OTW: Phil Brown: A Love Letter, and various other musings
Dear Phil,
I miss you. I miss your goofy little head set. I miss your orange skin glow. I miss the "I'm in the Premier League" goatee. I miss you talking crazy women off bridges. I miss you singing like a tool when you stay up. I miss your spats with Arsenal. I miss your whole 1970's game show host persona. I miss your whole scolded child act, the "new" Phil Brown, every time Pearson told you to stop talking. I miss your reactions to blown chances and winning goals. I miss you Phil. It's not the same without you. Now we get to watch Ian Dowie. The man has to be the illegitimate son of Frankenstein and an albino, and has the coaching CV to match. He has more misses than hits. And personality? He has nothing on you Phil. Watching him manage is like watching Andy Rooney gum his dinner and then take a nap. I can't wait until this gardening leave ends Phil. Sure, your tan will be better than ever, but we need you.
Your friend, Ryan
It's been another week off the woodwork, and something really caught my attention this week. The biggest ego in American soccer media decided to drop his football club. The one thing you "can't do" in football, he did, and publicly. Now I personally feel Mr. Cohen is a snake oil salesman, and I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him, but reality is that he has a small but loyal following in a sport known for (in the States) its small but loyal following. I'm not sure if Mr. Cohen just lives the phrase "controversy creates cash", or if his denouncing of Chelsea football club is legitimate, but something about the whole thing just left me feeling dirty. (Something Mr. Cohen does often.) Instead of going negative the way Mr. Cohen always does, I figured I would take the topic and make it a little more fun. This week I thought up several scenarios on how far I was willing to go for my club. Would I sell my soul for 10 years of winning every competition we enter, knowing after the ten years ends I drop dead? In return for my clubs greatest rival never winning a trophy ever again, would I be willing to sacrifice every trophy in our future too? Maybe I'm just looking at it wrong? Maybe when I'm leaving my second club like Mr. Cohen, it would be different, but for now I just don't understand the concept. You love the club, not the owner, not the players, not the manager, the club. All of it's history. The good and the bad. Even if Malcolm Glazer, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Wayne Rooney said publicly it sickened them to know I was a Manchester United fan and they would like me to stop being one, nothing in my heart or my mind would change. But then again, I'm just a yank. The sport wasn't born into my blood like Mr. Cohen. I mean, it's not like the man would leach off a sport he never seemed to understand or care about just to make a buck and keep from working a 9 to 5, right?
Every week should have a conspiracy, and this weeks conspiracy involves some of the biggest clubs in Europe. I have a strange feeling Manchester United may bolster their attacking options next season with the addition of Fiorentina's starlet Jovetic. Fiorentina has made little secret of their desire to bring Rossi to Italy from Spain. One of the little tricks many club like to put into deals are selling on rights and fees. If Rossi makes a move, part of United's rights are to match the offer. United could use another forward. Rossi isn't it. Jovetic is an exciting young star, and his sale would grease the wheels for a deal in all directions. I love a good conspiracy, and I think used greenbacks have been slipped under the men's room door already. We'll see if I'm a visionary come summer.
Next I'd like to ask, when exactly will Steve McLaren get a job in the EPL if he wants it? For two seasons he has brought the best out of FC Twente. In his first season as second to Fergie at United (Fergie himself rarely takes training) United won the treble. At Boro he did nothing more or less than could be expected of him. Under Sven, he was again the guy working with the lads in training. Once he became the head man, he couldn't transition into the boss. He was everyone's mate. The good guy. It was the wrong time for him to take the England job. He was done for just by being attached to Sven. But the fact remains, Steve McLaren is a good coach and a good manager. Isn't it time he found himself at a West Ham, a Newcastle, a Sunderland, or another Premier league side? He's more than just the wolly with the brolly. He's also the guy with the thick Dutch accent. He needs to come home. Penance paid like Bobby Robson. I only hope that on his way out the door, if Twente asks him if he could recommend a replacement for himself, he'll tell them to call Phil Brown.
