Article published by GQ Magazine (online) on 25th July 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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From £125. At Selfridges & John Smedley, London. Available from 27 July.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Umbro and John Smedley Summer '13 Collection
Article published by GQ Magazine (online) on 25th July 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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From £125. At Selfridges & John Smedley, London. Available from 27 July.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
The best captain England never had? - GQ Magazine
Article published for GQ Magazine (online), 20th July 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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Aged 31, most men can
only dream of retirement. But this is the last thing Ledley King desired. Since his
debut for Tottenham in 1999, King has dared to put
his fragile frame on the line in a constantly changing Spurs
set-up. A niggling knee injury hasn't stopped him from being the
club captain since 2005. For King, reaching the top echelon of
the footballing ladder was never the goal; match fitness and
staying injury free was. Although only training once a week and
trading hours on the pitch for minutes in the swimming pool to
prevent joint damage, King's inclusion into a starting eleven was
often greeted by the White Hart Lane faithful with a roar load as
if the team had scored.
Described by his doctor as "superhuman", King's retirement will see him adopt an ambassadorial role at White Hart Lane. Tottenham's young players would do well to study his awareness, his anticipation, his grit and dexterity. King's addition to Andre Villas-Boas' rejuvenated backroom set-up will bring an air of exuberance to the North London outfit.
Amassing 13 years as Spurs' defensive stalwart when fit, King's single Carling Cup trophy doesn't do the man justice. Had he been fit, the player Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy dubbed "the most gifted player in the history of the Club" would no doubt have boosted his meagre figure of 21 England caps substantially. King was the definition of a true captain: when he played, King came to Tottenham's rescue countless times. Had he played continuously alongside compatriot Michael Dawson, he may well have led Spurs to more than a solitary league cup victory in the last 12 years. We'll never know.
Fans should not be disheartened - one only hopes he follows the lead of Les Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood and instead of focusing on what might have been, looking to Tottenham's future.
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Aged 31, most men can
only dream of retirement. But this is the last thing Ledley King desired. Since his
debut for Tottenham in 1999, King has dared to put
his fragile frame on the line in a constantly changing Spurs
set-up. A niggling knee injury hasn't stopped him from being the
club captain since 2005. For King, reaching the top echelon of
the footballing ladder was never the goal; match fitness and
staying injury free was. Although only training once a week and
trading hours on the pitch for minutes in the swimming pool to
prevent joint damage, King's inclusion into a starting eleven was
often greeted by the White Hart Lane faithful with a roar load as
if the team had scored.Described by his doctor as "superhuman", King's retirement will see him adopt an ambassadorial role at White Hart Lane. Tottenham's young players would do well to study his awareness, his anticipation, his grit and dexterity. King's addition to Andre Villas-Boas' rejuvenated backroom set-up will bring an air of exuberance to the North London outfit.
Amassing 13 years as Spurs' defensive stalwart when fit, King's single Carling Cup trophy doesn't do the man justice. Had he been fit, the player Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy dubbed "the most gifted player in the history of the Club" would no doubt have boosted his meagre figure of 21 England caps substantially. King was the definition of a true captain: when he played, King came to Tottenham's rescue countless times. Had he played continuously alongside compatriot Michael Dawson, he may well have led Spurs to more than a solitary league cup victory in the last 12 years. We'll never know.
Fans should not be disheartened - one only hopes he follows the lead of Les Ferdinand and Tim Sherwood and instead of focusing on what might have been, looking to Tottenham's future.
Friday, 13 July 2012
New TV rights spell financial windfall for Premier League
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The Premier League announced last month they have secured a new broadcasting deal with BSkyB and BT, worth £3bn.
Whilst BT will broadcast 38 matches for three seasons from 2013 onwards, BSkyB remain in control of proceedings once more, with the rights to air 116 games per season.
So what does this mean to the clubs involved?
The new deal sees a rise of £1.25bn, an unprecedented 70% increase for the right to air football across the nation, and all 20 Premier League clubs will receive a handsome sum of money because of this.
Game-by-game, this means the Premier League will receive £6.5m for 90 minutes of play.
BT have secured the package previously owned by ESPN and will be showing the remnants of matches that BSkyB cannot show, having reached the limit of games allowed to be broadcast by one company.
The value of broadcasted football matches has increased ten-fold since the birth of the Premier League.
