• Home
• Archives
• Write for Us
• Advertise
• Links
• Live Scores
• Contact

• Latest Headlines
• Transfer News
• Editorial
• Football Tickets
• Editorial
• Soccer Tickets
• Football Kits

Injustice of Basey broken leg leaves Charlton doubly disjointed

[BRISTOL ROVERS 2-1 CHARLTON ATHLETIC]- FEB 15^TH 2010

As the game of football continues to receive criticism from certain quarters for failing to embrace modern technology- particularly the introduction of video referees- the encounter last night between Charlton and Bristol Rovers in League One served to highlight a prevailing injustice in the game. Dominic Blizzard, of Rovers, was booked 12 seconds into this match, whilst Grant Basey of Charlton was substituted off, taken to hospital and diagnosed with a suspected broken ankle before the 6,000 strong audience had finished their first chant. A clearer red-card offense would be difficult to point out, but such was the speed with which Blizzard had, well, attacked his opponent that the referee may have felt that the game was at too embryonic a stage to reduce the number of men on the field. Phil Parkinson, the Charlton manager, had no doubts about the offence: “Instantly, as soon as it happened, I thought the lad had to be sent off, and the referee has got to deal with it. From my memory, he wasn’t far away from the incident. If he deals with it straight away, then it’s a different game.”

Whether or not the referee should have been so swayed- or, indeed, whether a fourth official acting as video referee would have intervened and strengthened the punishment- is a side issue. The point is that the victims here were Charlton, and not just because Basey has been in sparkling form and is an integral part of the London clubs aspirations of a play off and eventual promotion. He now faces a long lay-off. Nor is it the fact that Bristol Rovers went on to win this game. Nor even that Blizzard remained on the field, swinging in the corner that led to Bristol Rovers’ first and crucial goal, as Charlton struggled to regroup following the removal of Basey at left-back. Incidentally, Basey normally defends the short ball to the near post, the area which Bristol Rovers attacked and were able to head on for Steve Elliott to finish smartly with a volleyed effort that opened the scoring for Rovers. If Charlton had been facing 10 men, as they should have been, the result could, and probably would, have been different.

Charlton were doubly punished here because they were forced to use one of their three permitted substitutions as the direct result of a horrendous challenge from an opposing player. With only two changes available to the manager Phil Parkinson, Charlton finished the game with ten men themselves as he had been forced to use all his substitutes. When Mooney had to come off with a head injury, Parkinson had no substitutions left from which to replace him. Charlton scored a late goal and if the numbers had been stacked in their favour, Parkinson believes that could have made all the difference: “As it happened, scoring our late goal could have been important. Bristol Rovers are a team low on confidence and with one more change you never know what might have happened in an extra two or three minutes.”

Forget video refereeing, extra officials on the goallines and even the question of replays in the FA cup if you like, because there is an easy redressing of justice that the football league can fix at once. If a player has injured another to the extent he has to leave the field, and the referee has deemed intent (i.e. booked the player in question), then the victims team should be allowed a free substitution. Heck, even dock the offending players team one of their allocated changes if needs be. Rugby Union have recognised this with rolling subsitutions and sin bin periods for yellow cards. If a player has committed a serious infringement, numerical advantage is given to the team that has been offended against, even if it is not a red-card offence. Football should recognise, in an era where physicality and aggression lead to serious injuries because of the speed of the modern game, those that target opponents should be punished adequately, both individually and as a team. Phil Parkinson, Grant Basey and Charlton football club would have had a slightly less bitter pill to swallow this morning if they had not been the victims of a prevailing injustice in our game. Just ask Ashley Cole and Chelsea if they agree after their trip to Goodison Park last week.

