My 'Childhood XI'

Most football fans begin their love for the ‘beautiful game’ at an early age. Whether it was Pele, Maradona and Lineker or Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi, every fan had their childhood favourites. I first began playing football when I was six years old in 1998, which just so happened to be a World Cup year. From that year onwards my love for football began to grow and to that I owe the players who caught my eye the most. From the thousands of players that have graced the professional game I have selected my very own ‘Childhood XI’.

Starting off at the back, I have picked the most prolific goal scoring keeper I have ever seen. José Luis Chilavert scored an incredible 62 goals in his career as he cemented himself as one of the best penalty and free kick takers of all time. He could also pull off the odd stunning save too.

Moving onto the ‘hard men’ in football, the centre backs. First up is Sami Hyppiä a Finnish international who made his career at my favourite Premiership club, Liverpool. Solid as a rock at the back and unstoppable in the air, Hyypiä played a huge part in Liverpool’s cup wins in the early to mid 2000’s. My second centre back is Alessandro Nesta who is largely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. His trophy list supports that claim having won the World Cup, the Champions League (2), Serie A (3), Coppa Italia (3) and several others, including the U21 Euro Championship. Nesta stood out in an era of great defenders, and that’s exactly why he is in my ‘Childhood XI’.

John Arne Riise was my favourite footballer of the early 2000’s, just because of the sheer power of his left foot. He could score from anywhere on the pitch and, in my opinion, his abilities to this day are underrated. I eventually came to the conclusion that Lilian Thuram would be my right back. He is the highest capped Frenchman of all time and among the world’s top 20 capped internationals, which is no mean feat.

Onto the midfield, of which I have gone for three central midfielders, the first of whom is Luis Figo. When I was a kid I only wore football shirts, and guess who was on the back of my Portugal top? That’s right, Figo. A mastermind in midfield, Figo dominated European football as I was growing up. My second will probably come as a surprise to many but Hidetoshi Nakata features in my eleven. Alongside Junichi Inamoto, Nakata helped Japan reach the knockout phase of the 2002 World Cup, really helping to promote Asian football to the rest of the world. The final centre midfielder is the unmistakable Gianfranco Zola. Zola had the football equivalent creativity of Picasso mixed in with the intelligence of Stephen Hawking and scored my favourite ever goal, his near post flick against Norwich City in 2002.

Saving my best for last I shall reveal Gabriel Batistuta as my first of three strikers. Possibly the only Argentinean I liked at the time, there was something about watching Batistuta that made me marvel at his ability. He did score over 300 club goals and 56 international goals after all. Dwight Yorke is the second of my top three, with his flicked up collar and laid back attitude. Possibly the greatest player to come out of the Caribbean, Yorke had a prolific scoring record at Manchester United and was also a big fan of cricket.

I have saved the best for last. He was nicknamed ‘God’, once snorted the line markings during a celebration and had a knack for breaking his nose. If you haven’t guessed by now (then you’re not a true football fan) it’s Robbie Fowler. He had a goal-to-game ratio of better than one goal every two games at Liverpool and never failed to entertain the crowd. There is no doubt in my mind that he should have played more for England.

There we have it, my ‘Childhood XI’. Have a think back to your childhood and see if you can come up with a team.



Robbie Fowler's infamous celebration



Is Andy Murray just the next Tim Henman?

For two weeks of the summer the whole of the British population focuses on one tournament in particular – Wimbledon. Every year hope is high that for the first time since 1936 the men’s single title will be won by a Brit, and every year hope disappears as quickly as it arrived.

Andy Murray is the current world number four and Britain’s best chance of winning a Grand Slam title. However, Murray has failed to break through the last three Wimbledon semi-finals and has also reached three Grand Slam finals in the past four years, only to be beaten in straight sets on all three occasions. The question has to be asked, does he have the bottle to win a Grand Slam, let alone Wimbledon?

There is no doubting his ability - he wouldn’t have reached three Grand Slam finals if he wasn’t capable of winning - but his problem stems from two major factors: Quality of competition and expectation.