The first broadcasting deal to be struck was through 1992-1997, where BSkyB’s deal to show 60 televised matches throughout each season was struck in a deal worth £190m (£633,000 per game).
Since then, the amount of games shown and price per game has gone up dramatically. By 1997, BSkyB were paying £2.79m per match for broadcasting rights.
In 2001, the deal struck by BSkyB and the Premier League to show 110 games eclipsed £1bn for the first time. There is no sign this influx will stop any time soon.
Clubs will reap the financial benefits
Whilst a minimal share of the funds will go towards the league’s running costs, as well as professional bodies including the PFA, LMA and Football League, a hefty chunk of the money will still be shared equally among the 20 clubs.Last year, a sum of £1.055bn was shared between the teams involved, with £87m of this shared between seven clubs as a parachute payment.
Under the new deal, clubs are set to receive at least £14m more than they already get from the Premier League.
In perspective, Manchester City earned £60.6m for being crowned champions last season. The bottom-placed Premier League club look set to receive this figure from TV rights alone, regardless of how they perform.
Next season’s champions will receive a hike of £29.2m, taking £89.9m for finishing top of the pile.
The team finishing bottom will still earn £53.3m, without taking into account the fact that overseas TV rights may fluctuate. If these rights rise an expected 50%, the bottom club would receive £62.7m, with the champions taking just shy of £100m.
This, alongside the parachute package clubs will receive upon relegation to help cope with the transition between Premier League and Championship demands, means they could be poised to bounce straight back into top-flight football the following season.
Currently, this figure stands at £16m for two seasons and £8m for another two seasons following relegation. It is also set to rise.
Ability to flex financial muscles
It’s almost impossible for a club to fail. That said, huge wage bills and record-breaking transfer fees are still burdening a minority of Premier League clubs. This deal goes a little way to helping lessen the load.The clubs aiming for European football next season will be less affected, with the new broadcasting deal only showing a slight spike in income, but teams facing the drop would benefit greatly from this rise in broadcasting rights.
The promoted clubs, especially, could even buy a new substitute bench of talent with the new money they are set to receive.
Last year, clubs received an equal sum of £13.8m for TV rights, and another £18.8m for overseas TV rights, with the Premier League striking 81 further deals with broadcasters worldwide.
Including fees for facilities (with teams on TV more often earning more) and merit payments (fees paid depending on final league positions), income handed to Premier League clubs ranged from the chart-topping Manchester City at £60.6m to Wolves, sitting bottom of the pile, still earning £39m for TV rights.
Premier League top the league for equal payments
The Premier League prides itself on its fairly equal payments to clubs, with Manchester City earning £1.55 to every £1 Wolves receive.To put this in perspective, Spanish monopolies Real Madrid and Barcelona earn 14 times more than most other clubs in La Liga. Italy’s ratio in Serie A is still 10 to 1, France’s Ligue 1 at 3.5 to 1 and the German Bundesliga at 2 to 1.
It’s fair to say that many Premier League clubs rely on the league’s earnings to stay competitive the following season, and the new TV deals struck with BSkyB and BT will help this. Of Blackburn’s £57.6m income last year for example, 73% came from Premier League income alone.
There are definitely many ways that clubs benefit from being in top-flight football - Nike give the Premier League £6m a year just to have their footballs on the pitch – but TV rights are where clubs benefit the most.
Whatever way you look at it, these figures are high enough to make your head spin. They fuel the Premier League as the world’s richest, most competitive, and most entertaining league in the world.
By James Hartnett - Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
10 examples why goalline technology is vital
Article published for Total Football Magazine (online). Full article can be found HERE
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Calls for goalline technology have finally been answered and as of 2013 it will cement its place in Premier League history. It will also be present in the Club World Cup in December, as well as the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The technology has previously been available in other sports including rugby and tennis, but will finally come into football following recent successful testing.
Football fans aren’t strangers to goalline controversy and at some point or another, it has directly affected their supported team.
Total Football looks at the goals that should have been but weren’t given, as well as a few that, somehow, were awarded. Had goalline technology been introduced earlier, the outcome of these few select games could have changed dramatically. The final two in particular, with video, will have you wondering how decisions can be made so dreadfully wrong.
Trailing 2-1 and approaching half-time, England were soon in a moment of euphoria after Frank Lampard’s chip from outside of the box clipped the crossbar before bouncing in – and back out – of the goal. Germany’s Manuel Neuer quickly grabbed the ball and kicked it upfield as play continued. England were not rewarded with an equaliser, and Germany went on to win 4-1.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter subsequently insisted it was this goal that enforced the need for the techology in the game.
