Newcastle have cancelled their Christmas party after a terrible string of results has left them languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
The Magpies’ 3-1 home defeat by reigning champions Manchester City at the weekend was their sixth in seven league outings, leaving them in 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
The Toon have travelled to Dublin and Glasgow in recent years to enjoy the festive season, but their recent form has left the club undeserving of celebrations this year, according to manager Alan Pardew, who now needs to steer them away from their perilous league position.
“It’s out of respect to our fans and what we have served them this year,” Pardew told the Evening Chronicle.
“There’s no party for us, and the same for the staff. That’s how it should be.
“Trust me, there have been horrible things said about our group and our staff, but we are together, and we are fighting and trying to put it right.
“The fans have to realise this isn’t just a game to us, it’s our livelihoods and our profession. It pays our bills.
“Not only that, we have to have a certain pressure of entertaining our fans, who pay good money to come and watch.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Looking at all those factors, we have not done enough this year. That’s why I think it’s right we called it off.”
Newcastle face Queens Park Rangers at St James’ Park on Saturday, knowing they will need a victory to help restore some confidence in a stuttering season.
Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has been ruled out until at least the festive period extending his spell on the sidelines even further, but with a new manager at the helm and the club having brought in a number of fresh faces in midfield and with the promise of more to come over the past few months, will the England international be able to force his way back into the side when he returns to full fitness?
Having turned 32 this month, it’s not as if Parker has time on his side either and there’s a doubt whether he fits into Andre Villas-Boas’ high tempo style of play which focuses on pressing the opposition high up the pitch much in the same way that the first-choice central midfield partnership of both Sandro and Moussa Dembele have done to good effect so far this campaign.
The Portuguese manager told the press before this weekend’s game against Chelsea on the subject of Parker’s injury: “It’s difficult for him as he still feels pain and is still disturbed in his recovery. It prevents him from being on the pitch but he has been in the gym and with the medical department. We are looking at Christmas. It is still within the limits of what we expected. He is making good progress and there has been less pain.”
I’m not for a moment doubting that Parker has his merits as a player and he’s evolved from the all-action midfielder at West Ham to a deeper-lying, more reserved player since his move to White Hart Lane, which in itself displays a level of adaptability which could stand him in good stead. He’s extremely tactically aware of his role within the side, is tidy in possession and has an exceptional work-rate, best displayed by when he almost an himself into the ground while carrying an injury at Euro 2012 ‘for the England cause’ so to speak.
However, you do have to question whether he may just be a tad too limited for what Villas-Boas is trying to achieve at the club now and there’s a worry that he doesn’t recycle possession quickly enough, an attribute which is a major strength of Dembele’s and was deeply missed against Chelsea at the weekend.
The nature of the 4-3-3 formation that Tottenham are carrying on with at the moment means that a goalscoring midfielder must occupy a central role at the tip of the three, while there’s an all-running player capable of beating a man and a more defensive option sat just behind him, so when the side has the ball, it effectively turns into a 4-2-3-1 system.
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Clint Dempsey will battle it out for the first spot while Dembele seems to have made the second role his own with a series of bustling and energetic performances, which leaves Jake Livermore, Sandro, Huddlestone and Parker to contest the final place in the side and the Brazilian has shown a growing maturity to his play so far this season which surely sees him sit top of the pecking order.
Moreover, I wrote earlier in the summer that Huddlestone may have a pivotal part to play this season under Villas-Boas, given that his ability to drop in-between the centre-backs when on the back-foot and his passing range made him a decent candidate for the role just in front of the back four should Sandro fail to perform and he appears to have benefited from the change in manager this summer.
There’s also the fact that the club vigorously pursued the signature of FC Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho right up until transfer deadline day and were said to be just minutes away from clinching the deal after being granted an hour extension by the FA, so there’s a cleat intention on their part to bring in at least one more body in the future.
It’s clear for all to see that as good as Dembele is, the side still lacks an element of control in midfield which has been evident against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea (which he missed) and that they struggle to hold onto the ball at times. Luka Modric is still yet to be properly replaced and you suspect that even if they don’t go back for Moutinho in January or even next summer, that a similar style of player will be right at the top of the agenda sooner rather than later.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I’m a big fan of Parker’s and it’s unfortunate that he’s found himself confined to the treatment table precisely at a time when he needs to be fit and pressing home his claims for a regular starting berth, but there’s certainly a danger of the side moving on without him and while he has his merits, it looks as if his face might not quite fit into the new manager’s plans.
