We signed Emile Heskey.
What. The. Fuck?
This guy's scored about two goals in his last 500 games, he's 31 years old, and he's just a really bad player. I can't believe it. I knew Martin O'Neill was desperate for a striker, but not THAT desperate...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Season 08/09 - The Year Sydney Sucked
Thus ends a totally forgettable season for Sydney FC. I know that when it comes to fans, I’m the “borderline fickle” type who demands 110% and gets very unhappy when expectations are not met, but even so, this season would have tested the sturdiest FC fan.
Excuses from the coach and players are usually forthcoming on a day like this, and they’re typically disguised behind comments such as “I’m not offering excuses, but…”
However, I think this season we actually have excuses, and in the spirit of not smashing Kossie too much (cos seriously, who else is out there? Graham Arghhhnold?!), I offer you thus:
· Transfers – The A-League doesn’t have a transfer policy, or rather, it states that teams aren’t allowed to pay transfer fees (which means that it DOES have a transfer policy doesn’t it…?) therefore the only way to sign players is to pick them up on free transfer. A kicker to this the famous Bosman ruling, which some mediocre Belgium player (Mr Bosman, in case you were wondering) put in place in the late 90’s when he won a court injunction, forcing his team to release him from his contract so he can hop to another no-name team. The ramification this has dealt to the footballing world has been monumental. Players who are now in the final six months of their contracts are allowed to pre-sign with another team for the next season. This means that they can either hold their current club for ransom for a massive re-signing fee, or in the case of about half the Sydney squad, sign for another team and play out the current season half hearted. I know all the guys who have done so will say that they are professionals and will honour their contracts, but the image we fans have of them are already tainted.
· Injuries – The old faithful. The best and last resort of any coach in the Excuses Manual. But it’s fairly applicable this season, with a majority of the side falling victim. The fact that five youngsters can force their way into the first team squad IN ONE SEASON (!!) pretty much tells you how many gaps needed plugging. Losing Poppa mid-season was a massive blow.
· John Aloisi – We’re paying him $700,000 per goal so far. But $2.50 for each missed sitter…
· Revolving door – Heaps of new signings at the beginning of the season brought about much anticipation. But one thing or another – Olympics, injuries, suspensions – threw everyone’s rhythm out and the team never really looked like they gelled at all this year.
So what now for next season? Who knows, Sydney is as predictable as a 99 ball lottery, so it seriously could end up anywhere.
Excuses from the coach and players are usually forthcoming on a day like this, and they’re typically disguised behind comments such as “I’m not offering excuses, but…”
However, I think this season we actually have excuses, and in the spirit of not smashing Kossie too much (cos seriously, who else is out there? Graham Arghhhnold?!), I offer you thus:
· Transfers – The A-League doesn’t have a transfer policy, or rather, it states that teams aren’t allowed to pay transfer fees (which means that it DOES have a transfer policy doesn’t it…?) therefore the only way to sign players is to pick them up on free transfer. A kicker to this the famous Bosman ruling, which some mediocre Belgium player (Mr Bosman, in case you were wondering) put in place in the late 90’s when he won a court injunction, forcing his team to release him from his contract so he can hop to another no-name team. The ramification this has dealt to the footballing world has been monumental. Players who are now in the final six months of their contracts are allowed to pre-sign with another team for the next season. This means that they can either hold their current club for ransom for a massive re-signing fee, or in the case of about half the Sydney squad, sign for another team and play out the current season half hearted. I know all the guys who have done so will say that they are professionals and will honour their contracts, but the image we fans have of them are already tainted.
· Injuries – The old faithful. The best and last resort of any coach in the Excuses Manual. But it’s fairly applicable this season, with a majority of the side falling victim. The fact that five youngsters can force their way into the first team squad IN ONE SEASON (!!) pretty much tells you how many gaps needed plugging. Losing Poppa mid-season was a massive blow.
· John Aloisi – We’re paying him $700,000 per goal so far. But $2.50 for each missed sitter…
· Revolving door – Heaps of new signings at the beginning of the season brought about much anticipation. But one thing or another – Olympics, injuries, suspensions – threw everyone’s rhythm out and the team never really looked like they gelled at all this year.
So what now for next season? Who knows, Sydney is as predictable as a 99 ball lottery, so it seriously could end up anywhere.
