Things haven't quite gone to plan at the Kassam so far this season and yet Oxford are still very much in the hunt.
The step up to League Two has proved too much for some players in Chris Wilder's view and he has already started changing things and brought in some experienced faces to bolster his squad. Ben Futcher, Paul Wotton and Steve MacLean have arrived on loan and looked to have settled in with the Us winning their last two league games.
I can see Wilder dipping in to the loan market again before too long as he strikes me as someone who won't settle for consolidating in League Two.
Despite only gaining promotion last May at Wembley, Oxford are still one of the biggest clubs in the division and the fans know it. With Swindon one division ahead of them, they will be demanding more of the success they tasted last term.
They are in a good position going into the new year though and only five points off the play off places and so there is still everything to play for. I tipped them for a promotion spot at the beginning of the season and see no reason to change my mind. Expect them to come good.
I've set up this blog (Monday-Friday) to give extra coverage to teams I cover for the national press. Any views and opinions are all my own. Best wishes, Jeff. Follow me on Twitter and I'll update you each time I blog. http://twitter.com/JeffTaplin P.S. During the summer break I reserve the right to ramble on about anything and everything!
Friday 24 December 2010
Cheltenham Town - So Far
Cheltenham played some lovely stuff erlier in the season, but then lost both hot shot striker Wes Thomas and their way as they wobbled slightly. To be fair to them though, they keep bouncing back after losing and so are showing a good mental strength.
Mark Yates is one of the better up-and-coming young managers in the league having done his apprentiship in the Conference and the Robins have the ball players to match anyone on their day.
The biggest problem the club has is the lack of available cash and this might prove to be their undoing if they start picking up injuries to key players like Thomas.
On the plus side though, there is a good squad spirit at Whaddon Road and that will count for a lot when the going gets tough.
I can still see Cheltenham being the surprise package of this division and predict they'll be in the promotion tussle come May.
Mark Yates is one of the better up-and-coming young managers in the league having done his apprentiship in the Conference and the Robins have the ball players to match anyone on their day.
The biggest problem the club has is the lack of available cash and this might prove to be their undoing if they start picking up injuries to key players like Thomas.
On the plus side though, there is a good squad spirit at Whaddon Road and that will count for a lot when the going gets tough.
I can still see Cheltenham being the surprise package of this division and predict they'll be in the promotion tussle come May.
Hereford United - So far
Hereford are propping up the other 91 teams going into 2011 and the board need to address the situation immediately.
Personally I would go for old boy Steve Guinan who has all the necessary qualifications, knows the club inside out and could also act as a player manager providing Mathieu Manset with a much needed foil up front.
The Bulls have the players and experience to get out of this situation and I bet those fans who felt the side under-performed iunder Graham Turner now realise what an exceptional job he did with very little money.
If Hereford change things now they can secure League Two safety. If the board differs they'll be playing in the Conference next term.
Personally I would go for old boy Steve Guinan who has all the necessary qualifications, knows the club inside out and could also act as a player manager providing Mathieu Manset with a much needed foil up front.
The Bulls have the players and experience to get out of this situation and I bet those fans who felt the side under-performed iunder Graham Turner now realise what an exceptional job he did with very little money.
If Hereford change things now they can secure League Two safety. If the board differs they'll be playing in the Conference next term.
Swindon Town - So Far
Danny Wilson's boys have not had the greatest of starts to the season, but I expect them to turn things around.
As a fan you worry if your side are not winning, but you start panicking if they are not scoring and that's not the case with Swindon. Charlie Austin is still banging them in on a regular basis and I suspect Wilson will bring in another striker before too long to compliment him.
However, I feel that the Swindon m idfield is key to any success they may have. In particular it will be important to keep skipper Jonathan Douglas fit and playing along with fellow midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern who needs to be playing on the right wing and not employed in the centre as he has been (out of nessessity) for too many games.
I also think that Simon Ferry needs to be put back alongside Douglas if possible as he is a crafty player who can pick a few locks and release Austin up front.
Many Robins fans have pointed to the defence as their main problem so far, but personally I feel that the lack of consistancy - in terms of selection - in the midfield has resulted in most of the damage. Swindon haven't had the luxury of a settled midfield as they did on the way to the play offs last term and without that, and the offence threat it brings, the opposition find it easier to attack.
Scott Cuthbert and Sean Morrison at the heart of the defence are two young lads who will grow in stature and while they won't have enjoyed the up and down performances, they will have learned a few invaluable lessons. They are still kids though and the chome support need to back them - or the board need to back Wislon and let him bring in an older head in the new year.
I can see Swindon sneaking their way back into the play offs this season and then, as we all know, it's a lottery.
As a fan you worry if your side are not winning, but you start panicking if they are not scoring and that's not the case with Swindon. Charlie Austin is still banging them in on a regular basis and I suspect Wilson will bring in another striker before too long to compliment him.
However, I feel that the Swindon m idfield is key to any success they may have. In particular it will be important to keep skipper Jonathan Douglas fit and playing along with fellow midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern who needs to be playing on the right wing and not employed in the centre as he has been (out of nessessity) for too many games.
I also think that Simon Ferry needs to be put back alongside Douglas if possible as he is a crafty player who can pick a few locks and release Austin up front.
Many Robins fans have pointed to the defence as their main problem so far, but personally I feel that the lack of consistancy - in terms of selection - in the midfield has resulted in most of the damage. Swindon haven't had the luxury of a settled midfield as they did on the way to the play offs last term and without that, and the offence threat it brings, the opposition find it easier to attack.
Scott Cuthbert and Sean Morrison at the heart of the defence are two young lads who will grow in stature and while they won't have enjoyed the up and down performances, they will have learned a few invaluable lessons. They are still kids though and the chome support need to back them - or the board need to back Wislon and let him bring in an older head in the new year.
I can see Swindon sneaking their way back into the play offs this season and then, as we all know, it's a lottery.
Wednesday 22 December 2010
The Gas - So Far
With Paul Trollope dumped by the Bristol Rovers board, the big question now for the Gasheads is who will they appoint to take the club forward? And the bigger question of course is: Will they get it right?
At the time of writing Rovers occupy the final relegation spot in League One, but things aren't necessarily as bad as they might seem. A run of four decent results would probably see them leap up the table as it6's a tight division.
Darren Patterson has taken on the caretaker role and is being tipped by some to fill the position on a full time basis. Going by some of the forum chatter, this doesn't seem to be a popular choice. Darren who? is the main question being asked. However, in his time as Oxford United boss he was extremely popular with the players and I still maintain that if the Us had stuck with him instead of allowing Jim Smith to take the reigns following a club buy-out, Oxford would have stayed up.
Of course Jerry Gill is also working at the club at the moment and itching to move into management. The former Birmingham and Cheltenham full back is also a popular figure among the players and in the wider football community and if he can get the Rovers squad to play with the same never-say-die attitude he once employed, their season is by no means over.
A lot will depend on the board's eventual appointment, but - like there neighbours in the Championship - I feel they are too strong to stay at the bottom for too long. Even if they appointed the kit man as manager, Rovers have enough talent to see them stay in the division.
I predict a mid-table finish which wouldn't have been acceptable to the fans at the start of the season, but I suspect they'd bite your hand off for it now.
Tomorrow: Swindon Town
At the time of writing Rovers occupy the final relegation spot in League One, but things aren't necessarily as bad as they might seem. A run of four decent results would probably see them leap up the table as it6's a tight division.
