Nov 22
An Open Letter to England Fans
Dear England fans,
I am sorry for what happened yesterday. I am sure it wouldn’t have been easy. Seeing a team, as fancied as yours, getting knocked out of a showpiece event would make your summers quite hard to negotiate. But let’s not talk too much about next summer. Let’s talk about the present.
It must be slightly unnerving seeing a team managed by the Clown. You couldn’t be blamed for it, could you? After all you were clamouring for a foreign manager, after the sacking of Sven. Or was it English? Bah! I forget.
Let me start over. England, under the Clown, started brightly but then fizzled out thanks to some clowning around with the formations. (One might think clowning around to be but a natural progression for a… erm… clown) But then wouldn’t it be a little mean of us to be blaming the Clown? Isn’t your side the victim of your own Golden Generation?
I am sure you would beg to differ on the Golden Generation term. I understand. It is a term invented by the media, who are perhaps somehow involved in this. I don’t know how, but some of my mates tell me so. I honestly think the media have been irresponsible by not giving the team enough public exposure.
But let me take some blame. I apologize on behalf of the club that I support — and much of you despise — for being partly responsible for your team’s ‘demise’, before you start the blame game. If only had Wayne Rooney not been so careless as to have stepped on some training equipment. His ‘English and Proud” tattoo must surely be for showing off. If only Rio Ferdinand defended as well as he’s been doing for United. He is terrible defender for his country, no? If only David Beckham — an ex-United player, but again, once a red always a red — had scored the free kick as he scored against Greece last time. Where has his passion disappeared? Too much time spent cozying around in Los Angeles, I believe.
Not to mention, how poor Carrick has been for his country. And Owen Hargreaves. Surely, he wasn’t considered good enough to start? The legendary pair of Gerrard and Lampard (and Barry) certainly give their all for their country and are beyond reproach. I wouldn’t even get started on Wes Brown, who is no match for the impeccable Joleon Lescott. Not enough commitment from our fellow reds.
For that, and for that alone, I apologize.
But you may say that we are having too may foreigners in the Premier League. Surely that would be a bigger issue than the United contingent’s non-contribution. In fact, our own Steven Gerrard has said so. He must be a brave lad, surely. He doesn’t care about his fellow Spanish mates going ‘¿Que?‘
Foreigners are messing up the league. They bring their technical ability and play acting to the league. Nothing else. Who wants our kids to play with these pesky foreigners and learn from their technical ability. The English game is about giving your all — whatever that is supposed to mean. Who wants to play one-touch football and ruin the game? Plus, the clubs are not doing a good enough job at scouting quality players from their designated 90 mile radii.
Foreigners are scum. They should be weeded out of the game. The FA should appoint Mourinho, or Hiddink, or Scolari, or Martin O’Neill. Erm, sorry, cut out the first three names. I forgot they were foreigners. In fact, even Martin O’Neill is not English. Oh well, I think Big Sam would be the smarter move.
But let’s look at the positives. Significant members of the core of the England side — Terry (the captain) and Gerrard (the vice-captain) for example — took complete responsibility for England’s failure. I think it’s brave of them because they were beyond blame. (I know, even Beckham took blame, but we all know he’s just a PR machine.) But if they accept blame then they would surely improve. So by that logic we should weed out those who are the real cause behind England’s debacle. Which would mean the team would get better the next time round, no?
And there lies hope.
Oh, and at least the Scots didn’t make it. Had they done it, it might have been unfair, wouldn’t it? At least justice has been done. Having said that it must be unfair to see Rooney, Rio, Neville, Carrick, Hargreaves — off the top of my head — take a break in the summer when they should be playing for their country in the Euro 2008. What a shame to see such a lack of commitment! Sad, really.
And that, dear England fans, is why I feel sorry for you. Although, I didn’t get the part where the Croatian anthem was booed. But then you would be entitled to have your own valid reasons.
Regards,
Red Ranter.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Ferguson joins fight against cancer
- Manchester United vs Fulham: Preview
- Man Utd v QPR: Preview
- Manchester United vs Hull City: Preview
- City Is Concerned About Some ‘Idiots’…
Tags: Fun/Off the Record · Opinions/Columns
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:18
This is a disgrace! I never for one sec believed England were gonna make it through.. I love them to bits and it hurts me so much to think that players like Rooney and Beckham have been denied a chance to play in a huge tournament because of a stupid manager like mclaren.. This guy achieved nothing at boro and yet the English FA appoint him…
November 22nd, 2007 at 11:39
Underachievers or overstated? I am sure either category is not important now to the English fans. I am an hardcore EPL fan and by natural progression do follow England’s fortunes and of course, I am Indian and we have people who do play with a ball using their feet, and if that counted for football, well…. As far as the fiasco with England is concerned, Sven was by far your best chance at getting together any potential that your country may have. But looking at what is going to replace your “Golden Generation” I am not so sure even a Scolari can do a Scolari… McQueen was not even stop gap as far as most footie fans were concerned, why you are surprised is surprising to me.. Its not about others eating off your plate, its just that you have forgotten to wield a fork and spoon!!!! Until there is some serious introspection, please do not expect miracles and if you really want a good team, i think its high time you shut your “media” up…..
