Bleacher Report - Articles by Simon Martin

Valley Floyd Road, My Only Desire

Simon Martin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:09:37 -0400

Ten years ago, a little club called Charlton Athletic won a play-off to the then-called Premiership. It was a thrilling game, that both Charlton and Sunderland supporters alike cite as their "greatest game."

4-4 after extra time, and Sasa Ilic saved Michael Gray's shot in the penalty shoot-out to send the little club from South East London into the big leagues.

10 years on, and the end of that golden era in the Premier League is in sight. 12 points from safety, at the bottom of the Championship (Division One ten years ago), relegation is all but a certainty, and the club which fought so hard for their promotion look doomed to League One football next year.

Doomed? Really? This could be a good thing.

Something that has always puzzled me as I've grown up, is how seriously we take the placings in the football league.

Arsenal fans seem to think top 10 in the Premier League is not good enough, Newcastle fans are deluded to think that top 10 is a certainty (year in, year out), and supporters of clubs like Oldham and Peterborough are just happy to see their teams playing (and might I add, playing so well at present).

I've enjoyed the glory years with Alan Curbishley in charge, and I've supported Charlton through thick and thin. That's not going to change now.

League One football might be the best thing to happen to Charlton in a few years. It might make the club realise that punching above our weight, time and again, has a knock on effect on the players, manager and supporters, all eager to see the club do well—but at the same time, hurting more when we do lose.

Now this season has been something of a mess. The loss of Alan Pardew was the turning point - he had lost his confidence, with a team that simply didn't want to play. The squad has its heroes, but not enough of them.

The one thing I could never aim at the 1997-98 play off team, nor any of the teams that played in that red and white shirt up until 2006-07, was that they were lazy or not caring enough. I can this season—legitimately—because many of the regular players are on loan, and playing not for the shirt, but for their pay-cheque.

They may want it, but they don't want it quite as much as those legendary players of the play off winning team.

Hence, the picture at the top shows one of the players who loved Charlton, through and through.

Clive Mendonca became one of the few Charlton players to score a hat trick at Wembley, and its thanks to him and others like John Robinson, Mark Kinsella, Sasa Illic, and Stevie ("who ate all the pies") Brown that we've had such good times in the last decade.

Clubs rise and fall all the time. My old man remembers a time when Charlton were in a higher division than Manchester United (Or so he tells me)!

The crux of the matter, is that we go down with passion, which is all the supporters want—passion for the club, love for the shirt and determination to at least try. That's been lacking, but its getting better (even if the results aren't).

This isn't about pointing blame at anyone, or moaning because results haven't gone our way. This is about getting behind our lads, pushing them onwards, and waving a cheerful goodbye to the Championship when and if we do go down—and looking forward to next year, and doing better and appreciating what we have got.

We've still got our club, our ground, our supporters. We're Charlton Athletic, of Valley Floyd Road, South East London, and we'll be back in the Premier League one day!

Many miles have I travelled, many games have I seen...

..."Singing Valley Floyd Road, My Only Desire"...

Manager Roundabout 2008

Simon Martin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:28:23 -0400

Originally this article was to be written about Kevin Keegan and the city of Newcastle.

It was to lament the passing of a manager who could have made a very stupid club very big.

Don't get me wrong, the Geordies are a fine people, but the men in charge of their beloved club are idiots. Losing Keegan is by far the most stupid thing that Mike Ashley has done (bar buying the club in the first place).

And just when you thought things in football management couldn't get any sillier, Alan Curbishley resigns at West Ham United.

Why? Well, he's resigned on the grounds that he is not allowed a say in the transfer market anymore. Funny how familiar that sounds. Oh wait...

Now I made a vow to myself this year. I would not get wound up, write random, angry articles, and I would occasionally write my full roundup of the Championship matches, every five rounds worth.

Well, I was wrong. Because football is losing the plot more and more every single day.

Who'll be the next manager to go, sack or otherwise?

Are there even legitimate reasons for these so called caring owners and chairmen to stop these managers from doing their jobs?

Bournemouth have sacked their new manager after 4 games this season. Don't think they are going to escape my wrath either!

This manager roundabout lark is getting beyond ridiculous, and it is damaging football. We will see West Ham United, mark my words, not on a battle for top ten football, but in a war for top flight football altogether. Again.

This chopping and changing simply has to stop, somehow. It damages players' morale, it damages the game. Remind me, how exciting the matches are under managers installed less than a month into the season?

I remember watching Les Reed at Charlton, with silent tears running down his face, when he knew he could not get this team to work together properly, nor play even reasonably attractive football. He had been installed after a month and a half of Premiership football, when Dowie was sacked.

Now for Charlton, that was a rare case. They had said goodbye to 13 years of Alan Curbishley the previous summer.

How many managers have been and gone in the same time at West Ham and Newcastle? Ten? Twenty? Too many to count, too many to remember. We'll remember Pardew because he's currently still managing.

It would not surprise me if these two jobs happened to be the last managerial positions Curbishley and Keegan will ever have. The great game lost its great status some years ago, and now "the game" is losing the "game" bit. Why bother going into managerial positions? How much did either Alan or Kevin manage at their respective clubs this season?

No wonder they've quit. Who would want to be a puppet manager at a club like West Ham or Newcastle? If you don't like the job Keegan is doing Ashley, by all means, do it yourself.

And watch your so called beloved club fall further from grace, further into mediocrity and further towards the relegation places - and oblivion beyond.

That goes for West Ham, Bournemouth, soon (I suspect, if results don't go their way), Derby County and if the rumblings at Loftus Road are anything to go by, Queens Park Rangers too.

It's an utter disgrace that tried, and tested, managers of Keegan's and Curbishley's calibre can be treated so appallingly. No wonder they want out.

Tribute to English Football Player Frank Lampard

Simon Martin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:55:37 -0400

I've been away for a few weeks now for various reasons. Suffice it to say it has not been a great few weeks for me.

While I fully intend to continue writing for Bleacher Report, it has been the devastation of the last few weeks that means I shall not be writing again for a few more.

It's strange how life puts things into perspective: a recent death of a close friend (my equine partner actually), and a career ending injury for another close friend. It has certainly made me want to stay away from sport for a while.

Certainly, in the two weeks I've been away, the football landscape has changed somewhat.

For instance, I was forced to accept that I will be watching more championship football next season. My team, Charlton, lost a crushing match to championship compatriots Queen's Park Rangers.

It's devastating, but that's the way it goes. I won't be seeing the beautiful scenes at Wembley that we did in 1997/98 (see the above photograph), and I won't be seeing Arsenal at the Valley next season, either.

On the other hand, we saw some heartbreaking moments this week in the Champions League with John Arne Riise's own goal and Ronaldo's stunning miss.

Watford has confirmed that they are being taken over. In the event that Cardiff wins the FA Cup, they have been allowed to represent England in the UEFA Cup.

However, none of this has actually made me pick up my laptop and start writing. I have two other articles on the back burner currently because I have not had the heart to post them just yet.

One is particularly controversial (entitled "Loan Signings: Waste of Time?"). The other, heartfelt, is ("Great Footballers Four: The Legend of Ryan Giggs"). I have not felt strong enough to deal with answering comments this week.

So why am I writing now? Boredom? Actually, what prompted me to write an article today is something much closer to my heart.

Frank Lampard will miss tomorrow's clash against Manchester United, following the death of his mother from pneumonia.

I've never been Frank's greatest fan, but even I must bow here and show my respect for a footballer who does value the things—and people—that matter in life.

Sometimes there really are things more important than football, than any sport. It is how we deal with life—and how much time we devote to the people who matter—that define the kind of person we are.

As a mark of respect, both teams will be wearing black armbands on Saturday, and I can think of no greater tribute or show of support for one of England's own, than that.

