Well thought I would get some regular Premier League picks going. To tell you the truth, I have been doing accumulator bets for the last 4 years and I have won only once so probably best not to use this as your tips for the weekend but let’s see if I can get at least one right over the course of the season.
Saturday
Aston Villa v Bolton
Villa dropped points at West Ham on Monday night but Bolton are also coming into this game on the back of a defeat - a much heavier one. After a 4 goal mauling by Chelsea, a visit to Villa Park is not the ideal place to get back on track. Verdict: Aston Villa 2-0 Bolton
Blackburn v Portsmouth
Looking at the fixture list about 3 weeks ago, Rovers fans would have been relishing this encounter after two tough games and expected defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United but Portsmouth are starting to settle and a good win last weekend will give them more confidence going into this game. Verdict: Blackburn 2-2 Portsmouth
Man City v Burnley
This is an interesting encounter with Manchester City looking to get a win after four straight draws and Burnley looking to get their first point on their travels in the Premier League. However, despite the Clarets only trailing City by four points in the league table, the home side are clear favourites for this one - especially with the return of striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Verdict: Man City 3-0 Burnley
Tottenham v Sunderland
This is going to be a right tweet for Darren Bent as he returns to White Hart Lane for the first time. The striker, who criticised his former club for their handling of his transfer to the Stadium of Light in the summer on social networking site Twitter, will be looking to let his feet do the talking this time and show the Spurs faithful what they are missing. Tottenham have had a tough run of late after a disappointing home defeat to Stoke and a hammering at the hands of rivals Arsenal last week so they will be keen to get back to winning ways. Verdict: Tottenham 3-2 Sunderland
Wolverhampton v Arsenal
The home side will be looking to take their second-half performance against Stoke last week through to this game but they will be up against much stiffer opposition. Arsenal have been outstanding of late with a comprehensive win over Tottenham last week followed up with the comfortable victory over AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday and will have no problems keeping up the pressure on Chelsea and Man United. Verdict: Wolverhampton 0-3 Arsenal
Sunday
Chelsea v Manchester United
The top of the table clash is, as usual, billed as an epic battle but, as usual, will most likely be a tactical encounter. Chelsea are favourites, and rightly so as the Blues have been in good form of late in the league and the Champions haven’t exactly been setting the world alight. United can’t really afford to fall too far behind their title rivals but it looks like five points will be the difference come 6pm on Sunday. Verdict: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
Hull v Stoke
Phil Brown’s job is apparently still on the line and he will surely have his troops fired up for this one but they were turned over by Burnley last week and Stoke, despite a terrible second half performance, have been looking impressive. It does not look like an exciting game on the tin and it will be exactly what it says. Verdict: Hull 0-1 Stoke
Fulham v Wigan
It must be frustrating to be a Latics fan at the moment, they have been the most inconsistent team this season. They managed to beat Chelsea and Aston Villa, get a draw with Manchester City but suffered disappointing defeats to Burnley and last week’s demolishing by Portsmouth. Fulham had a tough outing in midweek against Roma but, after going the month of October unbeaten, they will be looking to keep their good league form intact. Verdict: Fulham 2-0 Wigan
West Ham v Everton
The Hammers had a great win on Monday night over Aston Villa and boss Gianfranco Zola will be hoping that form continues and they can move away from the drop zone. A win could take them above their opponents Everton who have been struggling of late. David Moyes has been complaining about fixture congestion but they are not the only team with European commitments so they need to get on with it and focus on getting three points. Although, I doubt they will do that on Sunday. Draw for me. Verdict: West Ham 1-1 Everton
Monday
Liverpool v Birmingham
Last week’s defeat to Fulham has left the Reds’ title hopes hanging by a thread and with their chances of Champions League success looking even more precarious, the pressure is on boss Rafa Benitez. Birmingham done well last week to hold Manchester City to a point at St Andrew’s but a trip to Anfield, despite Liverpool’s poor form, will prove a lot more difficult. Verdict: Liverpool 2-1 Birmingham
My Game:
I will do a verdict every week if I am reporting on a game and this week is my first FA Cup assignment.
Oldham v Leeds
Leeds are finally looking good for promotion in League 1 this season and have won their last two games against Yeovil and Bristol Rovers 4-0 but form goes out the window in the Cup as everyone knows so Oldham are without a doubt in with a chance, especially at Boundary Park. However, I think Leeds will just have enough to make it into the second round draw. Verdict: Oldham 0-1 Leeds
Friday, November 06, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Haye to tame 'The Beast' in bore-fest
I’m back and I am promising to be more regular with my rants, oh sorry blogs. Been a long time due to the summer, work and various other commitments but now with the cold and wet winter nights setting in I have nothing better to do!
This weekend many British boxing fans will pay £15 or thereabouts to watch David Haye square up to Nickolai Valuev in what will only be a moderately interesting encounter because of the size difference.
Most are probably interested because of the comedy factor they have seen in this size difference and are expecting either Valuev destroying Haye (not going to happen) or Haye in true ‘Rocky Balboa’ style defying all the odds and knocking out Valuev.
However, I see a tactical encounter with Haye keeping his distance, being cautious and only attempting to go inside on selective occasions. Valuev will, most likely, attempt to keep Haye at bay with his extremely long reach, strength and limited boxing skills. In all a tactical 12 round contest is what I am betting on.
People who pay will complain if they don’t see a war, these are the same people who moaned when they paid to see Ricky Hatton get knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao, when Floyd Mayweather gave Juan Manuel Marquez a boxing lesson and when he dismantled Hatton.
These were advertised in the UK as being epic encounters and they were, but not in the way that most people wanted. True boxing fans were in awe but punters baying for blood were disappointed.
However, I don’t think boxing purists or those looking for an out-and-out scrap will be pleased with what will be on show on Saturday night.
Haye has the opportunity to breed new life into the heavyweight division that has been struggling over the past decade so for the sport’s popularity I hope the Londoner conquers the ‘Beast From The East’.
This weekend many British boxing fans will pay £15 or thereabouts to watch David Haye square up to Nickolai Valuev in what will only be a moderately interesting encounter because of the size difference.
Most are probably interested because of the comedy factor they have seen in this size difference and are expecting either Valuev destroying Haye (not going to happen) or Haye in true ‘Rocky Balboa’ style defying all the odds and knocking out Valuev.
However, I see a tactical encounter with Haye keeping his distance, being cautious and only attempting to go inside on selective occasions. Valuev will, most likely, attempt to keep Haye at bay with his extremely long reach, strength and limited boxing skills. In all a tactical 12 round contest is what I am betting on.
People who pay will complain if they don’t see a war, these are the same people who moaned when they paid to see Ricky Hatton get knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao, when Floyd Mayweather gave Juan Manuel Marquez a boxing lesson and when he dismantled Hatton.
