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Leave Him At Home
Is anyone getting the slightest feeling of déjà vu. Lets go back to 2010. Reports in the papers that John Terry has had an affair with a team mates girlfriend and is subsequently stripped of the England captaincy. England go on to have a turgid World Cup campaign amidst reports of infighting and a lack of respect for Capello. Fast forward two years and once again, Terry is stripped of the captaincy before a major tournament. Now I don't want to go into whether he did or didn't, but it feels like this man has already ruined one tournament for England, is Capello really going to let it happen again? Not to say Terry was totally to blame in 2010, but the whole situation can't have helped team morale. The allegations this time are something that could affect the entire squad (I certainly wouldn't want to work with someone accused of racial abuse). He might be a good defender/leader/whatever but surely it is in the best interest of the squad that John Terry be left at home for Euro 2012. He does not strike me as the kind of person who would keep his head down and get on with it in the changing room and could exacerbate the situation further. Maybe the FA should suspend Terry from international duty until the court case?
All I know is, if England go out like they did in 2010, I want it to be because the team didn't play well enough. Not the barrage of excuses that will surely follow should Terry be selected in the squad.
Mannix (Love Football, Hate Racism) Boro Fan
Why FA Made The Right Decision
For starters I have to say 'well done' to the FA. Removing the armband from John Terry was the correct choice. These allegations are incredibly serious and if the FA had 'stood by their man' on this one they would have massively unravelled the good work they've done handling the Luis Suarez saga. Unsurprisingly I've seen a lot of drivel as to why the decision was bad or unfair so I'd like to address two of the most commonly cited points:
- Why didn't the FA strip him of the captaincy earlier if it was so important? The hope here was that the courts would do their job so the FA could do its job. The FA couldn't interview/publish any reports into the entire affair because it could undermine John Terry's criminal prosecution. When the courts (conveniently) delayed proceedings until after the Euros the FA were forced to make a difficult decision. I have no doubt that the FA was not happy when the postponement was announced. So you may ask 'why did they let him Captain other games'? Perhaps you can view this as on oversight but I would say that representing England at a major tournament and representing them for a friendly are two different beasts - and quite frankly - the FA could have lived with some short-termed 'hypocrisy' if they were going to be able to swiftly resolve JT-related issues at the originally scheduled court time.
- What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Nothing happened to it. When John Terry is tried after the Euros in a court of law this will be the standard upon which his guilt or innocence is judged. The FA don't have to operate by this standard, particularly given John Terry's public role and the damage that it can cause to the organization's standing by supporting someone who may be convicted of a racially aggravated public order charge. I am in no position to judge or comment on how John Terry or his council choose to defend him but if John Terry felt that stability of the England camp was more important than the case at hand (let's face it, if he's found guilty he's not facing prison but a nominal fine) then he could have been more forthcoming with the FA in spite of the fact that THEIR hands were tied due to the criminal case. It was his choice not to do so.
Drew Soffler, Spurs
Terry Should Have Made Decision Himself
So John Terry had two options after his case was adjourned. Option number one was to release a statement saying that, due to ongoing legal issues which he strongly denies, he feels it's in the best interests of the England team and the FA if he temporarily stands down as captain until the resolution of his case. Dignified, no embarrassment for Capello or the FA and a bit of humility from JT.
Option two was to retain his career-long attitude of "but I'm JT, I ain't done nuffink" and force the FA into this action which will dominate the buildup to the euros and possibly destabilise the England squad.
Was there ever any doubt which option he was going to choose?
Mangore United, Belfast
Supporting A Terry-Less England
As much sick pleasure as I and my celtic brothers take from seeing England come back from various competitions with their tails between their legs, I would like nothing more than to see them win Euro 2012 while John the Lionheart watches from home. Anyone else?
Petty in Belfast
The Contrary View
Is John Terry a gobsh*te? Yes
In an ideal world would he be England captain? No.
Is someone innocent until proven guilty? It seems not anymore.
Will (sick of the FA making me feel sorry for that p***k) O'Doherty
Who's Next? Make It Parker
You will probably get a million emails about the decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy of England for the second time, whether it was right or wrong etc. I personally think the decision is right. Despite being a good leader on the pitch Terry has time and time again proved that he can no longer be respected by teammates, fans, management etc. The main thing I wanted to talk about though would be his successor.
The fact of the matter is that England despite having many talented players have very few recognised leaders who could feasibly do a captaincy job and also present a positive image of what an England captain should be. Looking at the experienced heads who supposedly would have a shot are all tarnished in one way or another. Rio Ferdinand has a missed drugs test behind him a swell as being injury prone so wouldn't be a great choice. Similar Steven Gerrard who has had a chequered past with assault charges against his name plus his also apparent lack of fitness would rule him out in my eyes.