And finally, speaking of good managers, isn't it time Avram love got the credit and love he deserves? He's a good manager. Even winning an Isreali cup takes skill. Guiding Chelsea (some poorly timed substitutions in massive matches aside) to 2nd in the Carling Cup, the League, and the Champion's League isn't a fluke or player power, no matter what John Terry thinks. The class and tact he shows when dealing with some very difficult situations shows you who the real Avram Grant is. From the moment I read up on his wife and her career I knew there was much more to Avram than the undertaker, and I believe I'm right. I hope next season Avram Grant will either be managing an EPL side, or he will be managing a top club in another league. He has earned it.
Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
OTW: Another Good Day Of Football
It was another good day of football Off the Woodwork. Thanks to television, streams, and ESPN360, today I watched part or all of nearly a dozen games. Only a few early matches kicking off 30 minutes apart cut my time back today from a true 24 hours of football. God Bless America.
My day started rather early with two clashes of some interest. RKC Waalwijk hosted Ajax, while Chrome Dome's Zenit St. Petersburg took on Spartak Moscow in a thriller on one of the worst pitches I have seen this season. If you think Wigan is bad, compared to this, the DW looks like Emirates.
In the Ajax encounter, Ajax fought hard and had a beneficial ref call for the 2nd goal by Suarez, leading to a 5-1 drubbing of Waalwijk. In Russia, Moscow's keeper was a rock, blocking everything they threw at him. Zenit dived and flopped all over looking for calls and eventually got a goal near the death. 1-1.
Next I gave my sole attention to Manchester United vs Liverpool. I could go on and on about my feelings there, but will instead just say 2-1 was a fair result.
I then watched some Milan v Napoli and some Fulham vs Man City. I thought Fulham fought hard but City had too much for them early on and that decided it, a just 2-1. With Milan v Napoli, it was basically what I expected, and the 1-1 seemed written before hand. Both teams leave undamaged, which is more important than winning in a way if you are a neutral looking at the scrum between Inter and Milan, and the fight for Champion's League positions for Palermo, Napoli, and Juve. Serie A has some bumps in the road left before this season is settled.
I then sat in shock while trying to watch a horrific encounter between Wolfsburg and Berlin, worst match of the day for me. I also checked out Blackburn and Chelsea. The 1-1 is fair based on Blackburn effort and spirit, but Chelsea should never have dropped points in this game. It may be that there is deep trouble in the changing room going back to JT and his wicked ways. Add that to a meddling owner, aging legs, and a system of play that doesn't utilize your best midfield talent, and the future for Chelsea becomes uncertain and it has to be now or never for these guys. Let's hope for never huh?
I then watched a little of Club America on Univision. You know it is Sunday when America is on Univision. Not the greatest match, but what I saw was worth a look. And the commentators have passion. I can't tell what they are talking about, but they seem to really find it exciting.
Next came PSV vs FC Twente. (It may have been a Saturday game, but I watched it today.) It really was a basic match of MLS caliber, and was a tale of two halves. The first to PSV. The second to Twente.
Finally I watched Sampdoria vs Juventus. A dire encounter to be sure. 0-0 for the bulk of the match, Sampdoria's late winner put Juve under even more pressure. With a squad that needs an overhaul, they will be lucky to make it in the Europa next season. The scandal may be in the past, but Juve still feel it's effects and so much more. Juve needs to clean house from top to bottom. But will they?
I also watched highlights of all of the other action of the day.
All in all, it was a hell of a day to be a football fan.
Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork.
My day started rather early with two clashes of some interest. RKC Waalwijk hosted Ajax, while Chrome Dome's Zenit St. Petersburg took on Spartak Moscow in a thriller on one of the worst pitches I have seen this season. If you think Wigan is bad, compared to this, the DW looks like Emirates.
In the Ajax encounter, Ajax fought hard and had a beneficial ref call for the 2nd goal by Suarez, leading to a 5-1 drubbing of Waalwijk. In Russia, Moscow's keeper was a rock, blocking everything they threw at him. Zenit dived and flopped all over looking for calls and eventually got a goal near the death. 1-1.
Next I gave my sole attention to Manchester United vs Liverpool. I could go on and on about my feelings there, but will instead just say 2-1 was a fair result.