These were advertised in the UK as being epic encounters and they were, but not in the way that most people wanted. True boxing fans were in awe but punters baying for blood were disappointed.
However, I don’t think boxing purists or those looking for an out-and-out scrap will be pleased with what will be on show on Saturday night.
Haye has the opportunity to breed new life into the heavyweight division that has been struggling over the past decade so for the sport’s popularity I hope the Londoner conquers the ‘Beast From The East’.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Sir Bobby Robson - Not just a football legend
Well it’s been a while, too long in fact, since my last blog. With holidays, decent weather (I say decent, I really mean there’s some breaks in-between showers) and a few other things that kept getting in the way. Anyways, I felt it fitting to begin again with a small tribute to a legend – Sir Bobby Robson.
It was only when I watched the fantastic BBC tribute programme to the former footballer and manager that I realised how much good work outside of football that he actually did.
Doing so much charity work while also balancing his career and battles with cancer –beating the disease four times before it eventually got the better of him last Friday – is truly amazing.
During this time it was likely that by associating his name to his and other cancer charities he indirectly saved many lives, a success that outshines any trophy he ever won.
One other thing that I never knew about Robson, was the torment he went through with the English media during his tenure as the national coach.
Caught in the middle of a tabloid war at the time, The Sun and The Daily Mirror used him as a pawn in their readership battle.
In a way it wasn’t personal, as whoever was the manager at the time would have received the same shocking treatment but it was harsh and a lot of it over the top.
However, it was the way in which he dealt with it that proved again what a terrific person he was.
Maintaining a good relationship with other members of the press and attending lunches put on for him by the media after the 1990 World Cup, showed he could still show respect, maybe not to the reporters and editors who hung him out to dry, but to the others who didn’t. Too often today people involved in sport tar all journalists with the same brush.
How fitting that the last game of football he was to ever attend was an England win over Germany with the winning goal being a penalty, even if it was only a charity match I’m sure he enjoyed a win over the Germans.
It was only when I watched the fantastic BBC tribute programme to the former footballer and manager that I realised how much good work outside of football that he actually did.
Doing so much charity work while also balancing his career and battles with cancer –beating the disease four times before it eventually got the better of him last Friday – is truly amazing.
During this time it was likely that by associating his name to his and other cancer charities he indirectly saved many lives, a success that outshines any trophy he ever won.
One other thing that I never knew about Robson, was the torment he went through with the English media during his tenure as the national coach.
Caught in the middle of a tabloid war at the time, The Sun and The Daily Mirror used him as a pawn in their readership battle.
In a way it wasn’t personal, as whoever was the manager at the time would have received the same shocking treatment but it was harsh and a lot of it over the top.
However, it was the way in which he dealt with it that proved again what a terrific person he was.
Maintaining a good relationship with other members of the press and attending lunches put on for him by the media after the 1990 World Cup, showed he could still show respect, maybe not to the reporters and editors who hung him out to dry, but to the others who didn’t. Too often today people involved in sport tar all journalists with the same brush.
How fitting that the last game of football he was to ever attend was an England win over Germany with the winning goal being a penalty, even if it was only a charity match I’m sure he enjoyed a win over the Germans.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sir Alex The Great
Let’s put all biased opinions aside. Let’s talk about facts. Let’s talk about the greatest manager of all-time – Sir Alex Ferguson.
An emphatic 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups, three Carling Cups, one European Cup Winners Cup, one Super Cup and one World Club Cup are the list of honours Sir Alex has picked up in his 23 years as manager of Manchester United.
Then put that with the three Scottish Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups, one European Cup Winners Cup and one Super Cup that he won at Aberdeen. The greatest ever? Without a doubt.
It’s hard to find the superlatives to describe the feats the Scot has achieved during his career. However, his eleventh league title at Old Trafford may just be the sweetest of the lot.
Why? It’s simple, because it marks one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all-time. When Sir Alex took over at Old Trafford, United trailed Liverpool 18-7 in league titles. In 23 years at the helm, Ferguson has equalled it and is now looking to surpass it.
United and Liverpool fans constantly argue what was the greatest comeback – the injury time turn around in the Nou Camp by Fergie’s men over Bayern Munich in 1999 or the Merseyside club’s amazing recovery against AC Milan in 2005 when they were trailing 3-0 at half-time. 18-7 wins hands down in my opinion.
To make it even sweeter for the Scot was that this one had Liverpool as the challengers and, more importantly, Rafa Benitez as the chasing boss.
The pair made no attempt to hide their dislike for each other this season and even after Rooney, Ryan, Ronaldo and Rio lifted the Premier League trophy high into the Manchester sky, Benitez refused to congratulate his rival. It could be seen as disrespectful, it could be seen as poor sportsmanship, it could be both but I don’t think Sir Alex was worried anymore.
Have no doubt, as the Spaniard rubbed his goateed chin on Saturday night wondering what could have been, Ferguson would have been popping the cork of his favourite red wine and wondering if his rival understood the phrase – “stick that in your pipe and smoke it”.
For once he wasn’t infuriated and ready to give the hairdryer treatment, he was smiling and happy, and Benitez was the one left smouldering.
Ferguson loves challenges, loves rivalry and loves winning even more, especially when there’s a special personal edge to it.
When Ferguson started out at United, he was entering into a voyage unknown, just like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan did when they conquered the new world.
Trailing 18-7, the Liver Bird was singing from its perch but Fergie was hoping to make it squeal in agony.
He was famously quoted back in 2002: “My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool off their f****ing perch”.
He was bold and brave just like the explorers and he wasn’t afraid to meet the challenges that stood before him.
Ferguson tracked down Liverpool and planted the United flag firmly in the history of English and world football.
The angry man that all United fans have grown to love has built team after team that follows his way of rage, brilliance, thoughtful ambition and, for most of the time, football played at its most beautiful best. His philosophy of success and joyous football seeps through to his squad and the results follow.
But let’s be honest, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Sir Alex, it took a while to settle in, he nearly got the sack but he was given time - six and a half years in fact - to take United to the top of English football. How every manager nowadays would love that amount of time. Ferguson had it, he used it and he’s never looked back.
However, blows have come along the way, but even Columbus and Magellan had their obstacles to pass, and for Sir Alex one such which was Arsene Wenger who came strutting into English football with new mentalities and unknown foreign star players. They tested Fergie, they beat him but they couldn’t withstand the backlash and now they lie on the ropes, barely making it into the Big Four.
Then the Russian tycoon arrived, armed with money and ploughed it into Chelsea and the ‘Special One’, Jose Mourinho. They tested United. They fought, they won two battles but after that their leader walked out when the fightback had begun and Ferguson led his men to victory in the war, winning three titles in a row and beat them in the Champions League final.
