Does Being Captain Mean Anything?

Much has been made of John Terry being reinstated as England captain. Perhaps too much. The main issue is that Fabio Capello has gone back on his decision to take the armband off of Terry for his inexplicable off field behaviour with a team mates girlfriend. It was a big call back when all was revealed about Terry's private life, and to go back on such a big ruling shows signs of weakness. It undermines Capello's tough, no nonsense approach to coaching. That argument is understandable, but in today's modern age of football, the question is; does being captain mean anything, or is it simply a symbol?

Lets get this straight. The ideal captain should have outstanding qualities that other players in the team do not possess; they should be a natural winner, they should be a beacon of inspiration, a passionate, brave, respectable person - someone who will take responsibility for their mistakes, wear their heart on their sleeve and be able to make massive sacrifices for the good of the team. They also need the have great footballing ability in their position. It looks a big ask. It also looks as if the England team have a good few players who have those qualities - or does it?

When David Beckham gave up the England captaincy, which he held for many years, with great integrity and heart, told of the honour it was to wear the armband for his country. He said that he had "lived the dream", and was the "greatest honour of his career" to captain his country. This is a man who absolutely lives for football, and loves his country. He led by example, on and off the field. In the main, he conducted himself in admirable principle and honesty. It obviously meant a lot to him.

When Ferdinand was made captain after Terry's removal from the 'position', he too gave the impression of being ready to live the dream that all youngsters have; to lead their country onto a football pitch to fight to win.  He said:

“I like the responsibility. Every youngster grows up wanting to be captain of their club or the team they lead out. This is England and there is no higher accolade than leading out your country.

That may be, but he added to the end of this passionate show of ambition:

"But it won’t mean as much if we don’t win anything."

What have England won in the last 45 years or so? Nothing. So does that mean every captain before him and ahead of him have failed in their main aim? Yes it does. Interestingly, the Manchester United defender continued:


“I have always said if there is something that needs to be said in the changing-room then I will speak my mind whether I am captain or not.

Why shouldn't it be like this for every player? Every player wants to win, every player wants to be the match winner for their country, and every player wants to do their country proud. They should all stand up and act as captains, rather than quietly listen to their manager off he pitch and then watch their captain motivate them on it. When you are playing for your country, that very fact is surely the only motivation you need?

Every player should give 100% to the team whether they are captain or not. That is why I believe the captaincy is just a symbol - a symbol that has recently caused much needless controversy in the England camp. It isn't as if we are short of controversy and trouble in this country as it is.

It seems to me that the only official roles of a captain are: to participate in the coin toss prior to kick off and penalty shoot out (the latter of which England are not very good at) and being the first player to hold aloft a trophy at the award-giving ceremony. That hasn't happened for a while either.

So whether John Terry is captain or not is not the issue. The issue is the chemistry of the team and the willingness of them to play together to work together and to win together. The armband is only a symbol to show the rest of the players who to turn to when they are in trouble. I say fine, keep that, but do not rely on that, and work yourself with all of the passion, inspiration, bravery, responsibility and ability that a captain should show. A team of leaders is better than just one.

Beckham Big Fan of Chicharito

Former United star David Beckham has heaped praised on Manchester United's new star, and brilliant little goal scorer, Javier Hernandez and told the Mexican to enjoy playing for the "best club in the world".

Beckham played close to four hundred games for United, and scored 87 very important goals making himself the biggest name in football since his debut in 1992 in the League Cup against Brighton Hove Albion. Hernandez's competitive debut was a different situation altogether. He came on against Chelsea in the Community Shield, scoring his first goal for United in a 3 - 1 win.

This has been one of many goals this season for Chicharito and Beckham has been impressed with the 22 year-old:

"Chicharito has been exceptional when he’s played. He scores goals, he takes chances, he works hard for the team.

"It’s great to see that. It’s great to see a young player doing really well who is from a different part of the world. To go to Manchester United and do well is exceptional."

Hernandez has taken the place of Berbatov in the last few games, and has not disappointed, scoring two against Marseille to pull United through to the Champions League quarter finals. Beckham emphasized the quality of Hernandez, as Sir Alex wouldn't have him in the team if he wasn't good enough.

"He wouldn’t be in the team and he wouldn’t be scoring goals if Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t think he was a good player.

"It says a lot that he’s playing, it says a lot that he’s getting minutes on the field, obviously, the manager thinks a lot of him. Good luck to him."

The current LA Galaxy star finished by wishing Chicharito good luck in his career at United.

"Enjoy playing for Manchester United. It’s the best club in the world."

 Beckham's television career included his various Pepsi adverts and it seems the Mexican is following in Beckham's commercial footsteps with this new Coke Zero advert:

A Tribute To The Gary Nevilles Of This World...