I then watched some Milan v Napoli and some Fulham vs Man City. I thought Fulham fought hard but City had too much for them early on and that decided it, a just 2-1. With Milan v Napoli, it was basically what I expected, and the 1-1 seemed written before hand. Both teams leave undamaged, which is more important than winning in a way if you are a neutral looking at the scrum between Inter and Milan, and the fight for Champion's League positions for Palermo, Napoli, and Juve. Serie A has some bumps in the road left before this season is settled.
I then sat in shock while trying to watch a horrific encounter between Wolfsburg and Berlin, worst match of the day for me. I also checked out Blackburn and Chelsea. The 1-1 is fair based on Blackburn effort and spirit, but Chelsea should never have dropped points in this game. It may be that there is deep trouble in the changing room going back to JT and his wicked ways. Add that to a meddling owner, aging legs, and a system of play that doesn't utilize your best midfield talent, and the future for Chelsea becomes uncertain and it has to be now or never for these guys. Let's hope for never huh?
I then watched a little of Club America on Univision. You know it is Sunday when America is on Univision. Not the greatest match, but what I saw was worth a look. And the commentators have passion. I can't tell what they are talking about, but they seem to really find it exciting.
Next came PSV vs FC Twente. (It may have been a Saturday game, but I watched it today.) It really was a basic match of MLS caliber, and was a tale of two halves. The first to PSV. The second to Twente.
Finally I watched Sampdoria vs Juventus. A dire encounter to be sure. 0-0 for the bulk of the match, Sampdoria's late winner put Juve under even more pressure. With a squad that needs an overhaul, they will be lucky to make it in the Europa next season. The scandal may be in the past, but Juve still feel it's effects and so much more. Juve needs to clean house from top to bottom. But will they?
I also watched highlights of all of the other action of the day.
All in all, it was a hell of a day to be a football fan.
Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork.
Monday, March 15, 2010
OTW: The Ref's A Wanker, And Time For A Cap?
OTW: The Ref's A Wanker, And Time For A Cap?
Welcome back boys and ghouls to another blog off the woodwork. Each week I try to stick it into the back of the net, and each week I'm left gutted and heart broken as the post is rattling, but here I go again...
First, let's start with something that is getting coverage for all the wrong reasons, and why I think it should be getting bigger coverage. I won't name names or talk dirt on this particular subject because it is a bit below the belt IMHO, but as we all know there has been a ref scandal in Germany involving two of their own engaging in sexual relations. That's none of my business, and frankly it is none of yours either, but due to this relationship, a bomb was dropped. A ref who was climbing the ranks and was involved in many German top flight matches wrote an e-mail wanting to celebrate if Bayern Munich lost in the Champion's League.
This may not seem like a huge issue to many of you. You listen to the Chapper's podcast and hear Graham Poll tell you who he supports as well as who other refs support. We know refs have biases. But let's really consider this. A ref in the German top flight wanted one of the top clubs in that country to fail. He can't be alone in his feelings about one club or another in one country or another. The ref is human. Of course he hates certain clubs. He is a fan of the game. Of course he has player bias.
This German bombshell should awaken us and force us to take a better look at who we are seeing ref our top flight games. We should be told who they support before every match. We should be told the results of all their previous matches involving the two participants, and any decisions that were appealed. We as fans should get to see these things. And the FA should look into these things as well. You want fair and balanced matches? Make sure you know who is calling the game.
Sadly, it won't happen. No one will demand to know exactly who is officiating their games, and the FA's won't look into it any further than they have to. I knock it off the woodwork again. I have bad luck.
Next, let's take a look at something to save the game. Something so obvious, it can never happen. It is time for a salary cap in football. I know, we are too far gone to change things now. But the game may depend on it.
When the owner of Man City comes out himself and calls for a wage cap, you know how dire an issue it may be. What killed Pompey? Wages. What killed so many lower level clubs over the years and sent Leeds spiraling down the leagues? Wages. What was the first thing the Glazer's insisted upon when buying Manchester United? Wage cap.
There is only so much money available to most football clubs. To compete you need to spend. If you step up a level, your need to spend doesn't increase a small amount, it increases dramatically each step if you want to reach the top. The money doesn't exist. Wages suck the life out of football.
