History will be kind to me because I intend to write it

FRANCE SQUAD FOR EURO 2008 IN AUSTRIA AND SWITZERLAND

Road to Austria and Switzerland 2008:

France, European Championship winners in 2000, lost twice to lowly Scotland in qualifying Group B, yet advanced after finishing runners-up to World Cup winners Italy. The French ended with 26 points to Italy’s 29, but had a more impressive goal difference – they hit 25 goals in 12 qualifiers and conceded only five.

France kicked off their campaign on September 2, 2006 with a 3-0 win over Georgia in Tbilisi. Raymond Domenech’s team then followed that up four days later with a morale-boosting victory over recently-crowned World Champions Italy. At the Stade de France in Paris a brace from Sidney Govou and a Thierry Henry strike cancelled out Alberto Gilardino’s goal. The 3-1 win went some way to avenge France’s defeat to Italy in Germany 2006’s final, when favourite son Zinédine Zidane was dismissed for head-butting defender Marco Materazzi and they lost 5-3 on penalties.

France then stumbled away to Scotland on October 7, losing 1-0 thanks to Gary Caudwell’s goal with 23 minutes remaining. Domenech’s side achieved wins against Faroe Islands (5-0), Lithuania (1-0), Ukraine (2-0) and Georgia again, before drawing against Italy in Rome.

Then, in September 2007, Scotland did the double on France. The shock 1-0 result at the Stade de France was thanks to James McFadden’s 64th minute screamer. France completed qualifying with victories over Faroe Islands (6-0) and Lithuania (2-0), and a 2-2 drew away to Ukraine.

Defender Lilian Thuram, the oldest player in Domenech’s squad (36), was the only man to play all 1080 minutes in qualifying. Thuram’s Barcelona team-mate Henry was France’s leading scorer – he netted six times in eighth appearances. Domenech used 31 players in all, including a number of youngsters.

Attacking midfielder Samir Nasri, 21, and 20-year-old Karim Benzema, in particular, announced their international arrival with impressive performances and goals in Euro 2008 qualifying.

The French last won the European Championship in 2000 when David Trezeguet’s golden goal earned them a 2-1 victory and the trophy. The only other time Les Blues have won the European Championship was in 1984 when, inspired by tournament top-scorer Michel Platini (nine goals), they defeated Spain 2-0 in the final at the Parc des Princes.

Coach:
Raymond Domenech

The 56-year-old of Spanish-Catalan descent (his father fled Franco’s Spain) took over from Jacques Santini as France coach after the poor showing at Euro 2004. An international defender (eight caps), Domenech starred for home-club Lyon and also played for Bordeaux, Paris Saint Germain and Stasbourg before turning his hand to coaching.

After four years in charge of Lyon, Domenech was appointed France U-21 coach in 1993 – a position he kept until replacing Santini. With superb knowledge of France’s young talent, Domenech successfully fused youth and experience to take Les Bleus to the World Cup Final in Germany 2006.

Initially derided for being a keen astrologer and amateur dramatist, he proved his doubters wrong and was unlucky to lose to Italy. Importantly he had convinced Lilian Thuram, Zinédine Zidane and Claude Makélélé to come out of international retirement.

Goalkeepers:
Grégory Coupet

The Lyon goalkeeper, Coupet, is finally regarded as the France No1, having had to bench for Fabien Barthez for years. Now 36, he made his international bow in 2001 on the way to France’s Confederations Cup win. He missed four months and six Euro 2008 qualifiers though a freak training-ground injury.

Mickaël Landreau

Paris Saint-Germain stopper Landreau will begin Euro 2008 behind Grégory Coupet in the pecking order, though the 28-year-old is a reliable backup. After 13 years at childhood club Nantes, where he skippered, Landreau moved to the Parisian club in 2006. He is renowned for his reflexes and excels in penalty shootouts.

Steve Mandanda

Capped for France at U-21 and B-team level but not yet a full international, goalkeeper Mandanda is one for the future. Born in Kinshasa, Zaire, he was on the books of AFC Le Harve until March this year when he signed a four-year deal with Marseille. Has three younger brothers who are all competent ‘keepers.

Defenders:
Éric Adibal

Adibal signed for Barcelona from Lyon last summer for €15m. After making his international debut in 2004, the 28-year-old flying left-back of Martiniquean descent, played every minute of France’s 2006 World Cup bar the Togo game for which he was suspended. He also played all but one of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

François Clerc

Right-back Clerc played four of France’s 12 Euro 2008 qualifiers and could yet receive the nod for a starting place over Bayern Munich’s Willy Sagnol and Arsenal’s Bacary Sangna. The 25-year-old Lyon defender is not averse to pushing further forward, though he has only scored one goal in his professional career.

Julien Escudé

Brother of tennis player Nicolas Escudé, centre back Julien moved to Sevilla in January 2006. That October he gained his first cap for Les Bleus but is unlikely to play much of a part in Austria and Switzerland. The 28-year-old, who featured in three Euro 2008 qualifiers, has also played at Ajax and Rennes.

Patrice Evra

Manchester United’s left-back, Evra, played once for Raymond Domenech’s team in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, with Éric Adibal being preferred. The quick 26-year-old, born in Dakar, Senegal, moved to Manchester in 2006 for £5.5m after playing 120 games for Monaco. The pious Evra was named in the 2006/7 team Professional Footballers Association XI.

William Gallas

Arsenal captain Gallas is likely to start at centre back for France at Euro 2008, though the 30-year-old has played at full-back in a career that has taken him to Caen, Marseille and Chelsea. Of Guadeloupean descent, Gallas moved to Arsenal in September 2006 as a make-weight for Ashley Cole.

Philippe Mexès

Classy defender Mexès, 26, was unused by Raymond Domenech in qualifying, much to the French media’s disapproval. He now makes up part of the backbone of Roma, where the former Auxerre man has starred for four years. Mexès has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Real Madrid after a successful 2007/8.

Bacary Sanga

After moving from Auxerre last July Arsenal right-back Sanga has impressed in his first season in the Premier League, and won his first international cap in August 2007 against Slovakia. The 25-year-old is likely to be overlooked by coach Raymond Domenech, however, in favour of the more experienced Willy Sagnol.

Willy Sagnol

Right wingback Sagnol, 31, has been playing for Bayern Munich for eight seasons and also made his international debut in 2000. He has over 50 caps to his name and played five times in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. The Former Monaco man won the Champions League in 2001 and has won the Bundesliga five times.

Lilian Thuram

Euro 2000 and World Cup 1998 winner Thuram made his international bow 14 years ago and has been one of Europe’s most heralded footballers for the last decade after impressing at Monaco, Parma, Juventus and now Barcelona. The 36-year-old was born in Guadalupe and is the only French ever-present in qualifying.

Midfielders:
Hatem Ben Arfa

Left winger Ben Arfa, one of the most coveted young talents in Europe, has come through the ranks at French champions Lyon. Ben Arfa, 21, snubbed a place with the Turkish World Cup squad in 2006 and began his career as a centre forward under Gérard Houllier.

Lassana Diarra

Portsmouth’s central midfielder Diarra was deemed too small and lightweight to succeed at Nantes. But now the 5’ 9” 23-year-old of Malian descent has played at Le Harve, Chelsea and Arsenal, and is highly rated by French coach Raymond Domenech. Made his debut in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania in March 2007.

Mathieu Flamini

Hardworking defensive midfielder Flamini trained as a lawyer and signed from Arsenal from his trainee club Marseille in 2004. Though the 24-year-old proved his versatility in his first three seasons at the London club, Flamini cemented his place in the Arsenal team in 2007/8. Gained first international cap in November 2007 against Morocco.

Claude Makélélé

The diminutive Zaire-born Makélélé was convinced by Raymond Domenech to come out of international retirement for Germany 2006. The 35-year-old has starred for Nantes, Marseille, Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and Chelsea in a position in front of the defence which has become eponymous: the Makélélé role. Yet to score for Les Bleus.

Florent Malouda

Former Lyon left winger Malouda moved to Chelsea in July 2007 for £13.5m after being named Ligue 1 player of the season. Malouda, who turns 28 during the tournament, was felled against Italy in the Germany World Cup Final in the box – a penalty that was converted by Zinédine Zidane.

Samir Nasri

Hailed as the ‘new Zinédine Zidane’ because of his upbringing and Algerian roots, Nasri, who enjoys his 21st birthday during Euro 2008, is the future of France. The flamboyant attacking midfielder made his Marseille debut when he was only 17 and has already scored twice for his country – his first was the winner against Georgia in June 2007.

Franck Ribéry

Highly-rated attacker Ribéry, who starred for France at Germany 2006, signed for German Champions Bayern Munich for a club-record €25m in June 2007. The 25-year-old winger or forward was scarred from a car accident when he was two and has played at a total of seven clubs including Galatasaray and Marseille.

Jérôme Rothen

Touted as France’s ‘left-sided David Beckham’ after his performances propelled Monaco to the Champions League Final in 2004, Rothen signed for boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain that summer, after featuring in France’s Euro 2004 quarter-final. Now 30 Rothen is expected to only be a peripheral figure in Switzerland and Austria.

Jérémy Toulalan

Holding midfielder Toulalan was one of the stars of Lyon’s 2007/8 season, having signed from Nantes in 2006, his alma mater. The 24-year-old is lauded by Raymond Domenech and is viewed as Claude Makélélé’s eventual successor in the national team. Is yet to score in 11 games for Les Bleus.

