds around the UK, education is still required to further improve attitudes, as organisations like the BNP are sadly still visible- even if they are a twisted minority.
Football and other sports are still very far from dealing with other areas of discrimination too, such as on the basis of sexuality and religion, but as society becomes more accepting so should this improve. What could help is the bringing in of a younger generation at the top of the FIFA infrastructure, and the resignation of Mr Blatter.
Ultimately, the likes of Kick it Out will face being undermined if the most accountable man in football is allowed to keep making a mockery of a game that is played by and can influence billions of people.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Cristiano Ronaldo- great football skills, poor people skills
Not all football fans may have seen a small, but widely circulated, news story last week. It concerned the Portuguese and Real Madrid no. 7, who during his mercurial career has never been one to stray too far from some form of wind-up. However, this wasn't to do with anything that happened on the pitch, but rather what came out of Ronaldo's mouth.
Back in January 2007, I witnessed first hand the kind of widespread vitriol that was aimed at the then Manchester United talisman. Whilst warming up for an international friendly against Brazil, the crowd mercilessly booed his every touch in a near pantomime fashion. Admittedly, with the match at the Emirates stadium, there 'may' have been some bias from the fans gathered. But, it was his infamous wink at the proceeding summer's World Cup that had led to many fans abusing him afterwards, in the vast majority of stadiums around England.
Of course, many of those same fans can contribute to giving football a bad name, by either failing to see the bigger picture or simply not being at all rational. For example, in that World Cup, Wayne Rooney had hardly helped himself. His quarter-final sending off against Portugal was as much to do with his own frustrations, as it was to do with Ronaldo's goading. Witch hunts are a default mode for football fans when things go pear-shaped, and the passions that fly around often lead to there being the need for someone to blame, rather than any collective.
Still, this is a natural reaction when anything negative happens, from natural disasters to economic meltdowns, we all feel better venting our anger at a target. Of course, when a target seemingly goes out of their way to present themselves, one may start to question the psyche that is involved! This brings me to Ronaldo, who last week said, I quote, "I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation".
This gem of a response came after Ronaldo was asked by an interviewer, in the wake of Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, his thoughts on their fans. Just like I had seen four years ago, Ronaldo was on the end of endless jeering. You could look at this response from many different angles, such as, is he that self-obsessed or was he deliberately trying to get a rise out of his detractors?
On the other hand, some people may say that it was a justified reaction from a player that has received more grief from football fans than any other in recent times, why should he have to put up and shut up? Well, in the grand scheme of things, he is an extremely talented football player at the top of his profession, and one who reportedly earns €11 million a year. With the current global markets as they are, I'm pretty confident that there would be a long line of the world's population who would gladly take that sort of trade off!
This doesn't mean that the rich and famous deserve abuse, far from it. Instead, I suggest that it may improve Ronaldo's standing if he was to be a little humble, kind of like his rival (and the altogether more gifted) Lionel Messi. Football fans are actually not that unforgiving, beyond the initial anger. Fabregas has left Arsenal as a revered player, he may have left for Barcelona after their incessant tapping-up, but he has still departed with good grace. Compare that with Samir Nasri, who has petulantly engaged in a war of words with Arsenal fans after joining Manchester City, and it is safe to say that the Frenchman has soured what reputation he had at the Emirates.
Unfortunately it does appear to be the case that too many of the generally rich and famous exist in a bubble of ignorance. Comments such as Ronaldo's only serve to ostracise him from ordinary members of the public, especially when the economy is in such strife and his inflated sense of self-worth apparently indicates our envy. Sadly football in general has failed to recognise this, with ticket prices continuing to rise, namely to cover the spiralling wages of players.
Regardless of the debates about salary caps or football clubs running at a loss, the fans of the sport can be just as fickle as they are forgiving. If Cristiano Ronaldo really wants to be remembered as one of the great players, he would do well to reign in his ego and to train his people skills up to match those of his feet. After all, without football fans making the game as popular as it is, he couldn't be so proud of being rich.
Back in January 2007, I witnessed first hand the kind of widespread vitriol that was aimed at the then Manchester United talisman. Whilst warming up for an international friendly against Brazil, the crowd mercilessly booed his every touch in a near pantomime fashion. Admittedly, with the match at the Emirates stadium, there 'may' have been some bias from the fans gathered. But, it was his infamous wink at the proceeding summer's World Cup that had led to many fans abusing him afterwards, in the vast majority of stadiums around England.
