Dai Greene won the gold medal at the Athletics World Championships yesterday in the 400m hurdles.
Now I commented to a colleague what a fine achievement this was and he agreed.
When I looked on a BBC blog about Greene's win this morning a numebr of commentators were dismissive.
It was a flash in the pan. It was the slowest time ever to win the event. etc etc
Flash in the pan? Well Greene was a definite medal contender so hardly a flash in the pan. As to the time? Fair enough but at least 6 in the event had previously broken 48 seconds. Times have generally been slow at Daegu and anyway you can only beat what's put in front of you.
True Greene is no Ed Moses but he deserves credit for delivering when it matters. Nice one Dai.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are we Sports fans?
Its less than a year to go to the Olympics and a quick straw poll of the office found a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
A few colleagues have applied for and got tickets but most are uninterested.
General comment are "we'll make a hash of it" "waste of money" the usual I suppose.
I suspect that if it was the Football World Cup there would be considerable support. We often say we are sports fans? The question is are we ? Or are we Football fans?
Curiously I'd rather we were successful at Cricket than Football.
A few colleagues have applied for and got tickets but most are uninterested.
General comment are "we'll make a hash of it" "waste of money" the usual I suppose.
I suspect that if it was the Football World Cup there would be considerable support. We often say we are sports fans? The question is are we ? Or are we Football fans?
Curiously I'd rather we were successful at Cricket than Football.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Mixed feelings over the blade runner
Yes its been a while......
I note that the South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius has smashed his personal best with a time of 45.07 seconds for the 400mm.
Pistorius' dream is to run at the 2012 Olympics. Pistorius, who runs using two "blades" to replace his amputated lower legs, has been cleared to use his blades in competition against able bodied atheletes.
This decision didn't attract much controversy when Pistorius' best time was 45.6 but now he'll be going to the world championships the first amputee to do so.
The question is is Pistorius gain an advantage using his blades? It has been shown that technological advances can have significant impacts on sport. The move from wooden rackets in tennis, the improvements in distance in golf. In Athletics track technologies can impact times.
I have sympathy for Pistorius and I'm sure we all admire his triumph over adversity but if this time next year he shaves another half a second using new blades we'll wonder how much is him and much the blades.
I note that the South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius has smashed his personal best with a time of 45.07 seconds for the 400mm.
Pistorius' dream is to run at the 2012 Olympics. Pistorius, who runs using two "blades" to replace his amputated lower legs, has been cleared to use his blades in competition against able bodied atheletes.
This decision didn't attract much controversy when Pistorius' best time was 45.6 but now he'll be going to the world championships the first amputee to do so.
The question is is Pistorius gain an advantage using his blades? It has been shown that technological advances can have significant impacts on sport. The move from wooden rackets in tennis, the improvements in distance in golf. In Athletics track technologies can impact times.
I have sympathy for Pistorius and I'm sure we all admire his triumph over adversity but if this time next year he shaves another half a second using new blades we'll wonder how much is him and much the blades.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Dispiriting
Boxing is in an odd state. It is possible that Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield will get back in the ring again, 10 years ago this was an exciting fight but now? Its a circus show.
Floyd Mayweather is considered the best pound for pound boxer on the planet. He has won world titles at five different weights he has beaten some big names and he recently ended the unbeaten record of Ricky Hatton.
It is a bit dispiriting for boxing and its fans that Mayweather's next encounter in a ring will be against WWE Wrestler The Big Show. You may ask what on earth Mayweather is thinking about but he is being paid $20 million to feature in this entertainment.
There are a number of good domestic boxing matches screaming out to be made but most will not get a sniff. Calzaghe v Woods. Calzaghe v Froch, Hatton v Witter v Rees (2 light welterweight champions and one ex). Amir Khan v Jon Thaxton.
So all credit to Enzo Machrinelli and David Haye two British Cruiserweight Champions who are meeting on March 9th. Both could have taken easy fights to boost the bank balance. It should be exciting, good luck to both of them.
Floyd Mayweather is considered the best pound for pound boxer on the planet. He has won world titles at five different weights he has beaten some big names and he recently ended the unbeaten record of Ricky Hatton.
It is a bit dispiriting for boxing and its fans that Mayweather's next encounter in a ring will be against WWE Wrestler The Big Show. You may ask what on earth Mayweather is thinking about but he is being paid $20 million to feature in this entertainment.
