Pickles

Issue 1

Jan/Feb '12

Truth & Football

Free

Twitter turns players into Twits

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w ith the onset of football superstardom and £250,000 a week contracts, it seems like the modern footballer is much further removed from the common man than the heroes of yesteryear. Yet with 24 hour news coverage via a multitude of platforms and the emergence of social media in particular, they are in another respect more accessible than ever before.

Celebrities from all walks of life have adopted the Twitter trend - Stephen Fry is perhaps the most famous advocate on these shores – and footballers have not been left behind. Even mainstream media prowl the network looking to secure a quote from a Premier League star on all manner of subjects.

Rio Ferdinand is one of the most prevalent Tweeters in professional football. His trail of thoughts, ranging from how he viewed his team’s performance to what he thought of his chicken dinner, is there for anybody to read and enjoy. Rio often and openly addresses Tweets aimed in his direction and has to date used Twitter responsibly.

One recent post from@rioferdy5 read: “Saying “rio I want u to die” over a football match is a bit strong but I’m a big dude and can take whatever

you throw at me on here! #bothered”. Evidently there was a seriously unpleasant message left to evoke a response of this nature from Ferdinand, yet he maintained his professionalism and public integrity within his reply. However, not all footballers can claim to have been as professional in their Tweets.

Darren Bent was one of the first to be caught out when he criticised Spurs chairman Daniel Levy over a drawn out transfer which eventually saw him move to Sunderland, albeit with a hefty fine from his former employers stinging his pockets.

Because it is difficult to adequately convey tone or elaborate on points when Tweeting, even carefully thought out, well meaning Tweets can be taken out of context by other media outlets and used to whip up a storm, as @RobbieSavage8 found to his frustration in a personal Twitter battle with the Daily Star.

It seems an increasing number of football stars are now falling foul of Tweeting faux pas, the latest being Ryan Babel. The Holland international took umbrage with Howard Webb’s handling of this weekend’s Manchester United versus Liverpool FA Cup third round tie and thought it perfectly acceptable to post a picture of the World Cup final referee wearing a Red Devils shirt.

Babel subsequently removed the post and apologised, but it was not enough to offset an FA charge that is sure to leave the Liverpool star with a ban at a time when his club desperately need all the resources they have available to them. It beggars belief that players think they can make such statements in an

open environment without repercussions. Whether they feel there is a degree of anonymity provided by a keyboard, there is no excuse for such naivety.

It is hard to believe that many of those caught out on Twitter would have had the fortitude to express the same opinion in front of a TV camera during a post match interview. It must make managers want to tear their hair out when they see players being so publicly unprofessional. The last thing a manager like Kenny Dalglish needs in his situation is to lose players for key games. It is unsurprising that some managers have taken to banning the use of Twitter amongst their staff. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk had to issue such an instruction to his players after Eljero Elia’s antics last summer and a similar ban was supposedly imposed (yet not strictly upheld) on Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup team.

However, from a fans perspective, to see this action become common place in football and indeed across other sports would be a shame. Not only does the network enable players to have a voice and freedom of expression, but it enables fans an opportunity to interact and get closer to their idols.

Unfortunately, there seems to be a few ill-advised individuals who will unwittingly spoil it for the rest. For if people like Ryan Babel cannot Tweet more responsibly, managers are going to be left with no alternative than to issue a blanket ban in a bid to avoid the kind of negative PR that unruly Tweets inevitably generate. Rio Ferdinand would be devastated.

England don’t need excuses, they need focus

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t was painfully clear following England’s showing in South Africa that a rebuilding job was urgently required to resurrect the ailing national football team.

At the time there was a mass clamour for total revolution. Having been destroyed by a German team transformed by the influx of young talent, many believed that the key to England’s salvation was to copy Joachim Loew’s blueprint and replace the established order with fresh blood.

A year down the line and the debate still rages about Mr Capello’s jigsaw and whether the individual pieces he is using can be turned into the complete picture presented on the box. There is now a mix of the established order and the new breed; of the team which started the Wembley showdown versus Wales in England’s latest Euro 2012 qualifier, half were not members of the side that looked so lost in Bloemfontein.

The England manager has begun to alter the dynamic of the team and the regular presence of Joe Hart, Ashley Young and Stuart Downing – as well as Jack Wilshire when fit and Scott Parker when fancied – for much of the latest qualifying campaign represents an evolution in terms of personnel from the team trusted to represent the Three Lions last year.

But the manner of the performance – a somewhat awkward showing at home to a team ranked 117th in the world – still leaves fans looking for answers and wondering how England can possibly compete with Europe’s best in Poland and the Ukraine.