Of course, many of those same fans can contribute to giving football a bad name, by either failing to see the bigger picture or simply not being at all rational. For example, in that World Cup, Wayne Rooney had hardly helped himself. His quarter-final sending off against Portugal was as much to do with his own frustrations, as it was to do with Ronaldo's goading. Witch hunts are a default mode for football fans when things go pear-shaped, and the passions that fly around often lead to there being the need for someone to blame, rather than any collective.
Still, this is a natural reaction when anything negative happens, from natural disasters to economic meltdowns, we all feel better venting our anger at a target. Of course, when a target seemingly goes out of their way to present themselves, one may start to question the psyche that is involved! This brings me to Ronaldo, who last week said, I quote, "I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation".
This gem of a response came after Ronaldo was asked by an interviewer, in the wake of Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, his thoughts on their fans. Just like I had seen four years ago, Ronaldo was on the end of endless jeering. You could look at this response from many different angles, such as, is he that self-obsessed or was he deliberately trying to get a rise out of his detractors?
On the other hand, some people may say that it was a justified reaction from a player that has received more grief from football fans than any other in recent times, why should he have to put up and shut up? Well, in the grand scheme of things, he is an extremely talented football player at the top of his profession, and one who reportedly earns €11 million a year. With the current global markets as they are, I'm pretty confident that there would be a long line of the world's population who would gladly take that sort of trade off!
This doesn't mean that the rich and famous deserve abuse, far from it. Instead, I suggest that it may improve Ronaldo's standing if he was to be a little humble, kind of like his rival (and the altogether more gifted) Lionel Messi. Football fans are actually not that unforgiving, beyond the initial anger. Fabregas has left Arsenal as a revered player, he may have left for Barcelona after their incessant tapping-up, but he has still departed with good grace. Compare that with Samir Nasri, who has petulantly engaged in a war of words with Arsenal fans after joining Manchester City, and it is safe to say that the Frenchman has soured what reputation he had at the Emirates.
Unfortunately it does appear to be the case that too many of the generally rich and famous exist in a bubble of ignorance. Comments such as Ronaldo's only serve to ostracise him from ordinary members of the public, especially when the economy is in such strife and his inflated sense of self-worth apparently indicates our envy. Sadly football in general has failed to recognise this, with ticket prices continuing to rise, namely to cover the spiralling wages of players.
Regardless of the debates about salary caps or football clubs running at a loss, the fans of the sport can be just as fickle as they are forgiving. If Cristiano Ronaldo really wants to be remembered as one of the great players, he would do well to reign in his ego and to train his people skills up to match those of his feet. After all, without football fans making the game as popular as it is, he couldn't be so proud of being rich.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Good and bad money matters, for Swansea and FIFA
Prior to the continuing debacle that is FIFA, this article was originally going to solely concentrate on me having been at Wembley on Monday afternoon/evening. Instead I'll reflect upon what was an entertaining, and at times pulsating Championship play-off final, before looking at the elephant in the room that is Sepp Blatter.
So, we begin with Swansea and Reading; who produced a classic example of 'a game of two halves'. Swansea rode their luck after an inconspicuous opening, before they capitalised upon a despondent Reading, as they established a 3-0 half-time lead. A Scott Sinclair brace and Stephen Dobbie's pounce on a defensive half-clearance set the scene.
To their credit, Reading spent the opening twenty minutes of the second half laying siege to the Swansea goal. The Berkshire club clearly believed that they could emulate Liverpool's 2005 Champions League final comeback against AC Milan. And they were only to be denied by half the width of a post, when Jem Karacan's deflected strike swiftly followed a Joe Allen own goal and a Matt Mills header, which had brought the score back to 3-2.
This was the key moment of the game, for if Reading had managed to overturn a 3-0 deficit, Swansea's spirit may well have been broken. But even though Reading stayed on top as the half developed, their momentum and energy began to sag. With ten minutes to go Brian McDermott's side conceded a second soft penalty, and with it Sinclair completed his hat-trick and Swansea's rise to the top tier of English football.
The Swans fans had been nervously quiet since the first half, but the fourth goal transformed their end of Wembley into a playground of excitable, bouncing white shirts. All in all it was a great advert for the Championship and for Wembley, which continues to establish itself amongst the world's best stadiums.
As for next season, Swansea look like they will entertain the top level in the same fashion as Blackpool and Burnley have in recent times. Although they may also struggle to avoid relegation, something that followed both teams' good starts. Reading meanwhile must be among the firm favourites to go up in 2011-12, if of course they hold on to the likes of Shane Long.