2010-11 Italy Puma Training Fleece (White) £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Jacket £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Top (Kids) £36.99	2010-11 Italy Training Shorts (Navy) £24.99
2010-11 Italy Cotton Tee (White) £24.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Black) £39.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Red) £39.99	2010-11 England Media Polo Shirt (Navy) £29.99

Millwall 4 - 1 AFC Wimbledon

League One Millwall secured themselves a second round tie away at giant killers Staines Town in the FA Cup after seeing off AFC Wimbledon on Monday night. However, Dons’ fans may be cursing the ‘what may have beens’ after their side missed a hatful of guilt edged chances that could have seen them progress. 

Over 3000 fans travelled to the Den, for arguably the biggest game in the club’s short history. Although these sides were seperated by two divisions, the minnows knew they had a great chance of pulling off a cup shock.

A fairly open first half saw the Lions have plenty of possession, but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal. All-time leading goal scorer Neil Harris and his strike partner Steve Morison had half chances, but failed to seriously trouble visiting keeper James Pullen. At the other end Millwall’s David Forde was having a quiet evening between the sticks until midway through the first period. A cross from the right touchline wasn’t dealt with by the defence and allowed Don’s striker Danny Kedwell a free shot on goal. Kedwell may have thought he was offside though, as his side foot volley dropped just wide of the post, with Forde scrambling across his goal. A strong finish to the half by the Blue Square Premier outfit, left the score 0-0 at the break.

The second half began with a more threatening and determined Millwall side dominate the opening exchanges. Manager Kenny Jackett had obviously said something right at half time, as it took his side only four minutes to take the lead. A pass from the right by Morison found Harris, who let the ball bounce across his body before unleashing a fierce, left footed shot into the bottom corner.  AFC Wimbledon could have folded after that, but Terry Brown’s men carried on pressing and hassling in midfield. They were nearly rewarded for their efforts, minutes after going behind. Leading marksman Jon Main, picked up the ball 25 yards from goal before going on a jinking run past two Lions defenders. However, after doing the hard work, Main could only watch as his feeble effort trickled agonisingly wide of goal. The Dons’ were made to pay for this fifteen minutes later. After winning a free kick just in from the left hand touchline, Millwall’s Chris Hackett whipped in a deep cross which evaded everyone. Not even a heroic goal line block could prevent substitute Jason Price from smashing in the rebound, with his first kick of the game to make it 2-0. AFC missed another good chance at the other end when Kedwell headed over from 6 yards following a corner. The Dons’ persistance eventually paid off though with ten minutes remaining. A slick passing move saw Kedwell’s delightful back heel play in Lewis Taylor, who angled his shot beyond the reach of David Forde to make it 2-1. Many fans may have been anticipating a tense finale. However, Lions’ midfielder Danny Schofield, who was arguably the best player on the night, extinguished any hopes of a dramatic late come back. After picking up a loose ball just outside the box, he weaved past two Dons’ players before curling a brilliant shot into the top corner. With the game now out of reach, AFC went for broke, trying to get the ball forward. Millwall then rubbed salt into the wounds by grabbing a fourth. An incisive counter attack by Schofield saw him burst through the centre of the pitch. With the Dons’ defence stretched, and support from either side, Schofield opted right, and sent Price through on goal. The Welshman had enough time and space to pick his spot,rolling the ball into the far corner to cap off a good night for the Lions.

The final result may have looked convincing, but Millwall knew they had to fight hard for the win. AFC Wimbledon fans and supporters can take heart from the performance and know that they certainly gave the League One side a game.

