Friday, 28 January 2011
Richard Keys and Andy Gray: a sexist joke too far
Five days have passed since the story first escalated after developments plateaued on Wednesday when Richard Keys resigned from his presenter's job at Sky Sports a day after his colleague and pundit Andy Gray was sacked from the station.
You could sense that when the media coverage exploded their days were numbered. The Sky Sports duo initially caused furore from many figures within the game (not least Karren Brady) when slamming the performance of Sian Massey, the assistant referee for Wolves' game against Liverpool earlier this month, suggesting on the basis of her gender. For Gray, it was a stay of execution. After clinging onto his £2m annual pay packet two days after this development unravelled, Sky Sports' managing director Barney Francis called time on the Scot's career with the broadcaster when finding new evidence of suggestive sexist comments.
"Can you tuck this (his mic) for me?," Gray asked Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson. Initially smirking, the young presenter seemed perturbed after. According to the Guardian, the presenters are known to be chauvinistic towards colleagues behind the camera, possibly the reason why the assumed Sky staff member posted two videos of Gray and Keys making lewd comments liking women as inferior, sexual objects. It was the final straw, like killing off the opposition with another goal in injury time to seal their fate.
Keys also resigned under constant media barraging, notably also because of his comments towards former Liverpool and Tottenham player, now Sky pundit, Jamie Redknapp. Referring to his former girlfriend 'Louise' as 'it', Keys said, "you'd smash it...you could've gone round there any night and found Redknapp hanging out at the back of it."
Key on Wednesday came to TalkSport's studio discussing his embarrassment and his apathy towards Massey. His body language reminisce someone who had been caught with their trousers down, much like Gordon Brown last year when he called a female OAP a 'bigot' with his mic from Sky left switched on as he rued to tell the tale on Radio 4.
Whilst it is clear to see the two have a good chemistry on camera, they sadly lack decency off it. Gray and Keys have a depth of knowledge to rival any other broadcasting duos. It is unfathomable to hear comments of viciousness and conviction of Massey, who actually had a good game.
While some may defend this as a bit of 'banter', it can be assumed either or both of them have made more similar comments off camera. As if Sky Sports haven't had enough critical comments about their widespread coverage of bias and repetition, and hiring very attractive women for its news channel. There is a culture in Sky and to an extent in the football game that women are not taken seriously when discussing or officiating about the game. This is a sad indictment that we are seemingly heading back into the dark ages of the one race, one gender game.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Murray leaves trail of destruction in first week of Aussie Open
When a heavyweight seed cruises through the first week of a Grand Slam, people think it is almost a cert that the person will win the Slam on the pure basis of form. With Andy Murray, there is always a sense of unease with every GS he enters, more so in Wimbledon. With the spotlight partially away from him in the UK because of the time difference, the Scot is basking in the light (and heat) of Melbourne where high pressure is less intense.
The fourth round win over Jurgen Meltzer was a display of sheer class and temperament from the Scot. The Austrian was tipped to case some trouble with his impenetrable tennis, but Murray carved his way through anyhow by producing countless winners.
Four rounds of routine high quality performances has seen Murray regarded as a favourite to lift his first GS in Melbourne, also the scene of his crushing final defeat against Roger Federer last year. But last year was so last year. This year is the clever and canny Murray, playing high percentage tennis and cracking winners from all areas of the back of the court. The thing that has improved so much this season is arguably his mental state. On evidence of his displays so far, the Scot hasn't sulked in periods where his opponent is in a spell of ascendancy.
His serve also has a strong degree of assurance. His first serve often allows Murray to dictate the play from the baseline. In the first set against Illya Marchenko during their second round match, Murray smashed eight aces past the Ukrainian. Against the serve, Murray also displays strong reliability in his forehand as well as his backhand, gaining eight breaks of serve over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Against Meltzer, the same thing happened as Murray demoralised the Austrian world no 11 spirit in very much the same way to the Spaniard in the previous round.
To win every set of the tournament thus far by at most to the loss of just three games has laid the marker to his likely contenders for the tournament - Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer. Whether he can his next opponent Alexandr Dolgopolov in the quarters will we know if he is up to the job.
The fourth round win over Jurgen Meltzer was a display of sheer class and temperament from the Scot. The Austrian was tipped to case some trouble with his impenetrable tennis, but Murray carved his way through anyhow by producing countless winners.
Four rounds of routine high quality performances has seen Murray regarded as a favourite to lift his first GS in Melbourne, also the scene of his crushing final defeat against Roger Federer last year. But last year was so last year. This year is the clever and canny Murray, playing high percentage tennis and cracking winners from all areas of the back of the court. The thing that has improved so much this season is arguably his mental state. On evidence of his displays so far, the Scot hasn't sulked in periods where his opponent is in a spell of ascendancy.