Patrick Vieira

Former Arsenal lynchpin Vieira won his second consecutive Scudetto with Internazionale in 2007/8 (the previous year’s was for Juventus) and the France captain’s form will be vital if his team are to repeat their Euro 2000 success. The 6’4” midfielder, who turns 32 during the tournament, has over 100 caps for his country and was born in Dakar, Senegal.

Forwards:
Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea’s Anelka moved to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer market for £15m, meaning that his six transfers have amassed £85m – the most any player has managed. The clinical striker, 29, is back in favour for Les Bleus after missing out on Germany 2006 and scored four goals in seven Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Karim Benzema

Lyon’s talented forward Benzema, who prefers a central role but can play on either wing, is of Kabyle-Algerian descent. Coveted by Europe’s top clubs, Benzema, 20, put pen to paper on a new deal which ties him to Lyon until 2013, and makes him Ligue 1’s highest-paid player on €4.8m per annum.

Djibril Cissé

Striker Cissé, 26, made his name at Auxerre before moving to Liverpool for a then club record £14m in 2004. After horrendously breaking his leg in a warm up game against China before Germany 2006, many feared Cissé’s career would be doomed. However he has come back into favour with a good season for Marseille.

Sidney Govou

Lyon’ versatile attacker Govou, of Beninese descent, has filled in for Les Bleus on a number of occasions without ever pinning down a place. The 28-year-old was called up to France’s Germany 2006 squad after Djibril Cissé broke his leg, and scored twice in their 2-1 win over Italy in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Thierry Henry

Since moving from Arsenal, where he broke Cliff Bastin’s long-standing goal record, Henry, now 30, has struggled to gain a regular starting place at Barcelona. The former Monaco winger has never been out of favour for Les Bleus, however. In October 2007 he broke Michel Platini’s goalscoring record and now has 44 goals (six in qualifying).

Louis Saha

Manchester United’s 29-year-old striker Saha has had an injury-hit four seasons at Old Trafford since his move from Fulham, where he impressed by scoring 53 goals in Premier League 117 games. The Paris-born player began his career with Metz before being loaned to Newcastle.

David Trezeguet

World Cup 1998 winner Trezeguet will always be lauded by the French after his golden goal in the final of Euro 2000 clinched victory over Italy. The tall, quick forward, 30, had been out of favour under Raymond Domenech, though an impressive goal-scoring 2007/8 in Italy with Juventus brought him back into contention.

Labels: Euro 2008, France, Raymond Domenech

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 3:53 pm | Permalink | Comments

ZIMBABWE ISSUE LED TO SPEED DEPARTURE

Disagreements over the issue of Zimbabwe led to Malcolm Speed not completing his full tenure as chief executive of the International Cricket Council, the ICC's president-elect David Morgan revealed on Saturday.

A press release on Friday from the ICC stated that Speed, seven years in the position, would “be on paid leave from 30 April 2008 until the end of his contract term on 4 July 2008” following the “fundamental breakdown in the relationship between the CEO and a number of board members ... over a variety of issues that include Zimbabwe”.

Speed was due to stand down in July, but will now leave the ICC next Wednesday. At a media briefing at Lords on Saturday Morgan stressed that Speed’s departure was not over a disagreement over the Indian Premier League or the Indian Cricket League, as had been rumoured.

He said: “Contrary to that which has been gossiped on the wide spread basis, it is nothing to do with the ICL or the IPL.

“I would like to stress that there is agreement between the CEO the President (Ray Mali) that the CEO moves on to paid leave for the final two months of his term.

“That has not been imposed upon him. It is something that, by the work that I have done with the President and the CEO, there is agreement to that effect.

“It is not the ideal situation that has arisen. Both Mr Speed and Mr Mali have agreed this course of action. I think it is a very unfortunate ending to what has been a very successful term of office.”

Morgan revealed that the ICC’s approach to Zimbabwe had been a major sticking point for Speed though he was unprepared to go into the “other issues”. Concerns about the finances of how cricket was funded in Zimbabwe had led to an ICC executive board meeting in March.

The conclusions of the ICC created an irresolvable rift between Speed and other senior ICC figures. An independent audit was conducted by KPMG, though it has not been made available for public consumption.

And, as Morgan said: “Malcolm was clearly uncomfortable with the board’s decision regarding the KPMG report.

“It was very clear that the report identified no particular individuals who were guilty of any financial mismanagement or mal practice.

“It essentially reflected the extremely difficult trading position that exists in Zimbabwe, where parallel markets abound. Trading conditions are very difficult in Zimbabwe.”

Morgan praised the achievements of the 59-year-old Australian. “I believe that in Malcolm Speed’s time, in the seven years that he served, cricket has progressed really well,” he continued.

“We have a much more prosperous and vibrant game today than we had when he took over. I believe in due time people will stand back and pay tribute to his very significant achievements.”

Morgan conceded that, on the back of a “very disappointing” World Cup in the Caribbean last year and now this, “the image of the ICC is not good, and that is something that we need to address. I shall work jolly hard to make some progress.”

David Richardson, the ICC General Manager, is to serve as interim CEO until Speed’s replacement, Haroon Lorgat, assumes the role at the ICC’s Annual Conference at the beginning of July.

Labels: David Morgan, International Cricket Council, Malcolm Speed, Zimbabwe

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 4:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

CHAMBERS READY TO PROVE HIS LEAGUE WORTH

Dwain Chambers cannot wait to make his rugby league debut on Sunday, when Castleford Tigers reserves play host to York City Knights in a specially-arranged friendly at The Jungle.

The disgraced Olympic sprinter, who had previously never played rugby of any kind, has been at the West Yorkshire club for a month on trial and whether his time at the club will be extended is down to his performance in the game.

Chambers, who will play on the wing, said: “I’m definitely ready for the game – I’ve been looking forward to it a lot.

“In the last few weeks I have got a good feel for the game and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm psyched up to perform against York.”

Castleford sit bottom of the Super League, but the athlete, who has not dismissed a return to the Olympic arena in Beijing this summer, wants to back them through thick and thin.

He continued: “I will still support the team no matter what we are going through. Hopefully the supporters will see that I mean business. Whether I will extend the loan period or not will depend on how well I play in the friendly. I will be playing on the wing.”

Castleford Tigers media manager, David Smart, was positive about the 30-year-old’s contribution to the club in his short time there. He said: “Dwain has stuck at it and he has impressed when he has trained with the first team and made a good account of himself.

“He has worked tremendously hard in the month he has been with us. He has been living out of a hotel, away from his London-based wife and family, which cannot be easy. He has helped out in the community since he has been here – he even did some sprint training with the youngsters.

“A decision on whether Dwain is offered another contract will be made by the coaches in the days following the game. They will have to study and analyse the videos, because when you watch it in the game you don’t spot everything. It is the same with any player.

“By the middle of next week the club should be making an announcement as to will be happening. It has been great having his around the place. He has fitted in well and you can’t fault his enthusiasm and commitment. Whatever happens next week no one can deny that he has given it his best shot.”

Labels: Castleford Tigers, Dwain Chambers, Rugby league, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:18 pm | Permalink | Comments

CURBS TO SILENCE BOO BOYS

Alan Curbishley has vowed to silence the boo boys who heckled his West Ham team last week, even after they won! The disappointed manager is convinced that a spectacular win against Premier League form team Newcastle United tomorrow afternoon will get the fans back on their side.

The Upton Park fans made clear their frustrations in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over already-relegated Derby.

But the Hammers are currently tenth in the Premier League – far from the relegation scrap they were involved in at this stage last season.

And having been hit hard by injuries this season, Curbisley believes that his squad have coped extremely well and that the boos are wholly unfair.

He said: “The message to the fans is: We are all frustrated, but get behind the players and the team. We are all in this together, and let’s see if we can finish the season strongly.

“I have never seen a team win at home and then get booed. It was really disappointing and doesn’t do anyone any good booing the players or the manager, because we are all in this together.

“There is a lot of frustration around the club at the moment but we know that the fans were great this time last year – they were instrumental in keeping us up, because of their support. Now we have to get that back.

“Last season we had a lot of bad publicity and we wanted a settling down period this season. The squad have played fantastically well, and we have competed well in the Premier League. With everyone fit we know we can be a lot stronger.

“We have got to stick by each other – let’s not hear booing this weekend. Despite the injures we have managed to get the wins, pick up the points and keep us in a decent position in the league.”

He continued: “We have had constant change, and constant problems. I want a bit of realism and appreciation.

“When Newcastle come to town it makes for a great atmosphere. We want to respond to the boos and get the result and send everyone home happy.

“Coming to Upton Park is always difficult for the away team and we have got to keep it like that. It was disappointing last Saturday but it is up to us to turn it around."

Labels: Alan Cubishley, Newcastle, Premier League, West Ham United

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:15 pm | Permalink | Comments

RELEGATION WOULD BE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT - HODGSON

Roy Hodgson admits that if Fulham don’t escape the Premier League drop it will rank alongside losing the Uefa Cup Final on penalties in terms of disappointment – in a 32-year coaching career.

The Fulham manager took the reins of the west London club in late December, when the team were in eighteenth in the table having won only two games under Lawrie Sanchez.

He remains confident that his team can beat the drop despite being five points adrift of safety with only three games remaining – the first of which is at Manchester City’s Eastlands tomorrow afternoon.

