Darren Fletcher- Man Utd, Get Well Soon

DARREN FLETCHER

It was December last year when the news came out that Darren Fletcher was suffering from debilitating condition ulcerative colitis.  It was clear and a bit of a puzzle why, in the previous season he did not look quite himself in some matches and lacked his usual energy.  Impressively he was still able to perform to an adequate level.  As time moved on it became clearer still, that he was indeed suffering, watching him you could see that he had lost a-lot of weight.  News from the club at that time was that he was suffering from a virus.  More time passed and after pokings and proddings into his private life including accusations of taking performance enchancing drugs/banned substances.  Darren Fletcher's hand was forced and he allowed the club to share what it was that was keeping him out of action.  The diagnosis of  ulcerative colitis a devastating one.  Very dangerous for him and a life altering condition.  Later reports emerged and it is a condition that he has been managing for 3 years.

Football- General/Humour

Football's Seven Dwarfs

 

 

 

Bit of a joke post which fuses fairy tales and football.   The characteristics of the seven dwarf's featuring in the popular Disney film are very well known.  Here is their footballer equivalents!

 

 

-RONALDINHO-

"1. Happy- Ever smiling, jolly with a bubbly personality"

Ronaldinho was the first player thought of for this character.  He always played with a smile on his face and gave such unbridled joy to watch him.  He was a real entertainer with ridiculous skills and tricks.  His personality really shone through on the football pitch, such a sunny player.  Off the field of play, he is said to be full of life, great fun and very bubbly.  He has a real Brazilian spirit, it is just a shame we never seen more of him at the very top. 

Ode To Sir Alex Ferguson- 26 Quotes For 26 Years

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is now in his twenty-sixth season of managing Manchester United.  It is an incredible feat, unlikely to be repeated.  Even if it was to be, nobody could do it quite like Fergie.  To mark the occasion and to celebrate all that he has done for United and indeed football; the club has commissioned a bronze statue to be made in his honour.  The unveiling of this will take place the day before the QPR match, (to be played at the end of the month).  An apt selection, as QPR were the opponents in his first match at Old Trafford.   This statue will stand pride of place in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. 

Three Memorable Games Versus Arsenal (Of The Premier League Era)

　

　

　

　

1. FA Cup Semi-Final Replay, Highbury 1999

Location Villa Park, it was the treble season and the year previously Arsene Wengers side had pipped United to the league. Having played out a one all draw at Old Trafford the replay game was set to be played after Arsenal scored in the dying minutes to equalise. The return fixture had been stirred up in the papers with plenty of choice words from both sides. United scored first with a lovely 25 yard strike from David Beckham but Arsenal were right back in the game when Dennis Bergkamp’s shot deflected in off Stam and passed Schmeichel. United had dominated the first half but Arsenal provided more threat in the second, Bergkamp’s goal coming near the 70 minute mark. With Arsenal looking stronger it was a huge blow when Phil Neville fouled Ray Parlour awarding Arsenal a penalty. Miraculously it was saved by Schmeichel who didn’t have a great record with penalties. United were down to ten men after Roy Keane’s dismissal after just 74th minute, things were certainly looking nervous. Schmeichel‘s save served to galvanise the team and took the game into extra time. Ryan Giggs came on as substitute for Jesper Blomqvist, it had surprised many that the Welshman hadn’t started but with United’s schedule and a tight hamstring there was no need to risk him. However he came on and didn’t make much of an impact. But as the match wore on he caught onto a weak pass of Vieira’s intercepting it before the halfway line and went on a dazzling run. Arsenals back four were intact but he got passed every player, some more than once jinking in and out. Ferguson and Mclaren were yelling for him to take it to the corner flag. But Giggs rifled it straight into the top corner. It’s one of the best ever United goals and it won the game. It was very significant in the season as it gave the team a lift and that confidence they needed to go onto make history.

 

 



Football Writing- General

Eleven Brilliant Football Adverts

 

 

 

 

1. Nike's Park Life- From 1997 and featuring many of the english games then stars.  Song by Blur has become totally synonymous with football.

 

 

Cuatro Fantastico El Clasico's!!

