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Sick Of The Royism
As a devoted Roy Race fan I've had quite enough of the suggestion that 'trying to be be Roy of the Rovers' is somehow a bad thing, and your latest article about Steven Gerrard is the last straw. In it you write that Gerrard accepts 'that at times he has tried to be Roy of the Rovers, running around with huge energy but not always great focus'. Roy Race is the last person you could accuse of this, but it gets worse. Gerrard himself says, "You can't afford to be Roy of the Rovers all the time against top sides. If I'm wandering off all over the place my team-mates will come unstuck".
This insinuation that Roy Race 'wandered off all over the place' is an insult to someone who scored a record 436 league goals and won no fewer than 10 league titles, 10 FA Cups, 3 European Cups, 4 Cup Winners' Cups and 1 UEFA Cup. Admittedly he had a mixed record in the transfer market, particularly in 1985 when he brought Emlyn Hughes and Bob Wilson out of retirement, and signed Steve Norman and Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet, but overall his record speaks for itself.
You can't afford to be Roy of the Rovers all the time against top sides? You can't afford not to be.
Andrew, London
What More Do We Want?
So said Lee in the second Monday mailbox. OK, I will give you a list.
My original intention for Saturday afternoon was Kingstonian v Hayes and Yeading in the FA Cup 3rd qualifying round, but then my boss offered me some Club Wembley free p***-up ticket (we were entertaining our Kazakh client). I debated long and hard, guessing that I would enjoy the food and red wine (and I did, it was a Malbec, my favourite), but on the other hand, I predicted that the football would be marginally less enjoyable than stabbing myself in the eye with a fork and I would have a far better time at Kingstonian.
So what I want is the following: I want it not to be so obvious that an FA Cup 3rd qualifying round game would be much more enjoyable than watching the national side.
I want it not to be the case, that, when examining the prices Betfred were giving for the game to see they were offering odds against the first goal being scored after the 27th minutes and something like 5/1 for half-time draw, full-time England, I thought they were stonking bets.
I want it not to be the case that the best thing about the first half against the Borats was the lad sat in front of me dropping his tracky bottoms (Hollister Co) and showing his multicoloured boxers (and then periodically having a good old w@nk during particularly dull moments).
I want it not to be the case that we can't even get a shot on target in 45 minutes against a country that didn't start playing until I was 28 years of age.
I want it not to be the case that we only knocked the last three in because England - full-time professional athletes, allegedly - were playing a bunch of guys whose standard of fitness is adequate for the Astana Sunday league. For God's sake, the left-back was so knackered he made Beckham look quick.
I want it not to be the case that I've accepted a ticket to watch England knowing the only thing I would get out of it is a nice meal and p***-up with my work mates.
Basically, after that first 45 minutes, booing Ashley Cole was a bit of a laugh to be honest. God knows we needed one. It was by far the best entertainment on the pitch. And FYI Dave in Northampton - I booed that waste of space Beckham as well. I don't care about the assist(s?), anyone can cross a ball when the full-back is too tired to stand.
Oh by the way, I walked past Brian Barwick on the way in. You're right, he is a seriously big unit.
Steve 'England's worst supporter' Collins
Proper England Fans...
...got bored with the senior squad in the latter days of Sven. Their response - watching the U21s. Better football, more goals (even some from open play - gasp), more commitment - either because they only get one real shot at the trophy - as opposed to just thinking "maybe next time" in the senior team, or because they are just enthusiastic kids.
I can't think of anything in the senior team that matches Anton Ferdinand literally trying to kill Diarra after his dive took Ribery's France through, or Newcastle's Taylor take a winning penalty when his leg was about to fall off, to Theo's goals and now Gabby's, to the two recent performances against Portugal, Baines' free-kick against the Germans, James Milner - legend. On Friday a ridiculous bugger up at the back meant wales took an early lead. No one dared boo. What happened next? We scored twice and hit the bar before half time.