Darren Patterson has taken on the caretaker role and is being tipped by some to fill the position on a full time basis. Going by some of the forum chatter, this doesn't seem to be a popular choice. Darren who? is the main question being asked. However, in his time as Oxford United boss he was extremely popular with the players and I still maintain that if the Us had stuck with him instead of allowing Jim Smith to take the reigns following a club buy-out, Oxford would have stayed up.
Of course Jerry Gill is also working at the club at the moment and itching to move into management. The former Birmingham and Cheltenham full back is also a popular figure among the players and in the wider football community and if he can get the Rovers squad to play with the same never-say-die attitude he once employed, their season is by no means over.
A lot will depend on the board's eventual appointment, but - like there neighbours in the Championship - I feel they are too strong to stay at the bottom for too long. Even if they appointed the kit man as manager, Rovers have enough talent to see them stay in the division.
I predict a mid-table finish which wouldn't have been acceptable to the fans at the start of the season, but I suspect they'd bite your hand off for it now.
Tomorrow: Swindon Town
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Half term report - So Far
As my 'patch' is covered in snow at the moment with very little chance of any football before the end of the year, I thought I'd take the opportunity to give my thoughts on the clubs I cover and, in particular, look ahead to where I think they'll end up in May. Given my poor predictions, this may not be worth the bytes used, but here goes nothing. I'll try and post entries each day and start with the highest ranked club of those I see on a regular basis - Bristol City.
City started the season in chaos. Steve Coppell brought in several players, got rid of a few and then promptly jumped ship. The board then appointed Keith Millen as manager and the former first team coach set about trying to bring some sense of stability to Ashton Gate.
Initially it looked as though Millen may not have been up to the task, but even as they slumped into the relegation zone players were telling me that they thought he would turn things around. Confidence was low, but he slowly built it up again and while they are still only sixth from bottom, City are also only four points away from the lay-off places after a run that has seen them lose only two games in ten.
With Brett Pitman finally finding the same shooting boots he used to top the scoring charts at Bournemouth last season and co-striker Nicky Maynard looking to return to action in the new year, things are looking good in the red half of the city.
Millen also has a decent squad at his disposal and if he can keep them fit and maybe even add a couple of faces in January things will look a lot more positive come May.
I'm not sure whether City have enough to make the play-offs this term, but they are more than capable of a strong run in and a top ten finish.
Tomorrow ... Bristol Rovers
City started the season in chaos. Steve Coppell brought in several players, got rid of a few and then promptly jumped ship. The board then appointed Keith Millen as manager and the former first team coach set about trying to bring some sense of stability to Ashton Gate.
Initially it looked as though Millen may not have been up to the task, but even as they slumped into the relegation zone players were telling me that they thought he would turn things around. Confidence was low, but he slowly built it up again and while they are still only sixth from bottom, City are also only four points away from the lay-off places after a run that has seen them lose only two games in ten.
With Brett Pitman finally finding the same shooting boots he used to top the scoring charts at Bournemouth last season and co-striker Nicky Maynard looking to return to action in the new year, things are looking good in the red half of the city.
Millen also has a decent squad at his disposal and if he can keep them fit and maybe even add a couple of faces in January things will look a lot more positive come May.
I'm not sure whether City have enough to make the play-offs this term, but they are more than capable of a strong run in and a top ten finish.
Tomorrow ... Bristol Rovers
Friday 17 December 2010
Swindon Town v Tranmere Rovers - Verbal Abuse
Tranmere visit the County Ground tomorrow on the back of three straight home defeats and so may well welcome the chance to get away from the mounting pressure at Prenton Park as they slip towards to relegation spots.
Strikers Enoch Showunmi and Ian Thomas-Moore – son of Rotherham chief Ronnie Moore – head the club’s goalscoring charts with five each and Thomas-Moore – who missed the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Huddersfield with a calf injury - may be back in contention.
Tranmere boss Les Parry will also have Joss Labadie available now that the midfielder has completed a three-match suspension for his red card in the 1-0 win at Notts County.
Swindon are missing their tenacious midfield Jonathan Douglas who starts his own three match ban following a sending off in the FA Cup replay loss at home to little Crawley.
The Robins are only two points ahead of their guests in the League One table and only four points from the drop zone. Then again, if you’re a ‘glass half full’ person, Swindon are also only six points from the play-off spots and Danny Wilson will be hoping that some good results during the Christmas period will see them go into 2011 eyeing promotion.
I was at the County Ground for the last league game against Wednesday and the players were all speaking very positively about their chances, although some of the fans that day aimed a lot of abuse at Vincent Pericard. The fella hadn’t played well, but I did wonder whether it was going to help his already fragile confidence and therefore, the team they claim to 'support'.
Charlie Austin scored another in that game and paid credit to Pericard afterwards. Austin has now scored 14 times this season and pointed out that Pericard was working hard for the team even if he wasn’t scoring and that he, for one, appreciated his teammate’s efforts.
I remember a couple of seasons ago when Billy Paynter came in for some grief from a section of the fans while Simon Cox was scoring for fun and I was surprised then that they couldn’t see Paynter’s contribution.
Last season Paynter scored a hat full alongside Charlie Austin, became a fans’ favourite, but then left for Leeds United on a ‘free’ in the summer. I’m not saying that the abuse he received had any bearing on his decision to leave, but it can’t have helped.
I hope that the Swindon faithful get behind Pericard tomorrow. If they do, it will not only give him a boost, but his teammates as well.
Strikers Enoch Showunmi and Ian Thomas-Moore – son of Rotherham chief Ronnie Moore – head the club’s goalscoring charts with five each and Thomas-Moore – who missed the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Huddersfield with a calf injury - may be back in contention.
Tranmere boss Les Parry will also have Joss Labadie available now that the midfielder has completed a three-match suspension for his red card in the 1-0 win at Notts County.
Swindon are missing their tenacious midfield Jonathan Douglas who starts his own three match ban following a sending off in the FA Cup replay loss at home to little Crawley.
The Robins are only two points ahead of their guests in the League One table and only four points from the drop zone. Then again, if you’re a ‘glass half full’ person, Swindon are also only six points from the play-off spots and Danny Wilson will be hoping that some good results during the Christmas period will see them go into 2011 eyeing promotion.
I was at the County Ground for the last league game against Wednesday and the players were all speaking very positively about their chances, although some of the fans that day aimed a lot of abuse at Vincent Pericard. The fella hadn’t played well, but I did wonder whether it was going to help his already fragile confidence and therefore, the team they claim to 'support'.
Charlie Austin scored another in that game and paid credit to Pericard afterwards. Austin has now scored 14 times this season and pointed out that Pericard was working hard for the team even if he wasn’t scoring and that he, for one, appreciated his teammate’s efforts.
I remember a couple of seasons ago when Billy Paynter came in for some grief from a section of the fans while Simon Cox was scoring for fun and I was surprised then that they couldn’t see Paynter’s contribution.
Last season Paynter scored a hat full alongside Charlie Austin, became a fans’ favourite, but then left for Leeds United on a ‘free’ in the summer. I’m not saying that the abuse he received had any bearing on his decision to leave, but it can’t have helped.
I hope that the Swindon faithful get behind Pericard tomorrow. If they do, it will not only give him a boost, but his teammates as well.
Thursday 16 December 2010
Calling Swindon Fans - Vote
Having set up the poll opposite, I was quite surprised to see that the majority of people who have - so far - taken part appear to come from Oxford. I know for a fact that there are numerous Robins' fans out there who read the blog and so would appeal to you not to let the Us have it all their own way.