The 60-year-old, who took Inter Milan to the Uefa Cup Final in 1997 only to lose 4-1 on penalties after extra time, said: “It would be a major disappointment if Fulham were relegated and I don't know if it will be the worst in a 32-year career.

“Losing the UEFA Cup final on penalties is going to take a little bit of beating. But I didn't come here to see the team go down, so it would be a major blow to me.

“I've had a short, intensive spell of four months here, but I don't think the team has done that badly.”

Though Hodgson has contemplated relegation, he is hoping that the fight in his players and some good fortune will steer them from danger.

He continued: “We've had bad luck at times but I think the club has great potential and if we survive in the Premier League we'll definitely be stronger next season.

“There's no simple answer to why the club is in the position it is. Sometimes things degenerate over a period of time and it's not easy to turn the tide around when it has turned against you.

“But I haven't concerned myself too much with the past – I've just put the blinkers on and tried to make us a better football team.

“The mood in training has been very good this week. The players have great belief and have been happy to work and get on with it.

“If the situation had been really getting them down then maybe we'd have tried some different to improve morale.”

And Hodgson stressed that star midfielder Jimmy Bullard, allegedly wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, is fully focused on Fulham’s cause.

“Jimmy is one of the more committed people in training,” the Fulham boss said. “At this time of year players will be linked to other clubs.

“But you don't have to worry about Jimmy getting his shirt sweaty and working his socks off to get results.

“If he does have other thoughts in his head then he's keeping them to himself and they're not affecting his performance.”

On tomorrow's game at eighth-place Manchester City, he added: “We will go out there and do our very best to get the three points that we need to keep us in the hunt to avoid relegation.

“I believe we can do it. If we get a bit of luck on our side in the last three games and we play well, why wouldn’t I believe we can escape relegation?”

Probable line-up: Keller; Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Dempsey; Healy, McBride

Labels: Fulham, Jimmy Bullard, Premier League, Roy Hodgson

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:03 pm | Permalink | Comments

LITMANEN - THE UNLUCKIEST MAN IN FOOTBALL

Roy Hodgson thinks that Jari Litmanen must be the unluckiest man in football.

In four months the Finnish forward has not been able to make his Fulham debut after a series of freak injuries.

The latest accident happened in training last Monday when he was downed by a clearance booted from close range.

Fulham manager Hodgson said: “Litmanen is the most unlucky fellow I have come across in football.

“In training our Portuguese keeper (Ricardo Batista), who I must say is a very fearsome kicker of the ball, managed to smash it into the back of his head from about four yards away.

“It was like a missile that knocked him over. It's not a long term thing but it's knocked him for six this week.

“Jari has been very unlucky. When I first went to the Finnish FA he was standing next to his sporting director at Malmo and the guy opened as can of coke and the top popped into his eye.”

Labels: Fulham, Jari Litmanan, Premier League, Roy Hodgson

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:06 pm | Permalink | Comments

BENITEZ WAS UPSET - ARBELOA

Álvaro Arbeloa has revealed that his Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was livid with both the team and referee Konrad Plautz after the Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea at Anfield.

John Arne Riise's 95th minute own goal gifted Chelsea a vital away goal to take to Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Arbeloa insisted that had Petr Cech not saved a shot from Fernando Torres, Liverpool would be on the way to the final in Moscow.

The 25-year-old said: "It was a key moment. We would have gone 2-0 up and that blow to Chelsea would have meant that they had it all to do.

"It was disappointing to concede right at the last moment. Up until then the game had gone pretty much to plan. We had attacked and scored.

"Rafa was very upset with us and the referee in the dressing room after the match. I thought the referee did not give us much.

"But we must forget that now. We must think about the week ahead and work very hard."

Labels: Alvaro Arbeloa, Champions League, Chelsea, Liverpool

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:50 pm | Permalink | Comments

ALONSO RAGE AT CHELSEA DRAW

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was enraged by Chelsea's equaliser in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Anfield.

He believes the game should have been over and decided well before John Arne Riise's 95th minute own goal.

Alonso said: "The draw is not a good result, nor just. I'm angry because we should have gone up 2-0 before their late goal.

"It is a pain not to have taken away a better result at home and it will be necessary for us to improve for the return match".

Labels: Champions League, Chelsea, Liverpool, Xabi Alonso

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:49 pm | Permalink | Comments

CHALLENGE CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Harlequins will host last year's Super League Grand Final winners in the Fifth Round of the Challenge Cup - though the London club's coach, Brian McDermott, believes that his team will thrive on being the underdogs.
He said: "The Rhinos are superb but we will be pressure-free against Leeds. They will be expected to win so the pressure will be on them.

"Their coach Brian McClennan has come out and said that he wants Leeds to win the Cup. "I think he has every right to think that too, with the team he has got and the way they are playing. I don't think that is any arrogance on their part. "We will do the best we can." The fifth round ties will be played on May 9, 10 and 11.

The draw in full is:
Hull KR v Huddersfield
Barrow v Wakefield
Dewsbury v Oldham
Bradford v Catalans
Wigan v Whitehaven
Widnes v Hull FC
Harlequins RL V Leeds
St Helens v Warrington

Labels: Challenge Cup, Harlequins Rugby League, Leeds Rhinos

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:46 pm | Permalink | Comments

PAUL TO JOIN LEEDS CARNEGIE FROM QUINS RL

Henry Paul is to be unveiled by Guinness Premiership club Leeds Carnegie on Wednesday morning having agreed to move for next season with the best wishes of his current coach, Brian McDermott.

The New Zealander declined to extend his contract with Harlequins Rugby League beyond October, and will move to newly-relegated Leeds when Super League XIII concludes.

The 34-year-old crossed codes from league to union originally in 2001 when he moved to Gloucester from Bradford Bulls before moving back to league with Quins two years ago.

Paul won the first of his six international caps for England at centre under Sir Clive Woodward, but missed out on winning the World Cup in 2003.

While at rugby league club Wigan Warriors Paul won every trophy possible in the game before moving to Bradford Bulls where he was successful as well.

Harlequins head coach McDermott praised the achievements of his departing player. He said: "There are not too many people who can leave the game without regrets. But Henry couldn't have done any more in the game - he can sleep easy.

"He has put so much into rugby league and has such leadership and presence. When he does retire he can say he has left no stone unturned in rugby league.

"Two years ago he decided that he wanted one last throw of the dice in rugby league and he can leave the game pleased. Henry has been great in bringing on the younger members of the first team squad.

"But he is doing such a good job that when he leaves at the end of the year one of the young lads will be ready to take his place.

"While it will be a sad loss to the club - he has been great for us in the last two years - we are quite prepared to move on.

"Henry competes for us every single week - he has been pretty big for us this year. He will continue to be huge for us, even though it looks as though he will be leaving.

"It doesn't surprise me that he is going to Leeds Carnegie - he enjoyed his union when he played for Gloucester. Henry has to go where he feels it will be best for his family - I'm in total agreement with him."

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Henry Paul

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

LONDON CALLING

A mere drop-kick from Twickenham Stadium, rugby union's high temple in south-west London, there can be found an alternative attraction for an increasing number of Londoners, interested in rugby of a different kind. The Stoop, home of Harlequins Rugby League, is their Mecca, and Head Coach Brian McDermott has made it his mission to nurture and harvest the blooming local talent, which for so long has been in the
shade.

"It is bearing fruit, but it needs a lot of tending and fertilizer and watering every single day," suggests McDermott. "We are not there yet." The ex-Royal Marine is proud of what is being done, though he knows that the hard work is only just beginning.

"I have been given a great opportunity down here - I'm coaching probably the most important team in Super League," the former Bradford Bulls prop continues. "In the last few years the work has totally consumed my life and my family's life, but it's a great job.

"We have to crack rugby league down here and make it big, so as to produce our own. It is a dream and ambition of mine to win the Grand Final or the Challenge Cup and have a captain with a cockney accent on television."

New director Keith Hogg, who took the reins from Wigan-bound Ian Leneganin October, has the same vision. He says: "This club is more than capable of winning Super League in the next five years, and the heart of the team will be made up of players from London and the south. It will not happen overnight, but we must not lose sight of that goal."

The new licences, which stipulate that at least 10 club-trained players must be in the squad by 2012, will be a boon not only to development in the south, but the game in general. Hogg adds: "The introduction of the licence means we now have a lot more focus and support for the development of rugby league players in the London region. This is very important for the growth of the sport."

Attempts to establish rugby league in London, away from the northern heartland, are nothing new. In 1930 three clubs - London Highfield, Acton and Willesden and Streatham and Mitcham - briefly sparkled before folding after a year. The problems in developing the game in the south have always been the same: higher capital; local competition with the more popular football and rugby union; and imported players, from up the M1 and M6 or abroad, who find it difficult to adjust and commit long term.

In the 1980s, after a gap of half a century when league was played exclusively in the north, Fulham Football Club introduced a rugby league sister team. Former Widnes skipper Reg Bowden became player-coach and Fulham enjoyed an impressive first season. But a decade of struggle on and off the pitch followed. The next reincarnation was as the London Crusaders in 1991, before Australian APL club Brisbane Broncos bought
them out three years later.

The London Broncos were invited by the RFL to be part of the inaugural Super League in 1996, and with a number of Antipodeans and a large kitty, the club were a success, finishing Super League runners-up in 1997 and Challenge Cup finalists in 1999. However, when Lenegan bought the Broncos in 2005 and rebranded the club Harlequins, the sister club of the famous union team, he wanted to focus on producing local talent.