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:16
wooptiwoo
haha nice refreshin humorous article….
btw How many times has Carrick actually played for england?
I couldn’t believe hargo was on the bench…he is the one englishman who can be relied upon to do a decent job…lol…maybe its something to do with the fact that he learnt his trade in germany?
you had me cracking up red ranter keep up the jokes…
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:47
Hargo didnt play because he’s not fully fit, and hasnt been all season. His Tendonitis has struck again. England were rubbish last night, I was there. My anger and disapointment at the campaign is hard to put into words. Im just concentrating on the positives. Hopefully a full review on the whole situation will take place. Barwick should go, Mclaren has gone. The fact of the matter is that for their club sides, Terry, Ferdinand, Lampard, Gerrard & Rooney are world class. No doubt about that. I have absolute belief that if they were German or Italian, nations that have a history of building teams around their best players, they would be in top ranking national sides. The manager can be an easy scapegoat. However, in this case it was plain to see that Mclaren was unable to make the team work as a unti. He was unable to gel the team, unable to make the team support and balance the world class players.
I hope the next manager is Capello or Lippi. Screw the Xenophobic idiots from the Daily Mail who demand an English manager. They’re as responsible as the FA for this failure. I think a Lippi or Capello really could work the team as a better unit. I dont think O’neill can.
I know some of you find it funny that England didnt qualify. I realise that we’re largely an unpopular footballing nation, but there are people like me who dont fight, hate holaganism, dont boo other national anthems and just plain hurt when it all goes wrong. If you want to be a tw*t, I cant stop you, but you are just as bad as the other English idiots who sadly associate football with the moronic behaviour.
Also, atleast Rooney will be fit more, he only gets injured in a build up to a major game for England, or during one.
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:53
loved that RR and agree 100% – Ive been saying it for ages – ENGLAND ARE OVERRATED!
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:58
[meddleuk]
I did generalize and did have a good laugh about the England team’s non-qualification. In my post I just couldn’t resist taking a dig, hence the sarcastic tone through and through. England’s problem is deep rooted, and yes I may have come across as a twat for not supporting them and for them not being particularly inspiring for quite a while now. I did feel sorry for them when they played very well in Euro ‘96 and yet bowed out to the Germans.
But then I am not entitled to support them. United takes precedence over England for me. (Add to the fact that I am not English.)
It’s good to know that there are some fans who are not as fickle and who wouldn’t boo their own players. And for that props to you.
November 22nd, 2007 at 13:39
I wasnt really having a go at you in truth Ranter. I got the sarcasm. It was more of a response to other things I’ve read, combined with Shah’s response and general fustration and need to rant. I didnt boo the Croatian Anthem but I did boo the players. That first half was abysmal. If I had had a white hankerchief I would have been waiving that, ala Real or Barca. Why Brown wasnt considered is a joke. IMO, the back 4 should have been
Baines – Carragher – Richards – Brown.
But Mclaren fucked up his relationship with Carragher and decided to use the slowest central defence partnership against a side that would use speedy counter attacks. Playing Bridge was just a massive misjudgement. He is a very good player, someone that will not fulfill his potential as a squad player at Chelsea, but it was clear to see he was no-where and I mean NO WHERE near being match fit or near any resemblance of form. He has played what 2 or 3 games in the last 8-9 months? A massive misjudgement and perhaps the biggest cock up of all. Although it has a fair bit of competition.
November 22nd, 2007 at 14:00
I am a bit confused with the article but anyway, i will get to my analysis. England should only have themselves to blame as they were technically stupid. They only needed a draw but when the game started they had all guns blazing as if a win was required. They did not pay attention to Billic when he said hes coming for a win and croatia being a good counter attacking team took the advantage and scored those two early goals. England were know in a must win position thanks to the position they found themselves in. they also led themselves into an unaccesary dilema . If they attacked, croatia would have hit back instantly, if they defended the croats would still have come to them.
Another technical stupidity that england did was to sit back after the equalizer and BOOM! Croatians 3-2 and the clock was fast ticking. and these led them back to the situation above. Apart from the technicalities I have never seen such woeful defending from Wayne bridge and sol campbell(or is it because am not a fan of their respective clubs).
All in all I am glad that justice was done. Russia deserved and deserve to be in the finals.
