Archive for August, 2011
TRUE FOOTBALL FANS WILL WISH OWEN HARGREAVES GOOD LUCK IF HE MAKES A SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK
Buy the DVD
A fully fit Owen Hargreaves would walk into just about any Premier League starting XI – and you have to give the former England star enormous credit for refusing to give up his long struggle against injury when Manchester United allowed him to become a free agent at the end of his contract in May.
Hargreaves used YouTube to prove his fitness. Click photo to see the videos
With Roberto Macini considering the option of giving Hargreaves a pay per play deal at Manchester City, it would be a remarkable comeback for the 30-year-old who has fought a lonely battle to prove his fitness.
As I have said before, if Hargreaves completes his comeback from injury it will be football’s real-life version of Rocky.
I would like to think that even the most hardened Unted fan will secretly be wishing the gutsy midfielder a successful return to the game if he does make the switch to Eastlands.But the reality is Hargreaves will be vilified by some United fans if he does end up wearing blue – and that it is a blind hatred I refuse to support.
Voted England’s best player at the World Cup in Germany in 2006, Hargreaves was one of United’s heroes in the 2008 Champions League Final triumph over Chelsea and he would certainly have stayed at Old Trafford if he was given the chance. Yes I would rather Hargreaves made his comeback almost anywhere else. But no real football fan can bedgrudge a true professional like Owen Hargreaves the right to carry on playing at any club.
With or without Hargreaves, the highlight of this football season is going to be the battle for supremacy between United and City . . . and as the champions showed when it all kicked off in the Community Shield, the Reds have lost none of their hunger for silverware.
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
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UNITED HUMILIATE THE GUNNERS AND STEAL CITY’S THUNDER, BUT IT IS TIME FOR FICKLE ARSENAL FANS TO STAND BY WENGER
When Manchester City thrashed Spurs 5-1 at White Hart Lane, Roberto Mancini’s men thought they were heading for the international break as leaders of the Premier League. But United’s remarkable 8-2 humiliation of Arsenal trumped their noisy neighbours’ in majestic fashion – and has put Arsene Wenger in the firing line.
It was a stunning day of football in the most exciting football league in the world. And it was an indication of the changing face of English football. The reality is that Manchester is now more dominant than ever boasting two outstanding teams, while North London’s fallen heroes have slipped behind in spectacular fashion.
Ruthless - but Sir Alex Ferguson still paid tribute to Wenger's 15 years at Arsenal
But do not make the mistake of jumping on the band wagon of turning on Arsenal’s beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger.
While Harry Redknapp’s Spurs are rock bottom and point-less having played a game less than the rest at the bottom, Wenger is the boss under the full glare of the lynch-mob who want him out of the Arsenal hot-seat. And that is so short-sighted it could push the Gunners into an era of decline that could undo all the Frenchman’s outstanding work.
Arsenal’s decline can be traced back to the departure in April 2007 of of vice-chairman David Dein, the man who appointed Wenger and was his right-hand man when it came to signing new players.
The club is in turmoil because of the behind-the-scenes power struggle between Alisher Usmanov and Stan Kroenke for control of the club. Wenger has made some outstanding signings in the past and could do so again in the future if he has the right support of the board.
United's most impressive Premier League win courtesy of a Wayne Rooney hat-trick, a glorious double from Ashley Young and a goal apiece from Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ji Sung Park
As Fergie is proving by putting together another outstanding team of youngsters who could turn out to be his greatest side ever, you do not have to go out and sign ready made superstars to build a winning team.
But you do need the right support from your board and chief executive – and in that department do not underestimate the outstanding contribution of David Gill, who has made a sterling contribution in helping to keep the established stars at Old Trafford.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
FASTEST MAN ON EARTH DISQUALIFIED: FALSE START RULE HAS CAST A HUGE SHADOW OVER ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Usain Bolt disqualified in the 100 metres final
There has to be something wrong with the rules when the fastest man on earth is disqualified for a false start in the final of the 100 metres at the athletics world championships.
The feeling of shock around the Daegu Stadium in South Korea, when defending champion Usain Bolt was barred from the race after he came out of the blocks early, cast a huge shadow over the event.
Fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake went on to take the gold in 9.92 seconds. But what a hollow victory. And what a disaster for the sport in the countdown to the 2012 London Olympics.