It is going to raise a few eyebrows but I think it should be highlighted that we do have a leader lurking in the squad and one that will no doubt be given a starting place with the doubt about Jack Wilshere's fitness. Step forward one Scott Parker, a man who commands respect from his performances and heart on the pitch and his likeability and attitude off it. Giving Scotty the armband may actually give the England captaincy back the respectability that having such an honour deserves.
Ross (Can Stuart Pearce make a comeback?) Jenkins
...As a Scotsman I can't say it means much go me who captains England. But now that Terry has rightfully been stripped of the role again, it seems a good call might be for Scott Parker to be named his successor.
I'm happy to bow to those who know better, but considering the alternatives he seems an astute choice. None of the major injury issues of Ferdinand or Gerrard. None of the temperament issues of Rooney, bold choice though he might be. None of the total-bastard issues of Ashley Cole.
Instead you have a reliable player from a top four team whose role for England is proving invaluable, playing in a position where he can direct play. Seems obvious really.
Alistair (still hoping England lose, obviously. And yes, Scotland are sh*te) Gilmour, Glasgow
Arsenal Should Lend Jack To United
For England's sake could Arsenal loan Jack Wilshere to Man Utd until he is fit? United medical department seem to have an exceptional record this year (sorry Mr Hargreaves) of returning crocked English players to fitness when they said they would. Yet to work put what Man Utd get out of this deal. Anyone got any ideas? Maybe they could just pay Utd to get him fit? Would it be like a new signing then? Arsenal fans would be happy they got Wenger to spend some money and they would have an important player back.
James, Swindon (we are going to go top this weekend as Cheltenham aren't playing)
Backing United For The Title
Well, it's that time of the year again, the time that traditionally United start to really hit form. As we are level on points with City, I'm starting to feel a bit more confident despite having a few tough games coming up.
Serious credit must go to Sir Alex, the injury problems we have had this year have been well documented, if you look at the current injury table (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php) it shows just how well we have done to be level with City (13 players currently out compared to 0 at city) In addition to this, we've had pretty much every player missing games due to injuries at some point in the season. We've had Valencia at right-back, Carrick at centre-back, Rafael in centre midfield and Phil Jones pretty much everywhere!
But slowly but surely, we are getting our players back, Young, Cleverly, Anderson, Rooney, Nani, Jones and Owen should all be back within a couple of weeks. Carrick is showing some good form and hopefully Pogba will get a few more run outs, all combining to leave us with a very healthy squad of players for the title run in.
Still hoping City get a few injuries though.
Clint Day, York (Definitely missing Vidic though...)
Tevez For The Title? No Thanks
In response to the question would I have Tevez back to win the title??
NO!!!! The guy has disrespected the club, the manager and the fans, as well as his team-mates. He clearly doesn't want to play for City, he wanted to leave, but as no-one wants him, he thinks he can come back!!
The guy was a legend but blew it, get rid as soon as possible. Hopefully another few months of doing nothing will encourage him to think on in future.
Danny (You refused to play, so you won't play for us again!)Booth, MCFC, Manchester
Tevez For The Title? Yes Please
In reply to Pete, Altrincham, I'd be quite happy to see Tevez back. I'm not one of these fans that's gets all upset and emotional when a player leaves for another club and accuse them of being a traitor. I love my club, and want to see them win. I've obviously have had a fair few favourite players over the years, but they come and go. Football is a soulless world where everyone moves for the most money (doesn't everybody?!), so I couldn't give a stuff if he's been an arse in the past, what difference does it make?
I know this opinion will probably upset a fair few of the moral high ground fans that are out there, well good! That would make it even more satisfying if it happened.
Andy, MCFC
Tevez For The Title? Not Needed
In response to Pete (if it meant a top four finish, I'd have Torres and Owen back at Anfield), Altrincham....
My answer is: No Way.
The only player City are missing right now is Yaya. He's back in the next couple of weeks, then watch us go...
Rob Preston, MCFC
This Guy Doesn't Even Want The Title
In answer to, 'Pete (if it meant a top four finish, I'd have Torres and Owen back at Anfield), Altrincham', in regards to bringing Tevez back and securing our first Premier League title, the answer, at least from me, would be an emphatic, and rather resounding, 'no'.
Y'see, as wonderful as it would be to get that trophy (and, in so doing, prevent United from getting their grubby mitts on it), it is not the most important thing in the World for my club. What is far important is the UEFA coefficient, and by finishing second you go straight into the Champions League, and therefore your points go up (hopefully). Last (this) season in the CL was a mere taster for City who will fair better in it next season, and by being in it regularly you get seeded and therefore are more likely to progress (although that isn't guaranteed, is it, Mr Ferguson?).
Many City fans would probably disagree (and have done so), but the Holy Grail is the Champions League; Europe cares not who wins their respective leagues, they just care who's in Europe.