This year saw United and Ferguson come under pressure from their fiercest rivals in Liverpool. And what a year to equal the record.
The Merseyside club would stop at nothing to keep United away from their precious record and Benitez understood this but for some unknown reason started a war of words with Ferguson. Big mistake!
Challenging the master of mind-games when you already have his back against the wall, as Liverpool did with their seven point advantage back in January, is nothing short of lunacy. It backfired and it backfired spectacularly.
United not only closed the gap but flew past quicker than a Formula 1 car at full throttle, creating a seven point lead that proved, despite a minor blip from the Old Trafford outfit, unsurpassable.
So as United swept past Arsenal on Saturday and into the history books, Benitez and his team cannot feel anything else other than that they were overpowered by a greater force, outwitted by a man with far more experience and shown they have still a way to go before they can pick up the illustrious crown again.
The worrying thing for them and other would-be challengers is that Ferguson has by no means lost any hunger along the way, he is not happy yet.
“I’m not looking at equalling anyone, winning more titles with this team resonates with me far more than that,” he declared as the title celebrations ensued.
“More titles can mean anything but this team is young enough to win more. I am always looking, that’s the way I am. I am never really happy.”
If Columbus had this hunger, he might have gone on to find the real India.
An emphatic 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups, three Carling Cups, one European Cup Winners Cup, one Super Cup and one World Club Cup are the list of honours Sir Alex has picked up in his 23 years as manager of Manchester United.
Then put that with the three Scottish Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups, one European Cup Winners Cup and one Super Cup that he won at Aberdeen. The greatest ever? Without a doubt.
It’s hard to find the superlatives to describe the feats the Scot has achieved during his career. However, his eleventh league title at Old Trafford may just be the sweetest of the lot.
Why? It’s simple, because it marks one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all-time. When Sir Alex took over at Old Trafford, United trailed Liverpool 18-7 in league titles. In 23 years at the helm, Ferguson has equalled it and is now looking to surpass it.
United and Liverpool fans constantly argue what was the greatest comeback – the injury time turn around in the Nou Camp by Fergie’s men over Bayern Munich in 1999 or the Merseyside club’s amazing recovery against AC Milan in 2005 when they were trailing 3-0 at half-time. 18-7 wins hands down in my opinion.
To make it even sweeter for the Scot was that this one had Liverpool as the challengers and, more importantly, Rafa Benitez as the chasing boss.
The pair made no attempt to hide their dislike for each other this season and even after Rooney, Ryan, Ronaldo and Rio lifted the Premier League trophy high into the Manchester sky, Benitez refused to congratulate his rival. It could be seen as disrespectful, it could be seen as poor sportsmanship, it could be both but I don’t think Sir Alex was worried anymore.
Have no doubt, as the Spaniard rubbed his goateed chin on Saturday night wondering what could have been, Ferguson would have been popping the cork of his favourite red wine and wondering if his rival understood the phrase – “stick that in your pipe and smoke it”.
For once he wasn’t infuriated and ready to give the hairdryer treatment, he was smiling and happy, and Benitez was the one left smouldering.
Ferguson loves challenges, loves rivalry and loves winning even more, especially when there’s a special personal edge to it.
When Ferguson started out at United, he was entering into a voyage unknown, just like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan did when they conquered the new world.
Trailing 18-7, the Liver Bird was singing from its perch but Fergie was hoping to make it squeal in agony.
He was famously quoted back in 2002: “My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool off their f****ing perch”.
He was bold and brave just like the explorers and he wasn’t afraid to meet the challenges that stood before him.
Ferguson tracked down Liverpool and planted the United flag firmly in the history of English and world football.
The angry man that all United fans have grown to love has built team after team that follows his way of rage, brilliance, thoughtful ambition and, for most of the time, football played at its most beautiful best. His philosophy of success and joyous football seeps through to his squad and the results follow.
But let’s be honest, it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Sir Alex, it took a while to settle in, he nearly got the sack but he was given time - six and a half years in fact - to take United to the top of English football. How every manager nowadays would love that amount of time. Ferguson had it, he used it and he’s never looked back.
However, blows have come along the way, but even Columbus and Magellan had their obstacles to pass, and for Sir Alex one such which was Arsene Wenger who came strutting into English football with new mentalities and unknown foreign star players. They tested Fergie, they beat him but they couldn’t withstand the backlash and now they lie on the ropes, barely making it into the Big Four.
Then the Russian tycoon arrived, armed with money and ploughed it into Chelsea and the ‘Special One’, Jose Mourinho. They tested United. They fought, they won two battles but after that their leader walked out when the fightback had begun and Ferguson led his men to victory in the war, winning three titles in a row and beat them in the Champions League final.
This year saw United and Ferguson come under pressure from their fiercest rivals in Liverpool. And what a year to equal the record.
The Merseyside club would stop at nothing to keep United away from their precious record and Benitez understood this but for some unknown reason started a war of words with Ferguson. Big mistake!
Challenging the master of mind-games when you already have his back against the wall, as Liverpool did with their seven point advantage back in January, is nothing short of lunacy. It backfired and it backfired spectacularly.
United not only closed the gap but flew past quicker than a Formula 1 car at full throttle, creating a seven point lead that proved, despite a minor blip from the Old Trafford outfit, unsurpassable.
So as United swept past Arsenal on Saturday and into the history books, Benitez and his team cannot feel anything else other than that they were overpowered by a greater force, outwitted by a man with far more experience and shown they have still a way to go before they can pick up the illustrious crown again.
The worrying thing for them and other would-be challengers is that Ferguson has by no means lost any hunger along the way, he is not happy yet.
“I’m not looking at equalling anyone, winning more titles with this team resonates with me far more than that,” he declared as the title celebrations ensued.
“More titles can mean anything but this team is young enough to win more. I am always looking, that’s the way I am. I am never really happy.”
If Columbus had this hunger, he might have gone on to find the real India.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Hatton plays the game wrong against Pacman
So I stayed up into the early hours of Sunday morning to see five minutes and 59 seconds of boxing action which might seem not worthwhile but it certainly was worth ruining my sleep pattern for.
What was seen was one of the greatest boxers of this generation, as Manny Pacquiao dismantled Ricky Hatton with unbelievable ease.
Never before have I seen the right hand jab of a southpaw used with such ferocious precision, Hatton seemed to miss them though because he got caught flush with 80 per cent of them.
I knew what to expect from the Philippine, having been first introduced to the 'Pacman' when he blitzed Marco Antonio Barrera back in 2003. You know he's going to come out throwing shots faster than the eye can see.
However, that was the shock for me because Hatton didn't seem to know what was going to happen and despite all his pre-fight talk of using his jab, having composure and moving his head to work his way in, the Hitman approached the fight as if it was like he was back in the MEN five years ago, fighting some other journeyman that Frank Warren pulled off the street.
