Bleacher Report - Articles by Jamie Mason

Lewis Hamilton's Winning Formula

Jamie Mason — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:22:45 -0400

This weekend will see an enthralling finale to a gripping F1 season. Who will win the title: Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton or Brazil's Felipe Massa?

Being British, I hope Hamilton does enough and claims the title, becoming the youngest champion in F1 history. However, what exactly does the Stevenage boy have to do in qualifying and the race to ensure he doesn't hand the title over to the Brazilian?

The main factors Hamilton has to take into consideration include his engine and avoiding trouble. If he can, I would like to see Hamilton qualify third. This would, hopefully, see Massa and Kimi Raikkonen take the front row and let them go have their own race.

Should Hamilton qualify on pole, I can't help but think Raikkonen could "accidently" swerve into the Englishman, which would hand the title to Massa.

The other drivers to look out for will be Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel. They drive for Toro Rosso, or "little Ferrari." Could someone from Ferrari be pulling their strings and trying to get them to help Ferrari?

Whatever happens this weekend, it is sure to be a mouth watering event. All we can hope for is that fairness plays a big part and whoever wins the title will be a worthy champion.

Joey Barton Should Be Kicked Out Of Football For Good

Jamie Mason — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:17:12 -0400

A leading English newspaper is leading a campaign to have Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton sacked and never allowed to play professional football again after being sentenced to 6 months in prison yesterday.

When he is fit and available, there is no doubting that the Magpies' midfielder Barton is a talented footballer, but it is his off-the-field activities that make him one of the most hated players in English football.

Yesterday, Joey Barton began a six month jail sentence for assault and affray after a night out in Liverpool turned violent.

On the night in question, Barton admitted to drinking 10 pints and five bottles of lager when out with family and friends, and then they went to a McDonalds restaurant where he got into an argument with another group of people.

CCTV footage showed Barton knocking a man and then punching him four or five times. Barton was then seen attacking a 16-year-old whose teeth were broken in the attack.

On the field, he is a tenacious midfielder, who likes to get stuck in, but off the field it seems he can't control his temper. At a Manchester City party, Barton was again in court after stubbing out a cigar into the eye of a youth footballer, so it's not the first time he has been in trouble.

Newcastle United have not yet commented on the action they are likely to take, but surely Barton has had his last chance. In a world where footballers are deemed role models, do we want our kids to behave like this?

The timing of the court case should also be questioned. Sentenced just after the season's finish, Barton will only serve two months if he behaves, so will be back out in time for pre-season training and ready for the new season.

But the question has to be asked: does Barton deserve to carry on in football?

Tommy Burns Loses Cancer Battle

Jamie Mason — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:14:24 -0400

Today it was announced that ex Glasgow Celtic player and manager Tommy Burns had lost his battle with skin cancer and passed away, he was only 51.

Signed by Celtic from Maryhill in 1973 Tommy went on to play over 350 games for the team he supported and was instrumental in Celtic's 1988 league and cup double in their centenary year. He also played for the national team winning eight caps.

Tommy spent virtually his whole career at the Glasgow club and only left to join Kilmarnock as a player/manager but in 1994 he was given the opportunity to manage the club that he supported and became Celtic's manager.

Kilmarnock didn't want to let Burns go and only when £100,000 was given to Kilmarnock as compensation was Burns allowed to take up the reins at Parkhead.

Even though Burns' reign didn't herald any Premier League titles, the style of play that Celtic were playing was enough to keep the fans off his back but in 1997 the board decided enough was enough and sacked Burns.

He then headed south and had a stint in charge of Reading but the lure of working with the Scottish national team soon saw him head back to Scotland.

In 2005 Burns was back at Celtic. The departure of Martin O'Neil and the appointment of Gordon Strachan saw Burns promoted from youth team coach to first team coach and he was a popular member of the backroom staff but in 2006 he was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Even though it was widely known that Tommy Burns was suffering from melanoma the news that he has passed away at such a young age is sure to send shockwaves through not only Scottish football but to football fans world wide.

As a fan I would like to thank Tommy Burns for everything he did for the club he loved and my thoughts are with his wife and four children.

EPL: Reshaping the Playoffs Will Help Parity

Jamie Mason — Wed, 14 May 2008 02:11:45 -0400

This season saw Derby County break the Premier League record of lowest points total, and also chart only one win all season. They also hold the record of the most games without a win.

The reason for this is the widening gap between the Championship and Premier League sides.

Sunderland spent £45m last summer to retain their Premier League status and finished three points from the relegation zone. Teams like Stoke City and West Brom will have to spend that amount and more if they are to retain their status as a top-flight side.

