Archive for December, 2011
Murray pins his hope on the Czech who never won Wimbledon
BY JOHN GUBBA
Andy Murray’s appointment of the great Ivan Lendl is an intriguing move by the 24-year-old Scot.
Lendl was the world’s No.1 for 270 weeks during the 80s and won eight Grand Slams. But he is probably better known for being arguably the best player never to win Wimbledon.
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Blackburn Rovers win at Old Trafford is the biggest shock in a season of surprises
BY JOHN GUBBA
It just goes to show you should never count your chickens . . . and that is what makes the Premier League the most watched football league in the world.
Blackburn Rovers arrived at Old Trafford rock bottom and with their fickle fans calling for the head of manager Steve Kean.
Manchester United were odds on to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday with a win that would take them top at the turn of the year.
But Rovers’ enthralling 3-2 win leaves Manchester City in pole position on goal difference and the Blues now have the opportunity to go six points clear before United play again with games against Sunderland and Liverpool over the next 48 hours.
What makes the Premier League so exciting is its never ending ability to produce surprises – and you can bet there will be a lot more twists and turns before the title race is decided in May.
Mick McCarthy absolutely right! Fans of the beautiful game don’t want to see football turned into a non-contact sport
Mick McCarthy’s passionate defence of wronged midfielder Nenad Milijas is in the best interests of the beautiful game.
The Wolves player was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal despite winning the ball as McCarthy has clearly demonstrated.
But there is a lot more at stake here than a bad refereeing decision. We are talking about whether or not we want to kill the art of tackling.
While I am not advocating a return to the brutal days – when hardmen like Chopper Harris, Norman Hunter and Nobby Stiles ruled the roost – we must beware not to turn the game into a non contact sport.
McCarthy is absolutely right when he says: “I think the fabric of the British game is based on people tackling.”
And I agree whole-heartedly when the Wolves boss adds: “That’s why people come and watch because it’s exciting because people are tackled. It’s part of our game.”
Mick McCarthy points out the Milijas was first to the ball
Manchester United topping Premier League at the turn of the year will be the perfect 70th birthday present for Sir Alex Ferguson
When Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League at the end of the first week of December and trailed rivals City by five points in the Premier League, critics were lining up to declare this was the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance of English football.
How many times have we heard the prophets of doom circle round Old Trafford like vultures celebrating the fall of the emperor and hungry to feast on the demise of the greatest club in the world? But maybe this really was the end? With Fergie reaching his 70th birthday on New Year’s Eve, the critics said, the master had finally reached his ‘sell-by’ date and untold riches from the Middle East made it inevitable that the fat cats across the City were destined to take United’s crown.
Cocky City fans were strutting around like they owned the place in the illusion that one trophy in 35 years and a freak 6-1 win at Old Trafford suddenly made them the kings of the castle. Blues fans were queuing up to tell radio phone-ins that ‘this is their time’ and ‘United are a spent force who have reached the end of the road’.
For 25 years Sir Alex Ferguson has thrived on new challenges
But hang on a minute. This is no ordinary man we are talking about, and this is no ordinary football club. Over the past 25 years, every challenge has spurred Fergie’s Manchester United to fight back. Whether that means re-building or reaching another level, the Red machine has always delivered and each success has been more glorious than the one before.
Ever since Fergie’s men have emerged from the shadow of Liverpool’s incredible dynasty, United have found the answer to every challenge to their supremacy. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea were the biggest threats that forced United to step up, and now it is the irresistible force of Roberto Mancini’s Arab backed City.
To achieve the seemingly impossible is the greatest incentive there is for a club like Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson is just as hungry for success as he was when he first walked into Old Trafford 25 years ago. This is why United will not roll over and die like some would like.
Anything other than defeat against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Eve will take United clear at the top of the Premier League, just three weeks after trailing City by five points and an avalanche of a goal difference. A win will put United three points in front and a repeat of the 5-0 scoreline in their last two wins against Fulham and Wigan will cut City’s goal advantage to zero.