So what am I calling for? What will wage caps do? I suggest a wage cap of 75% of a clubs total pre-tax income. (Hardly a harsh cap. Eventually the cap should be down to 60%) So what would this mean? It would mean Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, etc can stock pile less young talent on their bench and in their reserves, or force them to carry a few less veteran contracts. It would mean fewer people would be able to make a full-time living off football at the lower league levels. It would mean clubs couldn't overspend purely on wages, their current #1 expenditure. It would mean that if a club didn't have the infrastructure and support, it wouldn't be able to just buy it's way up the leagues before crashing under their debt.
Combined with my regional league feelings, the wage cap could change the face of English football, European football, and save the sport from eating itself and the painful re-birth that will be sure to follow. Football can be saved. The owners are ready. The fans are ready. All we need now are the players... Ashley Cole? Sean Wright-Phillips? Adebayor? Wow. Looks like I'm left stunned as the cross bar shakes. Another one goes off the woodwork.
And finally, if I may, David Beckham. (I'll wait as the girly screaming dies down.)
If this is the end of David Beckham's playing career, we will miss you Becks. I do not believe it is though. I believe he will play again in a Galaxy strip, and possibly a Milan and England one as well. Let us not forget who David Beckham is. He shows up and leaves when the most paparazzi are there. This wasn't his moment. He got his back page with the green and gold scarf. He got his back page with the cut cheek and bad ankle. He got fear for his England career headlines before and after the injury. This guy has many more photo ops in him. Whether it is hobbling on for England, gimping around in LA, or crying and waving goodbye in Milan, Beckham is far from finished, no matter what playing skill remains. Old show ponies don't die, they just join a smaller circus. (Mr. Henry? MR. Raul?)
I know what the Beckham fans think... I didn't even hit the woodwork on that one. I just can't win.
Just one last thing before I go, I have mixed emotions about Jose's return to Stamford Bridge. I hate Chelsea, and I'm not a fan of Don Carlo or Roman, but I want them to win so they have an added distraction for the final run-in. I hurts to root against Jose or Inter when Chelsea is the opposition, but I think I have to.
Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork
Welcome back boys and ghouls to another blog off the woodwork. Each week I try to stick it into the back of the net, and each week I'm left gutted and heart broken as the post is rattling, but here I go again...
First, let's start with something that is getting coverage for all the wrong reasons, and why I think it should be getting bigger coverage. I won't name names or talk dirt on this particular subject because it is a bit below the belt IMHO, but as we all know there has been a ref scandal in Germany involving two of their own engaging in sexual relations. That's none of my business, and frankly it is none of yours either, but due to this relationship, a bomb was dropped. A ref who was climbing the ranks and was involved in many German top flight matches wrote an e-mail wanting to celebrate if Bayern Munich lost in the Champion's League.
This may not seem like a huge issue to many of you. You listen to the Chapper's podcast and hear Graham Poll tell you who he supports as well as who other refs support. We know refs have biases. But let's really consider this. A ref in the German top flight wanted one of the top clubs in that country to fail. He can't be alone in his feelings about one club or another in one country or another. The ref is human. Of course he hates certain clubs. He is a fan of the game. Of course he has player bias.
This German bombshell should awaken us and force us to take a better look at who we are seeing ref our top flight games. We should be told who they support before every match. We should be told the results of all their previous matches involving the two participants, and any decisions that were appealed. We as fans should get to see these things. And the FA should look into these things as well. You want fair and balanced matches? Make sure you know who is calling the game.
Sadly, it won't happen. No one will demand to know exactly who is officiating their games, and the FA's won't look into it any further than they have to. I knock it off the woodwork again. I have bad luck.
Next, let's take a look at something to save the game. Something so obvious, it can never happen. It is time for a salary cap in football. I know, we are too far gone to change things now. But the game may depend on it.
When the owner of Man City comes out himself and calls for a wage cap, you know how dire an issue it may be. What killed Pompey? Wages. What killed so many lower level clubs over the years and sent Leeds spiraling down the leagues? Wages. What was the first thing the Glazer's insisted upon when buying Manchester United? Wage cap.
