In Sydney it’s FC till I die, but over in England my team is undoubtedly the claret and blue of Villa. Villa? Why Villa? Before you jump on your high horse and have a go at me for not supporting one of the Big Four, for pretending to be indie, let me explain.
I started watching football when I was a little kid. During the ’90 World Cup in Italy, the first World Cup I watched, the amazing charge by the Brits into the semi finals was the highlight for me. Leading the way for them was a young striker by the name of David Platt. He banged in goals, I liked the way he played, and he was playing for Villa at the time, so I started following Villa. Simple.
Being a Villa fan doesn’t amount to much in life. You’re always stuck in a rut of mediocrity. I’ve endured season after season of “maybes” and “nearly theres,” although joy had been sporadically tasted with our League Cup win in ’96 and the several lofty months in '97/98 when we sat upon the top of the League ladder – at Christmas!
But after two decades of mid table finishes and relegation dogfights, I was glad to hear that there would be a takeover in 2006. The old regime had become stale, there needed to be an injection of new energy and excitement. The takeover group – led by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner – promised cash for transfers and gave total freedom to the manager.
Last season we finished sixth, despite having a paper thin squad. This offseason, the owner pumped money into our war chest and the manager spent over 40 million pounds on new players. Here we come Big Four, look over your shoulders, the Villans are coming to knock you off your collars up wankers club.
However, just when I thought we were on the cusp of breaking into the elite Big Four, Man City happens. Their endless supply of funds suddenly makes us look like a weekend amateur club. While we consider Jamie Milner our prized purchase this summer (not exactly cheap at 12 million pounds), City throws a lazy 32 million pounds at Real for Robinho. While we're looking for a striker, and getting giddy at the whispers of Madrid reject Javier Saviola arriving on loan, they’re coming out and proudly declaring that come January Ronaldo and Fernando Torres will join Robinho in their front line, regardless of cost.
Villa simply can’t compete with that. And the sad thing is that City is just a spur of the moment plaything for the Abu Dahbi group. From their proposed transfer targets, it clear that they do not have a football brain. They have no concept of how to win football matches, they just want to sell replica shirts and get TV rights. Someone needs to tell them that you don’t win jack with eleven strikers, regardless of how high profile they might be, on the field.
Money can’t buy everything, this was shown when Dimitar Berbatov rejected City’s millions and chose to join rival Manchester United instead. This was supported by comments by Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon, Kaka and Cesc Fabregas, who have come out and said that no amount of money would make them play for City. It’s good to see that in this age of Robinho’s, there is some decency left in the footballing world. These guys, like many other top guys, need to challenge for trophies and play for clubs with prestige and history. City doesn’t offer that, and once the owners realise that they can’t turn mediocrity into champions overnight, they’ll get tired and leave.
But where would that leave City? I’m sure between now and then they’ll spend heaps more cash. They won’t get all the transfer targets they want, but they’ll definitely end up with some of them, which would obviously improve their squad. But these guys will come with massive contracts, amounts which cannot be sustained once the oil barons pull their plug. It’s all fine and dandy to pay a benchwarmer 50,000 pounds a week when you’ve got the money, but once the owners leave and you have to sustain an overpaid squad on just stadium intakes and advertisements, it’s going to be tough. Signing big name players to long-term, oversized contracts can lead to disaster, just ask Leeds fans.
Reports this morning are that Newcastle are about to be bailed out by some oil barons. The long suffering Geordies are about to be injected with the ecstasy of their very own sugar daddy. In what looks to be another short term investment, Newcastle are about to sell their soul (admittedly the fans have no say in the matter) and succumb to the modern business that is the Premier League. This must be a bittersweet pill for the fans to swallow, as they know that although the incredible money will transform them into the elite overnight, it is against everything that this proud club is built on.
What will that mean for Villa? One step forward, two steps back unfortunately. We’ll just have to weather the storm, pray that these rich Arabs get sick of their toy and leave.
Or maybe we’ll get taken over as well.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Robinho scores... for the right team... I think
Anyone watch the Man City-Chelsea game last night (or early this morning)? Although my football brain told me that despite Robinho’s capture it was still going to be a no contest, it still intrigued me to see how the match would unfold, as they could potentially be the two biggest clubs in England, financially anyway, in the near future.
And what a funny game it was. The star attraction was of course the rubber legged Robinho, and he didn’t disappoint. Or course, I’m not talking about his on field performance, I wasn’t expecting much out of someone who just joined the team last week. He still has some way to go till he justifies his British record 32 million pound transfer fee. I was more interested in whether or not he can make more of a fool of himself.