There are a number of good domestic boxing matches screaming out to be made but most will not get a sniff. Calzaghe v Woods. Calzaghe v Froch, Hatton v Witter v Rees (2 light welterweight champions and one ex). Amir Khan v Jon Thaxton.
So all credit to Enzo Machrinelli and David Haye two British Cruiserweight Champions who are meeting on March 9th. Both could have taken easy fights to boost the bank balance. It should be exciting, good luck to both of them.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Going Overseas
Its been a while!
Perhaps the biggest story for UK sport has been the plans by the premiership to play an extra game overseas.
Let me first say that I think this is fundamentaly wrong but inevitable.
Why wrong? Well the current league is based on each team playing each other twice home and away. A 39th game makes a mockery of that especially as the top 5 would be seeded. Can you imagine the outrage if Wigan were relegated by a point whne their extra game was Man united and Birmingham survived and their extra game was Derby?
Why wrong? Historically clubs have been strongly linked with their local area. With the exception of the MK Dons/Wimbledon fiasco we have yet to see a move (well not in my life time). Football is not like American sports where teams are franchises.
But I think its inevitable. Lets ignore Sepp Blater (even though for once he's right) it will happen. Why? The premiership has marketed itself all over the world. So people in the middle east, Japan, Korea etc watch the premiership and support British teams. Are they true supporters? Well how many of us "support" a team but never go to a game.
The premiership can see the vast sums of money available and they want their share.
Fans need to understand that it is no longer really their club, the fans no longer pay the wages of the players. Since the advent of Sky clubs are becoming richer and richer paying higher transfer fees and wages, this has attracted foreign owners who don't have the same emotional tie in.
I think with the rise of countrys like China and India it is inevitable that games will be played overseas. The reason? Money mate, money.
I often read that the premiership is the best league in the world. Well is it in when was the last time that someone other than Man U, Arsenal or Chelsea one it? Or one of 4 clubs finished in the top 3. The FA Cup has not been won by anyone other than the "big four" for years.
When I was a lad the cup was magical, Wimbledon could slay mighty Liverpool, Sunderland could humiliate Leeds etc. The likes of Derby and Nottingham Forest could win the league. Today money talks.
Perhaps the biggest story for UK sport has been the plans by the premiership to play an extra game overseas.
Let me first say that I think this is fundamentaly wrong but inevitable.
Why wrong? Well the current league is based on each team playing each other twice home and away. A 39th game makes a mockery of that especially as the top 5 would be seeded. Can you imagine the outrage if Wigan were relegated by a point whne their extra game was Man united and Birmingham survived and their extra game was Derby?
Why wrong? Historically clubs have been strongly linked with their local area. With the exception of the MK Dons/Wimbledon fiasco we have yet to see a move (well not in my life time). Football is not like American sports where teams are franchises.
But I think its inevitable. Lets ignore Sepp Blater (even though for once he's right) it will happen. Why? The premiership has marketed itself all over the world. So people in the middle east, Japan, Korea etc watch the premiership and support British teams. Are they true supporters? Well how many of us "support" a team but never go to a game.
The premiership can see the vast sums of money available and they want their share.
Fans need to understand that it is no longer really their club, the fans no longer pay the wages of the players. Since the advent of Sky clubs are becoming richer and richer paying higher transfer fees and wages, this has attracted foreign owners who don't have the same emotional tie in.
I think with the rise of countrys like China and India it is inevitable that games will be played overseas. The reason? Money mate, money.
I often read that the premiership is the best league in the world. Well is it in when was the last time that someone other than Man U, Arsenal or Chelsea one it? Or one of 4 clubs finished in the top 3. The FA Cup has not been won by anyone other than the "big four" for years.
When I was a lad the cup was magical, Wimbledon could slay mighty Liverpool, Sunderland could humiliate Leeds etc. The likes of Derby and Nottingham Forest could win the league. Today money talks.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Running the Game
The differences in the way American Football and Association Football (soccer) are run never ceases to amaze me.
One shares its resources out reasonably equally amongst all the clubs and does its best to try and create a league where all teams are competitive. The other is a financial free for all where the amount of money you have is the predominating factor in success.
What always surprises me is that the American version adopts, what is to me, the "fairest" system and the best for the public.