Frank Lampard has shown us something very special this week. Behind the media frenzy, behind the money, and behind the football is someone mortal, human, and humble.

Here's to Frank Lampard: we're all behind you. Take care and rest for now. The football world will still be here for you when you are ready to return.

Manchester United-Arsenal: Young Guns Run Out of Firepower

Simon Martin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:05:13 -0400

In a dramatic match, Arsenal's title hopes, and their last chance of a trophy, disappeared.

Arsenal have been a fantastic team to watch all year. Credit where credit is due: But at the end of the day, their squad has been too small, too young and too inexperienced.

It's easy to lay the blame at Wenger's door, but some dodgy decisions by referees and horrific injuries have laid waste to Arsenal's season.

A combination of factors have denied this energetic young team their first trophy.

To the match, and what can be said?

Arsenal's goal, a hand ball, was their lucky moment, and despite averaging 73 percent of the possession, did little with it, while Manchester United were relaxed, comfortable and able to take a free kick as well!

Owen Hargreaves spectacular shot could win goal of the season, in my opinion.

Then a needless handball by William Gallas sealed Arsenal's fate.

The story of their season: hugely impressive, skilful and quick-footed. But young and lacking that va-va voom.

On to Manchester United—Barcelona, methinks.

Do We Dream Enough? A Charlton Fan Looks Skywards

Simon Martin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:15:23 -0400

Sometimes, I wonder whether it's all worth it.

Charlton Athletic spent eight years in a row in top flight football, and what did we get out of it?

Our highest ever position, seventh in the league, we won 4-2 at Highbury in 2001 and I was there!

We managed to knock multi-millionaires Chelsea out of the Carling Cup, and beat Liverpool on several occasions. (Note that I skipped over the fact we'd never beaten Manchester United, and lost 4-0 to them on no less than three occasions, but good things come to those who wait.)

That last bit, "good things come to those who wait," has been my personal motto for Charlton Athletic for a few years now. We've been patient, we've been passionate, and we've been ecstatic for our club—the little club that just couldn't be killed off in 1991! And I am sure many of the Championship clubs feel the same way of their teams.

The problem we face, and the other eleven hopefuls in the Championship, is whether or not we can actually stay up at all. So far as I reckon it, of the 20 Premier League teams, three get relegated automatically every year—and of those 20, I would say that 15 are at a level that means they won't get relegated for the foreseeable future.

Which means that next year, it's almost guaranteed that two clubs, previously in the Championship, will be relegated back to the Championship next year.

Looking at what's happened this year, Derby have already been relegated, Fulham may be next (but like Charlton last year, have been riding their luck a little over the last few years), and the next team: Bolton or Birmingham perhaps?

I have questioned several times before as to whether or not the gap between the top league and the rest is widening.

Now I am convinced of it.

If you were to look at the Championship table today, none of the clubs currently vying for Premier League status have the skills, motivation, or backing to stay more than one year in the Premier League now, compared to, say, Manchester United down to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

What I'm saying is that I predict a very predictable spat of promotions and relegations over the next ten years. Three teams go up, three go down, and the six teams in question are the borderline clubs of at least 15 teams that just can't seem to make the grade in the Premier League, but are too good for the Championship.

In other words, they compete to end up not competing at all. Just ask Derby County fans.

Is there a solution to this rather depressing problem?

I loath saying money, as it didn't take Barnsley millions of pounds to knock out both Chelsea and Liverpool from the FA cup this year, so it must be motivation.

On that note, perhaps I might offer my club Charlton, a realistic goal.

Go up, and don't play to stay up; play to win the league!

If we've given up on everything—the FA Cup, the Premier League title, Champions League or UEFA cup football—but staying up in the top division, how on earth did we stay in the top flight for so long?

Without confidence and motivation, and a dream and determination to fulfil it, how can any team get to the top of the pile?

Yes, I know we don't have the quality, or the money, but perhaps if anything, Barnsley have shown us, through their sheer grit and desire to follow a dream that anything is possible, if you try!

So I have only one thing left to say.

COME ON YOU REDS!

Bribery in the English Premier League? FA Investigates

Simon Martin — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:08:34 -0400

In what has to be the most horrifying news this week, allegations have been made against a former Premier League footballer (as of now his name has not been revealed) that he took a bribe to throw a game in the last two years.

The official report details that the player in question got himself sent off and persuaded three teammates to throw the game, allegedly to cancel a £50,000 gambling debt he had with a well-known bookmaker.

The FA were informed of this story and will be investigating, however, much emphasis has been made that the match in question was played in Britain. The problem is that the match may or may not be under the FA's jurisdiction. It is unknown at this time whether the match in question was an EPL match, hence the cautious stance that the FA is choosing to take at this time.

The story was circulated in Hampshire this week at a seminar on gambling in sport.

This is not the first time there has been allegations of bribery in English football, several players were given lifetime bans in the 1970s, from various divisions, and in recent years allegations of corruption in transfers was the hot topic for the media.

Arsene Wenger issued a statement outlining his feeling that Football players found guilty of accepting bribes and throwing games should be given lifetime bans.

"I believe that the most important thing is that our game is clean," Wenger said. "It is surprising news and very bad news. I am convinced that if it is proven they should be banned for life.

"If one player has done that you have 99.9% of players who have never done it. But you have to convict the one player who has done that. Wenger went on, "It's not down to human nature. Everyone has to stand up for their own acts and take responsibility for what he is doing."

Who could argue?

The beautiful game's bad side rears its ugly head once more, and it hurts everyone who supports it. It's the opinion of this writer, that the sooner the name of this player is revealed, and the sooner we can found out the facts of this sorry affair, the sooner the beautiful game can get back to being beautiful.

Controversial Rant No. 157: What Has To Change for EPL '08-'09

Simon Martin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:25:43 -0400

The season 2007/08 isn't quite over, but we've seen enough football to know that there are things that must change before next season, to avoid repeats of the controversial, sometimes farcical, incidents we have all been privy to.

I'll start with something very close to my heart: respect for the officiating body, namely referees. The FA and EPL must take a harder stance with players who cause dissent and aggravate the referees.

I have not been best pleased with the behaviour of many of the EPL clubs this season, and especially with those in the top half of the table.

Chelsea, most notably, have been violent and particularly volatile, and I lay the blame at John Terry's door for failing to control the team he captains. When he grabbed Luis Boa Morte by the neck in November, and did not receive any punishment, I questioned for the first time whether or not the referees or Chelsea were running the show.

I was forced to ask the same question last week with the Ashley Cole saga. I don't care how many crocodile tear apologies he gives to the media, his behaviour both on and off the pitch this season has disgraced the name of the Premier League and his country.

Retrospective punishment MUST be introduced with respect to such crass and disgraceful behaviour, otherwise we will never curb it.

Which brings me neatly onto the next subject. Referees. Mike Riley last week made the profession a complete joke, whereas before it was only half a joke. I'm sorry Mike, you copped out, and it gives a bad name to everyone in the profession, from the Premier League with you to the grass roots with me.

Even if you get it wrong, BE DECISIVE. Don't take the rubbish, give a yellow for dissent if they swear at you, and give a second if the player continues to rant and rave.

Now for tackles. I don't care how many people tell me tackles like Martin Taylor's happen week in, week out, and you can't get it out of the game, YOU'RE WRONG, YOU CAN REMOVE IT FROM THE GAME, by firstly coming down extremely heavily on poor tacklers who risk the playing careers of others, and secondly by teaching players to tackle properly and safely!!!

It is a lost art that we MUST get back. Otherwise more players like Eduardo are going to suffer horrific injuries at the hands (or feet) of reckless players like Taylor.

Next comes diving. Nobody likes it, everyone condemns it, IF it happens against their team, but nobody will condemn their own players or team if they happen to get away with it!!!

