Robbie Keane’s loan move from Tottenham to Celtic was a bit of a shock but, while it may have lit up a drab final day of the transfer window, it is not going to reignite the Republic of Ireland captain’s career.
The Dubliner has changed club’s more than most, but while not all his moves have worked out, like joining Inter Milan before he was ready and signing for Liverpool despite Rafa Benitez not wanting him, joining Celtic could be his biggest career mistake.
Having struggled to cement a place in Tottenham’s starting line-up since returning to White Hart Lane 12 months ago, a move away was a good idea, and a loan move an ideal chance to impress Harry Redknapp.
However, while Keane may believe he can score plenty of goals in the SPL and impress Redknapp, or maybe another Premier League manager, while also helping Celtic stage a dramatic comeback in the title race, he is kidding himself on both accounts.
First of all, no matter how many goals he scores, he won’t suddenly force Redknapp to change his mind and put the Dubliner in front of Defoe or Crouch.
Secondly, Celtic lie 10 points behind Rangers in the league table and have been far too inconsistent this season to stage a realistic title challenge. Wayne Rooney, even in his current form, would struggle to save The Bhoys.
The growth in the gulf in class between the SPL and the Premier League over recent years means scoring goals in Scotland is not as impressive as it once may have been.
In truth, Keane would have been better off joining Sunderland or another club in the Premier League who are not competing with Tottenham for fourth spot.
It’s doubtful that Celtic are coughing up Keane’s £65k a week wages, so he was surely affordable to other clubs.
Going out and scoring vital goals to keep a club in the Premier League would have been far more impressive - and a much tougher challenge that would improve him as a player.
And if it was Keane’s dream to wear the hooped shirt, then he should have followed in the footsteps of his namesake and gone to Celtic Park at the end of his career.
For the sake of the Republic of Ireland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2012, let's hope I'm wrong.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Khan makes Golden choice
Amir Khan has made a shrewd decision leaving Frank Warren’s camp and moving to Golden Boy promotions, another good move since his humiliating defeat at the hands of Breidis Prescott back in September 2008.
The first move after that loss was getting rid of a few hangers on, who were giving him so called advice, and recruiting one the world’s greatest coaches in Freddie Roach.
Roach has coached multiple world champions, many of them taken with only raw potential before being turned into top class boxers and was the perfect man to save Khan's career.
After getting back on track with four straight wins, most notably the defeats of Marco Antonio Barerra and Andreas Kotelnik, Khan has now made the boldest, and probably best decision of his short career so far by ditching Warren.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of Khan, I find him to be too arrogant for his own good and his defence is still poor, nowhere near good enough to be talking about being on the same level as stablemate Manny Pacquiao or Miguel Cotto.
However, he does seem to have grown up a lot since the Prescott defeat, and has seen that what Warren will offer is nothing compared to what Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions can.
Money is obviously going to be a huge factor but Khan only has to look close to home at Hatton and Joe Calzaghe to see what many years spent fighting in the UK against below calibre opponents can do to a career.
While Calzaghe was fortunate enough to still be at the peak of his game when he finally got his break in the US, Ricky Hatton has no chance of recovering from big defeats in Las Vegas to Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Five years earlier, he could have.
Khan’s decision will see him get big fights in the US, which despite the hopes of British promoters, is still the stage to prove you really are the best, and he will also get advice from a man who has done it all in the ring - the Golden Boy himself, De La Hoya.
Whether Khan will be able to prosper is another matter, it remains to be seen if he can handle taking big punches and he will have to improve tactically but his career seems to be going in the right direction.
There have been a few rumours circulating as to why he has made the decision; Racism, money and a fall-out with Warren. Let’s just hope it was purely a boxing decision made by Khan and his coaching team.
The first move after that loss was getting rid of a few hangers on, who were giving him so called advice, and recruiting one the world’s greatest coaches in Freddie Roach.
Roach has coached multiple world champions, many of them taken with only raw potential before being turned into top class boxers and was the perfect man to save Khan's career.
After getting back on track with four straight wins, most notably the defeats of Marco Antonio Barerra and Andreas Kotelnik, Khan has now made the boldest, and probably best decision of his short career so far by ditching Warren.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of Khan, I find him to be too arrogant for his own good and his defence is still poor, nowhere near good enough to be talking about being on the same level as stablemate Manny Pacquiao or Miguel Cotto.
However, he does seem to have grown up a lot since the Prescott defeat, and has seen that what Warren will offer is nothing compared to what Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions can.
Money is obviously going to be a huge factor but Khan only has to look close to home at Hatton and Joe Calzaghe to see what many years spent fighting in the UK against below calibre opponents can do to a career.
While Calzaghe was fortunate enough to still be at the peak of his game when he finally got his break in the US, Ricky Hatton has no chance of recovering from big defeats in Las Vegas to Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Five years earlier, he could have.
Khan’s decision will see him get big fights in the US, which despite the hopes of British promoters, is still the stage to prove you really are the best, and he will also get advice from a man who has done it all in the ring - the Golden Boy himself, De La Hoya.
Whether Khan will be able to prosper is another matter, it remains to be seen if he can handle taking big punches and he will have to improve tactically but his career seems to be going in the right direction.
There have been a few rumours circulating as to why he has made the decision; Racism, money and a fall-out with Warren. Let’s just hope it was purely a boxing decision made by Khan and his coaching team.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Premier League Picks November 7
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
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
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.
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