Under the American system a rich owner and a big fashionable team will not guarantee you success. For instance away teams get 34% of all gate revenue from away games. The team finishing bottom in a season gets the first choice of the new college talent the next season. The NFL insists that the TV rights go to where everyone can see the games. As one NFL owner put it if the kids can't see their heroes play they won't be inspired to play ( I wonder if the ECB paid attention to this? of course not). This means that, in theory, all clubs are in with a chance with success.
In "our" game your chances of success are determined by one factor, money. If you don't have a good youth policy that's ok get your cheque book out. Team struggling? wave your cheque book. Wages alone can amount to 70% of revenue. We sell TV rights to the highest bidder and it doesn't matter who can or cannot watch.
All players, coaches and Managers MUST make themselves available. No hissy fits allowed here.
To my mind the Americans have got it right.
One shares its resources out reasonably equally amongst all the clubs and does its best to try and create a league where all teams are competitive. The other is a financial free for all where the amount of money you have is the predominating factor in success.
What always surprises me is that the American version adopts, what is to me, the "fairest" system and the best for the public.
Under the American system a rich owner and a big fashionable team will not guarantee you success. For instance away teams get 34% of all gate revenue from away games. The team finishing bottom in a season gets the first choice of the new college talent the next season. The NFL insists that the TV rights go to where everyone can see the games. As one NFL owner put it if the kids can't see their heroes play they won't be inspired to play ( I wonder if the ECB paid attention to this? of course not). This means that, in theory, all clubs are in with a chance with success.
In "our" game your chances of success are determined by one factor, money. If you don't have a good youth policy that's ok get your cheque book out. Team struggling? wave your cheque book. Wages alone can amount to 70% of revenue. We sell TV rights to the highest bidder and it doesn't matter who can or cannot watch.
All players, coaches and Managers MUST make themselves available. No hissy fits allowed here.
To my mind the Americans have got it right.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Mr Beckham Again
I see the England Football Manager has recalled David Beckham to save us. I know this because every clip Radio 5 plays seems to feature him.
Now its not Beckham's fault and he played ok on Saturday. Much as he always did really, good dead ball delivery but not beating anyone. I don't really see the point of recalling someone who is going to playing in a minor league like the one in North America whilst ignoring a talented young player like Bentley.
McClaren played the same midfield that singularly failed in the World Cup so why does he think its going to work this time? When did Lampard and Gerrard combine well?
There is talk that Kieron Dyer will play at Full Back, not long ago he was playing off a forward. You have to cry don't you.
Oh he played Shorey of Reading which was nice to see but we desperately need a left footed midfielder.
Now its not Beckham's fault and he played ok on Saturday. Much as he always did really, good dead ball delivery but not beating anyone. I don't really see the point of recalling someone who is going to playing in a minor league like the one in North America whilst ignoring a talented young player like Bentley.
McClaren played the same midfield that singularly failed in the World Cup so why does he think its going to work this time? When did Lampard and Gerrard combine well?
There is talk that Kieron Dyer will play at Full Back, not long ago he was playing off a forward. You have to cry don't you.
Oh he played Shorey of Reading which was nice to see but we desperately need a left footed midfielder.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Humble Pie Time
So after my many rants about Michael Vaughan what does he do? Gets a hundred. I still maintain he should never have been selected BUT well done to the man for sticking two fingers up at us doubters.
That took character.
That took character.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Selection Headaches Again
I'm confused again. We've called up Ryan Sidebottom.
Now I have nothing against Ryan but that was slightly left field. Then again can he do any worse than Steve "where's my radar" Harmisson? The bowling does look slightly anaemic, Monty aside. The batting did well, admittedly not against much, but you can hardly blame the batsman.
This presents a problem if Vaughan and Freddie are fit who gets dropped? Surely the centurions pick themselves? Surely they can't play four bowlers given Flintoff's injury problems? How do they fit both Vaughan and Flintoff in? So do they drop Strauss? I'd drop Vaughan as he hasn't scored any runs for ages. But the selectors think he is a tactical genius on a par with Alexander the Great.
All very odd.
Now I have nothing against Ryan but that was slightly left field. Then again can he do any worse than Steve "where's my radar" Harmisson? The bowling does look slightly anaemic, Monty aside. The batting did well, admittedly not against much, but you can hardly blame the batsman.