 

Favourite Players, Alessandro del Piero

Alessandro del Piero 

The 2011/12 season was Del Piero's last for his beloved Bianconeri.  In a career that spanned 19 seasons at Juventus, he will forever hold legendary status.  One of footballs good guys and the classiest player I have ever had the fortune to follow.  Del Piero was brought up in the rural North of Italy in San Vendemiano in the province of Treviso.  As a child he regularly played football with friends and often as a goalkeeper.  He was coached by his local side until the age of thirteen, when he was spotted by scouts of club Padova.  He remained there for two years and moved to Juventus in 1993.  He made his debut for Juventus that same year against Foggia.  He made an immidiate impact and his goal versus Fiorentina in 1994 was when he truly announced his arrival in world football.  It came in a game that Juventus were drawning 2-2.  In the final minutes of the game a 50 yard pass was played over the top.  Del Piero first time volleyed it with the side of his foot right into the top corner of the goal.  An utterly fantastic goal that demonstrated the technique of the diminutive striker.  His impact on Juventus was very telling and he inspired them to win their first Scudetto in nine years.  Parallels had been drawn with Baggio due to the players styles being similar.  Many Juventus fans feared that when Baggio left the club it would be difficult for a player to fill that void, del Piero did that and more.  He made his debut for Italy in 1995 and scored his first goal for his national side in  1996 against Lithuania in a qualifying match for Euro 96.

Player Watch 2012/13

In general I've tended to be more of a player follower than a team one.  But in more recent years it has also extended into following specific teams due to the style of football they play.  In this post I will probably waffle a-lot about the players I shall be watching out for over the course of the season.  The transfer window is still open and more deals are rumoured to be competed before it closes.  Going by the transfers that have happened, am looking forward to seeing how reigning German footballer of the year Marco Reus does for Dortmund.  Enjoyed Mönchengladbach's football last season and the man really stood out.  Be sure to follow Gladbach this season also and was very impressed by their young keeper Ter Stegen.  For Dortmund, getting Mario Gotze back to full fitness and in action will be akin to a new signing considering the year he has just had with injury. Hummels is a player that makes defending look easy, very much like his style.  Staving off interest from the Premier League, Pole Lewandowski is set to have a strong season.  Staying in Germany, Bayern Munich have also made a number of signings.  Dante the highly rated Brazillian centre back has joined and looks a good prospect.  Claudio Pizarro is a good addition to their squad and it will be interesting to see how Shaqiri does.  Mandžukić, outstanding in the Euro's will do very well at Bayern and add some urgency to their attack.  Biggest of all is the capture of highly rated Javi Martinez.  What a midfield they'll have with him and Schweinsteiger.  Be some force with that.  Martinez is a player had hoped Manchester United would make a move for.  It is a big fee but worth it in the long run considering his  age.  Team to watch for, for sure and their signings could prove to be the biggest difference maker in Europe.  So close they have come on occassions, to winning the big trophy.  A club some miles away from Munich have been equally as busy in the transfer market.  Juventus have stregnthened an already strong team.  It is the names already there, I am most eager to watch including Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo, Buffon, Bazagli and Chiellini.  Giovinco has returned to the club, have watched a fair amount of him hope to see him continue to play as he has and to also improve.  In Serie A there are a number of teams I'll watch: Napoli, Fiorentina, Udinese and maybe even some Milan.  Players such as de Rossi, Montolivo, Inler, di Natale, Jovetic and Maggio are ones I will pay particular attention to!

Five Premier League Opening Weekend Beauties!

 

The Premier League will be back this weekend.  The summer has been one of sport, however it is good to have the real competitive and club stuff back.  Here are a selection of goals scored on the leagues opening weekend. 

1. One of the best Premiership goals of all time, outrageous!  From then on there would be no forgetting that name nor the audacity of the strike.

Italian & German Super-Cups & Other Summer Football

Supercoppa

The Olympics football and pre-season matches have satisfied my football needs whilst waiting for the season to start.  Many fans look forward to the summer for persuing the exploits of the transfer market and seeing which players will end up where.  Have never been one to follow it closely and find the whole thing a bit boring.  Know a-few people who'll stay glued to sky sports and count down the days to deadline day; on which they will spend the day charting it from start to finish. 

