Tottenham strengthened their squad this weekend ahead of the new season by swooping for Belgian winger Nacer Chadli.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23397482
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
NBA Schedule Likely to be Released in August
Despite original plans to release the 2013/14 NBA regular season schedule on June 25, reports suggest that the date will be pushed into early August after all the free agency activity. At this point, the only certainty is that the Miami Heat, as defending champions, will be in action on opening night.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Benitez Ready to Banish Inter Memories
For the majority of Rafael Benitez’s time as interim Chelsea boss, a dignified exit with his head held high seemed an impossible dream – yet the Spaniard pulled it off with admirable resilience. With his reputation restored following the Blues’ Europa League triumph and a third place finish in the Premier League, Benitez has brought unexpected momentum with him as he begins his new job as Napoli manager.
Napoli fans are notoriously passionate, vocal and impatient, or so the story goes. But forging a relationship with the supporters will feel like a stroll in the park for the Spaniard after his Chelsea experience. After enduring chants, banners and vicious hatred during the darker days of his time at Stamford Bridge, he can at least expect to have the Napoli crowd on his side from day one. Home games will feel like home games again, with applause in place of boos and jeers.
Benitez’s task in Naples is to help the club go one step further than last year when they finished second to Juventus in Serie A, despite losing only six games and being the highest scoring team in the league. Ultimately, the squad were just too stretched to launch a successful Scudetto bid. He will also have the chance to shine in the Champions League again, a competition he embraced during his Liverpool days and won in dramatic fashion in 2005 against AC Milan.
But his mission in Italy goes beyond helping Napoli achieve their goals. A portion of it is about banishing the memories of his ill-fated stint as Inter boss back in 2010 (he was appointed in June and dismissed in December). Following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard seemingly never won over the dressing room, clashed with the board over transfer policy and oversaw a disappointing title defence. As a result, his reputation as one of the game’s finest managers took a serious blow. The fact that he won the Italian Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his brief spell at the San Siro has been buried in the footnotes.
"I prefer to remember the positive things from my time at Inter," the Spaniard recently explained. "Many people wanted to pass judgement without knowing what really happened. The truth is that the club and the technical staff got together and planned to rebuild the squad, with the names of new players. But the proposals were never followed. As I see it, it was the cause of everything that happened at Inter in that year and even perhaps in the following seasons."
Now he is back with a score to settle and statements to make. Just don’t expect Benitez to tell it that way.
"I accepted the Napoli job because of the enthusiasm and passion surrounding the club", he explained. "I am keen to repay the club on the pitch. Napoli remind me a bit of Liverpool. We have a lot of quality players and an incredible hunger to win."
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/17/chelsea-experience-prepares-rafael-benitez-for-napoli-test/92294/#ruTt3ScVMKE63GfH.99
Napoli fans are notoriously passionate, vocal and impatient, or so the story goes. But forging a relationship with the supporters will feel like a stroll in the park for the Spaniard after his Chelsea experience. After enduring chants, banners and vicious hatred during the darker days of his time at Stamford Bridge, he can at least expect to have the Napoli crowd on his side from day one. Home games will feel like home games again, with applause in place of boos and jeers.
Benitez’s task in Naples is to help the club go one step further than last year when they finished second to Juventus in Serie A, despite losing only six games and being the highest scoring team in the league. Ultimately, the squad were just too stretched to launch a successful Scudetto bid. He will also have the chance to shine in the Champions League again, a competition he embraced during his Liverpool days and won in dramatic fashion in 2005 against AC Milan.
But his mission in Italy goes beyond helping Napoli achieve their goals. A portion of it is about banishing the memories of his ill-fated stint as Inter boss back in 2010 (he was appointed in June and dismissed in December). Following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard seemingly never won over the dressing room, clashed with the board over transfer policy and oversaw a disappointing title defence. As a result, his reputation as one of the game’s finest managers took a serious blow. The fact that he won the Italian Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his brief spell at the San Siro has been buried in the footnotes.
"I prefer to remember the positive things from my time at Inter," the Spaniard recently explained. "Many people wanted to pass judgement without knowing what really happened. The truth is that the club and the technical staff got together and planned to rebuild the squad, with the names of new players. But the proposals were never followed. As I see it, it was the cause of everything that happened at Inter in that year and even perhaps in the following seasons."
Now he is back with a score to settle and statements to make. Just don’t expect Benitez to tell it that way.
"I accepted the Napoli job because of the enthusiasm and passion surrounding the club", he explained. "I am keen to repay the club on the pitch. Napoli remind me a bit of Liverpool. We have a lot of quality players and an incredible hunger to win."
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/17/chelsea-experience-prepares-rafael-benitez-for-napoli-test/92294/#ruTt3ScVMKE63GfH.99
State of Play: Liverpool
With the 2013/14 Premier League fixtures released, all eyes turn to the new campaign. But last season’s performance holds clues to what must be done to succeed next time around, essential points not to be forgotten and to-do lists which must be worked through over the summer.
For Liverpool, 2012/13 marked a shift in emphasis, with new manager Brendan Rodgers putting his faith in younger talents and accepting that some rebuilding would be necessary. Inheriting a squad with clear flaws, there were inevitable teething problems, but an impressive flourish in the final few months makes Liverpool an intriguing team to monitor this term. Luis Suarez’s future remains unclear after yet more controversy, however the squad unquestionably contains more quality after some shrewd spending in January made amends for swinging and missing in last summer’s transfer market. Rodgers will expect steady progress again this season.
Last Season in 20 Words: Rebuilding project was no exaggeration – a forgettable campaign with few consistent performers. But Rodgers is the right man to lift gloom.
Grade: C. From the start, it was clear that a gulf existed between Liverpool and the top four or five clubs. While there were some stirring displays, inconsistency throughout the team meant their cup runs fizzled out and Merseyside bragging rights were surrendered to Everton, who finished one spot higher.
Highlight of 2012/13: The run-in. From 1st January onwards, Liverpool showed promise and benefitted from the additions of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Horspur in March stands out, serving as a reminder of the team’s potential.
Read more at:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/15/state-of-play-luis-suarez-uncertainty-hangs-over-liverpool-but-philippe-coutinho-promises-relief/92145/#Tba5cHABIecYeywJ.99
For Liverpool, 2012/13 marked a shift in emphasis, with new manager Brendan Rodgers putting his faith in younger talents and accepting that some rebuilding would be necessary. Inheriting a squad with clear flaws, there were inevitable teething problems, but an impressive flourish in the final few months makes Liverpool an intriguing team to monitor this term. Luis Suarez’s future remains unclear after yet more controversy, however the squad unquestionably contains more quality after some shrewd spending in January made amends for swinging and missing in last summer’s transfer market. Rodgers will expect steady progress again this season.
Last Season in 20 Words: Rebuilding project was no exaggeration – a forgettable campaign with few consistent performers. But Rodgers is the right man to lift gloom.
Grade: C. From the start, it was clear that a gulf existed between Liverpool and the top four or five clubs. While there were some stirring displays, inconsistency throughout the team meant their cup runs fizzled out and Merseyside bragging rights were surrendered to Everton, who finished one spot higher.