Mike (beer is called 'liquid bread' in Bavaria) D
We Love Wenger, It's Just...
Re Matt, Cheshire's comments about ungrateful Arsenal fans. While I agree with the majority of his comments, I feel I need to put forward the view of the more level-headed among us.
I recognise that there are a number of Arsenal 'fans' who have crawled out of the woodwork over the past few months, desperate to moan and whine about anything slightly unsatisfactory about the club - the We Want Our Arsenal Back movement being one of the more ridiculous examples of this (presumably they want a return of Terry Neill's relegation battles). Every club has a bunch of ignorant, idiotic, knee-jerk fans, and I'd always thought Arsenal were immune to this sort of behaviour. But since our form has dipped, these questionable sorts have started hijacking things; booing the team at half-time, planning to wear black bin liners to the Blackburn game (!) and generally spouting so much contradictory and nonsensical bile that you're surprised they can even remember what team they support.
However, the 'Spend some f*cking money' chants, while generally tiresome, do have a foundation in logic. The majority of Arsenal fans are still very happy with what Wenger is doing, understanding the way his hands have been tied by the board since the move to the Emirates was put in place. What he's managed to do with the budget he's had is nothing short of remarkable. The problem we see at the moment though, is that we have problem areas in our squad that should've been addressed by now.
Even without the full-back problems, we're lacking in both midfield and up front. Jack Wilshere is possibly out for the season, yet rather than go out and get someone, even on loan, who could come in and bolster our midfield, Wenger seems to be pinning his hopes on Abou Diaby's return from injury (insert own joke here). Our midfield trio of Song, Ramsey and Arteta have played almost every single game this season, and are already looking jaded and in desperate need of a rest. There's just no one else who the manager trusts enough to come and do a job. We have similar problems up front. Robin van Persie is also playing in almost every game, because what other options do we have? A cardboard cut-out of Marouane Chamakh would be more useful that Marouane Chamakh, and Ju-Young Park can't even be trusted on the bench most games. The only other potential option we have (apart from Thierry Henry, because he doesn't count), is reservist Benik Afobe. While he's a wonderful prospect and I'm sure he'll be a great player for us one day, he's been out since pre-season with a hip injury and has only just resumed full training.
I'm not going to get involved in which players we should buy, because that's not my point, but I do think Arsenal fans have legitimate reason to be concerned with a seeming reluctance to spend any money at all. We don't want a huge marquee signing (although it would be nice), we just want someone who can do a job for us. If you take Robin van Persie out, our remaining strike force has a grand total of one goal each all season. There must be a player out there who can score more than three goals in half a season.
As I said, we understand the restrictions placed on Wenger by the board, but what is hard to understand is how it can be so bad that we can't afford to improve the squad in any way.
Matt Bonito
If You Love Us Arsene, Please Go
While Arsene Wenger has been a great man in the history of Arsenal, he is surely bright enough to realise that he has failed to implement his dreams and has started to turn into a weight hanging around the neck of a club who cannot support him.
Two years ago Arsene had built a great team ready for action and that could have gone a long way. Now we have witnessed departure after departure of players who were 'loyal' to Wenger and who it was claimed only came to the club because of him. Now we are in a situation where he continues to defend inexplicable transfer market dealings, has lost the support of Arsenal fans (we are a placid group and take a lot to be really riled) meaning that he is a man who is relying on the support of a board who are also mistrusted by the fans. With all this in mind surely he has realised that he needs to move on and give our football club a chance to move in a new direction and ditch some of the dead wood that he continues to be loyal too despite the fact they are proven to be useless of injury prone (or more likely both).
With the fans about to protest against the situation at the club and time running out for Arsenal to get back onto the right path the fact is we need you to go Arsene!
So please go now before we have to start decrying a man who has on the whole been a true great for the club.
Kyle 'in Arsene we rust' Green
Sergio Ramos...To Fat Sam
In response to the mail from Joshua (Rascal from the forum) and him seeing a likeness between a girl he dated and Sergio Ramos...
One of my missus' best mates has always reminded me of everyone's favourite troglodyte/football manager...Big Sam Allardyce!
Can't understand why my missus was peeved when I brought this to her attention...
C Moo (first time poster....fingers crossed!!)
Who Doesn't Like A Mutilated Penis Story?
Mediawatch is a (always looked forward to) lunchtime read. The penis obsession must stop! Please...
James Shepherd
...It's rarely enjoyable reading Mediawatch's Non-Football Pen1s-Injury Story Of The Day, and today's item about the Chinese man who got two rings stuck on his wand of romance was no exception.
As was no doubt your intention, I was profoundly disturbed to read that the rings were so tightly wedged that he required surgery, and that 'The operation lasted about an hour and the man was finally relieved'.
But it's nice to know there was a happy ending.
Paul Coleman (NFFC)