Looking at the relegated clubs, two were in their first season back in the Premier (Derby and Birmingham City), while the other club, Reading, were only in their second—so does this set a trend where the teams coming up will be those that go back down again?

What can be done to stop this?

My idea is going back 20 years.

Back then the third from bottom side (Reading) would play the team that finished third from top in the Championship (Hull City) over two legs. The winner would get a place in the Premier League.

That way, should the Championship side win at least we will know the quality of side in the Premier League would be better. But if they lost then they would remain in the Championship.

As a "reward" for finishing third, the Championship side would get the parachute payment, that way they would be able to buy better quality players and make more of a challenge for a Premier League place.

Over a period of time we will recognise a closing of the gap.

Otherwise, there will be an everlasting cycle of teams going up coming straight back down again, and that can't be healthy for the English game.

Torres, Ronaldo Etc: England Football Fans Should Look Forward to Euro 2008

Jamie Mason — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:21:21 -0400

A recent radio debate asked the English footballing public "Now England aren't going to appear, what will you be doing during the summer?"
My answer is quite simple. I'll be watching Euro 2008 and watch the cream of the Premiership strut their stuff in Austria and Switzerland.

That got me wondering how many players are likely to play in the tournament that ply their trade over here. The answer, 52, and here is a round up of all the qualifiers and their English based contingent including the one to watch.

Out of the 16 qualifiers 3 don't have any players that play in England, they are Romania, Russia and Italy. Numbers in brackets are the latest odds.

Czech Republic (16/1) - Petr Cech (Chelsea) 56 apps

Cech has had another outstanding season for Chelsea this year pulling off numerous world class saves to not only keep the blues in the Champions League but also the Premier League title race. A facial injury in April kept him out for a while and Chelsea's title bids faltered but on his return the clean sheets returned. The Czech Republic are in a difficult group with Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey but with Cech between the sticks they should have enough to qualify past the group stages.

Other Premier League players: Marek Matejovsky (Reading), Milan Baros (Portsmouth), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) although injury may keep him out.

Portugal (8/1) - Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 54 apps 20 goals

Who else could I pick. The boy from Madeira seems to be having his cake and eating it this season. Goals and assists galore and undoubtedly the best player on the planet. Like Cruyff in 74 and Maradona in 86 could Euro 2008 be the tournament where one player can single handedly guide his side to glory. Portugal's best chance surely. Group favourites, Portugal could well be peoples tip for the crown and cap of a season to remember for young Cristiano

Other Premier League players: Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Nani (Manchester United)

Switzerland (25/1) - Philippe Senderos (Arsenal) 26 apps 3 goals

One of the outsiders for the tournament there isn't much quality in their squad and out of the 4 players based in England Philippe would be the only choice as their one to watch. Senderos has had an indifferent season at the Emirates this season and if rumours are true he could well be heading for the exit. A can be a solid defender but has struggled to nail down a place at Arsenal and a few high profile gaffs has affected his confidence and the Swiss will be hoping he leaves his Arsenal form in England if they are to stand any chance of qualifying out of their group.

Other Premier League players: Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City), Johan Djourou (Arsenal), Blerim Dzemaili (Bolton Wanderers)

Turkey (50/1) - Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough) 51 apps 14 goals

Prolific for Fenerbache it was seen the free signing for Middlesbrough of Tuncay was a nice piece of business for Gareth Southgate but after a first season where it took 12 appearances to notch his first goal some fans were starting to wonder whether this free transfer was worth the money!!! and even for a majority of this season Tuncay did nothing to quell those fears but what will please the Turkish fans heading to Switzerland is his end of season form where he has scored the goals that ensured Boro will be playing Premier League football next season. Whether this will be enough to get his nation past the first hurdle remains to be seen

Other Premier League players: Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United)

Austria (125/1) - Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough) 25 apps 1 goal

Austria sole Premier League player "The Pog" is loved by the Boro fans for his 110% commitment to every game and Austria need this from all of their players. A very tough group should see the co-hosts eliminated at the first stage but one thing that won't be questioned is Emanuels commitment. Banned for an outburst aimed at coach Josef Hickersberger Pog is still one of the main men in the Austrians squad but even he won't be able to get Austria through.