United's quest to win a record 20th League title is all the motivation they need to deny City
The fact that City don’t travel to Sunderland until New Year’s Day and United play first on Fergie’s 70th birthday is the perfect scenario for the red half of Manchester. For Steve Kean’s battle-weary Rovers entering Old Trafford in these circumstances could be like being fed to the lions. All this in the face of a horrific catalogue of injuries that has tested United’s resources to the limit in the month of December.
Whatever happens next, just don’t make the mistake of writing off United because when the going gets tough the tough get going and Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams have shown time and time again that they know how to deliver in the second half of the season.
Fergie admitted for the first time this week that City are favourites to win the title. And the great man knows overhauling the noisy neighbours who have grown into the biggest threat yet to his all-conquering empire represents arguably his biggest ever challenge.
But that in a nutshell is all the motivation United need to win a record breaking 20th league title.
PS: Do not be surprised if Dimitar Berbatov comes back stronger than ever and bags a hatful of goals in the second half of the season. He’s already scored more goals in six days – with four against Fulham and Wigan – than Fernando Torres has scored in the Premier League since he signed for Chelsea last season.
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The mob have brought shame on Blackburn Rovers for the way they have vilified manager Steve Kean
Football fans can be the most fickle race on earth – but the morons who vilify Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean are not fit to lace their manager’s boots.
It is reassuring to hear the Premier League’s top managers criticise the undignified mob who are bringing shame on the Ewood Park club. And the way Kean has handled himself in the face of unprecedented abuse is quite remarkable.
Steve Kean has remained dignified in the face of terrible abuse
Rovers are bottom of the League and it has been downhill ever since new Indian-based owners the Venky’s takeover last year when they axed Sam Allardyce and appointed Kean. But there is no excuse for the sheer malice directed at the Glasgwegianwho is winning admiration from real supporters outside Blackburn for the way he hs kept his dignity.
Everton boss David Moyes – the most vocal supporter of Kean after witnessing the abuse first hand during the 2-1 defeat by fellow strugglers Bolton on Tuesday night – spoke for many when he said: “I thought it was disgusting. I couldn’t believe the criticism they gave their manager. Steve Kean stood on the touchline and took it all. He was brave and man enough to do that. I just felt if they had supported their team instead they might have got a result and I left at half-time because I was so disgusted.
Sir Alex Ferguson, ahead of Manchester United’s date with Rovers on New Year’s Eve, also criticised the level of criticsm for Kean when he said: “I have never seen anything as bad as that. l feel for the lad. I tried to phone him, but he probably quite rightly had his phone switched off. For goodness sake, give the lad a break. It doesn’t say a lot for our society.”
For his guts and determination on the pitch John Terry derserves our respect but . . .
Whatever you think of the controversy surrounding Chelsea and England skipper John Terry and his suitability as a role model, you have to admire his guts and determination on the football pitch.
In the face of adversity Terry is a master at producing his best form and leading by example, as he did to earn Chelsea a point in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Thursday evening – just 24 hours after learning he is facing a criminal charge of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match at Loftus Road in October.
Terry has had a couple of dodgy displays – in particular when Arsenal won 5-3 at Stamford Bridge – but his manager Andre Villas-Boas was not far off the mark when he said: “John’s level of performances have increased since the incident happened. He is a fantastic player, his talent and commitment are never in doubt.”
Terry was taunted throughout the match at White Hart Lane by the home support. But he ensured the game ended level with an injury-time goal-line clearance from Emmanuel Adebayor, who had given Spurs an early lead before Daniel Sturridge drew Chelsea level.
As I have said numerous times before I think it is in everyone’s best interests if Terry steps down as England captain because he has brought shame on this role too many times before, whether or not he is found guilty of racist abuse. But a guilty verdict does not necessarily make him a racist and he will always be respected for his guts and determination on the pitch.
Mark Cavendish winning Sports Personality of the Year Award is “landmark for cycling”
You don’t have to be a cycling fan to appreciate 2011 Sports Personality of the Year Mark Cavendish – the guy is one of Britain’s greatest ever athletes.
It was moving to hear the 26-year-old make his emotional and humble thank you speech on accepting the coveted award and the public’s long overdue recognition.
Cavendish, only the third cyclist to win after Tommy Simpson in 1965 and Sir Chris Hoy in 2008, said: “This is a landmark for cycling. For cycling to be recognised in a non-Olympic year is unheard of.”