The FA ruined England - they encouraged the corporate guests, priced out the committed, wasted millions on white elephant stadiums and white-teethed imbeciles, and have taken the soul out of it. I'm half expecting the white jersey to have more badges than a F1 driver in the next decade. It's no coincidence that they struggled to fill Wembley against the Czechs, and after Croatia could only fill it with plastics. The only time England fans actually represent the country are in the Finals or away games - where we have outsung, cheered and supported everyone for the past 12 years. Despite the FA's best efforts to butcher the U21s (from a packed WHL to an empty Wembley in two years), the kids under Pearce are coming good and for a £10er (mostly) are far better value. Hoping everyone cheers us on as we batter the lads from the backward principality tonight.
Tom (phew - three paras!) G
Retaining The Right To Criticise
Having read those criticising certain england fans for being underwhelmed by beating Kazakhstan all I have to say is that we had ZERO shots on target in the entire first half. Having not created a clear-cut chance in an entire period against the team ranked 131st in the world is honestly pathetic, whatever the tactics employed by either team. We surely have a right to voice our displeasure as part of a freedom of speech, especially when players who get more in a week than the average person may get in five years fail to break down a team statistically inferior to New Caledonia. No I don't know where that is either...and credit where credit was due, there was a clear response in the second half. which the crowd warmed to, and thankfully after the game we didn't treat it as the second coming but nor did we slate the team and play down their second-half performance.
Equally annoying are people like Terry Hayden. Actually scrap that, far more annoying. I mean I get the whole stereotype Brits supporting losers thing, but not jumping to the frankly ridiculous conclusion that booing Ashley Cole is inherently racist. that he is black is an unfortunate coincidence, unfortunate in that it gives rise to these conspiracy theories. That he is a moronic archetype of an avaricious Premiership footballer is the entire reason he is everyone's bete noir. Let's not jump to the lowest common denominator and presume that the homophobia directed at him and Sol Campbell is racially motivated. The same accusations have been levelled at Graeme le Saux in the past. And Frank Lampard was everyone's favourite boo-boy until recently.
It is how they comport themselves off the field that defines their treatment by fans on it. I'm sure when Cashley puts in a shift at international level like FF put in against Croatia then the level of vitriol will decrease, as it did for Beckham post WC98. Not that it is the majority who behave in a negative manner anyway, but it is hard to generate much atmosphere in a stadium where half those attending are corporate and the rest have the extensive song list of the Dambusters and the Great Escape to sing along to. But that's another argument for another day...
Alex (justifiably annoyed THFC. Does voicing my displeasure at our current moron of a sporting director make me anti-French?), Manchester
Worried About Upson
Now that Ashley Cole will not be there hopefully the numpties wont pick on any other footballers who epitomise all that is bad in football (step up Rooney, Ferdinand, Beckham, Lampard! All have been involved in protracted wage negotiations and/or extra-marital activities).
Perhaps with that out of the way we can focus on some of the concerns from Saturday's game and that is central defence. Rio looked very uncomfortable playing alongside a sometimes suicidal Upson. I hope it was just nerves but if Upson produces that kind of performance an Belarus, I don't think we will get away with a clean sheet.
Terry gets a lot of bad press but he dovetails well with Ferdinand. Let's hope Upson can do the same.
By the way it's amazing how many class England centre-backs are cripples - King, Terry and Woodgate.
Patrick Derham
Cole Out? Cracking
I for one am glad he's out for Wednesday. I despise Cole for who he is and for ditching who he was.
Cole is an example of how a footballer should not behave. I lost respect for him the instant he appeared in that Lottery advert in the white pimp suit and medallion. Revolting charade, that was.
I pity his missus, who must be wondering what on earth she was thinking marrying him in the first place?!
I say give the left-back berth to Wayne Bridge or stick Gareth Barry in there (he can play left back - has done for Villa). If push comes to shove bring back Phil Neville. Anyone but Cole.