In this age of mercenary footballers, I think Robbie takes the prize. Despite having a fantastic year on the pitch last season, feelings were soured when former employers Real Madrid stepped up their pursuit of Ronaldo over the summer. Taking this as a personal dig at him, Robinho moaned and whinged all summer, telling everyone – especially Roman Abramovich – that his dream was to be reunited with former Brazil and current Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. He even went as far as to hold a personal conference reminding everyone of his desire to leave, just minutes prior to Madrid’s season opener - a game which he was meant to be in the starting eleven for!
Needless to say, his actions forced his departure from the Spanish champions, but City threw a spanner in the works when the Abu Dahbi group took them over and within hours had tabled a record bid for the Brazilian. This caught Chelsea off guard, and gave City the chance to throw absurd amounts of money, rumoured to be in the region of 200,000 pounds per week, at Robinho to make him the first piece of their very, very expensive puzzle.
It's funny how a truckload of money can make you change your mind, suddenly the Chelsea dream doesn't look rich enough. When answering questions in a mid week press conference, Robinho nonchalantly commented on how lucky it was that Chelsea came in with a last minute bid for him. When a journo asks him if he meant City and not Chelsea, Robinho merely shrugs in a "Chelsea? City? Whatever…" sort of way.
That being said, it only took him 12 minutes to score his first Premier League goal, even if it was off a deflection. But his celebrations was what really fired me up, when he started kissing his badge… Three days ago he didn’t even remember which team he was playing for, and now he’s kissing the team badge?! Please show some respect. The badge kissing celebration is saved for those who actually love the club that they play for, who are willing to bleed and die for the colours. It makes sense when someone like John Terry kisses his badge, he’s been at Stamford Bridge since the youth team. He’s earned the right. Robinho kissing the badge is an insult to the notion of loyalty. Or maybe he was kissing it because he's getting royalties off every #10 City replica shirt sold.
But perhaps the biggest enigma of the game was when Robbie swapped shirts with Chelsea playmaker Deco… at half time?! Not really sure what that was about, the only reason I could think of was that he really, really wanted to wear a Chelsea shirt.
Well, at least he can afford to go buy one.
And what a funny game it was. The star attraction was of course the rubber legged Robinho, and he didn’t disappoint. Or course, I’m not talking about his on field performance, I wasn’t expecting much out of someone who just joined the team last week. He still has some way to go till he justifies his British record 32 million pound transfer fee. I was more interested in whether or not he can make more of a fool of himself.
In this age of mercenary footballers, I think Robbie takes the prize. Despite having a fantastic year on the pitch last season, feelings were soured when former employers Real Madrid stepped up their pursuit of Ronaldo over the summer. Taking this as a personal dig at him, Robinho moaned and whinged all summer, telling everyone – especially Roman Abramovich – that his dream was to be reunited with former Brazil and current Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. He even went as far as to hold a personal conference reminding everyone of his desire to leave, just minutes prior to Madrid’s season opener - a game which he was meant to be in the starting eleven for!
Needless to say, his actions forced his departure from the Spanish champions, but City threw a spanner in the works when the Abu Dahbi group took them over and within hours had tabled a record bid for the Brazilian. This caught Chelsea off guard, and gave City the chance to throw absurd amounts of money, rumoured to be in the region of 200,000 pounds per week, at Robinho to make him the first piece of their very, very expensive puzzle.
It's funny how a truckload of money can make you change your mind, suddenly the Chelsea dream doesn't look rich enough. When answering questions in a mid week press conference, Robinho nonchalantly commented on how lucky it was that Chelsea came in with a last minute bid for him. When a journo asks him if he meant City and not Chelsea, Robinho merely shrugs in a "Chelsea? City? Whatever…" sort of way.
That being said, it only took him 12 minutes to score his first Premier League goal, even if it was off a deflection. But his celebrations was what really fired me up, when he started kissing his badge… Three days ago he didn’t even remember which team he was playing for, and now he’s kissing the team badge?! Please show some respect. The badge kissing celebration is saved for those who actually love the club that they play for, who are willing to bleed and die for the colours. It makes sense when someone like John Terry kisses his badge, he’s been at Stamford Bridge since the youth team. He’s earned the right. Robinho kissing the badge is an insult to the notion of loyalty. Or maybe he was kissing it because he's getting royalties off every #10 City replica shirt sold.
But perhaps the biggest enigma of the game was when Robbie swapped shirts with Chelsea playmaker Deco… at half time?! Not really sure what that was about, the only reason I could think of was that he really, really wanted to wear a Chelsea shirt.
Well, at least he can afford to go buy one.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Socceroos' Battling Win
If a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, then the Socceroos kick started the second stage of the Asian World Cup qualifying campaign with a skip hop and jump after their gutsy 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent overnight.