Now, on to FIFA and more pertinently Sepp Blatter. The question remains as to why and how this man is allowed to treat football as if it is the sporting equivalent of Silvio Berlusconi, namely corrupt and embarrassing.
Whether Blatter likes it or not, FIFA is in a crisis that is slowly coming to some sort of head. Sponsors such as Emirates have voiced their concern, and ironically it may be the threat of financial losses that could spur the organisation into acting.
However, after today's actions, this looks very far from happening. At a press conference, Blatter and 172 delegates demonstrated their lack of contact with reality. The English FA, represented by David Bernstein, had presented a joint motion with the Scottish FA to postpone the election for the FIFA presidency. Their reasoning is that FIFA should really be investigating the corruption allegations against Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner, rather than giving Blatter another unopposed mandate as President.
And so instead, FIFA's overwhelming majority has endorsed a one-man election, reminiscent of a totalitarian, one-party state. Blatter has said that in future all delegates should be involved in the World Cup bidding process, but there has been little recognition of the wider concerns involving the accused members of his executive committee.
In fact many delegates chose to stand up for Blatter in the most unashamed manner today. In response to Bernstein's proposal, the FA was subjected to wild name-calling and general nit-picking to the extent of frustrating hilarity. Many implied that the FA is simply stirring-up trouble and that they are retaliating to the failed 2018 World Cup bid.
This is simply a blatant attempt to discredit and then shoot the messenger. The Panorama programme that helped to spur several corruption allegations has some very pressing and real questions for FIFA, Blatter and his executive committee to answer. However, in response they are waging a PR war against those that disparage them, in a crass attempt to distract from and bury the issue.
And now, football fans around the world have another four years to enjoy of an institution that is led by a man who is increasingly painting himself into a corner. Blatter may be right to value the independent status and power that FIFA has, but if he is to allow this prestige to be abused, football may be better off if it has to answer to the politicians. Otherwise the fear is that football will continue to be ruled by an ageing old boy’s network intent on scratching each other’s backs...
So, we begin with Swansea and Reading; who produced a classic example of 'a game of two halves'. Swansea rode their luck after an inconspicuous opening, before they capitalised upon a despondent Reading, as they established a 3-0 half-time lead. A Scott Sinclair brace and Stephen Dobbie's pounce on a defensive half-clearance set the scene.
To their credit, Reading spent the opening twenty minutes of the second half laying siege to the Swansea goal. The Berkshire club clearly believed that they could emulate Liverpool's 2005 Champions League final comeback against AC Milan. And they were only to be denied by half the width of a post, when Jem Karacan's deflected strike swiftly followed a Joe Allen own goal and a Matt Mills header, which had brought the score back to 3-2.
This was the key moment of the game, for if Reading had managed to overturn a 3-0 deficit, Swansea's spirit may well have been broken. But even though Reading stayed on top as the half developed, their momentum and energy began to sag. With ten minutes to go Brian McDermott's side conceded a second soft penalty, and with it Sinclair completed his hat-trick and Swansea's rise to the top tier of English football.
The Swans fans had been nervously quiet since the first half, but the fourth goal transformed their end of Wembley into a playground of excitable, bouncing white shirts. All in all it was a great advert for the Championship and for Wembley, which continues to establish itself amongst the world's best stadiums.
As for next season, Swansea look like they will entertain the top level in the same fashion as Blackpool and Burnley have in recent times. Although they may also struggle to avoid relegation, something that followed both teams' good starts. Reading meanwhile must be among the firm favourites to go up in 2011-12, if of course they hold on to the likes of Shane Long.
Now, on to FIFA and more pertinently Sepp Blatter. The question remains as to why and how this man is allowed to treat football as if it is the sporting equivalent of Silvio Berlusconi, namely corrupt and embarrassing.
Whether Blatter likes it or not, FIFA is in a crisis that is slowly coming to some sort of head. Sponsors such as Emirates have voiced their concern, and ironically it may be the threat of financial losses that could spur the organisation into acting.
However, after today's actions, this looks very far from happening. At a press conference, Blatter and 172 delegates demonstrated their lack of contact with reality. The English FA, represented by David Bernstein, had presented a joint motion with the Scottish FA to postpone the election for the FIFA presidency. Their reasoning is that FIFA should really be investigating the corruption allegations against Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner, rather than giving Blatter another unopposed mandate as President.
