Yesterday saw the usual spate of April Fools stories in the sporting media. My personal favourite came courtesy of the mighty John Beattie on the BBC Sport website under "Cheating Scots handed Wooden Spoon". It showed how Dan Parks had used a laser kicking tee during the Calcutta Cup match, blinding an England fan behind the goal and leading to the Scots being docked Six Nations points. This also featured secret footage of Scotland "captain" Al Kellock and an interview with the man himself, who played the guilty schoolboy role very well! Link here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8598828.stm
Our own football teams produced a couple of beauties as well. Dumbarton claimed to have signed Arsenal Ladies' star Julie Fleeting, which would have helped a team currently reliant on donkey David Winters for goals. Meanwhile, the news out of Almondvale was that we had secured a friendly against Barcelona for the end of the season, aided by a long-term friendship between boss Gary Bollan and Thierry Henry. The financial boost was said to be "going a long way to securing Robbie Keane on a long-term loan." Stories that Keane was a big Meadowbank Thistle fan while growing up in Dublin are yet to be confirmed.
When you throw in the Guardian's story of Gordon Brown starting an election campaign showcasing his hard-man image, it's heartening to see that for just one day a year, the media can stop taking themselves so seriously!
RM
Friday, 2 April 2010
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
No weak links in The Chain of BBC F1
Some BBC sports presenters get quite a lot of stick for their work and rightly so. Those on the Match of the Day sofa have become a pastiche of themselves, offering very little in the way of genuine insight while certain rugby union commentators have displayed some disgraceful bias in the recent Six Nations (step forward Moore and Davies).
So it is a relief that Auntie can call on the various talents of Jake Humphreys, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard to front their Formula 1 coverage. They comfortably manage to combine ladishness with genuine knowledge and experience of the sport (less so Humphreys than his perma-tanned colleagues). The homoeroticism that exists between Jordan and Coulthard is riveting to watch, which is a blessing when you get a race like the one we had in Bahrain a fortnight back. They even provided us with a little skit at the start of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, joking about how dull Bahrain had been but they thought that this could be the week where things "took off". We then cut to Jordan and Humphreys being launched into the air in one of those bungee fairground contraptions. Genius! Thankfully, their ideas came to fruition and we had a classic race, with the rule changes actually working in providing more overtaking.
When you add in the roving reporter Ted Kravitz, the gorgeous Lee McKenzie (who always seems to get an interview with even the most disappointed of drivers, wonder why?) and the unflappable Martin Brundle and you have a crack team that actually does its sport justice.
As for the racing itself, Jenson Button was not confidently backed by many to retain his title. But with no refuelling necessitating the conservation of fuel and tyres, could his oft-cited "smooth driving style" equip him to do the job?
RM
So it is a relief that Auntie can call on the various talents of Jake Humphreys, Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard to front their Formula 1 coverage. They comfortably manage to combine ladishness with genuine knowledge and experience of the sport (less so Humphreys than his perma-tanned colleagues). The homoeroticism that exists between Jordan and Coulthard is riveting to watch, which is a blessing when you get a race like the one we had in Bahrain a fortnight back. They even provided us with a little skit at the start of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, joking about how dull Bahrain had been but they thought that this could be the week where things "took off". We then cut to Jordan and Humphreys being launched into the air in one of those bungee fairground contraptions. Genius! Thankfully, their ideas came to fruition and we had a classic race, with the rule changes actually working in providing more overtaking.
When you add in the roving reporter Ted Kravitz, the gorgeous Lee McKenzie (who always seems to get an interview with even the most disappointed of drivers, wonder why?) and the unflappable Martin Brundle and you have a crack team that actually does its sport justice.
As for the racing itself, Jenson Button was not confidently backed by many to retain his title. But with no refuelling necessitating the conservation of fuel and tyres, could his oft-cited "smooth driving style" equip him to do the job?
RM
Monday, 29 March 2010
The County Scene - Week 1: Durham in the desert
Here begins a weekly blog on the English county cricket circuit.
The much-maligned county season has begun in the traditional manner but in an unfamiliar environment. It's the MCC vs Champions match, usually played at Lord's but this time there's a difference. The match is being played in Abu Dhabi in a day/night environment, the first first-class match to do so. A pink ball is also being trialled, with the intention that it is visible under floodlights but doesn't discolour like the white ball in one-day games, so that it can last the full 80 overs. This could be a step in the right direction for Test cricket, as the night time element makes the game more accessible for those who have a job to attend! Fingers crossed that this trial is successful.