Other Premier League players: None

Croatia (14/1) - Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth) 39 apps 6 goals

While others get the credit Niko Kranjcar is the unsung hero. Not only for Portsmouth but also for his national team Croatia where he plays with pride and hunger and will do anything to get his team a victory. Famous for "that" goal against England in the final qualifier Niko & Co are my tips as the dark horses for the tournament and with this engine in the centre of midfield they really could go places. With the addition of coach Slaven Bilic signing a new contract the future looks bright for this nation and I can only see good times ahead

Other Premier League players: Vedran Corluka (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)

Germany (4/1f) - Michael Ballack (Chelsea) 79 apps 35 goals

Always likely to be up their with the favourites the Germans have a strong squad this year and the main man has to be Michael Ballack. In his second season at Stamford Bridge Ballack is showing the quality that made him one of the worlds best midfielders when he was with Bayern Munich and is the main threat for the Germans. Looking at Group B only Croatia are a threat to this side so I expect them to qualify with ease.

Other Premier League players: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Robert Huth (Middlesbrough)

Poland (50/1) - Grzegorz Rasiak (Bolton Wanderers, loan) 37 apps 8 goals

All Polands main players ply their trade away from the Premier League and out of the 3 that do play in England only Rasiak has seen any kind of regular football. On loan from Championship side Southampton Rasiak was brought to everyone's attention after a successful season with Derby County where he took the side to 4th place but failure to gain promotion led to his sale to Tottenham Hotspur and since then he has been on the gradual decline. If Poland have any chance to get past the group stage they better not rely to heavily on Rasiak who averages a goal every 5 games.

Other Premier League players: Lukasz Fabianski (Arsenal), Tomasz Kuszcak (Manchester United)

France (17/2) - Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) 44 apps 11 goals

A force in world football France will be looking to regain their European crown and no-one is more likely to help them achieve this than "Le Sulk". Transfered from 8 clubs in 10 years for over £87m in transfer fees Nicolas Anelka is a fantastic footballer with quality finishing and lethal pace in his locker but his attitude towards football differs and if the Anelka we know and love turns up to the tournament then France just might have a chance of winning the trophy. They couldn't have wished for a tougher group though and with opposition like Italy, Holland and Romania the French will need everyone on their game.

Other Premier League players: Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Florent Malouda (Chelsea)

Holland (14/1) - Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) 23 apps 7 goals

Fatigue shouldn't play a factor in Van Persies tournament as he has missed most of the campaign through injury and whether he can get to 100% match fitness by the time the tournament kicks off determines how well the Clockwork Orange will fair in this years competition. With Spain and England Holland are the underachievers of world football but they have the players to win tournaments so why don't they? With Ryan Babel on the wing and a fit Van Persie knocking in the goals could Holland win their second European competition?

Other Premier League players: Edwin Van Der Sar (Manchester United), Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic), Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), Andre Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool)

Greece (25/1) - Stelios Giannakopoulos (Bolton Wanderers) 72 apps 12 goals

Like Poland Greece only have one English based player in their squad which made the selection easy. Only been used sparingly for Bolton Stelios's future may well lie away from the Reebok so he will use this opportunity to showcase himself to the worlds coaches and engineer a move, maybe back to Greece.
The reigning champs have it all to do if they are to retain their title but this group is difficault and I can see them heading home early.

Other Premier League players: None

Spain (13/2) - Fernando Torres (Liverpool) 46 apps 15 goals

Still only 24 years of age it Fernando Torres is already one of the continents lethal strikers. Many thought he would struggle in the Premier League but 23 goals in 32 appearances has proven the doubters wrong as he has formed a lethal partnership with Steven Gerrard that will soon be feared by defenders all round the world.
The underachievers tag is firmly stuck with the Spanish as they have continually failed to get that first title under there belt but with a Premier League spine through their squad could this be the tournament?

Other Premier League players: Jose Reina (Liverpool), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

Sweden (33/1) - Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City) 2 apps 0 goals

Could this Larsson bring as much success to the Swedish side as his namesake Henrik achieved in the 90's and 00's? Still new to the international stage Sebastian is slowly making his name in the Premier League as a deadball specialist for Brimingham having recently scored a couple from more than 25 yards and opta stats reveal he is more accurate than Cristiano Ronaldo and is infact the most accurate free kick taker in the Premier League.
Sweden have an outside chance of getting past the group stage but they will need players like Larsson to hit top form quick to avoid going out of the tournament early.

Other Premier League players: Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City), Erik Edman (Wigan Athletic), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa til July 08!!), Freddie Ljungberg (West Ham United injury permitting), Rade Prica (Sunderland)

Celtic-Rangers: Handball on the Line Rule Has to Change

Jamie Mason — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:47:41 -0400

In an exciting Auld Firm game last night Carlos Cuellar's right hand almost brought Rangers the SPL title.