Erstwhile coach Tony Rea, who starred for the Broncos in that first Super League season, had a big hand in altering the blueprint of importing expensive players, and those foundations have been built upon by McDermott, who replaced the Australian in July 2006.

This season, the first team squad of 25 can now boast six young Londoners, and there are many more working their way up through the academy. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Michael Worrincy, both 22, and 21-year-old Tony Clubb are the cream of the current crop. Prop or second row McCarthy-Scarsbrook, in particular, has fast become a cult hero at The Stoop. Aside from the vast amount of replica shirts he sells,
McCarthy-Scarsbrook has been mooted as a future England international, though his impressive start to Super League XIII has been curtailed by a broken wrist.

Born on the Isle of Dogs, the ebullient McCarthy-Scarsbrook enjoyed flinging himself between football posts for the South of England XI until he was 16 when a schoolmaster introduced him and classmate Worrincy to league, and they caught the bug. "Back then I was a fat kid wearing a scrum hat, and had my hands on backwards," grins the player who McDermott now calls 'the Enforcer'. "Four years ago I wouldn't have dreamt I would be been playing Super League rugby with Quins. As a Londoner it is awesome to be playing for the club."

He is positive that the game is being offered to an increasing number of locals, and the quality in the Academy is proof that things are improving. "You can feel the buzz around Harlequins, with London kids wanting to play," he continues. "That buzz wasn't around a few years ago, when we were looking for the Australians to come over. But now if you look at the Academy you can see that there is an abundance of talent
coming through. We should have a full London team within the next couple of years!"

The man at the coalface in charge of unearthing local talent is 37-year-old Phil Jones, who McDermott chiefly credits for the success of the Academy. "Phil, our player performance manager, has put in an immense amount of work over the last six or seven years," says McDermott. "If we can keep these youngsters at the club and interested, I believe we can have a genuine conveyor belt at this club."

Jones, who joined the Broncos a decade ago, has now developed a scouting network monitoring youths in London and the Home Counties for Harlequins and has vastly improved the Academy and scholarship programmes. Though there has been success in the form of Londoners in the first team, Jones believes that disseminating the game to the very young is paramount to producing future McCarthy-Scarsbrooks.

"It isn't a vast pool," he suggests. "We have only dipped our foot in the water these last two years. Our seven scouts watch a whole range of age groups - from 13 to 20-year olds. But at this fledgling stage the young ones are very important. We need to encourage those kids to keep playing rugby league.

"Success breeds success and the system is shown to be working as we are getting numbers in the first team. That we have locals in the team is a big recruitment tool for us. It is starting to change the mindset of the lads in the Academy as they can see what, with a lot of hard work, they could achieve.

"It's hugely satisfying and exciting when one of our guys breaks into the first team. I'm as nervous as they are - I want them to do really well. And it's good for the crowd - they are a lot more forgiving and encouraging, as they want to see local lads do well."

In March, two of Quins' youngsters - centre Darren Reed and prop Olsi Krasniqi - represented England U16s in two Tests against France. Joe Mbu, now 24, was the last player from the club to play at U16 level for England. "It's not the be all and end all, but it is a good indication that things are improving," offers Jones.

"Certainly more people are being exposed to rugby league in London now - there are more people playing in clubs down here than ever before. We are starting to bear the fruits, but in four or five years you can imagine it will be completely transformed, just by the amount of activity that is going on.

"If you look at the gene pool in London - the diverse ethnicity, the size of Londoners - if it is handled correctly, a long way down the line, we might be producing lots of players for the rest of the country as well as ourselves."

Jones believes that hard-working McDermott is key to the success of the talent production line. He regularly watches over scholarship programmes and the academy training sessions, as well as providing workshops and seminars to support London coaches. "Tony (Rea) started the process, but Brian has chased it on to another level," Jones says.

"He is very positive, and always wants to know about how the lads are playing, which is exciting. For example, in the close season we had a scholarship camp for 13 to 16-year- olds and Brian came down to all but two of the 15 training sessions, which pushed the coaches and therefore the kids. I don't know if that is on offer anywhere else.

"I think that interaction and support for the coaches has brought the other London clubs closer to us. They want to get their players into the Harlequins Academy. Everyone is working towards one vision and we want to make Harlequins into a really successful club."

And 38-year-old McDermott, whose contract is due to expire at the conclusion of the current season, is fully committed to the cause. His team have, with the help of the six southern youngsters, impressed this season, and if it weren't for injuries to pivotal players they would be higher up the Super League.

His tireless stamina and determined attitude is epitomised on the field by captain and loose forward Rob Purdham - another player, along with McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Rikki Sheriffe ("one of the three best wingers in the country"), touted by McDermott to be in with a shout of boarding England's World Cup plane to Australia in October.

"I would take Rob to war, and I would follow him to war," says McDermott. "He is a great leader for the boys. He is very like Jamie Peacock, in that he provides tackle busts, offloads and try passes. He can break games for us."

Down the line, McDermott does not rule out the possibility of becoming England head coach - the position currently held by Tony Smith, who he worked under as assistant at Leeds Rhinos before moving south - though for now he is more than happy with his London gig. "I would be hugely proud to be in charge of the national team, though I don't think it will ever happen," he continues. "It is just a fuzzy thought when I have my cup of tea now and then.

"I have to earn my stripes to stand a chance. First I have to produce a conveyor belt of talent in London, and secondly I want to win a competition with Quins. I have invested my guts down here for the past two years and I will be seeing my end through whatever. While I am here the job will have all I can give.

"At the start of the season we made some internal goals, targets that are higher than you might think, so as to push ourselves. But we have come up against teams in the top four and we've been beaten comfortably. When we have stepped into the ring with the big boys, we haven't shown up or done the business, which has been disappointing. If we are successful on the pitch everything else will be a success too - the crowds, sponsorship and interest in the game down south."

There is no doubting his passion for the task - he signs off every match-day programme column with 'Be proud of rugby league in London ... I am'. With McDermott at the helm, and everyone pulling the same way at Harlequins, his dream of hearing a winning cockney captain on television could happen sooner than you think.

FIVE YOUNG QUINS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Tony Clubb
12.06.1987
Centre / Wing

BM: “Tony might not be the tallest bloke, but he is big and muscular. He has got a decent amount of speed and skill too. Unlike most of the young fellas, who are sometimes timid, I’m almost reining in his aggression. He will be in with a shout for international honours in the future.”

Michael Worrincy
16.02.1986
Prop / Loose forward

BM: “Mike was one of the first to stand up against Bradford at Odsal. He’s a big, strong lad and he made some important try-saving tackles and carries. He has a bit of seniority about him, and good rugby league awareness, which is encouraging.”

Will Sharp
13.05.1986
Centre / Wing

BM: “Will is as mad as a hatter, a cracking guy. Put him on the field with the ball in his hand and he will not stop running. He runs his heart out, earns lots of yards. You need people to step up and do the ugly stuff and he is one of those.”

Lamont Bryan
04.12.1988
Centre / Full back

BM: “Lamont is a great character but has not had a chance yet, though I dare say he will do at some point this year. He has got speed and he’s immensely powerful. He’s got a promising career ahead – with hard work and application he will make it.”

Joe Walsh
13.01.1988
Prop / Loose forward

BM: “Joe has been brave enough to make the trip down from the north and he will be a better player and person for it, getting out of the comfort zone. He has had a couple of games for us but his time will definitely come.”

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 2:45 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS BLEW LEGS OFF CAS

Harlequins head coach Brian McDermott praised his players who, after being 14-0 down at half-time, scored 44 unanswered points against Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup Fourth Round at the Stoop.

And rather than take credit for an inspiring half-time team talk, the former Royal Marine admitted that it was the players who knew what they had to do to put things right against the Tigers, currently bottom of the Super League.

“I don’t think we played that poorly in the first half,” McDermott said. “Even though we were 14-0 down at the break, the message was not, ‘Holy moly, what’s happened?’ We knew we could get back in the game.

“I have never seen a game where the momentum has shifted so much. The players had all the right things to say at the break. They knew what was wrong – I did not say anything that turned it around. I thought they had it covered and I left half way through. They went out there and absolutely blew the legs off Castleford.”

After Michael Shenton and Adam Fletcher scored for the visitors, Danny Orr, Tony Clubb, Gareth Haggerty, David Howell, Chad Randall, Joe Mbu and Danny Ward crossed the whitewash for Quins.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Castleford Tigers, Harlequins Rugby League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:28 pm | Permalink | Comments

QUINS COMEBACK TO SMASH CAS

In front of the BBC cameras Harlequins put on an outstanding second half display to bury Castleford Tigers 44-14 at the Stoop in the only all-Super League Fourth Round match up.
After being 14-0 down at the interval, Brian McDermott’s team scored 44 unanswered points to romp through to the Fifth Round.

The first 20 minutes passed without incident – a Castleford kick which was caught in the stands received the loudest cheer. Castleford’s Dwain Chambers – the disgraced athlete who has caused a stir since joining the club for a month – watched on in the drizzle. He left his chilly seat in the stands having seen the Tigers open the scoring through Michael Shenton after 23 minutes.

The winger collected Anthony Thackeray’s grubber, after Brent Sherwin’s 40-20 tremendous kick had handed them another set of six tackles. Craig Huby added the extra two points followed by another two from a penalty with ten minutes of the first half remaining.

