Now the England job is never going to an easy job. First you got to deal with the extremely sceptical press especially with their ‘if you aint Jose Mourinho then we aint buying it’ attitude. Then you got to deal with the fans, who can’t help but be indirectly affected by the press and then hurl abuse at the players when they misplace a pass or when Peter Crouch comes on as subsitute. Then the players are scared to play some real football and amongst that mess, the manager is meant to deliver a successful international team to an expectant country. Hard job aint it…
After the 2-1 defeat by Russia in Moscow, Steve McClaren’s men are now staring a probable exit from the qualifying stages of the European Championship unless results go England’s way, McClaren wont be in the job much longer. Now from the off there was much stigma attached to McClaren. He was clearly the second choice manager behind Felipe Scolari and he was also assistant to Sven Gorans Eriksson’s much ridiculed era. He wasn’t the media’s choice nor was he the fans.
However he tried to distance himself from Eriksson’s reign, he hired Max Clifford to be his PR consultant to release a story about having a mistress{ a case of fighting fire with fire} at the same time John Prescott was doing some dirty business to soften the attention around it, clever work. Then he dramatically dropped Eriksson’s favourite pet David Beckham from his squad altogether. It seemed it was a new era. McClaren labeled it ‘evolution’ with his focus on youth and pace, two attributes Beckham lacked.
His first game ended in beating reigning European champions Greece 4-0 and then beating Andorra 5-0. Then boom, he wasn’t flavour of the month any more. A draw against Macedonia and a defeat in Croatia saw McClaren abilities questioned. Then a draw in Israel meant the English media and fans were out to destroy. Then came THAT game, the 3-0 victory {yes that’s right a victory not a loss} against Andorra. England fans hurled abuse at McClaren after England were drawing 0-0 at half time in such a vicious manner that it made uncomfortable viewing for England PR executives. From there it was clear if McClaren doesn’t deliver a trophy he will never become popular.
Now the problem with England in general is an ego problem. We talk like boxers saying we are one of the best in the world. We’re not, far from it actually. England has world class players in Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen. But as a team, England are nothing more than ordinary. A second rate team at best. The media and fans need a wake up call, England are in the second batch of teams in the world with the likes of Russia, Ukraine and Germany.
McClaren shouldn’t be dismissed as a bad manager. After his England reign, Sven Goran Eriksson managerial abilities were labeled with flaws. Now he has lead a Manchester City side which had many problems last season near the top of the Premiership summit and now it’s a case of eating humble pie for the press and fans alike. International management is a different ball game In terms of man management. If you get it right, you’re the lucky few. People have rightly praised Jose Mourinho for getting the best out of his players, yet that came from hours upon hours on the training pitch, with England, the manager only gets a few hours on the training pitch every month or two. It’s hard to build a team when you rarely see the players. I am sure it’s all a bit of a comfort shock for McClaren.
McClaren may be inexperienced. He is only 45. But his credentials are still impressive. If you consider the domination of all trophies by the top four and the lack of any good English managers, he has still managed to pick up a good C.V. He led Middlesbrough to their first major honour after he won the Carling Cup in 2004. Then in 2006, he led them to the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla. He may have lost the final but it was against a team that was technically superior to the team in every department.
He remains the only few English managers with any European pedigree. Before that he had years in the coaching field and was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson when they completed the historic treble in 1999. Now since when does that mean – ‘you aint got a clue what you are doing.’
Lets face it England aren’t exactly exciting to watch are they? Long balls without any purpose and just a hell of a lot of throw ins. Yet against Russia at Wembley, England seemed to play like a team that we all hoped they could. Their passing was precise. The midfield closed down the opposition. They utilised the partnership of Heskey and Owen to great effect. England played their best football since England’s thrashing of Germany. This culminated in a 3-0 victory against Russia, who are no mugs. Against Russia in Moscow they were outdone by two minutes of madness.