On the issues of foreign players I just think England players (with exceptions) are not good enough and no wonder There are very few english players plying their trade outside england especially in the big leagues. foreign talent has to come in to teach them
Who makes Ashley cole a better defender, christiano Ronaldo Or Marlon Harewood
November 22nd, 2007 at 14:10
meddleuk
I know some of you find it funny that England didnt qualify. I realise that we’re largely an unpopular footballing nation, but there are people like me who dont fight, hate holaganism, dont boo other national anthems and just plain hurt when it all goes wrong. If you want to be a tw*t, I cant stop you, but you are just as bad as the other English idiots who sadly associate football with the moronic behaviour.
Also, atleast Rooney will be fit more, he only gets injured in a build up to a major game for England, or during one
But you still do seem to think United conspire against you so you so you’rr not that different of an England fan really! I’m a mancunian United fan and we have all felt the constant scapegoating of our players has alienated us from supporting our country! Hence we laugh when england fail!
November 22nd, 2007 at 14:42
Personally im glad.means that our players are fresh and not injured.i have no idea y england are one of the most talked about footballing countries because their football is utter crap!
November 22nd, 2007 at 14:43
Poor defending cost England. And is Carson really a goalkeeper? I think Oshea did better in goal when he deputised for injured EVDS in one of the games last season. Imagine a central defence of Lescott and Campbell. Why couldn’t Mclaren go for Brown and Micah Richards as the central defenders instead? And I think Bridge was awful at the left back. And England wanted a draw. So Hargreaves would have been an obvious choice instead of Barry. Hargo in front of a shaky defence was what was required in this game. England are out! It means Rooney, Rio, Hargreaves, Gary etc will have a lenghty rest during the summer. This is the only positive we can deduce from this score….
November 22nd, 2007 at 14:50
Jackorosso …. erm what? United conspire against me? Im a United fan.. I dont get your point. The Rooney comment is partly tongue-in-cheek, although when you look at Rooney’s injury history, it seems his injuries directly correlate with Important England matches. Thats not a conspiracy, Rooney is almost childlike in his desire to play every game possible. Its commendable. In no way was I suggesting it ws anything to do with United.
My desire for England stems from having enjoyed watching United win everything there is to win (who cares about the UEFA cup…..) and as someone from a region where there are no major clubs, many of my friends supports a variety of clubs. Therefore, the one time we all come together is for England and without a shadow of doubt, a successful England would be something to really enjoy.
Bascially as fan of the teams I support, theres nothing “I” havent won apart from international tournaments.
Capiche?
Oh BTW, as you’re a real manc, Id like to thank you for being a true harkor fan, without you United would fail to exist.
November 22nd, 2007 at 15:12
meddleuk
I appologise I misunderstood! It didn’t seem like a United fans point!
Yes I am a real manc and have been going regularly for over twenty years.
As for Capiche? Sorry didn’t realise I was talking to Tony Soprano?
November 22nd, 2007 at 16:44
good article as always and i for once am happy through and through eng needed a shock and they got it
they need to start afresh and build a team i guess SAF and Wenger will help in that department
But at the end of the day i love it united players can have a rest party enjoy in summer and come fresh next season after summer after all its always united first
November 22nd, 2007 at 17:08
I am a lifelong Manchester United fan from Malta and this article, for me, embraces everything that is wrong about England. The reality is that you have a far, far superior perception of the strength of your national side, when history clearly dictates otherwise. England is very easily the most underachieving nation on the Planet, and everything about the way the beautiful game is set up in England is wrong; FA management; player’s expectations; skill; tactics; selection; problem positions; quality of football; refereeing; press and media – the list is endless. As we all know, those of us who would really matter at the end of the day, there is only one team in England !!! Ha Ha Ha ha Ha !!!!!! And it is blessed with the sublime skills, craft, graft and artistry of Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez, Giggs, Vidic, Evra and Anderson in this present incarnation. Managed by a magical Scot whose most difficult aspect of the job is likely to be keeping the inflated ego of Rio Plonker Ferdinand in check. Never mind, we have got rid of that awesome centre back-forward Smith; maybe Rio-I-am-So-cool-But-never-get-muddy shall shorlt be ousted by Pique ……… United are the best thing that has ever happened to english football, and before the entire nation learns to at least respect this phenomenon, then its ignominy all tha way, I am afraid. Good night! Have fun in Ibiza next summer. Ronaldo will surely wink at you from Basle, Berne or Vienna …………
November 22nd, 2007 at 18:30
The rot that is now the English national team is a deep rooted decay that will take a long time to reverse. It’s not just the ex-manager McClown or his squad of muppets. The real culprits of this mess are the FA and the media. The FA has had their collective heads up their collective assess for years. They just don’t have a clue and too much greed and old boy networking has kept the door closed for better candidates and solutions from being introduced. Add to this the guilty as sin contribution the English media have had on creating this mess. Their constant pressure on the team and their overrating of not just the side’s chances but the quality of their players. Lets be honest people, England and all it’s supporters and media suffer from incredible delusions of grandeur.