This presents a problem if Vaughan and Freddie are fit who gets dropped? Surely the centurions pick themselves? Surely they can't play four bowlers given Flintoff's injury problems? How do they fit both Vaughan and Flintoff in? So do they drop Strauss? I'd drop Vaughan as he hasn't scored any runs for ages. But the selectors think he is a tactical genius on a par with Alexander the Great.
All very odd.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The Big Fight
Boxing is by all accounts in trouble. The recent "superfight" between Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya was meant to help change this.
I put the word superfight in quotes because one of the reasons for calling this a superfight was the fact it was the richest outside of the heavyweight division. To me it was a fight beween an aging great (De La Hoya) and a man at the height of his powers (Mayweather).
The decision was a surprising split decision.
Anyway why is boxing in a state? well there are two many champions. How can you have 4 champions at each weight? I became a fan of boxing when there were no more than two champions and genuine superfights took place. Titles were unified. As it was boxing has just disapated into alphabet soup.
Fighters nowadays count themselves great based on how many weights they have won and how many defences they have made. But can a fighter like Calzaghe be great if there are 2 or 3 other fighters at his weight who have as legitimate claim to the title? Mayweather is undoubtedly a super fighter but he has made his way through the decisions beating good fighters but not dominating a division.
To me boxing has to unify the titles or at least great reduce the number of belts. It also has to be on terrestial tv, people need to follow a career.
I put the word superfight in quotes because one of the reasons for calling this a superfight was the fact it was the richest outside of the heavyweight division. To me it was a fight beween an aging great (De La Hoya) and a man at the height of his powers (Mayweather).
The decision was a surprising split decision.
Anyway why is boxing in a state? well there are two many champions. How can you have 4 champions at each weight? I became a fan of boxing when there were no more than two champions and genuine superfights took place. Titles were unified. As it was boxing has just disapated into alphabet soup.
Fighters nowadays count themselves great based on how many weights they have won and how many defences they have made. But can a fighter like Calzaghe be great if there are 2 or 3 other fighters at his weight who have as legitimate claim to the title? Mayweather is undoubtedly a super fighter but he has made his way through the decisions beating good fighters but not dominating a division.
To me boxing has to unify the titles or at least great reduce the number of belts. It also has to be on terrestial tv, people need to follow a career.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The World Cup is over
And so Australia duly one. They are easily the best nad most consistent team. The fact that the final descended into chaos shows that the ICC really don't know what they are doing.
Secondly it was WAY too long. They need to cut it down significantly and cut the elapsed time. How about not 8 teams going straight to knock out with the group winners affectively winning the toss in the quarters? Less games means less money so it will never happen.
Secondly it was WAY too long. They need to cut it down significantly and cut the elapsed time. How about not 8 teams going straight to knock out with the group winners affectively winning the toss in the quarters? Less games means less money so it will never happen.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Ratings
Ok my ratings for the English players in the Cricket world cup. Yes I know we still have the windies to go but we are out
Vaughan - 1
well he scored absolutely nothing.
Joyce - 4
ok he wasn't outstanding but his record was Bradmanesque compared to Vaughan
Bell - 4
occasional glimpse of class. flattered to deceive though.
Strauss - 5
not a chance to make an impact really.
Pieterson - 7
easily Englands top scorer. Not outstanding but he did nothing wrong.
Collingwood - 7
never got the big score but did ok
Flintoff - 3
his bowling was more than fine but he is an all-rounder and his batting was awful
Bopara - 6
did ok. Not brilliant but did ok
Dalrymple - 3
few chances but didn't grab what he had.
Nixon - 7
eat your words blogger he did well.
Plunkett - 5
sorry but why was he dropped for Mahmood???
Mahmood - 3
when the going got tough against South Africa he went to bits.
Panesar - 4
didn't have a great tournament
Anderson - 5
had his moments but they were moments.
Vaughan - 1
well he scored absolutely nothing.
Joyce - 4
ok he wasn't outstanding but his record was Bradmanesque compared to Vaughan
Bell - 4
occasional glimpse of class. flattered to deceive though.
Strauss - 5
not a chance to make an impact really.
Pieterson - 7
easily Englands top scorer. Not outstanding but he did nothing wrong.
Collingwood - 7
never got the big score but did ok
Flintoff - 3
his bowling was more than fine but he is an all-rounder and his batting was awful
Bopara - 6
did ok. Not brilliant but did ok
Dalrymple - 3
few chances but didn't grab what he had.
