So England won The Ashes, and they did so against all odds after the horrendous defeat in Leeds just over two weeks ago. Amidst all the celebrations and back slapping there has been a general feeling that Andrew Flintoff did not play well in this match. That his younger and fitter colleagues conspired to give the limping old hero a magnificent send off. Not so, not so at all.
Yes, Stuart Broad bowled an immense spell on Friday afternoon, putting the Australians in all sorts of brown water. And yes, captain fantastic Andrew Strauss scored plenty of runs, leading from the front as he has done splendidly for the last 18 months. Add a fine performance from 8 wicket Graeme Swann and a ton on debut for Jonathan Trott and evidence of Flintoff’s fading seems compelling.
Two factors though, must dispel the idea that Freddie played a limited role in this match. Number 1, Ricky Ponting’s run out. I am not the first person to point out the importance of this moment, and I will not be the last, but mention it I must. What does seem to have been overlooked, however, is that Australia’s captain was beginning to look completely invincible, adding 127 runs with Michael Hussey for the third wicket. Without that run out England would probably have still won, but, it would have been a lot closer. And who can say what might have happened if Ponting and Hussey had been together at the crease for two more hours?
The second factor is Flintoff’s sheer presence in the side. Competitive at Lord’s and Edgbaston, the home team arrived in Leeds to find that their number 7 was out of the match. How much impact this had on the psychology of the other players we will not know until the autobiographies start appearing, but one thing is for certain; somehow England turned innings defeat into almost 200 run victory in two weeks.
Stuart Broad will surely become a fine all rounder, as will Graeme Swann, but neither currently has the impact on the team that Flintoff has. All the big man has to do is show up, put his whites on and jog onto the pitch and all around him are uplifted. So yes it was not vintage Freddie, no big wickets, no big runs, but to think England would have won the Ashes without him is foolish, just look back two weeks for the cold hard proof. Thanks for the little urn Freddie and let us all hope that you will be performing in the blue of England for many years to come.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Come on United, don’t take the Michael?!
Some people love spring, the early blossoming of daffodils, the first day of genuine T-shirt weather. Others, they love Christmas, presents, family, good food and drink, terrible television. Me, I love this time of year. The new football season has finally begun, the cricket is exciting, and the new football season has finally begun. The Football League is well under way and the Premier League is 12 days and 16 matches old. Markers have been set down, new signings have been blooded, and pundits have made their predictions.
Liverpool have given us a glimpse of the bad and the nearly beautiful, with Glen ‘Armitage Shanks’ Johnson in particular, looking very impressive. Manchester City look like they have spent more wisely than many had anticipated. Some big names in football, Sir Alex included, rubbished there chances this term, lets just hope someone buys the Scot a hat made from liqueur chocolates this Xmas, he may need it. Ancelotti’s Chelsea, 2 from 2 so far, look like being as strong as ever, if by ever you mean the last five years. Arsenal will in all likelihood, continue to thrash all comers beyond redemption without troubling the engraver and his pencil come May.
The real story of this first week and a half though, is at Old Trafford, and the travails of a certain half-pint sized striker. A substitute on Sunday, as United squeaked past Birmingham, he was on from the start Wednesday night, as Burnley sprang a shock 1-0 victory. The Clarets win does not mean they will stay up, and United’s defeat does not mean they won’t win the league, far too early for predictions of that sort. However, what screams at me from the match at Turf Moor is this. You have lost two major forwards from your side in Ronaldo and Tevez. Your only major signing up front to these vacancies is an ex-England striker, who has failed to score in pre-season and has a point to prove. Late in the first half, 1-0 down, you get a penalty, over to you, fill your boots, get off the mark Michael….. CARRICK???
When Michael Owen appears on the television at the moment, I have to look away. His body language is terrible, shoulders hunched, he looks almost embarrassed to be there. He wears on his tormented face the harrowing memories of every moment of his Newcastle nightmare. Michael Owen, shoulders hunched, failure, relegated, injured too much, dropped from the England squad. An England squad he has been part of since he was 17 years of age. This is Owen’s last chance to fulfil his potential, and he knows it. His last chance to win a League Title, a Champions League, perhaps even a World Cut to sit on the mantle with his golden boots, Ballon d’Or and assorted cups from a glorious heyday at Liverpool.
What should not be forgotten is that officially, Owen is in his prime. Yes, his pace will never come close to that which destroyed the Argentinean rearguard in 1998. Perhaps he will never again feel the love of supporters that greeted his early career at Anfield. But this is Michael Owen. England’s top striker for the last decade, 9 goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in an England shirt, and this is a World Cup year. Now forgive me for being a sentimentalist, but it all looks set up for Owen to have one last hurrah. Just imagine, the World Cup final, the 90th minute, Argentina and England tied at one apiece, and Owen nips in at the near post to snatch the winner, his 50th for his country. All he needs is a goal to get him started, to wipe that hang-dog expression off his face, put the spring back in his step. So please Manchester United, next time you get a penalty, for everyone’s sake, give it to the right Michael.
Liverpool have given us a glimpse of the bad and the nearly beautiful, with Glen ‘Armitage Shanks’ Johnson in particular, looking very impressive. Manchester City look like they have spent more wisely than many had anticipated. Some big names in football, Sir Alex included, rubbished there chances this term, lets just hope someone buys the Scot a hat made from liqueur chocolates this Xmas, he may need it. Ancelotti’s Chelsea, 2 from 2 so far, look like being as strong as ever, if by ever you mean the last five years. Arsenal will in all likelihood, continue to thrash all comers beyond redemption without troubling the engraver and his pencil come May.
The real story of this first week and a half though, is at Old Trafford, and the travails of a certain half-pint sized striker. A substitute on Sunday, as United squeaked past Birmingham, he was on from the start Wednesday night, as Burnley sprang a shock 1-0 victory. The Clarets win does not mean they will stay up, and United’s defeat does not mean they won’t win the league, far too early for predictions of that sort. However, what screams at me from the match at Turf Moor is this. You have lost two major forwards from your side in Ronaldo and Tevez. Your only major signing up front to these vacancies is an ex-England striker, who has failed to score in pre-season and has a point to prove. Late in the first half, 1-0 down, you get a penalty, over to you, fill your boots, get off the mark Michael….. CARRICK???
When Michael Owen appears on the television at the moment, I have to look away. His body language is terrible, shoulders hunched, he looks almost embarrassed to be there. He wears on his tormented face the harrowing memories of every moment of his Newcastle nightmare. Michael Owen, shoulders hunched, failure, relegated, injured too much, dropped from the England squad. An England squad he has been part of since he was 17 years of age. This is Owen’s last chance to fulfil his potential, and he knows it. His last chance to win a League Title, a Champions League, perhaps even a World Cut to sit on the mantle with his golden boots, Ballon d’Or and assorted cups from a glorious heyday at Liverpool.
What should not be forgotten is that officially, Owen is in his prime. Yes, his pace will never come close to that which destroyed the Argentinean rearguard in 1998. Perhaps he will never again feel the love of supporters that greeted his early career at Anfield. But this is Michael Owen. England’s top striker for the last decade, 9 goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s record in an England shirt, and this is a World Cup year. Now forgive me for being a sentimentalist, but it all looks set up for Owen to have one last hurrah. Just imagine, the World Cup final, the 90th minute, Argentina and England tied at one apiece, and Owen nips in at the near post to snatch the winner, his 50th for his country. All he needs is a goal to get him started, to wipe that hang-dog expression off his face, put the spring back in his step. So please Manchester United, next time you get a penalty, for everyone’s sake, give it to the right Michael.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fifth Test? I can’t wait but hopes are not high.
Last night I had a dream, and it most definitely was not a good one. In it, and I do not remember how, England captain Andrew Strauss became unfortunately deceased just a few days before a deciding Ashes Test match. Thankfully I awoke, in a cold sweat I might add, to realise that this awful vision was just a bad dream. To lose Strauss to injury now, let alone anything else, would be an unmitigated disaster, akin to losing your premier all-rounder a few hours before a big match in Leeds.
Hope was high after Cardiff escape, was followed by Lord’s victory, but since then expectation levels have dramatically collapsed. If the draw in Wales was a miracle, then there is no biblical equivalent to what is required in South London this week, especially after the debacle at Headingley. And to achieve anything, even pride in defeat, without the skipper, top run scorer, and only English centurion of the series would surely be impossible.
Strauss stands alone among the home batsmen this series, against an attack that is apparently not all that good. Which begs the question, was the Australian revival in Leeds merely a mirage in the desert of Test cricket? Were Ponting’s men really that good or did England’s boys just play so poorly that Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Clark were made to appear world beaters? English cricket has a tendency to implode once in a while, only to return looking stronger, having learned from its mistakes. We all remember the 51 all out in Jamaica just a few short months ago, and the swift improvements that followed.