Highlight of 2012/13: The run-in. From 1st January onwards, Liverpool showed promise and benefitted from the additions of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. The 3-2 comeback victory over Tottenham Horspur in March stands out, serving as a reminder of the team’s potential.
Read more at:
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2013/07/15/state-of-play-luis-suarez-uncertainty-hangs-over-liverpool-but-philippe-coutinho-promises-relief/92145/#Tba5cHABIecYeywJ.99
Friday, 20 January 2012
Football: African Cup of Nations - Key Games
The 28th African Cup of Nations is set to provide a feast of football in the weeks ahead (January 21-February 12), packed with vibrancy, flair and drama and enhanced by some of the most passionate supporters in sport. The tournament will showcase an array of established, mesmerising talents, from the Ivory Coast powerhouses Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure to Senegal’s prolific Demba Ba – and will undoubtedly unveil several future stars.
The cast for Africa’s thrilling football show has a somewhat different look this year. Egypt, winners of the past three tournaments, failed to qualify while traditional frontrunners Cameroon are also forced to watch from the sidelines. Equatorial Guinea, co-hosting with Gabon, take their African Cup of Nations bow – as do Botswana.
With three gripping weeks of action ahead, we pick out the most unmissable group stage games.
Equatorial Guinea v Libya, January 21
There will inevitably be butterflies for the co-hosts as they take their first steps in the African Cup of Nations but the home crowd will be full of colour and noise, setting the early tone for a special tournament. This is where it all begins for Equatorial Guinea but, having landed in an extremely difficult group, things will only get tougher.
Libya were unbeaten en route to the tournament, using a rock solid defence as their foundation and recording two 1-0 wins and two goalless draws. But this game might well be more open as the Libyans cannot afford a tentative start given the quality of their next two opponents, Senegal and Zambia.
Senegal v Zambia, January 21
Speaking of which…Senegal’s qualifying campaign (five wins and a draw) sent a clear message that the current group is ready to emulate the 2002 squad that shot to prominence with their World Cup exploits. They will be looking to make a flying start in this opening fixture and lay down a marker for the matches ahead, particularly with Ba in ruthless goalscoring form for Newcastle.
Zambia, meanwhile, could be a surprise package. The signs were there during qualification, where Collins Mbesuma shone and 21-year-old Emmanuel Mayuka showed his promise in front of goal. These two teams should both make it out of Group A and into the quarter-finals – but there will be plenty to play for in this match.
Morocco v Tunisia, January 23
This bout between nearby neighbours has the potential to be a classic. Neither team were fully convincing in reaching the tournament, with strengths and weaknesses on display. Morocco conceded just two goals in qualifying but, at the other end, they will hope Marouane Chamakh breaks out of his Arsenal slump in their tournament opener.
Tunisia, meanwhile, were more ruthless in front of goal and should be an eye-catching side. Issam Jemaa is a man to watch after netting six goals in the qualifying campaign. With a lot at stake, expect to see goals in this one.
Nigeria v Tunisia, January 27
This Nigeria team might not be on par with the more high profile sides of years gone by, but they still have plenty of weapons. Recent results have been patchy, though, and their frenzied supporters will expect better performances once the tournament kicks off. The pressure will be on.
Regardless of Tunisia’s result against Morocco, this game will be critical to their chances of making the last eight. With neither team likely to win any awards for defending, there should be no shortage of end to end action.
Ivory Coast v Angola, January 30
No opponent can match the strength of the Ivory Coast starting line-up, from Drogba, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou up front to Yaya Toure in midfield and brother Kolo marshalling the back line. A 100% qualifying campaign came as no surprise. But the Ivorians have failed to convert this quality on paper into a run of silverware – and the clock is ticking. If a spot in the next round has not been clinched by this final group game, this clash should be a thriller.
The Angolans are no pushovers and may well present the toughest test for Drogba and company in Group C. Manucho, who spent a brief spell at Manchester United, will be one of Angola’s key men as they chase an upset in this game.
Ghana v Guinea, February 1
Ghana are rightly considered at the front of the contending pack, given their unbeaten qualifying campaign (13 goals scored, one conceded) and the experience throughout the squad. Asamoah Gyan remains the lynchpin in attack but this is a well-balanced team from back to front. They will looking to send a message to the other challengers throughout the group stage.
This fixture might be the decider in Group D, given Guinea’s solid recent form in topping their qualifying group. They proved that they have a versatile style of play, with two 4-1 wins as well as a gritty 1-0 victory, and they have goalscorers all over the pitch.
To read the ful article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2012/01/19/2012-african-cup-of-nations-games-to-watch/56451/
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Football: Manchester United Poised To Strike Over Festive Period
On the surface of things, Manchester United would appear to be in a state of flux as we approach the Premier League’s busy Chistmas period, with clubs playing five matches in little over two weeks. An ignominious departure from the Champions League before the knockout stages courtesy of an FC Basle side, who were more than happy to show their English visitors the door, has been coupled with an eye watering injury list. Nemanja Vidic suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the aforementioned visit to Switzerland and is out for the season in effect. In the last few days Darren Fletcher, an unsung hero of United’s midfield, has decided to take an indefinite break from competitive football in a bid to rid himself of a chronic bowel complaint which has dogged him for much of the last year or so.
However, there are reasons for optimism to grow in the hearts and minds of United fans still. United tend not to be frontrunners as far the league title is concerned, at least at this stage of the season. Often the festive period and the New Year sees United begin to eat into a lead which has been established by another club, or clubs. Something a little more tangible for United to look to is that the frontrunner this season is their near neighbour, Manchester City. City has not won the league in over forty years - they have no recent precedent to look to or experience to fall back upon. In addition to this, their unbeaten record perished under unfortunate circumstances in their last outing at Chelsea. The festive period affords no team the opportunity for quiet reflection and rebuilding. The fixtures will come thick and fast and any team can be buffeted from pillar to post if they lack the experience and resolve to ride out the storm, however insignificant it may seem at the outset. A week ago, City had a five point lead. It is now a mere two points. A buoyant Arsenal are the visitors to The Etihad Stadium on Sunday and City must be on their mettle if that lead is to remain intact as United visit QPR in what is an eminently winnable game for them.
Indeed, the respective fixtures of the two clubs are worth looking at closely because they suggest further opportunities for United to close in on City, and perhaps be at the top of the table come the close of play on January the 4th. Up until very recently, perhaps only three or four seasons ago, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were occasions for a full compliment of Premier League fixtures. This made the two days extra special and a throwback to years gone by when all fixtures kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Granted, the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were staggered, but it was still a pleasant oddity for the modern day fan to see the full compliment of fixtures on the one day. In addition to that, in the already hectic festive period, it at least placed clubs on a more level playing field. However, this tradition has gone by the wayside as with many things in modern football. Television wields an ever increasing share of the power and as such there are now fixtures on the 27th of December, the 30th, the 31st (in fact the lion’s share of the New Year’s fixtures fall on the 31st but this is probably more to do with the 31st this year falling on a Saturday), the 2nd of January and so on.