There is only so much money available to most football clubs. To compete you need to spend. If you step up a level, your need to spend doesn't increase a small amount, it increases dramatically each step if you want to reach the top. The money doesn't exist. Wages suck the life out of football.
So what am I calling for? What will wage caps do? I suggest a wage cap of 75% of a clubs total pre-tax income. (Hardly a harsh cap. Eventually the cap should be down to 60%) So what would this mean? It would mean Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, etc can stock pile less young talent on their bench and in their reserves, or force them to carry a few less veteran contracts. It would mean fewer people would be able to make a full-time living off football at the lower league levels. It would mean clubs couldn't overspend purely on wages, their current #1 expenditure. It would mean that if a club didn't have the infrastructure and support, it wouldn't be able to just buy it's way up the leagues before crashing under their debt.
Combined with my regional league feelings, the wage cap could change the face of English football, European football, and save the sport from eating itself and the painful re-birth that will be sure to follow. Football can be saved. The owners are ready. The fans are ready. All we need now are the players... Ashley Cole? Sean Wright-Phillips? Adebayor? Wow. Looks like I'm left stunned as the cross bar shakes. Another one goes off the woodwork.
And finally, if I may, David Beckham. (I'll wait as the girly screaming dies down.)
If this is the end of David Beckham's playing career, we will miss you Becks. I do not believe it is though. I believe he will play again in a Galaxy strip, and possibly a Milan and England one as well. Let us not forget who David Beckham is. He shows up and leaves when the most paparazzi are there. This wasn't his moment. He got his back page with the green and gold scarf. He got his back page with the cut cheek and bad ankle. He got fear for his England career headlines before and after the injury. This guy has many more photo ops in him. Whether it is hobbling on for England, gimping around in LA, or crying and waving goodbye in Milan, Beckham is far from finished, no matter what playing skill remains. Old show ponies don't die, they just join a smaller circus. (Mr. Henry? MR. Raul?)
I know what the Beckham fans think... I didn't even hit the woodwork on that one. I just can't win.
Just one last thing before I go, I have mixed emotions about Jose's return to Stamford Bridge. I hate Chelsea, and I'm not a fan of Don Carlo or Roman, but I want them to win so they have an added distraction for the final run-in. I hurts to root against Jose or Inter when Chelsea is the opposition, but I think I have to.
Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork
OTW: Insane Ramblings And Perhas A Bit Of Genius...
Off The Woodwork: Insane ramblings and perhaps a bit of genius
Perhaps.
I have several subjects covering many aspects of football on my mind, so I figured what better than a blog, to get it all out.
First, something light. I'm sick of hearing people whine about "the fit and proper persons test" every damn time Portsmouth comes up. The fit and proper persons test has nothing to do with money. It has nothing to do with what kind of owner you will be. It has nothing to do with your past business practices. It is to see if you are a "fit and proper" person. Meaning, a killer. If the answer is no, and other convictions (even match-fixing) aren't close to murder, you are fit and proper. That's how it is. It's not meant to be the invasive test everyone thinks it should be. Maybe owners need to take responsibility for who they hand the company over to. Maybe the fans need to ask questions and vote with their asses in/out of seats. Maybe due diligence should be done by the EPL home office beyond if you have killed anyone lately. Maybe they need a different test? But stop bitching. Reality is, the fit and proper persons test has worked. Charles Manson hasn't bought Grimsby yet.
Next, a conspiracy. John Terry getting caught riding the neighborhood bike is the end of Rio Ferdinand.
Rio is captain of England. Dodgy back and all. He is coming to the twilight of his career as it is, with the aforementioned back, but the captaincy sealed his fate. After England lose the World Cup, and they sure as shit won't win it, hey will need a scapegoat. They always do. Will it be wonder boy Rooney, with 1 or 2 World Cups ahead of him? Nope. Will it be Steven Gerrard who shits sunshine to the English press? Nope. Will it be John Terry? Nope. It will be Rio, even if someone else has a Rooney or Beckham moment. Between age and the pressure and scrutiny, Rio will come back for one last lap of honor ala Graham Poll, and like Poll, he will never shut up again. You heard it here first.