England as a national team have not been a true super power since they were kncked outof the World Cup in 1970. Yes they finished 4th in 1990 but lets be serious, that team was shite and it lucked out to get that far. 1996 was a surprise too but lets not forget even Denmark and Greece have won the European Championship.
England have failed to perform on the international stage for many reasons. I won’t bore you with what those reasons are in this post but I will say that it has a lot to do with an old school mentality in setup and tactics that is transparent and easy to break for quality opponents. England’s team on Wednesday was poorly picked but in fairness to them, they were without their two best strikers and in condemnation of their idiotic muppet of a manager, they started the game with Beckham on the bench (on a rain soaked night when playing the long ball in to Crouch would have been the best tactic) and their best defensive midfielder Hargreaves watching on the tele. They gave up three goals at home to CROATIA for Gods sake. On a do or die night they let a Croatian side come into Wembley and blitz them with two early goals and three altogether. Not only a disgrace but a national embarrassment. Do you think the lads wore their choke collars a little too tight?
The remedy for this will have to be a combination of a truly gifted foreign manager coming in, cleaning house and implementing his style and rule without the interference from the clowns above him in the FA. Certainly Germany realized that fact after EURO 04 (In which they qualified and participated in). The German FA not only hired Klinsmann but they gave him carte blanche. Complete freedom and control. The old school pundits like Beckenbauer all cried bloody murder as Klinsy quickly did away with old school ideas in tactics, training methods and mentalities. It took two years for the turnaround to bare fruit but World Cup 06 proved his way was correct and all his critics like Beckenbauer begged him to stay on after the tourney was over. Well he didn’t but he left the team with his disciple in charge. The same thing has to happen with England.
Someone with a new wave of thinking has to come in and be allowed to slowly but surely change England’s soccer fortunes around. To hell with the old farts of the FA and what the media want. To the fans I say shut the fuck up and wait his new methods out. Anew approach will bare fruit. NOW WHO WILL THAT MAN BE? And does the FA and the nation have the balls to take the chance? If not, then settle back in your couches and enjoy EURO 08 and the WORLD CUP without England in it. It’s that plain and simple. England needs another new wave revolution and this time it has to be in football thinking, not music.
November 22nd, 2007 at 18:35
Class Ranter. Utter, unadulterated class. Kudos.
November 22nd, 2007 at 18:35
a post after my own heart
November 22nd, 2007 at 18:42
Sorry Meddleuk but HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
that is the best experience of international football that I’ve had since 2002 (Ireland actually qualifying for a tournament). Overall though it does put a dampener on the championships for me because there is now no team that I really care about (good or bad) in the tournament now, but still, maybe this will shut up some of the moronic fans that Meddleuk is talking about and did anyone see Gerrard’s dive? Of course he wasn’t booked because he’s the amazing Stevie G but at least the ref talked to him about it.
November 22nd, 2007 at 18:47
oh by the way RR loved the article
November 22nd, 2007 at 19:04
i think it is going to be an exciting time for england to build a new team, out with the old and in with the new. if we get a manager with the brains and most importantly the balls to act . Then england have a chance. we have some young talent believe it or not, but we just need someone to exploit this. This is where a good manager comes in. i expect to see a more or less complete revamp of the england team come 2010. England being knocked out is a good chance to change, because TBH england were not going to win anything anyway.
November 22nd, 2007 at 19:31
“Never play any International game without United players.You ought to lose.” MESSAGE FROM UNITED FAN.
apart from this…
England are not at all overrated.England were just not used by MACCA-fucker perfectly.just look at this formation
……… ……..Rooney…………..Crouch/defoe
Downing…..carrick/lampard… hargreaves/barry….Beckham
Cole……Ferdinand…….Terry………..Brown/richards
those are one of world’s strongest positions and players.But only if MACCA-fucker kept for some time.MF(Macca Fucker) had to manage till Qualifiers and then it was all simple.I bet i rest of the world or best team in the world would shit out playing in front of this formation.But shit MF doesnot want to go for EUROs..I cant write along enough.Just leave some sane comments at my blog.And i promise i can talk on this issue for long.
November 22nd, 2007 at 23:15
Brilliant article RR. England’s football sucks. Stevie G was simply superb; thoroughly entertaining. He was funnier than the Clown. Wonder how that pile of shit gets away without being criticized.
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:02
Liam O’Kelly, I know what you mean, Ireland’s progression in 2002 was a fantastic spectacle as it was in 1994. I always hope the Irish and Scottish qualif plainly becuase they’re a team that gives their all and are good to watch.