And so instead, FIFA's overwhelming majority has endorsed a one-man election, reminiscent of a totalitarian, one-party state. Blatter has said that in future all delegates should be involved in the World Cup bidding process, but there has been little recognition of the wider concerns involving the accused members of his executive committee.
In fact many delegates chose to stand up for Blatter in the most unashamed manner today. In response to Bernstein's proposal, the FA was subjected to wild name-calling and general nit-picking to the extent of frustrating hilarity. Many implied that the FA is simply stirring-up trouble and that they are retaliating to the failed 2018 World Cup bid.
This is simply a blatant attempt to discredit and then shoot the messenger. The Panorama programme that helped to spur several corruption allegations has some very pressing and real questions for FIFA, Blatter and his executive committee to answer. However, in response they are waging a PR war against those that disparage them, in a crass attempt to distract from and bury the issue.
And now, football fans around the world have another four years to enjoy of an institution that is led by a man who is increasingly painting himself into a corner. Blatter may be right to value the independent status and power that FIFA has, but if he is to allow this prestige to be abused, football may be better off if it has to answer to the politicians. Otherwise the fear is that football will continue to be ruled by an ageing old boy’s network intent on scratching each other’s backs...
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Kenny Daglish- what a relief?!
As a certain songwriter once said, these times they are a changin...
Even the most pessimistic of Liverpool fans can't have failed to get misty eyed about the managerial return of Kenny Daglish on January 8th. And so far the romantic reunion has lived up to expectations.
There were many doubters about Liverpool's choice of successor for Roy Hodgson. The shock of last season's LMA manager of the year being sacked, coupled with the end of Daglish's ten year hiatus, meant that nostalgia went into overdrive.
Much was made of the large gap in his C.V., and I even saw the move compared with Newcastle's reappointment of Kevin Keegan (midway through 2007/08). All of this was understandable but also a little insulting and presumptuous.
Football may have got more lavish in it's spending, more physically fit and owe too much to T.V. companies. However, the bare essentials are more or less the same as ever. Tactics, motivation and training evolve slightly, but they are skills that are not easily dispersed, especially if your name is Kenny Daglish.
It is hard to find any examples of a player turned manager, who has been so synonymous with the successful history of a single club. George Graham at Arsenal is an obvious comparison, but even his achievements pale next to Daglish.
Aside from the 3 European Cups, and later the domestic double in his first season as player manager, there is one other nagging statistic. Liverpool's last league title is from another era, and of course Daglish was in charge of that 1989/90 campaign.
His Anfield return has obviously fuelled hopes of a resurrection of the Liverpool glory years. And whilst this may be far from realistic, the signs so far have been encouraging.
Since his first spell as Liverpool manager, the Scot will have witnessed the footballing balance of power shift dramatically. His time there preceded the rise of Ferguson's Manchester United and their subsequent battles with Arsenal and Chelsea. Money has also contributed to Liverpool losing their number one status, although the January transfer window saw a statement of intent.
For all the fuss over Torres' £50m move, it seems increasingly like Daglish has pulled of the shrewdest dealings. After also offloading Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim, the club have made a net loss of a little over £1m and recruited two strikers.
Luis Saurez will undoubtedly provide quality and fire power, and although over-priced, Andy Carroll could be moulded into a proper international. Their greater depth up front and the strong likelihood of more summer signings, all suggest a serious new ambition under Daglish's influence.
Rafa Benitez's era was sometimes haphazard in the transfer market (Robbie Keane, Alberto Aquilani), and he made a fatal error over Xabi Alonso from which he would never recover. Over time his Liverpool became frail and were too reliant on Torres and Gerrard. In contrast it is difficult to imagine Daglish overlooking a squad that isn't the equal of it's individual parts.
The odds are now very slim on there being anyone else in the manager's role at Anfield come next August. The recent run of four consecutive clean sheet victories, after a relatively slow start, have demonstrated the new serene and confident air around Liverpool.
The Reds are still a work in progress and at best should aim at re-consolidating themselves in the top four next season. But with 'King Kenny' back at his spiritual home, Liverpool may have at least restored the values behind their last league triumph, and that is a start.
In Daglish's own recent words, "The players know the football club is more important than any individual". Despite that, you can be sure that there are some fans who believe that that individual is back where he belongs.
Even the most pessimistic of Liverpool fans can't have failed to get misty eyed about the managerial return of Kenny Daglish on January 8th. And so far the romantic reunion has lived up to expectations.