With his head down and hands low he went at Pacquiao time and time again, in the aggressive nature that Freddie Roach had predicted, and planned for.
Right from the opening bell Hatton flew at his opponent and right from the opening bell Pacquiao landed his jab straight down the middle.
Hatton kept coming in a straight line, head still and just looking for the power shots. It would have been harder for his opponent to miss.
The British boy brought the crowd but he didn't bring his pre-fight tactical plans to the MGM Grand which, I imagine, will make Floyd Mayweather Sr decide to step down as his coach if he wasn't going to already.
Whoever thought in the Hitman's camp that the Philippine did not have the power or the ability to maintain his ferocious speed at the light welterweight division, should also quit.
He just destroyed one of the legends of the ring in Oscar De La Hoya, and even if the Golden Boy was off colour or past it, that was at welterweight, why could he not do the same at a lower weight?
In fact I would have been more worried that Hatton would not have the power after yet another draining training programme to make the 10 stone limit.
Let's not take anything away from the pound-for-pound champion, Pacquiao was superb.
He and Roach got the tactics spot on and used Hatton's over the top aggression against him.
It was Roach's words after the fight that signified the simplicity in their preparations.
"Every time Ricky throws his left hand he pulls it back and cocks it and he's wide open for a short right hook on the inside from a southpaw stance.
"I knew it was over because it seems like Ricky doesn't have the ability to adjust.
"He fights the same way over and over again. I've watched him for the last two-and-a-half months. I know him pretty well."
It may seem obvious to watch the tapes and find the weaknesses but in the professional game with all the hype, money and pressure for excitement, it's sometimes forgotten.
The way that the tactics were employed, worked to utter perfection. It could not have worked any better.
It typifies Roach, a pure perfectionist that makes sure his fighters are ready for whatever lies ahead.
He took on Pacquiao as a decent slugger and turned him into a boxing master who's record of beaten opponents now reads like a Hall Of Fame list.
Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, De La Hoya and now Hatton are just some of the greats he has beaten.
In my opinion he should only fight once more before calling it a day as a true ring legend and turning his attention to the world of politics.
With the winner of Floyd Mayweather Jr versus Marquez in July getting the privilege of facing the Philippine to decide who really is the true pound-for-pound champion and probably the greatest fighter of the last decade.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Good is not good enough
Last night in Bari Irish fans witnessed a fantastic result for their national team as the Republic picked up a 1-1 draw with World Cup champions Italy, but was it really a good result?
Before the game a point away from home against Italy would be a great result for most nations but when the home side go down to 10 men early in the game (even though it was a ridiculous red card) then it gives you a chance and it’s a chance which should be taken.
Ireland dominated the game from the moment they kicked off after Italy’s goal, yet it took until the 87th minute again they got that much-deserved equaliser .
Everyone seemed happy with the result yet I couldn’t help but feel that we had missed a great chance to cause a real shock.
Don’t get me wrong, I know Ireland are nowhere near the level of Italy but any team with a man less will struggle and we had them on the back foot for at least 70 minutes, yet could only score until the final three minutes.
It’s disappointing in my view as we would have gone top of our World Cup Qualifying group and it would have given us a real chance of automatic qualification, never mind the play-offs.
However, the country was delighted today as we drew with the World Champions. So what? We could have won.
I would see this as two points lost but even Giovanni Trapattoni was happy. It seems things still haven’t changed since Roy Keane’s days in a green shirt.
The Corkman was always agitated by his fellow countrymen’s attitude of ‘we gave it a good effort and did well’.
‘Well’ was never good enough for the fiery midfielder and I echo his sentiments.
Last night proved that attitude still exists even though I thought the experienced Italian manager had filtered it out.
The Republic of Ireland football team have always seemed happy just to be there, to be in Italy playing the World Champions seemed good enough, just as it does every time we get to a World Cup.
With a 10 men Italy and us dominating the game with the majority of the possession, nothing but three points and moving to the top of the group should have been satisfying.
We saw what happened when Keane stood up against this mentality so I doubt anyone else will dare, let’s just hope the dropped points doesn’t hamper our qualification chances.
Before the game a point away from home against Italy would be a great result for most nations but when the home side go down to 10 men early in the game (even though it was a ridiculous red card) then it gives you a chance and it’s a chance which should be taken.
Ireland dominated the game from the moment they kicked off after Italy’s goal, yet it took until the 87th minute again they got that much-deserved equaliser .
Everyone seemed happy with the result yet I couldn’t help but feel that we had missed a great chance to cause a real shock.
Don’t get me wrong, I know Ireland are nowhere near the level of Italy but any team with a man less will struggle and we had them on the back foot for at least 70 minutes, yet could only score until the final three minutes.
It’s disappointing in my view as we would have gone top of our World Cup Qualifying group and it would have given us a real chance of automatic qualification, never mind the play-offs.
However, the country was delighted today as we drew with the World Champions. So what? We could have won.
I would see this as two points lost but even Giovanni Trapattoni was happy. It seems things still haven’t changed since Roy Keane’s days in a green shirt.
The Corkman was always agitated by his fellow countrymen’s attitude of ‘we gave it a good effort and did well’.
‘Well’ was never good enough for the fiery midfielder and I echo his sentiments.
Last night proved that attitude still exists even though I thought the experienced Italian manager had filtered it out.
The Republic of Ireland football team have always seemed happy just to be there, to be in Italy playing the World Champions seemed good enough, just as it does every time we get to a World Cup.
With a 10 men Italy and us dominating the game with the majority of the possession, nothing but three points and moving to the top of the group should have been satisfying.
We saw what happened when Keane stood up against this mentality so I doubt anyone else will dare, let’s just hope the dropped points doesn’t hamper our qualification chances.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Jealousy is a terrible thing
Last weekend saw one of Ireland’s greatest sporting achievements, as our rugby boys clinched a long-awaited Six Nations Grand Slam.
I don’t claim to be a huge rugby fan, however, I wouldn’t consider myself jumping on the bandwagon of our recent success as I remember watching, as a child in the early nineties, Ireland pick up their fair share of wooden spoons so I have been there for the bad times as well.
After one of the most tense sporting occasions I have witnessed in recent times, I felt proud of our rugby team and more importantly I felt proud for my country.
So your probably thinking where is this going? Well here’s my point, strangely the small shop around the corner from my flat stocks The Sunday World, an Irish Sunday tabloid newspaper that I always read back home (I live in Preston if you don’t know).
So on Sunday morning, bleary-eyed from the night before, I went to pick up the paper expecting celebration pictures, the match report from an undoubtedly ecstatic rugby correspondent and in-depth analysis from the experts.
All of which I did find but after being engrossed in the four or five pages of rugby I found myself through to the GAA pages (Gaelic Football and Hurling for our English readers) where I would expect them to report the sport that was in the shadow for that day.