It was bad enough when Britain’s Dwain Chambers was disqualified for a false start in the semi-final and Christine Ohuruogu suffered the same fate in the 400m on Saturday. But when the public are denied the right to see the best sprinters in the world go head to head on the track the sport has been compromised.
The cynical conclusion is that the power of TV and their obsession with schedules has put undue pressure on the sport to make the rules so stringent that the sport itself is compromised.
In the case of Chambers, he was disqualified for merely twitching and not moving forward, which is clearly ridiculous.
Chambers insisted he has no complaints about the decision and graciously conceded: “The gun went and I moved before it fired. It was unfortunate, but it was enough. Rules are rules.”
But how will the public react at next year’s Olympics if we are denied the chance to see the best athletes compete in the blue-ribbon events because of the false start rule.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
False start: Disqualified Usain Bolt can't believe it
RUGBY WORLD CUP: WILL REAL ALL BLACKS PLEASE STAND UP!
The pressure is on the New Zealand All Blacks' to win their first World Cup since 1987
BY JOHN GUBBA
Not since the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987 have New Zealand’s All Blacks claimed the ultimate prize – and the pressure will be on the host nation to make amends when the 2011 tournament gets under way in Auckland on September 9.
The Kiwis are the favourites to lift the Web Ellis Trophy and rightly so. But how will the tournament’s biggest under-achievers cope with the fear of failure? If England can get out of pool B and qualify for the quarter-finals, they will expect to face France or New Zealand.
On recent form it is hard to fancy Martin Johnson’s men. But England have a good track record in the Rugby World Cup and are no strangers to upsetting the odds. Beating Ireland 20-9 in Dublin for the first time since 2003 this afternoon was certainly a timely boost in the final warm-up before setting off for New Zealand.
Mind-games or just good marketing by the RFU?
With England opting for a controversial All Black strip as their change kit, how ironic would it be if a team playing in all black other than New Zealand were to win the final.
That of course would be a major shock and would definitely upset the hosts, whose Prime Minister John Key and former All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu have accused England of “disrespecting” their country by replicating their famous strip.
To me that sounds like England have won the pre-tournament mind games.
Like it or not, England will switch from all white to all black in their opening match against Argentina on September 10. And as England flanker Tom Wood said recently: “It has the red rose on it and that is all that matters to us,”
England must finish in the top 2 to reach the quarter-finals
ENGLAND’S 30-MAN SQUAD
Forwards: (17)
Props: Dan Cole (Leicester, Age 24, 17 caps), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish, 22, 6), Andrew Sheridan (Sale, 31, 38), Matt Stevens (Saracens, 28, 34), David Wilson (Bath, 26, 18).
Hookers: Dylan Hartley (Northampton, 25, 29), Lee Mears (Bath, 32, 37), Steve Thompson (Wasps, 33, 67).
Locks: Louis Deacon (Leicester, 30, 24), Courtney Lawes (Northampton, 22, 9), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais, 32, 27), Simon Shaw (unattached, 37, 67).
Back row: Tom Croft (Leicester, 25, 25), Nick Easter (Harlequins, 33, 44), James Haskell (Ricoh Black Rams, 26, 36), Lewis Moody (Bath, 33, 67), Tom Wood (Northampton, 24, 7).
Backs: (13)
Full-backs/wings: Delon Armitage (London Irish, 27, 20), Ben Foden (Northampton, 26, 16), Chris Ashton (Northampton, 24, 12), Mark Cueto (Sale, 31, 52).
Centres: Matt Banahan (Bath, 24, 13), Shontayne Hape (London Irish, 30, 12), Mike Tindall (Gloucester, 32, 71), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester, 20, 1).
Fly-halves: Toby Flood (Leicester, 26, 41), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon, 32, 86).
Scrum-halves: Joe Simpson (Wasps, 23, 0), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens, 28, 7), Ben Youngs (Leicester, 21, 12).
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
Sir Alex Ferguson: ‘They treat Man United like s***!
Ferguson four letter word rant at FA
For those of us in the UK who can’t afford the luxury of a Sky subscription, news that Sir Alex Ferguson has ended his ban on talking to the BBC has got to be good news.
The boss began his boycott of the broadcaster in 2004 following allegations made against his son, Jason, in a TV documentary. A statement said: “Sir Alex and the BBC have put behind them the difficulties which led to Sir Alex feeling unable to appear on BBC programmes.”