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
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Calls for goalline technology have finally been answered and as of 2013 it will cement its place in Premier League history. It will also be present in the Club World Cup in December, as well as the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The technology has previously been available in other sports including rugby and tennis, but will finally come into football following recent successful testing.
Football fans aren’t strangers to goalline controversy and at some point or another, it has directly affected their supported team.
Total Football looks at the goals that should have been but weren’t given, as well as a few that, somehow, were awarded. Had goalline technology been introduced earlier, the outcome of these few select games could have changed dramatically. The final two in particular, with video, will have you wondering how decisions can be made so dreadfully wrong.
Frank Lampard vs Germany – World Cup Quarter-Final, 2010
Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in England’s World Cup 2010 quarter-final against Germany is perhaps the most famous recent example of how goalline technology would have changed a game.Trailing 2-1 and approaching half-time, England were soon in a moment of euphoria after Frank Lampard’s chip from outside of the box clipped the crossbar before bouncing in – and back out – of the goal. Germany’s Manuel Neuer quickly grabbed the ball and kicked it upfield as play continued. England were not rewarded with an equaliser, and Germany went on to win 4-1.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter subsequently insisted it was this goal that enforced the need for the techology in the game.
Andy Carroll vs Chelsea - FA Cup Final, 2012
With eight minutes to play and staring in the face of defeat, Liverpool needed a moment of magic after finding themselves 2-1 down against Chelsea. That moment came, as a Luis Suarez cross found an unmarked Andy Carroll at the far post. The troubled striker struck the ball between goalkeeper Petr Cech and the post, but Cech managed to palm the ball out of the goal and back into play. The goal was not awarded and Chelsea went on to lift the trophy.Marko Devic vs England – Euro 2012 group stages, 2012
A sigh of relief for England fans, as Marko Devic’s shot was acrobatically cleared off the line by John Terry in a group game. Officials failed to notice the ball cross the line before the clearance, and England’s eventual 1-0 win contributed to their group-topping performance. After the match, Sepp Blatter declared that goal-line technology was “no longer an alternative but a necessity”. It should be noted, however, that the incident only arose after officials failed to spot an earlier offside decision.Geoff Hurst vs West Germany – World Cup Final, 1966
Perhaps the most infamous incident in goalline history, Hurst’s shot raised questions if it crossed the line or not. The goal was given after consultation with the fourth official, giving England a 3-2 lead and helping to change the outcome of the game as England went on to lift the World Cup in 1966.Clint Hill vs Bolton – Premier League, 2012
QPR eventually survived the Premier League drop, but were made to sweat. Their final day defeat to Manchester City meant they finished just above the drop-zone, with Bolton condemned to Championship football next season. Had the outcome of this earlier strike been different, however, it could have been the turning point. Clint Hill met a Joey Barton corner and headed the ball well into the Bolton goal before goalkeeper Adam Bogdan managed to parry it out and away. The goal was never given, and Bolton recovered to win the match 2-1.Freddie Sears vs Bristol City – Championship, 2009
On loan from West Ham United, Freddie Sears made a dream start after moving to Crystal Palace, scoring the opening goal against Bristol City. However, the ball ricocheted off a stanchion behind the goal and play resumed as normal. To make matters worse, Bristol City then scored a last-minute winner and grabbed all three points. After the game, a furious Neil Warnock vented his anger, saying he “doesn’t know how [referees] keep their jobs”.Sulley Muntari vs Juventus - Serie A, 2012
Drawing 1-1 in a match that could ultimately prove vital in the title race, Muntari’s headed effort to give AC Milan a 2-1 lead wasn’t given, despite being saved a foot inside the goal. The match finished a draw and Juventus went on to win the title a few months later. Had Milan won, they would have still finished second to Juventus in the league, but instead of being four points adrift they would have lost the title equal on points and just five goals behind champions Juve.Pedro Mendes vs Manchester United – Premier League, 2005
With only minutes on the clock, Manchester United were pushing for a winner against a resilient Tottenham Hotspur. Goalkeeper Roy Carroll had even ventured into the Tottenham half to help pile on the pressure. Scrambling back to his goal after an attack broke down, Carroll was caught out by a looping shot by Pedro Mendes from the halfway line, and spilled the ball well into his goal after being left flat-footed by the effort. He clawed the ball out before play continued, and the match finished a draw.Emerson vs Marilla – Brazil, 2011
It’s not often that a penalty rifles the net so hard it breaks it. Gremio’s Emerson does this, with an expertly-taken penalty smashed into the roof of the net. Emerson and his team-mates proceed to celebrate before officials disallow the goal, believing the ball to miss the target completely. Skip the video below to 2:05, and see for yourself the incredible goal that wasn’t.Duisburg vs FSV Frankfurt – Bundesliga, 2010
Just as incredible is this Duisburg effort, as it crashes against the crossbar and bounces straight off the woodwork and away. Thankfully not a turning point in the match, as Duisburg find themselves 4-0 up prior to the incident, the fourth official is quick to award the goal much to the confusion of the crowd. Replays show the ball bounced off the post and landed a metre away from the goal.By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Team GB must be able to cope with pressure
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With international competition comes fresh hope and expectation for a national team to succeed.