At the Oval, international reputations are at stake, as England try once again to rise phoenix-like from the, ahem, ashes of disaster. Ian Bell, brought in to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen has so far belied the myth that he can be a test cricketer of the highest quality. Left out after the mauling at Sabina Park, he was supposed to have rediscovered his form, proved himself once again a top notch cricketer. If he fails this week then I am afraid that should be the end of the line for Bell, three series of failure against the Aussies is quite enough, thank you. Players are needed who can compete against the best; after all, it is only 15 months until the beginning of a certain series down under.
Paul Collingwood is another of England’s top order that looks to be drinking in the bar, next door to the last chance saloon. A quick glance at Michael Clarke’s figures this series, show what a genuine Test match number 5 should be doing. One gritty knock at Sofia Gardens, plus a couple of quick fire half tons are insufficient from that position, if you are hoping to compete against the world’s finest. And as for Ravi Bopara, well perhaps Ravi should be given some time off and then dropped down the order, everyone deserves a second chance, after all.
England’s selectors however deserve praise for not making wholesale changes before such a big match. People talk of Jonathan Trott being under immense pressure, making debut in the Ashes decider, I disagree. For me he is in a win-win situation. Score runs and his place in the side will be assured for the winter’s tour to South Africa, fail and any fingers pointing, will not be doing so in his direction. This should allow him to bat with freedom and with any luck patience too, the one thing England’s batters, Strauss and to a lesser extent Cook aside, have lacked all summer. The bowlers too, need to learn this most important of virtues, put the ball in the right area over and over again and you will create pressure. A Test match is five days long, not two and a half. We can only hope England have learned from their hefty mistakes a fortnight ago, and that this match is still exciting come Monday afternoon. Although on recent evidence, an England victory may just be too much to dream of.
Hope was high after Cardiff escape, was followed by Lord’s victory, but since then expectation levels have dramatically collapsed. If the draw in Wales was a miracle, then there is no biblical equivalent to what is required in South London this week, especially after the debacle at Headingley. And to achieve anything, even pride in defeat, without the skipper, top run scorer, and only English centurion of the series would surely be impossible.
Strauss stands alone among the home batsmen this series, against an attack that is apparently not all that good. Which begs the question, was the Australian revival in Leeds merely a mirage in the desert of Test cricket? Were Ponting’s men really that good or did England’s boys just play so poorly that Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Clark were made to appear world beaters? English cricket has a tendency to implode once in a while, only to return looking stronger, having learned from its mistakes. We all remember the 51 all out in Jamaica just a few short months ago, and the swift improvements that followed.
At the Oval, international reputations are at stake, as England try once again to rise phoenix-like from the, ahem, ashes of disaster. Ian Bell, brought in to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen has so far belied the myth that he can be a test cricketer of the highest quality. Left out after the mauling at Sabina Park, he was supposed to have rediscovered his form, proved himself once again a top notch cricketer. If he fails this week then I am afraid that should be the end of the line for Bell, three series of failure against the Aussies is quite enough, thank you. Players are needed who can compete against the best; after all, it is only 15 months until the beginning of a certain series down under.
Paul Collingwood is another of England’s top order that looks to be drinking in the bar, next door to the last chance saloon. A quick glance at Michael Clarke’s figures this series, show what a genuine Test match number 5 should be doing. One gritty knock at Sofia Gardens, plus a couple of quick fire half tons are insufficient from that position, if you are hoping to compete against the world’s finest. And as for Ravi Bopara, well perhaps Ravi should be given some time off and then dropped down the order, everyone deserves a second chance, after all.
England’s selectors however deserve praise for not making wholesale changes before such a big match. People talk of Jonathan Trott being under immense pressure, making debut in the Ashes decider, I disagree. For me he is in a win-win situation. Score runs and his place in the side will be assured for the winter’s tour to South Africa, fail and any fingers pointing, will not be doing so in his direction. This should allow him to bat with freedom and with any luck patience too, the one thing England’s batters, Strauss and to a lesser extent Cook aside, have lacked all summer. The bowlers too, need to learn this most important of virtues, put the ball in the right area over and over again and you will create pressure. A Test match is five days long, not two and a half. We can only hope England have learned from their hefty mistakes a fortnight ago, and that this match is still exciting come Monday afternoon. Although on recent evidence, an England victory may just be too much to dream of.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
75 years? No problem.
Three days on from the ‘miracle at Cardiff’ the two teams arrive at Lord’s for the second Test. So what have we learned since Monty Panesar and Jimmy Anderson blocked out for nearly eleven, gut churning overs, on Sunday evening? First, Ricky ‘Roland’ Ponting is not only a bad loser, he is a pretty bad at taking a draw too. Yes, England may have indulged in a tiny bit of blatant time-wasting, but don’t think for a minute that the Australians would have behaved any better were the roles reversed. They would, however, have been a little more subtle than sending on the world’s largest physio for no reason. And on Wednesday we learnt that Andrew Flintoff will retire from Test match cricket after this current series. Probably for the best, it is no good having a player who cannot be relied upon to play game after game; it is unsettling and upsets the balance of the team.
The second Test promises to be a very different match indeed, and it will be extremely interesting to see how both sets of players respond to the extraordinary events of Sunday. Australia will be smarting, Ponting knows that he blew it, missed a trick, looked a gift horse in the mouth. All the talk of England delaying the game is a smokescreen, erected by the Australian captain to defend himself from the many accusations of poor decision making. Why Marcus North, full time batter, part-time bowler was sending down gentle turners to England’s last pair is anybody’s guess. Siddle and Hilfenhaus must have wondered what they had done to upset Rick, one good length Yorker and Panesar would have been back in the Pavilion, and the Aussies 1-0 up.
Still Ponting’s mistake is Andrew Strauss’s gain and I fully expect a very different England team to take the field today. The personnel will be similar; Harmison for Monty, and Onions for the injured Broad, but the attitude and application should, and hopefully will, be much improved. If England could win at Lord’s, for the first time since 1934, etc, then Australia may find it hard to stomach and recover after that first Test finale. The batters will have to stand up and be counted, do to the Aussies what they did to England last weekend. The bowlers must rediscover their aggression too, don’t let the Aussies settle, don’t give them easy runs, and hit them. Hit them with the nice hard shiny new ball, it excites the crowd, it excites the players and it will ruffle the Australians. I don’t care how good a player you are, getting struck by a cricket ball at 90MPH is both frightening and painful.
Australia will win the toss and bat first, but that will be all they win this week. England are going to come out firing on all cylinders, the crowd will be behind them, and Ponting’s men will be all out for around 200 and bowling by 5 o’clock this evening. I’m off to try and get tickets outside the ground, wish me luck!
The second Test promises to be a very different match indeed, and it will be extremely interesting to see how both sets of players respond to the extraordinary events of Sunday. Australia will be smarting, Ponting knows that he blew it, missed a trick, looked a gift horse in the mouth. All the talk of England delaying the game is a smokescreen, erected by the Australian captain to defend himself from the many accusations of poor decision making. Why Marcus North, full time batter, part-time bowler was sending down gentle turners to England’s last pair is anybody’s guess. Siddle and Hilfenhaus must have wondered what they had done to upset Rick, one good length Yorker and Panesar would have been back in the Pavilion, and the Aussies 1-0 up.
Still Ponting’s mistake is Andrew Strauss’s gain and I fully expect a very different England team to take the field today. The personnel will be similar; Harmison for Monty, and Onions for the injured Broad, but the attitude and application should, and hopefully will, be much improved. If England could win at Lord’s, for the first time since 1934, etc, then Australia may find it hard to stomach and recover after that first Test finale. The batters will have to stand up and be counted, do to the Aussies what they did to England last weekend. The bowlers must rediscover their aggression too, don’t let the Aussies settle, don’t give them easy runs, and hit them. Hit them with the nice hard shiny new ball, it excites the crowd, it excites the players and it will ruffle the Australians. I don’t care how good a player you are, getting struck by a cricket ball at 90MPH is both frightening and painful.
Australia will win the toss and bat first, but that will be all they win this week. England are going to come out firing on all cylinders, the crowd will be behind them, and Ponting’s men will be all out for around 200 and bowling by 5 o’clock this evening. I’m off to try and get tickets outside the ground, wish me luck!
Monday, July 13, 2009
England survival cannot mask the need for improvements all round.
Before this Ashes series began there was a lot of talk, a lot of hype and a huge amount of expectation. On Sunday evening, we found out just why everyone was looking forward to it so much. Rarely does Test match cricket come down to its final hour, but when it does, just like at Edgbaston and Old Trafford in 2005, there is quite simply nothing to match it for sheer drama. Sunday was a test for the players, a test for the umpires, and a test for the supporters in the ground. Australia, by far the more accomplished team throughout, taking 19 wickets compared to England’s 7, came up just short thanks to the belligerence of Collingwood, Anderson and Panesar. The drama was simply epic, with every dot ball receiving an enormous cheer from the near capacity Cardiff crowd.