It could be argued that there have never been a better top four ranked players in the world as there is at the current point in time. Roger Federer is without a doubt one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Rafael Nadal has won ten Grand Slam titles and Novak Djokovic is the new world number one and Wimbledon champion – all three stand in the way of Murray’s ambitions of winning a Grand Slam title.

Expectation has contributed to the downfall of many top British sportsmen, no more so than former British number one, Tim Henman, who failed to win a single Grand Slam title in his 16 year long career. Some players thrive under pressure, but it must be difficult knowing that your fans will only be satisfied once you have won at Wimbledon.

What Murray does have on his side is time. He is only 24 and will certainly be around for a long time. However, Nadal and Djokovic are also young and will be around for as long, if not longer, than Murray.

I believe Murray will win a Grand Slam title, but it’s far more likely that it’ll be in Australia or the US rather than at Wimbledon. Personally, I’m rooting for Britain’s next generation of tennis players in Oliver Golding and George Morgan, both of whom made the Boys’ Doubles final at Wimbledon, and Liam Broady, who made the Boys’ Singles final.

Britain’s wait for a Wimbledon winner continues...



Murray still awaits his first Grand Slam victory



Sports films: My favourite five

Having recently seen the incredible film Senna this week, I have pulled together my five favourite sports films that have hit the big screen.

1) Senna – As soon as I heard this film was going to be made I wanted to see it. The film depicts Ayrton Senna’s life during his Formula One career, using never before seen footage from the F1 archive at Biggin Hill. Among my favourite scenes were the numerous pre-race driver meetings, which showed how political F1 had become in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The film also shows Senna’s death at Imola in 1994, identifying Senna’s frame of mind over the race weekend. A stunning film that I urge everyone to go and see, whether you’re an F1 or not.

2) Jerry Maguire – From documentary to fiction, this film is one of the best sports-dramas of all time. Tom Cruise plays a sports agent who falls from grace, leaving a major agency and starting his own company. He ends up with just one client, an Arizona Cardinals wide receiver who wants a new contract. The film features that famous line: ‘you had me at hello.’ Well worth a watch on a quiet Saturday night.

3) The Express – If you like American Football then this film is a must see. The story is that of Ernie Davis, a black football player who had to overcome terrible prejudice in order to fulfil his dream of playing professional football. Unfortunately Davis was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1961 and dies at the age of 23 having never played a game as a professional. His fight against racism during his college days is incredible and the film is a testament to the greatest player never to have played professionally.

4) Happy Gilmore – One of my favourite light hearted films that I can watch over and over again. Adam Sandler plays an ex-hockey player who takes up golf to save his grandma’s house from being sold. Funny, stupid and very entertaining. Anyone who has seen this and hasn’t tried out Gilmore’s driving technique just hasn’t got a childish side.

5) The Damned United – Another film based on a true story, the Damned United is a brilliant insight into the life of the great Brian Clough. Michael Sheen plays the English manager as he takes over Leeds, the best team in England at the time, only to be sacked 44 days later. Although a largely fictional interpretation of events, the film does give you an idea of the personality of Clough and why he is regarded as one of the greatest managers to have graced the game.

There are many other greats out there as well. Who says sports films are rubbish?



Senna was released on 3 June in the UK



Mourinho Mk II

“Chelsea sign a Portuguese manager from Porto, who has just won the Primeira Liga, a Portuguese cup and a major European title.” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

André Villas-Boas was announced today as the new manager of Chelsea Football Club, following in the footsteps of his former Porto colleague, Jose Mourinho. In doing so he became the manager with the highest transfer fee in history, with Chelsea paying £13.3 million in compensation to Porto.

However, Villas-Boas is no Mourinho. He has only had two years of managerial experience in league football, and at the age of 33 he surely has a lot to learn before he can compete with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson in the Premier League.

Statistically, he is probably the best manager in the world. His record stands at one season with Porto, four titles and a win percentage of 84.48% from 58 matches. Then you look at the team. Porto have never finished outside the top three of the Primeira Liga, winning the Portuguese top division a total of seven times. That added to 15 domestic cup titles and three European titles paints a picture of domination. Porto are arguably the easiest team to manage in football.