In his attack on the FA Fergie blasted: ‘They treat Man United like s***! United could have up to eight players called up for England duty next week by Fabio Capello and Ferguson is unhappy the organisation do not give his club more respect.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
FERGIE’S KIDS HAVE A LOT TO DO TO EMULATE THE BOYS OF 92 BUT THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR UNITED’S EXCITING YOUNG STARS
Tom Cleverley and Danny Wellbeck have grown up together in United's Academy
When Alan Hansen famously said in 1995 ‘You’ll win nothing with kids’ Manchester United made the former Liverpool legend eat his words by going on to win the League and Cup double with a team of youngsters that included David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brother Gary and Phil.
Sixteen years later Sir Alex Ferguson is threatening to prove him wrong all over again with another crop of outstanding youngsters that could dominate the Premier League for years to come.
Pundits have always argued that United could never again emulate the Boys of 92 who won the FA Youth Cup and laid the foundations for Fergie’s incredible dynasty that is now in its 25th year. But just when the noisy neighbours across the City are threatening to turn wealth into trophies and challenge United’s supremacy, along comes another crop of kids with all the right credentials.
United’s starting X1 in last night’s 3-0 thumping of Tottenham was the second youngest side the Red Devils have fielded in the Premier League, with an average age of only 23 years and one month. Only skipper Patrice Evra was over 30 – and the rest were younger than Ashley Young, 26, and Wayne Rooney who is still only 25.
There has been a proud tradition of giving youth its chance at Old Trafford ever since the Busby Babes back in the 50s. And Fergie, obsessed with tradition, will take great pleasure from last night’s spectacular coming of age of Danny Welbeck (aged 20), Tom Cleverley (22), Chris Smalling (21), Phil Jones (19) and a clean sheet for David de Gea (20).
Six of United’s starting line-up were English last night and that can only be good news for the national team too. Meanwhile, it is going to be fascinating to see the kids growing up at The Theatre of Dreams.
TRAGIC TENDULKAR THE GREATEST BATSMAN IN HISTORY DENIED 100TH CENTURY AS RUTHLESS ENGLAND MARCH ON TO 4-0 WIN
The master: Sachin Tendulkar
BY JOHN GUBBA
England are the undisputed kings of world cricket after ripping the crown off India in ruthless fashion. And the No.1 spot is so richly deserved for Andrew Strauss and his swashbuckling team of heroes.
But what a disappointment to see Sachin Tendulkar - arguably the greatest batsman of all-time – denied a remarkable milestone at the Oval.
With the Indian’s battling to avoid a 4-0 series whitewash, the tourist’s superstar batsman looked odds-on to become the first player in history to score 100 international hundreds when he reached the nervous nineties.
Most England fans, confident of yet another victory, wanted to see Tendulkar achieve his goal and it almost seemed inevitable when he enjoyed a charmed life as he was dropped twice and survived a stumping that should have been out.
But the fairytale scenario of Tendulkar making his ton as England triumphed fell apart when his partnership of 144 with Amit Mishra ended. When he was out lbw to Tim Bredsnan on 91 there was an air of disbelief.
Mishra had been bowled by Graeme Swann on 84 in the previous over – and England ruthlessly claimed India’s last seven wickets for 21 runs. It was England’s first whitewash over India since 1974 as Swann finished with 6-106 and a spell of four wickets for seven runs. Swann’s dazzling individual display crowned a series packed with spectacular performances from this incredible England team.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
DAVID DE GEA: DODGY HAIR, GREAT KEEPER . . . AND HOW ABOUT SOME RESPECT FOR GREAT GOONER ARSENE WENGER
Hair-raising goalkeeper or a cut above the rest?
Arsenal's best ever manager
On the eve of the second weekend of the Premier League season, I wonder how many football fans have been jumping on the band-wagon and disrespecting rookie keeper David De Gea and veteran boss Arsene Wenger?
I make no apologies for stating that no breed is more fickle than the average football fan . . . and the abuse dished out for Manchester United’s 20 year-old goalkeeping protege and Arsenal’s best-ever manager is nothing short of scandalous.
It was great to hear United’s 1968 European Cup winner Alex Stepney spring to the defence of De Gea earlier this week when he declared: ”At 20 years of age he can only learn and get better. And when I say get better, he’s blooming brilliant now. He can reach the standards of Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.”