A shot from Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura looked destined for the top left hand corner but the Rangers defender dived to his right and tipped the ball over the bar.

The result, a penalty for Celtic and a deserved red card for Cuellar. Scott McDonald was the chosen player to take the penalty which injured keeper Allan McGregor saved.

The question has to be asked, was justice done.

Rangers lost a player, Celtic weren't awarded the goal and the resulting penalty missed so both teams were punished, is this fair?

To me this rule needs to be changed. Last nights game showed that sometimes cheaters prosper but what should be done?

The answer to me is quite simple. If a shot looks goal bound and is handled the referee should reward a penalty goal that way the attacking team get the goal they deserve, and for the defender, a yellow card just so they don't get away with their actions.

If Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink hadn't scored a 93rd minute winner the Scottish title would be all but over and the trophy Ibrox bound, instead the teams play at Parkhead again on the 27th with the league still wide open.

In an action packed derby last night it was a case of nothing but a win for Celtic and in the 20th minute Nakmura (not having the best of seasons) put the Hoops ahead with a 30 yard pile driver that swerved this way and that and gave Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor no chance.

Celtic had all the possession but just couldn't get that second goal and this meant that Rangers were still in touching distance and in the 10th minute of the second half Gers sub Nacho Novo silenced the Parkhead faithful with a goal to bring the teams level.

The amount of games Rangers are having to play looked like it was taking its toll on the players and they looked weary but were still holding on and looked like they got their point after Scott McDonald missed his penalty.

Celtics players looked doomed to failure that was until in the third minute of injury time , Dutch hitman Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink headed in from close range to steal the points and sent the Celtic fans into delirium.

The gap at the top is now one point although Rangers have two games in hand.

The next Auld Firm derby is another must win and Celtic will be hoping Rangers slip up if they are to win their third successive title. If that game is anything like last nights, it can't come quick enough.

Dave Heeley: Sports Personality of the Year

Jamie Mason — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:13:43 -0400

This week saw London stage the annual Flora London Marathon where thousands of athletes from around the world try to beat each other to glory.

It also allows tens of thousands of people to push themselves to the limit in the name of charity but there was one person in particular who deserves special credit.

Two weeks ago Dave Heeley would've only been known to people in his local area but last week he managed to make history.

Many people have run marathons but Dave Heeley managed seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and what makes this achievement even more spectacular is the fact Heeley is blind.

Running for the charity "Guide Dogs" and assisted by his friend and fellow runner Malcolm Carr, the runners began their attempt in the Falkland Islands (Antarctica) where they were greeted with a tornado fly past before setting off on their journey.

They completed the run in a time of four hours and 14 seconds. After a quick rub down they boarded a private jet to enable them to reach Brazil and Rio De Janeiro.

The heat in Brazil wore the runners down slightly even so they still managed to complete the run in a time of four hours and 45 minutes.

Next step, Los Angeles.

There was now no more private flights for Dave, he knew that if he was to complete his attempt he was in the hands of the airlines and one delay would cost him dearly.

Luckily, he arrived on time in LA to complete their marathon and word had spread about this attempt as more and more people were gathering to be a part of this achievement, people even running alongside Dave and Malcolm to spur them in case fatigue started to take its toll.

Just over four hours later, leg three was complete and now time for Sydney.

11 laps around Sydney’s Centennial Park would see stage four complete and he managed this in another amazing time of four hours and 44 minutes. Injuries and jet lag would've taken its toll on most people but for Dave Heeley and his entourage, it was off to Dubai.

Again with fatigue and muscle soreness starting to wear the runners down the last thing they needed was the 30 degree heat beating down on them as they took on the Dubai marathon.

After completing nearly 100 miles of running and four continents a time of four hours and 44 minutes was all it took to notch another continent of the list and now it was time for Africa and more specifically Tunisia.

Four hours and 45 minutes and one police escort later, the rush was on for the final leg of the journey in London where he was to compete in the London marathon.

With the end near, the crowds gathered and news spread throughout England about what Dave had achieved and he was roared on all the way by the waiting public.

After running over 160 miles in 160 hours, Dave completed his final leg in five hours and 20 minutes, spurring him on at the finish line was his wife and kids waiting with open arms to congratulate him on what is simply an amazing feat.

Every year in the UK a professional athlete, whether it is football, cricket or rugby, is awarded the accolade of Sports Personality Of The Year and although Dave isn't a professional sportsman his feat deserves special recognition and this award along with a knighthood is the least he deserves.