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Win's a Win
The Soccceroos’ lethargic performance in their win over Bahrain on Thursday morning has drawn much criticism from football pundits across the nation. Here is a good example of respected journalists smashing the green and gold with valid and legitimate reasons. Of course, all this is done with a furrow of genuine concern and it’s not meant to be a stab at football. I hope.
However, while I am also not terribly happy with the lacklustre showing, I am happy for one thing.
We won.
No matter how we do it, getting three points away from home was the main objective and we achieved it. And by doing so in an ugly fashion, I think we’ve actually taken a positive step. I know it sounds crazy, but winning ugly is a hidden talent of good football teams.
Everyone would love for the Socceroos to play the free-flowing champagne football that Arsenal does, but the truth is that it doesn’t always happen. Teams, no matter how good they are, have off days. And the most important thing is that we achieved a result when it was our off day.
It’s easy to win games when everything clicks, when all the flicks and tricks come off, when all the 50-50 decisions go our way. However, it’s not easy to win when we don’t bring our A game. But good teams find a way of winning. Good teams can grind out results, no matter how ugly the play, and the fact that we managed to do it makes me quite happy.
This win, along with our performance in Uzbekistan when we repelled wave after wave of attack in the second half, shows that we’ve got character and maturity.
Heads up Australia, it’s the kick up the bum we needed.
However, while I am also not terribly happy with the lacklustre showing, I am happy for one thing.
We won.
No matter how we do it, getting three points away from home was the main objective and we achieved it. And by doing so in an ugly fashion, I think we’ve actually taken a positive step. I know it sounds crazy, but winning ugly is a hidden talent of good football teams.
Everyone would love for the Socceroos to play the free-flowing champagne football that Arsenal does, but the truth is that it doesn’t always happen. Teams, no matter how good they are, have off days. And the most important thing is that we achieved a result when it was our off day.
It’s easy to win games when everything clicks, when all the flicks and tricks come off, when all the 50-50 decisions go our way. However, it’s not easy to win when we don’t bring our A game. But good teams find a way of winning. Good teams can grind out results, no matter how ugly the play, and the fact that we managed to do it makes me quite happy.
This win, along with our performance in Uzbekistan when we repelled wave after wave of attack in the second half, shows that we’ve got character and maturity.
Heads up Australia, it’s the kick up the bum we needed.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Football Simulation
On Fox Sports FC last night Andy Harper said something which I (for once) found interesting. He was referring to the topic of diving and his quote was that “football is a form of entertainment, and like in other forms of entertainment, you need your devilish characters.” I have to admit that I actually agree.
The act of diving – or simulation – has been depicted as the very thing that is wrong with football. It’s unsportsmanlike, it’s cheap, it’s an attempt to make a mockery out of the governing bodies of the game, and ultimately, it’s cheating. Paul Trimboli hit the nail on the head last night when he said that followers of other football codes look down on (our) football and its divers because it’s not a “manly” way to cheat. It’s cheating, but not only is it cheating, it’s cheating in a pansy way.
But Harps might be onto something here because, like he said, every form of entertainment will have its bad guys. Whether it be Hopoate’s finger up the bum, the Storms’ invention of the grapple tackle, Long John Daly’s “healthy” image as a professional athlete, Harbhajan high-fiving Sreesanth in the face, or Dennis Rodman (everything about him), their will be idiots in every sport and every field who will try to bend rules and push boundaries.
So instead of player education, I think we should concentrate on furthering referee’s standards. I know it sounds harsh, since the whole point of simulation is to fool the referee, but at the end of the day there are three refs, and usually only one diver at a time. Plus, it is ultimately the referee’s job to carry out the rules of the game, and identifying (and penalising) divers is therefore a part of the job.
I think the stress on player education will fall on deaf ears, simply for the fact that the guys who dive already know they aren’t meant to but still do it anyway. You can’t wipe out that element out of the game. They’ve been taught from the onset that diving is wrong, and they know full well the penalties involved if they get caught. So I say if they still persist on doing it, then let them. Just smash them with increased penalty, say a four week suspension for first offenders, a ten game suspension for repeat offenders, and the electric chair for those who cop a third strike. Let them know that they are running a risk if they dive.