Come on out of the shadows Swindon fans. Don't be afraid to admit you come from Wiltshire ... or read this blog - there's no shame in either!
Of course it's a great opportunity for Oxford to finish ahead of Swindon in at least one league table this season :-)
Come on out of the shadows Swindon fans. Don't be afraid to admit you come from Wiltshire ... or read this blog - there's no shame in either!
Of course it's a great opportunity for Oxford to finish ahead of Swindon in at least one league table this season :-)
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Trollope - Gone
It's just been announced that Paul Trollope has been placed on 'gardening leave' by Bristol Rovers. Looks like I underestimatd his position by a few days (see last post).
A club statement read:
"“We would all like to thank Paul for everything he has done for the club over the last five years. He presided over a very successful period for us, and became one of only five managers in the history of the club to secure promotion with Bristol Rovers.
However, we have become concerned with results and performances this season and the recent slide down the table.
We now find ourselves in the bottom four, with attendances dropping off rapidly, and the board felt that immediate action was needed to make the necessary changes and try and reclaim something from this season.
We now hope to make a prompt appointment to take over the managerial role and get the club moving back in the right direction.”
The club will announce later today who will take temporary charge for Saturday’s game against Colchester at the Memorial Stadium with reserve team coach Jerry Gill in the frame for the job short term.
On a personal note, I'd like to wish Trolls all the best as he's a decent man. Once the dust settles, I'm sure there will be a few Gasheads who look back fondly on his successful reign. I'm sure he'll back in a job before very long ... let's face it we're now firmly into the sacking season and there will be plenty of jobs up for grabs. Chris Wilder to Sheffield United? Trolls to Oxford?
A club statement read:
"“We would all like to thank Paul for everything he has done for the club over the last five years. He presided over a very successful period for us, and became one of only five managers in the history of the club to secure promotion with Bristol Rovers.
However, we have become concerned with results and performances this season and the recent slide down the table.
We now find ourselves in the bottom four, with attendances dropping off rapidly, and the board felt that immediate action was needed to make the necessary changes and try and reclaim something from this season.
We now hope to make a prompt appointment to take over the managerial role and get the club moving back in the right direction.”
The club will announce later today who will take temporary charge for Saturday’s game against Colchester at the Memorial Stadium with reserve team coach Jerry Gill in the frame for the job short term.
On a personal note, I'd like to wish Trolls all the best as he's a decent man. Once the dust settles, I'm sure there will be a few Gasheads who look back fondly on his successful reign. I'm sure he'll back in a job before very long ... let's face it we're now firmly into the sacking season and there will be plenty of jobs up for grabs. Chris Wilder to Sheffield United? Trolls to Oxford?
Bristol Rovers 2 Exeter City 2 (Exeter win 5-4 on pens) - Meltdown
Artur Krysiak saved a penalty from Byron Anthony in the shoot out to send Exeter into a two-legged southern Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Brentford.
It capped a miserable night for Anthony who sliced an own goal past Mikkel Andersen from former Bristol City Scott Goldbourne's cross in the 65th minute.
Rovers had taken the lead in the 20th minute.
Skipper Stuart Campbell won a crunching tackle in his own half and took the ball forward before releasing it to Will Hoskins who blasted home a terrific strike for his eleventh of the season.
The home side didn't let their heads drop though and regained the lead in the 78th minute.
Hoskins took the ball to the line before cutting it back and young winger Ben Sawyer buried his second of the campaign.
At that stage Rovers looked to have sealed the win and weren't troubled too much ... until the 89t minute.
Ryan Harley latched on to a flick on from former Rovers striker Jamie Cureton and drilled his shot past Andersen to cheers from the 799 travelling fans, groans from the home support and cries of "bugger, bugger, bugger" from the Press Box where is was having to totally re-write my report!
In early stages of this competition they don't bother with extra time and go straight to the penalty shoot out . Everyone of the players took great penalties - even poor Anthony. Krysiak then pulled off a superb save to stun the Gasheads and send the Grecian support wild.
Results have not gone Rovers' way during the last two months and now that they are out of all three cup competitions and have dropped into the League One relegation zone, the pressure is on boss Paul Trollope.
Trollope is still defiant though and believes in his side. At the post match press conference he said: "I've looked into the eyes of every player and see a hunger and a desire to play for Bristol Rovers."
Those qualities might well win the day and see Rovers move up the table, but you can't help feel that many more slaps in the face like last night and they'll go into total meltdown.
Trollope's a good man, and when you speak to him, it is obvious that he wants the nest for the club and still believes in the players. The question is: Do they still believe in him? They really need to give an answer on Saturday whe they play Colchester at the Memorial Ground.
My clipping from today's paper
It capped a miserable night for Anthony who sliced an own goal past Mikkel Andersen from former Bristol City Scott Goldbourne's cross in the 65th minute.
Rovers had taken the lead in the 20th minute.
Skipper Stuart Campbell won a crunching tackle in his own half and took the ball forward before releasing it to Will Hoskins who blasted home a terrific strike for his eleventh of the season.
The home side didn't let their heads drop though and regained the lead in the 78th minute.
Hoskins took the ball to the line before cutting it back and young winger Ben Sawyer buried his second of the campaign.
At that stage Rovers looked to have sealed the win and weren't troubled too much ... until the 89t minute.
Ryan Harley latched on to a flick on from former Rovers striker Jamie Cureton and drilled his shot past Andersen to cheers from the 799 travelling fans, groans from the home support and cries of "bugger, bugger, bugger" from the Press Box where is was having to totally re-write my report!
In early stages of this competition they don't bother with extra time and go straight to the penalty shoot out . Everyone of the players took great penalties - even poor Anthony. Krysiak then pulled off a superb save to stun the Gasheads and send the Grecian support wild.
Results have not gone Rovers' way during the last two months and now that they are out of all three cup competitions and have dropped into the League One relegation zone, the pressure is on boss Paul Trollope.
Trollope is still defiant though and believes in his side. At the post match press conference he said: "I've looked into the eyes of every player and see a hunger and a desire to play for Bristol Rovers."
Those qualities might well win the day and see Rovers move up the table, but you can't help feel that many more slaps in the face like last night and they'll go into total meltdown.
Trollope's a good man, and when you speak to him, it is obvious that he wants the nest for the club and still believes in the players. The question is: Do they still believe in him? They really need to give an answer on Saturday whe they play Colchester at the Memorial Ground.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Bristol Rovers v Exeter – Third Time Lucky
Ah well, it had to happen eventually. After two postponements due to the bad weather, the southern area semi final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is finally on at the Memorial Stadium tonight, 7.15pm kick off.
Anyone who supports a team in the Championship or the Premier League might just dismiss this as a nothing bit of silverware for the also-rans, but try telling that to the Southampton players who won it last season.
It may not measure up to the divisional titles or the FA or League Cups, but how many players get the chance to look back on their careers and utter those wonderful words: “Let me tell you about the time I played at Wembley ”?
It’s going to be a tough game for both sides though.
Rovers will be looking to bounce back from their 6-2 league drubbing at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, while Exeter also go into the fixture on the back of two defeats.
Whatever the two managers have planned, one thing is for certain; it may have warmed up a little, but I have my thermals prepared for action in the Press Box!
Anyone who supports a team in the Championship or the Premier League might just dismiss this as a nothing bit of silverware for the also-rans, but try telling that to the Southampton players who won it last season.
It may not measure up to the divisional titles or the FA or League Cups, but how many players get the chance to look back on their careers and utter those wonderful words: “Let me tell you about the time I played at Wembley ”?