His serve also has a strong degree of assurance. His first serve often allows Murray to dictate the play from the baseline. In the first set against Illya Marchenko during their second round match, Murray smashed eight aces past the Ukrainian. Against the serve, Murray also displays strong reliability in his forehand as well as his backhand, gaining eight breaks of serve over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Against Meltzer, the same thing happened as Murray demoralised the Austrian world no 11 spirit in very much the same way to the Spaniard in the previous round.
To win every set of the tournament thus far by at most to the loss of just three games has laid the marker to his likely contenders for the tournament - Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, and Roger Federer. Whether he can his next opponent Alexandr Dolgopolov in the quarters will we know if he is up to the job.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
How far can Andy go?
Andy Murray romped into the third round of the Australian Open with a clinical 6-1 6-3 6-3 victory over Illya Marchenko. He will next face Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.
Murray traded hard-hitting groundstrokes with Marchenko, but strikingly his composure on important game points, a facet that has so often let him down in the past, saw past the Ukrainian. Murray's strong serving will also provide him a great reference point later on as he seeks to win his first ever grand slam.
Garcia-Lopez, like most Spaniards, play behind the baseline, taking the ball on the rise and punishing the opponent with seemingly endlessly long rallies. It would not be such a surprise to see Murray at the net on many an occasion to exert pressure and force Garcia-Lopez to come up with the shots.
While the Spaniard may seem like a tricky customer, Murray should dispatch him easily. Tougher tests will come after this should he pass. Nadal remains the ominous threat to the Scot's challenge.
Murray traded hard-hitting groundstrokes with Marchenko, but strikingly his composure on important game points, a facet that has so often let him down in the past, saw past the Ukrainian. Murray's strong serving will also provide him a great reference point later on as he seeks to win his first ever grand slam.
Garcia-Lopez, like most Spaniards, play behind the baseline, taking the ball on the rise and punishing the opponent with seemingly endlessly long rallies. It would not be such a surprise to see Murray at the net on many an occasion to exert pressure and force Garcia-Lopez to come up with the shots.
While the Spaniard may seem like a tricky customer, Murray should dispatch him easily. Tougher tests will come after this should he pass. Nadal remains the ominous threat to the Scot's challenge.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Are today's tackles unacceptable and dangerous?
This weekend's FA Cup action provided intrigue, shock and sheer excitement. But there are two sides of every coin, and tackling provided another topic to talk about the following day at work. There were at least three crunching challenges seen this weekend, one that saw a QPR striker's leg break in two places. Are today's tackles the worst, and could defensive coaches at clubs do much more about the practices into the art of slide tackling?
Football is multi-million pound money spinner. Lower league clubs are dependent on the FA Cup to earn them lucrative ties in the hope of attracting commercial appeal. The same applies with the Premier League, with much emphasis on staying in the top tier to reap premium financial rewards, while entry into European football also adds marketing, commercial and financial exposure. It isn't surprising that players give it their all, with each competitive game almost acting as if their lives depended on it.
Of course football is only a sport, and a BBC Inside Sport documentary last year analysed how the fun aspect has been ebbed away because of the pressures of professionalism. This is possibly where tackling revolves around: the intensity of the modern game. The FA Cup saw three, to a partial extent, leg-breaking challenges - one which actually did cause that damage. Chiek Tiote's challenge that earned him a red card, Steven Gerrard which earned him the same punishment, and Gael Givet's fierce challenge on Jimmy Mackie which caused a double compound fracture to Mackie as well as minor injury to himself, were all tackles that carried velocity.
Referees are aiming to cut down on potentially dangerous tackles. Seemingly it is, the FA have asked referees to clamp down on 'excessively forceful' challenges with Mark Taylor's horrendous challenge on Eduardo left the Croatian striker's leg in a heap in 2008 acting as the blueprint for decision-making. And lets also not forget a fellow Arsenal player Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a similar serious injury when competing with Ryan Shawcross of Stoke last year. There have been examples where players have lunged in two-footed. Karl Henry for Wolves has had stick from the press for ill-timed tackles on Fulham's Bobby Zamora and Wigan's Jordi Gomez, the former still out with a knee injury from the September fixture.
We all often forget, but isn't the basic rule for a football player is to have a duty of care for its opponents? The furious pace of the Premier League will not diminish with players' stamina at very high levels, but you would think tougher sanctions need to be put in place before we get another case of a broken leg. The FA have not solved the problem and clubs are paying the penalty because of corporate ignorance.
Football is multi-million pound money spinner. Lower league clubs are dependent on the FA Cup to earn them lucrative ties in the hope of attracting commercial appeal. The same applies with the Premier League, with much emphasis on staying in the top tier to reap premium financial rewards, while entry into European football also adds marketing, commercial and financial exposure. It isn't surprising that players give it their all, with each competitive game almost acting as if their lives depended on it.