Stoke City captain, Ryan Shawcross has been called up to the England squad to replace John Terry for the World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino and Poland next week.
The defender will get the chance to make his England debut after Terry retired from international football following the FA’s decision to bring a misconduct charge against him for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, despite being cleared of the offence in court.
A mainstay of the England defence for a number of years, Terry’s retirement leaves the door open for a number of centre backs to fill the void left by the former skipper. Shawcross joins Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott in Roy Hodgson’s squad and all four will know they now have a great opportunity to establish themselves as an England regular.
For Shawcross, the call up comes two years after his first. The former Manchester United player was included in the squad for a match against Egypt in March 2010 but was an unused substitute. His inclusion in the latest squad is at least a just reward for being one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders.
But, replacing John Terry is a big task. Quite possibly a step to far for Shawcross. Below we take a look at why the Stoke defender is not the man to replace JT.
He wont get an opportunity
Admittedly this is perhaps a harsh reason to cast doubt over Shawcross’ England chances but how can he replace Terry if he’s isn’t picked? The aforementioned Cahill, Jagielka and Lescott are all ahead of the Potters man in the pecking order and rightly so. All three are better defenders than the Shawcross and better on the ball. These three will battle it out for a place in the starting XI.
He lacks composure on the ball
A defender from the old school, Shawcross is an imposing figure at centre back. He’s big, strong, good in the air and strong in the tackle. Yes, he is a very dependable defender, but to succeed at international level you need a lot more than that. Frankly, the 25-year-old is not good enough in possession to establish himself in the England team.
Injuries influenced his selection
Would Shawcross have been picked if Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were fit? It seems unlikely. These two, along with Cahill, Jagielka and Lescott are the five centre backs that will be at the forefront of Roy Hodgson’s mind for the World Cup Qualifiers and the tournament itself. Equally, should Steven Caulker develop as expected than he too could force his way in ahead of the Stoke defender.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
If I was to ask you who Nathaniel Chalobah was, you’d probably point your finger to a stunning goal scored away at Leicester a few weeks back.
And of course you’d be right on both points. One, yes it was an absolutely stunning goal. And two, yes it was scored by loanee Nathaniel Chalobah.
For many years he Captained and shone both in the Chelsea reserves and Youth sides, and even lead them to the FA Youth Cup in 2012, going onto win the competition as well as that years Championships..
The current Watford loanee, who is being borrowed from parent-club Chelsea, is believed by many reputable people to be the successor for John Terry in years to come.
However the Sierra Leone born player has dominated midfields in the Championship this season, so much so that the player is now being urged to fight for a future place in the Chelsea midfield, rather than the defence.
The first time we were really highlighted to the youngsters midfield capabilities was against Brighton and Hove Albion back in December.
It was a game in which Chalobah proved his versatility, work-rate and fitness levels, and proved to be a real catalyst in midfield as the Hornets took all three points on their quest for promotion.
It earned the youngster an extended contract, and Zola has been rewarded for his faith by Chalobah, who has had a key influence in helping them reach this season’s play-offs.
It’s no secret that Zola has taken full advantage of his contacts in Italy this season to get himself some valuable loan signings, but arguably his best contacts were the ones at Chelsea who let him take Chalobah on a loan.
Former Chelsea legend Zola has even been quoted as saying that Chalobah has what it takes to be as good as Lampard, although the Italian feels that he’d have even more of an effect as a holding midfielder.
It’s of no surprise to many to see Chalobah earning rave-reviews, considering that Chalobah signed his first professional contract at Chelsea in 2012, and even travelled with the squad to Munich as the Blues’ won the Champions League final.
That was the second time that Chalobah was named in a Blues’ squad, having made the bench during a Premier League fixture against Newcastle when he was aged just 15-years old.
His performances in the reserve and Youth sides have also helped him catch the eyes of International coaches as he earned his place in the England U19’s, he has since been named Captain of the Three Lions U19’s squad.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Chalobah also earned his first call-up for the U21’s late last year as he came on in the second half for Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson in a friendly against Northern Ireland.
Despite having already represented England at International level, he is still eligible to play for Sierra Leone.
Although I’m sure coaches and supporters throughout the country will be hoping that Chalobah can become a Premier League regular, and an influential midfielder for England in the future.
River Plate’s defensive midfielder Leonardo Ponzio is a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, according to Sky Sports News.
Ponzio has spent the most-part of his career bouncing between River Plate and Zaragoza, being part of the latter club’s 2009 promotion back into the Spanish top flight. The midfielder only recently rejoined River Plate in January 2012 but could be on his way to the Premier League in the coming transfer window.