As for Euro 2008, Im (at the moment atleast…) hoping a side like Portugal win it. Atleast with the players they have it’ll be entertaining football. As I am now a plain unbiased spectator, all I want is a good tournament, with attacking entertaining football, no diving, cheating etc.
The only side in Europe that plays good football consistantly (thats the key, Spain….) is Portugal. You cant tell me Ronaldo, Queresma, Simao, Nani, Almeida etc. arent good to watch on the ball. They really are the Brazil of Europe. Somewhat ironically obviously, considering who the colonials are etc. lol
Meddleuk …. now back in Denmark ….
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:20
Gerrard had another shocking game when England’s fortunes were on the line. Remember Greece at Old Trafford in 2001 – the match when Beckham played like a man inspired and Gerrard made mistake after mistake until he ended up falling over whenever the ball was passed to him. However, as an England fan and a United fan I would still pick him for the next game because who else is there ? Beckham is finished now, shame, the cross for Crouch was a great little cameo but he couldn’t get into the game. I know United get attacked for their failings by fans of other clubs, but there’s no need to be sarcy about England when they mess up. It’s class-less and sarcasm is cheap.
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:21
To play no-wright phillips on right side was a disasterous,and to to leave
Wes Brown instead of Lescott is a nightmare.How in the world this guy
can be a manager?The defends was so poor,and Gerrard+Lampard=NOTHING!!
Why not stick with 4-4-2 before equalised and 4-5-1 to hold the result,
Hey Macca,we just need a draw!!!
November 23rd, 2007 at 6:02
I am married to my wife. I love my wife. My wife comes from her family and as such, wether I like it or not, I am obligated to love my wife’s family.
I am a MU fan. I love my MU. MU comes from england and as such, I am obligated to support England. I am sad England didnt make to the final.
My only request to fellow MU fans who are not England fan. Its fine that you dont like England, but your sarcasm towards England is not welcomed, especialy from a MU fan. As they say, if you dont like, than why write an article and comment on it.
November 23rd, 2007 at 6:37
*laughs* Good read. Random thoughts off the top of my head, mostly about how 2 United players have been hard done by the English team.
- Carrick.
A fan on bigsoccer.com said that his game is too subtle for McLaren to notice, hence his perenntial sidelining. After, the English game is about busting your guts and Carrick hardly looks inspiring does he? /sarcasm
Under a better (more intelligent) manager, I’m sure Carrick’s strengths can be fully utilised, I find him to be a more willing team player than Frank Lampard or Stevie G.
Wes Brown
He’s been playing regularly for the United side this season and is overlooked. I just don’t get it.
Meanwhile, I will continue laughing at the Three Lions, McLaren and the FA. Excuse me, please.
November 23rd, 2007 at 13:46
Personally I just do not like the way England play. It is old fashioned English football and only works if you have wingers who can put in decent crosses and two forwards with height, strength and decent aerial ability.
The Man U players do not perform for England and that is because Man U do not play like England and the players are used to fast, fluid, counter attacking football.
England need to develop a system and pick players that fit the system, rather than picking the “best” 11 players.
November 23rd, 2007 at 14:47
did you hear what crotian boss said “tactics did not win matches.our team was simply the better team.WAKE UP”
November 23rd, 2007 at 18:59
scrtls;
I am a die hard Man Utd fan through and through but I’ll be damned if I’m going to allow the likes of you to tell me that I HAVE to stop slagging England for their pedestrian, lazy and unimaginative performances and their embarrassing exit from EURO 08.
ENGLAND SUCKS as a national footballing nation and I for one am not obligated to say anything kind about them whatsoever. If you can’t handle the criticsm of your nation’s miserable performance(s), then just put the covers over your head, your ear plugs on and mind your business.
I personally don’t give a shit if you don’t appreciate NON England fans sarcastically putting down your nations wanker filled national side. They are an embarrassment and a disgrace and you will have to learn to live with. That is what sports is all about. You think the supporters of bottom feeders in every domestic league in the world don’t get abused for their blind loyalties? It’s all part of being sports supporter. Grow a thick skin mate and stop being so emotional. And sorry mate but I have news for you. You are not obligated to love your wife’s family or the country’s football team that you reside in. It’s your personal choice to, not your nationalistic obligation. You live in a country that gives you freedom to support and love whomever you please. My wife is American, I love my wife but I hate everything her family and that country stand for of late. You choose to love and support whoever and whatever you want, just allow us to do the same without your preachy tone of condemnation being thrust back at us. I support Man Utd, Bayern Munich, Argentina and Germany. I’m Canadian from Greek extraction married to an American living in Vancouver and I do not support the local teams. I choose to utilize my freedom of choice and expression and I don’t live in a tidy, well defined tunnel vision induced existence where my choices are limited. If you were in charge of my life, my wife would be Canadian, I’d love her family (which I don’t by the way), I’d support my Canadian National Soccer team, which makes me laugh and I would support my local teams here in Vancouver, which I absolutely hate. Does that mean I can never eat Italian or Chinese food again because it’s just not Canadian?