McClaren shouldn’t lose his job because he hasn’t had enough time to get it right. He has been unlucky. The result in Moscow wasn’t a true reflection of the game. England deserved to win. Now this result is now going to determine if McClaren is going to stay in the job, why? God forbid, if England do go out the FA should look at Bobby Robson before they make a decision.
Under his management England failed to qualify for the European championship in 1988. Yet the FA stuck with him despite pressure from the media and fans and two years later he led them to the semi finals at Italia 90. A feat not matched or bettered since. England’s world cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey even failed to qualify for the 1974 World Cup is he considered a bad manager for that? No.
The message is simple – don’t sack him just yet, let’s see what he has to offer.
Wednesday 23 January 2008
Thursday 29 November 2007
England v Croatia
In England’s last game in the group, they can even draw to go through to the European championship, however England fans will be hoping for a win. England were thrown a massive lifeline by Israel after their win against Russia in tel avib. England will have to be wary of past scenarios of this in the past, such as the defeat against Poland in Wembley in 1973 after the keeper labelled a ‘clown’ by Brian Clough made numerous saves to keep England at bay and knock them out of this world cup qualifying stages.
England’s hopes are boosted by the fact Croatia have already qualified for the championships, however Croatia coach Slavan Bilic has marked the result between Israel and Russia at the weekend as a mark of true sportsmanship and said his side will look to play their best aswell.
Mclaren sets England up in a 4-5-1 formation. With Crouch up front on his own and Gerrard and Lampard through the middle to support the big man. Shaun Wright Phillips has replaced David Beckham on the wing. England has a relatively inexperienced back four and have taken a gamble in replacing Robinson for Carson in goal. Croatia line up in a 4-4-2 formation. In Corluka, Kranjcar and Eduardo they have three premiership players who would have told their teammates the weakness in England players. Also in Modric they have Croatia shining light of the future and is a subject of a reported £2o million bid from Chelsea, so England players will have to look out for him. Its all about the result today and if the plan backfires, there is a certain David Beckham on the bench who will look to inspire England ala Greece 2001.
England’s hopes are boosted by the fact Croatia have already qualified for the championships, however Croatia coach Slavan Bilic has marked the result between Israel and Russia at the weekend as a mark of true sportsmanship and said his side will look to play their best aswell.
Mclaren sets England up in a 4-5-1 formation. With Crouch up front on his own and Gerrard and Lampard through the middle to support the big man. Shaun Wright Phillips has replaced David Beckham on the wing. England has a relatively inexperienced back four and have taken a gamble in replacing Robinson for Carson in goal. Croatia line up in a 4-4-2 formation. In Corluka, Kranjcar and Eduardo they have three premiership players who would have told their teammates the weakness in England players. Also in Modric they have Croatia shining light of the future and is a subject of a reported £2o million bid from Chelsea, so England players will have to look out for him. Its all about the result today and if the plan backfires, there is a certain David Beckham on the bench who will look to inspire England ala Greece 2001.
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Comment Piece - Steve Mclaren should keep his job
Now the England job is never going to an easy job. First you got to deal with the extremely sceptical press especially with their ‘if you aint Jose Mourninho then we aint buying it’ attitude. Then you got to deal with the fans, whom are indirectly affected by the press and then hurl abuse at the players when they misplace a pass or when Peter Crouch comes on as subistute. Then the players are scared to play some real football and amongst that mess, the manager is meant to deliver a successful international team to an expectant country. Hard job aint it…
After the 2-1 defeat by Russia in Moscow, Steve Mclarens men are now staring a probable exit from the qualifying stages of the European Championship unless results go England’s way, Mclaren wont be in the job much longer. Now from the off there was much stigma attached to Mclaren. He was clearly the second or even third choice manager behind Filepe Scolari and he was assistant to Sven Goran Eriksson in his much ridiculed era. He wasn’t the Medias choice nor was he the fans.