Castleford belied their lowly position in the Super League – they are bottom with only four points from 11 games – by scoring again. Thackeray was the orchestrator as quick hands set Adam Fletcher over in the right-hand corner. Kirk Dixon took over from the injured Huby as kicker but could not convert from the touchline, though he did make amends two minutes before the interval with a successful penalty that took the score to 14-0.

Whatever coach Brian McDermott said at half time worked, as the Quins looked a different team in the second half. In short, they were awesome. After a couple of minutes Henry Paul put Joe Mbu through a gap 20 metres out and the centre slalomed three tackles to cross the whitewash. Soon after scrum half Chad Randall dummied from 10 metres from the line and scurried over for a score.

Captain Rob Purham was immaculate with his place kicking lacing those two conversions and a penalty before young winger Tony Clubb added another four points. He plucked the ball from air and after Orr chipped his kick across the defence.

In the remaining 15 minutes Quins ran riot. Man-of-the match Orr weaved in from the half-way line, and then with ten minutes left on the clock his kick popped up to David Howell in the try zone. Substitute Gareth Haggerty got in on the action, as did Danny Ward.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Castleford Tigers, Harlequins Rugby League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:26 pm | Permalink | Comments

MORE THAN BOX TICKED AND T-SHIRT GOT

The day came and went like the flash of Martin Lel’s red shorts (if, indeed, they were shorts and not a cunningly camouflaged rocket pack). But the memories will be locked in my head, wrapped in silver space foil for incubated preservation.

Months (well a month-and-a-bit, really) of hard graft and preparation had gone into this one balloon-and-whistle fest of a day. The apprehension was beginning to pinch tighter than my running shorts. I suppose the self-doubt is worse for first-timers, but a nagging question could not be shaken: Had I done enough pavement-pounding? After all, there had been setbacks in training – crippling(ish) knee injuries, boozy gambols in the snow and bouts of exhausted sloth – that cannot have helped matters.

But it was too late for nerves to bite. Following a mountainous bowl of oats after a 6.30am wake up, I was on my way to Maze Hill, where my 26.3 miles was to begin. On that early tube, and the connecting train from London Bridge, there was evidence enough that this was going to be a wacky, unique day.

As I hopped on at Baker Street there were no more than four fellow marathon runners to be seen. A knowing nod and a reciprocal split-second look of sheer terror at the thought of what the next six, or more, hours could bring, sufficed. Then came Bond Street, followed by Green Park, and an increasing number of running shoes shuffled their way into the now-jammed carriage.

Pulled-taut red and white laces, timing chips, chunky black electric watches and multi-coloured Lycra dominated. Nervous chatter wafted through the claustrophobic tube, and like the pungent fusion of Deep Heat, talcum powder, Vaseline and colourful but cloying energy drinks, it was all a bit nauseating.

Seven-foot rhinos jostled with convicts for comfier positions; jocular robots and pirates talked race tactics, and of the fabled ‘wall’. It had been this wall that had plagued my recent slumbers, waking me with a sweaty jolt. This imaginary insurmountable physiological barrier can confront you from around the 16-mile mark, when your fatigued body joins forces with an unsteady step and confused delirium. It stops you in your tracks; and when you stop it is tremendously hard to start again.

Attempting to clear this chilling thought from my head, I joined the herd of runners bounding their way through Greenwich Park. Having clocked where I was to start from, I looked long and hard for a place where I could lose a pound or two, where the queues were not Russian Revolution-esque.

My pickiness had caused me to be late for the 9.45am race. I quickly changed into my kit, briefly stretched and began trotting towards to the back of the throng which was ambling towards the start line. Sardined again.

It was a trippingly-slow pace for the first 10 miles; we even came to a complete stand-still around mile six as some of the 34,000 (London’s third largest, in 28 marathons) partakers had to squeeze through a gap no wider than sideways car.

But rather than getting frustrated, I began to hum to the tune of the marathon. The streets were becoming increasingly flanked by well-wishers, musicians, cheering children who would offer their tiny hands as a high-five option. (The only hands on offer that you had to beware were those of the St Johns Ambulance folk, whose plastic gloves were smothered in yet more Vaseline. Watching someone apply thick, gooey petroleum jelly, mid-jog, to their inner thighs is quite a sight to behold.)

Spirits were high and optimism abounded. Runners, of all ages and from all corners of the globe, each carrying a story as to why they were running for charity, exchanged cheery conversation. Polite ‘excuse mes’, ‘pardons’, ‘no problems’ and ‘you’re welcomes’ were commonplace when overtaking was a mite cosy. No bad mannered barging, elbowing or similar was witnessed; not in London, which – according to race veterans – provides the ultimate carnival marathon. (I hear, in particular, the Berlin run in September is a slightly more bruising experience).

Having eventually found my rhythm I motored through the ballooned mile markers, boosted by the energy gels I had been suckered into buying while registering the day before. Slurping water or Lucozade whenever it was offered, and grabbing the handouts of bananas and Jelly Babies I began to whole-heartedly enjoy the run. No need for i-Pods or other distractions to disguise the reality that running is dull – the street festival atmosphere was inspiration enough to keep going.

The lumbering stilted woman, Batmen and Robins, luminous g-string-clad Borats, fully-laden marines and Masai warriors I passed en route to Buckingham Palace’s finale, were a hoot. The collective sense of a will to succeed, all for differing but benevolent reasons, permeated every pore, and my legs pumped on. Even the rain, which lasted only 20minutes, could not dampen spirits.

The course snaked through London, and the further we loped, the denser the audience became. At first I thought the idea of having ‘Ollie’ ironed on to my skimpy yellow RNLI running slip was a little twee. Though when the lack of lactic acid began to burn, that six-deep, bellowing crowd propelled me further.

Through Embankment, with the magical finishing line a mere two miles away, the egging on was an essential fillip, and – I’m sure – helped me evade the dreaded ‘wall’. Staggering those last few hundred paces, eyes blurred by delirium, leaden-footed, a relief and joy at the realisation that this odyssey was near to finishing washed over me.

Through the line, medal awarded, timing chip snipped off for assessment, and still I couldn’t hold back a stupefied grin. Once I realised my time – three hours 48 minutes – I went into back-slapping overdrive, congratulating every silver-foiled comrade.

A tremendous sense of achievement filled me, and yes: I ticked the marathon box, and was awarded the t-shirt. But, much more importantly, in that unique sub-four hour journey I learned a lot about my own limits and took great heart from the selflessness of other runners, all raising money for fantastic, meaningful charities.

The emotional come down was diluted by my first guilt-free pint of lager since November. And, despite the fact that my legs will not now do as I tell them – I’m as unsteady as a new-born fawn – I reckon I will be up for another 26.3 miles soon. I wonder when the Snowdonia Marathon is …

Labels: London, London Marathon, Martin Lel

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:07 pm | Permalink | Comments

WASPS VICTORY MARRED BY VICKERY INJURY

London Wasps continued their march up the Guinness Premiership after defeating title rivals Sale Sharks 29-19 at Adams Park. Their seventh straight league win moved them above Sale to fourth – Wasps' highest position this season – but there are concerns over prop and England captain Phil Vickery, who was forced to limp off in the first half with an injury.

The 32-year-old’s right knee buckled under a challenge and, despite bravely attempting to scrummage, he could not continue. Wasps director of rugby, Ian McGeechan, was adamant that Vickery’s injury was not anterior cruciate ligament damage, however.

He said: “Phil got his leg twisted and nobody knows, until he gets it scanned, what damage has been done. It is definitely not acl, we have been told.”

Regardless of Vickery’s setback, McGeechan was pleased with the way in which his team performed on the way to their twelfth consecutive win at home. “The players have worked really hard – credit to them,” he continued. “I am really proud of them.”

Ben Foden scored a try for the Cheshire visitors, while Charlie Hodgson laced 14 points. But home tries from wingers Tom Voyce and Paul Sackey were complimented by 19 kicked points by 20-year-old England fly half Danny Cipriani.

Shaun Edwards, Wasps head coach, praised Cipriani’s performance in particular. “There were some real pressure kicks, but he kicked them," said Edwards. "And it just shows what he is like under pressure.

“I think the more pressure put upon Danny, the better he performs. That is why he is hopefully going to be an international for many, many years.”

Labels: Guinness Premiership, Phil Vickey, Sale Sharks, Wasps

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:16 am | Permalink | Comments

WASPS DEFEAT SHARKS BUT VICKERY STUNG

London Wasps continued their charge up the Guinness Premiership and moved to fourth - their highest position of the season - after their 29-19 home win over fellow title challengers Sale Sharks. However their victory celebrations were muted by the injury to prop and England captain Phil Vickery, who limped from the action five minutes before the interval.

He had bravely, if not unwisely, attempted two scrums after his right knee had buckled under the impact of a challenge. His haunting bellow and eventual assisted-exit, and the way in which he unnaturally rocked his knee side to side, suggested that his cruciate ligament had snapped. The 32-year-old's chances of being on the plane for England's June trip to New Zealand now look slim.

Wasps, the form team of the Premiership, will miss Vickery's presence in the imminent business end of the season. But they are making Adams Park something of a fortress - this was their twelfth consecutive win at home, and their seventh straight Premiership victory; the best run in the league by any team this season.

The visiting Cheshire team, who began the game in third, did not make it easy for their hosts, and they were always within touching distance.

It was Sale who opened the scoring thanks to fly half Charlie Hodgson's fourth minute penalty. Tom Voyce replied only three minutes later - the winger intercepted Sale full back Ben Foden's floated pass for a simple score.