When Paulo Di Canio played for Charlton, he dived and got a penalty against Blackburn, and we won 1-0 with the resulting goal. It left a bad taste in my mouth, and it must have left a bad taste in Alan Curbishley's mouth too, because he dropped Di Canio for three matches afterwards.

Would he do the same thing at West Ham now? Probably not, his job's on the line enough already.

And that brings the rant neatly onto sacking managers. It's not always their fault, it never brings the result anyone wants, and—lets face it—some managerial positions are becoming untenable because they change managers so often.

Tottenham and Newcastle, take a bow—it's a safe bet that Ramos and Keegan won't be managers together in the EPL in two years time—one or the other or both will have been sacked. You can quote me on that.

Forget the lazy, overpaid players who aren't fit to wear their shirts, it must be the fault of their tired, overworked and somehow always stuck in the spotlight manager. He can't play the football for them, SO GET OFF HIS BACK and get stuck into the lazy louts that get paid £30-50,000 a week!!!

Lastly, MONEY. The bane of the modern game, and of society in general.

Sporting events are no longer about glory, it's about what's most financially viable for the business. And that irritates me too, football clubs as businesses. We pay to watch them play football, not advertise shaving cream, or in Wayne Rooney's case, children's cough mixture, and the amount of money the clubs get—and then pay their players—borders on the insane.

No normal person can even relate to this filthy amount of wealth. My father earnt in one year the amount these so-called professionals are earning in a week. That's £42,000 a year he was paid, by the way.

Everyone and their grandmother will now come on here and say "get real, this is the real world, and money runs it", and yes, you are right. But think of this: what motivates you to play football? Is it £50,000 a week, or lifting the FA Cup, or the Champions League trophy? Or maybe the World Cup?

You see, the worrying thing is—with the England squad, how many of them can you honestly say aren't thinking about the money when they play?

How can you be motivated to win the world cup when you have everything you've always wanted handed on a plate?

Where's the fight, where's the passion, where's the soul?

2007/08 was the year we saw the soul of English Football take a great knock, from all of the above.

In order to stop the rot, we have to fix the problems inherent in our game, otherwise the EPL—and the English national team—are destined for mediocrity, forever.

Inter the Void: Jose Mourinho Returns to Football?

Simon Martin — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:17:39 -0400

A few years back, I was taken to an Inter Milan match by my father, who at the time was helping Charlton Athletic with a delightful union with Inter Milan, and had been given tickets to a match.

I saw some wonderful football, sadly I was ten years old at the time, and cannot remember the opposition, but what I can tell you is that Inter Milan's fans can be unruly, even violent sometimes in heated situations—but when their teams plays beautiful football? One of the most passionate and loyal fanbases in the world, guaranteed.

It was with some scepticism, therefore, that I read the words "Mourinho" and "Inter Milan" together in the same sentence this morning, in my daily rag. At first I thought it was a crazy idea—and then a crazier thought came to mind.

This could work.

One of the most passionate, and controversial managers in football history, in charge of one of the most passionate, and controversial at times, football clubs in the world?

This could be a match made in heaven.

Inter Milan are currently four points clear at the top of series A with eight games to play—and Mancini, who very quickly backtracked his statement after Inter were knocked out by Liverpool, of his desire to retire. Somehow, I have this feeling that those words will come back to haunt him.

For now, it is pure speculation, but maybe, just maybe, we could see Jose Mourinho in charge of a club that suits his unique ability and vantage point.

Fits like a glove, I'd say.

Foul Ref! The Laws of the Game, Part Two

Simon Martin — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:54:25 -0400

With all the hullaballoo surrounding the behaviour of players and the judgment of referees, I felt it was time to revive this series with a look at Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) of the 17 rules that football referees officiate by.

All the information contained within can be found in the official F.A Referee's handbook, or "The Official F.A guide to basic refereeing", which I fully reccomend for a clear, succint description of the rules in general.

However, please bear in mind that interpretation of certain laws (and in particular this one) can vary from referee to referee, hopefully not to different extremes!

LAW 12: INFRINGEMENTS OF THE LAWS ARE PUNISHABLE, FIRSTLY BY AWARDING A RESTART TO THE OPPOSING TEAM, THEREFORE PUNISHING THE OFFENDING TEAM. SOMETIMES, THE PLAYER WHO COMMITTED THE OFFENCE IS PUNISHED BY DISCIPLINARY ACTION. OFFENCES ARE TREATED DIFFERENTLY, DEPENDING ON THEIR NATURE, AND REFEREES MUST KNOW HOW EACH OFFENCE SHOULD BE TREATED, AND WHAT PUNISHMENTS IT ATTRACTS.

A) DIRECT FREE KICKS: these come in the forms of a direct free kick or penalty kick, and there are ten offences that result in the awarding of a direct free kick. The first six are penal offences. This means that the referee has to award a direct free kick based on the action concerned, and how it was carried out. For instance, if a player tackles another, using both legs and with studs up, the referee must decide if the offending player was being:

Careless
Reckless and taking no account of the opponent's safety.

Performing the offence with an unnecessary amount of force and putting his opponent in danger.

In the manner of the three above, the referee will award a direct free kick or a penalty kick regardless of which of the three it is. The referee can, dependent on the severity of the offence, punish the player and/or the team with disciplinary action. This can be in the form of a warning, or a yellow card, or a straight red card, in that order of severity.

The free kick is awarded to the opposing team if any of these six penal offences is committed in one of the above three manners:

Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent. An attempt, as far as the law is concerned, to kick, is just as serious as successfully kicking an opponent.
Trips or attempts to trip an opponent. Referees must watch for players "making a back" - in other words players tripping another by stooping in front of, or behind, an opponent in order to induce a fall.
Jumps at an Opponent. Jumping for the ball is not an offence. Jumping at an opponent to prevent him going for the ball is. The referee must decide if the intent to go for the ball, or the player, was there, i.e. if the player's eyes are on the ball or the opponent.
Charges an Opponent. Shoulder to shoulder barges (while going for the ball) are allowed, but careless or reckless charges with excessive force are not permitted.
Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent. This includes a goalkeeper who strikes an opponent with the ball or pushes the player with it will be penalized.
Pushes an opponent. Pushing is not just with the hands: although the majority of fouls given under this law are. Players pushing with their chests, hips and backs into opponents to push them away are also considered offences under this law.

The next four offences also result in the awarding of a direct free kick or penalty kick, but the referee must decide if they happened, and NOT how or why they happened.

Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball. The player MUST touch the ball first before an opposing player, not after touching the player.
Holds an opponent. This includes holding off with arms, jumping with arm over opponents shoulder to prevent him getting to the ball, using the opponent as a device to jump higher or deliberately blocking an opponent to prevent him going past to retrieve the ball - this is known as a "body check".
Spits at an opponent. This is a disgusting offence, but is not to be confused with players spitting on the ground.
Handles the ball deliberately (except the goalkeeper when within the confines of his area). In this case, the referee must be sure the offence is deliberate - sometimes players put up their hands to protect their face and this is understandable self defence. The referee is not expected, and should not penalize a player simply because the player was advantaged by the ball hitting his arm.

A penalty kick is awarded of any of the ten above offences mentioned above are committed by a player inside his own penalty area, regardless of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.

B) INDIRECT FREE KICKS: these are of a more technical nature. These are against the law but are less serious in their potential for putting opponents in danger. They are awarded with indirect free kicks, which means that they cannot result in a goal to either team directly from the resultant kick. There are eight offences that can be committed that result in an indirect free kick: the first four regarding the goalkeeper's conduct, and the last four for players other than the goalkeeper.

Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession. The counting begins when the goalkeeper is fully in control of the ball and his movements.
Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player. For example, if the goalkeeper releases the ball, and dribbles with it, he cannot pick the ball up again until another player has touched it.
Touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate. This is often referred to as a “back pass” - and this is an incorrect term, as the deliberate kick could be in any direction and would be penalized regardless of whether it was kicked “back” to the goalkeeper.
The Goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw in taken by a team mate.
Plays in a dangerous manner. It does not have to involve direct contact, it could be an overhead kick in a crowded goalmouth or a high kick from a player while going for the ball.
Impedes the progress of an opponent. This is a player, making no attempt to play the ball, that blocks an opponent by standing in his way or running between the opponent and the ball.
Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands. The goalkeeper can, as mentioned in point 1, be penalized for holding onto the ball for too long, but if an attacker prevents the goalkeeper – delaying him from releasing the ball, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.
Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player. If the referee has to stop play to caution a player, for example, for dissenting from a referee's decision, the restart would be an indirect free kick. Dissent is best defined as the use of foul or abusive language, hand gestures or otherwise towards other players, or officials. The offence should be punished with a warning, yellow card or red card dependent upon the severity of the offence committed.

I hope this helps to clear up any confusion over the rules regarding conduct and professional fouls, and I look forward to replying to any and all feedback regarding the interpretation of the rules. Sometimes, it is through incorrect interpretation that such controversy occurs, and I know (through my own inexperience and experience!) that it is not always easy, as a referee, to get it right all the time. That's when we have to put our hands up, later on, and say “I got that wrong”. End of story on that point. On the other hand, referees must be decisive during the course of a match and stand firm, whatever happens. Otherwise, anarchy is sure to follow.

Referee Watch #2: A Football Ref Speaks Out.

Simon Martin — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:12:39 -0400

It's not often I look over wistfully at the Rugby fields at my university, but a few weeks back, that's exactly what I was doing.

The referee was having fun. The rugby players stood up, were silent when spoken to and didn't argue, even if the referee happened to be wrong. Which didn't, to be fair, happen often.

Myself? I was refereeing two University hall football teams, and it was as close to a bloodbath as is humanly possible without spilling any blood. Team A and Team B we'll call them.

I managed to send off four players for the most ridiculous things. The first one was a blinder: the striker of Team A jumped for the ball, and he elbowed the opposition goalkeeper in the face.

I know this because I was looking right at it, and the goalkeeper of team B - who was knocked out, by the way - was lying flat on his back, while the striker was screaming abuse at him. It was along the lines of "get up, you ****ing cheat" and luckily, staying calm, I blew the whistle, waved on the medics (who promptly brought out the stretcher) and gave him a straight red card.

Immediately I was surrounded by his team, protesting vehemently and agressively, with much swearing, and - a push from the defender.

I did not back off, I blew my whistle, and gave the defender a straight red. Suddenly the team members quietened. I was not kidding about. I then booked the other four who had been protesting, and gave a free kick to the opposition side, who had stayed very quiet, unlike their supporters who were screaming with delight at the two red cards shown within a minute.

I called over the captain of team A, who had stood back and allowed his team to surround me - and made no attempt to stop them. I told him, first thing, that if they continued to act in this manner, I would be forced, by the rules of the game, to give more yellows - possibly second yellows. He did not listen, he continued to argue, and his retort was "you don't know what you're doing, you *******". At which point I booked him for dissent, and continued the match.

That was 35 minutes into the match. 69 minutes in, I sent off sent the captain of Team A, for a two footed lunge on the replacement goalkeeper of the opposition. At 82 minutes in, the opposition goalkeeper was then sent off for - and this flabbergasted me - taking out the new stiker of team A when the ball was nowhere near either of them. They squared up, I separated them - and got a nice shiner for my troubles! So the goalkeeper of team B went off, and team A had their free kick outside the box.

I blew the whistle, having given 5 minutes of added time - we actually played 114 minutes technically, with stoppages, but to be honest I was absolutely relieved to get off that pitch.

It was the worst match I've ever been involved in as a referee, and I can't believe I kept my cool for so long. Four red cards (three to one team) and twelve yellows for some blatant fouls and - dare I say it - acts of gamesmanship.

After handing in my report, the University took Team A to task for failing to control their players, and docked them 5 points. They were unable to qualify for the knockout rounds, and they had no one but themselves to blame.

It was with a heavy heart that I witnessed the Chelsea match last week, and watched Mike Riley called Ashley Cole back three times for his booking. On the second one I would have sent Cole off. There is no place in the game for referees who are timid and cowardly, and that is what I am putting it down to, moreso than Ashley Cole's disgraceful behaviour.

We, referees, get it wrong sometimes. That we freely admit. However, during the game our word should be law, as it is in Rugby - otherwise the game goes unregulated. The players must have the respect for the decisions of the referee - right or wrong - and play on regardless of whether they agree or not with the decisions, and WITHOUT argument.

I have seen so many incidents this season that make my profession a joke - Clattenburg, in the Liverpool-Everton match, failing to send off Kuyt for a two footed lunge in midair, for example, or John Terry grabbing Luis Boa Morte's neck - and escaping punishment both on and off the pitch - and when like me, you see it week in, week out, you wonder why you are bothering in the first place.

The F.A and the Referee's Association must back their referees, and they MUST introduce retrospective punishment in order to curtail the behaviour that teams like Chelsea think they can get away with - and at the moment, seemingly do. No team, no football player, should be above the law - and I am afraid it does seem to be like this at present. How else can we explain the complete lack of effort on the PL's and F.A's case with regards to the Cole incident?

I am, more and more, growing tired of seeing able bodied football players going to ground, making professional fouls, going in with the intent to injure, or showing complete disrespect for the game and its officiating body.

The great game is in great danger of going too far - it is in danger of being fixed.

Because when a team like Chelsea can act how they like, when they like, and get away with it, the game is no longer a game, but a farce.

Charlton Athletic-Crystal Palace: A Plea Against Hooliganism

Simon Martin — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:04:15 -0400

On September 1st 2007, a little team in the Southeast of England had an away match at an arch-rival's ground.

The team was Charlton Athletic, and the ground was Selhurst Park.

These two teams have a fierce rivalry, born out of the events of 1987-1990, when strapped-for-cash Charlton were forced to move out of their ground, and ground-share with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

There are differing tales from both sides, always disputed. The Charlton stance is that Crystal Palace kept raising their prices for ground-sharing to the point were Charlton were on the verge of bankruptcy. The Palace stance is that Charlton should have known, given the circumstances Palace themselves were in, that money was an issue for both sides.

Further, over the years the two teams have battled in many memorable, sometimes controversial, matches.

September 1st 2007 was one of them. Finally, this week, after six months of police investigation, seven Crystal Palace supporters were jailed for a total of 18 years, and banned from attending football matches for a further 10 years, after their violent attacks on a commuter train that was carrying their targets—Charlton Athletic, fans.

It was in December that Southwark Crown Court heard that a group of 30 Crystal Palace fans planned an ambush on Charlton Athletic supporters, to take place at Sydenham Station, while the away supporters were traveling to the match.

The justice for the proceedings, Judge Robbins, told the charged men, "This was mob conduct at its worst. You give football a bad name, especially your team, Crystal Palace".

One of the offenders charged threw a bottle at one of the victims. The victim in question was not, however, a Charlton fan.

The point is this: The rivalry that cropped up between these two teams stems from bitterness. This week, the Charlton fans got some justice from an unprovoked attack by a small minority—that I guarantee you—of Crystal Palace fans. The rivalry that exists between the real fans nowadays is about as laughable as that between United and City—still a rivalry, but by no means something that you go around punching people for.