What I did find shocked me and proved to me the amount of bitterness that lies in some quarters of the GAA world towards Ireland’s successful international sports.
Pat Spillane, a GAA pundit and schoolteacher, described in his weekly column how he felt that the skill and excitement of rugby played the day before was no better than a Junior League Gaelic Football match.
For those of you who don’t know the GAA system the level he was suggesting is roughly the standard of Sunday League football in England, maybe the lower levels of non-league if it was two top teams.
Spillane then went on to suggest that rugby has had an advantage of being a professional sport with money to hire coaches to come to schools where GAA is lacking.
Well, that is there own fault, first of all the GAA’s ignorance towards professional sport has left them behind on some fronts of development of young players. Secondly the GAA can afford to pay coaches to travel to schools to teach rugby, they just don’t want to cough up.
The pundit did mention that he was supporting the Irish team in their success but that he doesn’t see the appeal of rugby as a sport. I’m sorry but you won’t find many things as thrilling as a player having one kick that could either win the game or lose it, which is the position Wales’ Stephen Jones found himself in at the death last Saturday.
There’s also the charge Ireland made straight after the Welsh drop-goal, not exciting? Try telling that to the Irish fans that nearly took the roof off the Millennium Stadium when Ronan O’Gara returned Ireland’s lead with his drop-goal.
Nevermind the skill or the excitement, it doesn’t matter what sport it is, for a small nation with limited resources everyone should be proud of success whether it be rugby, soccer, GAA or even tiddlywinks.
The fact that Spillane would begrudge rugby their day before our summer is full of ‘his’ GAA is nothing short of disgraceful. Shame on him.
I don’t claim to be a huge rugby fan, however, I wouldn’t consider myself jumping on the bandwagon of our recent success as I remember watching, as a child in the early nineties, Ireland pick up their fair share of wooden spoons so I have been there for the bad times as well.
After one of the most tense sporting occasions I have witnessed in recent times, I felt proud of our rugby team and more importantly I felt proud for my country.
So your probably thinking where is this going? Well here’s my point, strangely the small shop around the corner from my flat stocks The Sunday World, an Irish Sunday tabloid newspaper that I always read back home (I live in Preston if you don’t know).
So on Sunday morning, bleary-eyed from the night before, I went to pick up the paper expecting celebration pictures, the match report from an undoubtedly ecstatic rugby correspondent and in-depth analysis from the experts.
All of which I did find but after being engrossed in the four or five pages of rugby I found myself through to the GAA pages (Gaelic Football and Hurling for our English readers) where I would expect them to report the sport that was in the shadow for that day.
What I did find shocked me and proved to me the amount of bitterness that lies in some quarters of the GAA world towards Ireland’s successful international sports.
Pat Spillane, a GAA pundit and schoolteacher, described in his weekly column how he felt that the skill and excitement of rugby played the day before was no better than a Junior League Gaelic Football match.
For those of you who don’t know the GAA system the level he was suggesting is roughly the standard of Sunday League football in England, maybe the lower levels of non-league if it was two top teams.
Spillane then went on to suggest that rugby has had an advantage of being a professional sport with money to hire coaches to come to schools where GAA is lacking.
Well, that is there own fault, first of all the GAA’s ignorance towards professional sport has left them behind on some fronts of development of young players. Secondly the GAA can afford to pay coaches to travel to schools to teach rugby, they just don’t want to cough up.
The pundit did mention that he was supporting the Irish team in their success but that he doesn’t see the appeal of rugby as a sport. I’m sorry but you won’t find many things as thrilling as a player having one kick that could either win the game or lose it, which is the position Wales’ Stephen Jones found himself in at the death last Saturday.
There’s also the charge Ireland made straight after the Welsh drop-goal, not exciting? Try telling that to the Irish fans that nearly took the roof off the Millennium Stadium when Ronan O’Gara returned Ireland’s lead with his drop-goal.
Nevermind the skill or the excitement, it doesn’t matter what sport it is, for a small nation with limited resources everyone should be proud of success whether it be rugby, soccer, GAA or even tiddlywinks.
The fact that Spillane would begrudge rugby their day before our summer is full of ‘his’ GAA is nothing short of disgraceful. Shame on him.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Why aren't you Cup for it?
Why Martin O’Neill decided not to bring a full-strength squad to Moscow last Thursday for Aston Villa’s UEFA Cup tie still confuses me.
Never before have I questioned the man’s decision making, I believe he is one of the best in the business but not going out there to win was a massive mistake.
O’Neill wanted to concentrate on the league and their push for a Champions League spot but surely the chance to win a European trophy would be something an ambitious manager like him would want to take on?
And the rest that their top players got hasn’t seemed to help in their bid for fourth spot, in fact it may even have hindered them as a disappointing draw against Stoke on Saturday was followed up by a 2-0 defeat away at Manchester City tonight, which has allowed Arsenal to narrow the gap between them.
Villa are even off away on a break this weekend with no Premier League action due to the FA Cup ties taking place, which they have been eliminated so this makes it even more mind boggling that they sacrificied their UEFA Cup campaign.
I have never understood the problem about playing two games in a week anyways yet managers and players constantly complain about fatigue, even at the beginning of the season.
It’s 180 minutes of playing football, if a player is tired then why not just give him a break from training the next day? Maybe footballers should try some of the more rigorous training that other athletes endure then they would know what it’s really like to be tired.
Fair enough, Aston Villa’s squad has not got the depth that maybe Manchester United’s or Chelsea’s does but, in my opinion, if you don’t want to play in Europe, don’t bother qualifying.
So say if Villa do finish in the top four and manage to get through to the last-16 of the Champions League next season, and they are in a similar position in the Premier League, will they just send their reserves out like they did last Thursday?
O’Neill’s decision didn’t go down well with the Villa fans that paid out to travel all the way to Russia only to see a weakened team crash out of the UEFA cup, it’s a tough enough time financially so you can understand their disappointment.
I think O’Neill’s attitude to the competition proves that there is a waning interest and importance of the UEFA Cup for clubs like Aston Villa who are chasing the big money-spinner that is the Champions League.
Next season the UEFA Cup will change its name to the UEFA Europa League next and the competition is also to be extended but more games is not the answer when clubs are complaining that there schedules are too hectic.
The only way I can see this competition being revived and becoming more attractive is to offer a Champions League spot for the winners or maybe even both finalists.
Hopefully the spot in Europe’s most coveted competition and the extra financial incentive would make UEFA Europa League more attractive for the likes of Aston Villa as it is a good competition for the smaller teams who can’t match the financial powerhouses in England and on the continent but will the governing body realise this?
Never before have I questioned the man’s decision making, I believe he is one of the best in the business but not going out there to win was a massive mistake.