It’s going to be a tough game for both sides though.
Rovers will be looking to bounce back from their 6-2 league drubbing at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, while Exeter also go into the fixture on the back of two defeats.
Whatever the two managers have planned, one thing is for certain; it may have warmed up a little, but I have my thermals prepared for action in the Press Box!
Monday 13 December 2010
Bristol City 2 Derby County 0 - Matador
Christian Ribeiro and I had a brief chat after the game on Saturday and he admitted that City were fortunate to have kept eleven men on the field after David James had cut down Kris Commons – but pointed out that they had also had their fair share of bad luck.
Wales defender Ribeiro, 20, gave an honest assessment and said:
“As David rushed out I was thinking ‘don’t take him out’ as I was sprinting back to cover, but to be frank I don’t think I would have made it. We were lucky David was only shown a yellow card, but decisions were going against us earlier in the season and so I guess it shows that our luck has changed.”
There is no doubt about that, but you often make your own luck in life and City have worked hard to change their fortunes and are reaping the rewards having lost only one of the last nine. The problem is that the division is so tight; they need to maintain this form to stay away from the scrap at the bottom.
Looking at the situation from a ‘glass half full‘ perspective though; if they do manage to continue this form, the play-off places are within their grasp as well.
If they are to keep the momentum going they also need the whole squad to pull in the same direction and in Jamaica central defender Damion Stewart they have men with the right attitude. Stewart was signed from QPR by former boss Steve Coppell in the summer and two weeks later saw the former Reading boss quit.
After City’s dodgy start to the season Stewart was dropped but said:
“Keith Millen is the gaffer. He’s the boss and I told him from day one that he had my full support even when I wasn’t in the side. I was used to playing every week at QPR and so it was a new experience having to wait for the opportunity to get back in. I kept my head down and worked hard and now that I’m back in the team, hopefully I can continue to show what I can do.”
Brett Pitman scored a brace to take his tally to five goals in three games to show why the Robins paid £800k to Bournemouth for his services, but the stand-out player for me was former Barnet winger Albert Adomah who – like Pitman – was signed from the lower divisions and showed he too has what it takes by setting up both goals.
Pitman was fully appreciative of Adomah’s contribution, but preferred to spread the praise about and said: “He played in a couple of great balls, but everyone is working hard, running hard and filling in for each other. We work a lot on shape in training and while the players don’t like it and find it boring, it certainly pays off during the games.”
Nigel Clough was understandably furious with the decision not to send off James, but – unlike some managers – didn’t lash out at the officials. He said: “At the start of the season we have to attend a meeting with the referees where they show us videos of incidents from around the world to explain how decisions are made. If we don’t turn up we’re fined. If we complain about the referee we’re fined.”
I spotted Clough going into the referee’s room for a chat once the obligatory thirty minute cooling off period had expired and he was in there for a good fifteen minutes while his players crowded around a laptop in the corridor outside studying a DVD.
Watching it with them, it was obvious that Ribeiro was right and James was the last man and James should have walked. Commons had knocked the ball away from goal though in an effort to get past the keeper and I suspect that this was the referee’s defence. However, to suggest that a player of Commons caliber couldn’t have reached it and knocked the ball into the net is also daft. The rules definitely need clarifying here.
I also wondered whether the referee felt a little intimidated by the fact that it was the former England number one he faced red carding and reluctant to do so and be accused of trying to make a name for himself. We’ll probably never know, but Ribeiro was right, Bristol City rode their luck with that incident. Then again, maybe it was time they had it on their side.
The highlight of the day in the Press Box was when one of the radio commentators described midfielder Alberto Bueno – on loan from Valladolid – as gesticulating in Spanish. I’m still trying to work that one out. Maybe I missed him doing an impression of an angry matador!
Wales defender Ribeiro, 20, gave an honest assessment and said:
“As David rushed out I was thinking ‘don’t take him out’ as I was sprinting back to cover, but to be frank I don’t think I would have made it. We were lucky David was only shown a yellow card, but decisions were going against us earlier in the season and so I guess it shows that our luck has changed.”
There is no doubt about that, but you often make your own luck in life and City have worked hard to change their fortunes and are reaping the rewards having lost only one of the last nine. The problem is that the division is so tight; they need to maintain this form to stay away from the scrap at the bottom.
Looking at the situation from a ‘glass half full‘ perspective though; if they do manage to continue this form, the play-off places are within their grasp as well.
If they are to keep the momentum going they also need the whole squad to pull in the same direction and in Jamaica central defender Damion Stewart they have men with the right attitude. Stewart was signed from QPR by former boss Steve Coppell in the summer and two weeks later saw the former Reading boss quit.
After City’s dodgy start to the season Stewart was dropped but said:
“Keith Millen is the gaffer. He’s the boss and I told him from day one that he had my full support even when I wasn’t in the side. I was used to playing every week at QPR and so it was a new experience having to wait for the opportunity to get back in. I kept my head down and worked hard and now that I’m back in the team, hopefully I can continue to show what I can do.”
Brett Pitman scored a brace to take his tally to five goals in three games to show why the Robins paid £800k to Bournemouth for his services, but the stand-out player for me was former Barnet winger Albert Adomah who – like Pitman – was signed from the lower divisions and showed he too has what it takes by setting up both goals.
Pitman was fully appreciative of Adomah’s contribution, but preferred to spread the praise about and said: “He played in a couple of great balls, but everyone is working hard, running hard and filling in for each other. We work a lot on shape in training and while the players don’t like it and find it boring, it certainly pays off during the games.”
Nigel Clough was understandably furious with the decision not to send off James, but – unlike some managers – didn’t lash out at the officials. He said: “At the start of the season we have to attend a meeting with the referees where they show us videos of incidents from around the world to explain how decisions are made. If we don’t turn up we’re fined. If we complain about the referee we’re fined.”
I spotted Clough going into the referee’s room for a chat once the obligatory thirty minute cooling off period had expired and he was in there for a good fifteen minutes while his players crowded around a laptop in the corridor outside studying a DVD.
Watching it with them, it was obvious that Ribeiro was right and James was the last man and James should have walked. Commons had knocked the ball away from goal though in an effort to get past the keeper and I suspect that this was the referee’s defence. However, to suggest that a player of Commons caliber couldn’t have reached it and knocked the ball into the net is also daft. The rules definitely need clarifying here.
I also wondered whether the referee felt a little intimidated by the fact that it was the former England number one he faced red carding and reluctant to do so and be accused of trying to make a name for himself. We’ll probably never know, but Ribeiro was right, Bristol City rode their luck with that incident. Then again, maybe it was time they had it on their side.
The highlight of the day in the Press Box was when one of the radio commentators described midfielder Alberto Bueno – on loan from Valladolid – as gesticulating in Spanish. I’m still trying to work that one out. Maybe I missed him doing an impression of an angry matador!
My clippings from this morning's copy of The Sun
The Sun’s football website: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football
Friday 10 December 2010
Bristol City v Derby County - Ram On
I've been given the game at Ashton Gate to cover tomorrow afternoon when Nigel Clough's Derby team come to town.
City have now lost only one game (Leeds away) in their last eight as they edge away from the relegation zone while Derby have last two on the bounce and need to get back to winning ways if they are to maintain the challenge at the top of the table.