Wicken, Bath
Theo: Rubbish
Having sifted through two mailboxes based mainly on England's performance on Saturday, I'm amazed that no one has mentioned how p***-poor Theo Walcott was.
He has the ball control of Dirk Kuyt on a bad day and his passing was nothing short of atrocious.
Please drop him, put Stevie G on the right/roaming, FF and Gazz Bazz in the middle, problem solved.
Neil
Strongly Denying Claims Of Racism
In regard to Terry Hayden's mindless email. What are you on? How on earth was the booing caused by racism? Did Theo get booed? Did Heskey? Did Brown? Did Shaun Wright-Philips? no they didn't, and why? Because they didn't pass the ball to an opposing player on the edge of their own area! MAYBE Cole was booed because he made a stupid mistake and that coupled, with his generally despicable past makes him a good target. I cant stand or even understand it when people like Terry decide that all criticism that a person receives is because of their skin colour! It's a pathetic excuse and an attempt to deflect attention from a person's true failings. I don't condone the booing of Cole, I thought it was ridiculous actually, but never would it have come to mind that he was being booed because of his skin colour mainly because he wasn't! So Terry, stop trying to turn a molehill into Everest.
Warren (I took F365's bait) Batt
...I think Terry Hayden is absolutely right in that the hatred directed and Ashley Cole was racially motivated. How else could you explain how Frank Lampard suffered the same torrent of abuse in the past? Oh.
I don't for a second condone the boo-ing that Cashley was on the end of, but I equally don't believe that it was racially motivated. And to insinuate otherwise is, frankly, grossly irresponsible as it undermines genuine efforts that are being made to tackle the problem of racist abuse. (Having said that, UEFA aren't particularly helping matters with fines that amount to pittance).
By all means, every effort should be made to highlight racial abuse wherever it occurs and to punish the perpetrators. But to assert an occurrence of racism where there clearly was none is feckless and akin to incitement.
Dave 'Every race has its c*nts' Dineen
...In response to Terry Hayden's comment. Now listen mate - I hate Cole, to me he embodies everything that is wrong with modern day football. If I were at Wembley I would have booed him before he gave the ball away. And this hatred doesn't only stem from his pathetic whiny reaction to his booking by referee Mike Riley or the way he dealt with his Arsenal departure (I am not a gooner fan either), I just can't stand the arrogance with which he carries himself at every turn. Clearly I am not the only one who feels this way from what I read on this site. So in light of this, why was it that Cashley had the crowd turn on him at the first chance according to Terry? On yes that's right, he's black and is subject to gay rumours! Well reasoned you clown, if there is one thing worse than racism it's w**kers like you who squeal 'racist' at others every time any criticism is made between folks of different race. Pull your bloody head in Terry.
Deano from Sydney
It's Just T***tism
Terry Hayden is rightly worried about the booing directed at Ashley Cole at the weekend.
But I don't believe that the social problem behind the 'abusive harassment' of Cole is racism per se, but something far more unpleasant.
'T**tism'.
'T**tism' has been around a long time.
Both Vinnie Jones and Dennis Wise were the undeserving recipients of t**tist chanting during the glory days of Wimbledon, when disgruntled supporters of 'Superior' teams took umbrage at Jones' and Wise's simple but effective footballing tactics.
Mr McClaren, our erstwhile England Manager, has also suffered from having t**tist epithets flung at him from all sides.
I think it's time the FA put a stop to this disgusting behaviour.
Ashley Cole is not a nice man.
But if we, as fans, don't pull together to fight this now, how long will it be before the spectre of C**tism rears its ugly head once more?
And Cole, Terry and even sublime talents like Christiano Ronaldo have to suffer the sort of abuse we all thought had been consigned to the dustbin of history?
Steve, London
Silence The Band
Re Marky B, MUFC, those muppets with the trumpets have now also started going to other sporting events and try to create an 'atmosphere' at these as well but all they do is annoy people once again. A good example is at Hatton fights, all you ever hear is 'there's only one Ricky Hatton' as the muppets don't have any other tune to play. Just give it a f**king rest morons!