Having not lost at home in a World Cup qualifier in over 18 matches, the Uzbeks were expected to be a tricky hurdle for the Socceroos. However, a wonderful first half and a rugged defensive display in the second saw the Socceroos emerge with three vital points over their disappointing rivals.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek made several changes to the side which surprised the Netherlands over the weekend. While eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of Josh Kennedy from the starting eleven, the loss of Jason Culina was forced upon him as the midfielder fell victim to a stomach bug just hours prior to kickoff. However, it was another of his changes which grabbed the limelight, when Scott Chipperfield rose high to nod home a Luke Wiltshire cross which gave the Socceroos the lead midway through the first half.
The goal shocked the home side, who up till then had adopted a defensive approach to the game, despite the boisterous encouragement of the 35,000 strong sold out crowd in the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium.
Mark Bresciano had a glorious chance to seal the points for Australia right on half time, after good lead up play from Harry Kewell saw him go one on one with the Uzbek keeper. Fortunately for the home side his left footed drive was wide of the target.
The Uzbeks showed their potential early in the second half as they came out and attacked the Socceroos with intent. The Socceroos had to endure wave after wave of Uzbek pressure, with Wiltshire having to clear off the line after a long range effort from Jasur Hasanov found its way through the crowded penalty box.
But Verbeek would have been delighted with his team’s defensive commitment. Lead brilliantly by Lucas Neill, the Socceroos weathered the storm and played themselves back into the match.
The heat and the high tempo of the second half took its toll on the players, and the game slowed right down for the final fifteen minutes, allowing Socceroos fans to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Uzbek coach Rauf Inileev will now feel the weight of the nation on his shoulders as he tries to re-energise his team for the next round of qualifiers. Having already suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Qatar prior to this game, his team now travels to Japan without a single point. Another negative result there would surely mean the end of the road for the Uzbeks.
Conversely, Verbeek should feel proud of his team’s efforts, as they negated the so-called dark horse of the group with success. Another positive for the Socceroos was that they have achieved this result without several key players. With the likes of Vinnie Grella, Tim Cahill and Culina due back for the forthcoming match against Qatar, Australia are in a strong position to take the next step in the road to qualifying for South Africa 2010.
Having not lost at home in a World Cup qualifier in over 18 matches, the Uzbeks were expected to be a tricky hurdle for the Socceroos. However, a wonderful first half and a rugged defensive display in the second saw the Socceroos emerge with three vital points over their disappointing rivals.
Australia coach Pim Verbeek made several changes to the side which surprised the Netherlands over the weekend. While eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of Josh Kennedy from the starting eleven, the loss of Jason Culina was forced upon him as the midfielder fell victim to a stomach bug just hours prior to kickoff. However, it was another of his changes which grabbed the limelight, when Scott Chipperfield rose high to nod home a Luke Wiltshire cross which gave the Socceroos the lead midway through the first half.
The goal shocked the home side, who up till then had adopted a defensive approach to the game, despite the boisterous encouragement of the 35,000 strong sold out crowd in the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium.
Mark Bresciano had a glorious chance to seal the points for Australia right on half time, after good lead up play from Harry Kewell saw him go one on one with the Uzbek keeper. Fortunately for the home side his left footed drive was wide of the target.
The Uzbeks showed their potential early in the second half as they came out and attacked the Socceroos with intent. The Socceroos had to endure wave after wave of Uzbek pressure, with Wiltshire having to clear off the line after a long range effort from Jasur Hasanov found its way through the crowded penalty box.
But Verbeek would have been delighted with his team’s defensive commitment. Lead brilliantly by Lucas Neill, the Socceroos weathered the storm and played themselves back into the match.
The heat and the high tempo of the second half took its toll on the players, and the game slowed right down for the final fifteen minutes, allowing Socceroos fans to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Uzbek coach Rauf Inileev will now feel the weight of the nation on his shoulders as he tries to re-energise his team for the next round of qualifiers. Having already suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Qatar prior to this game, his team now travels to Japan without a single point. Another negative result there would surely mean the end of the road for the Uzbeks.
Conversely, Verbeek should feel proud of his team’s efforts, as they negated the so-called dark horse of the group with success. Another positive for the Socceroos was that they have achieved this result without several key players. With the likes of Vinnie Grella, Tim Cahill and Culina due back for the forthcoming match against Qatar, Australia are in a strong position to take the next step in the road to qualifying for South Africa 2010.
Blog Reviews
1 - "Half Time Orange" by Jesse Fink from http://www.theworldgame.com.au/
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blogs/halftimeorange/
I'm a bit of a football fan and Fink's blog hits all the right notes.
Fink is based in Sydney and has an impressive CV, with previous roles including the former deputy editor of Inside Sports magazine, as well as gigs for FourFourTwo magazine and Foxsports.