2010-11 Italy Puma Training Fleece (White) £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Jacket £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Top (Kids) £36.99	2010-11 Italy Training Shorts (Navy) £24.99
2010-11 Italy Cotton Tee (White) £24.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Black) £39.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Red) £39.99	2010-11 England Media Polo Shirt (Navy) £29.99

Leeds United 0-1 Liverpool

David Ngog’s 66th minute goal sent Liverpool through to the next round of the Carling Cup, on a night that Leeds United can hold there heads high after producing a excellent performance againgst world class opposition. Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano were the only players to retain a role in the starting 11 after the weekends victory over West Ham, with Diego Cavalieri, Phillip Degen, Sotorios Kyrgiakos, Andrea Dossena, Fabio Aurelio, Albert Riera, Jay Spearing, Ryan Babel and David Ngog all starting for the Reds infront of a 38,186 sell-out crowd at Elland Road, whilst Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres was all on the bench if they was needed. The first clear cut chance fell to the hosts early on as Michael Doyle met Robert Snodgrass’s cross, but Doyles header was wide from eight yards out. Moments later, the home side did have the ball in the net, Michalik’s header looked goalbound before Beckford knocked the ball in, but the striker was adjudged to be offside. Ryan Babel, who impressed as a second half substitute at the weekend, had the visitors first real chance, as he ran from deep, but his effort was weak and easily claimed by Shane Higgs in the Leeds goal. Snodgrass was a constant thorn in the Reds side, producing quality cross after another, but Cavalieri did enough on each occasion to deny any goal bound effort. After the break, it was once again Snodgrass proving a problem for the Reds, this time he weaved his way into the visitors box, but was eventually crowded out with the danger cleared. Jay Spearing had the Reds first chance of the second half after been layed off by Albert Riera, but he fired well over the bar. Beckford then raced on a long ball, but didn’t make full contact with the bouncing ball, and Cavalieri clawed the ball away after it bounced back of the goalkeepers shins. Beckford almost found the net moments later, as he superbly turned to volley towards goal, but it was just over the bar. Two minutes later, the hosts paid the price for missing chances as Ngog scored with a Torres-esque goal. Javier Mascherano volleyed back into the box after the corner had been cleared, and Ngog turned and fired across goal into the corner to give the Reds the lead. Leeds pushed for the equaliser, as Johnsons long range effort was stopped by Cavalieri. Leeds continued the push, despite Steven Gerrard been brought on, and Glen Johnson to replace the impressive Phillip Degen, who attacked soundly all evening and Johnson showed his calmness moments after coming on as he chested the ball down to Cavalieri to clear another Leeds attack. Liverpool had the last chances of the game however, as they looked to double there lead. Fabio Aurelios free kick was deflected just over the wall, whilst Ryan Babel was send away, as he cut inside and fired a sizzling effort towards goal, which skimmed the bar and nearly took afew heads of in the away end, whilst Steven Gerrard ended with two chances, the first beaten away by Higgs, the second finding the side netting. That was to be the last action, on a night where one of the huge sleeping giants of football can be almightly proud of their side, next up for the Reds is Hull City at home, on of those teams they failed to beat at Anfield last year, as they look to make it four succesive league wins.

2010-11 Italy Puma Training Fleece (White) £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Jacket £44.99	2010-11 Italy 1/2 Zip Hooded Training Top (Kids) £36.99	2010-11 Italy Training Shorts (Navy) £24.99
2010-11 Italy Cotton Tee (White) £24.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Black) £39.99	2010-11 England Training Shower Jacket (Red) £39.99	2010-11 England Media Polo Shirt (Navy) £29.99

Canaries sign Matt Gill from exeter

Norwich City have signed Matt Gill from Exeter City.

 The 28-year-old has agreed to sign for Norwich in a two-year deal from July 1.
 The 5ft 11in midfielder made 164 appearances for Exeter, scoring 14 goals.

 Matt was involved in Exeter’s promotion from the blue square premier in
 2008,  the 28-year-old also played a vital role in their promotion  to
 League One this season, having finished runners-up to Brentford.
 Canaries’ boss Bryan Gunn has said:

 ”The winning mentality of a
player who has been with a club which has enjoyed success for the last two seasons was very important to me.”
 ”He’s a Norwich lad born and bred and he is desperate to pull on the
 yellow and green jersey and do well for Norwich City.”