On to a movement to fix one of the issues with football. When you look to Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Scotland, etc. You see leagues that at the second, third, or fourth level, football becomes regional. In England, you have to go down 6 levels, before football starts becoming truly regional. Think about the pressure this puts on such small clubs. If England trimmed it's leagues down, going regional in their football after League One, every club would save big money over a season on travel. Fans would be able to travel away more often for less. The chance for a derby increases greatly, helping ensure asses in seats. Saving money like this while making money like this, will make it much more of a solid foundation for the lower leagues of football to be built on.
Next, a shout out to the human rock that is Vidic. I think he has dicked United around a bit this season, but one thing is for certain, he is a MAN. Today he took a head to the face. (Flamini, what a shock.) With nose facing his left shoulder he walked off the pitch, and stood there in wide eyed crazy man pain as the trainer took a few attempts to put his nose back where it belonged. Before going back on the pitch, you could read his lips as he asked if it was straight (holding up a finger so the trainer could see) because he didn't want it to be crooked. He then played the rest of the first half, then the next half. Does he know Americans see football as a pussy sport?
And finally, Real Madrid. 260 million Euros gets you the same result as the past 5 years. At least you are selling kits right? Ha ha ha ha ha.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork.
Perhaps.
I have several subjects covering many aspects of football on my mind, so I figured what better than a blog, to get it all out.
First, something light. I'm sick of hearing people whine about "the fit and proper persons test" every damn time Portsmouth comes up. The fit and proper persons test has nothing to do with money. It has nothing to do with what kind of owner you will be. It has nothing to do with your past business practices. It is to see if you are a "fit and proper" person. Meaning, a killer. If the answer is no, and other convictions (even match-fixing) aren't close to murder, you are fit and proper. That's how it is. It's not meant to be the invasive test everyone thinks it should be. Maybe owners need to take responsibility for who they hand the company over to. Maybe the fans need to ask questions and vote with their asses in/out of seats. Maybe due diligence should be done by the EPL home office beyond if you have killed anyone lately. Maybe they need a different test? But stop bitching. Reality is, the fit and proper persons test has worked. Charles Manson hasn't bought Grimsby yet.
Next, a conspiracy. John Terry getting caught riding the neighborhood bike is the end of Rio Ferdinand.
Rio is captain of England. Dodgy back and all. He is coming to the twilight of his career as it is, with the aforementioned back, but the captaincy sealed his fate. After England lose the World Cup, and they sure as shit won't win it, hey will need a scapegoat. They always do. Will it be wonder boy Rooney, with 1 or 2 World Cups ahead of him? Nope. Will it be Steven Gerrard who shits sunshine to the English press? Nope. Will it be John Terry? Nope. It will be Rio, even if someone else has a Rooney or Beckham moment. Between age and the pressure and scrutiny, Rio will come back for one last lap of honor ala Graham Poll, and like Poll, he will never shut up again. You heard it here first.
On to a movement to fix one of the issues with football. When you look to Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Scotland, etc. You see leagues that at the second, third, or fourth level, football becomes regional. In England, you have to go down 6 levels, before football starts becoming truly regional. Think about the pressure this puts on such small clubs. If England trimmed it's leagues down, going regional in their football after League One, every club would save big money over a season on travel. Fans would be able to travel away more often for less. The chance for a derby increases greatly, helping ensure asses in seats. Saving money like this while making money like this, will make it much more of a solid foundation for the lower leagues of football to be built on.
Next, a shout out to the human rock that is Vidic. I think he has dicked United around a bit this season, but one thing is for certain, he is a MAN. Today he took a head to the face. (Flamini, what a shock.) With nose facing his left shoulder he walked off the pitch, and stood there in wide eyed crazy man pain as the trainer took a few attempts to put his nose back where it belonged. Before going back on the pitch, you could read his lips as he asked if it was straight (holding up a finger so the trainer could see) because he didn't want it to be crooked. He then played the rest of the first half, then the next half. Does he know Americans see football as a pussy sport?
And finally, Real Madrid. 260 million Euros gets you the same result as the past 5 years. At least you are selling kits right? Ha ha ha ha ha.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I will see you Off The Woodwork.
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