Too many times has this spelled turmoil - England’s last World Cup win was in 1966, whilst penalty shoot-out heartbreak and a string of disappointing results have seen England crash out of many subsequent major tournaments in the last 16 or quarter-final stages.
Fortunes for Stuart Pearce’s Under-21 team are slightly different, however. The current Under-21 European Championships qualification campaign sees England occupy top spot, with five wins from six games placing them comfortably ahead of Norway and Belgium. Their last three home games have also seen them net 15 goals and concede none.
Manager Stuart Pearce will be taking control of Team GB throughout the Olympics, and he will be hoping his team of young talent can guide the nation to an Olympic medal.
Installed temporarily as caretaker manager of England in February until the appointment of Roy Hodgson, Pearce has been in charge of the England Under-21 national team since 2007 after a spell at Manchester City, and knows the England players better than anyone else in the country.
Pearce clearly feels this selection has the strongest chance of winning gold, but the pressure these youngsters will be under is something many will never have experienced before.
Performing on a global stage, in sell-out stadiums packed with enthusiastic home support, and millions of TV viewers worldwide , Pearce’s men must be at the peak of their game to compete for medals.
Under-21 performances bode for a successful Games
Pearce has experienced success with the U21 team previously, after strong Championship campaigns in 2007 and 2009 saw the team reach a semi-final and final respectively. In 2011, they failed to qualify from the group stages, narrowly missing out to Spain and a strong CzechRepublic side.Despite this, two players still made the team of the tournament having only played three games.
Whilst Tottenham’s Kyle Walker misses out on Team GB selection following a toe injury, Manchester United’s Chris Smalling is part of Pearce’s Olympic set-up, and will be an experienced addition having played consistently for the Premier League runners-up this season.
The 2012 Olympics is the first time Team GB will compete in the football tournament since rule changes in 1992 meant that only three over-aged players could be selected for each national side.
With Ryan Giggs recently appointed captain, alongside the experience of Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards, the team should have a solid spine, whilst the creative flair of Scott Sinclair and Danny Rose in particular will offer a fresh, exciting approach down the wings. Both youngsters perform in the Premier League regularly and are no strangers to sell-out crowds.
Aaron Ramsey has already had his fair share of publicity after consistently impressive performances in Arsenal's midfield, and looks to be a Premier League star in the making. Again, he is no stranger to the spotlight and should be able to handle the pressure accordingly.
Handling the pressure is key
In fact, only two of England’s likely starting 11 have yet to experience regular Premier League game-time.Birmingham's Jack Butland looks set to start between the posts for team GB, but he has spent most of the past two seasons on loan at Cheltenham, while Bolton striker Marvin Sordell has only made three senior appearances for the club.
On form though, both can be formidable players, and the experience around them should settle any big-stage nerves.
Team GB must be able to rise above the pressure that will inevitably fall upon them for London 2012, but with a strong presence of seasoned players -both over and under-23- this will hopefully not be a problem.
However, fans of the English national team know success is hard to come by on the international stage.
If Team GB’s players perform as well as they have in securing their positions in the squad, this summer should be one of excitement and glamour to be savoured in its entirety, no matter how far the team progresses.
By James Hartnett - Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Diego Maradona's managerial career may now be at an end
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Diego Maradona: FIFA Player of the Century, World Cup icon, golden boot winner and proud scorer of the Goal of the Century. His playing career spanned 21 years, appearing for club and country 583 times and scoring 292 times.