Huddesfield appoint Lee Clark as manager

Huddersfield Town have announced that inexperienced coach Lee Clark will take over the reigns from stand in boss Gerry Murphy as first team manager. Newcastle born Clark officially takes up the role of manager for the first time in his career from Monday 15th December having left his assistant role at Norwich City to join the Terriers.
Chairman elect, Dean Hoyle, accepts that some fans may look at the appointment of Clark and ‘worry about the young age and his perceived lack of experience’ with the former- Newcastle and Fulham midfielder having no track record as a manager. However, Hoyle is confident that Clark is the man for the job, adding: ‘We needed to try something different with this managerial appointment as opting for experience has not worked… every manager who is highly regarded in football today needed a break somewhere to get his career underway and I firmly believe Lee is the man were looking for.’
‘He [Clark] will look at all aspects of the Club from the Academy to the scouting and recruitment of players, where he will implement a new policy to hopefully unearth some future gems.’

Hoyle is also quick to reassure fans that Clark will be supported by an experienced backroom staff. Highly regarded technical coach Derek Fazackerley will come in as assistant manager and Steve Black as performance coach, both are familiar to Clark and served under Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United in the mid- nineties. Fazackerley, 58, was also part of Keegan’s staff at international level with England and later worked under another former England manager, Sven- Göran Eriksson, at Manchester City. As for Steve Black, the Newcastle- born fitness coach worked for the British Lions and is renown for his one- to- one relationship with players, hence the job title of performance manager that seemingly blends the traditional role of fitness coach with player psychology.

With this being Clark’s first managerial role, the Huddersfield job does present itself as a great opportunity for the 36- year old. Although his experience is limited to coaching briefly at Newcastle United then as assistant to Glenn Roeder at Norwich City for a season, the Galpharm Stadium is hardly a pressure cooker. The media will show little interest in Clark nor League One, meaning the new boss can go about his work quietly. Hoyle upholds that Clark was the outstanding candidate for the job, declaring: ‘He [Clark] definitely embraces what we want to achieve here at Huddersfield Town. I was looking for a young and innovative manager and he is very keen on the implementation of new ideas and techniques.
‘Lee played a good,  quick passing style of football throughout his playing career and he will carry that into management - that is how he wants his team to play. He also wants his team to be as fit and organised as possible.’

As a player Clark was a good reader of the game and represented England at under- 21 level although he never progressed to full international. The midfielder was picked up by hometown club Newcastle United from the renown local Wallsend boys club, that has also nurtured the considerable Geordie talents of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Michael Carrick, as well as former Huddersfield manager Steve Bruce; the Huddersfield faithful will be hoping that this managerial appointment does not disintegrate in similar vein. Clark debuted for the Magpies in the 1991-92 season in the old Division Two and a season later helped Newcastle gain promotion to the newly formed Premier League.

Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan were a club going places fast and consequently amidst all the big name arrivals at St. James’ Park, Clark found first team football hard to come by. A shock move to bitter rivals Sunderland ensued in 1997 and later ended in further controversy when Clark appeared at the 1999 FA Cup final wearing a T- shirt sporting the slogan Sad Mackem Bastards. The midfielder never played for the Wearside outfit again and a move to Fulham followed. Another first division title and promotion to the Premier League was the highlight of Clark’s time at the West London Club where he was later credited with the captaincy before his contract was allowed to expire due to his ever mounting fitness problems.

A return to Newcastle United was agreed in 2005 and saw Clark play a bit part role for the black and whites until he retired in 2007 to take on a permanent coaching role. He is currently in the process of completing his UEFA Pro License course and looks forward to the challenge that awaits him. Speaking for the first time of his role and ambitions for the club, Clark added: ‘I’m Looking forward to having an input not just on the first team, but on every aspect of the club.
‘The whole set up is here and the vision of the new owner appeals to me- getting some stability for the club and the whole structure moving forward as one on solid foundations.’

by Philip Mawson

Next Page »

Football News | Football Kits |