However he tried to distance himself from Eriksson’s reign, he hired Max Clifford to be his pr consultant to release a story about having a mistress, a case of fighting fire with fire at the same time John Presscot was doing some dirty business, clever work. Then he dramatically dropped Eriksson’s favourite pet David Beckham from his squad altogether. It seemed it was a new era. Mclaren labelled it ‘evolution’ with his focus on youth and pace, two attributes Beckham lacks. His first game ended in beating European champions Greece 4-0 and then beating Andorra 5-0. Then boom, he wasn’t flavour of the month any more. A draw against Macedonia and a defeat in Croatia saw Mclaren abilities questioned. Then a draw in Israel meant to English media and fans were out to destroy. Then came the game the 3-0 victory against Andorra. England fans hurled abuse in such a vicious manner that it made uncomfortable viewing for England PR executives. From there it was clear if Mclaren doesn’t deliver a trophy he will never become popular.
Now the problem with England in general is an ego problem. We talk like boxers saying we are one of the best in the world. We’re not. Far from it actually. England have world class players in Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen. But as a team, England are nothing more than ordinary. A second rate team at best. The media and fans need a wake up call, England are in the second batch of teams in the world with the likes of Russia, Ukraine and Germany.
Mclaren shouldn’t be dismissed as a bad manager. After his England reign, Sven Goran Eriksson was labelled with flaws in his managerial abilities. Now he has lead Manchester City side which had many problems last season near the top of the premiership summit and now it’s a case of eating humble pie for the press and fans alike. International management is a different ball game In terms of man management. If you get it right, you’re the lucky few. People have rightly praised Jose Mourinho for getting the best out of his players. Yet that came from hours upon hours on the training pitch, with England, the manager only gets a few hours on the training pitch every month or two. Its hard to build a team when you rarely see the players. I am sure it came a bit of a comfort shock for Mclaren.
Mclaren may be inexperienced. He is only 45. But his credentials are still impressive. If you consider the domination of all trophies by the top four and the lack of any good English managers, he has still managed to pick up a good C.V. He led Middlesbrough to their first major honour after he won the Carling Cup in 2004. Then in 2006, he led them to the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla. He may have lost the final but it was against a team that was technically superior to the team in every department. He remains the only few English managers with any European pedigree. Before that he had years in the coaching field and was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson when they completed the historic treble in 1999. Now since when does that mean – ‘you aint got a clue what you are doing’
Lets face it England aren’t exactly exciting to watch are they. Long balls without any purpose and just a hell of a lot of throw ins. Yet against Russia at Wembley, England seemed to play like a team that we all hoped they could. Their passing was precise. The midfield closed down the opposition. They utilised the partnership of Heskey and Owen to great effect. England played their best football since Englands thrashing of Germany. This culminated in a 3-0 victory against Russia, who are no mugs. Against Russia in Moscow they were outdone by two minutes of madness.
Mclaren shouldn’t lose his job because he hasn’t had enough time to get it right. He has been unlucky. The result in Moscow wasn’t a true reflection of the game. England deserved to win. Now this result is now going to determine if Mclaren is going to stay in the job, why? God forbid, if England do go out the FA should look at Bobby Robson before they make a decision. Under his management England failed to qualify for the European championship in 1988. Yet the FA stuck with him despite pressure from the media and fans and two years later he led them to the semi finals at Italia 90. A feat not matched or bettered since. England’s world cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey even failed to qualify for the 1974 world cup is he considered a bad manager for that – no. The message is simple – don’t sack him just yet, let’s see what he has to offer.
After the 2-1 defeat by Russia in Moscow, Steve Mclarens men are now staring a probable exit from the qualifying stages of the European Championship unless results go England’s way, Mclaren wont be in the job much longer. Now from the off there was much stigma attached to Mclaren. He was clearly the second or even third choice manager behind Filepe Scolari and he was assistant to Sven Goran Eriksson in his much ridiculed era. He wasn’t the Medias choice nor was he the fans.