At lunch with England teetering at 94 for 5 there seemed to be absolutely no chance of survival. The top order had collapsed, given up, and whilst a little resistance from the tail was hoped for, the home side would surely be well beaten. But then, minute after minute, over after over, the close of play loomed nearer. First Broad, and then Swann, showed the top order how to hang around and take time out of a test match, before Monty and Jimmy came together to see England home. The unlikeliest of heroes with bat in hand. If the tension was unbearable, at home then heaven knows how it must have felt watching in the stadium, whether from stand or balcony. Strauss, Cook, Bopara and Pietersen looked on as the match was saved by tail-enders.
Kevin 'It's just the way I play, and I'm not going to change' Pietersen, in particular, needs to look long and hard at his performance and his attitude. I am sure KP would like to be considered one of the world's finest batsmen, if indeed he doesn't already believe this to be the case. However, to be the world's finest batsmen you need to be adaptable, you cannot play the same way in every situation. This is The Ashes, this is Australia. On the first day, given the nature of the pitch, England had the chance to rack up a massive total, to put the Aussies under pressure. Instead the entire top order got in and then got out, and while Pietersen is not the only culprit, his inability to accept fault sets a bad example to the rest of the team. Had Strauss and co put on the 700 runs that pitch deserved then the pressure on the Australians would have been huge and maybe it would have been them fighting to save the Test on Sunday evening. Kevin and the others should take a long hard look at the Australian innings to see how Test match innings are accumulated over time.
The batsmen are certainly not be alone in shouldering the blame for what was, even in the aftermath of Sunday's drama, still an abject all round performance by the English. Lacklustre fielding was at fault too, James Anderson in particular missing a run out opportunity on Saturday as he sulked back to his mark, good work from Cook wasted. More importantly the bowlers need to look at themselves, and ask why only seven wickets were taken in two full days in the field. Yes Australia batted supremely but their job was made easier for them, pressure was not applied for long periods, new batsmen allowed to get away to quick starts. Anderson and Broad have looked fine bowlers for England during Flintoff's recent absences, does having the big man back cause them to lose focus. Is the sense of responsibility reduced in the knowledge that Freddie is there to pick up the mantle, to dig his colleagues out of a hole.
Massive improvement is required when the teams step out on Thursday for the second Test so what changes, if any, will England make? The batsmen will all survive, for now, but changes to the bowling attack will be required if 20 wickets are to be taken. Graeme Swann had a terrible game with the ball in Cardiff, but as England's best spinner for 18 months; one bad game should not see him axed. With Swann taking the sole spinners role at Lord's, Panesar, the hero with the bat will make way for Graham Onions, or maybe Steven Harmison. Anderson and Broad also bowled well below par last week, but like Swann, they should not be cast out for one bad game. Broad, however, will certainly be the more vulnerable of the two if Strauss and Flower decide a double change is needed, to liven things up. Flintoff, untouchable with the ball, and once again looking dangerous with the bat, will have another big roll to play. The one word for England to remember come Thursday is patience, you cannot win the game with the bat in a session, and cannot take a wicket every ball. Show discipline and stomach for the long game and Strauss could still preside over a victorious summer of cricket.
At lunch with England teetering at 94 for 5 there seemed to be absolutely no chance of survival. The top order had collapsed, given up, and whilst a little resistance from the tail was hoped for, the home side would surely be well beaten. But then, minute after minute, over after over, the close of play loomed nearer. First Broad, and then Swann, showed the top order how to hang around and take time out of a test match, before Monty and Jimmy came together to see England home. The unlikeliest of heroes with bat in hand. If the tension was unbearable, at home then heaven knows how it must have felt watching in the stadium, whether from stand or balcony. Strauss, Cook, Bopara and Pietersen looked on as the match was saved by tail-enders.
Kevin 'It's just the way I play, and I'm not going to change' Pietersen, in particular, needs to look long and hard at his performance and his attitude. I am sure KP would like to be considered one of the world's finest batsmen, if indeed he doesn't already believe this to be the case. However, to be the world's finest batsmen you need to be adaptable, you cannot play the same way in every situation. This is The Ashes, this is Australia. On the first day, given the nature of the pitch, England had the chance to rack up a massive total, to put the Aussies under pressure. Instead the entire top order got in and then got out, and while Pietersen is not the only culprit, his inability to accept fault sets a bad example to the rest of the team. Had Strauss and co put on the 700 runs that pitch deserved then the pressure on the Australians would have been huge and maybe it would have been them fighting to save the Test on Sunday evening. Kevin and the others should take a long hard look at the Australian innings to see how Test match innings are accumulated over time.
The batsmen are certainly not be alone in shouldering the blame for what was, even in the aftermath of Sunday's drama, still an abject all round performance by the English. Lacklustre fielding was at fault too, James Anderson in particular missing a run out opportunity on Saturday as he sulked back to his mark, good work from Cook wasted. More importantly the bowlers need to look at themselves, and ask why only seven wickets were taken in two full days in the field. Yes Australia batted supremely but their job was made easier for them, pressure was not applied for long periods, new batsmen allowed to get away to quick starts. Anderson and Broad have looked fine bowlers for England during Flintoff's recent absences, does having the big man back cause them to lose focus. Is the sense of responsibility reduced in the knowledge that Freddie is there to pick up the mantle, to dig his colleagues out of a hole.
Massive improvement is required when the teams step out on Thursday for the second Test so what changes, if any, will England make? The batsmen will all survive, for now, but changes to the bowling attack will be required if 20 wickets are to be taken. Graeme Swann had a terrible game with the ball in Cardiff, but as England's best spinner for 18 months; one bad game should not see him axed. With Swann taking the sole spinners role at Lord's, Panesar, the hero with the bat will make way for Graham Onions, or maybe Steven Harmison. Anderson and Broad also bowled well below par last week, but like Swann, they should not be cast out for one bad game. Broad, however, will certainly be the more vulnerable of the two if Strauss and Flower decide a double change is needed, to liven things up. Flintoff, untouchable with the ball, and once again looking dangerous with the bat, will have another big roll to play. The one word for England to remember come Thursday is patience, you cannot win the game with the bat in a session, and cannot take a wicket every ball. Show discipline and stomach for the long game and Strauss could still preside over a victorious summer of cricket.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Please God, make it stop, or rain at least?
I’m not entirely sure at what time it stopped being fun and started feeling like really long, painful, dental treatment. It is hard to say. Maybe it was Friday afternoon when Clark and North batted through the afternoon session, after Anderson had given us the briefest of hopes. Maybe it was Saturday morning when I was finally able to sit on the sofa, in the living room, and watch it live on the TV. There was, in my mind, at least, still a glimmer at that point. Knock ‘em over cheaply first thing, put another 400 on the on the board and leave them a little chase on Sunday afternoon and who knows. Of course this was always a ridiculous notion; the game was up when our boys failed to get big scores after bright starts.
It was over when we applauded Matty Prior for his ‘cracking little knock’ of 56. It turns out that that wasn’t such a good innings after all. Marcus North has since re-educated us on what a good innings from a Test match number 6 looks like. In comparison to North’s relatively chanceless 100, Prior’s quick-fire contribution now looks impulsive and ill-disciplined. Australia could literally have batted all day and all night, everyday, until their plane leaves in September.
Now we all remember the dark days. The days before first Nasser Hussein, and then Michael Vaughan helped to transform England from a team of bottlers into a side that could triumph under pressure and take on the best in the world, and win. Obviously this one bad display does not mean we have immediately regressed by 10 years. But, on Friday and Saturday that is how it felt, particularly as the Aussies came out and took wickets straight away before tea. The home attack was lifeless, without inspiration or hope. The tourists pumped out their chests and made themselves some chances with determination and passion.
All that said, we may still sneak a draw from this shambles of a performance, if the batsmen can finally reign in their suicidal instincts, the threat from within far greater than anything the Aussies can offer. Even a defeat is not the end of the world, if 2005 is to be taken as an example. However, Lord’s in 2005 was different, fight was shown, gauntlets laid down, Ponting’s men won that test but we made them fight for it and left them a few scars to remember it by. This Cardiff Test match, the experts said, offered England their best chance of a win this summer. The pitch will turn, they have no spinner, confidence was high. Instead the Australians have taken that confidence we had and smashed it to the boundary for two, long, sapping days. England need big improvements, and quickly or else Glenn ‘5-0 to us mate’ McGraaaaaaaaath, may prove to be the wisest man in cricket. And nobody wants that.
It was over when we applauded Matty Prior for his ‘cracking little knock’ of 56. It turns out that that wasn’t such a good innings after all. Marcus North has since re-educated us on what a good innings from a Test match number 6 looks like. In comparison to North’s relatively chanceless 100, Prior’s quick-fire contribution now looks impulsive and ill-disciplined. Australia could literally have batted all day and all night, everyday, until their plane leaves in September.
Now we all remember the dark days. The days before first Nasser Hussein, and then Michael Vaughan helped to transform England from a team of bottlers into a side that could triumph under pressure and take on the best in the world, and win. Obviously this one bad display does not mean we have immediately regressed by 10 years. But, on Friday and Saturday that is how it felt, particularly as the Aussies came out and took wickets straight away before tea. The home attack was lifeless, without inspiration or hope. The tourists pumped out their chests and made themselves some chances with determination and passion.