Fink obviously has extensive knowledge on the game, and his blogs are a no holds bar approach to his opinions. If he thinks there is an issue which needs to be raised, he will no pull punches and attack whoever he feels is in the wrong, with Graham Arnold (deservedly) copping a bashing during the Olympics.
His blogs are usually humorous and sarcastic, while also providing important points of discussion.
He blogs regularly, usually twice a week, and most of his topics are interesting and are a fun read.
As can be seen from the high number of comments on his blogs, Fink has a wide audience and his semi-controversial topics draws a lot of debate, which he sometimes engages in as well.
2 - The football blog from http://www.thedailytelegraph.com.au/
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/soccer/
This blog has had several authors, but the main writer for the past year or so is known as From the Horsey's Mouth. Similar to the Fink blog, the Horsey's blog covers major issues of football, predominantly concentrating on issues related to Australian football.
He takes a bit more of a candid approach than Fink does, and therefore I don't' take his blog as seriously as Fink's. That's not to say I don't enjoy it, but I just view it from a different angle.
Unlike Fink, the Horsey doesn't get too many people replying to his blogs (usually around 15-20 per post) and he tends to reply to comments a lot.
He posts fairly regularly, usually once a week during the season.
I like Fink's blog better because the Horesy is a Graham Arnold supporter.
3 - Jason Dasey for ESPN
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/archive?columnist=74&root=global&cc=3436
My favourite football blogger is Jason Dasey, who is the Australian writer for ESPN Soccernet.
In the past he has been a successful broadcaster for several sports related channels. Dasey's main medium is TV, although he has also held opinion columns for several papers. While he has covered a lot of football for Soccernet and Sportscentre, he also covers a variety of other sports.
He's blogs appear regularly on Soccernet, and unlike The Half Time Orange and From the Horsey's Mouth, Dasey takes a serious approach to his writing. He has an air of professionalism about him, and the reader can easily feel that he comes from a proper journalist background, unlike the other two, who can come across as just fans blogging. He manages to get big name interviews regularly, and I usually agree with most of his discussions.
Again he posts regularly, usually once a week, although he rarely draws comments, possibly because Soccernet's target audience are fans of European football.
He also has his own website, http://www.jasondasey.com/
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blogs/halftimeorange/
I'm a bit of a football fan and Fink's blog hits all the right notes.
Fink is based in Sydney and has an impressive CV, with previous roles including the former deputy editor of Inside Sports magazine, as well as gigs for FourFourTwo magazine and Foxsports.
Fink obviously has extensive knowledge on the game, and his blogs are a no holds bar approach to his opinions. If he thinks there is an issue which needs to be raised, he will no pull punches and attack whoever he feels is in the wrong, with Graham Arnold (deservedly) copping a bashing during the Olympics.
His blogs are usually humorous and sarcastic, while also providing important points of discussion.
He blogs regularly, usually twice a week, and most of his topics are interesting and are a fun read.
As can be seen from the high number of comments on his blogs, Fink has a wide audience and his semi-controversial topics draws a lot of debate, which he sometimes engages in as well.
2 - The football blog from http://www.thedailytelegraph.com.au/
http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/soccer/
This blog has had several authors, but the main writer for the past year or so is known as From the Horsey's Mouth. Similar to the Fink blog, the Horsey's blog covers major issues of football, predominantly concentrating on issues related to Australian football.
He takes a bit more of a candid approach than Fink does, and therefore I don't' take his blog as seriously as Fink's. That's not to say I don't enjoy it, but I just view it from a different angle.
Unlike Fink, the Horsey doesn't get too many people replying to his blogs (usually around 15-20 per post) and he tends to reply to comments a lot.
He posts fairly regularly, usually once a week during the season.
I like Fink's blog better because the Horesy is a Graham Arnold supporter.
3 - Jason Dasey for ESPN
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/archive?columnist=74&root=global&cc=3436
My favourite football blogger is Jason Dasey, who is the Australian writer for ESPN Soccernet.
In the past he has been a successful broadcaster for several sports related channels. Dasey's main medium is TV, although he has also held opinion columns for several papers. While he has covered a lot of football for Soccernet and Sportscentre, he also covers a variety of other sports.
He's blogs appear regularly on Soccernet, and unlike The Half Time Orange and From the Horsey's Mouth, Dasey takes a serious approach to his writing. He has an air of professionalism about him, and the reader can easily feel that he comes from a proper journalist background, unlike the other two, who can come across as just fans blogging. He manages to get big name interviews regularly, and I usually agree with most of his discussions.
Again he posts regularly, usually once a week, although he rarely draws comments, possibly because Soccernet's target audience are fans of European football.
He also has his own website, http://www.jasondasey.com/
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