And more importantly, shame them. If they are caught, let the world know that they dived, that they are cheats. Put it in such a negative way that murderers seem like angels compared to divers. That sort of stigma is something no sportsperson will ever want to stick with throughout their careers.
After all, sports fans have very long memories. Just ask Murali.
The act of diving – or simulation – has been depicted as the very thing that is wrong with football. It’s unsportsmanlike, it’s cheap, it’s an attempt to make a mockery out of the governing bodies of the game, and ultimately, it’s cheating. Paul Trimboli hit the nail on the head last night when he said that followers of other football codes look down on (our) football and its divers because it’s not a “manly” way to cheat. It’s cheating, but not only is it cheating, it’s cheating in a pansy way.
But Harps might be onto something here because, like he said, every form of entertainment will have its bad guys. Whether it be Hopoate’s finger up the bum, the Storms’ invention of the grapple tackle, Long John Daly’s “healthy” image as a professional athlete, Harbhajan high-fiving Sreesanth in the face, or Dennis Rodman (everything about him), their will be idiots in every sport and every field who will try to bend rules and push boundaries.
So instead of player education, I think we should concentrate on furthering referee’s standards. I know it sounds harsh, since the whole point of simulation is to fool the referee, but at the end of the day there are three refs, and usually only one diver at a time. Plus, it is ultimately the referee’s job to carry out the rules of the game, and identifying (and penalising) divers is therefore a part of the job.
I think the stress on player education will fall on deaf ears, simply for the fact that the guys who dive already know they aren’t meant to but still do it anyway. You can’t wipe out that element out of the game. They’ve been taught from the onset that diving is wrong, and they know full well the penalties involved if they get caught. So I say if they still persist on doing it, then let them. Just smash them with increased penalty, say a four week suspension for first offenders, a ten game suspension for repeat offenders, and the electric chair for those who cop a third strike. Let them know that they are running a risk if they dive.
And more importantly, shame them. If they are caught, let the world know that they dived, that they are cheats. Put it in such a negative way that murderers seem like angels compared to divers. That sort of stigma is something no sportsperson will ever want to stick with throughout their careers.
After all, sports fans have very long memories. Just ask Murali.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sydney FC, Please Wake Up
Total amazement is the only expression I can think of after the Mariners chased down our three goal lead last night. Actually, it was the only expression I can think of without swearing and showing my true feelings.
Dead set, the boys and Kossie need to look at themselves long and hard before they hop into the surf for their wind-down this morning, because it is borderline unprofessional to lose a three goal lead with only 25 to go. Yes it’s happened before, and it’ll definitely happen again, but it’s such a poor advertisement for the league that a team can come back from being totally dead and buried. It’s not the Saturday morning local league, it’s the biggest football competition in the country, but some of the defending last night was amateur at best. It might have been great fun for the neutrals, but as an FC fan I’m simply quite disgusted.
While the goals we scored were world class, it doesn’t mask the fact that without the brilliant Ivan Necevski in goal the result could have been much worse. Pim Verbeek’s earliest assessment of the A-League was that teams were looking good coming forward, but the defending was woeful at times. He reiterated time and time again that the defending in the A-League would not suffice on the international stage, as there were too many mistakes, too many lapses in concentration which would be punished by international classed strikers. Last night’s performance is exactly what he’s talking about.
Much has been made of the Coast’s “fighting spirit” and “never say die attitude” (insert other cheesy cliché), but we should have had enough class to sit back and defy what they threw at us (and to be honest the most they threw at us were just long balls and chips over our flat footed back four).
Once we were that far up, it should have been a simple case of keep ball. Short crisp passes, force the opposition to make something out of it, change their formation, and then hit them on the counter. But no, we still pushed forward unnecessarily, and gave up possession far too easily trying to play miracle passes, and ended up giving the Coast plenty of opportunities to play themselves back into the match.
Inexperienced, naïve and stupid are all ways to describe the performance last night. Whatever it is, we need to work it out because I’m sick of the inconsistency in our game. We’re meant to be title contenders, but we’re definitely not going to win anything defending like the way we did last night.