Favourite Players, Denis Irwin

            Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin was born and brought up in Cork in the Republic of Ireland. He began his footballing life as an apprentice at Leeds United, he played over 50 games for them, having been released he was then picked up by Oldham. He had a successful spell at Oldham playing many games and helping his side make an appearance in the League Cup final and the semi final of the FA Cup. In June 1990 he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of approximately £650,000. The FA Cup semi final in question was against United and has been marked as the game in which Irwin really grabbed the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Football Book Reviews

Football Book Reviews

I have read a fair few football books and amongst those have been some poor ones, which is to be expected really.  However, there have been some good ones in there and have enjoyed reading the books of the games characters, particular players I've admired and also the managers themselves.  Here is a small selection of my favourites: 

Sir Bobby Charlton, it is his autobiography (which he does in two parts, one United and one England). It was a long awaited release. He goes back through his life, childhood, playing for United and speaks about modern day United and his love of a certain Paul Scholes in particular. It was such an incredible read and interesting to get a personal account of the man who seen it all in the brilliant and devastating times of Manchester United. The part about Munich is incredibly sad. Every United and indeed football fan would love this book.  Bobby really does tell a great story and he is the very essence of the club itself.  It is the way it is written too that makes this so strong, a real read unlike too many football books especially autobiographies.

SAMBA TWINS, DOUBLE THE TROUBLE AND TWICE THE TALENT

 

 

As soon as the da Silva twins Rafael and Fabio arrived at Manchester United their talent has been clear and they have been a real breath of fresh air. With their curly hair, dimples, boundless energy and passion for the game- they have been difficult to miss. Lively and skilful players they were signed straight from Brazil aged just seventeen and were yet to make a competitive appearance for their side. Brazilian club Fluminese, was where the brothers played and trained having moved to the clubs training complex aged eleven. Rafael caught United’s attention through his participation in a youth tournament in 2005- Nike’s Premier Cup in Tokyo. Progress of the brothers was followed closely. A deal was signed in 2007 and the pair moved to Manchester with their older brother in 2008. They couldn’t play until they turned 18 due to league rules. Manchester United almost lost out on the twins to Arsenal apparently, who tried to tap the boys up- thankfully their Mum ensured they respected their old club.

TEN BRILLIANT VOLLEYS

   

 Zinedine Zidane vs Bayer Leverkusen

 

 

Rooney: Has He Become As Good As We Thought?

　

That debut all these years ago and he had made us wait, ankle injury delaying the opportunity to see the teenager bought for a record breaking fee. Then bang first Champions League appearance and a hatrick to boot. What an announcement that was. He has never been a favourite player but I always thought, well. with him we always know what we’re getting and he was always all for the team and I appreciated that. He can be dirty and his off the field behaviour has been in the papers since he was just seventeen- he aint a saint! That night he scored the hatrick it was just incredible and you knew great things would come from him. They did but has he really fulfilled all the expectations that fans had of him?

　

He had an excellent first season outshining Ronaldo. Scored some memorable goals and was capped player of the season. Who could forget that volley he scored against Newcastle, it was really something special. But it was his industry and style that were most outstanding. He had made himself an essential part of the United team. He was often streaky in front of goal and would be criticised for not scoring enough. Ronaldo spun off into a different galaxy and the team was built around him, Ronaldo really did just take off like a rocket. Not forgetting the incredible defence of course but Rooney was the teams second most influential player for the most part. He was the one that often pulled the strings. He sacrificed his own strengths and preferences for the good of the team, often playing out wide on the left. He and Ronaldo shared a good understanding, echoed very much in him being directly involved (via assist) in more than half of Ronaldo’s 42 goals. Personally for Rooney that season was a very successful one winning the double but as far as his playing goes it certainly wasn’t his best. In the 08/09 seasons United won the league and got to the final of the Champions league. It was a pretty good season for Rooney who needed to do more, Ronaldo was in his last season of the club and there were a number of games that he didn’t pull his weight.