As I write, Durham have won the toss and batted and are 31/0. Steve Harmison plays and will be looking to prove a point to the England selectors who snubbed him in the winter, when an out-and-out pace bowler was what they really needed. The MCC are not as strong as they have been in previous years, mainly because a couple of players toured Bangladesh with the national squad and so have been rested. They are captained by Alex Gidman of Gloucestershire, with international experience from the likes of Mark Ramprakash, James Foster and Chris Tremlett
The winter was reasonably busy, simmering under as is standard for the county scene! Matthew Hoggard was cruelly cut by Yorkshire, only to be given the captain by Leicestershire - how will he marshall a young bunch led by the PCA Young Cricketer of the Year James Taylor? Monty Panesar, looking to rediscover his mojo, moved down to Sussex, former home of the gre
at Mushtaq Ahmed. Another former resident at Hove, Chris Adams, has slowly been building a new side in his role of director of cricket at Surrey - Steve Davies, Gareth Batty and Rory Hamilton-Brown have all been lured to the Oval. They will be wanting to put a couple of disappointing years behind them and start a new era.
The new season is upon us! I for one cannot wait!
RM
Next week: Reports from the match in Abu Dhabi and the opening university games of the season. Also a preview of the Championship, including my traditionally woeful predictions.
The much-maligned county season has begun in the traditional manner but in an unfamiliar environment. It's the MCC vs Champions match, usually played at Lord's but this time there's a difference. The match is being played in Abu Dhabi in a day/night environment, the first first-class match to do so. A pink ball is also being trialled, with the intention that it is visible under floodlights but doesn't discolour like the white ball in one-day games, so that it can last the full 80 overs. This could be a step in the right direction for Test cricket, as the night time element makes the game more accessible for those who have a job to attend! Fingers crossed that this trial is successful.
As I write, Durham have won the toss and batted and are 31/0. Steve Harmison plays and will be looking to prove a point to the England selectors who snubbed him in the winter, when an out-and-out pace bowler was what they really needed. The MCC are not as strong as they have been in previous years, mainly because a couple of players toured Bangladesh with the national squad and so have been rested. They are captained by Alex Gidman of Gloucestershire, with international experience from the likes of Mark Ramprakash, James Foster and Chris Tremlett
The winter was reasonably busy, simmering under as is standard for the county scene! Matthew Hoggard was cruelly cut by Yorkshire, only to be given the captain by Leicestershire - how will he marshall a young bunch led by the PCA Young Cricketer of the Year James Taylor? Monty Panesar, looking to rediscover his mojo, moved down to Sussex, former home of the gre
at Mushtaq Ahmed. Another former resident at Hove, Chris Adams, has slowly been building a new side in his role of director of cricket at Surrey - Steve Davies, Gareth Batty and Rory Hamilton-Brown have all been lured to the Oval. They will be wanting to put a couple of disappointing years behind them and start a new era.The new season is upon us! I for one cannot wait!
RM
Next week: Reports from the match in Abu Dhabi and the opening university games of the season. Also a preview of the Championship, including my traditionally woeful predictions.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
World Cup Previews: South Africa
Start with the hosts. It's the normal proceedure. In South Africa's case it is also convenient, as there are great doubts as to whether Bafana Bafana's chances will actually get a mention at any point beyond the opening game.
South Africa suffered greatly in recent years. While apartheid was undoubtedly a factor, I am not here to discuss things in great socio-political detail. Rather, South Africa retained a sense of regality, maintaining the belief that they were amongst the continent's elite in spite of strong evidence to the contrary in every African Cup of Nations since 2000. South Africans felt that they were a powerhouse by virtue of the fact that they had won the 1996 tournament, and reached beyond the quarter finals in 1998 and 2000; in basic terms, they had won something, no-one else nearby had, and so they were a dominant local force. Completely ignored was the fact that local rivals include Mozambique, Lesotho and Namibia.
This mindset ensured that South Africa's potential talent was never properly marshalled. The country seemed content with its exported players; indeed, they remain a talented group. The home-grown aspect, those players left behind, was though, completely neglected.