Gary Neville has retired from football after 602 games for Manchester United and 85 England caps. With 8 Premier League titles under the belt 3 FA Cups and 1 Champions League medal. The thing with Neville is that he isn't the most talented footballer on the planet but is a perfect example of where you can get with hard graft and good management. Today I will be paying tribute to those players like Neville who failed to set the world alight with their skills and talent but punched above their weight by showing grit, determination and a strong will to win...

David Beckham

Who's the least talented in this group?

Definitely the the most popular and famous footballer in the world. David Beckham is probably more recognizable around the world than Maradona or Pele who are both infinitely more talented than the LA Galaxy man. So what can Beckham do as a footballer that those two cant? Can he dribble past defenders like they aren't there like Diego? No he can't. Has he won in World Cup finals like Pele? No he hasn't.

What can Beckham do? Well he is good with a dead ball, a bit like Juninho (the Lyon one) and former Celtic man Shunsuke Nakamura. He can also send in a decent cross a bit like Gareth Bale or David Bentley. But what separates him from these men? Well if you look at it, its sheer hard work, willing to learn and excellent marketing. Beckham on the football pitch doesn't have pace, doesn't have skill, can't tackle particularly well but has still managed to established himself as a one of the most popular and well know players in the history of the game.

Roy Keane

Roy Keane letting some of his more skillful opponents know he is there

Keane is the personification of hard work, grit and a will to win. He took these aspects to such an extreme level that they eventually ended his career at club and international level. These attributes still dog him through his managerial career, but without them he probably would never have made it as a footballer.

At the start of his career He was originally thought too small to play professional football and so set upon improving his physique by getting himself a job carrying beer barrels around. This was the sign of the man he was.

Keane's defining moment was in a Champions League match against Juventus in which he was booked and knew he would miss the final of the tournament but went on to put in a performance which Alex Ferguson described as,

"the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player."

Jamie Carragher

Before Rafa Benitez's spell at Liverpool he was known more for how versatile he was, rather than as a good player, a bit like a scouse John O'Shea.

Under Benitez he became the rock at the heart of a very stingy Liverpool defence. He's not quick, tall or particularly good on the ball, but he made his name by playing with his heart on his sleeve and by making numerous game saving last ditch tackles.

Carragher in the last five years has shown his leadership and organisational qualities. His never-say-die attitude and willing to put his body on the line have etched his name in Liverpool folklore after he was part of "that night in Istanbul" against AC Milan.

When describing Carragher theoffside.com said,

"he’s not the most talented or athletic of players, he’s gotten to the pinnacle of the game through his intelligence, passion for the game, never say die attitude and sheer bloody-minded determination."

That quote basically sums up Carraghers career in nutshell and I'm sure even the most die-hard Liverpool fans wouldn't disagree with that.

Conclusion

Gary Neville fits in perfectly with Beckham, Keane and Carragher. All four of these players are examples of how someone who isn't naturally gifted can make their way to the top of the footballing tree with hard work, a positive mentality and an overwhelming will to succeed regardless of the setbacks they may face. One Arsene Wenger when looking back on Neville's career said,

"I respect a lot what he has done because he was certainly not one of the most talented players in the league but what he has achieved is consistency. His record is down to intelligence and motivation - he is an example to players who are maybe less gifted than the Giggs and the Beckhams but still make a fantastic career because they are intelligent and highly-motivated. They deserve a great credit."

Tottenham v Man Utd - Will the Unbeaten Run Be Broken?

Tottenham will take on Manchester United on Sunday in a bid to jump above Chelsea and go fourth in the table whilst breaking United's 25 game unbeaten run. Tottenham are unbeaten in their last four home matches in the league against big four opposition, but will they be able to defeat the League leaders who beat them in a controversial 2 - 0 win earlier this season? They will certainly be looking for revenge.

Tottenham fancy themselves too, and probably with good reason. United have not been playing their best football, especially away from home - recording only two away wins in the last nine away games. Their home form and lack of losses is what is keeping them top. However, the away form must improve, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that the improvement will start with a convincing win at Tottenham.

The Spurs manager said:

"I couldn't see them remaining unbeaten. It's not impossible but I don't see them doing that. I don't see that they are on another planet to the other teams. They are favourites to win the league but not to go unbeaten."

"They haven't hit the heights this year, but they keep winning games and they haven't been beaten. We are playing well. We are a better team than played United last year. We have got every chance. We are at home. We will give them a real game."

The matches between these two team are often littered with controversial moments and often prove to be brilliant entertainment, as both sides love to attack and believe they can win. Tottenham and England defender Michael Dawson will be doing his best to prevent the United attack grabbing a winning goal on Sunday, and he also believes that his teammates are good enough to defeat United:

"Yes they're on a good run and are top of the form table for a reason. But, hopefully, on Sunday we can be the first team to beat them. We want to win things and that means the title. We want to be contenders year after year. And to do that you have to beat the likes of United."