However he tried to distance himself from Eriksson’s reign, he hired Max Clifford to be his pr consultant to release a story about having a mistress, a case of fighting fire with fire at the same time John Presscot was doing some dirty business, clever work. Then he dramatically dropped Eriksson’s favourite pet David Beckham from his squad altogether. It seemed it was a new era. Mclaren labelled it ‘evolution’ with his focus on youth and pace, two attributes Beckham lacks. His first game ended in beating European champions Greece 4-0 and then beating Andorra 5-0. Then boom, he wasn’t flavour of the month any more. A draw against Macedonia and a defeat in Croatia saw Mclaren abilities questioned. Then a draw in Israel meant to English media and fans were out to destroy. Then came the game the 3-0 victory against Andorra. England fans hurled abuse in such a vicious manner that it made uncomfortable viewing for England PR executives. From there it was clear if Mclaren doesn’t deliver a trophy he will never become popular.
Now the problem with England in general is an ego problem. We talk like boxers saying we are one of the best in the world. We’re not. Far from it actually. England have world class players in Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen. But as a team, England are nothing more than ordinary. A second rate team at best. The media and fans need a wake up call, England are in the second batch of teams in the world with the likes of Russia, Ukraine and Germany.
Mclaren shouldn’t be dismissed as a bad manager. After his England reign, Sven Goran Eriksson was labelled with flaws in his managerial abilities. Now he has lead Manchester City side which had many problems last season near the top of the premiership summit and now it’s a case of eating humble pie for the press and fans alike. International management is a different ball game In terms of man management. If you get it right, you’re the lucky few. People have rightly praised Jose Mourinho for getting the best out of his players. Yet that came from hours upon hours on the training pitch, with England, the manager only gets a few hours on the training pitch every month or two. Its hard to build a team when you rarely see the players. I am sure it came a bit of a comfort shock for Mclaren.
Mclaren may be inexperienced. He is only 45. But his credentials are still impressive. If you consider the domination of all trophies by the top four and the lack of any good English managers, he has still managed to pick up a good C.V. He led Middlesbrough to their first major honour after he won the Carling Cup in 2004. Then in 2006, he led them to the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla. He may have lost the final but it was against a team that was technically superior to the team in every department. He remains the only few English managers with any European pedigree. Before that he had years in the coaching field and was assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson when they completed the historic treble in 1999. Now since when does that mean – ‘you aint got a clue what you are doing’
Lets face it England aren’t exactly exciting to watch are they. Long balls without any purpose and just a hell of a lot of throw ins. Yet against Russia at Wembley, England seemed to play like a team that we all hoped they could. Their passing was precise. The midfield closed down the opposition. They utilised the partnership of Heskey and Owen to great effect. England played their best football since Englands thrashing of Germany. This culminated in a 3-0 victory against Russia, who are no mugs. Against Russia in Moscow they were outdone by two minutes of madness.
Mclaren shouldn’t lose his job because he hasn’t had enough time to get it right. He has been unlucky. The result in Moscow wasn’t a true reflection of the game. England deserved to win. Now this result is now going to determine if Mclaren is going to stay in the job, why? God forbid, if England do go out the FA should look at Bobby Robson before they make a decision. Under his management England failed to qualify for the European championship in 1988. Yet the FA stuck with him despite pressure from the media and fans and two years later he led them to the semi finals at Italia 90. A feat not matched or bettered since. England’s world cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey even failed to qualify for the 1974 world cup is he considered a bad manager for that – no. The message is simple – don’t sack him just yet, let’s see what he has to offer.
Thursday 22 November 2007
World Cup 2007 rugby. - Pool A - England v Samoa
England will be eager to get a victory against the minnows. The defending champions were battered by South Africa and had a unconvincing win against U.S.A. If england are to retain the cup they must beat teams like Samoa or it will be further damaging to englands sports bruised pride. Samoa have as expected lost both of thier opening games against South Africa and Tonga and will look to cause a major upset today.
The team news as follows.