City boss Keith Millen admitted he knew he was under pressure after a poor start to the season that probably had more to do with Steve Coppell's sudden resignation in the first week then his own ability. But Millen claimed he had the players onside and it looks as though he was right. November's Manager of the Month told the club's website:
"We'll make sure we're ready for Derby," Millen told the club's official website. "If I can start out on the road to Manager of the Month for December with a win, that would be good. I know the kiss of death has happened a few times over the years and I'll be looking to avoid that. It's a shame the Nottingham Forest match was called off because we had hit a good run of form and felt confident going there. Derby will be another tough test."
Jon Stead, who had a three-month loan spell at Derby during the 2006/07 season, looks to have recovered from an ankle problem while the knee injury defender Christian Ribeiro suffered against Sheffield United two weeks ago was not as bad as initially feared. However, skipper Louis Carey is still out after scans revealed the dependable defender has a torn calf muscle.
Clough is probably under more pressure from the Pride Park boardroom to succeed, but to be fair to him Derby look more like contenders this season than they did last term and will certainly test the Robins.
Rams coach Andy Garner told the club website: ""We want to put it right on the road. There isn't a great deal wrong to be honest. At Doncaster we proved we have enough about us to go away, play well and win a game of football. What the lads need is to build that confidence up playing away from home, and that will come with a good run. Bristol City is another game and another chance for us to get back to winning ways."
Derby striker Alberto Bueno could make his return from a hamstring injury. Jake Buxton is still sidelined by his back complaint and Miles Addison also misses out with a foot problem.
Goalkeeper Frank Fielding's loan deal is up after tomorrow's game and the Blackburn loanee will be keen to sign off with a clean sheet.
I first met Fielding during another loan deal playing for Wycombe and he is certainly a talent. However, he'll be up against a resurgent Brett Pitman who has now scored three in his last two games while City's former England keeper David James has kept his first two consecutive clean sheets of the season and will be hankering after a third.
I have a feeling for the home side in this clash, but think James will pick the ball out of his net at least once. 2-1 to the Robins ... get along to Ashton Gate to see just how bad my predictions are!
City have now lost only one game (Leeds away) in their last eight as they edge away from the relegation zone while Derby have last two on the bounce and need to get back to winning ways if they are to maintain the challenge at the top of the table.
City boss Keith Millen admitted he knew he was under pressure after a poor start to the season that probably had more to do with Steve Coppell's sudden resignation in the first week then his own ability. But Millen claimed he had the players onside and it looks as though he was right. November's Manager of the Month told the club's website:
"We'll make sure we're ready for Derby," Millen told the club's official website. "If I can start out on the road to Manager of the Month for December with a win, that would be good. I know the kiss of death has happened a few times over the years and I'll be looking to avoid that. It's a shame the Nottingham Forest match was called off because we had hit a good run of form and felt confident going there. Derby will be another tough test."
Jon Stead, who had a three-month loan spell at Derby during the 2006/07 season, looks to have recovered from an ankle problem while the knee injury defender Christian Ribeiro suffered against Sheffield United two weeks ago was not as bad as initially feared. However, skipper Louis Carey is still out after scans revealed the dependable defender has a torn calf muscle.
Clough is probably under more pressure from the Pride Park boardroom to succeed, but to be fair to him Derby look more like contenders this season than they did last term and will certainly test the Robins.
Rams coach Andy Garner told the club website: ""We want to put it right on the road. There isn't a great deal wrong to be honest. At Doncaster we proved we have enough about us to go away, play well and win a game of football. What the lads need is to build that confidence up playing away from home, and that will come with a good run. Bristol City is another game and another chance for us to get back to winning ways."
Derby striker Alberto Bueno could make his return from a hamstring injury. Jake Buxton is still sidelined by his back complaint and Miles Addison also misses out with a foot problem.
Goalkeeper Frank Fielding's loan deal is up after tomorrow's game and the Blackburn loanee will be keen to sign off with a clean sheet.
I first met Fielding during another loan deal playing for Wycombe and he is certainly a talent. However, he'll be up against a resurgent Brett Pitman who has now scored three in his last two games while City's former England keeper David James has kept his first two consecutive clean sheets of the season and will be hankering after a third.
I have a feeling for the home side in this clash, but think James will pick the ball out of his net at least once. 2-1 to the Robins ... get along to Ashton Gate to see just how bad my predictions are!
Thursday 9 December 2010
Alan Pardew - New Guy
Okay, the last word on the farce that is Newcastle United.
As this has been a slow week for football given the number of local fixtures I have lost to the weather, I'm trying to be a little topical - even if it does concern footaball club at the other end of the country from my patch, so apologies.
Earlier this season I wrote a post criticising Alan Pardew's treatment by the Southampton board given his sterling efforts at St. Mary's last season. The club started with a ten point deficit and yet he still took them to within a whisker of the play-offs and landed the JP Trophy giving the Saints their first trophy since the mid-seventies. Then he was sacked.
I spoke to several players from clubs chasing League One play-off places last season and they were all looking over their shoulders with dread as Southampton honed in on them. Pardew had the Saints on the march and was ditched for his efforts.
Ironic then that he has stepped into Chris Hughton shoes after the former Irish defender he took the Toon back to the Premier League. I guess there is no pleasing some football directors/owners.
I sincerely wish Pardew well in his new role. It will be tough and there won't be much money to spend, but if he has convinced Mike Ashley that he can take Newcastle to the summit of the league on a shoestring budget, then good for him. The five year deal he has should see him receive a nice pay-off when Ashley loses faith in him in February.
As this has been a slow week for football given the number of local fixtures I have lost to the weather, I'm trying to be a little topical - even if it does concern footaball club at the other end of the country from my patch, so apologies.
Earlier this season I wrote a post criticising Alan Pardew's treatment by the Southampton board given his sterling efforts at St. Mary's last season. The club started with a ten point deficit and yet he still took them to within a whisker of the play-offs and landed the JP Trophy giving the Saints their first trophy since the mid-seventies. Then he was sacked.
I spoke to several players from clubs chasing League One play-off places last season and they were all looking over their shoulders with dread as Southampton honed in on them. Pardew had the Saints on the march and was ditched for his efforts.
Ironic then that he has stepped into Chris Hughton shoes after the former Irish defender he took the Toon back to the Premier League. I guess there is no pleasing some football directors/owners.
I sincerely wish Pardew well in his new role. It will be tough and there won't be much money to spend, but if he has convinced Mike Ashley that he can take Newcastle to the summit of the league on a shoestring budget, then good for him. The five year deal he has should see him receive a nice pay-off when Ashley loses faith in him in February.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Delighted when Hughton got the boot – Your Time Is Up
After Chris Hughton was cynically dumped by Mike Ashley’s Newcastle earlier this week I was as stunned as most people at the board’s decision, but delighted to see the football community united for once in support of a decent guy.
Of course as football followers – fans, players and media professionals alike – we are a fickle bunch and what is this week’s top story soon gets replaced by something else. Last week we were all fuming about missing out on the World Cup – this week it’s Hughton.
I’ve noticed that a quite a few commentators have used the word ‘decent’ in association with Hughton and, as I have only met the guy once (after Toon’s FA Cup draw at Plymouth last season), I can hardly put myself up as a close confidant. However, on the strength of that one meeting I can say that I found him to be pleasant, humourous and approachable.
At the time Newcastle were still in the Cup of course (and would go on to beat the Pilgrims at St. James Park) and so from a result point of view it wasn’t a disaster. The pitch that day was in an awful state and neither side could get to grips with it. It was one of those uninspiring games that you get from time to time and Hughton shrugged it off as just that.
He was a realist. The FA Cup was a fun competition, but the bread and butter was the league and, in particular, Newcastle’s push for promotion.