England No10 Danny Cipriani added the extra two, as well as a penalty to take the score to 10-3 at the break. Wing Paul Sackey crossed the line following good back hands soon after, to give Wasps 17-3 advantage. And Cipriani's boot did the rest of the scoring.

He amassed 19 points in all to Hodgson, his opposite number's 14. Though Sale, to their great credit, took the game to the wire. Foden made amends for his early mistake by wriggling over, and Hodgson's boot had taken the game to 23-19.

But Wasps held on for a hard-fought victory, though, as Vickery hobbled to the changing room with a heavily strapped right leg, only the club's physio will be able to tell at what cost.

Labels: Charlie Hodgson, Daniel Cipriani, Guinness Premiership, Sale Sharks, Wasps

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 10:19 pm | Permalink | Comments

ODEJAYI HOPES TO SAVE BARNSLEY

Barnsley striker Kayode Odejayi has had a bittersweet week in football. He missed a glorious opportunity to equalise at Wembley in last Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Cardiff and then scored a brace against promotion-chasing Watford to help lift his side out of the relegation zone.

Now the Nigerian-born forward believes that the only way is up for the Tykes and after his double strike on Wednesday he can sleep a lot easier. The 3-0 victory at Watford pushed Barnsley to 18th in the Championship and on Saturday they travel to Preston in search of only their third away win of the season.

The 26-year-old, who signed from Cheltenham last summer, admits he needed picking up by his family, friends and a mind coach after his Wembley howler.

He said: “It is hard not to think about the chance – it has been going over in my head. But the more days that pass, the better I feel. And after Wednesday's goals I think I am well on the way to getting my confidence back. There was a lot of relief when I scored.”

The powerful attacker praised his manager, Simon Davey, for continuing to select him. “A lot of managers might have pushed you to one side and forgot about you,” he continued. “But the gaffer has been good and stuck by me.

“He told me: ‘Get your head up, don't beat yourself up about it too much, it's not just down to you, it's a team performance’. You have the ups and downs and you have to deal with all of them so everyone's been brilliant."

On relegation survival – Barnsley are only two points above the drop zone – Odejayi said: “We have all got to try and keep us up. Against Watford every single one of those Barnsley players on the pitch was a hero and we will be going to Preston to try and do the same thing.

“We've got six massive cup finals to go now because we're trying to stay in the Championship. They're all massive games now, we have to take them one at a time and hopefully get the points we need.”

And Odejayi is hoping that his strikes will go a long way to helping Barnsley retain their Championship status. He is convinced that, as he is sleeping better now, he will be banging the goals in.

He added: “Rather than having that missed chance going through my head when I try and sleep, I can have Wednesday's performance and goals. So I’ll probably get a better night's sleep from now on.”

Labels: Barnsley, Championship, football, Kayode Odejayi, Preston North End, Simon Davey, Watford

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:06 pm | Permalink | Comments

FRUSTRATED WATFORD FAIL TO GO TOP

Goalkeeper Richard Lee is just as infuriated as the home supporters who barracked the Watford players after they slumped to a 3-0 defeat to lowly Barnsley. Aidy Boothroyd’s men would have gone top of the Championship had they beaten the FA Cup semi finalists, who began the game in the relegation zone.

But Kayode Odejayi scored a goal either side of the interval while Stephen Foster netted a free header to complete a rare away victory, which moved the Yorkshire club up to eighteenth.

Watford have recorded only one win in their past ten league matches and Lee can't put his finger on why their promotion push is losing thrust. He said: “I’m not sure what the problem is – before the game the lads were buzzing and we had a good attitude. After winning at the weekend we came into this game with high expectations.”

On hearing the boos of the Vicarage Road faithful the 25-year-old added: “The jeering is not nice, but understandable. When we don’t perform then the fans will get on our backs. We can understand their frustrations because we are just as frustrated as they are.

“But this is a funny league. I can’t remember a Championship that was so tight from top to bottom. There is so little difference between the teams.”

Manager Boothroyd was livid with his troops and demanded reasons for the feckless performance. “There was a chance to go top with four games to go and we haven't taken it which is very irritating,” he fumed. “I'm very disappointed and I would like a few answers from my players.”

Labels: Aidy Boothroyd, Championship, Kayode Odejayi, Richard Lee, Watford

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 1:38 am | Permalink | Comments

ODEJAYI STARS AS BARNSLEY MOVE OUT OF DROP ZONE

Kayone Odejayi was instantly transformed from FA Cup villain to Championship hero, as his brace helped lift Barnsley from the relegation zone in the back yard of promotion hopefuls Watford.

The Nigerian-born striker had squandered a gilt-edged chance at Wembley on Sunday, when the northerners were booted out of the FA Cup semi-final by fellow Championship club Cardiff.

But Barnsley manager Simon Davey showed confidence in the former Cheltenham man and it paid off on Wednesday as his side romped to a 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road and moved up to 18th in the table.

Aidy Boothroyd’s men could have gone top of the Championship with a victory, but looked sluggish and lacked confidence from kick-off.

Showing no FA Cup hangover, the visitors started brightly and on 16 minutes Odejayi had a great opportunity to open the scoring after an inviting ball by strike-partner Jon Macken sent him galloping though with only Watford ‘keeper Richard Lee to beat.

In a carbon copy of Sunday’s shocker, the striker fluffed his shot, though he soon made amends. Ten minutes shy of the interval he shuffled the ball in from a yard out after Macken’s low cross caught the home defence out.

Barnsley doubled their lead three minutes after the break, with unmarked captain Stephen Foster making the most of a dozing Watford back line, lead by skipper Danny Shittu, from a Diego Leon corner.

Foster’s headed goal was soon followed by Odejayi’s second of the night – a cool, confident loft over Lee from just inside the area.

On this evidence there can be little surprise that Watford have won only once in their last ten league matches. If they had shown half the determination that their opponents displayed they would be walking to automatic promotion.

As it is they travel to table-toppers West Bromich Albion on Saturday and have only four more games to secure a play-off place or even more. Meanwhile Davey will ask for more of the same from his Barnsley troops in order to survive the drop.

Labels: Aidy Boothroyd, Barnsley, Championship, Dutch football, Kayode Odejayi, Watford

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

KEY IN NO MOOD FOR IPL

Kent Spitfires captain Robert Key is a strong supporter of Twenty20 cricket, but he can't imagine signing on for the Indian Premier League - as he doesn't think he is good enough at the moment!

The Spitfires defeated Gloucestershire Gladiators in August's Twenty20 Final at Edgbaston, but Key, 28, believes that rather than worrying about the 'life-changing' amounts of money on offer in the IPL, he should be concentrating on regaining his England place.

He said: "I have to try to be realistic and at this point in time I am not a big enough name. You are talking about some of the best players in the world in that form of the game," he said.

"If one or two years down the line I was back playing for England and smacking the ball out of the park I would have a different answer. It is a very hard decision to make. If someone offers you life-changing amount of money then you can't just turn around and say 'no'. At the minute all I want to do is play for England.

"In an attempt to better myself I have gone out to Perth and done some extra work. I have had to sit down and be honest with myself - I have to be a better fielder and I have to hit the ball harder."

Key says he is looking forward to trying to regain the Twenty20 Cup and added: "It is fantastic and it starts at a great time of the year because you will have been playing four days of cricket, your bowlers will be starting to get tired and then they have two weeks were they are bowling four overs in a game.

"It is intense, hard cricket, but you also feel as though you are getting a lot of rest. It means there is that much more recovery time for your bowlers and they come back fresh from the Twenty20 cricket into the next Championship game."

Labels: cricket, Indian Premier League, Kent Spitfires, Robert Key, Twenty20

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 3:53 pm | Permalink | Comments

BATTLING QUINS MOVE INTO PLAY-OFF BERTH

Brian McDermott hailed his Harlequins team’s battling spirit following their hard-earned 35-16 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers on Saturday. After 10 games Quins now perch fifth in the Super League, only four points behind table-toppers Leeds Rhinos.

McDermott, whose squad is stretched by injury, praised the combative attitude his troops displayed and is confident that Quins can hang on to their play-off place.

"There is a real winning attitude among the boys,” said the former marine. “I’m delighted that we backed up last week’s performance. We’re putting a lot of emphasis on performance this year and we’ve bounced back after losing three games in a row.

"We are really trying a different ethos and if that means errors then let us get ready to defend. There are (injured) players waiting to come back but the guys who are playing at the moment will get the shirt if they keep playing like that."

The former Great Britain prop also wished to draw England coach Tony Smith’s attention to the form of loose forward and captain Rob Purdham and winger Rikki Sheriffe, who scored twice against Hull KR.

When Smith takes the national side to the World Cup in Australia in October, McDermott believes his players should be on the plane. “Rob and Rikki are looking every inch internationals at the moment,” he added.

Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Rikki Sheriffe, Rob Purdham, Super League

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 10:13 pm | Permalink | Comments

MASCARENHAS INFLUENCED BY WARNE

Shane Warne was the main reason why his former team-mate Dimitri Mascrenhas signed up for the lucrative Indian Premier League, the new Hampshire captain has revealed. Ex-skipper Warne, widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of spin bowling in the history of the game, encouraged the England selectors to pick all-rounder Mascrenhas last year.