Finally, this is a Man Utd blog that allows it’s members to write about the club as well as subjects pertaining to football in general. As far as I know, the only real request from Red Ranter is that we should all be Man Utd supporters, although that is not written in stone. He has never commented on the fact that we need to support England too. We are here to rant and that can be both positive and negative. Even I get occasionally attacked about my views and get all uppity. Don’t take my criticism of your comments to much to heart. They are intended to make you realize that your way of thinking is intolerant and protectionist. Just realize please, that we all have a right to support the teams of our choice and to criticize the ones that we either love or hate. I for one am a fan of English football in general and the national side. They are not my favorite, but I do wish them well. But rarely does a side so underachieve and lack the drive and dedication this side has shown over the past two years. They deserve the wrath of an entire nation and all their supporters. When your child misbehaves, you punish it. You don’t pat it on the head and say well done.
November 23rd, 2007 at 19:23
Matt; All your points were dead on perfect mate. I couldn’t agree more. I would add that England needs to attack this problem at a grass roots level. England is just not producing the kind of talent that will succeed at the world class or international level. Old fashioned minds and coaching teaching antiquated ideas to British youth.
A complete cleansing of the FA is needed and innovative creative people with new ways of managing, coaching and developing players has to take over. More cooperation and investment from the Premier League clubs who are putting more money towards scouting and developing foreign talent rather than UK talent. United are one of the better clubs who appreciate and promote the game on British shores. However, teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all but given up spending and promoting the game within the country. They are doing wonders for French, Spanish and African football though.
Caps on foreigners must be brought in just as they currently are in Italy. Allow teams to sign 6 or 7 elite foreigners but give your local talent a chance to play and develop at the highest level. English clubs ruled the European club competitions in the late 70’s and early 80’s with no foreigners. How were they able to compete? By developing their home grown talent better.
It’s that plain and simple. In Italy the fate of the national side is of greater importance than the needs of league clubs. Therefore, caps have proven a solid and successful deterrent from wave after wave of mediocre foreign talent rushing in and taking the job away from an equally deserving Italian. And who are the current world champions?
England appointing Capello or a Klinsmann or god knows who may only be a temporary fix to a much larger problem. Today England slipped to #12 in the FIFA world rankings. How long before they are #25? Kick out the muppets and members of the Old Boys Club that run the FA and bring in visionaries who are tuned in to the new modern way of developing the game of football from the ground up. England needs a national restructuring and tactical upgrade of it’s footballing product. I rest my case.
November 23rd, 2007 at 19:51
hello just wanted to rant about kaka and his growing connection with other clubs, more prominently with manutd. I personally look at this as speculation. However while thinking about it many people will agree that Ac Milan are doing very very poor domestically in the serie A at the moment, and doing average in the champions league. Surely seen by many as the best player in the world he would want to mave to a club who has got strong credebility, future and consitency none of what Milan have, in any real strong rations. Once lookin at the probable move he might make and what he has said manutd have come up as the fav’s, i beleive this because he hijmself has stated that he like how manutd play (like brazil). Once looking at other possible moves i cannot see how it could materialise at this time. with barca with their fanatstic 4, real madrid who alredy have players in that position in guti, higuain, raul, robinho and sneider. This would therefore rule out spain. the only other place england where he has stated chelsea and liverpool play very tactical football in a non positive sense, leaving 2 clubs in arsenal and united. Arsenal and wenger do not pay out 40 million for a player rather to build their players from a young age. That therefore leaves manutd. I would aklso like to state italy was ruled out from the start as he does not want to play for anyone else outside milan in italy. what do you guys think would we want him? Does he fit into the squad sir alex is creating and will we pay 40-50 mill for him with the 30 mill for shevchenko in the past what do you guys think
November 23rd, 2007 at 19:53
ps sorry about postin twice was an accident
November 23rd, 2007 at 20:11
Grognard: The player cap idea is a fine one in principle but the practicalities are significantly more complicated. For a start such a move would be in opposition to many of the larger clubs. Despite SAF’s public support for the plan (I personally believe the comments were more for the benefit of Wenger than anything else) the G14’s consensus is against the foreigner cap. Platini, someone who I would consider to be in favour of the idea, has indicated that it is likely to be nigh on impossible to implement. Finally, and most importantly, there is a major jurisdictional legal issue with the EU. Player caps would contravene the EU’s freedom of worker movement laws. While Fifa has indicated a willingness to take the EU on over this matter, any legal process would undoubtedly be a long and arduous one. I severely doubt any national FA in Europe would be willing to be the first to stick their head above the parapets before this legal issue is sorted out.