Newcastle are a big club. Many fans around the country disagree with that statement, but it’s true. Look at the size of the local support, the stadium and the history (five league titles and six FA Cup wins). Sadly for them they don’t have ‘recent’ history despite the passion.
When Kevin Keegan had the audacity to suggest it would take several seasons for Newcastle to get back into Champions League contention he was rapped over the knuckles by Ashley’s cronies.
But Toon fans knew in their hearts he was right even if – like Ashley - they didn’t want to hear it. Unfortunately Ashley didn’t know he was right. Keegan’s vast experience of the football world counted for nothing as his casino buddies (including Hughton’s possible replacement Alan Pardew if some reports are to believed) had his ear.
Relegation to the Championship, the very real possibility of dropping down another division and an owner who was repeatedly trying to offload the club at a vastly inflated price in a seriously depressed economic market, ensured realism set in fast within the ranks of the Toon Army.
As usual they wanted a big name to help them out of the ‘clart’, but no-one fancied the challenge and so Hughton got the job without the board’s whole-hearted support.
He did their bidding though and sold off as many stars as possible to slash the wage bill. Then he was instructed to take the club back to the Premier League with effectively a smaller version of the same squad that took them down.
The fans saw the difficult situation he was faced with and increasingly appreciated his honest efforts.
Unfortunately the board didn’t and having taken them back up at the first time of asking - with over 100 points - he was rewarded with … procrastination over a new contract.
Toon’s season has been up and down so far – very much a reflection of the Premier League as a whole. They have won games they weren’t expected to win and lost games they should have picked up points from, but they have achieved mid-table respectability.
Several key players have been injured for spells and yet still the results were ground out.
The most important person at any football club is the manager – not something owners like to be told. Say what you want about the Glazers at Manchester United, they know better than to mess with Sir Alex!
The problem with Ashley is that he and his ego want instant success and it isn’t going to happen – it rarely does unless you’re prepared to outspend the opposition and he certainly isn’t.
I get the feeling that he sees football managers in the same light as his sporting goods store managers. If the monthly sales figures aren’t equivalent or better than the store down the street then you better watch out. No real long term planning, just make sure the shelves are empty after the Christmas period is over. Then slash and burn any remaining stock in the January sales and start again.
His stores sell cut price tat (in my humble opinion) and that business philosophy won’t work in the Premier League.
If you want footballing success these days you either have to have an oil sheik as an owner or be prepared to build slowly, but surely and fans (customers) aren’t stupid, they are prepared to wait a little longer if the club is moving in the right direction.
Look at West Brom, for example. The side that gave Newcastle a real tonking in Hughton’s last game in charge on Sunday have been up and down more often than a whore’s drawers in recent seasons, but they’ve slowly been getting stronger and are now in a position to compete and they look like a good solid Premier League outfit.
Under Hughton Newcastle looked like they weren’t going to suffer the same yo-yo effect between Premeir League and Championship that West Brom did, but Ashley’s over-inflated sense of the club’s current worth led him to wield the axe. This might be a decision he lives to regret if the Toon implode again and, in some ways, I hope they do.
The fans have suffered enough in recent years and so it would be harsh to wish relegation on them, but fourth from bottom and an FA Cup giant killing by Stevenage would serve as a metaphorical slap in the face for Ashley.
The irony is that Hughton won’t take any pleasure from that scenario because he’s a more decent man than me.
Of course as football followers – fans, players and media professionals alike – we are a fickle bunch and what is this week’s top story soon gets replaced by something else. Last week we were all fuming about missing out on the World Cup – this week it’s Hughton.
I’ve noticed that a quite a few commentators have used the word ‘decent’ in association with Hughton and, as I have only met the guy once (after Toon’s FA Cup draw at Plymouth last season), I can hardly put myself up as a close confidant. However, on the strength of that one meeting I can say that I found him to be pleasant, humourous and approachable.
At the time Newcastle were still in the Cup of course (and would go on to beat the Pilgrims at St. James Park) and so from a result point of view it wasn’t a disaster. The pitch that day was in an awful state and neither side could get to grips with it. It was one of those uninspiring games that you get from time to time and Hughton shrugged it off as just that.
He was a realist. The FA Cup was a fun competition, but the bread and butter was the league and, in particular, Newcastle’s push for promotion.
Newcastle are a big club. Many fans around the country disagree with that statement, but it’s true. Look at the size of the local support, the stadium and the history (five league titles and six FA Cup wins). Sadly for them they don’t have ‘recent’ history despite the passion.
When Kevin Keegan had the audacity to suggest it would take several seasons for Newcastle to get back into Champions League contention he was rapped over the knuckles by Ashley’s cronies.
But Toon fans knew in their hearts he was right even if – like Ashley - they didn’t want to hear it. Unfortunately Ashley didn’t know he was right. Keegan’s vast experience of the football world counted for nothing as his casino buddies (including Hughton’s possible replacement Alan Pardew if some reports are to believed) had his ear.
Relegation to the Championship, the very real possibility of dropping down another division and an owner who was repeatedly trying to offload the club at a vastly inflated price in a seriously depressed economic market, ensured realism set in fast within the ranks of the Toon Army.
As usual they wanted a big name to help them out of the ‘clart’, but no-one fancied the challenge and so Hughton got the job without the board’s whole-hearted support.
He did their bidding though and sold off as many stars as possible to slash the wage bill. Then he was instructed to take the club back to the Premier League with effectively a smaller version of the same squad that took them down.
The fans saw the difficult situation he was faced with and increasingly appreciated his honest efforts.
Unfortunately the board didn’t and having taken them back up at the first time of asking - with over 100 points - he was rewarded with … procrastination over a new contract.
Toon’s season has been up and down so far – very much a reflection of the Premier League as a whole. They have won games they weren’t expected to win and lost games they should have picked up points from, but they have achieved mid-table respectability.
Several key players have been injured for spells and yet still the results were ground out.
The most important person at any football club is the manager – not something owners like to be told. Say what you want about the Glazers at Manchester United, they know better than to mess with Sir Alex!
The problem with Ashley is that he and his ego want instant success and it isn’t going to happen – it rarely does unless you’re prepared to outspend the opposition and he certainly isn’t.
I get the feeling that he sees football managers in the same light as his sporting goods store managers. If the monthly sales figures aren’t equivalent or better than the store down the street then you better watch out. No real long term planning, just make sure the shelves are empty after the Christmas period is over. Then slash and burn any remaining stock in the January sales and start again.
His stores sell cut price tat (in my humble opinion) and that business philosophy won’t work in the Premier League.
If you want footballing success these days you either have to have an oil sheik as an owner or be prepared to build slowly, but surely and fans (customers) aren’t stupid, they are prepared to wait a little longer if the club is moving in the right direction.
Look at West Brom, for example. The side that gave Newcastle a real tonking in Hughton’s last game in charge on Sunday have been up and down more often than a whore’s drawers in recent seasons, but they’ve slowly been getting stronger and are now in a position to compete and they look like a good solid Premier League outfit.
Under Hughton Newcastle looked like they weren’t going to suffer the same yo-yo effect between Premeir League and Championship that West Brom did, but Ashley’s over-inflated sense of the club’s current worth led him to wield the axe. This might be a decision he lives to regret if the Toon implode again and, in some ways, I hope they do.
The fans have suffered enough in recent years and so it would be harsh to wish relegation on them, but fourth from bottom and an FA Cup giant killing by Stevenage would serve as a metaphorical slap in the face for Ashley.
The irony is that Hughton won’t take any pleasure from that scenario because he’s a more decent man than me.