Charlton Athletic is my life and my soul, and I am sure many Crystal Palace fans will say the same thing. So let me say this, and plead:

When our teams next meet, let us embrace the fact that we are going for the same thing—a place in the top flight, playing top flight football. And let's put the past, this incident included, firmly in the past.

Football hooliganism is a blight on the great game. Worse, it comes from a distinct minority of fans. Every true football lover should consider it his or her duty to make sure they don't spoil it for the rest of us.

I only hope that in future matches (Roma vs. Manchester United comes to mind) we don't see anything worse.

FA Cup: Milan Baros Breaks Mancunian Hearts

Simon Martin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:55:40 -0500

A devastating defeat for Manchester United today at the hands of old Liverpool nemesis Milan Baros paved the way for a completely unique set of FA Cup finalists this year.

After a dreary and depressing start, Manchester United dominated play in the second half with the usual hard, fast passing action.

They hit the upright and managed to have the ball cleared within an inch of the line (Michael Carrick against Sylvian Distin). Despite intense pressure and sublime passing at times, they still could not score.

During the break Edwin Van Der Sar was injured, and was then substituted for Thomasz Kuzczack. In turn, Kuzczack was sent off for the last twenty minutes of the match.

It was a Pompey break that led to Baros storming into the penalty area. Kuzczack went to ground and Baros knocked the ball past him, fell, and the whistle blew for a penalty.

A red card appeared soon after for the hapless United goalkeeper.

Portsmouth fans were ecstatic. It appeared to them to be no more than they deserved: Baros was scythed down by the keeper in a golden goalscoring opportunity.

But this evening we see that the TV replay tells a very different story.

Not only was Baros not in control of the ball when he was intercepted by Kuzczack, he was in fact not touched by Kuzczack. His "simulation," as the commentator called it, fooled the referee.

A dive? It most certainly was, but blatant? No, it was a dive of epic proportions that put Pompey into the last four of the FA Cup.

It must be noted that Portsmouth played, for the most part, a succinct and tactical game. They soaked up the pressure from Manchester United, played to the breaks, and got very lucky—such is football.

Manchester United—out of the FA Cup. Portsmouth—into the semi-finals.

Goodbye Gretna? The SPL Minnows in Trouble

Simon Martin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:07:24 -0500

A sad day for Scottish Football fans as Gretna, a club that has worked tirelessly over the years to battle their way through the SPL, revealed that it is facing bankruptcy.

The Scottish club will hold crisis talks with their financial backers this week after caretaker Mick Wadsworth made the revelation.

Attendances have been low all season for SPL matches—but when a paltry 501 home fans turned up to Fir Park yesterday evening, the alarm bells were ringing. Gretna lost the match 0-3 to Dundee United, another SPL club that is suffering falling attendances.

Liquidation is not on the cards for Chief Executive Graeme Muir.

"I don't think it is just as bad as that, but we have a difficult situation at the club, does any club have a future when only 501 fans turn up? Dundee United did not bring many fans through, so I think many Scottish clubs are facing problems," he told journalists at a news conference this morning.

This is Gretna's first season in the top flight, and they have so far scored 16 points from 28 games, and not only are there no guarantees they will stay up—there are no guarantees that there will be a Gretna next season.

Part of the problems stem from the SPL's insistence that, despite falling attendances across Britain, every SPL team must have a 10,000 seater stadium—which Gretna simply cannot afford to build.

Not only that, but while owner Brooks Mileson has been seriously ill in hospital with a brain infection, players wage packets have been late in arriving—the first sign that something was amiss.

This sports writer is hoping that the fairytale for the scottish minnows of the SPL is not over, and that they can sort their problems out—otherwise another football club will go the way of Scarborough town, and that would never do.

Good luck, Gretna.

Great Footballers, Pt. 3: Super Striker Teddy Sheringham Retires

Simon Martin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:55:11 -0500

It was a sad day for football fans when the news became official, hitting the papers: Teddy Sheringham—the striker who had touched the hearts of thousands—would be hanging up his boots for good.

For years we’ve heard the tale of his rise. Sheringham was signed from Tottenham to Manchester United, then ascended to Champions League glory in 1999. He received the Footballer of the Year award in 2001, and really the sheer number of clubs for which he’s played and scored is itself impressive.

The record is thus: eight clubs (in the order Millwall, Aldershot Town, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspurs, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspurs for a second time, Portsmouth, West Ham, and lastly Colchester United), 904 games played, 348 goals scored.

I for one shall never forget that Champions League final, his 51 England caps (11 goals total), or the true passion and determined nature he exudes even now at 41 years of age.

We mourn the retirement of Sheringham—a truly great footballer of our time. We always thought that he'd surpass the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews, but nay—it is not to be.

Farewell, Super Ted. Let this not be the last we see of you.

The East/West Divide: Relegation Gets Messy in the EPL

Simon Martin — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 20:38:32 -0500

Barclays Premier League Table

		P	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	28	36	65
2	Manchester United	28	43	64
3	Chelsea	27	25	58
4	Everton	27	20	50

5	Aston Villa	28	15	48
6	Liverpool	26	24	47

7	Blackburn	28	3	45
8	Manchester City	28	3	45
9	Portsmouth	27	11	44
10	West Ham	27	4	40
11	Tottenham	27	4	32
12	Middlesbrough	28	-17	29
13	Newcastle	28	-23	28
14	Wigan	28	-16	27
15	Sunderland	28	-20	27
16	Birmingham	28	-10	26
17	Bolton	27	-12	25

18	Reading	28	-23	25
19	Fulham	28	-23	19
20	Derby	28	-44	10

This is the Barclays Premier League table as of today, March 2— and if you happen to be a fan of any team from 11th place downwards, you might be finding it hard to breathe.

The relegation scrap is starting to get scrappy: it's a case of West Ham are nearly safe on 40 points (two points minimum from games left to ensure safety, whereas East Coast Newcastle United are dropping alarmingly close to the relegation positions after a 0-1 loss to Blackburn yesterday. A scuffle involving Morten Gamst Pedersen showed just how much those three points meant in what will surely be turning point of Newcastle's season—again! In so much that they have to accept that they really are dangerously close to going down.

All it requires to really heat things up, is for Reading to win against high flyers Manchester City next week - taking them to 28 points seems the most likely of next week's results.

In the Championship, any one of 12 teams could still potentially be promoted via the play-offs, and here in the top division, any one of nine could be relegated. The gap between 17th (Bolton) and 11th (Tottenham Hotspurs) is only seven points, which in sets of matches could change radically. Spurs are not out of the woods yet: they are yet to play Chelsea and Liverpool, though arguably they should in the remaining fixtures gain enough points to stay up.

One last word: it is evident, really, that Derby have been relegated. Only a miracle such as three teams spontaneously combusting can save them now. I'm loathe to rule Fulham out entirely as the points difference to safety is six points at present, but they are running out of games, and excuses, for not being able to score on a regular basis.

On that note, it's funny how these things go down.

EPL Record-Breakers: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Funny

Simon Martin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:26:20 -0500

So over the last few months I've been writing some pretty serious, mildly controversial articles (ahem).

Therefore, I think it's high time that I wrote about something of more interest. For you statisticians out there, I've picked out a few of my favorite English Football records.