The custodian’s choices are currently producing the right results to gain England access to next summer’s European Championships. However, simply turning up to the event is unlikely to win over the fans who

A black and white Collie dog renowned for his role in finding the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966.

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are still smarting from the events of the last major tournament.

Despite introducing new faces with relatively little international baggage, the experienced Italian revealed he believes that the mighty England are fearful of playing in front of a home crowd. This seems like a relatively meek argument for a number of reasons, not least because of the team’s inept showing on a completely different continent one year ago.

During last summer’s World Cup, England players didn’t look scared, they looked distracted. From the very first match, there were quibbles over trivial issues such as not knowing the team far enough in advance and not being able to enjoy a beer.

It is questionable whether things have changed in that regard. After seeing his side in the pre-match warm up last week, Capello admitted that the players did not look to be up for the occasion. Why they were not up for it is another issue to debate, but the reality of professional football is – like everyone now and again – sometimes people need help to focus.

Sometimes players look to the manager and ask him to lift them. Once a manager spots this, he must surely look to take charge, to act and to ignite his side prior to sending them out for kick off. This would seem a more appropriate solution than to cover their shortfall with an excuse that holds little water.

Much like anyone in life, if footballers are given an explanation to hide behind there is always the temptation to take it. It is a defence mechanism that allows individuals an opportunity to protect themselves and justify underachievement without taking direct responsibility. By offering players the opportunity to duck down behind this notion of home turf apprehension, there is a real threat of

exacerbating the situation. A sociological theory put forward by a chap called Merton suggests that a selffulfilling prophecy is when a false definition evokes a change in behaviour which makes the original false assertion come true.

Essentially, if people are told something often enough it becomes a reality. Capello telling his players that they are scared of playing at Wembley may sow the seeds for a potentially debilitating handicap in the long run.

The alternative approach for the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach would be to make his players stand up and be counted. Despite the presence of a fan protest and a potentially unsettling environment inside Goodison Park this weekend, there were no signs of nerves from Everton players who put in a strong, committed performance against Aston Villa.

David Moyes simply wouldn’t accept anything else.

Whatever team Capello puts out, he needs to ensure they are 100% focused on the job in hand. Whether he fields the same 11 from Bloemfontein or a brand new starting line up minus the battle scars from 14 months ago, he will need to provide direction and leadership. He needs to leave his charges in absolutely no doubt what he expects from them and what the consequences are should they fall short.

There remains serious doubt as to whether the Italian possesses the necessary communication skills to guide his English soldiers to Euro success, but his CV suggests he is capable of finding a winning formula.

If he can get this England side to focus like his title winning teams from Italy or Spain, there is still hope of a rejuvenated England showing next summer.

Even if it seems an agonisingly slim hope at the moment.

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Editor James Carruthers

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In an era of football mega-stars and celebrity lifestyles Cesc Fabregas is showing himself to be a truly world class footballer.

The talent of a man born in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona and raised through FC Barcelona’s legendary football academy has been quite rightly lauded since Arsene Wenger handed him his first team debut in a League Cup game against Rotherham in 2003.

European Championship and World Cup winner’s medals achieved as part of Spain’s astounding generation of technically gifted pass-masters underline the capabilities of a player who became Arsenal’s captain at the age of just 21.

Whilst Fabregas will no doubt forever remember the summer of 2010 as a glorious national fiesta following victory in South Africa, it also generated severe turbulence that destabilised his club career.

The midfield matador made no secret of his preference to rejoin his former club in time for the 2010-2011 season and Barcelona were equally as keen to acquire his services. Barca players were particularly outspoken in the media as they sought to coerce Fabregas to the Camp Nou and captain Carles Puyol even forced the Arsenal star to don a Barcelona shirt during Spain’s World

Cup celebrations. Questions regarding Fabregas’ commitment to ending Arsenal’s six year trophy drought were inevitable following the announcement that the Gunners had fended off the Spanish champion’s advances.

Similar praise can be levelled at James Milner. Although the England star had a relatively understated World Cup in comparison to the Spaniard, he also found himself embroiled in an elongated switch between clubs.

Unlike Fabregas, Milner achieved his goal and secured a move from Aston Villa to Manchester City. However, he was equally as eager to show his professionalism when he took to the field on the opening day of the Premier League season whilst still on Villa’s books.

Just prior to completion of the much anticipated move, Milner produced an inspired display against West Ham and capped his performance with a goal before leaving the field to a standing ovation from the same fans that had given him a tepid reception as he entered the arena.