All that said, we may still sneak a draw from this shambles of a performance, if the batsmen can finally reign in their suicidal instincts, the threat from within far greater than anything the Aussies can offer. Even a defeat is not the end of the world, if 2005 is to be taken as an example. However, Lord’s in 2005 was different, fight was shown, gauntlets laid down, Ponting’s men won that test but we made them fight for it and left them a few scars to remember it by. This Cardiff Test match, the experts said, offered England their best chance of a win this summer. The pitch will turn, they have no spinner, confidence was high. Instead the Australians have taken that confidence we had and smashed it to the boundary for two, long, sapping days. England need big improvements, and quickly or else Glenn ‘5-0 to us mate’ McGraaaaaaaaath, may prove to be the wisest man in cricket. And nobody wants that.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Arshes!
I am often ridiculed by friends and colleagues for my unflinching optimism, even when all the evidence suggests otherwise, I like to look on the bright side. After 40 years of disappointment and failure I still believe that England might win the football World Cup. Kate Moss is still unmarried, I am still unmarried. Stop laughing now, you never know, oh all right, maybe you do. Dapper Max will perhaps, sometime in the future, learn the recipe for proper cheese on toast and make up for his errors on quarter final day 2003. And Steve may one day get a round in, ha ha.
But perhaps the next two paragraphs will stretch the limits of feasibility even more than the examples given above. Here we go. Deep breath. England can still win the first Ashes test in Cardiff. There i've said it. I know that it is a long shot, Ponting and Katich looked as vulnerable as a titanium Rhinocerous yesterday, giving only a single half chance between them in about 4 hours of cricket. England's bowling, one or two brief spells aside, looked lacklustre, devoid of ideas and lacking in self belief. But, and this is a big but, today is another day.
Yesterday is gone, today, Katich and the rodent-like Ponting are new batsmen, fresh in. The bowlers have had a night to sleep on the failures of Thursday, to analyse where they went wrong. Pick up a couple early doors today and who knows what could happen. We were told this pitch would spin, that is why Swann and Monty are in the team, and it might still do. If England can get the Aussies out without them getting a lead then this effectively becomes a two-day game. A two game in which Australia have to bat on a fifth day pitch and England have two spinners that can, just maybe, win the game. Expect England to recover some bowling pride today and skittle the Aussies sometime between lunch and tea with the scores about level. At close the hosts will be 120 for 2.
But perhaps the next two paragraphs will stretch the limits of feasibility even more than the examples given above. Here we go. Deep breath. England can still win the first Ashes test in Cardiff. There i've said it. I know that it is a long shot, Ponting and Katich looked as vulnerable as a titanium Rhinocerous yesterday, giving only a single half chance between them in about 4 hours of cricket. England's bowling, one or two brief spells aside, looked lacklustre, devoid of ideas and lacking in self belief. But, and this is a big but, today is another day.
Yesterday is gone, today, Katich and the rodent-like Ponting are new batsmen, fresh in. The bowlers have had a night to sleep on the failures of Thursday, to analyse where they went wrong. Pick up a couple early doors today and who knows what could happen. We were told this pitch would spin, that is why Swann and Monty are in the team, and it might still do. If England can get the Aussies out without them getting a lead then this effectively becomes a two-day game. A two game in which Australia have to bat on a fifth day pitch and England have two spinners that can, just maybe, win the game. Expect England to recover some bowling pride today and skittle the Aussies sometime between lunch and tea with the scores about level. At close the hosts will be 120 for 2.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Into The Ashes - Day 2
So, a tremendous day yesterday, rounded off with a quite wonderful homemade chick pea and mushroom tikka massala, all cooked in a world record time of 22.456 minutes. The cricket turned out pretty good too, with England just having the edge thanks to 6 of the top 7 all chipping in with decent runs. Just a shame that no-one had the patience to really kick on, and punish the well below par Aussie attack.
The only downside, cricket wise at least, was Channel Five's woeful highlights package at 7.15pm. As if only having a paultry 45 minutes of highlights on terrestrial television was not bad enough, why let Five spoil it for everyone. Mark Nicholas was great in 2005 as he fronted the live coverage, guiding us through the drama and tension like a friendly uncle. On Five though, he attempted to use the same gravitas as if we all hadn't been listening to the radio, or glued to the internet all day following the action. In fact the only thing more wasteful than Five's use of their 45 minutes, was Pietersen's getting out shot. Just under 9 minutes of the show was lost to adverts, or the never ending Wine advert from the firm kindly sponsoring proceedings. And do we really need 3 minutes of Simon Hughes sitting in the back of a lorry showing us slo-mo's of Ricky Ponting's huddle. The analyst was a great innovation when Channel 4 had all day to fill, but in a highlights show? Why? Channel Five need to realise that we are tuning in to see all the fours, wickets and catches we were told about on the radio earlier, not to find out the frigging score.
As for the Aussies, I would like to give a special mention to Peter Siddle for simply looking like such a reprehensible antipodean. Just seeing his snarling, sunblock covered, freckly boat race charging in made me, in an instant, forget that there was no Gilchrist or Glenn '5-0 to us mate' McGraaaaaaaaaaaaaath to aim my buckets of scorn at this summer. In the end my prediction of 302/5 came up short on both fronts and Straussy failed to get the ton that was there for the taking if any of our batsmen had shown some real patience. Still being wrong has never stopped me from spouting my opinion before and I don't intend to let it now. Expect England to just sneak over the 400 hundred mark today with Stuart Broad playing an attractive cameo and getting a quick 30. The Aussies will then find that this years bowling attack has as much about it as in 2005 and be teetering on 200/7 by close of play.
The only downside, cricket wise at least, was Channel Five's woeful highlights package at 7.15pm. As if only having a paultry 45 minutes of highlights on terrestrial television was not bad enough, why let Five spoil it for everyone. Mark Nicholas was great in 2005 as he fronted the live coverage, guiding us through the drama and tension like a friendly uncle. On Five though, he attempted to use the same gravitas as if we all hadn't been listening to the radio, or glued to the internet all day following the action. In fact the only thing more wasteful than Five's use of their 45 minutes, was Pietersen's getting out shot. Just under 9 minutes of the show was lost to adverts, or the never ending Wine advert from the firm kindly sponsoring proceedings. And do we really need 3 minutes of Simon Hughes sitting in the back of a lorry showing us slo-mo's of Ricky Ponting's huddle. The analyst was a great innovation when Channel 4 had all day to fill, but in a highlights show? Why? Channel Five need to realise that we are tuning in to see all the fours, wickets and catches we were told about on the radio earlier, not to find out the frigging score.
As for the Aussies, I would like to give a special mention to Peter Siddle for simply looking like such a reprehensible antipodean. Just seeing his snarling, sunblock covered, freckly boat race charging in made me, in an instant, forget that there was no Gilchrist or Glenn '5-0 to us mate' McGraaaaaaaaaaaaaath to aim my buckets of scorn at this summer. In the end my prediction of 302/5 came up short on both fronts and Straussy failed to get the ton that was there for the taking if any of our batsmen had shown some real patience. Still being wrong has never stopped me from spouting my opinion before and I don't intend to let it now. Expect England to just sneak over the 400 hundred mark today with Stuart Broad playing an attractive cameo and getting a quick 30. The Aussies will then find that this years bowling attack has as much about it as in 2005 and be teetering on 200/7 by close of play.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Into the Ashes - DAY 1
So finally it is here, the first morning of the first test of The Ashes. The phoney war, as they say, is now over. Both Andrew Strauss and Ricky 'the rat' Ponting will have their teams prepared to the maximum. Australia will field the spinner Nathan Hauritz who, observers in the know suggest, will get as much turn as an articulated lorry in a wardrobe. Brett Lee, everyone's favourite Aussie is out, unlucky Brett. England meanwhile have picked two spinners, Monty and Swanny, both of whom have the capability to win a test match. Particularly on a final day pitch that has NEVER seen a five day test in its life.
More importantly though, I hear you cry, how have your preparations been Dave??? Well I will tell you. Having not slept too well due to the heat over the last couple of weeks, last night I finally got some decent kip in. Dinner last night was some lovely lamb chops (Welsh, since you ask) and (English) baby new potatoes. This morning my plan of walking to work was scuppered by rain, rather here than Cardiff, so I endured a face to armpit style tube ride. Breakfast today has consisted of two slices of toast, a bowl of muesli and a rather large, ahem, banana. Enough about food though, the good news is I have managed to rig up an elaborate wiring system allowing me to listen to the morning session at work. A long lunch will follow in the George from 13:40 taking in much (if not all) of the afternoon's play. The even better news, though, is that I work with an Aussie, so fingers crossed I can give him a proper goading later today.
England will bat first on a brand new pitch against a depleted Australian attack. Predictions? England 302/5 at close later with Straussy cementing his authority with a patient ton. Your thoughts appreciated below!