EURO'S ROUND UP, Euro 2012

           

Favourite Games

EURO 2012 FINAL- Spain vs Italy

    

 

Starting Teams-

Spain: Casillas(C), Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta

Italy: Buffon(C), Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli, Pirlo, Motolivo, De Rossi, Marchisio, Cassano, Balotelli 

Manchester United- Youth Development & Class of 92

Class of 92'

German Dreams Shattered-Italy Reach Finals, Euro 2012

          

Andrea Pirlo and Italy's Euro's

 

You hear people reflect on moments; great moments in football that will forever stick in their minds. People reel off such events as Diego Maradonna’s hand of god, Baggio’s penalty miss, Zidane’s head butt, Michael Owen's goal versus Argentina, Greece winning the Euro‘s…. Andrea Pirlo’s ballsy move to chip his penalty, kick it panenka-style has been the moment of the Euro 2012 finals so far.

The elegant Italian, now 33 has reamerged this season and reminded everyone just how good he is. A new challenge and a change of scenery at club level, to Turin based club Juventus has sparked him back to life. An astute move and free transfer, Pirlo has fitted seamlessly into Antonio Conte’s resurgent Juventus. Pirlo became the central figure that the team was been built around and to great effect too. The very best has been wrung from the player himself and Juventus have, over the course of the season played very attractive and entertaining football. Centred around a strong midfield, with flair coming from another new addition in Chilean Arturo Vidal. Pirlo played a significant part in Juventus winning the league title. It has been a difficult period for the European giants. The Calciopoli Scandal will forever be a big stain on Juventus history, the scandal has had shattering effects on the club in recent years and the repercussions heavily took their toll. The sleeping giant has now, however re-worken and with a roar. A new era had begun, the fans finally have a stadium to be proud of. In number and in song cheered their team to the Scudetto in an impressive unbeaten league season.

Pirlo, has over the years received many plaudits for his easy going, eye catching and elegant style. His footballing intelligence clear in his vision and passing. His passing has variance, long passes, one-twos, teasing through balls- he has the lot. It is no wonder his Azzuri teammates refer to him as L'arcgitetto, meaning the architect.  He operates from deep dictating play, controlling games and the tempo their played at. His accuracy and delivery from dead ball situations has seen many a goal be scored. His fantastic technique on free kicks appears to be skill that is being neglected by players and you struggle to think of many players at present who are dangerous free kick takers. Pirlo scored the only free-kick of the Euro 2012 championships in Italy’s draw against Croatia. His passing in the final third has been admired throughout his career and personally from my time watching football have not seen a player so routinely be able to thread through perfectly weighted passes into the paths of onrushing forwards. These percentage balls are difficult to pull off but he makes it look easy. I love the way he moves about the pitch, he has a natural grace and elegance. He has never been a quick player but the combination of excellent balance, mobility and of course vision render pace unnecessary. His two footedness is another strength as is his impeccable touch and control. Technically fantastic and a great player to watch. His ability to do it on the biggest stages and in the biggest games has won him the reputation and respect in football he has. Not much is known of Andrea Pirlo outside of football, he is said to be a quiet individual and one who shies away from the media.  On the pitch he always appears completely calm and controlled.

The European Championships of 2012 have seen Pirlo carry on his impressive club form. Italy have sprung a surprise and been a more attacking team than used to. In more recent years they have relied on staunch defensive tactics. It has been commented, that the last Italian sides to be quite so adventurous were those containing Roberto Baggio during the nineties. They have been enjoyable to watch and it has been interesting to see a different Italy.  Matches featuring them have been the ones enjoyed most.  Similar to Juventus, Prandelli has opted to build his team around Pirlo. This strategy has evidently worked. It has been just two years since Italy embarrassingly exited the group stage of the World Cup bottom of their group. It has not been easy for them to get to the upcoming semi final against Germany. Italy have a history of doing things the hard way. The team struggles to score and in the group stage were unfortunate to come away with only a draw against the Croatians. They made hard work of beating a poor Irish side who put on a good display, the Italians had to work for their 2-0 victory. A win which included a brilliant goal from Balotelli. Yesterdays quarter final game against the defensive England went all the way to penalties. It was a game the Italians dominated in every single department, completely outplayed England and were light years ahead in terms of posession and their use of the ball. Andrea Pirlo was afforded a great deal of time and space, he could do as he liked and it was a master class of how to play that role. His freedom was enjoyed even more so when Welbeck was substituted. They had almost three times as many shots as England but just could not score. Poor finishing, Balotelli being the worst culprit on the night. They should have beaten England by two goals at least. But penalties it was. The first of Italy’s penalties was taken by maverick Balotelli and an excellent one it was too. It became advantage England when Ricardo Montilivo missed. With Rooney having scored it was Andrea Pirlo’s time to step up. The England team was feeling upbeat and keeper Hart was smiling, laughing and jumping up and down- acting cocky. Pirlo stepped up and it was a crucial stage. He opted to chip his penalty over Hart. It was a brave move. It certainly galvanised Italy and probably stunned England. Daring and what a moment, absolutely brilliant. Italy of course went on to win. Had they not won it would have been a massive injustice but then again it is football and that does happen…