England1 Andrew Sheridan 2 George Chuter 3 Matt Stevens 4 Simon Shaw 5 Ben Kay 6 Martin Corry 7 Joe Worsley 8 Nick Easter 9 Andy Gomarsall 10 Jonny Wilkinson 11 Mark Cueto 12 Olly Barkley 13 Mathew Tait 14 Paul Sackey 15 Josh Lewsey
Replacements16 Mark Regan 17 Perry Freshwater 18 Steve Borthwick 19 Lewis Moody 20 Peter Richards 21 Andy Farrell 22 Dan Hipkiss
Samoa1 Kas Lealamanua 2 Mahonri Schwalger 3 Census Johnston 4 Joe Tekori 5 Kane Thompson 6 Daniel Leo 7 Semo Sititi 8 Henry Tuilagi 9 Junior Polu 10 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu 11 Alesana Tuilagi 12 Brian Lima 13 Seilala Mapusua 14 David Lemi 15 Loki Crichton
Replacements16 Tanielu Fuga 17 Fosi Palaamo 18 Justin Purdie 19 Alfie Vaeluaga 20 Steve So'oialo 21 Jerry Meafou 22 Lolo Lui
The team news as follows.
England1 Andrew Sheridan 2 George Chuter 3 Matt Stevens 4 Simon Shaw 5 Ben Kay 6 Martin Corry 7 Joe Worsley 8 Nick Easter 9 Andy Gomarsall 10 Jonny Wilkinson 11 Mark Cueto 12 Olly Barkley 13 Mathew Tait 14 Paul Sackey 15 Josh Lewsey
Replacements16 Mark Regan 17 Perry Freshwater 18 Steve Borthwick 19 Lewis Moody 20 Peter Richards 21 Andy Farrell 22 Dan Hipkiss
Samoa1 Kas Lealamanua 2 Mahonri Schwalger 3 Census Johnston 4 Joe Tekori 5 Kane Thompson 6 Daniel Leo 7 Semo Sititi 8 Henry Tuilagi 9 Junior Polu 10 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu 11 Alesana Tuilagi 12 Brian Lima 13 Seilala Mapusua 14 David Lemi 15 Loki Crichton
Replacements16 Tanielu Fuga 17 Fosi Palaamo 18 Justin Purdie 19 Alfie Vaeluaga 20 Steve So'oialo 21 Jerry Meafou 22 Lolo Lui
Thursday 15 November 2007
What i learned
I am a quite slow typer and with online needing instaneous reports its hard for me to type without spelling mistakes. However I feel I can adapt to any situation that I am requested to. My format was to do 4-5 mins report rather than minute otherwise it would be too wordy. This would be best implemented as what would happen if it were a nil-nil draw? I feel with practice I will be able to type faster and that should help me in the future should an online job become available to me. Sometimes in the match you can lose concentration during the match its important to be on the ball all time. As when your typing a goal might be scored and one is backtracking all the time.
Japan v England - womens world cup
The national at anthems rings around the stadium, as both teams look determined to look for a victory to boost their chances to qualify into knockout rounds. England look to qualify to the knock out round for the first time in 14 years.
The referee kari seitz sounds the whistle as the game begins.
Japan kick off. Here we go.
1min
England threatens early on by an aluko through ball towards carney who shoots at the keeper. The team looks up for the fight.2min – England look to utilise their pace available to them, with aluko and yankey. The nerves start to kick in. As England start to panic on the ball
The referee kari seitz sounds the whistle as the game begins.
Japan kick off. Here we go.
1min
England threatens early on by an aluko through ball towards carney who shoots at the keeper. The team looks up for the fight.2min – England look to utilise their pace available to them, with aluko and yankey. The nerves start to kick in. As England start to panic on the ball
Thursday 8 November 2007
Ideal Job
Ideal first job in Sports Journalism
When I started this course I came in with the idea that a job in print would be ideal, as I have long had a passion for it and to this day I still believe this is the case. Yet looking it from a realist angle, jobs in print are had to come by, even for work experience. Therefore a role in a broadcast company would be more suitable as having studied the certain angles in both radio and TV classes I feel I have something to offer in that role. The roles are less exclusive and a role such as a member of the production team in the mould Skysports would be beneficial.