The Argentine international, capped seven times for his country, has been in good form for La Banda this season, and recently scored the equaliser during a derby clash with Boca Juniors which ended 2-2. It is believed Spurs scouts were at the match to watch the midfielder’s progress on the request of Andre Villas-Boas.
“I knew that some people came to watch me in the match against Boca and I think in another game too,” 30-year-old Ponzio told reporters.
“Nobody spoke with me about a possible transfer or real interest. Anyway, regarding my future, I am very comfortable where I am and I feel respect. I would like to take advantage of this moment.”
When quizzed on a move to White Hart Lane, the Argentinean replied: “What comes for my career from now on will be analysed. At my age I have to analyse everything with my family.
“It’s not a year yet since I came back from Spain. Therefore, if an offer arrives, River and me will have to analyse it,” he added.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I am at a good personal moment and I have to keep on going on in that way. I would like to have the chance to play for the national team again, so I have to keep on doing well at River.”
Dinosaurs may now be extinct but when they did roam the planet they were said to be fearsome creatures. Now, by definition of the fact Hamburg have been in the Bundesliga for all 50 seasons, they are renowned for being the division’s dinosaur. Sadly for Thorsten Fink, they were more like Barney the Dinosaur at a time when they could least afford it; because any team who puts in a weak performance against this Bayern Munich side risks a thrashing.
The Bundesliga record champions displayed on Saturday why they’re on course to become the greatest team in the competition’s 50 year history. After a series of poor performances by the high standards they’ve set themselves this season, Bayern responded by annihilating Hamburg. The away side have had eyes on a Champions League place of late but their 9-2 thrashing at the league leaders should end those dreams.
Four of those goals came from third choice front man Claudio Pizarro. He has been something of a “Cash and Carry” striker this season as when he’s scored, he’s done so in bulk. The Peruvian played a part in six goals on Saturday, a Bundesliga record for a single game and he also moved into the list of the top ten Bundesliga scorers of all time. His performance alone showed how this season even players who warm the bench at Bayern do not disappoint when they’re let loose in the red shirt.
Pizarro’s return to Bavaria in the summer seemed strange though. He was never going to be the first choice striker, yet he had been one of the top scorers in the division last season, netting 18 for Werder Bremen. His quadruple on Saturday makes it harder to pick holes in his logic of moving back to Bayern. Whilst he could have played regularly for another club in the Bundesliga, it takes a very strong character to turn down Bayern Munich. When you’re averaging a goal every 72 minutes or so, as Pizarro has done this season, it’s unlikely he’ll have any regrets, especially after Saturday evening.
Both the Peruvian and die Roten were majestic, in contrast to visitors Hamburg who equalled their worst ever defeat in the Bundesliga, 49 years after they were beaten by the same scoreline at Bayern’s neighbours, 1860 Munich. Saturday’s apocalyptic performance also came 49 days after Hamburg thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1 at Signal Iduna Park. After Bayern’s nine though, you have to question whether a 4-1 score line even qualifies as a thrashing.
If it had a been a bout, the blue corner would have thrown in the towel at half time, though Thorsten Fink’s side effectively did, conceding another four after the league leaders had planted five past them in the first half. Still, there were a few positives for HSV. At least they scored (not many have done so against this Bayern side), at least their opponents didn’t get into double figures and at least Hamburg won’t have to travel to the Allianz Arena until August at the very earliest – in their last three visits, they’ve conceded 20.