He will be up against a particularly experienced attacker in Ryan Giggs. The Welsh veteran may not have the speed to get around as many players as he could when his sparkling career began, but he can still influence his teammates with his hardworking culture and natural skill. An appearance for Giggs will take his appearance count reach a massive 600 - only 6 appearances away from fellow United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. He is now 37, but his career glides on, and last week played the whole 90 minutes, which impressed his manager:

"His [Ryan Giggs's] fitness was fantastic last week, he was going for the whole 90 minutes up and down the pitch, and he's been doing that for two decades... There is no other player that's ever done that or ever likely to do that... He's quite an amazing man"

His old team mate, David Beckham will not be making an appearance however. He has been training with Tottenham, but a signing has not been completed and doesn't look as if it will be, so none of his trademark crosses will be dropping into the United box onto the head of Peter Crouch, or Spurs' top scorer this season, Rafael van der vaart. The Dutchman has scored 9 league goals, and will be a big threat to United's back line which may contain fellow countryman Edwin van dar sar and Nemanja Vidic after returning from injuries.

Gareth Bale will be threatening the young Rafael on the left wing, which should prove a tough test for the Brazilian who has started to play a lot more for United as Gary Neville eases out of the United team, looking set for retirement. Rooney could be back for the Red Devils, so there will be no lack of attacking football from both sides.

With Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea already recording wins this week-end, both teams need the win. Tottenham have the home crowds support and the motivation of breaking the 6th longest unbeaten run in Premier League history, while United will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, and keep that brilliant run going.

I'm looking forward to it.

L.A Galaxy Agree to Beckham Tottenham Loan

It looks as if David Beckham will definitely be returning to England to play for Tottenham, as L.A Galaxy have agreed to let him leave on loan. A Tottenham spokesperson confirmed: "LA Galaxy say they will loan."

Tottenham have always been the favourites to sign Beckham - and not only because they are the biggest club to have shown an interest. The presence of Philip Anschutz, the L.A Galaxy owner has most probably been the biggest factor in the MLS sides preference to let Beckham leave for Tottenham too; his company, 'The Anschutz Entertainment Group' are in partnership with Tottenham over plans to take over the Olympic Stadium, and it is thought, he has had the final say in Beckhams short term future.

There had been some anger in America that Beckham was seeking to leave the MLS on loan again, as he has no World cup to "prepare for" and his chances of gaining his spot in the England team are now quite slim. Some critics of the move have said that Beckham is being disloyal to Galaxy, and he isn't paying the club enough respect, while others claimed it was all just about grabbing headlines and making money. The Tottenham manager said on the week end:

 "One thing is for sure - David is not coming here for the money. He is a multi-millionaire. He just wants to play football and that tells you everything you need to know about him."

Quite right.

Beckham and his wife have also had their sons enrolled in a private school in England, confirming that the move to Tottenham will go ahead, as the family prepares for life back home.

Beckham is likely to join his new Tottenham team-mates in the next few days - meaning he will have settled back in England by the time Spurs play the midfielders former club, Manchester United on the 16th January.

Wise Wenger & Wilshere Wants Beckham at Arsenal

David Beckham is a footballer in demand at the moment, with several Premier League clubs interested in bringing him back to England in a short term loan deal. Tottenham, Newcastle and Blackburn have all confirmed their interest, and Jack Wilshere of Arsenal has also expressed his feelings that Beckham would be a great example to him and the team thanks to his "professional attitude, ability and experience". But by the looks of L.A Galaxy's stance on things, no deal will be done quickly. Why? The MLS side are baffled that Beckham wants to leave.

Its odd they think that. Absolutely no disrespect to the American football League, but it is nothing compared to English football. Can you blame Beckham for thinking about a move back to the place where he made his name; a place which turned him into a global star - a place he shouldn't have ever left? England is where the real competitive football is, and Beckham knows it. His Manchester United days were the best of his life and he cannot be blamed for wanting to relive something similar with Tottenham.

The move isn't about grabbing headlines, nor is it about making money - he has a life time supply of both. This is about playing some real football against world class professionals in an environment of a team challenging for the title - and it is also to maintain his fitness of course.

I couldn't agree more with what Arsene Wenger said:

"At the time he was practising here, he was ready. Since he had his injury I don’t know because I haven’t seen him practice or play.

"The only thing I can say, of course you don’t need to speak about his talent or his professional attitude because that was absolutely fantastic.

"I respect a lot, the guy who plays until the last day of his potential and doesn’t care too much about what people say because he knows he will never play again after that,”

Beckham of course trained at Arsenal a few years back and obviously impressed Wenger. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere said on Twitter:

"Bring Becks to Arsenal. what a great Example he would be for all of us! His professional attitude, ability and experience! love 2 work with him!"