Yet, ‘The Hand of God’ has never been far from controversy, especially off the field. After failing a drugs test in 1991, Maradona (pictured) was suspended from football for 15 months. He also failed a drugs test at the 1994 World Cup and was sent home from the tournament in disgrace.
Following his retirement in 1997 at the age of 37, Maradona also turned to cocaine and suffered ill health before kicking the habit eight years later.
Having enjoyed an illustrious playing career, Maradona will always be heralded as one of, if not the best, footballer to ever grace the field. The likes of Pele still do not come close to his talent and audacity on the ball.
Unfortunately, his playing skill hasn’t exactly been replicated as a coach and spats with the board, fans and the media have only served as a catalyst to his downfall.
Early days in Argentina
Maradona began his managerial career in 1994 with provincial club Deportivo Mandiyu, alongside then team-mate Carlos Fren.His solitary season at the club saw them finish 20th in the Argentinean clausura (second half of the season), before he moved the following year to manage Racing Club, where he endured yet another disappointing season.
He then abandoned the notion of management for 13 years, focusing on recommencing a short playing career before finally retiring for good.
It wasn’t until 2008 when his venture into management continued, after pledging his interest in the Argentinean head coach role.
Following the resignation of former coach Alfio Basile, Maradona took charge of the national side to jubilant domestic support.
His status within his home country promised hope but the former global superstar could not deliver on expectations. His first three games in charge resulted in three wins, before a 6-1 thrashing against Bolivia tarnished the team’s reputation.
World Cup disappointment
The national team then suffered multiple losses in World Cup qualifiers and only just scraped through qualification.Following the experience, Maradona became hostile to the world’s media, earning himself a two-month ban by FIFA from footballing activity after being quoted in a post-match conference, telling the press to “suck it and keep sucking it” after they questioned his managerial ability .
During the 2010 World Cup, the team experienced a mixture of encouraging and disappointing results. A 4-1 win against South Korea, a 1-0 triumph over Nigeria and a 2-0 success against Greece in their group secured progession, whilst a 3-1 win against Mexico in the last 16 pitted them against Germany in the quarter-finals.
Argentina’s run came to an end after a crushing 4-0 defeat to the Europeans, a huge disappointment for the team after their fifth place world ranking had promised far more success.
Controversy followed, after initial talks of a new four-year contract ultimately ended with the Argentine Football Association unanimously deciding not to renew his contract.
Maradona’s response was highly critical, claiming he had been "lied to" and "betrayed."
Mental weakness at Al Wasl
His attention soon switched to club management and Maradona’s next post was at United Arab Emirates outfit Al Wasl.Inevitably controversy followed, leading to headlines in March for confronting opposition supporters and defending his wife against alleged fan abuse after a defeat to Al Shabab.
After only 14 months in charge, Maradona was sacked from his position following a disappointing season that saw Al Wasl finish eighth in the league, 28 points behind champions Al Ain.
Maradona and his coaching staff were dismissed after the club amassed 26 points from 22 matches, with only seven wins chalked up.
As a man notorious for his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a reputation for hostile relations with both the media and his employers, his future in management must surely now be in doubt.
Undoubtedly one of the greatest footballing talents the world has ever seen, his playing days will certainly live longer in the memory than his managerial career.
By James Hartnett - Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Reading snap up Nicky Shorey on a free transfer
Article posted on Total Football Magazine (online). Full artcicle can be found HERE
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Nicky Shorey has become Reading's fifth summer signing, after joining on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion.
The 31-year-old, voted Reading’s best left back in history, has rejoined the club on a one-year contract after spells at Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Aston Villa and West Brom.
The option to extend his contract for another year has also been made available.
Shorey (pictured) was a free agent after being released by West Brom in May, alongside three other players, following a restructuring of the club under new manager Steve Clarke.
He had previously been competing for position against Joe Mattock and Liam Ridgewell who, following strong form after his January switch to the Hawthorns from Birmingham, had been regularly chosen as the club’s prime left back.
Shorey will return to Reading for the 2012/13 season and add to his tally of 267 appearances for the club, which he helped guide to promotion in 2006.
Reading have been busy in this summer’s transfer market, having also brought in Gareth McCleary, Danny Guthrie, Pierce Sweeney and former Fulham loanee Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The Royals first game of the season will see Stoke City travel to the Madejski Stadium on August 18, after being crowned Championship winners last season.