As for Bayern, they will bounce into their Champions League quarter final with Juventus on Tuesday. The team that started on Saturday was lacking a few first choice members such as Alaba, Ribery and Mandzukic but they comprehensively outplayed a team challenging for a European place in the Bundesliga. A win next week at Eintracht Frankfurt will seal their 23rd Bundesliga title and never has it been more deserved for Bayern Munich.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga:
Despite being constantly linked to Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski ensured his potential employers would have to wait until next week to seal the title. He scored the winner as Borussia Dortmund overcame Stuttgart. The side behind BVB, Bayer Leverkusen, were much more comfortable in Düsseldorf, as they swept past Fortuna thanks to two from Stefan Kiessling and two from André Schürrle. Speaking of doubles, Max Kruse also netted a pair against Borussia Mönchengladbach ensuring Freiburg kept in the hunt for a Champions League place. And wouldn’t you just know it, he’s been linked with a move recently to… Borussia Mönchengladbach! Another fine pair could be found in Augsburg as Konstantin Rausch got both goals in a rare away triumph for Hannover. However, it is Schalke who now lead the race for that final Champions League place after a 12 minute treble salvo saw them past lowly Hoffenheim. Level on points with the Royal Blues though are Eintracht Frankfurt. The Eagles won their first game in six and more poignantly, since Armin Veh signed a new contract during the week. They snuck past Greuther Fürth in an entertaining encounter on Sunday afternoon. Mainz scored the quickest goal in their history when Adam Szalai scored after 12 seconds. Coincidentally, it was the fastest goal Werder Bremen have ever conceded too but Thomas Schaaf’s side recovered to grab a share of the points. As fate would have it, Sokratis and Marko Arnautovic, fresh from scuffling on the training ground, combined well to set up Aaron Hunt for the equaliser. And finally, in what should have been labelled as the Dieter Hecking derby, Wolfsburg and Nürnberg played out a draw on Sunday. Hecking’s current side took a two goal lead before generously letting it slip as his former charges fought back to secure a draw. It included what can only be described as a “Thundercracker” from Belgian defender Timmy Simons.
Matchday 27 Results:
Augsburg 0-2 Hannover
Fortuna Düsseldorf 1-4 Bayer Leverkusen
Freiburg 2-0 Gladbach
Mainz 1-1 Werder Bremen
Schalke 3-0 Hoffenheim
Stuttgart 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was critical of Howard Webb after his side’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal for his refusal to award his side a penalty kick.
The Reds slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in a close fought clash thanks to goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski before Steven Gerrard pulled one back..
After moving to within a goal of the London club, Luis Suarez – who had already won a penalty – appeared to be fouled in the area by Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Yet referee Webb refused to point to the spot, leaving the travelling side infuriated.
Arsenal then held on to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, with the Merseyside club unable to find a leveller.
After the match Rodgers was frustrated with Webb, and questioned whether or not Suarez’s reputation caused the decision to go against his team:
“He’s always asking questions of defenders, and quite a lot of the time he doesn’t get what he deserves,” he told Sky Sports.
“The one at Chelsea (when Samuel Eto’o fouled Suarez in December) was a clear penalty. He’s got a penalty but should’ve deservedly had two penalties today.
“And if it is a penalty he should have it, irrespective of what his reputation is.
“I thought that was quite an easy decision for the ref.
“Luis has a touch, gets around him and it looks a blatant penalty.
“We’re bitterly disappointed to have not got that because then it just keeps our momentum going for the final stages of the game.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Webb also irked the home fans after opting against giving Gerrard a second yellow card for a foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain.
With the upcoming English Premier League season about to get underway, it’s about time to create your Fantasy Premier League team.
We divide the categories into FIVE parts, one defensive player, one midfielder, one forward, one player who is ‘worth a punt’, and one budget player.
And with United looking like they’re heading back to their best under new boss Louis Van Gaal, there’s going to be a few Old Trafford stars worth picking this season.
Nobody is a sure pick, but based on pre-season form and their points tally from the previous campaign; here are FIVE Manchester United players to consider when picking your EPL fantasy team…
*All prices were obtained from the official Fantasy Premier League game
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON WAYNE ROONEY TO SEE THE FULL LIST
[/ffc-gallery]
Defence:
With Luke Shaw being the only defensive left wing-back available, he will be Louis van Gaal’s number one pick. His role will see him have a lot more attacking freedom, mainly to get into a crossing position in order to assist the other forward players.
Last season, he managed 123 points with Southampton and could be aiming for a lot more now that he is part of the Manchester United setup. As of now, the only threat to his position could be the likes of Ashley Young, who seems to be performer better and better as a wing back. Priced at 6.0, his contribution both defensively and in the attack gives him an edge over the two centre-backs.
Midfield:
Juan Mata is another key player for Manchester United and since he is seen as the main player-maker in the squad, he is sure to grab a few assist here and there. In addition to his ability to provide the killer pass, his pre-season form has seen him create scoring chances for himself as well.
With 124 points from the previous campaign, Mata seemed to flourish during the last few games, so expect him to start strong after having time to fit in with the United squad. Priced at 9.0, he is very likely to become a regular for the Red Devils as points will flow in given he can continuously provide goals for his team mates, while attempting to bag a few for himself as well.
Forward:
Wayne Rooney is likely to be one of the main attacking outlets for Manchester United in the upcoming season as he likes to drop deeper to receive the ball hoping to advance the play further. Priced at 10.5, he has been in great form during the pre-season and will most likely continue to play at the top of his game during the campaign.