Further to this, the Premier League has deemed that clubs should have double header home and away fixtures over the festive period. That is to say, for example, Manchester City face Arsenal and Stoke at home before Christmas, and then West Brom and Sunderland away after Christmas but before New Year’s Day. Manchester United have the reverse - QPR and Fulham away before Christmas (a pleasant ten minute walk between grounds removes the potential for any onerous journey) and then Wigan and Blackburn at home between Christmas and the New Year. Now, it’s a very slight advantage to hold, but anyone who has been to a home fixture on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day (Eve in this case), knows that the atmosphere is that little bit more charged with festive good cheer and bonhomie. These are super home fixtures if you like. Manchester United are fortunate to be at home for both games and against extremely friendly opposition from the North West. For City, both their away games look relatively kind on paper, but the festive factor for the home team and supporters in addition to the visit to Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill is in throws of his honeymoon period, makes them trickier than they look.
Perhaps of more benefit to United, however, is the spacing of the fixtures. Both United and City have matches on December the 18th, the 21st and the 26th. However, United then have a five day break before Blackburn and then a four day gap before they visit Newcastle on January the 4th. City have a six day break, rather than five, before they play Sunderland on New Year’s Day and then only a two day break before the visit of Liverpool, who are never a pushover, on the 3rd. The logic behind giving one team six days break and another team five, but then having the former play their next fixture before the latter, is not immediately apparent. However the Premier League, in its endless wisdom, has deemed that this is a prudent course of action to take. It is up to City to prevent United capitalising upon it, but it is a further reason for United to be optimistic.
City have two of the traditional bigger sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, to play over the festive period, although it should be noted that both matches are at the Etihad. By comparison, United’s only top half opponent (City also entertain 8th placed Stoke) is Newcastle. Memories of Philippe Albert may be hard to dispel as United travel to St James’ Park, never an easy place to go, but United has the more pleasing set of fixtures on paper. It is a prime opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson, a past master at preparing sides for the rigours of the season, to drive his side closer and closer to City, ready to capitalise on any slip ups by the Citizens.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, there are grounds for optimism as a result of Chelsea’s defeat of City on Monday. Starting with the West Londoners, then, they have one tricky fixture in their five when they visit Tottenham on the 22nd. Otherwise, Wigan away, Fulham home, Aston Villa home and Wolves away looks like a chance for twelve points. Similarly Spurs, with the exception of Chelsea at home, have winnable matches, though they would be wise not to underestimate the potential for slip ups during the Boxing Day and New Year’s away fixtures at newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Arsenal follow their tough assignment at Manchester City with games against Aston Villa, Wolves, QPR and Fulham. Nothing less than twelve points there will keep Arsenal in the title hunt in all likelihood.
Of course, nothing is straight forward at this time of the football season, but Manchester United are primed and ready to strike. We must hope that the events that unfold on the pitches match the potential for Christmas excitement. This is the most special time of the league season and the fate of the crown may be in sharper focus by The FA Cup 3rd round weekend in early January.
Nick Rogerson
However, there are reasons for optimism to grow in the hearts and minds of United fans still. United tend not to be frontrunners as far the league title is concerned, at least at this stage of the season. Often the festive period and the New Year sees United begin to eat into a lead which has been established by another club, or clubs. Something a little more tangible for United to look to is that the frontrunner this season is their near neighbour, Manchester City. City has not won the league in over forty years - they have no recent precedent to look to or experience to fall back upon. In addition to this, their unbeaten record perished under unfortunate circumstances in their last outing at Chelsea. The festive period affords no team the opportunity for quiet reflection and rebuilding. The fixtures will come thick and fast and any team can be buffeted from pillar to post if they lack the experience and resolve to ride out the storm, however insignificant it may seem at the outset. A week ago, City had a five point lead. It is now a mere two points. A buoyant Arsenal are the visitors to The Etihad Stadium on Sunday and City must be on their mettle if that lead is to remain intact as United visit QPR in what is an eminently winnable game for them.
Indeed, the respective fixtures of the two clubs are worth looking at closely because they suggest further opportunities for United to close in on City, and perhaps be at the top of the table come the close of play on January the 4th. Up until very recently, perhaps only three or four seasons ago, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were occasions for a full compliment of Premier League fixtures. This made the two days extra special and a throwback to years gone by when all fixtures kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Granted, the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were staggered, but it was still a pleasant oddity for the modern day fan to see the full compliment of fixtures on the one day. In addition to that, in the already hectic festive period, it at least placed clubs on a more level playing field. However, this tradition has gone by the wayside as with many things in modern football. Television wields an ever increasing share of the power and as such there are now fixtures on the 27th of December, the 30th, the 31st (in fact the lion’s share of the New Year’s fixtures fall on the 31st but this is probably more to do with the 31st this year falling on a Saturday), the 2nd of January and so on.
Further to this, the Premier League has deemed that clubs should have double header home and away fixtures over the festive period. That is to say, for example, Manchester City face Arsenal and Stoke at home before Christmas, and then West Brom and Sunderland away after Christmas but before New Year’s Day. Manchester United have the reverse - QPR and Fulham away before Christmas (a pleasant ten minute walk between grounds removes the potential for any onerous journey) and then Wigan and Blackburn at home between Christmas and the New Year. Now, it’s a very slight advantage to hold, but anyone who has been to a home fixture on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day (Eve in this case), knows that the atmosphere is that little bit more charged with festive good cheer and bonhomie. These are super home fixtures if you like. Manchester United are fortunate to be at home for both games and against extremely friendly opposition from the North West. For City, both their away games look relatively kind on paper, but the festive factor for the home team and supporters in addition to the visit to Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill is in throws of his honeymoon period, makes them trickier than they look.
Perhaps of more benefit to United, however, is the spacing of the fixtures. Both United and City have matches on December the 18th, the 21st and the 26th. However, United then have a five day break before Blackburn and then a four day gap before they visit Newcastle on January the 4th. City have a six day break, rather than five, before they play Sunderland on New Year’s Day and then only a two day break before the visit of Liverpool, who are never a pushover, on the 3rd. The logic behind giving one team six days break and another team five, but then having the former play their next fixture before the latter, is not immediately apparent. However the Premier League, in its endless wisdom, has deemed that this is a prudent course of action to take. It is up to City to prevent United capitalising upon it, but it is a further reason for United to be optimistic.
City have two of the traditional bigger sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, to play over the festive period, although it should be noted that both matches are at the Etihad. By comparison, United’s only top half opponent (City also entertain 8th placed Stoke) is Newcastle. Memories of Philippe Albert may be hard to dispel as United travel to St James’ Park, never an easy place to go, but United has the more pleasing set of fixtures on paper. It is a prime opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson, a past master at preparing sides for the rigours of the season, to drive his side closer and closer to City, ready to capitalise on any slip ups by the Citizens.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, there are grounds for optimism as a result of Chelsea’s defeat of City on Monday. Starting with the West Londoners, then, they have one tricky fixture in their five when they visit Tottenham on the 22nd. Otherwise, Wigan away, Fulham home, Aston Villa home and Wolves away looks like a chance for twelve points. Similarly Spurs, with the exception of Chelsea at home, have winnable matches, though they would be wise not to underestimate the potential for slip ups during the Boxing Day and New Year’s away fixtures at newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Arsenal follow their tough assignment at Manchester City with games against Aston Villa, Wolves, QPR and Fulham. Nothing less than twelve points there will keep Arsenal in the title hunt in all likelihood.