The 30-year-old made his One Day International debut in July and has won 10 caps for his county, and Warne has used his powers of persuasion to good effect again. The blond leg spinner is set to captain and coach the Jaipur Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and wanted his Hampshire friend in the team.

“Shane was a huge influence on my decision,” Mascrenhas, who featured in the recent ODI series in New Zealand, admitted. “He rang me and asked would I be interested after the first auction. I said ‘Yeah, I’d be interested’ and that started the ball rolling. I only just sneaked in at the second auction.”

And when Warne announced his retirement from county cricket last month, it was a great surprise for Mascrenhas. He continued: “It was definitely a bit of a shock when Shane announced he was leaving. He decided that his kids and family were more important which is a good enough excuse for me.”

On the IPL Twenty20 Mascrenhas added: “It’s a pretty easy game, you have just got to know how to do it. You have to score runs fast and bowl tight. And know when to use your variations. It’s all in the head.” And with the money he will earn – some of the top stars are reportedly being paid $180,000 for just signing on – he will treat himself to some jewellery. “I might buy some new earrings,” he smiled.

Labels: cricket, Dimitri Mascarenhas, England, Hampshire, Indian Premier League, Shane Warne

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 10:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

MASCARENHAS' ENGLAND AMBITIONS

Dimitri Mascarenhas has no regrets over his decision to play in the breakaway Indian Premier League later this month and has been assured that his international career will not be jeopardised. The Hampshire captain is the only Englishman to sign up for the IPL, though a raft of top players from other countries will also feature in the six-week tournament.

The English Cricket Board had threatened to black list players who went out to India, and even at the weekend ECB chief executive David Collier suggested that it would be hard for any Englishman to play both the IPL and for England, as the international schedule is so tight.

But 30-year-old Mascarenhas, who made his One Day International bow last July, insists that he has been informed that playing in the IPL will not hinder his international chances one bit. And further, he believes that playing against the best cricketers in the world will strengthen his case for selection.

He said: “I spoke to the ECB after I signed up for (to the IPL) and they were all positive about it.

“They said, ‘At this stage there will be no guarantees’, because they can’t make guarantees until they pick the side, and I’m one of those players who can’t be sure of a spot.

“But the International Cricket Council have sanctioned the tournament and all the other big names from other countries are doing it.

“So I’m going to try and perform for Hampshire and go over to India and perform, and hopefully I will get picked for England.”

Mascarenhas currently has 10 ODI, a batting average of 32 and a bowling average of 51. He is sure that there are more caps around the corner, especially if he can impress in India.

“If the England selectors see me getting 50 runs off 25 balls against Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar or these sorts of bowlers I don’t think it will go unnoticed, that’s for sure,” he continued.

“It’s the same again with my bowling – if I get a couple of wickets, getting some names out like (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Sourav) Ganguly, or (Ricky) Ponting, then it will help my cause.

“Playing and performing against the best players in the world on a big stage can’t do me any harm.”

Labels: cricket, Dimitri Mascarenhas, English Cricket Board, Indian Premier League, International Cricket Council

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:55 pm | Permalink | Comments

POMPEY THROUGH TO FA CUP FINAL

Portsmouth’s Nwankwo Kanu ensured peripatetic manager Harry Redknapp will have his day at Wembley next month. The Nigerian striker scored the only goal of the game – a simple rebound nine minutes into the second half – to end the FA Cup dreams of Championship West Bromwich.

Though this year’s FA Cup semi-finals heralded the first time in over a century that only one club in the top tier were involved, this match was not the David and Goliath affair that it might have been. With WBA starting the game at Wembley in fourth place in the Championship, there is every chance they will gain promotion to the Premier League; a division they were in only two seasons ago.

When these teams last played each other, 27 months ago in the top tier, Portsmouth won 1-0 at Fratton Park, with substitute Svetoslav Todorov scoring the winner before being taken off himself. Though WBA beat Pompey in their home game four months earlier in the season, the Black Country club fell down the relegation trap door and Portsmouth ended the season in fourth from bottom.

It was the Championship club who started the game brighter, in what was a tight, combative first half. After only six minutes they had the game’s opening shot – Zoltan Gera’s fizzing drive from 25 yards which goalkeeper David James parried. The ball was hoofed clear, but WBA’s tails were up; they were not going to be intimidated by their Premier League opponents.

And rightly so – without cup-tied striker Jermain Defoe, who has netted eight times in seven games since his arrival from Tottenham, Redknapp’s team looked blunt. Defoe’s understudy, former Champions League winner with Liverpool Milan Baros, was ring-rusty, and squandered the half chances afforded to Portsmouth before the interval. Though he had a big hand in Kanu’s goal, the game might have been won before half time had Defoe been on the pitch.

In Pomey’s first meaningful attack midfielder Lassana Diarra threaded an inviting ball though after 20 minutes, but the Czech was caught offside. Five minutes later Baros’ mazy dribble into the WBA area fizzled out into nothing but frustration for the south coast team. That was to epitomise his afternoon.

It took half an hour for the Premier League team to register their first shot on target, from Sulley Muntari’s 30 yard free kick which arrowed harmlessly into Dean Kiely’s hands.

But after the interval Kanu tapped in a Baros shot parried by the unlucky Kiely to give earn Portsmouth their first FA Cup Final since 1939, and Redknapp's first ever. It is 58 years since the south coast side have won a trophy, and on May 17 there is every chance that they will change that record.

Redknapp’s team will play either Barnsley or Cardiff, who will scrap for the remaining finalist’s spot in Sunday’s second semi-final.

WBA (4-4-2)

KIELY 6/10
The 37-year-old had little to do before the interval and was very unlucky with the goal – it was a good save to stop Baros’ shot.

HOEFKENS 6/10
Tackled and harried well, and was not afraid to push forward. His junking run with 15 minutes remaining teed up Robert Koren, whose shot skimmed the cross bar.
CLEMENTS 6/10
A solid performance, he tackled and anticipated well, keeping the Portsmouth forwards quiet for most of the match. Baros did turn him a number of times however, and one can only imagine what Jermain Defoe would have done.
ALBRECHTSON 6/10
Played well with his central defensive partner, though his lack of pace shown when David Nugent entered the game.
ROBINSON 7/10
A gritting and determined performance from the left-back. He was strong in the tackle and advanced whenever he could.

KOREN 6/10
Aside from his late shot outside the area which grazed David James’ crossbar, the right-winger did little to impress. Tidy and efficient, he could have run at Portsmouth’s defense more.
GREENING 7/10
The WBA skipper started the game oozing confidence and was able to pick his passes with ease in the first half hour.
GERA 6/10
A good game from the Hungarian international, but he could be deemed responsible for the goal. If he were quicker off the mark he might have cleared the ball before it dropped to Kanu.
MORRISON 5/10
The left-winger found it hard to stamp his authority on his opposite man Glen Johnson, and had a quite hour before being substituted.

PHILLIPS 6/10
The 34-year-old former England international showed sparks of why he was one of the Premier League’s top marksmen but failed to get the better of Campbell and Distin on this occasion. Might still get one last game at Wembley if his team make the Championship play-off final.
BEDNAR 5/10
Withdrawn after 60 minutes and only had one shot worthy of note. His sixth minute drive was stopped by England ‘keeper James. He huffed and puffed but got little change out of the Pompey defence.

SUBSTITUTES (6/10) MILLER, who came on with BRUNT after an hour, should have equalised but his shot with five minutes remaining was just wide.

PORTSMOUTH (4-4-2)

JAMES 6/10
Not his usual commanding self, the England goalkeeper spilled a couple of shots and almost gifted Kevin Phillips an open goal.

JOHNSON 7/10
An accomplished performance by the young right-back. He showed confidence in both attack and defence and a good turn of pace when needed.
CAMPBELL 7/10
The England defender was imposing and solid alongside his central defensive partner. Bossed in the air and had Kevin Phillips in his pocket.
DISTIN 8/10
The former Manchester City captain showed why Harry Redknapp wanted him so much at the start of the season. Tall, commanding and quick, he crushed WBA’s FA Cup dreams.
HREIDARSSON 6/10
The Icelandic utility man had a steady, if not expansive game. Never too comfortable going forward, he stuck to what he knows best – defending.

MUNTARI 7/10
The Ghanaian took his time to rise to the occasion, but when he did in the second half he showed some good touches in a tight game.
BOUBA DIOP 7/10
Sluggish to begin with the tough Senegalese midfielder imposed his authority on the midfield but only after the first half an hour.
DIARRA 6/10
Played well without catching the eye too much. Played a lovely ball through to Baros in the first 20 minutes but the Czech was offside.
KRANJCAR 7/10
The left-winger added touches of class to a game that was combative and tight. He played though Baros late in the game. The striker should have scored but fluffed it.

KANU 6/10
Though he netted the all important goal the Nigerian found it hard to get into the game. Still it was a neat finish and he was the quickest to react when Kiely saved Baros’ shot.
BAROS 7/10
An infuriating game for the former Liverpool and Lyon striker. He tried so hard to get his first goal fro the club but squandered a dozen opportunities.

SUBSTITUTES (6/10) NUGENT had 20 minutes to impress and should have sealed the win but he blazed his shot over the bar. DAVIS came on for the tired Kanu five minutes from the end.

BEST ATTEMPT
With the score at 1-0 WBA threw the kitchen sink at Pompey in search of an equaliser. Full-back Carl Hoefkens picked out Robert Koren just outside the area on the left. The midfielder hit his shot first time and it flicked off the top of the cross bar having beaten England ‘keeper David James.

