Handbags At Dawn

I'm not usually prone to schadenfreude as you know, but I can't help a wry smile about the antics at Newcastle. Keegan is adamant that the appointment of Dennis Wise as Executive Director of Football was no surprise to him and that his position as manager has not been undermined.

I can't help feeling that he protesteth a little too much though. What do you think? I see handbags at dawn.

Much more interesting though, I think, is the immienent announcement of the England team for the forthcoming friendly against Switzerland on February 6th.

Will he or won't he include Beckham, if only for the one match. Many notable voices are speaking out in support of him getting his 100th cap for England, joining the elite group comprising Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and Peter Shilton. Voices such as that of Sir Alex Ferguson, Steve McLaren and Sven Goran Eriksson.

And who will be Captain? I favour Gerrard.

As for other players, I would have David James in goal and Rooney would definitely feature. Be good to see some new faces too though. Kitson, Bentley and Young must be contenders.

And what of those who don't get picked and think they should? More handbags at dawn perhaps?

Oh well - not long to wait now. I will just have to manage my excitement somehow in the meantime.

The Combover Hits 70

I read and hear a lot about people thinking English football is going to rack and ruin.

Too much money in the sport. Too many foreign players in English teams, resulting in home-bred players not being developed and given opportunities. Too much commercialism. A take over by the chattering classes.

So what was it like then? What are they hankering after?

Well I think it is this (points to picture)

Not this of course.

But the man. Bobby Charlton. Or rather Sir Bobby Charlton as he now is.

Birthday boy today. 70 years old.

So what was so great about him? The 106 caps for England? The 249 goals as a professional footballer, 49 0f them international? His grace, speed, athleticism and thunderbolt shot?

Well according to this commentator,:

"Charlton stood for something that the world admired. He was a gentleman, the ultimate in old-fashioned sporting heroes. He was never in trouble, never argued with referees, showed honesty and respect to opponents. It made him a perfect role model, the essence of the Corinthian ideal. His status as the greatest ambassador in the history of British sport rested unequivocally on his unrivaled sense of fair play."

Question is, would he work today? Could he be that person who can live up to their superstar status? Would he understand what people want and be able to give it to them?

With that hair do? ....................probably not.

Vigilance and Vengence

I've been having a little look at the league tables.

Last week we were only just above the relegation zone in 21st place but after Saturday's performance we are at 18th. It's not earth shattering but in fact our record is not too bad. Of all the games we have played this season, including the League Cup, we have only lost 2. 5 have been draws and the other 5 wins. Our goal difference is 2, which is respectable.

Of course it is not simply a case of how well your team does. It is true to say (even if stating the bleedin' obvious) that the fortunes of a team are also dependant upon how others perform. So although we might bemoan our fate at having to play strong teams like Watford and Charlton, thank goodness for the QPRs, Norwich's and Sheffield Wednesdays.

The moral of the story then is that as a fan you have to watch what other teams are up to as well as your own. Be vigilant. Monitor the enemy. Watch the devil at your back.

Speaking of which, you may be wondering how Leeds are doing. 12th in Division 1.

No doubt you are as sorry for them as I am.