There were many doubters about Liverpool's choice of successor for Roy Hodgson. The shock of last season's LMA manager of the year being sacked, coupled with the end of Daglish's ten year hiatus, meant that nostalgia went into overdrive.
Much was made of the large gap in his C.V., and I even saw the move compared with Newcastle's reappointment of Kevin Keegan (midway through 2007/08). All of this was understandable but also a little insulting and presumptuous.
Football may have got more lavish in it's spending, more physically fit and owe too much to T.V. companies. However, the bare essentials are more or less the same as ever. Tactics, motivation and training evolve slightly, but they are skills that are not easily dispersed, especially if your name is Kenny Daglish.
It is hard to find any examples of a player turned manager, who has been so synonymous with the successful history of a single club. George Graham at Arsenal is an obvious comparison, but even his achievements pale next to Daglish.
Aside from the 3 European Cups, and later the domestic double in his first season as player manager, there is one other nagging statistic. Liverpool's last league title is from another era, and of course Daglish was in charge of that 1989/90 campaign.
His Anfield return has obviously fuelled hopes of a resurrection of the Liverpool glory years. And whilst this may be far from realistic, the signs so far have been encouraging.
Since his first spell as Liverpool manager, the Scot will have witnessed the footballing balance of power shift dramatically. His time there preceded the rise of Ferguson's Manchester United and their subsequent battles with Arsenal and Chelsea. Money has also contributed to Liverpool losing their number one status, although the January transfer window saw a statement of intent.
For all the fuss over Torres' £50m move, it seems increasingly like Daglish has pulled of the shrewdest dealings. After also offloading Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim, the club have made a net loss of a little over £1m and recruited two strikers.
Luis Saurez will undoubtedly provide quality and fire power, and although over-priced, Andy Carroll could be moulded into a proper international. Their greater depth up front and the strong likelihood of more summer signings, all suggest a serious new ambition under Daglish's influence.
Rafa Benitez's era was sometimes haphazard in the transfer market (Robbie Keane, Alberto Aquilani), and he made a fatal error over Xabi Alonso from which he would never recover. Over time his Liverpool became frail and were too reliant on Torres and Gerrard. In contrast it is difficult to imagine Daglish overlooking a squad that isn't the equal of it's individual parts.
The odds are now very slim on there being anyone else in the manager's role at Anfield come next August. The recent run of four consecutive clean sheet victories, after a relatively slow start, have demonstrated the new serene and confident air around Liverpool.
The Reds are still a work in progress and at best should aim at re-consolidating themselves in the top four next season. But with 'King Kenny' back at his spiritual home, Liverpool may have at least restored the values behind their last league triumph, and that is a start.
In Daglish's own recent words, "The players know the football club is more important than any individual". Despite that, you can be sure that there are some fans who believe that that individual is back where he belongs.
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Should international players be good on and off the pitch?
Every so often the subject of whether or not a player should be playing for his country gets raised. Usually it's a gripe about a player's form, but there are occasions that concern what they are up to outside the game of football.
The latest in this line of 'undesirables' is the much talked-up Andy Carroll. The Newcastle striker has impressed on the pitch so far this season, and has scored 6 league goals in 11 games. He clearly learnt his trade well during last season's Championship winning campaign.
At the same time football fans would have found it hard not to be equally aware about Carroll's recent problems of a criminal nature. There have been three separate cases of varying degrees of assault in the last two years and he is currently on bail until January for the most recent one. Living with the Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan has not saved him from more unwanted press attention after his car was set alight and use of cocaine was alleged in their presence.
Glenn Roeder weighted in with his opinion that whilst Carroll deserves an England call-up (for the upcoming friendly with France), he should be made to wait a little longer for his debut. The former Newcastle player and manager reasons that if he appears for England so soon after his recent indiscretions, it would send out a poor example to young players and fans alike.
This is a fair point, and one that will probably divide opinion. However it should not be brushed aside, morally speaking it seems perfectly reasonable, surely football players should face similar consequences to everyone else. If that means that Andy Carroll has to prove that he can not only play well but behave well for a period of time, that's fair isn't it?
Of course some arguments seem to mostly bypass this line of thought and are developed from a purely footballing perspective. If the best players are fit and available then we should play them and reap the awards. That is a typical line that plays well to the spirit of wanting to win, but it is less welcoming if you are to consider integrity.
Newcastle team mate and former bad boy Joey Barton has stated that "sometimes you need the players who don't always toe the line”. This is an understandable point to make if we're talking about a player with disciplinary problems on the pitch- who hasn't commented that the England team could do with being a bit feistier at times. Unfortunately however we are talking about assault, something a bit more serious, and that's where Barton's logic fails.