Dead set, the boys and Kossie need to look at themselves long and hard before they hop into the surf for their wind-down this morning, because it is borderline unprofessional to lose a three goal lead with only 25 to go. Yes it’s happened before, and it’ll definitely happen again, but it’s such a poor advertisement for the league that a team can come back from being totally dead and buried. It’s not the Saturday morning local league, it’s the biggest football competition in the country, but some of the defending last night was amateur at best. It might have been great fun for the neutrals, but as an FC fan I’m simply quite disgusted.
While the goals we scored were world class, it doesn’t mask the fact that without the brilliant Ivan Necevski in goal the result could have been much worse. Pim Verbeek’s earliest assessment of the A-League was that teams were looking good coming forward, but the defending was woeful at times. He reiterated time and time again that the defending in the A-League would not suffice on the international stage, as there were too many mistakes, too many lapses in concentration which would be punished by international classed strikers. Last night’s performance is exactly what he’s talking about.
Much has been made of the Coast’s “fighting spirit” and “never say die attitude” (insert other cheesy cliché), but we should have had enough class to sit back and defy what they threw at us (and to be honest the most they threw at us were just long balls and chips over our flat footed back four).
Once we were that far up, it should have been a simple case of keep ball. Short crisp passes, force the opposition to make something out of it, change their formation, and then hit them on the counter. But no, we still pushed forward unnecessarily, and gave up possession far too easily trying to play miracle passes, and ended up giving the Coast plenty of opportunities to play themselves back into the match.
Inexperienced, naïve and stupid are all ways to describe the performance last night. Whatever it is, we need to work it out because I’m sick of the inconsistency in our game. We’re meant to be title contenders, but we’re definitely not going to win anything defending like the way we did last night.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Red Hot Adelaide
Congratulations Adelaide. A 3-0 home win last night against Bunyodkur of Uzbekistan all but secured their passage into the final of the Asian Champions League.
Although blessed with Brazilian greats Zico as the coach and Rivaldo on the pitch, it’s tough to see Bunyodkur chasing the deficit. Admittedly, stranger things have happened in football, but a betting man’s money would surely be on the Reds.
Even though it’s not Sydney, it’s still great to see an Australian team flying high, and Adelaide have produced a master class effort in their prolonged run in the biggest club championship in Asia.
Adelaide has always been a fun team to watch, especially back in the Kozzie days when the attacking quintet of Nathan Burns, Bruce Djite, Jason Dodd, Jason Spanuola and Ross Aloisi would tear into the opposition’s defense.
Even though much of the personnel have changed, Aurelio Vidmar has still managed to keep the attacking trait and it was refreshing to see that he did not forego this attacking mentality in light of the magnitude of last night’s game.
Hats off to Vidmar, who had to step into the big shoes left by Kozzie, and though he was recently criticized for favouring the ACL over the A-League in his team selections, everything will be redeemed if they can go one step further and be crowned the kings of Asia.
Go Adelaide, win it all. From a Sydney FC fan, I salute you.
Although blessed with Brazilian greats Zico as the coach and Rivaldo on the pitch, it’s tough to see Bunyodkur chasing the deficit. Admittedly, stranger things have happened in football, but a betting man’s money would surely be on the Reds.
Even though it’s not Sydney, it’s still great to see an Australian team flying high, and Adelaide have produced a master class effort in their prolonged run in the biggest club championship in Asia.
Adelaide has always been a fun team to watch, especially back in the Kozzie days when the attacking quintet of Nathan Burns, Bruce Djite, Jason Dodd, Jason Spanuola and Ross Aloisi would tear into the opposition’s defense.
Even though much of the personnel have changed, Aurelio Vidmar has still managed to keep the attacking trait and it was refreshing to see that he did not forego this attacking mentality in light of the magnitude of last night’s game.
Hats off to Vidmar, who had to step into the big shoes left by Kozzie, and though he was recently criticized for favouring the ACL over the A-League in his team selections, everything will be redeemed if they can go one step further and be crowned the kings of Asia.
Go Adelaide, win it all. From a Sydney FC fan, I salute you.
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Season So Far...
Anyone bother to check the Premier League table after last night’s round of matches? Seven rounds have been completed, and Chelsea deservingly sits at the peak, sharing the spot with an unpredictable Liverpool side. While Chelsea has displayed the fantastic football we expect, Liverpool’s position upon the lofty perch is a bit questionable considering several weeks ago they backed up their win over Man United with a draw at home against the might of Stoke City.
