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.

Land Of The Giants

The Football Association Challenge Cup. F.A. Cup to ordinary people like you and me.

Dave Kitson of The Royals has caused something of a storm this week by saying that the tournament is of minimal value to him. In fact what he actually said was that he "didn't give two s***s about it". He said the priority is the Premiership, and in particular ensuring that Reading say in the top flight.

The response has been something of a furore, with some even calling for him to be charged by the F.A. for bringing the game into disrepute.

I have to say as someone new to football I don't share the sense of tradition and passion that surround the competition. Whilst I think it unfortunate he chose to use somewhat unsavoury language, what he is saying makes perfect sense in the big business world of football.

But for those whose love of football has a far better pedigree than mine, Kitson's remarks have proved heretical. So what is this fine tradition?

Well one of the unique opportunities it offers is for small teams to find themselves up against the top teams in the country. Like Chasetown who play in the British Gas Business Division One Midlands league and who are hosting Championship Cardiff in the third round tomorrow.

As a knock-out tournament it presents different pressures. For example, a more tactical rather than strategic approach is required.

Leicester City have a record in relation to the cup. Sadly, it is for being the team to appear in the most finals (4) without winning one of them. Hey ho.

As for Chasetown's chances of being giant killers, either in this round or further on if they do well tomorrow, I think a miracle might be required. They are in the lowest league of any team ever to get to the third round. The last non-league team to beat a top flight club was Sutton United in 1989.

Still we believe in magic don't we.