O’Neill wanted to concentrate on the league and their push for a Champions League spot but surely the chance to win a European trophy would be something an ambitious manager like him would want to take on?
And the rest that their top players got hasn’t seemed to help in their bid for fourth spot, in fact it may even have hindered them as a disappointing draw against Stoke on Saturday was followed up by a 2-0 defeat away at Manchester City tonight, which has allowed Arsenal to narrow the gap between them.
Villa are even off away on a break this weekend with no Premier League action due to the FA Cup ties taking place, which they have been eliminated so this makes it even more mind boggling that they sacrificied their UEFA Cup campaign.
I have never understood the problem about playing two games in a week anyways yet managers and players constantly complain about fatigue, even at the beginning of the season.
It’s 180 minutes of playing football, if a player is tired then why not just give him a break from training the next day? Maybe footballers should try some of the more rigorous training that other athletes endure then they would know what it’s really like to be tired.
Fair enough, Aston Villa’s squad has not got the depth that maybe Manchester United’s or Chelsea’s does but, in my opinion, if you don’t want to play in Europe, don’t bother qualifying.
So say if Villa do finish in the top four and manage to get through to the last-16 of the Champions League next season, and they are in a similar position in the Premier League, will they just send their reserves out like they did last Thursday?
O’Neill’s decision didn’t go down well with the Villa fans that paid out to travel all the way to Russia only to see a weakened team crash out of the UEFA cup, it’s a tough enough time financially so you can understand their disappointment.
I think O’Neill’s attitude to the competition proves that there is a waning interest and importance of the UEFA Cup for clubs like Aston Villa who are chasing the big money-spinner that is the Champions League.
Next season the UEFA Cup will change its name to the UEFA Europa League next and the competition is also to be extended but more games is not the answer when clubs are complaining that there schedules are too hectic.
The only way I can see this competition being revived and becoming more attractive is to offer a Champions League spot for the winners or maybe even both finalists.
Hopefully the spot in Europe’s most coveted competition and the extra financial incentive would make UEFA Europa League more attractive for the likes of Aston Villa as it is a good competition for the smaller teams who can’t match the financial powerhouses in England and on the continent but will the governing body realise this?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
If it ain't broke don't fix it
The British Amateur Boxing Association's (BABA) first major decision after being set up to improve Britain’s Olympic boxing team was to sack head coach Terry Edwards just months after he trained the most successful Olympic team to date.
In an unbelievable move they have decided to get rid of the experienced coach who has been involved with the British team for the last decade and has been officially at the helm for the last two years which has seen England and Britain win their first World Championship gold medal in 2007, when Frankie Gavin made his name, and their first European gold medal since 1961 when hot prospect Luke Matthews won on home turf in 2008.
Of course their was James DeGale’s gold medal as well as David Price’s and Tony Jeffries’ bronze medal wins in Beijing. It was starting to look like Britain could be overtake Cuba as the world’s best amateur country.
However, BABA chief Derek Mapp decided to axe Edwards as they apparently look to further improve on their success. He said in a statement:
"Terry Edwards has made a huge contribution to British Boxing resulting in a record success of medal haul in Beijing. However we now need to further improve upon that and, as importantly, work to create a legacy of success demonstrated by the development of our boxers, coaches and support team for generations to come."
Have they ever heard of the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’? Did British Cycling axe their head coach? Would Manchester United have sacked Sir Alex Ferguson after they won the treble in 1999 just cause they wanted someone younger? No because even if we ignore the fact of how unfair it would be, it also doesn’t make sense to sack somebody who has just brought such a massive success.
Edwards was even more shocked, having just spoken to the new chief about the future of British boxing a few days before, he would have expected to be preparing for the World Championships this year but now he may move, like his medal winners, to the professional game as Frank Warren seems interested in getting him to coach some fighters.
Something stinks with this issue, whether it be a bitterness from rival trainers or people within this new organisation or his, in my opinion, correct decision to send Frankie Gavin home from Beijing, it’s an absolute disgrace and this upheaval can only upset the mood in the camp.
They probably thought they would be clever and wait until all the talk about Beijing died down but the people that it will affect the most are the young boxers with dreams of stepping into the ring at the London Olympics in 2012 and they will know their chances have been reduced unless BABA have an exceptional replacement. However, the best man for the job will now be either earning big money coaching the pros or enjoying his retirement.
A ridiculous decision that will could set British boxing back a few years, lets just hope it doesn’t effect the many impressive talents that are coming through the ranks and that Britain can emulate the Beijing team in 2012.
In an unbelievable move they have decided to get rid of the experienced coach who has been involved with the British team for the last decade and has been officially at the helm for the last two years which has seen England and Britain win their first World Championship gold medal in 2007, when Frankie Gavin made his name, and their first European gold medal since 1961 when hot prospect Luke Matthews won on home turf in 2008.
Of course their was James DeGale’s gold medal as well as David Price’s and Tony Jeffries’ bronze medal wins in Beijing. It was starting to look like Britain could be overtake Cuba as the world’s best amateur country.
However, BABA chief Derek Mapp decided to axe Edwards as they apparently look to further improve on their success. He said in a statement:
"Terry Edwards has made a huge contribution to British Boxing resulting in a record success of medal haul in Beijing. However we now need to further improve upon that and, as importantly, work to create a legacy of success demonstrated by the development of our boxers, coaches and support team for generations to come."
Have they ever heard of the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’? Did British Cycling axe their head coach? Would Manchester United have sacked Sir Alex Ferguson after they won the treble in 1999 just cause they wanted someone younger? No because even if we ignore the fact of how unfair it would be, it also doesn’t make sense to sack somebody who has just brought such a massive success.
Edwards was even more shocked, having just spoken to the new chief about the future of British boxing a few days before, he would have expected to be preparing for the World Championships this year but now he may move, like his medal winners, to the professional game as Frank Warren seems interested in getting him to coach some fighters.
Something stinks with this issue, whether it be a bitterness from rival trainers or people within this new organisation or his, in my opinion, correct decision to send Frankie Gavin home from Beijing, it’s an absolute disgrace and this upheaval can only upset the mood in the camp.
They probably thought they would be clever and wait until all the talk about Beijing died down but the people that it will affect the most are the young boxers with dreams of stepping into the ring at the London Olympics in 2012 and they will know their chances have been reduced unless BABA have an exceptional replacement. However, the best man for the job will now be either earning big money coaching the pros or enjoying his retirement.
A ridiculous decision that will could set British boxing back a few years, lets just hope it doesn’t effect the many impressive talents that are coming through the ranks and that Britain can emulate the Beijing team in 2012.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Rafa's Raging Ridiculous
So Rafa Benitez likes to talk about ‘facts’ (yes we heard you the first time mate) and he used his press conference today to launch what was a pathetic attack on Sir Alex Ferguson, well here is my take on this silly move.