Continents and times:

Antartica (Falklands) 4hrs 14m, South America (Brazil) 4hrs 45m, North America (Los Angeles) 4hrs 35m, Australasia (Sydney) 4hrs 44m, Asia (Dubai) 4hrs 45m, Africa (Tunisia) 4hrs 45m and Europe (London) 5hrs 20m.

Gretna F.C. and Others: A Way to Combat Administration

Jamie Mason — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:28:45 -0400

The recent scare surrounding the case of the Gretna Football Club is one being faced by many fans around the country. The now all too familiar 10-point deduction is leaving many clubs with a bleak and somewhat uncertain future.

What has caused so many clubs to have such extreme reactions?

The collapse of ITV Digital in 2002 started the downfall.

Can this event still be to blame? Or is it, as some think, down to other teams trying to get on board the Premier League gravy train to share in the billions, then ending up ridiculously short and in trouble?

Look at Leagues one and two, including teams such as Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, and MK Dons (Wimbledon). All of these clubs have Premier League histories, but are now fighting for survival.

What can be done to save English Football and maintain a league with 92 operating clubs?

The answer might be closer to home than we think: feeder clubs.

Arsenal and Manchester United already have feeder clubs. These squads, however, are sent abroad where their promising youth gain first team experience without the pressure of Premier League football.

Why should these teams be based abroad? Why can't it be Barnet and Bury, for example?

In Spain, there are no reserve leagues. Barcelona B play in our equivalent of League one and Castilla is the reserve team of Real Madrid. Why can't we introduce that here?

I use Barnet merely as an example. They are the closest lower league side to Arsenal.

Imagine what it would be like for Barnet fans to see the likes of Fabregas and Kolo Toure mature into world class talent while wearing the colors of Barnet.

I am sure hard-core Barnet fans would feel they would lose their club's identity, but they would rather be known as Arsenal's feeder club, or as "Barnet, use to be a league side once."

I know what I would choose. There's too much money in the Premier League and not enough going into the grass roots level.

This is a way that the Premier League sides can put something back into the beautiful game before it’s too late.

West Ham United: A Season of Success?

Jamie Mason — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:29:39 -0400

At the beginning of the season, a certain Eggert Magnusson suggested the previous season's relegation dogfight was a blip. This year West Ham would be up and challenging for a European place. (Maybe he meant the Intertoto Cup.)

To most West Ham fans, anything above last season's 15th place would be an improvement, and from the looks of things the supporters were right.

West Ham are a club with tradition, but supporters feel that Curbishley's team doesn't play "the West Ham way." That is why some fans aren't willing to give him a chance. His signings seem to have been made to keep the physio busy rather than improving the team.

Only recently Curbs said he hasn't had the chance to field the same team for a run due to injuries. Well, when you sign Freddie Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy, and Scott Parker (combined fee £23.5m) do you really expect them to play more than half a season? Twelve games if your lucky.

While the physio has kept busy, the players have been plugging away and scrapping results by playing "Jekyll and Hyde football." They beat Liverpool (1-0) and Manchester United (2-1) one minute and then struggle to beat a poor Wigan side the next. West Ham fans are use to this though.

Also, Alan Curbishley's side are renowned for dipping in form after Christmas, and West Ham have done just that. As we speak, West Ham are 10th in the table, but have unveiled the next stars to come off the Tony Carr conveyor belt in striker Freddie Sears and defender James Tomkins, who had differing debuts. Sears scored the winner against Blackburn, and the following week Tomkins was at fault for the opening goal in West Ham's 1-1 draw against Everton.

Starting with Sunderland at the weekend, West Ham have a chance for one final push and can climb as high up the table as possible, even if a European place is no longer an option. With games against Sunderland, Bolton, Derby, and Newcastle coming there are 12 points there, but the players have to perform.

Relegation isn't an option. Neither are Champions League or UEFA Cup football, so it'll be interesting to see where the players minds are—at Upton Park or some beach in the Bahamas.

What about next season?

The word on the West Ham grapevine is that there's money to spend, but Curbishley prefers to give youth a chance and fair play. It's a shame other managers don't want to take this chance, but the squad needs strengthening.

Dean Ashton's injury on international duty has affected him, and it wouldn't surprise me to see a new striker at Upton Park with Ashton going to Newcastle in the summer.

Defence...well it was so strong at the start of the season but has shown signs of cracking so maybe there could be signing in that department as well. Twelve goals conceded in three games is an obvious sign!!!

And the manager. I have this feeling that Alan Curbishley will be moved upstairs, but who will take over? A certain Croat, Slaven Bilic, would be my tip—a West Ham favourite, a strong character, and someone who in a short time has made his mark on the international scene is just what West Ham needs.