Players can redeem and rehabilitate themselves as much as anyone, Barton himself is a case in point. A clear record since Alan Shearer's ill-fated time in charge of the Magpies, coupled with his impressive form this season should ideally lead to him receiving a first England call-up since 2007. I like many appreciated Barton's comical analysis of Frank Lampard's autobiography after the 2006 World Cup, but perhaps he is rather thinking of himself with his quote.
The midfielder also said of the selection process facing Fabio Capello, that "hopefully they will stop worrying about Goody Two Shoes image which the sponsors want for England”. He goes on to suggest that this is in part to blame for England's horror show in South Africa last summer. But this is clearly wrong, you only need to look at some of England's most established players to see that they're not all shrinking violets!
Between Rio Ferdinand's forgetfulness over a drugs test and John Terry selling tours of the Chelsea training ground, there are several players who have 'slightly' flouted their positions. Steven Gerrard was also very lucky by some accounts to get off free last year, from his charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
In fact the more you look at it, perhaps the more the England squad should be made up with 'goody two shoes', if they're not always looking over their shoulder they may enjoy playing for England more. It's an argument that can go on and on, but there should be a line of trouble that you cross that has some consequences.
After all, we can't all be a crazy genius like Diego Maradona. Modern footballers may not all like it or realise it, but with their greater power there really is a greater responsibility...
The latest in this line of 'undesirables' is the much talked-up Andy Carroll. The Newcastle striker has impressed on the pitch so far this season, and has scored 6 league goals in 11 games. He clearly learnt his trade well during last season's Championship winning campaign.
At the same time football fans would have found it hard not to be equally aware about Carroll's recent problems of a criminal nature. There have been three separate cases of varying degrees of assault in the last two years and he is currently on bail until January for the most recent one. Living with the Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan has not saved him from more unwanted press attention after his car was set alight and use of cocaine was alleged in their presence.
Glenn Roeder weighted in with his opinion that whilst Carroll deserves an England call-up (for the upcoming friendly with France), he should be made to wait a little longer for his debut. The former Newcastle player and manager reasons that if he appears for England so soon after his recent indiscretions, it would send out a poor example to young players and fans alike.
This is a fair point, and one that will probably divide opinion. However it should not be brushed aside, morally speaking it seems perfectly reasonable, surely football players should face similar consequences to everyone else. If that means that Andy Carroll has to prove that he can not only play well but behave well for a period of time, that's fair isn't it?
Of course some arguments seem to mostly bypass this line of thought and are developed from a purely footballing perspective. If the best players are fit and available then we should play them and reap the awards. That is a typical line that plays well to the spirit of wanting to win, but it is less welcoming if you are to consider integrity.
Newcastle team mate and former bad boy Joey Barton has stated that "sometimes you need the players who don't always toe the line”. This is an understandable point to make if we're talking about a player with disciplinary problems on the pitch- who hasn't commented that the England team could do with being a bit feistier at times. Unfortunately however we are talking about assault, something a bit more serious, and that's where Barton's logic fails.
Players can redeem and rehabilitate themselves as much as anyone, Barton himself is a case in point. A clear record since Alan Shearer's ill-fated time in charge of the Magpies, coupled with his impressive form this season should ideally lead to him receiving a first England call-up since 2007. I like many appreciated Barton's comical analysis of Frank Lampard's autobiography after the 2006 World Cup, but perhaps he is rather thinking of himself with his quote.
The midfielder also said of the selection process facing Fabio Capello, that "hopefully they will stop worrying about Goody Two Shoes image which the sponsors want for England”. He goes on to suggest that this is in part to blame for England's horror show in South Africa last summer. But this is clearly wrong, you only need to look at some of England's most established players to see that they're not all shrinking violets!
Between Rio Ferdinand's forgetfulness over a drugs test and John Terry selling tours of the Chelsea training ground, there are several players who have 'slightly' flouted their positions. Steven Gerrard was also very lucky by some accounts to get off free last year, from his charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
In fact the more you look at it, perhaps the more the England squad should be made up with 'goody two shoes', if they're not always looking over their shoulder they may enjoy playing for England more. It's an argument that can go on and on, but there should be a line of trouble that you cross that has some consequences.
After all, we can't all be a crazy genius like Diego Maradona. Modern footballers may not all like it or realise it, but with their greater power there really is a greater responsibility...
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