It seems Chelsea are hoping for lightning to strike twice; throwing away belief in trusted managers and allowing the future of the club to be determined, ultimately, by luck.

The jury is out on Villas-Boas as to whether he can succeed at Chelsea. My prediction, he’ll be gone within the next two years.



André Villas-Boas - Chelsea's sixth manager in four years



The American mentality

 “If it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?” – Lombardi’s famous quote captures American sporting mentality in a single sentence. Americans play for one reason, and that’s to win, whether it be a little league baseball game or the Super Bowl. However, the riots following Vancouver’s loss in the Stanley Cup prove just how destructive this thought process can be.

Now all you smart people out there may be thinking “Vancouver? That’s in Canada,” which of course is geographically correct. The fact is, despite the national border, Canadian teams operate under the same attitude.

Last night’s riot was not the first time Vancouver fans have reacted badly to defeat in the Stanley Cup, as the 1994 series also ended in violence. It could be argued that the violent nature of the sport, in which fights between players are regularly anticipated, has the capacity to overflow into the mindset of the supporters, creating such scenes as were witnessed in Vancouver last night.

What it does show is how big an effect sport has on the lives of Americans and Canadians alike. The Canucks have never won the Stanley Cup in their 40 year history in the NHL, which, for many fans, comes as a huge disappointment considering their status as one of the best teams of the past few seasons.

This, of course, does not condone the actions of those who decide to take out their frustration on society and this latest incident of sport related violence once again illustrates the need for all sports fans to realise there is more to life than sport, however big a part of their life it is.

The fact of the matter is that North American sport will never change. There is a reason cricket will never catch on with the American people – the idea of playing five days of sport without the guarantee of a winner baffles them. Nevertheless, it is vital that the next generation of Americans are not brought up thinking violence is the answer.

At the end of the day, the Boston Bruins are the new Stanley Cup champions.



Destruction in Vancouver after their loss to Boston



From Major winner to major disappointment

Tiger Woods – once a name that instantly defined greatness, it is now a name that reminds everyone just how easy it is to fall from grace.

With no Major titles since the US Open in 2008, Tiger has gone 12 Major events without lifting the trophy, the longest in his career - It took him just nine to pick up his first Major title. Can Tiger bounce back?

Even the great Jack Nicklaus, 18 times Major winner, went through rough spells. Between 1967 and 1970 Nicklaus failed to win a single major, despite having won seven in the space of five years. He also had barren spells between 1975 and 1978, as well as a five and a half year gap between his penultimate and final major title.

However, Tiger’s problems sit much deeper than performance. The death of his father in 2006 seemed to re-ignite his will to succeed, but following his much publicised affairs and divorce from Swedish model Elin Nordegren, Tiger no longer has anyone personal to support him.

Since his return to the PGA Tour, Tiger has occasionally shown the brilliance he was known and loved for, but those moments are few and far between. What Tiger does have on his side is his natural ability - arguably the best that has been, and the best that will ever be.

He has managed to make the top ten of Major Championships six times following his comeback, equalling the combined records of World number one and two golfers, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood over the same period.

Having grown up watching Tiger Woods at his best I hope he can return to the top. What is clear is that his next Major title will be his hardest.

Nike got the whole world talking with one simple advert

Why Blackpool will be back in the Premier League

Exactly 365 days following their promotion to the Premier League, Blackpool were sent packing from the top flight following a gutsy 4-2 defeat at the hands of champions Manchester United. However, The Seasiders will be back. Here are five reasons to back Blackpool for promotion next season.

1)      Ian Holloway – He’s a Bristol lad (I could stop there, but I’ll continue). There is no more enthusiastic manager in the world than Holloway. His post-match interviews entertain us every week, and his team thrive under his unorthodox style. He’s given them promotion before and he’ll do it again.

2)      Charlie Adam – Now I know you may be thinking that this is a mute point with his move to Liverpool seeming inevitable, but the transfer funds gained will be huge. Blackpool need to use this money wisely and buy tried and tested Championship calibre players.

3)      Goals – Blackpool became the highest scoring Premiership team to be relegated this season, having amassed 55 goals from their 38 matches. They should have no problem scoring for fun against weaker defences.