I can understand that Galaxy don't want a repeat of the last loan deal to AC Milan in which Beckham received a terrible injury to his achilles, and therefore missed a few games for the MLS side. But to be honest, I think they just don't want to let him go as they are afraid that he may become too comfortable in England. Comfortable enough to stay.

A Prince, a Prime Minister and A Football Icon - But England Lose to... Russia?

England's dream of hosting their first World Cup since 1966 is over, as Russia won in their bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

England sent over the Prince and future King of England, the current Prime Minister, and a worldwide footballing icon, but FIFA were persuaded by Russia, whose bid was backed by oil billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, among others. It is bitterly disappointing or England.

Our bid was clearly, far and away the best bid. We have the brilliant stadiums and facilities, we have the hugely passionate fans, we have the hype, the excitement, the love for football. We know know it feels to lose, that is for sure - we lose in the World Cup competitions all the time, but it doesn't stop us from having the same extreme hype year after year. It is even more disheartening that England went out in the first round of voting; meaning that the likelihood is that England received less than 5 votes out of 22. There really is something wrong there - that suggests that England had the worst bid out of all of the bidders - which is clearly untrue.

There will be questions asked about how this could have possibly come about. The credibility of FIFA really has to be questioned. Especially if England were considered to be the worst candidates. We clearly put masses of effort into the bid, while the Russian president only seemed interested when they won.

Did money and corruption play a part in the result? Consider also that the winners of he 2022 bid were Qatar - a country who are, like Russia extremely rich with oil, but whose stadiums are far less developed and facilities far less advanced than England's. Both Russia and Qatar have a big job in building new stadiums, new airports, new stations, and a friendly football environment for visitors; they must do this to justify their wins.

FIFA will say that the countries were chosen because of what they can do in the future, and how much development the country will undergo as a result, but shouldn't they have chosen the best bid? The BBC may be blamed for their Panorama programme accusing certain FIFA members of corruption, but if there is corruption, it should be sorted; a blind eye should not be turned on corruption in football and FIFA, and this result hasn't done any good in excluding England.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey Joins Nottingham Forest

Pic: Ramsey is on a one month loan deal

The young Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on a loan deal lasting until the 3rd January 2011.

It is hoped that the more games the 19 year old gets, the more match fit he will become as he admitted that he is a bit behind in his fitness levels compared to his team mates after his first competitive match for Arsenal since he broke his leg 9 months ago.

"I'm as fit as all the rest of the lads but [playing in a competitive game] proved I am a bit behind"

An Arsenal statement said:

"Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Aaron the best of luck during his time with Nottingham Forest and we all look forward to seeing him once again in an Arsenal shirt in the New Year."

The Welshman made 29 appearances in all competitions last season for Arsenal before his injury, scoring four times. Ramsey had planned on staying at Arsenal and fighting for his place in the first team, but if anyone knows how to nurture a young player it is Wenger, and sending him on loan will increase his confidence with the ball on the pitch as well as improving his fitness.

A broken leg doesn't just damage a player physically; there are obviously mental barriers to get through and it takes a strong minded character to get through them. Time will tell whether Ramsey will ever be as good a player as was hoped before his injury, but there is no doubt that he has the ability that got him noticed at Cardiff.

Do England miss Beckham?

Against a team like Montenegro, who will sit in their half of the pitch, hold out for a draw and occasionally venture forward, no goals will come for the attacking side if all they try is long balls down the middle.

The way to score - particularly with big strikers, physical strikers or just plain brilliant headers of the ball, is to have an expert at crossing the ball into the box for those attackers to get a touch and win the game. Tuesdays game between England and Montenegro ended goalless, and with very little creativity, spark and skill on the ground, it wasn't hard to see why.

Crossing with Quality: Beckham

One whipped in cross, followed by one lucky touch or brilliant bit of skill could have been the difference, but with no one with a crossing ability good enough to provide for the hungry strikers, England couldn't take advantage of their attackers presence.

When you hear the names Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, Ashley Young and Shaun Wright Phillips, you don't immediately associate them with their fantastic ability to pick out a team-mate from forty yards, or provide a delicious cross right onto a team-mates head. No, these players are mainly known for their speed, and in some cases, their fantastic (immensely annoying) ability to find the closest opposition defender when attempting a cross.

Adam Johnson and James Milner are better at crossing, but the consistency to find a man time and time again isn't there. Unlike a certain David Beckham.

Not only could he inspire the players around him to play well, but his crossing ability was - and is - unrivalled. Wherever he was on the pitch, he found a team-mate with apparent ease and cross with accuracy of which no English player I have seen possesses.

England do miss David Beckham, but if they want to succeed, they are going to have to find a player whose quality on the wings is not just consistent, but consistently brilliant.