The Good

1. Most consecutive League titles: 3, joint record

Huddersfield (1923-24, 1924-25, 1925-26)

Arsenal (1932-33, 1933-34, 1934-35)

Liverpool FC (1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84)

Manchester United (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01)

2. Top Flight appearances

Most Appearances: 107, Everton (1888-1930), (1931-1951), (1954-current)

Most Consecutive Appearances: 81, Arsenal (1920-current)

3. Unbeaten runs

Longest unbeaten League run: 49, Arsenal (Premier League between May 7, 2003 and October 24, 2004)

The Bad

1. Most losses in a season

34, Doncaster Rovers, (Third Division, 1997-98; final record P46 W4 D8 L34)

2. Fewest points in a season (2 points for a win): 8, joint record:

Loughborough (Second Division, 1899-00)

Doncaster Rovers (Second Division, 1904-05)

3. Fewest points in a season (3 points for a win):

15, Sunderland (Premier League, 2005-06)

The Funny

1. Most own goals in one season

5, Robert Stuart (Middlesbrough, 1934-35)

2. Most goals conceded by a single goalkeeper

85, Paul Robinson, (Leeds United, 2003-04)

3. Most double figure league wins by a team

5 matches, for Birmingham City:

12-0 v Walsall, 17 December 1892;

10-2 v Manchester City, 17 March 1894;

10-1 v Blackpool, 2 March 1901;

12-0 v Doncaster Rovers, 11 April 1903;

11-1 v Glossop, 6 January 1915) (all Second Division)

Eduardo da Silva vs. Martin Taylor: Tackling the Real Issues

Simon Martin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:50:17 -0500

Eduardo da Silva will probably never play football again.

Having broken his leg in no less than four places (the fibula, twice on the ankle, and once on the back of the shin), his injuries were so horrific that it is rumoured that he is lucky to still have both legs this evening.

I personally have stayed behind the scenes, keeping quiet for a while, checking the replay on my Sky+ box and making some notes and observations.

Finally I have formulated an opinion on the matter: Birmingham VS Arsenal, the 2-2, and most importantly, THAT challenge.

To the crux of the matter: Martin Taylor did intend to tackle Eduardo in such a fashion. He fully intended a crude, malicious challenge. What he did not intend was for it to backfire in such a fashion.

You see, Mr Taylor is an old boy of the school for hard knock defenders—shake 'em up to screw 'em up. He fully intended to put in a hard challenge on Eduardo, in order to put him off his game. What happened, instead of the player getting up shakily from the ground and having a quiet match, was nothing short of horrific.

The tackle itself, in the replay—both in slow motion and normal play—is easy to break down. Taylor intended to tackle Eduardo hard, pushing his foot over the ball, and knocking him to the ground in such a way that he a) did not give away a free kick and b) put fear into his opponent.

However, as has been the case with so many bad tackles this season: his studs were up. This is factor number one.

Factor number two: Eduardo is wearing slightly longer studs (with moulded blades intended to grip a wet or damp playing surface better), and therefore his leg was acting as an anchor—the studs of Taylor's boot caught his leg, which crumpled under the weight of the heavy challenge. The rest is too grisly to describe.

Yet I have nothing but sympathy for Taylor. He is as much a victim as Eduardo is. That is because it is clear that he has not been taught to tackle properly.

It was only as much as ten years ago, that PE teachers across the land taught how to tackle a football safely, with as much consideration for the opposition as you had your own team. Studs down, foot pointed to ground, a sweeping motion, played to either side of the football: it must never be from behind, especially in a sliding tackle, and in a sliding tackle, only one foot must be used, and its studs must be pointed to the ground.

How much the game has lost! How much society and the football community is to blame for this situation!

We find excuses for our players—it's in everything: players were taught how to jump with their arms down as far back now as the eighties, to avoid the elbows and knocks to the head we see today!

Now? The player needed the leverage.

A good jumper doesn't need to use his arms. He is not a long jumper, or a high jumper—where there is only one person who can get hurt: himself. There are twenty two other men on the field (referee included) and the players need to recognise that peoples' livelihoods are at stake here.

Respect and consideration for your fellow man—your fellow professional!

This is why—back when they were taught the etiquette of football—when football was just a game, and when all that mattered was that you played your best—this is why they taught it! Now?!

Now, the game is a business, and you must win at all costs.

Even if it costs a young, talented football player, his livelihood.

For shame.

12 Clubs Fight for the Championship Grand National

Simon Martin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:51:44 -0500

How many countries in the world can honestly say that 12 clubs in a league are all vying for the top spot?

More to the point, how many leagues can honestly say that 18—yes, 18 clubs!—are vying for a promotion place?

The English Championship competition (formerly English division two) can.

It has been a superb and entertaining season with thrills (Charlton 2-0 Crystal Palace), spills (Watford 1-4 Wolverhampton Wanderers), and downright stunning results (Ipswich 6-0 Bristol City).

Where else can you get the top of the table changing week to week? Certainly not in the almost predictable Premier League!

Any one team from Watford, West Bromich Albion, Bristol City, Stoke City, my own Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Hull, Barnsley, Plymouth, Cardiff and Wanderers could feasibly still win the Championship.

With 15 matches left before this evening's games (I am off to Sheffield vs. Charlton now and am writing this via phone—technology, eh?), only 12 points separate first and 12th. Yes, that sounds ludicrous—12 point lead? Lost?

Yes but Newcastle United managed it—and that was just to Manchester United.

This time, Watford are on top (55 points) and the teams behind them are only two or three points apart from each other as you go down the table—and to boot, from 18th upward with Southampton (38 points), any one of those eighteen could make the playoffs!

The Premiership is a three horse race—fun, but quickly over.

The Championship this year is of Grand National proportions and it will be a fantastic last furlong to the finish!

FA's Latest Disgrace: Overseas EPL Matches

Simon Martin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:05:21 -0500

It is laughable to think how much the Football Association and the Premier League are destroying the soul of England's great game.

Today in London, all 20 of the Premier League clubs agreed to explore a proposal for the match fixtures to be extended to 39 games, with the last game being played overseas.

It has been stated that the top five teams will be seeded to avoid playing each other in the last match - which is a frankly ludicrous and outrageous proposal—furthering this writer's belief that the League is being fixed in such a way that determines a set outcome.

Not only that, but there is one factor that has not been taken into consideration—the fans.

It is a disgrace to think that the people who will lose out most on this ridiculous proposal are the REAL fans of the clubs involved—who would of course need:

1. Plane tickets (price hike for matches)
2. Hotels (price hike for peak periods)
3. Time off from work (unlikely)
4. More money for food (expensive) and seats at match (ridiculously expensive, and you KNOW they will be)

That is beyond most real fans' budgets.

Scudamore has been quoted today as saying: "The 'international round' is an exciting and innovative proposal that needs careful consideration before being introduced. However, this concept recognizes the truly global appeal of the Barclays Premier League whilst understanding that the traditions of the English game have always underpinned our success."

"We believe that an 'international round' of matches will enhance the strength of the Barclays Premier League as a competition; create extra interest in all 20 Premier League clubs at home and abroad; and allow increased investment in talent development and acquisition, facilities as well as our football development and community programs."

Yes Mister Scudamore, but I think you have sold us (the real fans) out again— you are three bags full of it, and all of it in unmarked, used notes. For shame.

Fabio Capello's First Game With England: Just Call Me Boss

Simon Martin — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:21:02 -0500

In what will surely be the match to watch this week, we see England and her new manager, Fabio Capello, play Switzerland in a friendly game.

The big news at the start of the week is that Jermain Defoe of Portsmouth has been called up to the squad following an injury to Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Also, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will wear the captain's armband this evening. That, however, is the team news—apart from the confirmed 23 man squad. The new boss is keeping his cards close to his chest, and the one thing that is rumored, not confirmed, is that Michael Owen will be a substitute today.

Further speculation suggests that David Bentley and Ashley Young will be featured tonight in the lineup, while in the last training session; Joe Cole was being played behind Wayne Rooney, forming a 4-4-1-1 formation.

It is the opinion of this sports writer, that tonight's game is going to be very interesting!

Seven's the Charm: Manchester United Fined by FA

Simon Martin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:52:16 -0500

Seven yellow cards were handed out to Manchester United players on Saturday against Tottenham, and as such, the FA has imposed their automatic punishment:

A £25,000 fine.