Benitez believes that Alex Ferguson is the only manager who is never punished for stepping out of line, right but in November the United boss was reprimanded by the FA, given a two-game touchline ban and fined £10,000. If that is nothing then I would hate to see what is something.
The puzzling point is that Benitez points this out but then contradicts himself by saying Ferguson is the only manager who is never punished. Maybe Rafa was on the San Miguel when he was writing his little ‘fact’ sheet.
Nobody can argue the point that Ferguson does step out of line with his comments from time to time but he is always pulled up on it by the FA when it is thought to bring the game into disrepute, look at the amount of times he has been fined if you don‘t believe it.
However, every manager is entitled to their opinion and many do comment on the referee’s performance after games so I don’t know why Benitez has picked out Ferguson.
The Liverpool manager is complaining that Ferguson does not get punished by the FA for his comments, but surely saying this is questioning the FA himself isn’t he? Maybe they should have a word with the Spaniard for his ‘facts’.
Another ’fact’ is that Benitez says that Manchester United played “42 or 44” hours later than his team when United faced Middlesbrough on December 29 after Liverpool had beaten Newcastle the day before.
So Benitez said he wanted to speak only about ‘facts’ and not get involved in mind-games, but the so-called ‘cool’ Spaniard must not be good at maths or his calculator is faulty because Liverpool kicked off at 12noon and then United played at 8pm the following day, correct me if I am wrong Rafa but that is 32 hours, you wanted to be factual get it right then.
It is rich of Benitez to criticise another manager for complaining about fixtures, he must have a short memory because if we look back to last season and a quote from the Spaniard himself:
“I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always play the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?" he said. "We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.“ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2319584/Rafael-Benitez-turns-on-the-Premier-League.html
Sorry Rafa, you seemed like you fancied doing the fixtures yourself last year. But I see this season your doing ok and your boss’ are not on your back because your top of the league, so no need to complain then is there. No you will wait until the pressure goes up a notch and you will try and blame something else so you have a back-up if you fail yet again to bring silverware back to Anfield.
Overall I think Benitez’s planned attack, he was asked about the comment from Ferguson about getting nervous with no mention of fixtures or refereeing decisions just in case you haven’t seen it, is a sign that Ferguson has riled him.
Benitez says he doesn’t want to get into mind games so early, well in this press conference he threw himself in the deep end.
He has jumped into dangerous waters and while I don’t think Ferguson’s bite is as bad as a shark anymore, the Scot’s experience of handling mind-games in title run-ins will mean he can smell fear from a long way.
If Benitez wanted to stay out of it and focus on his team’s next game, then don’t say anything about it, simple isn’t it?
Obviously not for the Liverpool boss, who is clearly feeling the pressure early on which isn’t a good sign for his team’s title prospects. Now that is a real fact Rafa.
Benitez believes that Alex Ferguson is the only manager who is never punished for stepping out of line, right but in November the United boss was reprimanded by the FA, given a two-game touchline ban and fined £10,000. If that is nothing then I would hate to see what is something.
The puzzling point is that Benitez points this out but then contradicts himself by saying Ferguson is the only manager who is never punished. Maybe Rafa was on the San Miguel when he was writing his little ‘fact’ sheet.
Nobody can argue the point that Ferguson does step out of line with his comments from time to time but he is always pulled up on it by the FA when it is thought to bring the game into disrepute, look at the amount of times he has been fined if you don‘t believe it.
However, every manager is entitled to their opinion and many do comment on the referee’s performance after games so I don’t know why Benitez has picked out Ferguson.
The Liverpool manager is complaining that Ferguson does not get punished by the FA for his comments, but surely saying this is questioning the FA himself isn’t he? Maybe they should have a word with the Spaniard for his ‘facts’.
Another ’fact’ is that Benitez says that Manchester United played “42 or 44” hours later than his team when United faced Middlesbrough on December 29 after Liverpool had beaten Newcastle the day before.
So Benitez said he wanted to speak only about ‘facts’ and not get involved in mind-games, but the so-called ‘cool’ Spaniard must not be good at maths or his calculator is faulty because Liverpool kicked off at 12noon and then United played at 8pm the following day, correct me if I am wrong Rafa but that is 32 hours, you wanted to be factual get it right then.
It is rich of Benitez to criticise another manager for complaining about fixtures, he must have a short memory because if we look back to last season and a quote from the Spaniard himself:
“I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always play the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?" he said. "We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.“ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2319584/Rafael-Benitez-turns-on-the-Premier-League.html
Sorry Rafa, you seemed like you fancied doing the fixtures yourself last year. But I see this season your doing ok and your boss’ are not on your back because your top of the league, so no need to complain then is there. No you will wait until the pressure goes up a notch and you will try and blame something else so you have a back-up if you fail yet again to bring silverware back to Anfield.
Overall I think Benitez’s planned attack, he was asked about the comment from Ferguson about getting nervous with no mention of fixtures or refereeing decisions just in case you haven’t seen it, is a sign that Ferguson has riled him.
Benitez says he doesn’t want to get into mind games so early, well in this press conference he threw himself in the deep end.
He has jumped into dangerous waters and while I don’t think Ferguson’s bite is as bad as a shark anymore, the Scot’s experience of handling mind-games in title run-ins will mean he can smell fear from a long way.
If Benitez wanted to stay out of it and focus on his team’s next game, then don’t say anything about it, simple isn’t it?
Obviously not for the Liverpool boss, who is clearly feeling the pressure early on which isn’t a good sign for his team’s title prospects. Now that is a real fact Rafa.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Drogheda United - A real local club
When a football club hits bad times it usually looks to its fans and the local community for help, but not many would have got the unbelievable response that Eircom League of Ireland side Drogheda United received when they went into examinership in October of this year.
For those readers (if anyone actually reads this) who don’t know much about the club, here is a brief history. Drogheda United has a long standing history as a community club but not a very successful one, until recently. With only a couple of cup final appearances and a single runners-up spot in the league before a period of yo-yoing between divisions, support had faded substantially until a massive cash injection in 2003/04.
The money was put towards taking the team back to the Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division and consolidating their position there. However, the club went from strength to strength under manager Paul Doolin and picked up their first major trophy in 2005 when they collected the FAI Cup.
That success was followed up by Setanta Cup victories in 2006 and 2007, the same year the club finally reached a long sought target, the Eircom League of Ireland Premier title.
With everything going smoothly (well from the outside) and with two UEFA Cup Qualifying campaigns behind them, the club set out for their first Champions League Qualifying journey. After a solid win over Estonian outfit FC Levadia, Drogheda United prepared themselves for the biggest game in their history as they drew Ukrainian side and Champions League regulars, Dynamo Kyiv.