Cesc Fabregas’ example is a shining light for all young footballers to follow.

The man has a devilish will to win and it is energizing to see someone who appreciates his privileged position and simply wants to become the best in his sport. Milner too is someone for

youngsters to learn from. He continually improves year after year as a result of being one of the most devoted players in the game.

Football today is more of a business than at any other time in history and in any business professionalism is one of the fundamental building blocks. With vast sums of money now dominating the game it is heartening to watch players who demonstrate the level of dedication their wages should command.

True football fans would rather read about sporting greatness than showbiz gossip or player revolt and fortunately for the game there are players who understand just how key professionalism is in the pursuit of greatness.

Nigel de Jong doesn't regret kung-fu kicking Xabi Alonso, and the tough tackling midfielder says his World Cup final appearance gave him more respect when he returned to his club, Manchester City.

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utch national coach Bert van Marwijk has made a huge statement with his decision to leave Manchester City’s Nigel De Jong out of his squad to face Moldova and Sweden for the upcoming international games.

some contrasting opinion as to its legitimacy.

Many fans would condemn the tackle as a true stinker, mirroring van Marwijk’s reaction.

Others suggest that as robust as it was, De Jong won the ball cleanly and only caught Ben Arfa with his trailing leg.

In the wake of this summer’s World Cup final, where the Netherlands picked up 9 yellow cards and one red card in a feisty affair against conquerors Spain, van Marwijk has moved to show that he does in fact feel a responsibility towards the way his players carry themselves on the field of play.

Regardless of this as an isolated incident, it is clear that De Jong’s style regularly puts players' safety in danger as he struggles to find the balance between competitiveness and recklessness. Consequently, it is encouraging to see a manager take responsibility for trying to nurture his player and look after his development.

The tackle that left Newcastle’s exciting young winger Hatem Ben Arfa with a double leg break was described by the Oranje’s commander-inchief as a ‘wild and unnecessary offence’ and the Dutch coach has taken the bold decision to make City’s tough tackling enforcer accountable for his actions regardless of the handicap placed upon his team.

Sunday’s crunching blow was not the first time De Jong has coveted controversy on the pitch.

In March, Bolton’s Stuart Holden missed 6 weeks of action after the USA midfielder emerged from an encounter with the Dutch bruiser nursing a broken leg.

Then of course, there was the chest high drop kick De Jong delivered to Xabi Alonso during July’s show piece final.

This time, there is no doubt the tackle by De Jong was firm and exuberant even if there is

Footballers can have a tendency to let their egos take charge and if they are not forced to reflect on their repeated transgressions we cannot expect a change in behaviour. The authority figures in the game have a responsibility to ensure players are being brought up in the right way.

If referee Mike Riley had delivered a red card to Ashley Cole on that infamous occasion when Cole petulantly turned his back on the official at White Hart Lane, he would have done the Chelsea full back a greater service (and himself for that matter) than he did by leaving him on the pitch.

And there is hope yet that Joey Barton’s attitude may finally be taking a turn for the better thanks to the constant scrutiny cast upon his behaviour under the spotlight of a watching Premier League.

Deciding whether the challenge on Ben Arfa was legitimate or illegitimate should not be determined by the fact the player suffered a terrible injury. If a challenge is inappropriate or excessive, a player should be made to reflect irrespective of whether injury is sustained, as Karl Henry has been made to do following his red card at the DW Stadium this weekend.

Yet we have seen a couple of leg breaks in the Premier League this year which were as a result of clumsy, not malicious, tackles. It is unfortunate for both Adlene Guedioura of Wolves and Fulham’s Bobby Zamora that they have to spend an extended spell on the sidelines, but neither of the challenges that did for these players were x-rated and the offending players involved should not be ostracised as a result.

We need to remain aware that we are part of a competitive and physical sport that is played at a stirring pace and sometimes the most horrific injuries can occur as a consequence of completely innocuous challenges. Just ask David Busst.

Everybody warms to a fully committed, hard tackling midfield general, but we do not want to lose great talents of the game to needlessly reckless behaviour.

By making De Jong accountable for his actions, Bert van Marwijk may well help him to learn where that line starts and ends and maybe even make him a better footballer. It is a poignant and selfless gesture for the greater good of the game.

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ou would think that one of the finest English footballers in a generation would be universally loved and revered across the land, but Ashley Cole has collected many an unwanted detractor over the years.

The latest escapade to besmirch his reputation involved a young work placement student and a .22 calibre air rifle. The presence of a firearm in a Premier League dressing room is far from a typical scenario for a football team, but the story that emerged last week is a typically ridiculous situation that Cole invariably finds himself in.