This fine is actually imposed when a team receives six or more yellow cards in the course of 90 minutes of ordinary time, but it's done on a segment basis.

If this happens a second time to Manchester United, the next fine will be doubled.

And I, for one, believe this is a ridiculous rule and completely unnecessary.

I feel that fining the club in no way affects its mentality or its morals anymore. £25,000 is folding money for many of the Manchester United players, particularly those who were booked for remonstrating with the referee.

I must stress that I am not picking on Manchester United here, it could be any Premier League club and my answer would be the same. Fines simply don't work.

Players like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will continue to remonstrate loudly and aggressively in order to gain an advantage over their opponents—and to be honest, their clubs don't take any real action either.

Here's an idea: Manchester United should (and this also applies to every club) make the guilty seven players pay out of their own pockets to pay the club's fine off—and then be made to donate the same amount to charity.

It won't improve their behavior on the pitch, but some good will come out of this ridiculous rule, which one has to suspect is simply to bankroll the FA a little more.

Newcastle Disgrace: Joey Barton Bags a Bail to Play Arsenal

Simon Martin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:14:27 -0500

In what must be the most sensational case ever to ridicule Britain's justice system, it turns out that Joey Barton's lawyers have secured a change to Barton's bail conditions allowing him to play against Arsenal tonight.

Making his incarceration even more of a joke is the discovery that Barton has been training daily at Tyneside, traveling by helicopter.

Of course, with strict restriction to his bail, he has been required to return to base by 7:30 PM.

But now Barton's lawyers have changed even those conditions so that Barton is allowed to live and train in Newcastle while his case proceeds. He will also be allowed to play in home and away games, providing that he adheres to a new curfew.

But what would have happened if he’d not had access to these lawyers? If he’d not been a Premier League footballer who’d amassed an overwhelming wealth to support his case?

Once again the British justice system is manipulated and mocked by those who should fall foul to it. If you are a regular reader of mine, you are already familiar with my views (refer to my previous Joey Barton article). And still I fail to see why it is that Barton, who faces charges of actual bodily harm, should be rewarded with a return to football barely a few months after the incident in Liverpool's City Centre.

Kevin Keegan (master of the badly timed, poorly developed comment) said today, “Common sense has prevailed. He's still restricted but he can play with us and play matches. The judge decided this was the right compromise.”

Really?! Joey Barton is currently on trial for assault—for the third time in barely three years—and is being allowed to play the game he loves: this is a good compromise?!

What rubbish some people spew when they have to justify their own biases.

Keegan is also convinced that Barton has learned his lesson, saying, “I think we’ll see a new Joey Barton after this.”

I agree with you there, Kev. I think we'll see a smug Joey Barton sitting with Newcastle United, invincible to justice while he plays the game he loves so much.

Of course, if he really loved the game, he wouldn't do anything to damage his chances of playing in the first place, right?

Final comment: Why must justice be restricted to those who are poor, unknown, and without a multimillion pound football club behind them?

Liverpool-Havant & Waterlooville: Saluting Britain's Best Pub Team

Simon Martin — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:45:18 -0500

Liverpool came from behind twice to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 5-2 victory—at the expense of Havant and Waterlooville, who must be the best pub team in Europe this year.

Richard Pacquette put Havant ahead before Leive Lucas curled a 25-yarder into Havant's net to equalise.

A deflected shot allowed the part-timers to get in front once more, until 15 tense minutes later Yossi Benayoun equalised for Liverpool.

It was a stunning display by a team ranked 123 places lower than Liverpool—and a squad that has a total value equal to one day of an average Liverpool player's wages.

Liverpool came back determined, with Benayoun scoring to make it 3-2 just after the break. He earned a hat-trick off a rebound three minutes later, pushing the lead to 4-2.

Havant and Waterlooville weren't deterred, though—in fact, they nearly made it 4-3 when Tom Jordon's shot was saved by Charles Itandje.

Peter Crouch put the result beyond doubt after side-footing from six yards out, but one thing today was clear: Only when Liverpool went up 4-2 did they look like a team of millionaires playing a pseudo pub team.

Havant and Waterlooville played a magnificent game, making their opponents squirm throughout and look downright clumsy at times. The scoreline does not reflect the skill and panache that kept Liverpool fans nervous for the best part of 70 minutes.

And so: Well done to Havant and Waterlooville. It wasn't the result we neutrals wanted, but you did us—and the game of football—proud.

Tottenham 5, Arsenal 1: Young Guns Run Out of Firepower:

Simon Martin — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:35:37 -0500

In what had to be the Cup match of the decade, Tottenham Hotspurs routed Arsenal's young guns to fire themselves into the Carling Cup final.

Jermain Jenas' third minute goal was a superb effort that struck at the heart of Arsenal, and what has to be given as the own goal of the season saw Nicholas Bendter put the ball into the back of his net with a superb header.

A shame it was at the wrong of end of the pitch...though on tonight's performance, that is debatable!

Robbie Keane then scored a frankly astounding 18-yard goal to make it 3-0 in the early stages of the second half. Not too long after that, Aaron Lennon popped up to sidefoot the ball into the Arsenal net for the fourth time this evening.

The game was over by this point despite Arsenal's efforts, and though they scored a consolation goal, the misery was compounded when Steed Malbranque completed the rout.

Tottenham looked like the team they promised to be at the start of this season: powerful, skillful, and intelligent. They did not dominate the play by any means, but were strong and wise enough to take full advantage of the mistakes the flapping Gunners made. For Spurs fans this was a night to remember.

For Arsenal fans, a miserable trudge back through London awaits. Their team was poor at best with, for all their possession, a meagre and frankly sad lot of attempts on goal. While the Cup may have been lost, some will be left to wonder whether this was down to a lack of confidence—or overconfidence—or simply youthful inexperience.

Great Footballers: Alan Shearer, Man of the People

Simon Martin — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 07:36:34 -0500

In my second article on great footballers, I will be looking at a footballer who inspires everyone around him—not just his teammates, but the manager, the chairman, the board, the backroom staff...

And most importantly of all, the fans.

So, who is this Great Footballer?

I think you all know. He's been in the press a lot recently, in connection with a vacant managerial position.

That's right, Alan Shearer.

Shearer is an incredibly powerful figure in Tyneside. I'm not sure many true football fans understand these days how much of an effect an inspirational player can have on the fans of a club, but in Alan Shearer, Newcastle United fans had a winner.

Shearer is the top Premier League goalscorer of all time, collecting 260 goals over the course of his career, with a frankly superb 206 goals scored for Newcastle in his ten years at the club.

It is a shame that his enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for his club did not reward hm with a major trophy—but an FA Cup runners-up medal is still no disgrace, by far!

He was a trophy, an icon for the people of Tyneside—and the shadow of his ten-year reign hangs over anyone who takes up the position of a Newcastle striker. Even now, we speculate whether he shall join another of Newcastle's heroes, Kevin Keegan—either as a striker coach, or (whisper it) Kev's number two.

His last year in football was a graceful one, which ended somewhat prematurely, but guaranteed his place in Newcastle's—and England's—footballing History.

For on the 17th April 2006, with three games remaining in his final season as a player, Shearer suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee after a collision during a 4–1 win at Sunderland, in which he scored his 206th goal for the Magpies. The injury caused him to miss those final three games, effectively ending his career.

On the 22nd April, 2006, Shearer confirmed his retirement as a player. His final season in football had brought him a respectable (for a striker in his mid 30s), 10 goals in 32 league games.

Since that day he has never quite left Tyneside - songs about him are still sung to this day during matches at St. James, and a huge banner still hangs inside, saying "Thanks for ten great years."

Shearer never really left Newcastle.

I wonder if he ever will.