When the Rainbow Nation was awarded the World Cup, people seemed to be more keen on soul-searching. What they found was a nation desperately unable to meet its unfounded lofty expectations. People were not so keen to actually do something about the problems they found.
So to the present. The experienced Carlos Alberto Parriera has returned as coach after a farcical disagreement between the Federation and previous Brazilian tactician Joel Santana, a man unqualified to hold down the job to begin with. Santana presided over a run of 8 losses in 9, which led to his sacking, and failed utterly to show meaningful progress towards being able to achieve anything of significance at their own World Cup.
Certainly, Parriera cannot be deemed a knight in shining armour, as his previous tenure in late 2007 was little better. However, he remains a far superior and astute manager than any other realistic candidate for the job.
Parriera has been accused of negative, old fashioned tactics, indeed this ousted him from the Brazil job. Given the squad he now has to work with though, these tactics are probably of benefit.
South Africa will operate with a tight 4-4-2 system, utilising the two central midfielders mainly to apply defensive pressure. The defence lacks in pace, and plays deep and tight; in doing so, they are a reasonably solid team dealing with the high ball- 6'6" Matt Booth (pictured left) in particular.
South Africa suffered greatly in recent years. While apartheid was undoubtedly a factor, I am not here to discuss things in great socio-political detail. Rather, South Africa retained a sense of regality, maintaining the belief that they were amongst the continent's elite in spite of strong evidence to the contrary in every African Cup of Nations since 2000. South Africans felt that they were a powerhouse by virtue of the fact that they had won the 1996 tournament, and reached beyond the quarter finals in 1998 and 2000; in basic terms, they had won something, no-one else nearby had, and so they were a dominant local force. Completely ignored was the fact that local rivals include Mozambique, Lesotho and Namibia.
This mindset ensured that South Africa's potential talent was never properly marshalled. The country seemed content with its exported players; indeed, they remain a talented group. The home-grown aspect, those players left behind, was though, completely neglected.
When the Rainbow Nation was awarded the World Cup, people seemed to be more keen on soul-searching. What they found was a nation desperately unable to meet its unfounded lofty expectations. People were not so keen to actually do something about the problems they found.
So to the present. The experienced Carlos Alberto Parriera has returned as coach after a farcical disagreement between the Federation and previous Brazilian tactician Joel Santana, a man unqualified to hold down the job to begin with. Santana presided over a run of 8 losses in 9, which led to his sacking, and failed utterly to show meaningful progress towards being able to achieve anything of significance at their own World Cup.
Certainly, Parriera cannot be deemed a knight in shining armour, as his previous tenure in late 2007 was little better. However, he remains a far superior and astute manager than any other realistic candidate for the job.
Parriera has been accused of negative, old fashioned tactics, indeed this ousted him from the Brazil job. Given the squad he now has to work with though, these tactics are probably of benefit.
South Africa will operate with a tight 4-4-2 system, utilising the two central midfielders mainly to apply defensive pressure. The defence lacks in pace, and plays deep and tight; in doing so, they are a reasonably solid team dealing with the high ball- 6'6" Matt Booth (pictured left) in particular.
The midfield, at the end of the day, is relying on such salutory talents as Aaron Mokoena, Elerio Van Heerden and Lance Davids. At least in Stephen Pienaar, Bernard Parker and Bryce Moon, some youngish talent exists. Sorely lacking though, is a goal threat of any real distinction, suitable backup cover in any position, reliable goalkeeping and creative outlets (Siphiwe Tshabalala is talented, but frail and too tiny to take a game by the scruff of its neck).
I always feel that the effect of being a host will come into play at every tournament. Even if, such as Austria, the nation fails to reach the knockout stages, they will at least do well enough to avoid disgrace. Will South Africa be an exception? No, not in my book. I just cannot see a group of players with a competent manager and playing for their nation allowing themselves to be humiliated.
And I feel that their group oppostion, Mexico, Uruguay and France are not in any real position to go out and humiliate South Africa anyway. The France game will be lost, and it will be lost in the dull, generally lifeless manner that France tend to deliver to international competitions. Uruguay's spoiling style could pose a problem, but equally they are an easy team to play football against provided one grasps the game quickly, sets the pace to a high level and keeps it there. Mexico should be too strong in a footballing sense to let the South Africans beat them using an offensive minded gameplan; a tighter, one goal to win it style of game could get South Africa a result.