Tuesday 7 December 2010
A case of mistaken identity – Who’s the Daddy
On Saturday morning I picked up a copy of The Sun to see whether there was a preview of the Swindon game as I had been asked at the last minute to help a colleague out.
Each week there is a brief piece on each of the sides and this lets readers know who’s in and who’s out of the respective teams - sometimes there is larger article previewing the game. Given the postponed fixtures on Saturday due to the weather, Swindon v Sheffield Wednesday suddenly became the most interesting game in League One as it was … er, the only game in League One.
Sure enough there was a short item about the Swindon midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern, but to my horror the reporter (an agency freelancer by all accounts) mentioned that J-P was the son of former Nottingham Forest’s European Cup Winner John McGovern. ‘Horror’ because I’d spoken to J-P on a number of occasions, covered numerous Swindon games and so should have known that they were related.
So I was pleased when he told me they weren’t and joked:
“I was surprised to read that John McGovern was my dad this morning, but not as surprised as my real dad was. ‘I didn’t realise he was your father,’ he said and so I told him to go and speak to mum – I was staying well out of it!”
While J-P took that in good humour, he was a little more put out that many of the papers that morning had described him as “baiting” Sheffield Wednesday and felt a spin had been put on his comments that wasn’t intended. He said:
“My partner lives up in Sheffield and I get along to Hillsborough on a regular basis. It’s a great club and I wouldn’t say or do anything to upset them, or the fans, who were always good to me.”
In fact J-P took the time to applaud the visiting support before leaving the pitch (and muted his celebration after scoring the winner) and they appeared to reciprocate, but if any fans have lingering doubts about him, I can guarantee them that he was genuine in his concern that it be known he wasn’t Owl baiting.
P.S. Should have been off to the re-arranged Bristol Rovers v Exeter JPS game tonight, but it has been postponed a second time and will now take place on December 14th ... weather permitting.
Each week there is a brief piece on each of the sides and this lets readers know who’s in and who’s out of the respective teams - sometimes there is larger article previewing the game. Given the postponed fixtures on Saturday due to the weather, Swindon v Sheffield Wednesday suddenly became the most interesting game in League One as it was … er, the only game in League One.
Sure enough there was a short item about the Swindon midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern, but to my horror the reporter (an agency freelancer by all accounts) mentioned that J-P was the son of former Nottingham Forest’s European Cup Winner John McGovern. ‘Horror’ because I’d spoken to J-P on a number of occasions, covered numerous Swindon games and so should have known that they were related.
So I was pleased when he told me they weren’t and joked:
“I was surprised to read that John McGovern was my dad this morning, but not as surprised as my real dad was. ‘I didn’t realise he was your father,’ he said and so I told him to go and speak to mum – I was staying well out of it!”
While J-P took that in good humour, he was a little more put out that many of the papers that morning had described him as “baiting” Sheffield Wednesday and felt a spin had been put on his comments that wasn’t intended. He said:
“My partner lives up in Sheffield and I get along to Hillsborough on a regular basis. It’s a great club and I wouldn’t say or do anything to upset them, or the fans, who were always good to me.”
In fact J-P took the time to applaud the visiting support before leaving the pitch (and muted his celebration after scoring the winner) and they appeared to reciprocate, but if any fans have lingering doubts about him, I can guarantee them that he was genuine in his concern that it be known he wasn’t Owl baiting.
P.S. Should have been off to the re-arranged Bristol Rovers v Exeter JPS game tonight, but it has been postponed a second time and will now take place on December 14th ... weather permitting.
Monday 6 December 2010
Swindon Town 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1 - Learning
I sat next to a young lady from Sheffield University on Saturday and thought that rather than see the same old tripe from me, you might like to see something from a journo of the future. The following has been taken from ForgeToday.com at: http://www.forgetoday.com/page2080/Wednesday-Lose-Away-To-Swindon
My own meagre offering is at the foot of this post.
Wednesday lose away to Swindon
By Verity Sleeman
Published: 05/12/2010
Alan Irvine felt for the fans after Wednesday’s week of weather woe.
Irvine saw his side slump to their first defeat in seven games at the hands of a tenacious Swindon side who rode their luck.
Players and supporters alike had to dig their way out the city to travel to the only game in League One. And the 1,300 visiting fans did their club proud by staying vocal throughout.
Former Hillsborough favourite Jon-Paul Mc Govern helped break the deadlock in the 24th minute by chipping over the Owls defense for Swindon hot shot Charlie Austin to volley home his 13th goal of the season.
It only took six minutes for the visitors to pull one back.
Just before the break midfielder Mark Beevers had a goal chalked off after teammate Clinton Morrison was ruled offside.
The Wednesday bench were fuming at the decision, and Morrsion said, "You see them time and time again in the Premier League and they're always given. There’s got to be some consistency because we don’t know whether we’re coming or going at the moment."
Wednesday also had a penalty appeal turned down before McGovern sealed the win for Swindon in the 70th minute.
A long throw from Michael Rose was flicked on by Sean Morrison to Mc Govern, who slotted home his third of the season.
Wednesday chief Irvine groaned, "We had quite a lot of chances. We hit the bar, had a penalty denied, a goal disallowed, a lot of things to be disappointed about."
"We deserved an equaliser, there were a number of things that happened that on another day could have gone for us."
"The fans are fantastic, there’s no question about that."
My own meagre offering is at the foot of this post.
Wednesday lose away to Swindon
By Verity Sleeman
Published: 05/12/2010
Alan Irvine felt for the fans after Wednesday’s week of weather woe.
Irvine saw his side slump to their first defeat in seven games at the hands of a tenacious Swindon side who rode their luck.
Players and supporters alike had to dig their way out the city to travel to the only game in League One. And the 1,300 visiting fans did their club proud by staying vocal throughout.
Former Hillsborough favourite Jon-Paul Mc Govern helped break the deadlock in the 24th minute by chipping over the Owls defense for Swindon hot shot Charlie Austin to volley home his 13th goal of the season.
It only took six minutes for the visitors to pull one back.
Just before the break midfielder Mark Beevers had a goal chalked off after teammate Clinton Morrison was ruled offside.
The Wednesday bench were fuming at the decision, and Morrsion said, "You see them time and time again in the Premier League and they're always given. There’s got to be some consistency because we don’t know whether we’re coming or going at the moment."
Wednesday also had a penalty appeal turned down before McGovern sealed the win for Swindon in the 70th minute.
A long throw from Michael Rose was flicked on by Sean Morrison to Mc Govern, who slotted home his third of the season.
Wednesday chief Irvine groaned, "We had quite a lot of chances. We hit the bar, had a penalty denied, a goal disallowed, a lot of things to be disappointed about."
"We deserved an equaliser, there were a number of things that happened that on another day could have gone for us."
"The fans are fantastic, there’s no question about that."
Friday 3 December 2010
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth - Game on
It looks as though I won't know whether I'm needed at the Memorial Ground for tomorrow's game until tomorrow morning after the 9.30am pitch inspection.
If I hear anything more during this afternoon, I'll post information here for both sets of fans.
I hope that the clubs are thinking of more than just the state of the pitch though. Cherries fans might find the drive treacherous and so it might be better to err on the side of caution and postpone this weekend.
I see that the Swindon game against Sheffield Wednesday is going ahead though despite the fact that Sheffield his been hit as hard as anywhere by snow this week (the biggest fall on the city since the late 1800s apparently). I hope the Owls supporters manage to dig their way out to the M1!
Safe travelling wherever you're headed this weekend.