A brave performance home and away saw The Drogs lose out 4-3 on aggregate, after being within the width of a post from going through on away goals, but it was after that game the clubs real problems came to a head.
The investors push for success had come at a price when the club’s plans for a new stadium, that included a retail and residential development which would help finance the club’s long term ambitions and clear off a few long standing debts, was refused planning permission after a long battle with the county council involved. The future looked bleak.
With the board being unable to pay its players and creditors the club was put into examinership (administration as it’s known in the UK) in October.
With that huge shadow hanging over them and a points deduction, Drogheda played out the rest of the season - settling for a mid-table position.
Well now I can get onto the main point of the blog (finally I hear you say!), with the club having a massive debt to pay it is staring down the barrel of extinction and the town could soon have no Eircom League of Ireland side.
As I said before, when a club is at its knees it needs support and the response from the people of the town has been nothing short of phenomenal.
There’s a number of heart-warming stories about how people have donated half their weekly pension to the club’s fund, collections by volunteers, auctions, benefit gigs and there’s even people taking out loans and donating it towards the cause.
Another fundraiser was a fans match took place between the supporters of Drogheda United and St Patrick’s Athletic with a good crowd attending to lend their support.
But it was the presence of Roddy Collins, a manager who has received a substantial amount of ‘abuse’ from the fans but he put that behind him to help out, managing the fans team and even offering to have a friendly boxing match (his brother is a former world champion after all!) with a number of willing challengers prepared to make a contribution.
These are just a number of events being staged and all of this is a true testament of how a community backing is so important to a football club.
While this fantastic spirit and goodwill has raised a good amount towards the total needed to satisfy the examiner, a stumbling block has propped itself in the way to safety as the player’s have refused a settlement offer from the board to pay a reduced amount of their outstanding wages. With the board hoping for the squad to accept the offer in a show of goodwill to help the cause, a small minority of the team have turned it down.
While I understand they have mortgages to pay, families etc. the people of the town have donated a lot of money, people that could be struggling themselves with the recession and Christmas bills to worry about, and all they want is to save the club.
Therefore I believe the players who are refusing should show some gratitude, especially in the case of certain players who’s career has been developed by the club.
The committee set up to save the club needs them to settle this disagreement so that they can get on with whatever money is left to try and pick up the pieces.
A final point would be, while some criticism has gone towards the investors for going in ‘over the top’ and ‘too quick’, I believe this is extremely unfair on the people involved. They have not only given the long suffering supporters probably the best 5 years they have ever had supporting the team but they have also helped increase the number of supporters by a significant amount.
It’s this huge supporter backing that is now trying to save the club, without the recent successes their may not be the same help, so while the investors may have taken a big risk on the stadium going ahead, they have still created a great club that the town is proud to call its own and help out in its hour of need.
Drogheda United are facing a definitive week or two but if the club does pull through and continues on next season, both the owners and the supporters will have each other to thank, as they have all built and hopefully will save a great local team.
For those readers (if anyone actually reads this) who don’t know much about the club, here is a brief history. Drogheda United has a long standing history as a community club but not a very successful one, until recently. With only a couple of cup final appearances and a single runners-up spot in the league before a period of yo-yoing between divisions, support had faded substantially until a massive cash injection in 2003/04.
The money was put towards taking the team back to the Eircom League of Ireland Premier Division and consolidating their position there. However, the club went from strength to strength under manager Paul Doolin and picked up their first major trophy in 2005 when they collected the FAI Cup.
That success was followed up by Setanta Cup victories in 2006 and 2007, the same year the club finally reached a long sought target, the Eircom League of Ireland Premier title.
With everything going smoothly (well from the outside) and with two UEFA Cup Qualifying campaigns behind them, the club set out for their first Champions League Qualifying journey. After a solid win over Estonian outfit FC Levadia, Drogheda United prepared themselves for the biggest game in their history as they drew Ukrainian side and Champions League regulars, Dynamo Kyiv.
A brave performance home and away saw The Drogs lose out 4-3 on aggregate, after being within the width of a post from going through on away goals, but it was after that game the clubs real problems came to a head.
The investors push for success had come at a price when the club’s plans for a new stadium, that included a retail and residential development which would help finance the club’s long term ambitions and clear off a few long standing debts, was refused planning permission after a long battle with the county council involved. The future looked bleak.
With the board being unable to pay its players and creditors the club was put into examinership (administration as it’s known in the UK) in October.
With that huge shadow hanging over them and a points deduction, Drogheda played out the rest of the season - settling for a mid-table position.
Well now I can get onto the main point of the blog (finally I hear you say!), with the club having a massive debt to pay it is staring down the barrel of extinction and the town could soon have no Eircom League of Ireland side.
As I said before, when a club is at its knees it needs support and the response from the people of the town has been nothing short of phenomenal.
There’s a number of heart-warming stories about how people have donated half their weekly pension to the club’s fund, collections by volunteers, auctions, benefit gigs and there’s even people taking out loans and donating it towards the cause.
Another fundraiser was a fans match took place between the supporters of Drogheda United and St Patrick’s Athletic with a good crowd attending to lend their support.
But it was the presence of Roddy Collins, a manager who has received a substantial amount of ‘abuse’ from the fans but he put that behind him to help out, managing the fans team and even offering to have a friendly boxing match (his brother is a former world champion after all!) with a number of willing challengers prepared to make a contribution.
These are just a number of events being staged and all of this is a true testament of how a community backing is so important to a football club.
While this fantastic spirit and goodwill has raised a good amount towards the total needed to satisfy the examiner, a stumbling block has propped itself in the way to safety as the player’s have refused a settlement offer from the board to pay a reduced amount of their outstanding wages. With the board hoping for the squad to accept the offer in a show of goodwill to help the cause, a small minority of the team have turned it down.
While I understand they have mortgages to pay, families etc. the people of the town have donated a lot of money, people that could be struggling themselves with the recession and Christmas bills to worry about, and all they want is to save the club.
Therefore I believe the players who are refusing should show some gratitude, especially in the case of certain players who’s career has been developed by the club.
The committee set up to save the club needs them to settle this disagreement so that they can get on with whatever money is left to try and pick up the pieces.
A final point would be, while some criticism has gone towards the investors for going in ‘over the top’ and ‘too quick’, I believe this is extremely unfair on the people involved. They have not only given the long suffering supporters probably the best 5 years they have ever had supporting the team but they have also helped increase the number of supporters by a significant amount.
It’s this huge supporter backing that is now trying to save the club, without the recent successes their may not be the same help, so while the investors may have taken a big risk on the stadium going ahead, they have still created a great club that the town is proud to call its own and help out in its hour of need.
Drogheda United are facing a definitive week or two but if the club does pull through and continues on next season, both the owners and the supporters will have each other to thank, as they have all built and hopefully will save a great local team.
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