Nixon - 7
eat your words blogger he did well.
Plunkett - 5
sorry but why was he dropped for Mahmood???
Mahmood - 3
when the going got tough against South Africa he went to bits.
Panesar - 4
didn't have a great tournament
Anderson - 5
had his moments but they were moments.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
3 out of 4?
Well England have 3 out of 4 of the European Cup finalists so that must be clear indication of the strength of British football then.
Uh well no as it happens.
A full strength Chelsea would have John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and perhaps Joe Cole. Manchester united is of course a much better proposition with Rooney, Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand, Neville and Carrick in their first 11. Hard to know what Liverpools first 11 would be, don't think Benitez knows either! Shall we say Carragher, Finan (i'm stretching it), Gerrard, Bellamy and Crouch. Oh and if we throw Arsenal into the mix we add uh no one.
Of course Manchester United have a number of British Players but the reason they are top is one Christiano Ronaldo. And by far the best striker is one Didier Drogba.
I think that all goes to show that our football is not in rude health just that the game is awash with money and we can buy the best talent.
Uh well no as it happens.
A full strength Chelsea would have John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and perhaps Joe Cole. Manchester united is of course a much better proposition with Rooney, Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand, Neville and Carrick in their first 11. Hard to know what Liverpools first 11 would be, don't think Benitez knows either! Shall we say Carragher, Finan (i'm stretching it), Gerrard, Bellamy and Crouch. Oh and if we throw Arsenal into the mix we add uh no one.
Of course Manchester United have a number of British Players but the reason they are top is one Christiano Ronaldo. And by far the best striker is one Didier Drogba.
I think that all goes to show that our football is not in rude health just that the game is awash with money and we can buy the best talent.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The World Cup again
Sigh. It is always the way with the England cricket team. Just when you think they are going to surprise you they blow it.
Ok will someone please explain the selection policy to me? Vaughan is in the team because he is a tactical genius of the level of a Bobby Fisher or a Garry Kasparov. Well it isn't is his batting! So why is he opening? His record in One Day Internationals is 82 matches 1851 runs at an average of 26.82 with a top score of 90 not out. That is rubbish! He may be worth his test place but ye gods he has never been worth a place in the one day team.
Now Bopara has been brought into the team as an all rounder and yet he doesn't get asked to bowl!! He batted excellently yesterday so why is he at 7? Fredalo Flintoff is bowling well but his batting is awful!
I will say Nixon has done well BUT he can't surely be the test keeper next summer!
I'm not going to get my hopes up over qualification. The selectors have now got to build for the future. We have promising young players methinks now is the time to pick them. Personally I don't see where Vaughan's place is in the test team. I think Strauss is the better bet. Bell has the makings of a decent test player, if he plays the one dayers he needs to open (oh boy do we miss Trescothick).
So how about a test 12 of Strauss (capt - his form improved with the responsibility last summer), Cook, Bell, Pieterson, Collingwood, Flintoff, Bopara, Prior (or Davies of Worcester with a bit more experience), Hoggard, Harmisson, Monty and Broad.
Ok will someone please explain the selection policy to me? Vaughan is in the team because he is a tactical genius of the level of a Bobby Fisher or a Garry Kasparov. Well it isn't is his batting! So why is he opening? His record in One Day Internationals is 82 matches 1851 runs at an average of 26.82 with a top score of 90 not out. That is rubbish! He may be worth his test place but ye gods he has never been worth a place in the one day team.
Now Bopara has been brought into the team as an all rounder and yet he doesn't get asked to bowl!! He batted excellently yesterday so why is he at 7? Fredalo Flintoff is bowling well but his batting is awful!
I will say Nixon has done well BUT he can't surely be the test keeper next summer!
I'm not going to get my hopes up over qualification. The selectors have now got to build for the future. We have promising young players methinks now is the time to pick them. Personally I don't see where Vaughan's place is in the test team. I think Strauss is the better bet. Bell has the makings of a decent test player, if he plays the one dayers he needs to open (oh boy do we miss Trescothick).
So how about a test 12 of Strauss (capt - his form improved with the responsibility last summer), Cook, Bell, Pieterson, Collingwood, Flintoff, Bopara, Prior (or Davies of Worcester with a bit more experience), Hoggard, Harmisson, Monty and Broad.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Cricket
The world cup is being overshadowed by the murder of Bob Woolmer but since every one is agreed that Bob would have wanted it to continue then let it continue.