Also there is no foreign player cap in place on Italian teams. They may still have a non-EU player cap like Spain (albeit a harsher version) but this effect can be roughly approximated by the UK’s work permit laws.
Shera: I would love to have Kaka here but given that there is no obvious role for him in the current setup or any particular need for him, the £40m could be better spent on a striker and full backs to round out the squad.
November 23rd, 2007 at 21:58
ive lost all respect for you grognard, your an argentina fan grrrr (p.s it was a sarcastic joke, im braslian so i hate everything about argentina except tevez)
November 23rd, 2007 at 23:13
Another link that keeps cropping up someone here stated that we would be intrested in veloso from sporting if we got rid of carrick which is complete bull, we wont get rid of carrick and wre not a real madrid buying and selling player having just one season at the club. anyways bk to veloso, i don know how hed fit in unless fergie is trying to build 3 diferent generation at the club with scholes phasing out the carrick and hargreaves and then anderson and veloso. personaly i have seen him play and he is very good with the shot and is good in the tackling aswell but still dont know how hed realy fit in, there have been many reports stating that were hot on his trail and also fergie has not denied these rumours, i personally think that we need another van the man type mould striker as a back up but i wouldnt be against us gouing for veloso. look on skysports now to veiw article on uniteds link with veloso
November 24th, 2007 at 4:57
Grognard,
Opinions are like ass holes. Everyone has one. I didnt use improper language and followed guidelines given by RR. Appreciate if you can respect that as well. As you said in some of your previous comments, if someone doesnt like your postings, than they are not welcomed to read it. I think you could do the same with mine.
I was responding to RR’s Open letter invitation, not to GROGNARD.
November 24th, 2007 at 5:43
[Grognard]
I never placed any restriction on which club you have to support. Hell! You could be a Liverpool fan too and you will be welcome to comment as long as the comment is kept clean.
[scrtls]
Sorry for nitpicking. You are free to support whichever team you want. It’s your own free will.
I have to say, your analogy of the wife and family does not hold weight. At the most, it is your opinion which, according to you is like an asshole.
As far as international football goes, I don’t personally feel bound to a particular team. I watch the Euro and the World Cup for the sake of football itself and not for a particular team. Yes, I do tend to have a soft corner for South American teams, or Portugal/Germany or Holland. But I tend to support a team that plays good attractive football.
At the moment England is not doing that, and with the amount of hype that surrounds an otherwise mediocre team, I couldn’t help but chuckle at their misery.
Feel free to disagree with me, though. You are more than welcome.
November 24th, 2007 at 7:54
JB; You are very correct about a player cap hurting bigger clubs but only to a point. I for one am not opposed to clubs carrying 5 to 7 foreign players. To me that is more than enough to compete against the best teams of Europe. Frankly only the best foreign players should ever step on English shores. The EPL has been home to far too many foreign players who are simply crap. These players keep English players who also may not be as good but have potential and with time may show their quality.
Right now they are being suppressed by teams like Liverpool who prefer keeping garbage like Hyypia, Agger, Sissoko, Arbeloa, Kuyt, Itandje, Voronin and El Zahar. The only foreign players of quality on this team and the only ones they need to compete with are Torres, Reina, Riise, Kewell, Benayoun, Alonso, Aurelio, Babel, Mascherano and Leiva. I’m sure if he and his scouting staff tried really hard, Rafa the Rotator could find replacements for the 8 stiffs I mentioned somewhere in the UK. Too be fair these would be the United players I would send packing because I feel they could be replaced by home grown talent. They are; Park, Dong Fangzhuo, Sylvestre, Kuszczakand Silvestre. Between those two teams I freed up 13 spots for UK talent. I find it hard to believe that United or Liverpool would fall drastically down the table without these fellows. Meanwhile, home grown lads could have their chance to become the next Neville’s Giggs or Scholes.
There are many ways to get around the legal barriers. This is a case of national pride and identity to a nation that bloody well invented the sport. To hell with FIFA and to hell with the European labor laws. England and the FA must fight in court if need be to limit the infusion of too may foreign footballers into the UK. The other way is to do through Collusion and a majority vote agreed to by all the clubs. They need to get together and agree to this for the good of the game.
From the sound of things it sounds like a European super league is definitely in the planning stages. This would include the G14 clubs and the big four from England. If they agree to do this, the rest of the Premier league can go about cleaning and improving the game and talent in England. Who knows? Italy are using a system and the teams have agreed to limit the number of foreign players. If you look at Inter for example. The players they have are only top quality talent. No foreign scrubs on that side. The clubs seem to be cooperating with the national team program and thus Italy is creating great young talent and are also world champions.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:03
Scrtis; No one accused you of improper language and not following guidelines. All I was trying to express (and perhaps I was rather harsh about it) is that people should be free to choose and cheer for whatever team they feel like cheering for. Home turf means nothing to me. I have moved so many times in my life that local loyalties carry no weight with me. You choose to look no further than your back yard to find the teams you support. That’s perfectly alright. Just understand that I like millions and millions of others choose to use or freedom and support any team from any country that we see fit. Family loyalty, religion, local loyalty should never restrict ones freedom of choice.