Of course, nothing is straight forward at this time of the football season, but Manchester United are primed and ready to strike. We must hope that the events that unfold on the pitches match the potential for Christmas excitement. This is the most special time of the league season and the fate of the crown may be in sharper focus by The FA Cup 3rd round weekend in early January.
Nick Rogerson
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Football: Premier League is Big Winner as Manchester Giants Crash Out
Given the success that Manchester City and Manchester United have enjoyed this calendar year, failing to clear the Champions League group stage hurdle is likely the equivalent of a surprise slap in the face. Both clubs had high hopes to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona and Real Madrid - instead, they are joining Stoke in the Europa League.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
Squad rotation is no longer an acceptable excuse for City and United, particularly Ferguson’s men, who are also out of the Carling Cup. Both teams will be well rested, often benefiting from a full week between games, and that should translate into better performances and more spectacular highlights. Mancini and Ferguson have often had their eye on upcoming European games, making their selections for weekend fixtures with that in mind. It is hard to believe that the Europa League will command the same respect.
United’s Patrice Evra all but confirmed this after United's exit in Switzerland. “I'll be honest with you, the way I fell now it is Champions League or nothing but when we start playing in the Europa League we will try to win it,” he admitted. “But of course I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League. I am not ready for it because it is a new experience. Even if it is [a] friendly, when I pull on United shirt I do my best to win that trophy. But it is embarrassing to be in the Europa League.”
At Old Trafford, even focusing on one competition might prove a challenge. Just to emphasize how the landscape has shifted over the past few weeks, the notion of United failing to finish in the top four no longer seems so far fetched. It would take a brave man to bet against the champions but the problems are mounting for Ferguson. Captain Nemanja Vidic is expected to miss the rest of the season due to the ligament damage sustained against FC Basel, Javier Hernandez is sidelined for at least four weeks and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have looked out of sorts. In short, United are one bad run of results away from having the FA Cup as the sole potential consolation prize for the 2011/12 campaign.
City, meanwhile, can have few complaints about their league campaign thus far and Mancini will feel confident that by putting more focus on their Premier League title bid, his players can hold off the chasing pack. After all, the realistic goal for City heading into this year was to win the title – that in itself would have been considered an excellent campaign. The Champions League was always going to be a bonus.
So, in theory, the Premier League will get the very best of City and United for the rest of the season. That means David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones should be fit, hungry and raring to go week in, week out. For Premier League fans across the world, that prospect is mouthwatering.
Cricket: Australia’s Period of Transition Makes For Exciting Test Cricket
Australia has been involved in two of the most exciting test matches of the last decade or more in the space of three test matches and four weeks. This is in no small part due to the continued period of transition being undergone by Australia's test match side. On the one hand we have a defiant reliance on senior batsmen arguably past their best by a selection panel who cannot quite give up the security blanket of some representation of Australia's golden era in their current side. Unfortunately, selecting the most obvious current representative of those halcyon days (Ricky Ponting) is akin to employing a geriatric in a wheelchair on the door of a busy inner-city nightclub as far as security is concerned. On the other hand we have an all encompassing, "any face will do this week but we reserve the right to completely change the roster next week" approach to bowling selections that would make a drunken bar fly on a twelve hour mission to drink his way through a pub’s entire liquor selection look discerning by comparison.
The continued selection of Ricky Ponting, who hasn’t made a test match century in nearly two years and close to thirty innings is a reward for long service which surely only Steve Waugh was afforded in recent times in his cringe-inducing (to non Australian observers) “tour of the provinces” during the home series against India in 2003-04. Brad Haddin is also bafflingly retained after two of the most irresponsible strokes in recent test cricket, in Australia’s second innings capitulations at Newlands, Cape Town and this week at Hobart against New Zealand. Both situations called for a sensible hand from Australia’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman but both times Haddin played ugly shots, unable to adapt to the match situation and conditions which dictated the need for some caution at least at the beginning of his innings. Haddin is a product of Australia’s dominance of world cricket in the late 1990s and most of the 2000s, but unfortunately he has neither the talent of his predecessor Gilchrist, nor the savvy to realise that the winds of change have come into play and Australia now cannot simply blast their way through test matches. Both Ponting and Haddin are enjoying carte-blanche as far as the demands of the selectors regarding the performances expected to retain their places in the side are concerned. One passenger, even two passengers, can be carried and this has been the case to a certain extent as Australia has drawn both their last two test series. However, this has largely been down to the recent good bowling from the Australians and not the batting with the exception of Michael Clarke’s marvellous 150 in Cape Town. Michael Hussey, for so long Australia’s pillar of reliability has been able to cover for shoddy displays by Ponting and Haddin in the past, but in the last four tests he averages a mere 11.85. Perhaps the stress of batting for two or sometimes three players is catching up with him.
On the other hand we see Australia’s baffling pick’n’mix approach to their bowling selections. In the past two years perhaps half of the bowlers currently involved in Australia’s domestic competition have donned the baggy green - Australia’s great symbol of test cricket and just half a generation ago fiendishly hard for budding state cricketers to lay their hands on - and represented their country in the test arena. Many have then been dropped after two or three tests in the search for the magical elixir that might restore Australia to test dominance. Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Harris, Johnson, McKay, Starc, Cummins, Copeland, Pattinson, Doherty, Hauritz, Beer, Lyon, Bollinger, George - a mind boggling list. There have certainly been encouraging performances of late from James Pattinson, who was the man of the series in his debut series against New Zealand taking back to back five-fors, and from Pat Cummins, who snagged the man of the match on his debut in the marvellous win at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Cummins needs to be handled with care, given his youth, and is likely to be out of the India series with a stress fracture of the foot, but both he and Pattinson are encouraging prospects. However, it is surely somewhat fortuitous for them both that they delivered immediately; otherwise it seems likely that they would have been thrown onto the scrap heap, joining so many other recent seam bowling selections. Australia’s approach to spin bowling in the post-Warne era requires an article all of its own, but in short Nathan Lyon has also shown promise of late and must be persisted with for at least a dozen tests.
Australia’s Jekyll and Hyde approach to test selections and the quite natural lack of players of comparable ability to the recent retired generation of Warne, McGrath, Langer, Gilchrist, Lee et al has made their recent matches extremely exciting. No longer can Australia be considered immune against sides such as New Zealand as this week’s victory for the latter at Hobart demonstrates. It was the first victory for New Zealand in any test match against Australia since 1993 and the first victory on Australian soil since Jeremy Coney led them to a series victory in 1985-86. The beauty of an Australian downturn in test cricket is that it won’t danger the long term prospect of the longer game there. The Baggy Green is still the ultimate Australian cricketing symbol and, regardless of the insane scheduling of a domestic T20 competition in the heart of an Australian domestic season, the overall drive of Australian cricketing focus will be towards test match cricket. The same is true of England, currently enjoying a period of success in the test arena the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. England’s test grounds continued to sell out during their lengthy period in the doldrums. Although Hobart was by no means full for the New Zealand test, it is an Australian cricketing outpost comparable to Chester-Le-Street or Sophia Gardens in England, both of whom also fail to sell out for all but the matches against Australia. Australia being pulled into the pack as far as test cricket goes might spark more of an interest in test cricket in countries like New Zealand, where interest may be piqued by this week's victory. This is to the benefit of test cricket overall - the more countries who prioritise the longer game, or at least start to take it more seriously upon seeing the dominant side of the last twenty years falter, the better.