More importantly though, I hear you cry, how have your preparations been Dave??? Well I will tell you. Having not slept too well due to the heat over the last couple of weeks, last night I finally got some decent kip in. Dinner last night was some lovely lamb chops (Welsh, since you ask) and (English) baby new potatoes. This morning my plan of walking to work was scuppered by rain, rather here than Cardiff, so I endured a face to armpit style tube ride. Breakfast today has consisted of two slices of toast, a bowl of muesli and a rather large, ahem, banana. Enough about food though, the good news is I have managed to rig up an elaborate wiring system allowing me to listen to the morning session at work. A long lunch will follow in the George from 13:40 taking in much (if not all) of the afternoon's play. The even better news, though, is that I work with an Aussie, so fingers crossed I can give him a proper goading later today.
England will bat first on a brand new pitch against a depleted Australian attack. Predictions? England 302/5 at close later with Straussy cementing his authority with a patient ton. Your thoughts appreciated below!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Newcastle could pay dearly for summer of uncertainty
As we struggle, manfully, through this barren, football-less period of the calendar year, only the Serbian Under-21’s to keep us company, there is at least a light at the end of the tunnel. The excitement of what to come is always palpable as the new seasons fixtures are released. Text messages, phone calls and emails fly across the country, all asking familiar questions.
‘Who’ve we got first?’
‘When are we playing United?’
‘Guess what, we’ve got Liverpool on your birthday!’
But for one club the release of the fixtures on Wednesday did not promote excitement, nor did it whet the appetite for the big kick off in August. No, for Newcastle United and their long suffering, self proclaimed, best supporters in the world it was one more kick in the goolies, like. Finding out when you are playing Peterborough at home or Scunthorpe away does not quite muster the same sense of anticipation.
Next season for the Geordies was always going to be extremely tough. Every side that arrives at St James Park will pop ten men behind the ball, sit back, and wonder if there are actually more empty seats in the stadium than there are full seats when they play at home. Away matches will not be much easier, Newcastle are going to be the prize scalp next season, they will receive no gimmes. Games will be raised, grounds will be full and expectations will be high when the Magpies roll into town. Given this was always going to be the case, it was vital that the ongoing upheaval at the club was sorted out swiftly and without too much drama.
But Newcastle, as we should have expected, are making life as difficult as possible for themselves. Almost four weeks after sliding meekly into the Championship it appears that nothing has been done to begin the push for promotion. The club is up for sale again, having spent much of last season being touted around various billionaire benefactors. Unable to locate a buyer last season, when still a Premiership outfit, what chance does Mike Ashley have of making a sale now? Answers on a postcard, blu-tacked in the newsagent’s window, to that one please. More worrying still, is that while their competitors make signings, strengthen squads and prepare to beat them next season, Newcastle do not even have a manager. No players have joined the club, their has been no overhaul to the squad that was found so wanting last time around. What the Geordies need in their team next season is fighters, players with passion for the cause and experience of the Championship. They better hope there are some left for sale once they finally deem it necessary to enter the market.
The football league is chock-a-block full of clubs who felt relegation from the Premiership was a mere blip. That they would be back within a season better than ever, refreshed from a little stint slumming it, seeing how the other half lives. Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton are just four clubs who enjoyed long-term, top flight status but now find themselves languishing in the Championship or below. There is nothing wrong with the Football League, it is packed full of proper clubs, proper fans and proper excitement, 90 per cent of clubs in all three divisions would fancy their chances of promotion as the season begins. One thing though, is for certain. Newcastle had better get their house in order, and fast, because getting out of the Championship can be easy, getting out at the right end is the tricky part.
‘Who’ve we got first?’
‘When are we playing United?’
‘Guess what, we’ve got Liverpool on your birthday!’
But for one club the release of the fixtures on Wednesday did not promote excitement, nor did it whet the appetite for the big kick off in August. No, for Newcastle United and their long suffering, self proclaimed, best supporters in the world it was one more kick in the goolies, like. Finding out when you are playing Peterborough at home or Scunthorpe away does not quite muster the same sense of anticipation.
Next season for the Geordies was always going to be extremely tough. Every side that arrives at St James Park will pop ten men behind the ball, sit back, and wonder if there are actually more empty seats in the stadium than there are full seats when they play at home. Away matches will not be much easier, Newcastle are going to be the prize scalp next season, they will receive no gimmes. Games will be raised, grounds will be full and expectations will be high when the Magpies roll into town. Given this was always going to be the case, it was vital that the ongoing upheaval at the club was sorted out swiftly and without too much drama.
But Newcastle, as we should have expected, are making life as difficult as possible for themselves. Almost four weeks after sliding meekly into the Championship it appears that nothing has been done to begin the push for promotion. The club is up for sale again, having spent much of last season being touted around various billionaire benefactors. Unable to locate a buyer last season, when still a Premiership outfit, what chance does Mike Ashley have of making a sale now? Answers on a postcard, blu-tacked in the newsagent’s window, to that one please. More worrying still, is that while their competitors make signings, strengthen squads and prepare to beat them next season, Newcastle do not even have a manager. No players have joined the club, their has been no overhaul to the squad that was found so wanting last time around. What the Geordies need in their team next season is fighters, players with passion for the cause and experience of the Championship. They better hope there are some left for sale once they finally deem it necessary to enter the market.
The football league is chock-a-block full of clubs who felt relegation from the Premiership was a mere blip. That they would be back within a season better than ever, refreshed from a little stint slumming it, seeing how the other half lives. Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton are just four clubs who enjoyed long-term, top flight status but now find themselves languishing in the Championship or below. There is nothing wrong with the Football League, it is packed full of proper clubs, proper fans and proper excitement, 90 per cent of clubs in all three divisions would fancy their chances of promotion as the season begins. One thing though, is for certain. Newcastle had better get their house in order, and fast, because getting out of the Championship can be easy, getting out at the right end is the tricky part.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Armchair fans in good company as T20 gets interesting
Twenty20 cricket has been around for a few years now and it is unlikely to be disappearing anytime soon. The TV companies love it. A game of cricket that lasts for just 4 hours and has boundaries and excitement galore. The authorities love it too, grounds are full midweek as people come after work to watch the action and consume pricey food and beer. Personally, I wasn’t too sure about the format, until this week that is. In the first 6 days we have seen big upsets, thousands of runs and numerous enormous sixes. And if all that wasn’t good enough, we have finally stumbled across a form of cricket at which Australia are rubbish.
The tournament began with an almighty bang. No one gave the Netherlands a chance in the opening match. Even as England clocked up a less than impressive 162 in their 20 overs the upset never looked likely. But the hosts bowling and fielding faltered and the Dutch, inspired by the cavalier Tom de Grooth, kept the game alive into the final over. Stuart Broad will learn a lot of lessons during a career currently in its infancy, none however, will be as clearly visible on his face as the realization that he had handed the match to the Dutch courtesy of overthrows. Still England recovered two days later to put Pakistan to the sword and make it through to the Super 8's. Paul Collingwood's team much improved in their second game; the fielding in particular of a much higher standard. No host has ever won a major tournament, in Cricket, Rugby or Football, after losing the first match, but maybe that scare against the Netherlands is just what England needed to fire them up.
Almost as pleasing as England's progress to the next round was Australia's early elimination from the tournament. Ricky Ponting's side may have been in the toughest group but no one expected them to be ousted from proceedings so early on. Ponting may make light of the exit but make no mistake, the Aussies hate losing, even in Twenty20 cricket where defeat for them is becoming common. Whether this minor catastrophe has an effect on the Ashes will become apparent later in the summer, but for now lets just enjoy the memory of Brett Lee repeatedly bowling no balls, and being hit for consecutive sixes by Chris Gayle.
So while the Australians, hang around in hotel rooms, bitterly watching the action on Sky Sports, the Super 8 stage begins on Thursday without them. The winner will surely come from the trio of South Africa, who have looked imperious so far, with Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis both in great form. India, the reigning champions, with the most Twenty20 experience in their squad. Or Sri Lanka who have the bizarre action of Lasith Malinga to call on. Elsewhere Pakistan could be dark horses after doing to the Dutch what England could not. Special mention too, should go to Ireland for once again progressing in a major tournament. Many will be surprised at their progress but anyone who remembers the last world cup in the Caribbean will not. So let's all sit back, switch on the TV and enjoy the business end of the tournament. Pass the remote, Ricky.
The tournament began with an almighty bang. No one gave the Netherlands a chance in the opening match. Even as England clocked up a less than impressive 162 in their 20 overs the upset never looked likely. But the hosts bowling and fielding faltered and the Dutch, inspired by the cavalier Tom de Grooth, kept the game alive into the final over. Stuart Broad will learn a lot of lessons during a career currently in its infancy, none however, will be as clearly visible on his face as the realization that he had handed the match to the Dutch courtesy of overthrows. Still England recovered two days later to put Pakistan to the sword and make it through to the Super 8's. Paul Collingwood's team much improved in their second game; the fielding in particular of a much higher standard. No host has ever won a major tournament, in Cricket, Rugby or Football, after losing the first match, but maybe that scare against the Netherlands is just what England needed to fire them up.