The young Spaniard may have gifted Manchester City a couple of soft goals in the Community Shield at Wembley and then allowed a weak shot to go under his body in his Premier League debut at West Brom. But United won both matches and writing off the kid who cost £18 million after one week is pure madness.
Alex Stepney standing by David De Gea
Every goalkeeper who ever played has dropped a clanger or two. But it’s how you come back after you make mistakes that separates the ones with potential from the greats. Chris Smalling spoke for everyone at United today when he said: “He has trained really well this week. You can see his agility and kicking. He will be a great goalkeeper for us.”
Personally, I have no doubt that De Gea will prove to be one of the world’s top goalkeepers. I just wish he would do the decent thing and get rid of that dodgy facial hair.
Meanwhile, the criticism Arsene Wenger has been getting at Arsenal is even more ridiculous. The departure of Cesc Fabregas and the immenent loss of Sami Nasri, following six trophy-less seasons has put the Gunners boss under increasing pressure from supporters. But the Frenchmen who has worked miracles and turned ‘boring, boring Arsenal’ into one of Europe’s most attractive teams deserves more respect.
David Dein, the man who took Wenger to North London in 1996 and urges fans to stand by their man, told the BBC: “People talk about ‘Has his time finished at the club?’ That’s a very dangerous thing to say because it’s easy to get rid of people and then what?
“People talk about buying players. Well, you’ve got to get players who are better than the ones you’ve got at the moment.”
He added: “I don’t know why he hasn’t bought at the moment, only time will tell. Maybe he thinks that this current squad has got the ability to win trophies. Only time will tell whether he’s right or wrong but I think it’s very early to say, ‘He’s lost the plot.’ He hasn’t lost the plot.”
Manchester United fans used to give Arsene Wenger more stick than anyone – but he won a lot of new fans at Old Trafford when he was sent off for kicking a plastic bottle and ended up on the roof of the dugout. Pure class from Arsenal’s living legend.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
Wayne Rooney hair transplant: Is he going grey?
Is Wayne Rooney now going grey after spending £30,000 on a new hair transplant?
Wayne Rooney just a couple of months ago with his receding hair line (but not grey!)
Wayne Rooney after £30,000 hair transplant. But is that grey hair I see???
John Gubba talks to Tony Livesey live on Radio 5 about Wayne Rooney’s new hair transplant.
Uncover the secrecy that has made it difficult to find out the truth about hair replacement techniques. We will provide a revealing insight into the latest procedure that enables individual hairs to be transplanted non-invasively to create a natural result every time and compare this with the many other options available including the horror stories that have left patients scarred for life.
Sporting freeviews onVISIONSPORT.TV
CLASSIC GOALS from Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham
ENGLAND’S CRICKETERS DESERVE TO BE THE WORLD’S NO.1 TEAM – AND WILL JOIN THE GREATS WHEN THEY KEEP ON WINNING
Andrew Strauss - took over as England captain in 2009 and achieved long-term goal he shared with coach Andy Flower
Not only do England deserve to be crowned the best cricket team in the world – but Andrew Strauss’s heroes have the sheer quality and irestistible talent to dominate the sport for years to come – just like the great West Indies and Australia teams of the past.
Brushing India off their perch with the swagger of true champions, England officially claimed top spot in the world rankings for the first time when they completed victory by an innings and 242 runs on Saturday, to take a 3-0 lead in their four-match Test series.
It was the culmination of an awesome surge to supremacy by England who have now won eight of their last nine Test series, including Ashes triumphs at home and away. But this is only the beginning for the team that simply outclassed and overpowered the tourists – and stormed to victories at Lord’s, Trent Bridge and now Edgbaston.
Michael Vaughan, winner of a record 26 Tests as England captain, has already predicted: “I really think this side are going to dominate Test cricket for a period because of their strength in depth, fitness levels, determination and the real hunger they display. It is not just this 11, the depth of the 24 or 25 players England have to choose from is fantastic – there is some great talent out there.”
There is no doubt in my mind that Vaughan is absolutely right, so long as the England players retain their hunger to go down in history as one of the all-time best sides. And that is the real measure of greatness. Not just getting to the top, but having the hunger and the desire to keep on winning.