An unpredictability surrounding Australia’s test match cricket has arisen which is born out by a victory in a test match in the backyard of the number two ranked side in the world, South Africa, followed swiftly by a home defeat to the number eight ranked side, New Zealand. For all Australia’s sporting culture of dominance, and striving to be first in the world, even years and years of the fulfilment of this aim can grow stale for the viewing public. There were signs that the Australian public were tiring of their side’s dominance, largely unchallenged, in the 2007-08 home series against India. This neatly brings us to the next series for the Australians, a repeat of that 2007-08 series, beginning at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. A new generation of bowlers coming through and earning their spurs will bring the Australian public out in great numbers to see the first test of the series and, it is to be hoped (and expected), in many future test matches. A period of rebirth may be painful at first, but it is also an exciting prospect, and will give a new generation of test cricket followers in Australia a sense of ownership and a stake in the fortunes of this new, young side as they follow their travails and fortunes over the coming years. All that is needed now is for the relics of the top order to be given their cards and money and the metaphorical painting of a Spitfire in recognition of years of long service. Then, truly, the new era can begin. However, if in the meantime we are treated to more test matches of the entertainment (if not quite, quality) of the Johannesburg and Hobart tests of the last month, test cricket will surely be the winner.
Nick Rogerson
The continued selection of Ricky Ponting, who hasn’t made a test match century in nearly two years and close to thirty innings is a reward for long service which surely only Steve Waugh was afforded in recent times in his cringe-inducing (to non Australian observers) “tour of the provinces” during the home series against India in 2003-04. Brad Haddin is also bafflingly retained after two of the most irresponsible strokes in recent test cricket, in Australia’s second innings capitulations at Newlands, Cape Town and this week at Hobart against New Zealand. Both situations called for a sensible hand from Australia’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman but both times Haddin played ugly shots, unable to adapt to the match situation and conditions which dictated the need for some caution at least at the beginning of his innings. Haddin is a product of Australia’s dominance of world cricket in the late 1990s and most of the 2000s, but unfortunately he has neither the talent of his predecessor Gilchrist, nor the savvy to realise that the winds of change have come into play and Australia now cannot simply blast their way through test matches. Both Ponting and Haddin are enjoying carte-blanche as far as the demands of the selectors regarding the performances expected to retain their places in the side are concerned. One passenger, even two passengers, can be carried and this has been the case to a certain extent as Australia has drawn both their last two test series. However, this has largely been down to the recent good bowling from the Australians and not the batting with the exception of Michael Clarke’s marvellous 150 in Cape Town. Michael Hussey, for so long Australia’s pillar of reliability has been able to cover for shoddy displays by Ponting and Haddin in the past, but in the last four tests he averages a mere 11.85. Perhaps the stress of batting for two or sometimes three players is catching up with him.
On the other hand we see Australia’s baffling pick’n’mix approach to their bowling selections. In the past two years perhaps half of the bowlers currently involved in Australia’s domestic competition have donned the baggy green - Australia’s great symbol of test cricket and just half a generation ago fiendishly hard for budding state cricketers to lay their hands on - and represented their country in the test arena. Many have then been dropped after two or three tests in the search for the magical elixir that might restore Australia to test dominance. Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Harris, Johnson, McKay, Starc, Cummins, Copeland, Pattinson, Doherty, Hauritz, Beer, Lyon, Bollinger, George - a mind boggling list. There have certainly been encouraging performances of late from James Pattinson, who was the man of the series in his debut series against New Zealand taking back to back five-fors, and from Pat Cummins, who snagged the man of the match on his debut in the marvellous win at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Cummins needs to be handled with care, given his youth, and is likely to be out of the India series with a stress fracture of the foot, but both he and Pattinson are encouraging prospects. However, it is surely somewhat fortuitous for them both that they delivered immediately; otherwise it seems likely that they would have been thrown onto the scrap heap, joining so many other recent seam bowling selections. Australia’s approach to spin bowling in the post-Warne era requires an article all of its own, but in short Nathan Lyon has also shown promise of late and must be persisted with for at least a dozen tests.
Australia’s Jekyll and Hyde approach to test selections and the quite natural lack of players of comparable ability to the recent retired generation of Warne, McGrath, Langer, Gilchrist, Lee et al has made their recent matches extremely exciting. No longer can Australia be considered immune against sides such as New Zealand as this week’s victory for the latter at Hobart demonstrates. It was the first victory for New Zealand in any test match against Australia since 1993 and the first victory on Australian soil since Jeremy Coney led them to a series victory in 1985-86. The beauty of an Australian downturn in test cricket is that it won’t danger the long term prospect of the longer game there. The Baggy Green is still the ultimate Australian cricketing symbol and, regardless of the insane scheduling of a domestic T20 competition in the heart of an Australian domestic season, the overall drive of Australian cricketing focus will be towards test match cricket. The same is true of England, currently enjoying a period of success in the test arena the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. England’s test grounds continued to sell out during their lengthy period in the doldrums. Although Hobart was by no means full for the New Zealand test, it is an Australian cricketing outpost comparable to Chester-Le-Street or Sophia Gardens in England, both of whom also fail to sell out for all but the matches against Australia. Australia being pulled into the pack as far as test cricket goes might spark more of an interest in test cricket in countries like New Zealand, where interest may be piqued by this week's victory. This is to the benefit of test cricket overall - the more countries who prioritise the longer game, or at least start to take it more seriously upon seeing the dominant side of the last twenty years falter, the better.
An unpredictability surrounding Australia’s test match cricket has arisen which is born out by a victory in a test match in the backyard of the number two ranked side in the world, South Africa, followed swiftly by a home defeat to the number eight ranked side, New Zealand. For all Australia’s sporting culture of dominance, and striving to be first in the world, even years and years of the fulfilment of this aim can grow stale for the viewing public. There were signs that the Australian public were tiring of their side’s dominance, largely unchallenged, in the 2007-08 home series against India. This neatly brings us to the next series for the Australians, a repeat of that 2007-08 series, beginning at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. A new generation of bowlers coming through and earning their spurs will bring the Australian public out in great numbers to see the first test of the series and, it is to be hoped (and expected), in many future test matches. A period of rebirth may be painful at first, but it is also an exciting prospect, and will give a new generation of test cricket followers in Australia a sense of ownership and a stake in the fortunes of this new, young side as they follow their travails and fortunes over the coming years. All that is needed now is for the relics of the top order to be given their cards and money and the metaphorical painting of a Spitfire in recognition of years of long service. Then, truly, the new era can begin. However, if in the meantime we are treated to more test matches of the entertainment (if not quite, quality) of the Johannesburg and Hobart tests of the last month, test cricket will surely be the winner.