The excitement of the penalty shoot-out though memorable has not been the Italians sole achievement. You can’t beat reaching the semi-finals but equally impressive was how they played in their first match against Spain. Spain are enjoying an unparalleled dominance of European football- holders of the Euro title and of course the World Cup. Their team is full of talented players, they play with their own unshakeable philosophy and have one of the strongest midfields ever assembled. This golden generation domination has spread and been enjoyed at club level too. The match itself is probably my favourite of the whole tournament. The Italians dealt well with the Spanish and were very positive, in the first half in particulat, playing the game at an impressive tempo. Claudio Marchisio, Christian Maggio, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Cassano were the standout players on the Italian side. Marchisio and Motta worked tirelessly all match and pressed their opposing numbers. Marchisio has an excellent shot and was able to get forward a great deal in the first half. They did well to unsettle the Spaniards normally so assured in posession, though they had stretches where they had the ball for periods (inevitably)- the Spanish did not completely dominate. In the second half the Spanish teams movement was phenomenal at times and they pushed forwards, leaving gaps as their fullbacks attacked. This was where Italy were able to take advantage and where they got their goal. A through ball by Andrea Pirlo found Antonio di Natale  who’s shot fired passed Iker Casillas. Playing with two strikers enabled Italy to stretch and test the Spanish defence, the movement of the front players was impressive as was the link between these players and the midfield. The Italian defence weakened through injury required De Rossi to fill in, he had, had a good game up until then but an error on his part played a part in Spain scoring an equaliser. Spain had a number of chances towards the end of the game, Torres fresh legs and movement seen him slip through. Buffon took advantage of Torres hesitation and sprinted off his line to clear. Italy managed to see it through and in the end it was an excellent result. It was very well played, both sides contributing to make it an enjoyable game.

Though not quite over yet, for me Andrea Pirlo has been my player of the tournament. He has been so instrumental in his teams play. Played consistently well every game and has performed to a high standard. He has been decisive in Italy’s play providing assists, scoring a free kick and of course that daring penalty kick. Been very significant in helping to get his team to the semi-finals. The next game is certainly one to look forward to.  Cannot see beyond a German victory, a team that is very strong in terms of quality and has improved and matured since the World Cup. Germany are my favourite international side and do hope that they go onto win the whole thing.  A Germany vs Spain final looks likely, there is a-lot to be admired with the Germans and wouldn't mind seeing them knock the Spanish off their perch so to speak.  It remains to be seen if Italy can provide a shock and send the Germans packing.  The Italians after all have a very good record against Germany.  In this tournament they have shown how they are willing to have a real go at teams, have a-lot of quality in midfield and have defended very well.  Germany haven't been properly tested so far and they are suseptible on the break.  They have been strong but not quite as good as they can be.  Low will need to get his team right.  Above all I hope that it is an entertaining match, with Italy keeping up their style and for Pirlo to continue to weave his magic. Whoever said players were finished at 30?

First Post and Introduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 At the moment, I am really enjoying writing about football and have been loving the Euro's.  Do probably watch a bit too much of it!  The emphasis will in large be on that, as well as the books of course!  Follow mainly the Italian and German leagues. 

 

In this blog I will post up pieces I've written following international tournaments, memorable games, Manchester United and also memorable players.  At the top of the page is a link to favourite players and aim to make this a regular thing and to do write ups that are both informative and opinion pieces regarding my memories of them and why I liked them as much as I did/do!