Football's Worst Comeback: Keegan at Newcastle United

Simon Martin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:48:58 -0500

In what must be the worst comeback since Nigel Mansell's stint at McClaren in 1996, Newcastle United are to announce today that Kevin Keegan has been appointed—or reappointed—as manager.

The 56-year-old first managed Newcastle in 1992 and left the Magpies in 1996. He is the second longest serving manager for the last 22 years. (Bobby Robson managed five years.)

It had been suggested that Alan Shearer would act as his deputy, but the former England captain ruled himself out as late as this morning.

Keegan last managed in 2000 (England) after his stint at Newcastle where he suffered a shocking defeat to natural rivals Germany.

For many sports writers, Keegan is the obvious choice for the Newcastle job, however rarely do managers return to clubs and rarely are they successful. It is my opinion that Keegan may discover a completely different Newcastle United from the team he managed 11 years ago—and he won't benefit from the patience and loyalty that was present at the club back then.

For now, judgement is reserved...For now.

Breaking News: Fabio Capello Under Investigation

Simon Martin — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:07:47 -0500

Fabio Capello is under investigation for alleged tax fraud in his home country of Italy.

The newly-appointed manager of the English National Team has been on the job less than two weeks—and this news puts a question mark on his future.

Presumed innocent until proven guilty, of course.

More news as we receive it during the day.

UPDATE@12.32pm

The Italian courts have launched an inquiry into Capello's finances, specifically while he was in charge of Serie A side Juventus between 2005 and 2006.

The Football Association had this to say on the matter:

It is our understanding that the Italian tax authorities are currently following a procedure of looking into the finances of a number of high-profile individuals.

We have spoken to Fabio and his advisors about today's newspaper reports in Italy and they have explained the facts.

They have also given us their assurances that Fabio Capello's tax payments are in order.

The FA have no further comment to make on this subject.

What is most perplexing is that it has been "revealed" by BBC Sport that the FA did in fact know about the inquiry—although this has yet to be confirmed.

More unconfirmed reports state that Capello has assured the FA that his finances are in order. As it stands, it's likely that the case will go either one of two ways:

Either authorities clear Capello of any wrongdoing and close the case, or Capello will be summoned to explain his finances to the Italian courts.

Manchester United-Newcastle United: The History Behind 6-0

Simon Martin — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:59:51 -0500

Six of the best:

All six of the best came from Manchester United this evening, when Newcastle, managerless, and seemingly clueless, were thrashed 6-0 at Old Trafford. It has been Newcastle's worst performance for a very, very long time.

Considering Newcastle United are the eighth most successful club in English football, having won the top division four times (all before 1939), and having won the FA cup six times (three times in the 1950s, the last in 1955 in a 3-1 win over Manchester City, and it remains the last time the Toon army has lifted the coveted cup).

Actually, on that basis, Newcastle have failed to win for around fifty years. 12 points ahead of Manchester United in 1995/6 should have meant their first top division win for fifty years: it was not be, and it remains the greatest "what if?" in their history.

Newcastle United were once, a great club, and they did indeed win many trophies. But all of that happened some fifty years ago - and there is indeed a good reason for this.

Part of it is down to a mentality that is not unlike, in many ways, Chelsea's. And that is throwing money at a problem.

Let's compare stats: since 1986, when Manchester United hired Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United have won the Champions league, the Premier League nine times, the FA cup four times, and of those stats, an incredible Treble winning performance in the season of 1998/9. One manager, the most successful for his club, and in this country in terms of trophies, they have spent since 1986 a staggering £310million on players and managers (not taking into account wage bills and bonuses, just players bought).

Newcastle have had, since 1986, sixteen (that's 1 followed by a 6, 16) managers, none of which have lasted more than a few years (excluding Sir Bobby Robson, five years), and the last few have managed for months, barely. They have won, nothing (Inter-toto cup does not count), come close, once, and have spent an even more staggering £415million (again, not taking into account wage bills and bonuses, just players bought) on players and managers in the same twenty-two year period.

I'd like to think the stats speak for themselves, as to why they are unsuccessful.

Newcastle United, Sam Allardyce Split: End of Season Already?

Simon Martin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:17:43 -0500

Strange how these things happen.

Newcastle United sacking a manager. There's a unique occurance.

Sam Allardyce and Newcastle United officially split company just twenty minutes ago , although a club statement on the website has been up for at least an hour.

Allardyce had attended a news conference earlier in the day, and offered no hint of his impending departure.

Instead, he spoke of his plans for the future more than he did of his present. Nevertheless, the word in Newcastle is "mutual"—although this reporter severely doubts that it was anything like.

Allradyce has been quoted by many sources this evening as saying: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle, but I wish the club all the best for the future."

Alladryce is the eighth premiership manager to be sacked in the 2007/08 season, outlasting—most notably—Jose Mourinho.

His reign at Newcastle United lasted just twenty-four games. Newcastle needs to look at themselves, and stop seeking a quick fix. Success comes with stability, and to use an old adage, "to those who wait".

What better examples of stability and patience do we have than Arsenal and Manchester United?

More on this breaking news as we receive it.

Referee Watch No. 1: Mark Halsey, Ipswich Town v. Portsmouth

Simon Martin — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 02:07:31 -0500

Ipswich Town's match again Portsmouth in the FA Cup should have been a good tie—full of flair, fleet of foot, and above all damn good football.

What we got instead was a struggle by a 10-man Ipswich side to contain Portsmouth—which they did commendably for 46 minutes, 22 of which were spent without 19-year-old Liam Trotter.

I'm a referee in training, with a few stages to my name, and what I initially saw on Trotter's tackle was a late challenge, a possible yellow card, and a free kick to Portsmouth.

That was my first instinct.

However, upon rewinding the footage (God bless my Sky+ box), I was forced to conclude that while Trotter was certainly late, it seemed to be more of a dive from Pedro Mendes than a malicious tackle.

In fact, everything about Trotter's tackle epitomised what the Referee's Association and veteran coaches have been talking about these last few weeks: Trotter had gone to ground, but (and this is key) was using just one foot, studs down—and was clearly going for the ball.

Referee Mark Halsey was standing right in front of the play. To my surprise, and I'm sure to the surprise of every Ipswich and Portsmouth fan in attendance, Halsey produced a red card.

What is telling is how Mendes reacted to the tackle: He launched himself into the air, clutched at his leg, and rolled over. Twice.

When a player goes to ground like that, for me, it's whether or not he proceeds to roll over that tells me how injured he is, and how much contact there was.

In a game a few weeks back, Majid Bougherra of Charlton Athletic was tackled and fell to ground—no rolling, no movement. While he did walk off the field after five minutes, he was substituted, and swathed in bandages.

The differences between the tackles on Bougherra and Mendes are evident upon replay. There was more contact with Bougherra, and he went down without rolling—whereas it's comical to replay the Mendes incident at half speed as the contact, however minimal, doesn't result in such a leap of faith.

Yes, a leap of faith.

Mendes, in my opinion, manufactured the red card sublimely. Halsey was taken in, and, thanks in no part to media-types (myself included) who have clamoured for red cards to be shown for dangerous tackles, sent off the young Ipswich player unnecessarily.

It's a shame, you must note, that not only was Mendes trying to con the referee—so was Pompey coach Joe Jordon, who took to jumping up and down on the touchline, screaming for a red card.

You may be wondering why the title of this article is "Referee Watch" when I spent most of the piece writing about the players.

It's simple really: Mark Halsey is a half-decent referee who was conned on this occasion—and it is to him that I address the final point.

Next time, Mark, think it through, and don't send off someone when a player reacts like Mendes did. Nine times out of ten, he's play-acting.

As it is, the red card tarnished what should have been a thrilling encounter between the best home side in the Championship and the best away form side in the Premiership.