Almost as pleasing as England's progress to the next round was Australia's early elimination from the tournament. Ricky Ponting's side may have been in the toughest group but no one expected them to be ousted from proceedings so early on. Ponting may make light of the exit but make no mistake, the Aussies hate losing, even in Twenty20 cricket where defeat for them is becoming common. Whether this minor catastrophe has an effect on the Ashes will become apparent later in the summer, but for now lets just enjoy the memory of Brett Lee repeatedly bowling no balls, and being hit for consecutive sixes by Chris Gayle.
So while the Australians, hang around in hotel rooms, bitterly watching the action on Sky Sports, the Super 8 stage begins on Thursday without them. The winner will surely come from the trio of South Africa, who have looked imperious so far, with Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis both in great form. India, the reigning champions, with the most Twenty20 experience in their squad. Or Sri Lanka who have the bizarre action of Lasith Malinga to call on. Elsewhere Pakistan could be dark horses after doing to the Dutch what England could not. Special mention too, should go to Ireland for once again progressing in a major tournament. Many will be surprised at their progress but anyone who remembers the last world cup in the Caribbean will not. So let's all sit back, switch on the TV and enjoy the business end of the tournament. Pass the remote, Ricky.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Steve Bruce’s move to Sunderland will be felt far down the leagues
So, as the 2008/09 football season fades into the past, with just a couple of International games to come, our thoughts turn to summer. Ahead of us are three long, hot months of cricket, with the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes to look forward to. But it is not cricket that is dominating the headlines this week. The football transfer market may still be in its infancy, the Gareth Barry move the only major business so far, but the perilous managerial merry-go-round has started spinning. It is time for vacancies to be advertised, loyalties to be questioned and wage packets to be discussed.
The ride began on the last day of the season with Ricky Sbragia stepping down as Sunderland boss citing the need for a ‘big name’ manager at the Stadium of Light. For Sunderland the right man happens to be the fiercely loyal, lifetime Newcastle supporter, Steve Bruce. That ‘wor’ Steve has moved to pastures new is nothing to be surprised about, this is Bruce’s seventh post in a managerial career spanning just 11 years. The highlights of which include a two month spell at Wigan and not much longer at Crystal Palace both in 2001. Bruce has signed a three year contract at Sunderland, it is anybody’s guess what will happen if a larger club comes calling in the mean time.
Predictably, Bruce’s appointment will prompt a whole host of managerial moves. Firstly Wigan must fill their vacancy, with Swansea City’s Roberto Martinez the likely choice if rumours are to be believed. Martinez has just guided Swansea to their best finish since 1993, 8th in the Championship, having constructed an exciting young side. If he does depart, then it is a safe bet that some of his players will follow and The Jacks will have to start again. The fans, new signing Nathan Dyer and the board will never know what might have been achieved, had the Spaniard remained in-situ. Who will take charge next at the Liberty Stadium? Who will be the next club searching for a manager?
North of the border Gordon Strachan’s resignation has sparked an avalanche of speculation over who might be his replacement. Rumours suggest that Burnley’s Owen Coyle and West Bromwich Albion’s Tony Mowbray are among the favourites for the post. However, it seems inconceivable that either of these managers would want to leave their respective clubs for Celtic Park. Yes there is the lure of Champions League football, but is that really enough to warrant leaving good jobs in England? Coyle has just got his Burnley team promoted via the playoffs, and now has the chance to pit his wits against the assorted talents of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, despite suffering relegation, Mowbray still has the unflinching support of board and fans alike at The Hawthorns. Another promotion next season and the Baggies might just be in a position to establish themselves in the top flight. Celtic may be a big club, the attraction sweetened for Mowbray as a former player and Coyle as a lifelong fan. But why swap these current challenges for a two horse race with only 4 meaningful league games a season?
What is certain, is that in the coming months more managers will leave clubs that have offered them there big chances. Brendan Rogers, for example, has left Watford for rivals Reading, just 6 months after being given his first opportunity as a manager. Loyalty has little place in modern football, but for every manager that complains of impatience when sacked in early Autumn, one will happily leave a job half done, if a bigger club comes knocking.
The ride began on the last day of the season with Ricky Sbragia stepping down as Sunderland boss citing the need for a ‘big name’ manager at the Stadium of Light. For Sunderland the right man happens to be the fiercely loyal, lifetime Newcastle supporter, Steve Bruce. That ‘wor’ Steve has moved to pastures new is nothing to be surprised about, this is Bruce’s seventh post in a managerial career spanning just 11 years. The highlights of which include a two month spell at Wigan and not much longer at Crystal Palace both in 2001. Bruce has signed a three year contract at Sunderland, it is anybody’s guess what will happen if a larger club comes calling in the mean time.
Predictably, Bruce’s appointment will prompt a whole host of managerial moves. Firstly Wigan must fill their vacancy, with Swansea City’s Roberto Martinez the likely choice if rumours are to be believed. Martinez has just guided Swansea to their best finish since 1993, 8th in the Championship, having constructed an exciting young side. If he does depart, then it is a safe bet that some of his players will follow and The Jacks will have to start again. The fans, new signing Nathan Dyer and the board will never know what might have been achieved, had the Spaniard remained in-situ. Who will take charge next at the Liberty Stadium? Who will be the next club searching for a manager?
North of the border Gordon Strachan’s resignation has sparked an avalanche of speculation over who might be his replacement. Rumours suggest that Burnley’s Owen Coyle and West Bromwich Albion’s Tony Mowbray are among the favourites for the post. However, it seems inconceivable that either of these managers would want to leave their respective clubs for Celtic Park. Yes there is the lure of Champions League football, but is that really enough to warrant leaving good jobs in England? Coyle has just got his Burnley team promoted via the playoffs, and now has the chance to pit his wits against the assorted talents of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, despite suffering relegation, Mowbray still has the unflinching support of board and fans alike at The Hawthorns. Another promotion next season and the Baggies might just be in a position to establish themselves in the top flight. Celtic may be a big club, the attraction sweetened for Mowbray as a former player and Coyle as a lifelong fan. But why swap these current challenges for a two horse race with only 4 meaningful league games a season?
What is certain, is that in the coming months more managers will leave clubs that have offered them there big chances. Brendan Rogers, for example, has left Watford for rivals Reading, just 6 months after being given his first opportunity as a manager. Loyalty has little place in modern football, but for every manager that complains of impatience when sacked in early Autumn, one will happily leave a job half done, if a bigger club comes knocking.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Twenty20 absentees could prove crucial for England
The ICC world Twenty20 cup begins at Lord’s on the 6th June when England take on the Netherlands. The finest limited overs cricketers from all around the world are gathered for a month long slog fest, to decide the champions of this, the infant form of the game. Sadly missing from the galaxy of stars on display will be one man. And not just any man either. Andrew Flintoff, the most expensive player on show during the recent IPL, arguably the best and possibly the most recognisable cricketer in the world.
Doubtlessly Flintoff will be sorely missed. What event wouldn’t be poorer without such a fiery competitor? His batting can be explosive while the effort he puts into every delivery bowled can be seen written on his face. The coaches report that he should be running by next week and so it is conceivable that England could have used him in the latter stages of the tournament. However, it is the correct decision for him to be absent with the Ashes series starting on July 8th. Flintoff and the England management both know that summer 2009 will not be remembered for the Twenty20 cricket but for the battle to come with our antipodean cousin’s.
The Australian trio of Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Ricky Ponting all opted out of the IPL to concentrate on the Ashes and are now fit and fresh for the challenges to come. Freddie has five weeks to get himself into peak condition before the first test in Cardiff so lets keep our fingers crossed that there are no more setbacks. Andrew Strauss’s team were excellent in vanquishing the West Indies but the Aussies fear Flintoff and England are certainly stronger with him in the side.
So let us sit back and enjoy some good fun cricket over the next month. It will be interesting to see if England can sustain the momentum gained in winning the one day games against The Windies. Paul Collingwood will be in charge of England for the tournament and this could turn out to be an unwitting masterstroke. Strauss is absent because of his unsuitability to the 20 over game, but this could work in the English causes favour. Like Flintoff, the skipper now has over a month to prepare for Ponting’s tourists, let’s hope he spends it wisely and England will be ready. After all, the T20 may provide thrills and excitement for the cricketing public but it is merely an appetiser for the main course that is the Ashes.
Doubtlessly Flintoff will be sorely missed. What event wouldn’t be poorer without such a fiery competitor? His batting can be explosive while the effort he puts into every delivery bowled can be seen written on his face. The coaches report that he should be running by next week and so it is conceivable that England could have used him in the latter stages of the tournament. However, it is the correct decision for him to be absent with the Ashes series starting on July 8th. Flintoff and the England management both know that summer 2009 will not be remembered for the Twenty20 cricket but for the battle to come with our antipodean cousin’s.