Nick Rogerson
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
NBA: Battier Narrows List of Suitors
Free agent Shane Battier has narrowed his options to four teams - thought to be Miami, Toronto, Memphis and Indiana.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/12/04/battier-narrows-it-to-handful-of-teams/?ls=iref:nbahpt2
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/12/04/battier-narrows-it-to-handful-of-teams/?ls=iref:nbahpt2
NBA: New Schedule Released Today
The revised 2011/12 season will be released tonight, finally giving fans the chance to put dates in the diary. Cut to 66 games, the season begins on Christmas Day. Check back later for more details.
In the meantime, here are some tidbits that have leaked out thus far:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20111206,0,3081429.story
http://tracking.si.com/2011/12/02/nba-schedule-to-be-released-in-full-dec-6/
In the meantime, here are some tidbits that have leaked out thus far:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20111206,0,3081429.story
http://tracking.si.com/2011/12/02/nba-schedule-to-be-released-in-full-dec-6/
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Football: End of the Bruce Era at Stadium of Light
Steve Kean has been such a clear frontrunner in the "first Premier League manager to be sacked this season" discussion that even the Blackburn boss must have been surprised that Steve Bruce pipped him to the post. Sunderland brought an end to the Bruce era at the Stadium of Light this week, potentially opening the door for Martin O'Neill, Mark Hughes or Rafa Benitez to make a Premier League return.
Bruce paid the price for failing to take Sunderland to the next level. Despite considerable action in the transfer market, the Black Cats never distanced themselves from the mid-table pack, finishing tenth last season and 13th the previous year, and never produced the type of football that wins the hearts of fans. Realistically, the top four was always going to be a very distant dream but chairman Ellis Short had reason to believe that a Europa League place was within reason, given the transfer kitty he was making available.
And Bruce will no doubt believe that Sunderland were on their way to that goal before Darren Bent's acrimonious exit in January, when the team sat sixth in the table. Hope of European football went with him. Even this season, Bruce could point to bad luck with the injury problems that have derailed John O'Shea, his most important summer signing.
But two wins in 13 games tells its own story. Sunderland have been sloppy in the final third all year and the supporters frustrations at the weekend - though over the top - highlighted the discontent over the lack of quality and creativity in the performances.
Bruce paid the price for failing to take Sunderland to the next level. Despite considerable action in the transfer market, the Black Cats never distanced themselves from the mid-table pack, finishing tenth last season and 13th the previous year, and never produced the type of football that wins the hearts of fans. Realistically, the top four was always going to be a very distant dream but chairman Ellis Short had reason to believe that a Europa League place was within reason, given the transfer kitty he was making available.
And Bruce will no doubt believe that Sunderland were on their way to that goal before Darren Bent's acrimonious exit in January, when the team sat sixth in the table. Hope of European football went with him. Even this season, Bruce could point to bad luck with the injury problems that have derailed John O'Shea, his most important summer signing.
But two wins in 13 games tells its own story. Sunderland have been sloppy in the final third all year and the supporters frustrations at the weekend - though over the top - highlighted the discontent over the lack of quality and creativity in the performances.
There are various theories on where things went wrong for Bruce. For starters, he signed 30 players over two–and-a-half years at the helm – far too much turnover to build a united dressing room. As a result, Sunderland rarely looked like a “team” in the true sense of the word. When momentum turned against the Black Cats, where were the leaders to haul the side back on track like Bruce the player would have done?
And it is not just the volume of transfers. Bruce’s track record in the transfer market over the past two years is patchy at best. In a bid to lift Sunderland up the table, he gambled on big money signings who failed to make the grade. From Titus Bramble and Michael Turner to Craig Gardner and Asamoah Gyan, Bruce overspent on players that have proved incapable or unwilling to take on central roles, overshadowing shrewd swoops for the likes of O'Shea and Wes Brown.
It is also no secret that Bruce was the epitome of “old school” in his approach, generally preferring to focus on man management rather than the more modern tools available. As more and more data becomes available across all sports, coaching staffs are spending more and more time glued to computer software that tracks every statistic imaginable. But it seems as though Bruce was somewhat out of his comfort zone in this environment.
Tactically, Sunderland have often been outgunned, especially this season. Bruce stuck rigidly to his favoured formations and rarely made game-changing substitutions, as emphasised by the way that Newcastle and Wigan, in particular, outmanoeuvred Sunderland in victories this year. The recent loss to Roberto Martinez's Wigan, one of the few teams to be struggling as much as the Black Cats, was ultimately the final straw.
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/12/01/steve-bruce-pays-sunderland-price-for-transfer-market-prolificacy/53581/
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Football: Premier League 10 Years On
Recalling memories of the 2001/02 season, it is easy to be sucked into thinking that not much has changed in the Premier League over the past ten years. Back then, star-studded squads at Arsenal and Manchester United were in thick of the title race, as were a talented Liverpool team. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson were in the midst of a great rivalry and the league was attracting more and more of the biggest names from across the globe. Meanwhile, the likes of Everton, Sunderland, Bolton and Fulham were fighting to keep their heads above water in the relegation dogfight. While the Gunners are no longer the powerhouse of the Thierry Henry era, the rest of these recollections ring true in today’s Premier League.
But a closer examination of the league table from May 2002 provides a reminder that the top flight has undergone radical changes over the past ten years, with new challengers emerging and established giants collapsing.
Chelsea, for instance, finished sixth but 24 points behind champions Arsenal and even the most diehard fans at Stamford Bridge would not have classed the squad as future champions. Then came the Roman Abramovich era, lifting the Blues from a top six hopeful to a title contender. Given their success under Jose Mourinho between 2004 and 2006, it is hard to believe that just a few years earlier, Chelsea were battling just to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
What about the teams above Chelsea in fourth and fifth? Few would remember that they were Newcastle and Leeds, who have both endured rollercoaster decades. The late Sir Bobby Robson helped Newcastle surpass all expectations as Alan Shearer, Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy fired the Magpies to the top of table at Christmas, though they eventually had to settle for a Champions League spot. The mood on Tyneside was jubilant but Newcastle never built on their run in 2001/02, sacking Robson too soon and stuttering before dropping out of the top flight in 2009. Against all odds, Alan Pardew has steered the 2011 squad to an outstanding start.
But a closer examination of the league table from May 2002 provides a reminder that the top flight has undergone radical changes over the past ten years, with new challengers emerging and established giants collapsing.
Chelsea, for instance, finished sixth but 24 points behind champions Arsenal and even the most diehard fans at Stamford Bridge would not have classed the squad as future champions. Then came the Roman Abramovich era, lifting the Blues from a top six hopeful to a title contender. Given their success under Jose Mourinho between 2004 and 2006, it is hard to believe that just a few years earlier, Chelsea were battling just to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
What about the teams above Chelsea in fourth and fifth? Few would remember that they were Newcastle and Leeds, who have both endured rollercoaster decades. The late Sir Bobby Robson helped Newcastle surpass all expectations as Alan Shearer, Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy fired the Magpies to the top of table at Christmas, though they eventually had to settle for a Champions League spot. The mood on Tyneside was jubilant but Newcastle never built on their run in 2001/02, sacking Robson too soon and stuttering before dropping out of the top flight in 2009. Against all odds, Alan Pardew has steered the 2011 squad to an outstanding start.