BEST SAVE
Though it resulted in the only goal of the game, Dean Kiely’s stop from Milan Baros was superb. It was only because his defence did not react quick enough that Kanu was able to score.

REFWATCH: HOWARD WEBB
Webb did well to only book one player – Baros for handling – in a tight game. He was largely anonymous in the high-octane affair.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Sylvain Distin. The Frenchman was imperious alongside Sol Campbell. His height allowed him to boss in the air and his pace and anticipation meant that WBA’s striking pair of Kevin Phillips and Roman Bednar had few opportunities all afternoon.

KEVIN PHILLIPS v MILAN BAROS
The former England striker, 34, showed good, selfless touches but failed to have a clean shot on goal. He worked hard but against Campbell and Distin he was given little chance to score.

The Czech striker, in for the cup-tied Jermain Defoe, is still yet to score for Portsmouth in nine games. Though he worked tirelessly hard yesterday, and his shot caused the winning goal, his final pass or shot showed ring rustiness. Of the two Baros had the edge if only for his work rate.

Labels: FA Cup, football, Portsmouth, Wembley, West Bromwich Albion

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 5:01 pm | Permalink | Comments

RAMOS READS RIOT ACT TO SPURS PLAYERS

Juande Ramos has read the riot act to his Tottenham players following last weekend's 4-1 demolition by lowly Newcastle at White Hart Lane. Despite having little to play for in terms of Premier League position the Spaniard has reiterated that his first teamers are playing for their futures at the club.

When asked why his players looked as though they gave up against Kevin Keegan's team, he said: "It bothers me a lot. I don't accept it and I don't understand it.

"After the cup competitions, we still have league matches left which perhaps don't that much important in terms of the table, but we want to perform, and maintain our performances, and try to make sure that the players put a maximum effort in the matches."

In midweek defender Jonathan Woodgate had been scathing of his team-mates after the Newcastle game, insisting they needed a 'kick up the arse'. And Ramos continued: "It surprises me that he said one kick up the backside! It should be several!

"We have to try and make sure that they play with the same intensity and level of expectation as with any other game, not to think about the points in particular, but to put in as much effort as they possibly can."

Labels: football, Jonathan Woodgate, Juande Ramos, Premier League, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 7:48 pm | Permalink | Comments

CLEMENT KNOWS CHELSEA MUST TAKE CHANCES TO OVERCOME CITY

Chelsea youth Academy coach, Paul Clement, was satisfied with his team 1-1 draw in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup Final against Manchester City last night. But he knows his young Blues will have to take their opportunities when they play the second leg away at Eastlands, if they are to win a trophy that has eluded them for 47 years.

City's England U-19 starlet Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge five minutes after the interval with a cool finish from the left of the area.

But France U-17 international Gael Kakuta nodded in Miroslav Stoch's corner with 26 minutes remaining to level the tie and set up an exciting finish for the 12,000 spectators.

Under the gaze of club captain John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and a host of other senior stars, the Blues looked odds on to win. Forwards Morton Nielsen and Sergio Tejera, in particular, squandered chances for Chelsea, however, and City held on for an advantageous draw.

Clement, whose side play the return leg on April 16, said: "It was a great game and good to see both teams attacking. It could have gone either way.

“But the lads were disappointed in the dressing room – we had an excellent second half and they know they had the chances to win. We have got to work as hard as possible to win the second leg and we have got to take our chances.”

Labels: Chelsea, FA Youth Cup, football, Manchester City, Paul Clement

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

STURRIDGE STARS AS CITY GAIN ADVANTAGE IN FA YOUTH CUP FINAL

Manchester City's Daniel Sturridge underlined his precociousness by scoring the opening goal of the FA Youth Cup Final first leg at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after French U-17 international Gael Kakuta levelled with a half hour remaining from a corner, but Sturridge’s team enter the second leg at Eastlands with a slight advantage.

In a tournament which can list George Best, Paul Gascoigne, David Beckham, Joe Cole and Michael Owen among its victors, there were plenty of stars-of-the-future on show.

A crowd of 11,980 watched as striker Sturridge, who has scored twice in three appearances for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first team, netted his seventh goal of the competition five minutes after the interval to open the scoring.

Slovakian midfielder Vladimir Weiss drove forward from deep, chicaned a number of challenges before sliding a ball through to Sturridge in the left hand side of the Blues' area. The 18-year-old hit the ball first time with his left foot across 'keeper Rhys Taylor and into the right hand corner of the goal.

City, who reached the final two years ago only to be beaten by Liverpool, last won this tournament in 1986. Their opponents had not reached the final in 47 years but under the gaze of first teamers Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips, the young Blues mustered a number of second half chances and eventually levelled.

Kakuta showed he was more than just a trickster, and he rose superbly from Miroslav Stoch's corner to nod in. His goal leaves the tie nicely balanced going into the second leg at Eastlands on April 16.

Chelsea:

Taylor; Ofori-Twumasi, Bruma, Van Aanholt, Gordon; Stoch, Mellis, Woods, Kakuta; Tejera, Nielsen

Substitutes: Phillip, Heimann, Taiwo and Nouble

Manchester City:

Hartley; Trippier, Boyota, Mee, McGivern; Weiss, Tutte, Kay, McDermott; Ball, Sturridge

Substitutes: Nimley, Mentel, Ibrahim, Tsiakus, Poole

Labels: Chelsea, Daniel Sturridge, FA Youth Cup, football, Manchester City

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:16 pm | Permalink | Comments

RAMOS TO CUT SHORT SPURS' SUMMER HOLIDAY

Juande Ramos is to cut short his Tottenham players' summer holidays in
the hope that they will come back sharper and fitter next season.

Ramos, never slow to stamp his authority, intends to organise some
friendly games after the current campaign has concluded, as well as
introduce an intensive pre-season training camp.

When the former Sevilla coach took over from Martin Jol in late October,
he was dismayed by the lack of fitness his players showed.

He completely changed the squad's diet and fitness ethic and it reaped
immediate rewards - the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup was
Spurs' first silverware in nine seasons.

With his team 11th in the Premier League, with little to play for and
few players likely to feature in the summer's European Championship,
Ramos wants to ensure his charges do not return overweight and unfit.

The Spaniard said: "It is true that the season is ending quite early
because of the Euro Finals and two months without doing anything is
probably too much holiday for them. So to have friendlies would mean
that they will not have such a long time for rest.

"Two months (off) is not the best because it is too long. They are still
going to have a long enough time to enjoy their holiday."

On his pre-season plans, Ramos added: "Our intention is to look for
where the players can work and where we can stay and do this for 12-15
days.

"We are thinking of what is best for the team for next season. We are
not thinking about the past, but what is best for the team for the
future."

Labels: Carling Cup, football, Juande Ramos, Martin Jol, Premier League, Sevilla, Tottenham

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 11:14 pm | Permalink | Comments

STRAUSS: ENGLAND PLAYERS SHOULD BE INVOVLED IN IPL

Andrew Strauss believes that it will be only a matter of time until England players feature in the breakaway Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament. The England No3 knocked a career best unbeaten 177 in the third and final Test last week and clinched the series win in New Zealand.

But he thinks that the way to further popularise cricket is through the shortened format, and that a way to accommodate both forms must be found if the game is to evolve. The English Cricket Board issued a statement warning that if any centrally contracted England player were to play in the lucrative IPL, which begins at the end of the month, their deal would be ripped up.

Top players from other countries have signed up for the six-week competition and the Middlesex left-hander, 31, thinks England players should be allowed too.

He said: “I love the idea of the IPL and I’m sure at some stage the England players will be involved – that will be great for everyone to see.

“The IPL is going to change cricket to some extent, there is no doubt about that. It is just a question of how the expansion of the Twenty20 game fits in with the more traditional elements of Test cricket and one day cricket. That is for the big wigs at the International Cricket Council and ECB to work out.

“No one wants to see Test cricket go. It is just a question of marrying the two together and coming out with a solution that everyone is happy with.

“I like the fact that the game is going forward. I think that Twenty20 is a great format of the game – it introduces the game to a whole new audience and allows cricket to compete with the likes of football and the other bigger sports we have over here.

“The Twenty20 has brought a new audience, so that is a start. A lot of people are now watching cricket who never watched it before. The more people watching the game, the better.”

Labels: Andrew Strauss, cricket, England, Indian Premier League, IPL, Middlesex

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:52 pm | Permalink | Comments

ENGLAND STARS LAUD AKHTAR

England batsmen Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah have praised the cricketing skill of Pakistani quick bowler Shoaib Akhtar, upon hearing he has been banned from international cricket for five years – effectively ending his career at the top level. But both Middlesex players considered that it was only a matter of time before the combustible Akhar would be severely disciplined.

England No3 Strauss said: “Shoaib is one of the most difficult bowlers I have faced in terms of raw pace. He has an incredible talent but he has never been a stranger to controversy. It is a shame to see it ending this way.”

Shah, who was born in Pakistan but made his England Test debut in 2001, added: “It is a shame that it looks as though Shoaib’s international career is over. He is one of the quickest bowlers in the world, and you hugely respect him from 22 yards.

“He is an amazing cricketer but there are aspects of your life you have to keep in balance if you are to excel and have a good career. Shohib has possibly made one or two mistakes too many.”

Labels: Andrew Strauss, cricket, England, Owais Shah, Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar

Posted by Oliver Pickup at 9:48 pm | Permalink | Comments