He managed 190 points last time despite a horrible season which saw them finish in seventh place. However, with Louis van Gaal now taking charge, both Rooney and the Red Devils look to be returning to their best.
Worth a Punt:
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Although Robin van Persie is rather expensive with a price tag of 12.5, it is believed that under Louis van Gaal, he will flourish and could even return to his scoring best. An all and out striker, he will probably be the last person that touches the ball before it goes into the back of the net.
Despite his 112 points the previous season, Van Gaal will know exactly how to get the best out of his star striker. His ability to find the net time and time again is the main reason why he will be worth the large investment.
Budget Pick:
With Louis van Gaal deploying a three-man centre back and Manchester United currently lacking in the defensive department, Phil Jones will most probably feature. Playing alongside the likes of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, it is about time he lived up to his name as England’s next big central defender.
Jones got 86 points last season, more than both Smalling and Evans, hence his pick as the most likely to replicate his previous form. At only 22, he has a lot of room to mature and it looks likely that under Van Gaal, he will do exactly that. Priced at a reasonable 5.5, his potential game time and current form can surely see him hold a regular place in the squad.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is out for three months with a knee injury.
The Brazilian missed six months of last season with knee ligament damage and is now sidelined again following a knock which forced his early exit from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
It remains unclear as to whether or not surgery will be required on the injury.
On Twitter, the 25-year-old had this message for his followers: “No words to describe my feelings at the moment. It is been hard to be positive but I am sure better days will come. YNWA.”
It is arguable whether anyone at Anfield offers the same protection to the Reds’ defence from midfield, but despite the former Gremio man’s absence Brendan Rogers still has a plethora of midfield options.
Nuri Sahin arrived at Anfield following a season-long loan from Real Madrid, while Jonjo Shelvey impressed replacing Lucas against City. Out of favour Kenny Dalglish signings Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam could also be brought in provided they aren’t offloaded before the closure of the transfer window.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
One of the things that sends me most irate in life – refereeing decisions in el clasico aside – is that of stereotypes. In any capacity I genuinely feel they are grossly unfair and would be the first person to say something if I felt pre judging was occurring.
Being female, blonde and a sports journalist you can imagine I get my fair share of idiots making a variety of remarks I can only assume they feel are terribly original, witty and are worthy of an article in themselves. It drives me mad, and I have always been careful not to fall into the trap of tarring everyone with the same brush, yet last week I wrote a top ten tell tale signs of a Premier League footballer, including trips to Nandos, ill-timed comments on twitter and amnesia when it comes to wedding vows. As it was pointed out to me over the weekend, that was a prime example of stereotyping all footballers and yet again only focusing on ones who show the excess and negative side to the game.
Not all footballers are like that – in fact the majority are not. Think about players such as the Nevilles, Scholes, Carragher and especially ones from elsewhere in Europe, who for them the culture of excess and Wags is literally foreign to them – in his wildest dreams I doubt Kompany could even behave half as crassly as people like John Terry.
It is just a very few who are so public about what they do and how they live their lives that it becomes hard to break away from such an image, and the sport as a rule gets far more coverage on the front pages than any other. Look at cricket, rugby and even the Olympics – over the past few years there have been stories in the tabloids about misdemeanours from the sportsmen involved, yet that dies down after a couple of days and is conveniently forgotten about whereas a footballer does something wrong once and it is red top fodder for weeks on end.
Perhaps there is more discretion in said sports and certainly less money involved, yet to assume all footballers are in the Cashley Cole mould or the John Terry one is vastly wrong and quite insulting. For anyone who has not, I would urge you to read the secret footballer’s column in The Guardian newspaper, which is a fantastic insight into the world, and whilst there are disclosures that make you raise your eyebrows there are equally things that make you feel some footballers are harshly done by. The same can be said about Louis Saha’s book, Thinking Inside the Box – a very frank look at the harsh world of football, behind the glamour and tabloid fodder and a definite read for people who are interested in that side of the game.
People can be too quick to forget that footballers are human and susceptible to the temptations that all of us face – as a 22 year old I am sure most of you did some less than stellar things, yet a journalist is not there to plaster it on the pages of a paper. Footballers like all of us will make mistakes and need time to grow up, and some will turn out to be shall we say naughty, some will get sick, some will suffer from a mental illness or addiction and need help and some will be stand up members of society. You get all types of people in life, so of course you do in the beautiful game – perhaps it is time we started to realise it.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.