Leeds, meanwhile, had a more sudden reversal of fortunes. David O’Leary’s side was buoyant in 2002 with years of success seemingly ahead. Boasting stars like Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka, Leeds even topped the table for the first half of the campaign. But when the big spending caught up with the club, the slump towards League One began. Relegation in 2004 devastated a club that was in the Champions League semi-final only three years earlier. Leeds, contending again this year in the Championship, are clawing their way back but there is still a long way to go.
In total, the 2001/02 season featured eight teams that have since dropped from the Premier League – a staggering statistic that reflects the turbulent nature of life at English football’s top table. Among the other teams to suffer after 2002 are Southampton, who are hoping to return to the top flight this season, Ipswich, Leicester, Derby and West Ham, who finished a respectable seventh that year.
To further illustrate the point, back in 2002, the landscape looked rather different for some of the current Premier League sides. Wigan, for instance, managed a mid-table spot in the old Division Two, with Stoke and QPR fifth and eighth respectively. Plus, spare a thought for Swansea, who finished 20th in the fourth tier of English football and could not have been much further from playing host to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
And then there was Manchester City, who topped the old Division One in 2002 and earned a return to the big time after a spell in the football wilderness. Now, ten years later, equipped with some of the game’s biggest talents, they are the favourites to win the Premier League. What better illustration of the huge shifts that have occurred over the past decade? And what better evidence for the beauty of the promotion/relegation system?
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/28/premier-league-familiar-faces-but-decade-of-change/53374/
Monday, 28 November 2011
NBA: Shaq On The NBA Season Ahead
Shaquille O'Neal might have ended his NBA playing career but his move into a commentary role ensures he will still be a huge part of the game.
In this clip, Shaq looks ahead to the shortened 2011/12 season
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2011/11/26/gt_shaq_intv.nba/
In this clip, Shaq looks ahead to the shortened 2011/12 season
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2011/11/26/gt_shaq_intv.nba/
Football: Slow Progress for MLS Despite Beckham Factor
Presented with the chance to give his MLS adventure a Hollywood ending, David Beckham did not falter. Nor should we be surprised given that Beckham's CV includes assists for Manchester United's two dramatic goals against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, a last gasp free-kick that sent England through to the 2002 World Cup and a league title in his final season at Real Madrid just as he was being written off.
Beckham was involved in the attack that led to Landon Donovan's MLS Cup-winning goal on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo and put in a typically composed display in the centre of the LA Galaxy midfield. A proud man, it was a night that really mattered for Beckham, as evidenced by his euphoric celebration with Donovan at the final whistle.
But with his five-year contract set to end next month, what next? And where does the MLS stand after half a decade with Beckham on board?
The first question is rather more clear cut than the second. Beckham has refused to show his hand thus far but it would come as a big surprise if he was in a Galaxy shirt in 2012, especially given the interest shown by the likes of PSG and several English clubs. A swansong on a bigger stage seems a more appropriate direction. However, until he confirms his intentions, it is possible that factors like not wanting to uproot his family could sway him.
But the progress made by the MLS is more debatable. First, it should be said that for all the Brand Beckham hype that surrounded his arrival, it was never realistic to think that one player - however famous - could lift the sport to the next level. The market in the US is enormous, meaning that fans are not short of options when it comes to watching sport on a Saturday afternoon.
The NFL remains the biggest business, with the NHL (ice hockey) and MLB (baseball) part of the chasing pack. The uphill battle faced by the MLS has been put into perspective over the past few weeks by the underwhelming reaction of NBA (basketball) fans to the fact that the first six weeks of their season have been cancelled. At the end of the day, there are plenty of other sports - at professional and college level - for fans to turn to.
This is the level of competition that the MLS is fighting against - and the battle is tough for the big market and small market teams alike. Take Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls - yes, the potential is huge for securing a solid fanbase and the funding is there to recruit stars like Henry and Rafa Marquez, but the city also boasts two NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NHL teams and, soon, two NBA teams. Meanwhile, smaller market teams like the Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City face their own challenges. For obvious reasons, the smaller teams are unable to pull off the “designated player” coups to match the big boys.
Since Beckham arrived in LA in the summer of 2007, the average MLS attendance has risen, jumping from close to 15,500 to almost 18,000. Though the MLS has not made major inroads on the greater popularity enjoyed for other US sports, the Beckham factor has certainly proved a talking point and, while the tendency has been to portray the midfielder’s time in LA as either a roaring success or a dismal failure, the truth falls somewhere in between.
His manager Bruce Arena and his team-mates have not been shy about praising Beckham’s contribution, particularly during this season’s playoff run, and further evidence of his value to the Galaxy can be found in the $55M, 10-year TV deal that the club just signed. Make no mistake, that deal does not happen without Beckham. And Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Galaxy’s owners, did not try to conceal that fact.
Beckham was involved in the attack that led to Landon Donovan's MLS Cup-winning goal on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo and put in a typically composed display in the centre of the LA Galaxy midfield. A proud man, it was a night that really mattered for Beckham, as evidenced by his euphoric celebration with Donovan at the final whistle.
But with his five-year contract set to end next month, what next? And where does the MLS stand after half a decade with Beckham on board?
The first question is rather more clear cut than the second. Beckham has refused to show his hand thus far but it would come as a big surprise if he was in a Galaxy shirt in 2012, especially given the interest shown by the likes of PSG and several English clubs. A swansong on a bigger stage seems a more appropriate direction. However, until he confirms his intentions, it is possible that factors like not wanting to uproot his family could sway him.
But the progress made by the MLS is more debatable. First, it should be said that for all the Brand Beckham hype that surrounded his arrival, it was never realistic to think that one player - however famous - could lift the sport to the next level. The market in the US is enormous, meaning that fans are not short of options when it comes to watching sport on a Saturday afternoon.
The NFL remains the biggest business, with the NHL (ice hockey) and MLB (baseball) part of the chasing pack. The uphill battle faced by the MLS has been put into perspective over the past few weeks by the underwhelming reaction of NBA (basketball) fans to the fact that the first six weeks of their season have been cancelled. At the end of the day, there are plenty of other sports - at professional and college level - for fans to turn to.
This is the level of competition that the MLS is fighting against - and the battle is tough for the big market and small market teams alike. Take Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls - yes, the potential is huge for securing a solid fanbase and the funding is there to recruit stars like Henry and Rafa Marquez, but the city also boasts two NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NHL teams and, soon, two NBA teams. Meanwhile, smaller market teams like the Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City face their own challenges. For obvious reasons, the smaller teams are unable to pull off the “designated player” coups to match the big boys.
Since Beckham arrived in LA in the summer of 2007, the average MLS attendance has risen, jumping from close to 15,500 to almost 18,000. Though the MLS has not made major inroads on the greater popularity enjoyed for other US sports, the Beckham factor has certainly proved a talking point and, while the tendency has been to portray the midfielder’s time in LA as either a roaring success or a dismal failure, the truth falls somewhere in between.