Even without the Woolmer tragedy its been a bizarre tournament.
Firstly Pakistan lose to Ireland and go out (if Zimbabwe hadn't thrown it away against Ireland Pakistan would have survived).
Then the might of India, Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag et al fail to beat Bangladesh! and then lost to Sri Lanka to crash out! India's batting line up is aging and living on past glories.
Still I shouldn't crow too much. England are highly unlikely to get beyond the super 8. The first three are so one dimensional that by the time Pieterson arrives we are on the back foot.
Vaughan may be a tactical genius to rival Brearly but he has never scored a one day hundred and his form since becoming Captain in all forms of the game is poor.
Still I have to admit Nixon has done well.
Even without the Woolmer tragedy its been a bizarre tournament.
Firstly Pakistan lose to Ireland and go out (if Zimbabwe hadn't thrown it away against Ireland Pakistan would have survived).
Then the might of India, Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Sehwag et al fail to beat Bangladesh! and then lost to Sri Lanka to crash out! India's batting line up is aging and living on past glories.
Still I shouldn't crow too much. England are highly unlikely to get beyond the super 8. The first three are so one dimensional that by the time Pieterson arrives we are on the back foot.
Vaughan may be a tactical genius to rival Brearly but he has never scored a one day hundred and his form since becoming Captain in all forms of the game is poor.
Still I have to admit Nixon has done well.
Out of Postion - AGAIN
I appreciate I've said this before.....
Will someone please explain Mr McClaren's selections?
Aaron Lennon a wide right player playing on the left.
Phil Neville a defensive midfielder at right back.
Jamie Carragher a centre back at left back.
Steve Gerrard a central midfielder at wide right.
We have two young left backs in Baines and Shorey so play them give them a go. Gareth Barry has played his socks off for Villa on the left.
If we really have no one to play at right back then Carragher. And no don't blame Phil Neville, its not his fault the manager is an idiot. All the chap can do is his best.
Lennon is on the left becuase McClaren hasn't got the nerve to drop either Gerrard or Lampard.
Stevie Mc Please note you either play 3-5-2 or if you persists in 4-4-2 then one of them has to go. Oh and if you play 3-5-2 play 3-5-2 not 5-3-2.
thank you
Will someone please explain Mr McClaren's selections?
Aaron Lennon a wide right player playing on the left.
Phil Neville a defensive midfielder at right back.
Jamie Carragher a centre back at left back.
Steve Gerrard a central midfielder at wide right.
We have two young left backs in Baines and Shorey so play them give them a go. Gareth Barry has played his socks off for Villa on the left.
If we really have no one to play at right back then Carragher. And no don't blame Phil Neville, its not his fault the manager is an idiot. All the chap can do is his best.
Lennon is on the left becuase McClaren hasn't got the nerve to drop either Gerrard or Lampard.
Stevie Mc Please note you either play 3-5-2 or if you persists in 4-4-2 then one of them has to go. Oh and if you play 3-5-2 play 3-5-2 not 5-3-2.
thank you
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Bob Woolmer RIP
I've just read that Bob Woolmer has collapsed and died aged 58.
He played just 19 tests scoring 3 100's. His career was interupted by joining Kerry Packers rebels and then the Gooch tour to South Africa.
Woolmer's repuation was made as coach of South Africa. He pioneereed the use of Computers. it was a pity he never coached England.
He played just 19 tests scoring 3 100's. His career was interupted by joining Kerry Packers rebels and then the Gooch tour to South Africa.
Woolmer's repuation was made as coach of South Africa. He pioneereed the use of Computers. it was a pity he never coached England.
general
Sorry I've been neglecting this blog.
Lots been going on.
Rugby? Well England's early promise fizzled out a bit. Wilkinson got injured. The performances flattered to deceive. Scotland was good. Italy was hard work (fair play to Italy who had a superb tournament). Ireland was a debacle. France was surprisingly good. Wales was very disappointing.
Football? I really can't see Man united not winning the championship. Lets hope someone outside of the big 4 hegemony wins the FA Cup.
Tennis. Andy Murray is a definite threat in tournaments. I wish he had a personality though.
Cricket? oh dear oh dear. Not only did we lose to New Zealand but 4 players then went and got the worse for drink (apparently). Worse? oh yes Flintoff was found drunk on a pedalo at 4am. He's been dropped from the game against Canada and was stripped of the vice captaincy (and i think we can assume his future captaincy chances are zilch).