The Manxman won five stages of this year’s Tour de France – including the final time trial in Paris – to clinch the green jersey awarded to the race’s best sprinter for the first time.
2011 Sports Personality of the Year Mark Cavendish
He followed that success by confirming Britain’s emergence as a major nation in road as well as track cycling by taking gold at the World Championships in Copenhagen in September.
“I am absolutely speechless, some of my team-mates here will say that is a rare thing” said a clearly elated Cavendish.
“I had a group of guys who rode in Copenhagen who brought the rainbow jersey back to Britain after nearly half a century and that is a massive thing. Even to be nominated in the top 10 is an incredible thing.
“That we can produce champions from such a small place is superb. Now I see so many people out riding bikes, commuting to work or doing it as a hobby, they can see what it’s like to ride.”
And that is the rub. Just like British rowing enjoyed unprecedented success when Sir Steven Redgrave – winner of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award – was named Sports Personality of the Year in 2000, this could be the breakthrough moment for the sport of cycling.
Now John Terry will be charged with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand it makes sense to step down as England captain
Now that the Crown Prosecution Service have ruled that John Terry will be charged with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand surely he must lose the England captaincy.
Fair enough that the Chelsea skipper must be given the chance to prove his innocence. But it makes sense to relieve Terry of his England role while he prepares for his appearance before West London magistrates on 1st February 2012. He has been recommended for prosecution for ‘a racially aggravated public order offence.’
England’s next match is the Wembley friendly with Holland on February 29. Far less embarrassing for Terry to step down now than to be stripped of the captaincy if he is found guilty in court.
Reacting to the news , Terry said: ‘I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible. ‘I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends.
‘I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society.’
The case will not go to the Crown Court and the maximum punishment available is a fine of £2,500
Whatever the outcome of the court case, it is important to recognise that even if Terry is found guilty that does not necessarily mean he is a racist person. Whether or not a person is genuinely racist does not excuse that person from being racially abusive.
Liverpool and guilty Luis Suarez must accept punishment for racially abusing Patrice Evra
It does not matter which football club you support. The Football Association should be applauded for making an example of Luis Suarez in their decisive action to kick racism out of football.
Luis Suarez banned for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra
Many people will be surprised at the severity of an eight match ban and a £40,000 fine. But the FA have got it absolutely right after Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra.
Suarez denied using a Spanish word for negro in a verbal attack on Evra during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United that ended 1-1 two months ago. And the Uruguay striker who has 14 days to appeal against the decision tweeted: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support.”
But the reality is that the six-day hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, concluded that Suarez was guilty of using “insulting words” and it is only right that a severe sentence was dished out.
For the Merseysiders to blindly stand by their man after the verdict and immediately attack the FA with a provocative 2-page statement is out of order. And I strongly urge Liverpool to accept the punishment and apologise for bringing the game into disrepute for failing to condemn their player’s racist abuse of the Frenchman.
It is time that racism was kicked out of football once and for all and it is to their great credit that the English FA has boldly gone where the game’s governing body FIFA has criminally failed to go in the past and taken decisive action to tackle this insidious problem.
How sad to read the Liverpool reaction that states: “We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.
“No one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth.”
Refusing to accept that the FA gave their player a fair hearing despite taking six days to consider all the evidence, Liverpool added: “It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November. Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name.”
The bottom line is that Suarez has been found guilty. That does not mean he should be kicked out of the club. There is no reason why he can not be educated that racist abuse is unacceptable in the modern world. If only he would apologise, accept his punishment and make a commitment not to re-offend we can all move on.
Christmas cracker: Is this the greatest own goal ever?
500 CLASSIC GOALS available on DVD
Not only is this best own goal I have ever seen, it is a remarkable strike that no player on the planet could possibly recreate.
Watch it for the first time and you will think it is some kind of trick by a post-production wizard. But when you realise this was for real you will find it hard to come up with any goal – whether meant or not – that will match this one.
In a Premier League match in Hong Kong against AA Citizen, Sun Hei defender Festus Baise’s attempt to block a cross turned into an inverted scorpion kick that lobbed his own keeper.
For Great Goals that were meant check out 500 CLASSIC GOALS
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