His manager Bruce Arena and his team-mates have not been shy about praising Beckham’s contribution, particularly during this season’s playoff run, and further evidence of his value to the Galaxy can be found in the $55M, 10-year TV deal that the club just signed. Make no mistake, that deal does not happen without Beckham. And Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Galaxy’s owners, did not try to conceal that fact.
“We don't talk about this deal without David Beckham,” he admitted. “We wouldn't have gotten the Herbalife deal [in 2007, worth as much as $25 million over five year] without David Beckham. We certainly are not touring Indonesia, Asia and Australia without David Beckham, and we're not getting the kind of guarantees we're getting [for the trip] without David Beckham. I don't even think we get Robbie Keane without David Beckham.”
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/24/slow-progress-for-mls-despite-david-beckham-factor/53190/
Saturday, 26 November 2011
NBA: Basketball is Back!
A tentative agreement has finally been reached between the NBA players and owners, with the season expected to start on Christmas Day. The deal still requires a vote from both sides but sources are adamant there will be no problems on that front.
Training camps and free agency are pencilled in to start on December 9, setting up a frenzied fortnight for all teams.
For more details, check out http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7281052/nba-owners-players-get-tentative-agreement
Training camps and free agency are pencilled in to start on December 9, setting up a frenzied fortnight for all teams.
For more details, check out http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7281052/nba-owners-players-get-tentative-agreement
Friday, 25 November 2011
Football: Parker gives Spurs steel on the road
Scott Parker has been the pick of many observers for signing of the season so far in terms of value for money and performances on the pitch. His remarkable mid-late career renaissance has seen him elevated from outsider-looking-in for Fabio Capello's England 18 months ago to one of the first names on the teamsheet as they plan for the Euros next Summer in Poland and Ukraine.
Harry Redknapp, Parker's new club manager at Tottenham, has wondered out loud - as is his wont - how his club managed to sign Parker without facing any serious counter bids from rival sides. The value of Parker as a player can be seen in Spurs' away league results since he signed before Spurs faced Wolves away at the end of August. The report card reads: played five, won four, drawn one. It is true that these five fixtures were against none of the traditional powerhouses of the league, but nonetheless they include wins on the road at Blackburn, Wolves, Wigan and Fulham. Spurs have long been seen as a soft touch at away grounds in the midlands and the north-west, precisely because they have missed a player like Parker. That is to say, someone not afraid of rolling up his sleeves, chasing opposition players and making tackles. Ledley King has remarked that the amount of running he has had to do since Parker signed has been slashed dramatically because of the remarkable shield Parker provides in front of his back four. Yet, it is not only centre-halves who can be grateful to Parker. Luka Modric, nominally Parker's partner in central midfield, has been allowed to roam forward and carry the ball, playing to his own strengths because he has already learnt that Parker can be relied upon totally. Parker himself, though not a major offensive contributor yet for Spurs, is by no means all at sea when in possession of the ball and is well capable of carrying possession and picking smart, short range passes.
As Spurs prepare for a visit to The Hawthorns tomorrow, where they will face West Bromwich Albion, they can be grateful that in putting out a midfield containing the indefatigable Scott Parker, they can look forward to an afternoon's football on the road with much greater optimism than has been typical in recent seasons.
Nick Rogerson
Harry Redknapp, Parker's new club manager at Tottenham, has wondered out loud - as is his wont - how his club managed to sign Parker without facing any serious counter bids from rival sides. The value of Parker as a player can be seen in Spurs' away league results since he signed before Spurs faced Wolves away at the end of August. The report card reads: played five, won four, drawn one. It is true that these five fixtures were against none of the traditional powerhouses of the league, but nonetheless they include wins on the road at Blackburn, Wolves, Wigan and Fulham. Spurs have long been seen as a soft touch at away grounds in the midlands and the north-west, precisely because they have missed a player like Parker. That is to say, someone not afraid of rolling up his sleeves, chasing opposition players and making tackles. Ledley King has remarked that the amount of running he has had to do since Parker signed has been slashed dramatically because of the remarkable shield Parker provides in front of his back four. Yet, it is not only centre-halves who can be grateful to Parker. Luka Modric, nominally Parker's partner in central midfield, has been allowed to roam forward and carry the ball, playing to his own strengths because he has already learnt that Parker can be relied upon totally. Parker himself, though not a major offensive contributor yet for Spurs, is by no means all at sea when in possession of the ball and is well capable of carrying possession and picking smart, short range passes.
As Spurs prepare for a visit to The Hawthorns tomorrow, where they will face West Bromwich Albion, they can be grateful that in putting out a midfield containing the indefatigable Scott Parker, they can look forward to an afternoon's football on the road with much greater optimism than has been typical in recent seasons.
Nick Rogerson
Saturday, 19 November 2011
NBA: Grantland's Take
With no end in sight for the tedious NBA lockout, Grantland breaks down where things went wrong.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7250994/business-vs-personal
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7250994/business-vs-personal
NFL: Week 11 Lines
Time is running out for some teams looking to make the playoffs. Week 11 will go a long way to separating the contenders from the also-rans. Here are the lines - and TSV's picks.
(Last week 9-6)
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Atlanta Falcons...Pick: Falcons
Buffalo Bills (+3) @ Miami Dolphins...Pick: Bills
Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens...Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) @ Cleveland Browns...Pick: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders (+1) @ Minnesota Vikings...Pick: Vikings
Carolina Panthers (+7) @ Detroit Lions...Pick: Lions
Tampa Bay Buccs (+14) @ Green Bay Packers...Pick: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (-7) @ Washington Redskins...Pick: Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals (+10) @ San Francisco 49ers...Pick: Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks (+3) @ St Louis Rams...Pick: Rams
San Diego Chargers (+3.5) @ Chicago Bears...Pick: Bears
Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5) @ New York Giants...Pick: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs (+15) @ New England Patriots...Pick: Patriots
(Last week 9-6)
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Atlanta Falcons...Pick: Falcons
Buffalo Bills (+3) @ Miami Dolphins...Pick: Bills
Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens...Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) @ Cleveland Browns...Pick: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders (+1) @ Minnesota Vikings...Pick: Vikings
Carolina Panthers (+7) @ Detroit Lions...Pick: Lions
Tampa Bay Buccs (+14) @ Green Bay Packers...Pick: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (-7) @ Washington Redskins...Pick: Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals (+10) @ San Francisco 49ers...Pick: Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks (+3) @ St Louis Rams...Pick: Rams
San Diego Chargers (+3.5) @ Chicago Bears...Pick: Bears
Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5) @ New York Giants...Pick: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs (+15) @ New England Patriots...Pick: Patriots
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Football: ESPN.com's Take on England
England's spirited 1-0 win over Spain last weekend raised the debate once more over anti-football and whether players or tactics are the key to victory.
Here's ESPN.com's take:
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7246328/euro-2012-england-new-greece-michael-cox
Here's ESPN.com's take:
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7246328/euro-2012-england-new-greece-michael-cox
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