The Australian trio of Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson and Ricky Ponting all opted out of the IPL to concentrate on the Ashes and are now fit and fresh for the challenges to come. Freddie has five weeks to get himself into peak condition before the first test in Cardiff so lets keep our fingers crossed that there are no more setbacks. Andrew Strauss’s team were excellent in vanquishing the West Indies but the Aussies fear Flintoff and England are certainly stronger with him in the side.
So let us sit back and enjoy some good fun cricket over the next month. It will be interesting to see if England can sustain the momentum gained in winning the one day games against The Windies. Paul Collingwood will be in charge of England for the tournament and this could turn out to be an unwitting masterstroke. Strauss is absent because of his unsuitability to the 20 over game, but this could work in the English causes favour. Like Flintoff, the skipper now has over a month to prepare for Ponting’s tourists, let’s hope he spends it wisely and England will be ready. After all, the T20 may provide thrills and excitement for the cricketing public but it is merely an appetiser for the main course that is the Ashes.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
United Pepped at the post as Fergie utters the unthinkable
On Wednesday night Manchester United and Alex Ferguson missed the chance to become champions of Europe, and make themselves a little bit of history into the bargain. A win would have seen the long serving Scot become only the second manager to win the European Cup on three occasions, and United the first team to retain the trophy in its current guise, of the Champions League. Instead, they were well beaten, as the brilliance of Barcelona blew the English Champions away. The Premier League, we are often told, is the strongest league in the world, well perhaps on this evidence we need to think again.
The result is all the more remarkable when you consider the two men in Rome’s technical areas. Ferguson, a veteran campaigner, has been there, seen it, got the T-shirt and quite probably done some shopping to boot. Pep Guardiola on the other hand was completing his first season in charge of one of Europe’s greatest clubs, in the true sense of the word club. A tyro. A beginner. A rookie. A genius? Barcelona’s football this season has been enthralling. Fergie knew what to expect at the Stadio Olimpico, he just didn’t know what to do about it.
The talk before the match was that the Barca defence offered a way in, it was a weak spot. They could be got at, Carles Puyol and Sylvinho were past their prime, and if United could start brightly they could breach the makeshift backline. So why start with Park Ji-Sung as one of his three attacking players? Surely Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo should have been detailed to punish these ageing fullbacks, leaving Wayne Rooney to ransack the out of position Yaya Toure? Yes, United started brightly and could have scored early on but that doesn’t explain the total capitulation after Samuel Eto’o had netted the opener. Once Barcelona went a goal up, United looked inept, ineffectual, and shorn of attacking ideas.
Should we be surprised by this outcome? Not really, Arsenal in the European semi-final aside, United have struggled against top sides this season. The Premier League was not won against Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool. Alex Ferguson’s men have become expert at taking points from lesser teams, where other members of the top four are prone to slip up. In short they don’t like it up ‘em. Remember the defeat at Fulham where Rooney and Ronaldo jumped up and down like spoiled children, ordered to bed on a sunny evening. Perhaps this team of born winners are too happy to accept defeat against opponents they themselves consider worthy?
Still at least one good thing came out of Wednesday’s game, as Fergie admitted his team had been defeated by a superior opponent. This loss was not blamed on a referee. The fixture computer for once escaped the dreaded hairdryer treatment. And no it wasn’t even the colour of their, or anyone else’s shirts, that was at fault. ‘We were beaten by the better team’ he said after the match. For once it looks like everyone can agree with you Sir Alex.
The result is all the more remarkable when you consider the two men in Rome’s technical areas. Ferguson, a veteran campaigner, has been there, seen it, got the T-shirt and quite probably done some shopping to boot. Pep Guardiola on the other hand was completing his first season in charge of one of Europe’s greatest clubs, in the true sense of the word club. A tyro. A beginner. A rookie. A genius? Barcelona’s football this season has been enthralling. Fergie knew what to expect at the Stadio Olimpico, he just didn’t know what to do about it.
The talk before the match was that the Barca defence offered a way in, it was a weak spot. They could be got at, Carles Puyol and Sylvinho were past their prime, and if United could start brightly they could breach the makeshift backline. So why start with Park Ji-Sung as one of his three attacking players? Surely Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo should have been detailed to punish these ageing fullbacks, leaving Wayne Rooney to ransack the out of position Yaya Toure? Yes, United started brightly and could have scored early on but that doesn’t explain the total capitulation after Samuel Eto’o had netted the opener. Once Barcelona went a goal up, United looked inept, ineffectual, and shorn of attacking ideas.
Should we be surprised by this outcome? Not really, Arsenal in the European semi-final aside, United have struggled against top sides this season. The Premier League was not won against Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool. Alex Ferguson’s men have become expert at taking points from lesser teams, where other members of the top four are prone to slip up. In short they don’t like it up ‘em. Remember the defeat at Fulham where Rooney and Ronaldo jumped up and down like spoiled children, ordered to bed on a sunny evening. Perhaps this team of born winners are too happy to accept defeat against opponents they themselves consider worthy?
Still at least one good thing came out of Wednesday’s game, as Fergie admitted his team had been defeated by a superior opponent. This loss was not blamed on a referee. The fixture computer for once escaped the dreaded hairdryer treatment. And no it wasn’t even the colour of their, or anyone else’s shirts, that was at fault. ‘We were beaten by the better team’ he said after the match. For once it looks like everyone can agree with you Sir Alex.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
History beckons as dream final is upon us
The joy of winning a major tournament now appears to have been eclipsed in importance by the act of adding another trophy to your tally. Note the enormous amount of coverage given to Manchester United winning a record equalling 18th League title this year. And don’t expect the media coverage to die down on that front, next year United and Liverpool will battle it out to be the first to 19. Banners at big club grounds proclaim the number of European or domestic titles won, while the five stars over Brazil’s badge are merely a gloat concerning the frequency of their World Cup victories. Football’s rich history is one of the reasons so many of us are hooked on the sport, but this everyday obsession with the past is a relatively recent.
It is for such historical reasons that Wednesday night’s Champions League final is of such magnitude. Everyday Barcelona and their supporters must live with the knowledge that Real Madrid have won the European Cup nine times compared with their two. The fact that six of Madrid’s triumphs came before 1970 is of little importance to football fans desperate to better their rivals. Both Barcelona’s wins came since the advent of the 1990’s, during which time Real have picked up the pot three times. If Barca win a third on Wednesday it will, in the eyes of supporters, provide some sort of parity with Madrid, at least in the modern era. A win for the Catalans would also elevated them into joint six place on the all time list, out of a large group of clubs who have been champions twice.
Alex Ferguson’s dominance of English football is unquestionable; this year was his 11th league title. However, his record in Europe stands up less well to scrutiny. Two, some would say, slightly fortuitous wins in 16 years of competing for club football’s greatest prize does not make happy reading for the Scot. After all, United have been almost guaranteed entry since 1993 and boast the kind of financial resources other clubs can only dream about. That said, on Wednesday night, Ferguson can enter the pantheon of greats by equalling the record of 3 European cup wins as manager 28 years to the day since the feat was first achieved. The great Bob Paisley won his third continental crown on 27th May 1981, Liverpool defeating Real Madrid in Paris. Having recently matched Liverpool’s domestic benchmark there are no prizes for guessing what Fergie’s next target will be. Liverpool currently hold five European crowns, United with three can become the first team to defend the title since it became the Champion’s League.
People have described Wednesday’s game as being the dream final. In all honesty, though, with the stakes so high, the dream final is the final that your team wins. Unless an early goal for either side loosens up the defences, allowing the game to become stretched, this will surely be a cagey affair. That does not mean the match will not be enjoyable for the spectator, just that we are very unlikely to have a hatful of goals. Ferguson himself said as much last week.
The fact is Manchester United will have to watch Lionel Messi like a hawk. If they don’t and the little Argentine destroys United in the first half then Fergie will have his tactics heavily criticised. Likewise Pep Guardiola is duty bound to stop Ronaldo from taking the game away from his side. Having so much attacking talent on show can make managers and defenders very nervous indeed. And in such a big game, with so much history at stake, no one wants to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
It is for such historical reasons that Wednesday night’s Champions League final is of such magnitude. Everyday Barcelona and their supporters must live with the knowledge that Real Madrid have won the European Cup nine times compared with their two. The fact that six of Madrid’s triumphs came before 1970 is of little importance to football fans desperate to better their rivals. Both Barcelona’s wins came since the advent of the 1990’s, during which time Real have picked up the pot three times. If Barca win a third on Wednesday it will, in the eyes of supporters, provide some sort of parity with Madrid, at least in the modern era. A win for the Catalans would also elevated them into joint six place on the all time list, out of a large group of clubs who have been champions twice.