Next on the ladder? Man United? Arsenal? Nope. Sitting in third place with a healthy 14 points from a possible 21 is Hull City. Admittedly, I didn’t expect them to get 14 points for the whole season, so hats off to Phil Brown and his men, who have shown a lot of energy in the several games I’ve seen of them.
Arsenal and Villa, probably an accurate indication of their final season standing, round out the top five. Man United are still there or thereabouts, a little off the pace but with a game in hand. Watch for them to hang around the top, then fire on all cylinders come the New Year and make a belated charge up the ladder like they do every year.
Man City and all their riches have only bought nine points so far, and they could do worse than spend some of their cash on a decent defensive midfielder, as Hughsey’s method of four backs, one central defender playing out of position (Vincent Kompany as a def mid?!), and five strikers isn’t really working out for them.
And how about the bottom of the ladder? Newcastle third from bottom and Tottenham in last spot! The Magpies have had their fair share of internal troubles this year, with King Kev walking out (or getting fired, depending on who you listen to) after just four games, compounded by the appointment of the much hated and totally inept Dennis Wise into the head office. A fans’ revolt is on the cards, and the rumoured buyout by a South African consortium can not happen fast enough.
But how about Tottenham?! The rest of the league were cheering in admiration at the Spur’s spending during the summer, believing that finally someone was going to step up and challenge the top four. Now they are watching Tottenham with a sly smirk and wondering how low they can possibly go. Having brought in over 60 million pounds of new talent, there was an electric buzz around White Hart Lane in pre-season. However, Robbie Keane’s and Dimitar Berbatov’s surprising decisions to abandon ship knocked the stuffing out of the Londoners. Their only game of note was the hard fought 1-1 draw in the derby with Chelsea, and have had to endure demeanours such as home losses to Villa, Sunderland and most recently Hull.
Seven games into the season and this is actually looking like it’s going to be a pretty fun year. My Villa are flying high, and there’s an air of unpredictably about the League. There is much promise to the rest of the season, with everyone keeping an eye on Man City’s revolving door come the January transfer window, as well as wondering when Tottenham are going to wake up to themselves.
I can’t wait for next week.
Next on the ladder? Man United? Arsenal? Nope. Sitting in third place with a healthy 14 points from a possible 21 is Hull City. Admittedly, I didn’t expect them to get 14 points for the whole season, so hats off to Phil Brown and his men, who have shown a lot of energy in the several games I’ve seen of them.
Arsenal and Villa, probably an accurate indication of their final season standing, round out the top five. Man United are still there or thereabouts, a little off the pace but with a game in hand. Watch for them to hang around the top, then fire on all cylinders come the New Year and make a belated charge up the ladder like they do every year.
Man City and all their riches have only bought nine points so far, and they could do worse than spend some of their cash on a decent defensive midfielder, as Hughsey’s method of four backs, one central defender playing out of position (Vincent Kompany as a def mid?!), and five strikers isn’t really working out for them.
And how about the bottom of the ladder? Newcastle third from bottom and Tottenham in last spot! The Magpies have had their fair share of internal troubles this year, with King Kev walking out (or getting fired, depending on who you listen to) after just four games, compounded by the appointment of the much hated and totally inept Dennis Wise into the head office. A fans’ revolt is on the cards, and the rumoured buyout by a South African consortium can not happen fast enough.
But how about Tottenham?! The rest of the league were cheering in admiration at the Spur’s spending during the summer, believing that finally someone was going to step up and challenge the top four. Now they are watching Tottenham with a sly smirk and wondering how low they can possibly go. Having brought in over 60 million pounds of new talent, there was an electric buzz around White Hart Lane in pre-season. However, Robbie Keane’s and Dimitar Berbatov’s surprising decisions to abandon ship knocked the stuffing out of the Londoners. Their only game of note was the hard fought 1-1 draw in the derby with Chelsea, and have had to endure demeanours such as home losses to Villa, Sunderland and most recently Hull.
Seven games into the season and this is actually looking like it’s going to be a pretty fun year. My Villa are flying high, and there’s an air of unpredictably about the League. There is much promise to the rest of the season, with everyone keeping an eye on Man City’s revolving door come the January transfer window, as well as wondering when Tottenham are going to wake up to themselves.
I can’t wait for next week.
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