With that said I would like to apologize to you if I offended you. To be honest, your comments really rubbed me the wrong way and I probably overreacted. I occasionally have a tendency to do that. So hopefully no hard feelings. And with that said I have to end by saying that England is shite and the whole program needs a major overhaul if the country is ever to feel proud again about their national pastime.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:27
adil alhinai; Sorry mate but I for one absolutely despise everything about Brazilian football. I wasn’t always like that. I have great respect for Pele and I absolutely loved the 1982 team that for me was the greatest team to not win the World Cup. Yes they have had excellent sides and players like Romario, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo but I just hate the buggers. I especially hate that bucked tooth beaver Ronaldinho with his stupid smile and ponytail. He just makes my stomach turn. Is he great? Without a doubt, but I just hate them.
Now before you and others get on politically correct rant, let me explain that when I use the words hate and despise, I really mean with a chuckle and grain of salt. I have great respect for all the Brazilian players and people, I just don’t particularly like their brand of football. They also have Germany’s number which has not made me happy over the years much like the way Germany has England’s. And I know that doesn’t sit well in the UK.
Now as for Argentina. I have only become an Argentina fan recently. My current favorite player is the God and master of all football, Juan Roman Riquelme (stop laughing JB). For me the man is a gift from the Gods and a master playmaker and set piece taker. He’s just magic to watch and for me, he is definitely the World Footballer of the Year based on the year 2007. His performance for Boca and Argentina was epic in nature. I also really love to watch Lio Messi play and Carlos Tevez has become a favorite now that he is with United. I’m sorry United fans but I also like Gabby Heinze too. It’s hard to forgive him but I do because I still feel that Fergie gave him a bit of a raw deal. I don’t know about Europe but in North American sports a starting player never loses his starting position because of injury. Heinze was forced to watch a long time on the bench well after he was totally recovered, but lacked game conditioning due to lack of playing opportunities.
My favorite team since I was 8 years old has been Germany. I grew up watching (rarely) the Beckenbauers, Maier’s Netzer’s and Muellers, but I was fortunate enough to watch many matches with players like Rummenigge, Breitner, Matthaus, Klinsmann, Voller, Brehme Schumacher etc. I just loved these guys and everything to do with German football. Don’t ask me to explain it because certainly there have been other countries who played better football than the German sides of the eighties and post 1992-2004. The 72 team for me is one of the greatest teams of all time and they would be more than capable of handling themselves against the 1970 Brazil side. I also spent most of my youth cheering for just one club team and that was Bayern Munich. I only became a die hard fan of United around 1992. I did like them before although I must admit to a real love of the 80’s Tottenham sides with Hoddle and Ardiles.
As for United, well whats not to love. They have been a joy for me to support for 15 years now and I doubt I will ever stop supporting them even though I am not from the area. They are simply top class personified.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:09
Grognard,
Appologies accepted….not a big deal afterall. I just didnt like the tone, thats all.
RR,
Hey mate, this is your blog. You have all the rights to nitpick anyone you like. I was just a little upset that, you, of all people, picking up England ‘national team’, even though you dont follow international football seriously. Why didnt you pick on Argentina (with Tevez sending off) who lost over the weekend. No particular reasons right? Well, thats what sickens the England fans. Just because England PL teams are famous and widely followed, everyone starts to compare that success with national team. Of course English press will talk and talk about thier failure or success, thats their rights.
Probably if Argentina’s national language is widely spoken as English, and if their club performance is widely covered around the world, than, probably you would write about them. Not picking on Argentina though, just using them as an example.
I am not saying you dont have valid points in your article. I am also not arguing that Eng deserve to be in the final. They suck badly and deserve to be where they are now. That beside the point, isnt it?
The wife analogy might not go well with the Westeners, but as for Asians, I think it will. Family values is utmost important to us.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:22
[scrtls]
True it’s my blog and I could nitpick, but I wouldn’t abuse that power. I would point out fallacies in arguments but I wouldn’t want to pick on readers for no apparent reasons. This isn’t a dictatorship.
About Argentina, well they have been playing some brilliant football and are top of their group. So I wouldn’t pick on the odd loss or incident. Anyway, that’s beside the point.
I see where you’re coming from with regards to this and understand your frustration.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:46
Grognard: Are you going to sell Silvestre twice
BTW you are very harsh on Agger, most Liverpool fans I know rave about him and he is certainly good enough not to be on the garbage list.