If I hear anything more during this afternoon, I'll post information here for both sets of fans.
I hope that the clubs are thinking of more than just the state of the pitch though. Cherries fans might find the drive treacherous and so it might be better to err on the side of caution and postpone this weekend.
I see that the Swindon game against Sheffield Wednesday is going ahead though despite the fact that Sheffield his been hit as hard as anywhere by snow this week (the biggest fall on the city since the late 1800s apparently). I hope the Owls supporters manage to dig their way out to the M1!
Safe travelling wherever you're headed this weekend.
Thursday 2 December 2010
Gutted! – Russians
Ah well, it’s all over and it looks like we won’t be hosting the World Cup in my lifetime – not that I’m getting on in years, but merely because I haven’t felt this sick in a long while and I’m not sure whether I’m going to recover from the disappointment of seeing Russia get the nod.
Maybe that is why Putin didn’t bother travelling – he already knew it was in the bag and so waste air fuel while you could be doing business with billionaire oil and gas barons.
Still, I have a trip to the Memorial Ground to cheer me up this tropical weekend, so life’s not all bad.
Maybe that is why Putin didn’t bother travelling – he already knew it was in the bag and so waste air fuel while you could be doing business with billionaire oil and gas barons.
Still, I have a trip to the Memorial Ground to cheer me up this tropical weekend, so life’s not all bad.
Live from Zurich (via icy southern England) – The Bidding
And so the World Cup bid presentations have ended and we wait nervously while the FIFA committee members enjoy a lavish lunch and choose from an extensive wine list having enjoyed a morning of video entertainment.
Who knows whether their minds were already made up before they had breakfast this morning, but to be fair to the English FA, Prince William, David Beckham and David Cameron, our bid was slick and professional.
Beck’s point about attending the 2010 World Cup draw one day after the death of his grandfather Joe was touching, but I thought it was also a subtle attempt to remind FIFA that he had put them first last year and maybe now was payback time.
The Dutch/Belgium bid was ‘nice’, but having spoken to several friends in the Netherlands during the last few weeks, not one felt they would win anyway. In fact several said they hoped England would win it.
Surprisingly the Spanish/Portugal presentation seemed designed to bore FIFA into submission and won’t have done them any favours.
Russia’s presentation was strong, but with Putin deciding not to attend maybe he knows something the rest of us don’t – I wonder if he spotted something in those WikiLeaks documents?
The Isle of Man’s last minute attempt to be considered floundered when their FA representative was refused admission to FIFA’s Zurich HQ.
The BBC has just announced that the voting process has started (GMT 13:00). As the result isn’t due until 14:30 to 15:00 it really makes you wonder whether the world’s favourite sport is safe in the hands of men who take up to 90 minutes to count to 22!
I suspect that most people reading this blog will have live footage streaming onto their PCs, but I will post the result of the vote on here as soon as it is announced.
English fingers crossed.
Who knows whether their minds were already made up before they had breakfast this morning, but to be fair to the English FA, Prince William, David Beckham and David Cameron, our bid was slick and professional.
Beck’s point about attending the 2010 World Cup draw one day after the death of his grandfather Joe was touching, but I thought it was also a subtle attempt to remind FIFA that he had put them first last year and maybe now was payback time.
The Dutch/Belgium bid was ‘nice’, but having spoken to several friends in the Netherlands during the last few weeks, not one felt they would win anyway. In fact several said they hoped England would win it.
Surprisingly the Spanish/Portugal presentation seemed designed to bore FIFA into submission and won’t have done them any favours.
Russia’s presentation was strong, but with Putin deciding not to attend maybe he knows something the rest of us don’t – I wonder if he spotted something in those WikiLeaks documents?
The Isle of Man’s last minute attempt to be considered floundered when their FA representative was refused admission to FIFA’s Zurich HQ.
The BBC has just announced that the voting process has started (GMT 13:00). As the result isn’t due until 14:30 to 15:00 it really makes you wonder whether the world’s favourite sport is safe in the hands of men who take up to 90 minutes to count to 22!
I suspect that most people reading this blog will have live footage streaming onto their PCs, but I will post the result of the vote on here as soon as it is announced.
English fingers crossed.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
World Cup Bid - Dodgy People
I don’t normally use this blog to talk about anything other than the games I’m reporting on, but like every other fan in the country I’ve been following the World Cup bidding process and watched the Panorama programme.
Frankly, I’m fed up with FIFA and its arrogance. The timing of the Panorama programme couldn’t have been worse (and, if by some long shot England do win, it’ll be interesting to see who FIFA’s preferred broadcaster is!) and whether we win the bid or not, FIFA needs to be swept clean.
Their own rules state that members should not accept bribes or payments for favours, but – if Panorama, The Sunday Times, and other news outlets are to be believed – this is happening on a regular basis. Are these people fit to be running the people’s game? And, no, I don’t just mean the English people, I mean the people of the world.
Some FIFA members represent countries where poverty is widespread and yet they are accused of pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to feather their own goalmouth. This alleged activity isn’t just criminal, it’s morally corrupt.
It may well be time for the national associations to take a long hard look at the structure of the game and especially its governing body.
In the 1990s the English game changed complexion completely with the introduction of the Premier League – maybe it’s time the international game was looked at with each national federation getting a vote when it comes to decisions like where the World Cup is to be held.
Yes, I know that is more than 200 countries, but it’s a global game and so why not? With the Internet available to every national federation, they wouldn't all even have to travel to an ivory tower in Zurich or wherever.
An executive committee could be set up to deal with day-to-day issues, but these members could be rotated every 18 months or so.
The Chair and vice-Chair of the new body could be elected for a limited period of time while a CEO and board of directors could be appointed to assist with the – their ‘shareholders’ being the national groups and also the fans.
Whether you think that my suggestions are complete rubbish or not, surely something needs to be done about FIFA?
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise if we don’t get the World Cup because you can be sure that it will then be open-season on FIFA as far as the British media is concerned.
Frankly, I’m fed up with FIFA and its arrogance. The timing of the Panorama programme couldn’t have been worse (and, if by some long shot England do win, it’ll be interesting to see who FIFA’s preferred broadcaster is!) and whether we win the bid or not, FIFA needs to be swept clean.
Their own rules state that members should not accept bribes or payments for favours, but – if Panorama, The Sunday Times, and other news outlets are to be believed – this is happening on a regular basis. Are these people fit to be running the people’s game? And, no, I don’t just mean the English people, I mean the people of the world.
Some FIFA members represent countries where poverty is widespread and yet they are accused of pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to feather their own goalmouth. This alleged activity isn’t just criminal, it’s morally corrupt.
It may well be time for the national associations to take a long hard look at the structure of the game and especially its governing body.
In the 1990s the English game changed complexion completely with the introduction of the Premier League – maybe it’s time the international game was looked at with each national federation getting a vote when it comes to decisions like where the World Cup is to be held.
Yes, I know that is more than 200 countries, but it’s a global game and so why not? With the Internet available to every national federation, they wouldn't all even have to travel to an ivory tower in Zurich or wherever.
An executive committee could be set up to deal with day-to-day issues, but these members could be rotated every 18 months or so.
The Chair and vice-Chair of the new body could be elected for a limited period of time while a CEO and board of directors could be appointed to assist with the – their ‘shareholders’ being the national groups and also the fans.
Whether you think that my suggestions are complete rubbish or not, surely something needs to be done about FIFA?
Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise if we don’t get the World Cup because you can be sure that it will then be open-season on FIFA as far as the British media is concerned.
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