It might seem incomprehensible that somebody would consider it a smart idea to take a gun into a workplace, although Vinnie Jones once took a shot gun on to the Leeds team coach in an effort to convince boss Howard Wilkinson that he was worth a starting place.What was truly dim-witted in the case of Ashley Cole was the idiocy shown to point it in the direction of another human being and pull the trigger.

Whilst people do not excuse their actions, there is an understanding that footballers are on a steep learning curve and that there are plenty of sharks circling around them awaiting the first drop of blood.

At the age of 30 it is time for Chelsea’s full back to start showing a much greater level of maturity. If he is in need of any examples, he should look towards players such as England captain Rio Ferdinand and club team mate Frank Lampard.

If Cole can curb his petulant outbursts towards officials and fans there is still time for him to achieve the kind of acclaim a player of his calibre deserves. There is only one thing that causes a greater stir amongst the British football fraternity than villainy and that is redemption; just look at David Beckham after France ’98 or Eric Cantona following his kung fu kick in 1995.

Essentially, Cole just needs to grow up.

WHO ARE THE Premier League BIG BOYS? written by james carruthers

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he tennis was enthralling, the cricket has been fascinating and the Formula 1 has been... well, one-sided. Nevertheless, after a summer hiatus we can all cheer the return of the new English football season. This weekend, Manchester marches south in the direction of Wembley Stadium for the traditional curtain raiser to the league campaign, the Community Shield.

The long-standing rivalry between the Red Devils and the Citizens is swelling uncontrollably as Manchester City continue their Sheikh Mansour backed ascent towards the skies, adding a level of spice to a game that usually teeters somewhere between contested and sunshine stroll.

Manchester United’s fervent desire to preserve their big brother status and City’s desperation to highlight their challenger credentials mean both teams will want to lay down a marker ahead of next week’s opening league fixture.

Ultimately, the events that unfold on the Wembley turf on Sunday will have little bearing on how the season unravels. Though the last four winners of the shield have gone on to win the league, there are too many variables throughout the season to read much into this one game, not least the challenge of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham.

The question ahead of the new campaign is who are the best placed to stand atop of the Premier League podium come May? Having won the title last season, Manchester United rightly start the season as favourites.

The holders have shaken up their title winning squad. Sir Alex has brought the wing wizardry of Ashley Young and the potentially magnificent Phil Jones to Old Trafford, two signings United fans will have high hopes for this year.

However, Fergie will have been given a headache by the summer retirement

of Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes.

The rock steady Dutch goalkeeper has been replaced by David De Gea for a weighty transfer fee and the United boss will be hoping the young Spanish stopper can provide the same calmness and assurance of his predecessor.

The loss of Paul Scholes is potentially more problematic. Although the fiery redhead might have passed his prime a couple of seasons ago, United missed his ability to provide consistent creativity from the middle of the park last year. If United can acquire the Dutch maestro Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, you get the feeling their chances of retaining the trophy will receive a massive boost.

And what if they don’t? Well, as the league trophy suggests, United were perfectly able to make up for the shortfall last year, but in the face of reinvigorated challengers will they be able to do it again? Especially as one of those contenders is the "noisy neighbour". It is of course, a huge year in Manchester City’s development.

Substantial funds continue to be pumped into the club by their mega rich owners and Roberto Mancini’s men pose a realistic threat to the established order.

They are consistently improving under Mancini and credit must be given to the club’s hierarchy for sticking with the manager in the face of some stern media interrogation last year. But the pressure intensifies as the challenge grows, and the owners must surely expect their Italian leader to instigate an assault on the title this season.

The addition of Sergio Aguero to an already potent strike force provides City with an array of attacking weaponry and if this armoury is deployed in an expansive, attacking strategy – the kind of strategy that defeated Manchester United in last April’s FA Cup semi final but was missing for much of the campaign – City’s challenge will be menacing.

Along with the two Manchester foes,

last year’s runners up will also be expected to be there or there about come May under the leadership of André Villas-Boas. Finishing last season empty handed prompted Roman Abramovich to show Carlo Ancelotti the door and usher in the managerial rookie to replace him.

The 33 year old has roughly 2 years experience under his belt but a strong reputation having led Porto during a formidable campaign last year. His rise is reflective of Chelsea legend Jose Mourinho and having learned his trade as a coach under the ‘Special One’, comparisons will be inevitable.