Having said that I still feel I have the capabilities to be a sound print worker. I would work great in a print environment and use the ability of working under pressure to good effect. With most of the national press based in London, and with me not living far from Central London. A job in print would again be more suited as the place of the publication is never a train journey away. Incidentally that would allow me not to move from my current residence and help me financially without having to think about paying rent etc.
In print, roles tend to be limited as only so much can go into a paper, only certain amounts of features would be allowed in etc. Yet in the field of sport a lot of matches are on the weekend which is the main days for sport, which allows a number of opportunities to cover certain matches, that means publication will be looking for a number of people to cover matches up and down the country. The print environment is often hectic with x amount of copies being subbed or written, my role would involve me typing up my reports/feature and sending it out to the subs. I will often be asked to interview people, therefore I might be out of the office more with my notepad and writing down quotes. Which I thoroughly enjoy.
The main issue of getting that job, is exactly that. Getting into the industry. I have to be able to put myself around whether that is writing for different publications or getting contacts. Journalists stress the issue of ‘right place at the right time’, and I have to find the places or people that allow inroads into that field or I will find myself in a no better position when I started the course. For me the main skill that I lack, is the ability to type fast, it may seem trivial but you always need to be quick with the copies and slow typing does not help the progress. Yet there is an easy solution to that, that is practice and that goes for most journalistic skills such as teeline and subbing. Self-improvement has always been important to me and I feel that people never stop improving and learning, therefore I feel all my current skills can be improved, over the past year I have improved my people skills vastly, that is due to the work that I have been involved with such as talking to people I don’t know.
Work experience is an important learning curve and I shall be working hard to able to receive opportunities to get placements. The experience of working in that journalistic environment will prove invaluable in years to come. The important thing is motivation, journalists have to get used to people saying no, and that will happen a lot when looking for a placement.
When I started this course I came in with the idea that a job in print would be ideal, as I have long had a passion for it and to this day I still believe this is the case. Yet looking it from a realist angle, jobs in print are had to come by, even for work experience. Therefore a role in a broadcast company would be more suitable as having studied the certain angles in both radio and TV classes I feel I have something to offer in that role. The roles are less exclusive and a role such as a member of the production team in the mould Skysports would be beneficial.
Having said that I still feel I have the capabilities to be a sound print worker. I would work great in a print environment and use the ability of working under pressure to good effect. With most of the national press based in London, and with me not living far from Central London. A job in print would again be more suited as the place of the publication is never a train journey away. Incidentally that would allow me not to move from my current residence and help me financially without having to think about paying rent etc.
In print, roles tend to be limited as only so much can go into a paper, only certain amounts of features would be allowed in etc. Yet in the field of sport a lot of matches are on the weekend which is the main days for sport, which allows a number of opportunities to cover certain matches, that means publication will be looking for a number of people to cover matches up and down the country. The print environment is often hectic with x amount of copies being subbed or written, my role would involve me typing up my reports/feature and sending it out to the subs. I will often be asked to interview people, therefore I might be out of the office more with my notepad and writing down quotes. Which I thoroughly enjoy.
The main issue of getting that job, is exactly that. Getting into the industry. I have to be able to put myself around whether that is writing for different publications or getting contacts. Journalists stress the issue of ‘right place at the right time’, and I have to find the places or people that allow inroads into that field or I will find myself in a no better position when I started the course. For me the main skill that I lack, is the ability to type fast, it may seem trivial but you always need to be quick with the copies and slow typing does not help the progress. Yet there is an easy solution to that, that is practice and that goes for most journalistic skills such as teeline and subbing. Self-improvement has always been important to me and I feel that people never stop improving and learning, therefore I feel all my current skills can be improved, over the past year I have improved my people skills vastly, that is due to the work that I have been involved with such as talking to people I don’t know.
Work experience is an important learning curve and I shall be working hard to able to receive opportunities to get placements. The experience of working in that journalistic environment will prove invaluable in years to come. The important thing is motivation, journalists have to get used to people saying no, and that will happen a lot when looking for a placement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)