4)      Improvement – Nobody expected them to make the play-offs in 2009/10, let alone win promotion, but their performance in the Premier League forced football fans to change their tune. They are better for the experience and this will help them when playing the likes of Nottingham Forest and Reading, who, although are very good sides, have not tasted Premiership football for a long time.

5)      Football Manger 2011 – No, I don’t believe in the Mayan 2012 theory, but I do believe in the FM2011 theory. It took them two seasons to do it, but under my management they are back in the Premier League in 2013. Now if I can take them up on a game I am hopeless at, then they are certain to be back in the Premiership within no time.

Disclaimer: I am not liable for any money lost by readers who used this article as a guide for betting on the outcome of the 2011/12 Championship season.



MotD will miss Holloway next season



A sporting weekend to remember

With an overload of sport this weekend there was bound to be some good and bad performances from the British competitors involved.

An impressive opening half from England’s footballers was enough to secure a 2-0 win at the Millenium stadium, ensuring there would be no embarrassment against the world’s 116^th ranked side, Wales.

It was a different story in the cricket where England were taken apart by Sri Lanka’s opening batsmen, Dilshan and Tharanga, losing by 10 wickets.

Lewis Hamilton began his season off with a superb second place in Australia, fending off Mark Webber on the opening corner and battling a broken undertray. Jenson Button had a less successful race in fifth and Scot Paul Di Resta claimed 10^th on his F1 debut.

With World Superbikes returning to Donington Park eyes were on the four British riders to perform. However, only Leon Camier could manage a podium finish over the two races as Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri took race victories.

Finally, Mike Conway returned to Indy Car following a huge accident forced an early end to his 2010 season. He failed to complete even one corner as he was caught up in a six-car crash. Scot Dario Franchitti had a better race, finishing in first place as he hopes to add to his three championship wins this season.

All-in-all, a good weekend for the English and Scots – not so much for the Welsh.

Conway lucky to survive a hair-raising crash in 2010

Now for the serious cricket

With the ‘minnows’ now deposited of, the Cricket World Cup begins for real. No more totals of 58 and no more 10 wicket wins – it’s now a fight between the best teams in the world: Australia, Sri Lanka, India, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan and England.

Here are my predictions of what could be an exciting and unpredictable round of matches.

Pakistan v West Indies: Both teams define the word inconsistent. They will be unbeatable on their day but who will fire on Wednesday. It’s a case of Gayle vs Afridi and I think the latter will come out on top.

Pakistan to win by 5 wickets.

India v Australia: Following the events of last year this match has become eagerly anticipated by all cricket fans. On their own turf India will be tough to beat and Tendulkar would love to hit his 100th century to win the game. I wouldn’t bet against him doing so.

India to win by 27 runs.

South Africa v New Zealand: Having started the tournament in good form, neither team has been able to cement themselves as top candidates. It’ll be a battle of the batsmen in Mirpur, and South Africa are my tip to make the semi’s.

South Africa to win by 3 wickets.

Sri Lanka v England: A tough one to call. England have won their tough games but made a hash of the easier match-ups. Sri Lanka have been solid all tournament, and in Colombo they’ll be difficult to beat.

Sri Lanka to win by 31 runs.

The trophy they're all fighting for

'Not so super' Mario

If someone had said to me a year ago “Mario Balotelli would come to English football and turn out to be the biggest waste of money since the likes of Andriy Shevchenko and Alberto Aquilani” I would have laughed in their face.

However, my opinion has now changed somewhat, having had to put up with his tantrums and moments of sheer idiocy for the majority of what has been a brilliant season.

At first I welcomed Balotelli’s arrival, with memories of his stunning free kick in the Champions League match between Inter Milan and Rubin Kazan fresh in my mind. A storm down the touchline and a karate kick later and Balotelli has started to show his true colours.

He can be one of the best young players in the world, with strength, good footwork and the occasional moment of brilliance, but the negatives are too overpowering.

Whether Manchester City succeed in their aim to win silverware this year or not, Balotelli could well be on his way back to Italy come the summer.

Mario out in the cold with the Man City faithful