At the end of the day, South Africa remain on paper one of the weakest host nations in memory, and I do not feel they will progress from the group stages. But, at least, I feel they will not disgrace themselves as many predict, and may even be able to set themselves up for progression in the competion.
I always feel that the effect of being a host will come into play at every tournament. Even if, such as Austria, the nation fails to reach the knockout stages, they will at least do well enough to avoid disgrace. Will South Africa be an exception? No, not in my book. I just cannot see a group of players with a competent manager and playing for their nation allowing themselves to be humiliated.
And I feel that their group oppostion, Mexico, Uruguay and France are not in any real position to go out and humiliate South Africa anyway. The France game will be lost, and it will be lost in the dull, generally lifeless manner that France tend to deliver to international competitions. Uruguay's spoiling style could pose a problem, but equally they are an easy team to play football against provided one grasps the game quickly, sets the pace to a high level and keeps it there. Mexico should be too strong in a footballing sense to let the South Africans beat them using an offensive minded gameplan; a tighter, one goal to win it style of game could get South Africa a result.
At the end of the day, South Africa remain on paper one of the weakest host nations in memory, and I do not feel they will progress from the group stages. But, at least, I feel they will not disgrace themselves as many predict, and may even be able to set themselves up for progression in the competion.
If they were a medical condition - HIV/AIDS. Woah there, don't go rushing to complain about un-PC and all that. We are merely talking about the hosts being compromised by lack of quality, much as a sufferer of HIV are immunosuppressed - host compromised, get it?
GM
Lack of respect in football trickles from the top down
I have been in the privileged position of being a season ticket holder at a winning club this year (it hasn't always been the case, but then we haven't always had to play in Divison 3). As such, you would expect an air of content around the place. No such thing. Despite only dropping 5 points at home all year, I have yet to attend a home game where the referee and his assistants are not branded a "prick" or a "disgrace". I mean what do these people expect? There is nothing tempting for a Pierluigi Collina-type figure in Forfar vs Albion. You cannot hope for the very best officials for mostly part-time players. And most of the time these "pricks" actually get it right, but you don't hear the same fans congratulating the officials on their excellent, well-thought out decision do you?
I have come to the conclusion that it all comes down to frustration with your own team's performance, giving a need to qualify this inadequacy by blaming it on the referee. This is a culture that directly stems from the highest levels - Sir Alex Ferguson having a pop at Alan Wiley's fitness levels to "protect his players" being a prime example. Just come out and say it Alex - your guys just were not good enough on the day and did not execute their best-laid plans. End of! Ditto the Steve Bruces and Neil Warnocks of this world, who never seem to be able to get off the cases of referees. Seeing the very best in the game indulging in these activities sets a bad example to lesser mortals such as Livingston fans!
Respect is a difficult thing to gain in sport, when so much can be riding on one big moment. However, some sports have found it easier than others. The other day in an IPL match, Adam Gilchrist, captain of the Deccan Chargers, was heard on the stump microphone joking with umpire Billy Bowden about the fact that he had incorrectly chosen not to refer a stumping. Gilchrist is an old hand and knows the line - it's all very well in the shortest form but questioning the umpire in a Test match would lose you a good portion of your match fee. Gilchrist and Bowden had earned each other's respect over a long period of time, so this incident could be taken in the manner in which it was intended. Just today, I was umpiring in a friendly cricket tournament - some dodgy decisions given (not on my watch I can assure you), but the game was played in the right spirit (with the exception of one fat twat who insisted on picking fault with everything) and all players respected the umpires decision. Respect at the highest level breeds respect at all levels
Footballers are harder to control because of the fast pace of the game and the fact that any fine would come of no consequence to those at the highest level. Banning would be seen in some quarters as too harsh. But please, for my own sanity, can we at least acknowledge that referees do a hard job and most of them actually do a good job - let's keep unnecessary grievances under wraps. Especially when 14 points clear at the top!