Of course football is only a sport, and a BBC Inside Sport documentary last year analysed how the fun aspect has been ebbed away because of the pressures of professionalism. This is possibly where tackling revolves around: the intensity of the modern game. The FA Cup saw three, to a partial extent, leg-breaking challenges - one which actually did cause that damage. Chiek Tiote's challenge that earned him a red card, Steven Gerrard which earned him the same punishment, and Gael Givet's fierce challenge on Jimmy Mackie which caused a double compound fracture to Mackie as well as minor injury to himself, were all tackles that carried velocity.
Referees are aiming to cut down on potentially dangerous tackles. Seemingly it is, the FA have asked referees to clamp down on 'excessively forceful' challenges with Mark Taylor's horrendous challenge on Eduardo left the Croatian striker's leg in a heap in 2008 acting as the blueprint for decision-making. And lets also not forget a fellow Arsenal player Aaron Ramsey, who suffered a similar serious injury when competing with Ryan Shawcross of Stoke last year. There have been examples where players have lunged in two-footed. Karl Henry for Wolves has had stick from the press for ill-timed tackles on Fulham's Bobby Zamora and Wigan's Jordi Gomez, the former still out with a knee injury from the September fixture.
We all often forget, but isn't the basic rule for a football player is to have a duty of care for its opponents? The furious pace of the Premier League will not diminish with players' stamina at very high levels, but you would think tougher sanctions need to be put in place before we get another case of a broken leg. The FA have not solved the problem and clubs are paying the penalty because of corporate ignorance.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Which manager will trip up in the Premier League sack race?
It has been a funny old season, hasn't it? Chelsea see their title hopes dashed in recent weeks; Aston Villa suffering the ignominy of dropping into the relegation zone for the first time since 2002; Liverpool falling further than ever before; and then there is West Ham, who are bottom. All of the clubs' managers are facing the prospect of the stadium exit, but which one will be out of the door soon?
Roy Hodgson
Six months ago, the former Fulham boss' stock value was as high as it ever had been. Mid-table security capped by a run to the Europa League final meant a move to Liverpool was imminent. Rafa was forced out of the club after a disastrous campaign last year, which led to the inevitable appointment of Hodgson. Inherited a fundamentally poor squad, Hodgson sought to improve the quality of his team with four new signings, including Joe Cole on a free transfer. The signings have turned out as sheer disappointments, and to a large extent, are worse in quality than Rafa's bunch. Hodgson has had little money to spend since his arrival, and may not get the chance to spend a penny more under the new ownership regime of NESV.
His brand of football has left empty seats at Anfield. Lack of spark and verve to their play has been the main cause, and too much reliance on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres seems to be the norm these days at The Reds. Passing is insipid and defensive displays have often been mediocre at best.
Hodgson looks the likelier to leave first, with fans unlikely to tolerate sloppy performances at home and unacceptable levels of performance away. Whether the board have a short-term replacement remains to be seen. Kenny Dalglish could well be moving a further few yards forward in the dugout soon from the cushy executive box.
Carlo Ancelotti
It is hard to believe that a manager who has presided in his club's first ever league and cup double last season to be on the cusps of the sack six months. But that is the ever-pressures of managing Chelsea. Transfer spending at the Bridge appears to be rarity these days when Roman Abramovich's chequebook remains in his draw, shut. It seems to be very unlikely that there will be any player movement at Chelsea this month.
A great start to the season - five straight wins in as many games, including two 6-0 drubbings - soon saw form dissipate. John Terry, Didier Drogba, and more notably Frank Lampard, all had lengthy spells on the sidelines. Their absences coincided with a home 3-goal capitulation against Sunderland, defeats at Birmingham and Wolves, and a mentally-sapping loss at Arsenal - a team they seemed to beat on a frequent basis in recent years.
Ancelotti also relieved his assistant Ray Wilkins of his duties, exposing the unease atmosphere around the club. The Italian should still remain in charge until at least the end of the season, but don't be surprised if Abramovich wields in the axe on the twice Champions League winning boss.
Avram Grant
A picture of uncertainty reigns over at Upton Park. New owners seek fresh start combined with higher expectations. What they got was fan animosity, player discontent, bottom of the league, and an arguably inept Israeli. You get the feeling he blagged his way through the interview process, clinging onto his 2008 Champions League exploits with Chelsea, and an FA Cup Final with Portsmouth. Great accomplishments, but some might say that was not all down to his managerial wizardry. An Olympic Stadium move has alienated the Hammers faithful, and while negotiations for a leasing contract goes on, West Ham decline to the depths of the relegation zone. They're not stranded alone however, as the bottom seven are split by just two points.