Alex Ferguson’s dominance of English football is unquestionable; this year was his 11th league title. However, his record in Europe stands up less well to scrutiny. Two, some would say, slightly fortuitous wins in 16 years of competing for club football’s greatest prize does not make happy reading for the Scot. After all, United have been almost guaranteed entry since 1993 and boast the kind of financial resources other clubs can only dream about. That said, on Wednesday night, Ferguson can enter the pantheon of greats by equalling the record of 3 European cup wins as manager 28 years to the day since the feat was first achieved. The great Bob Paisley won his third continental crown on 27th May 1981, Liverpool defeating Real Madrid in Paris. Having recently matched Liverpool’s domestic benchmark there are no prizes for guessing what Fergie’s next target will be. Liverpool currently hold five European crowns, United with three can become the first team to defend the title since it became the Champion’s League.
People have described Wednesday’s game as being the dream final. In all honesty, though, with the stakes so high, the dream final is the final that your team wins. Unless an early goal for either side loosens up the defences, allowing the game to become stretched, this will surely be a cagey affair. That does not mean the match will not be enjoyable for the spectator, just that we are very unlikely to have a hatful of goals. Ferguson himself said as much last week.
The fact is Manchester United will have to watch Lionel Messi like a hawk. If they don’t and the little Argentine destroys United in the first half then Fergie will have his tactics heavily criticised. Likewise Pep Guardiola is duty bound to stop Ronaldo from taking the game away from his side. Having so much attacking talent on show can make managers and defenders very nervous indeed. And in such a big game, with so much history at stake, no one wants to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Finger-biting time for the North East as the Premier League reaches its climax
With just one round of games remaining the Premier League reaches its conclusion this Sunday at 4pm. Last Saturday lunchtime Manchester United banged the final nail into the title coffin, and a day later Liverpool put paid to West Brom’s hopes of rising from the dead. So with top and bottom decided, all that remains is the battle for seventh and the fight to avoid sliding through the trapdoor with the Baggies. Fulham should get the point they need, at home to Everton, to nick the final Europa League spot from Tottenham. But it is events at the bottom of the table that are going to grab Monday’s headlines.
There have been moans this week, mostly from angst ridden supporters of North East clubs, that Hull City may get an easy ride to safety against a weakened Man United side. A win for The Tigers will mean relegation for two out of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle United. This is old news of course; every year brings with it a story of perceived injustice. Just ask Reading who went down on goal difference last season rather than Fulham. The Cottagers secured their Premier League status on the final day, against a Portsmouth side focused on an FA Cup Final. Southampton had the honour of playing a full strength Man United on the final day of the 2004/05 season, relegation rivals had already picked up points against Fergie’s reserves.
That these whinges are nothing new, however, doesn’t mean they should be taken any more seriously. If relegation is to come knocking for any of the giants of North East football then the blame is to be found squarely at their own doors. After all, underachievement has been the watchword for football in that part of the world for many a year. Middlesbrough’s League Cup in 2004, the only major silverware to shine in the region for over 35 years. So here are three good reasons why, if and when relegation comes, no one is to have any cause for complaint.
Firstly, since Christmas, Hull City have looked unable to beat Hull City Reserves let alone Manchester United’s. Most members of whatever team Alex Ferguson puts out on Sunday would walk into Phil Brown’s first eleven. Moreover the £32million pound that ‘reserve team’ player Carlos Tevez might eventually cost would buy the majority of Hull’s playing squad.
Next, Hull City spent less than £10million pounds in the close season as they prepared for their debut season in England’s top flight. Conversely Mike Ashley has splashed out countless millions on a whole host of international underperformers. Take Damien Duff, price £5m. One goal every 16.75 matches for Newcastle compared with a goal every 6.85 games for Blackburn and Chelsea. Or, how about £5.7m for one goal striker Francisco Tejada, any takers? Sunderland have a £9m goalkeeper between the sticks with £8m pound defender Anton Ferdinand playing just in front of him. Meanwhile £13m Alfonso Alves has spent all season banging in 4 league goals for Middlesbrough.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the whole point of the league is that it is contested over 38 matches, not one. Chelsea might feel aggrieved at being knocked out of the Champions League because of some dodgy refereeing but that is the nature of cup football. Lose, or draw, one match and it could be curtains for you. In the league these situations must equal themselves out or otherwise why bother with a league system at all? If relegated, Newcastle should look to recent dropped points at home to Pompey, one point from two games against Hull, or the limp defeat to Fulham that ended their recent mini-resurgence. Middlesbrough and Sunderland can point to their inability to score at home as the reason behind their demise. Just 17 and 19 home league goals respectively is quite simply not good enough. So if Hull City stay up and Newcastle, Sunderland or Boro go down then they will have only themselves to blame and Hull City should be applauded for achieving the unlikely.
In any event Hull are unlikely to get anything of their game with United’s second eleven. Newcastle will probably lose at Villa and even if Boro win at West Ham, they will not see a sufficient goal swing to keep them up. Conspiracy theories should be left outside the gates of St James Park and The Riverside, what should concern the chairman and supporters of both teams, is this. Have they got the right men at the helm to steer their teams out of the second tier next season. Because, while the Premier League may often be touted as the best League in the world, next season’s Championship certainly looks like one of the toughest.
There have been moans this week, mostly from angst ridden supporters of North East clubs, that Hull City may get an easy ride to safety against a weakened Man United side. A win for The Tigers will mean relegation for two out of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle United. This is old news of course; every year brings with it a story of perceived injustice. Just ask Reading who went down on goal difference last season rather than Fulham. The Cottagers secured their Premier League status on the final day, against a Portsmouth side focused on an FA Cup Final. Southampton had the honour of playing a full strength Man United on the final day of the 2004/05 season, relegation rivals had already picked up points against Fergie’s reserves.
That these whinges are nothing new, however, doesn’t mean they should be taken any more seriously. If relegation is to come knocking for any of the giants of North East football then the blame is to be found squarely at their own doors. After all, underachievement has been the watchword for football in that part of the world for many a year. Middlesbrough’s League Cup in 2004, the only major silverware to shine in the region for over 35 years. So here are three good reasons why, if and when relegation comes, no one is to have any cause for complaint.
Firstly, since Christmas, Hull City have looked unable to beat Hull City Reserves let alone Manchester United’s. Most members of whatever team Alex Ferguson puts out on Sunday would walk into Phil Brown’s first eleven. Moreover the £32million pound that ‘reserve team’ player Carlos Tevez might eventually cost would buy the majority of Hull’s playing squad.
Next, Hull City spent less than £10million pounds in the close season as they prepared for their debut season in England’s top flight. Conversely Mike Ashley has splashed out countless millions on a whole host of international underperformers. Take Damien Duff, price £5m. One goal every 16.75 matches for Newcastle compared with a goal every 6.85 games for Blackburn and Chelsea. Or, how about £5.7m for one goal striker Francisco Tejada, any takers? Sunderland have a £9m goalkeeper between the sticks with £8m pound defender Anton Ferdinand playing just in front of him. Meanwhile £13m Alfonso Alves has spent all season banging in 4 league goals for Middlesbrough.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the whole point of the league is that it is contested over 38 matches, not one. Chelsea might feel aggrieved at being knocked out of the Champions League because of some dodgy refereeing but that is the nature of cup football. Lose, or draw, one match and it could be curtains for you. In the league these situations must equal themselves out or otherwise why bother with a league system at all? If relegated, Newcastle should look to recent dropped points at home to Pompey, one point from two games against Hull, or the limp defeat to Fulham that ended their recent mini-resurgence. Middlesbrough and Sunderland can point to their inability to score at home as the reason behind their demise. Just 17 and 19 home league goals respectively is quite simply not good enough. So if Hull City stay up and Newcastle, Sunderland or Boro go down then they will have only themselves to blame and Hull City should be applauded for achieving the unlikely.
In any event Hull are unlikely to get anything of their game with United’s second eleven. Newcastle will probably lose at Villa and even if Boro win at West Ham, they will not see a sufficient goal swing to keep them up. Conspiracy theories should be left outside the gates of St James Park and The Riverside, what should concern the chairman and supporters of both teams, is this. Have they got the right men at the helm to steer their teams out of the second tier next season. Because, while the Premier League may often be touted as the best League in the world, next season’s Championship certainly looks like one of the toughest.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Strauss’s men get top marks as England move onto tougher tests
It was, quite frankly, vitally important that
In the Caribbean,
But then out
Equally encouraging is the batting situation. Questions over Alastair Cook’s technique outside off stump must be silenced, for now at least, by the sheer weight of his runs. Strauss is cementing his authority as captain, after a quiet start to the summer he will surely step up when the Aussies get to town. Ravi Bopara has three tons on the bounce and looks confident coming in first wicket down. Matty Prior looks a Test batsman at six while Broad and Swann are both capable of getting useful scores. And with Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood yet to get going this season there is no shortage of runs in this team. Should things go badly in the first couple of Tests, there are batting options in reserve too. Ian Bell is averaging over 93 in first class games this season and was in the squad for the last match. While the suspicion remains that Michael Vaughan, conqueror of Australian teams gone by, has one last hurrah left in him for
One glaring conundrum remains unanswered. How can
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