Technology is just one aspect where football could learn from other sports
RM
I have come to the conclusion that it all comes down to frustration with your own team's performance, giving a need to qualify this inadequacy by blaming it on the referee. This is a culture that directly stems from the highest levels - Sir Alex Ferguson having a pop at Alan Wiley's fitness levels to "protect his players" being a prime example. Just come out and say it Alex - your guys just were not good enough on the day and did not execute their best-laid plans. End of! Ditto the Steve Bruces and Neil Warnocks of this world, who never seem to be able to get off the cases of referees. Seeing the very best in the game indulging in these activities sets a bad example to lesser mortals such as Livingston fans!
Respect is a difficult thing to gain in sport, when so much can be riding on one big moment. However, some sports have found it easier than others. The other day in an IPL match, Adam Gilchrist, captain of the Deccan Chargers, was heard on the stump microphone joking with umpire Billy Bowden about the fact that he had incorrectly chosen not to refer a stumping. Gilchrist is an old hand and knows the line - it's all very well in the shortest form but questioning the umpire in a Test match would lose you a good portion of your match fee. Gilchrist and Bowden had earned each other's respect over a long period of time, so this incident could be taken in the manner in which it was intended. Just today, I was umpiring in a friendly cricket tournament - some dodgy decisions given (not on my watch I can assure you), but the game was played in the right spirit (with the exception of one fat twat who insisted on picking fault with everything) and all players respected the umpires decision. Respect at the highest level breeds respect at all levels
Footballers are harder to control because of the fast pace of the game and the fact that any fine would come of no consequence to those at the highest level. Banning would be seen in some quarters as too harsh. But please, for my own sanity, can we at least acknowledge that referees do a hard job and most of them actually do a good job - let's keep unnecessary grievances under wraps. Especially when 14 points clear at the top!
Technology is just one aspect where football could learn from other sports
RM
Friday, 26 March 2010
McNabb rumours hint at a rushing future for Eagles
Rumours have been bouncing around the NFL recently that the Philadelphia Eagles' veteran QB Donovan McNabb may soon be on the move. The Eagles have 3 QBs on their roster, all of whom have legitimate claims to a starting role - Kevin Kolb impressed with his first two starts last season and is seen as the man for the future, whereas Michael Vick, "dogged" by disciplinary problems, featured only minimally in the Eagles offense last season. 1 of these 3 has to go.
For my money, Vick has to be the man. He has made it plain that he wishes to start and he will not get that Lincoln Financial. Yes, he can be used sparingly in wildcat plays and he can go long but really it's not either in his or the Eagles' best interests. McNabb can pass on his 11 seasons of wisdom to Kolb, who can take over the reins in a couple of years' time.
But what if McNabb is to go? I believe this changes the whole outlook of the Eagles' offense. Kolb will be the starter, but he cannot realistically be relied upon to make the big plays that McNabb regularly did. Far better to rely on a running game, boosted by the presence of Vick as the backup. With LeSean McCoy, Pro-Bowler Leonard Weaver and new recruit RB from New Orleans Mike Bell, the Eagles finally have a wealth of options in the backfield - in spite of releasing veteran HB Brian Westbrook. My colleague disagrees with this view, stating that the Eagles "have always been a passing team" but I can't help feeling that it could be the start of a new era for Andy Reid and his young offense.
So far, the teams linked with McNabb have been falling over each other to deny the rumours. He'll be gone by Monday.
RM
For my money, Vick has to be the man. He has made it plain that he wishes to start and he will not get that Lincoln Financial. Yes, he can be used sparingly in wildcat plays and he can go long but really it's not either in his or the Eagles' best interests. McNabb can pass on his 11 seasons of wisdom to Kolb, who can take over the reins in a couple of years' time.
But what if McNabb is to go? I believe this changes the whole outlook of the Eagles' offense. Kolb will be the starter, but he cannot realistically be relied upon to make the big plays that McNabb regularly did. Far better to rely on a running game, boosted by the presence of Vick as the backup. With LeSean McCoy, Pro-Bowler Leonard Weaver and new recruit RB from New Orleans Mike Bell, the Eagles finally have a wealth of options in the backfield - in spite of releasing veteran HB Brian Westbrook. My colleague disagrees with this view, stating that the Eagles "have always been a passing team" but I can't help feeling that it could be the start of a new era for Andy Reid and his young offense.
So far, the teams linked with McNabb have been falling over each other to deny the rumours. He'll be gone by Monday.
RM
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