Grant's team have continually stuttered through the course of the season. A poor start, with only a home win against Tottenham to show for their feeble efforts, saw West Ham rooted at the bottom. The losing trend continued, but despite an upturn in form over Christmas that briefly saw the Hammers out of the drop zone, they were brought back down to earth with a 5-0 drubbing at Newcastle. Grant needs things to go his way, and quickly otherwise David Gold and David Sullivan will probably seek for short-term alternatives to salvage their season.
Gerard Houllier
Aston Villa can often be a confusing side to understand their intentions. Aspirations are high although investment is low compared to the renowned top sides in the league, but a below midtable finish should be a realistic position for them. Houllier has walked in shouldering the expectations of the midlands (although Birmingham FC have something to say about that), but have hit a concrete wall during the first half of the season. Home form has been very poor, while sloppy goals and lack of firepower have added to their woes. With Houllier also reportedly causing a split in the dressing room arguing with captain Richard Dunne, the task is nay impossible for the Frenchman.
Roy Hodgson
Six months ago, the former Fulham boss' stock value was as high as it ever had been. Mid-table security capped by a run to the Europa League final meant a move to Liverpool was imminent. Rafa was forced out of the club after a disastrous campaign last year, which led to the inevitable appointment of Hodgson. Inherited a fundamentally poor squad, Hodgson sought to improve the quality of his team with four new signings, including Joe Cole on a free transfer. The signings have turned out as sheer disappointments, and to a large extent, are worse in quality than Rafa's bunch. Hodgson has had little money to spend since his arrival, and may not get the chance to spend a penny more under the new ownership regime of NESV.
His brand of football has left empty seats at Anfield. Lack of spark and verve to their play has been the main cause, and too much reliance on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres seems to be the norm these days at The Reds. Passing is insipid and defensive displays have often been mediocre at best.
Hodgson looks the likelier to leave first, with fans unlikely to tolerate sloppy performances at home and unacceptable levels of performance away. Whether the board have a short-term replacement remains to be seen. Kenny Dalglish could well be moving a further few yards forward in the dugout soon from the cushy executive box.
Carlo Ancelotti
It is hard to believe that a manager who has presided in his club's first ever league and cup double last season to be on the cusps of the sack six months. But that is the ever-pressures of managing Chelsea. Transfer spending at the Bridge appears to be rarity these days when Roman Abramovich's chequebook remains in his draw, shut. It seems to be very unlikely that there will be any player movement at Chelsea this month.
A great start to the season - five straight wins in as many games, including two 6-0 drubbings - soon saw form dissipate. John Terry, Didier Drogba, and more notably Frank Lampard, all had lengthy spells on the sidelines. Their absences coincided with a home 3-goal capitulation against Sunderland, defeats at Birmingham and Wolves, and a mentally-sapping loss at Arsenal - a team they seemed to beat on a frequent basis in recent years.
Ancelotti also relieved his assistant Ray Wilkins of his duties, exposing the unease atmosphere around the club. The Italian should still remain in charge until at least the end of the season, but don't be surprised if Abramovich wields in the axe on the twice Champions League winning boss.
Avram Grant
A picture of uncertainty reigns over at Upton Park. New owners seek fresh start combined with higher expectations. What they got was fan animosity, player discontent, bottom of the league, and an arguably inept Israeli. You get the feeling he blagged his way through the interview process, clinging onto his 2008 Champions League exploits with Chelsea, and an FA Cup Final with Portsmouth. Great accomplishments, but some might say that was not all down to his managerial wizardry. An Olympic Stadium move has alienated the Hammers faithful, and while negotiations for a leasing contract goes on, West Ham decline to the depths of the relegation zone. They're not stranded alone however, as the bottom seven are split by just two points.
Grant's team have continually stuttered through the course of the season. A poor start, with only a home win against Tottenham to show for their feeble efforts, saw West Ham rooted at the bottom. The losing trend continued, but despite an upturn in form over Christmas that briefly saw the Hammers out of the drop zone, they were brought back down to earth with a 5-0 drubbing at Newcastle. Grant needs things to go his way, and quickly otherwise David Gold and David Sullivan will probably seek for short-term alternatives to salvage their season.
Gerard Houllier
Aston Villa can often be a confusing side to understand their intentions. Aspirations are high although investment is low compared to the renowned top sides in the league, but a below midtable finish should be a realistic position for them. Houllier has walked in shouldering the expectations of the midlands (although Birmingham FC have something to say about that), but have hit a concrete wall during the first half of the season. Home form has been very poor, while sloppy goals and lack of firepower have added to their woes. With Houllier also reportedly causing a split in the dressing room arguing with captain Richard Dunne, the task is nay impossible for the Frenchman.
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