There has been limited transfer action at the Bridge this summer and a squad that showed its age at times last year

their attractive brand of football into trophy success, but it would be amiss to write them off. The Gunners are invariably strong starters in the league and are capable of beating all comers on their day. Yes, they are also likely to wilt under pressure at the business end of the season, but there are talented players still at the club who have what it takes to finish in the Champions League places.

Liverpool are tipped to usurp Wenger’s troubled team for a place in the first four. Kenny Dalglish’s spending splurge has breathed new life into a deflated Kop and many fans expect Liverpool to be competing in next year’s elite European competition. However much King Kenny has paid, or overpaid, for his acquisitions, he has bought good

However much King Kenny has paid, or overpaid, for his acquisitions, he has bought good British talent and a truly talented Uruguayan. may need a little revitalisation, whilst the new boss also has a big task to resolve the Torres / Drogba conundrum.

The two did not click alongside one another last year and playing only one brings its own problems. Having laid out £50m to bring the Spaniard to the Bridge he will have to play, though Drogba cuts the figure of a man who will be unwilling to play second fiddle.

It has been a summer of unrest at Arsenal with Wenger’s top stars constantly linked with moves away from the Emirates. Only Gervinho has arrived of note and many believe Arsenal’s chances of retaining their invaluable top four position, let alone mounting a challenge for the top spot, are in serious doubt. Arsenal still need to add leadership qualities to their ranks (see my previous post 'Whether Wenger wants to invest or not, he needs leaders') if they are to translate

British talent and a truly talented Uruguayan. But some Liverpool fans may just want to temper expectations as it is far tougher to finish in the coveted Champions League berths than ever before, as Tottenham Hotspur fans will tell you.

Harry Redknapp has the knack of getting the utmost out of his players and he will need to do the same again this year to break back into the top four. Their chance of claiming the title is slim to none, but they are potentially only a top striker away from a renewed assault on fourth place.

Taking into account the runners and riders, the smart money must be on one of Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea to lift the Barclays Premier League trophy on 13th May. City have their noses just in front, but it will be a close run race.

L o y a lty i n f o o t b a ll i s o n ly f o r the fans T

here has been over £80m spent so far in the January transfer window, yet with a day still to go the biggest transfer is perhaps still to happen. Fernando Torres has slapped in a transfer request and if Chelsea are willing to part with something close to £50m they will surely secure his services.

The possible switch is not a complete surprise. Stories are circulating that representatives of the Liverpool star first told the club that he was unsettled in December 2009 and there was strong speculation in the summer linking him to the Champions.

However, it is the nature of the re-emerging deal that has caught people off guard. The approach and subsequent transfer request occurred with only a few days left in the window for Liverpool to respond and plan for the remainder of the season.

The last two games have seen an upturn in Liverpool’s fortunes, with Torres at the heart of an important victory away to Wolves. With Kenny Dalglish now in charge, there has been a little more calm surrounding the club and the doom that surrounded Roy Hodgson’s tenure was threatening to evaporate before the latest unwelcome distraction arrived to cast new shadow over Anfield.

There is understandable frustration and anger at Torres amongst Liverpool fans. To them, he is a player who is paid vast sums of money by their club, who has been welcomed to the hearts of all Liverpudlians and who has himself pledged love to the Liver bird in return.

Although he has previously spoken emotively of his love for the city and the fans, we should not really be surprised that Torres has decided he no longer

wants to remain on Merseyside. It has happened before; remember Wayne Rooney’s promise of ‘once a Blue, always a Blue’.

It is easy to forget that there is a generation of fans who know nothing of a time before the Premier League and Sky Sports. They will know Matt Le Tissier from his role on Soccer Saturday and may have a vague recollection of some of the wonder goals he scored during his career-long spell at Southampton.

They are unlikely to remember someone such as Steve Bull, the Wolverhampton Wanderers goal machine who, despite interest from bigger clubs, stayed true to the Gold and Black of the West Midlands even though he was unable to fire them into the top division. The fact is football and footballers are now virtually unrecognisable from the likes of these two legends of the game.

Any Liverpool fan who feels aggrieved by Torres’ actions should first consider whether they want to see Charlie Adam playing in the famous red shirt this February. For anyone who does is asking Adam to do the exact same to Blackpool as what the Spanish striker is doing to Liverpool.

We should be even less surprised when a foreign player fails to show loyalty. The very best players from all corners of the globe now come to English football’s top division to ply their trade; of course these players are not going to have the same emotional connection to clubs as yesterday’s local heroes.

I’m sure Fernando Torres will not be the last footballer to try and trick us into thinking they are ‘one of us’, but the next time we see someone kissing the badge - whatever their contribution to a goal, a game or a season - we might not get so carried away.

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