He's been warned before in Australia and the signs were not good when he was drunk at the Downing Street bash after the Ashes win. At the time someone said if it had been a footballer.....
Anyone after a role model should look to Mr M Panesar.
Lots been going on.
Rugby? Well England's early promise fizzled out a bit. Wilkinson got injured. The performances flattered to deceive. Scotland was good. Italy was hard work (fair play to Italy who had a superb tournament). Ireland was a debacle. France was surprisingly good. Wales was very disappointing.
Football? I really can't see Man united not winning the championship. Lets hope someone outside of the big 4 hegemony wins the FA Cup.
Tennis. Andy Murray is a definite threat in tournaments. I wish he had a personality though.
Cricket? oh dear oh dear. Not only did we lose to New Zealand but 4 players then went and got the worse for drink (apparently). Worse? oh yes Flintoff was found drunk on a pedalo at 4am. He's been dropped from the game against Canada and was stripped of the vice captaincy (and i think we can assume his future captaincy chances are zilch).
He's been warned before in Australia and the signs were not good when he was drunk at the Downing Street bash after the Ashes win. At the time someone said if it had been a footballer.....
Anyone after a role model should look to Mr M Panesar.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Not all the Same
When watching the aftermath of the handbags at dawn "fistycuffs" of the Arsenal v Chelsea League Cup final it easy to dismiss footballers as a bunch of overpaid idiots.
I was listening to Radio 5's 606 phone in the other week and heard the following story.
This chap had taken his son to watch Brighton & Hove Albion. After the game they got chatting to one of the players who had not long been at the club and had come from non league football. The player asked the lad if he played. The boy told him who he played for, how many goals he had scored and that he was playing the following day.
The next day Father and Son got the shock of their lives when the player came to watch the boy play.
So in these days of overpaid primadonnas, there is one pro at Brighton & Hove Albion who deserves a pat on the back, for remembering that the supporter is the life blood of the game.
I was listening to Radio 5's 606 phone in the other week and heard the following story.
This chap had taken his son to watch Brighton & Hove Albion. After the game they got chatting to one of the players who had not long been at the club and had come from non league football. The player asked the lad if he played. The boy told him who he played for, how many goals he had scored and that he was playing the following day.
The next day Father and Son got the shock of their lives when the player came to watch the boy play.
So in these days of overpaid primadonnas, there is one pro at Brighton & Hove Albion who deserves a pat on the back, for remembering that the supporter is the life blood of the game.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
So we won
well after loads of brickbats and sarcastic comments from yours truly we won. A big round of applause for showing some fighting spirit.
So its time to consider the world cup XV.
I think there are two things to consider a) the captaincy and b) the wicketkeeper.
Vaughan is both injured and out of form. If he wasn't captain he wouldn't get in either the one day squad or test team on his form since becoming captain. Strauss is also not in the form of his life but he is fit and his form improved last summer when given the responsibility. Fred has so much else to do.
I don't know if Prior is good enough at the top level but he needs and deserves a run in both forms of the game.
we have a number of injured players Vaughan, Anderson, Pieterson and Lewis and so we can't take too many players whose fitness is questionable
So my starting XI
Strauss
Joyce
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Dalrymple
Plunkett
Panesar
Anderson
the other 4?
Chapple - can bat as well as bowl
Broad
Shah
can't make my mind up over the 15th. Torn between Bopara and Mahmood. Not convinced by either of them.
So its time to consider the world cup XV.
I think there are two things to consider a) the captaincy and b) the wicketkeeper.
Vaughan is both injured and out of form. If he wasn't captain he wouldn't get in either the one day squad or test team on his form since becoming captain. Strauss is also not in the form of his life but he is fit and his form improved last summer when given the responsibility. Fred has so much else to do.
I don't know if Prior is good enough at the top level but he needs and deserves a run in both forms of the game.
we have a number of injured players Vaughan, Anderson, Pieterson and Lewis and so we can't take too many players whose fitness is questionable
So my starting XI
Strauss
Joyce
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Dalrymple
Plunkett
Panesar
Anderson
the other 4?
Chapple - can bat as well as bowl
Broad
Shah
can't make my mind up over the 15th. Torn between Bopara and Mahmood. Not convinced by either of them.
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