Sean, CCFC
Wembley, Bloody Wembley
I can see that everyone's had a lot to say about the crowd and the atmosphere at the game on Saturday. However, I don't think anyone's yet pinpointed the real culprit: Wembley stadium.
Yes, it's a magnificant construction. Yes, it looks visually stunning. I'm also sure that, although I haven't yet had a chance to attend, its facilities are what one would expect from a modern national stadium. And yet...it's rubbish.
Blaming the fans for not creating the right atmosphere is to miss the point. The type of people who attend games - and how they behave once in the ground - are both dictated by the stadium itself. A stadium is not just a building, it is an emotive thing.
I've seen comparisons being made to the Emirates, but those don't wash. I've been to enough games there to know that, although it took time, the ground can generate a raucous and rousing atmoshpere. The Emirates is a stadium that, whilst being "modern" is also awe inspiring. Wembley just feels empty and distant.
That we've created a home for our national team so lacking in energy is a national disgrace.
Sam Williams, London
The Truth About Escobar
Please, it's alleged Mr Escobar was killed due to the fact that Colombian gambling syndicates lost huge amounts of money thanks to Colombia not qualifying for the second round. The murderer, Humberto Muñoz Castro, was a 'bodyguard' by profession and got a substantially early release (32 years), in a country run by drug cartels seems as though this had more to do with organised crime than fans!
And as for the English not being the worst fans...burning effigies of Beckham, HIV aids chants, chants about plane crashes, seems like a charming lot to me!
Honestly, most people take new jobs with more money throughout their working lives, and isn't it ironic that these Arsenal fans moan about Cole leaving for more money, well what about Sol Campbell!?
Tom, Cape Town
Our Money's On Vitali Kutuzov
So now that the formerly British-based Alex Hleb is out for the qualifier against Belarus, who do you think Sky pundits are going to pick out as the most dangerous Belorussian player? Will they even try?
Enloe
The Gambling Gods
This post has nothing to do with anything current really but I feel it needs to be said.
Before the England game on Saturday as I always do I sat down at the PC and perused the various bets and odds available for certain outcomes and decided that Rooney to score a brace was a good shout and 3/1 was a decent price to be fair. So I thought right I'll have a £100 on that and £300 profit must surely be mine and would come in handy as I'm potless until payday. Wisely I decided to check my bank balance online first to ensure I had the necessary funds to cover my bet and at least another £100 to cover my two-year-old's upcoming birthday presents just in case old spud face doesn't produce the goods and I'm left looking worse than Frank Gallagher from Shameless in the fathering dept.
To my dismay I had misplaced £100 somewhere (Red Lion, Fox and Hound and the Chinese two days prior) and only had enough to cover one option, I decided not to risk the boy going without and left the bet well alone...as we all now know old spud face did indeed produce the goods and I am indeed £300 poorer than I should be, as you can imagine I was less than impressed and am certain that the gambling Gods are against me as whenever I have missed a bet due to running late, bottling it or being skint it almost always comes in and when I put my hard earned down it all goes Pete Tong...I have no doubt whatsoever that if I had taken the chance with the boy's bday money that old spud face would have ran on the pitch, spat at the ref, called him a c**t and kicked one of the special needs kids in the front row as he was being sent off thus rendering my money lost in the belly of the beast called (insert your choice of bookie here as if I state one it probably wont get printed for legal reasons).
There are two things to be learned from this:
1) Don't trust anyone paid over £100,000 a week to help you win £300
2) Don't have kids
Sean (still potless until payday but not a s**t father) McGrath
Wanted: Job
Does regular contributor to the mailbox William O'Doherty have a job? If so, are there any more going there? Seems to do sweet FA. Wonder if Conor Byrne works there too.
Alastair Darling, London