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
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The 31-year-old, voted Reading’s best left back in history, has rejoined the club on a one-year contract after spells at Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Aston Villa and West Brom.
The option to extend his contract for another year has also been made available.
Shorey (pictured) was a free agent after being released by West Brom in May, alongside three other players, following a restructuring of the club under new manager Steve Clarke.
He had previously been competing for position against Joe Mattock and Liam Ridgewell who, following strong form after his January switch to the Hawthorns from Birmingham, had been regularly chosen as the club’s prime left back.
Shorey will return to Reading for the 2012/13 season and add to his tally of 267 appearances for the club, which he helped guide to promotion in 2006.
Reading have been busy in this summer’s transfer market, having also brought in Gareth McCleary, Danny Guthrie, Pierce Sweeney and former Fulham loanee Pavel Pogrebnyak.
The Royals first game of the season will see Stoke City travel to the Madejski Stadium on August 18, after being crowned Championship winners last season.
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Ex-Premier League global travellers
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The glitz and the glamour of playing in the Premier League, the pinnacle of league football worldwide, is enough to make most footballers weak at the knees.
For others however, the journey to the Premier League is but a stepping stone to a group of jet-setters hungry for a more illustrious, adventurous career spanning across the globe.
Former England captain David Beckham created a media frenzy after his move to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy was announced in January 2007 and this has proved to be his stomping ground for the last five years.
His intentions questioned, with experience, fitness, money and fame all raised as potential reasons for his signature, Beckham’s influence at the club has seen them catapulted as one of the most recognised foreign clubs in the world.
His signing has no doubt raised the profile of American-based MLS too and Beckham’s move to the Galaxy outfit wasn’t wholly funded by his new club.
In a PR stunt managed by Beckham’s agency, figures of around $250m were being thrown around the press as to the transfer’s worth. In reality, the figure was far lower, with ‘Becks’ signing a contract worth a reported $32.5m (£21m) over five years.
Not only this but his transfer was funded by every club of the MLS – not just parent club LA Galaxy – with scope of raising MLS’ profile on the world stage.
The stunt worked, with Beckham’s elevated celebrity status drawing in sell-out crowds, increased merchandise sales figures and an influx of interest from owners and sponsors throughout the league.
Breaking into America
This experiment is just one highlight of a fleet of talent searching for new challenges away from the UK, with several Premier League players flocking across the Atlantic to grasp newfound stardom in America.Beckham’s arrival at LA Galaxy paired him up with former Everton player Landon Donovan, whilst the capture of Spurs Irish striker Robbie Keane means he became the third player departing the British Isles to continue his footballing legacy Stateside.
Thierry Henry also joined the list of Premier League talent heading west in July 2010, prompting New York Red Bulls General Manager Erik Soler to declare his transfer will “help [Red Bulls] vision of making our organisation the premium franchise in Major League Soccer” after securing the ex-Gunner on a multi-year contract.
The move emphasised the business-minded venture MLS is taking in boosting their global profile, fuelled through the fame of their celebrity-esque players.
Asia-bound
Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba is to begin a similar venture this coming season, targeting a new life in Asia after signing for Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua under similar circumstances, a hefty transfer fee and a handsome contract proposal in hope that a player of Drogba’s calibre will also come attached with an established world following, something which can bring the Chinese Super League to the forefront of world football.Drogba isn’t the only ex-Premier League star to flock to China for further football stardom. Having only planned to arrive in Shanghai on July 14, the Ivorian striker may be forced to watch from the stands as his new club take on league rival Beijing Guoan, led by ex-West Ham and Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute, after the club pried the Frenchman from Sevilla earlier this month.
A week later, Drogba could make his full debut against Guangzhou Fuli. Another club in the news, Fuli have also captured an ex-Premier League player in the form of Everton and Blackburn’s Yakubu, only days before announcement of Kanoute’s transfer filtered through.
Attraction to the East
Flocking to Russia after failing to settle in at Chelsea, Yuri Zhirkov joined the list of departures after accepting a four-year contract at Russian Premier League club Anzhi Makhachkala last season for a fee of £13.2m.He joined global footballing icons Samuel Eto’o, Mbark Boussoufa and Roberto Carlos after Anzhi experienced a cash injection last year, following the purchase of the club by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov and has helped cement Anzhi Mahachkala in becoming one of the most recognisable teams in Eastern Europe since.
Following a playing career at the likes of Liverpool, Leeds United and Manchester City, Robbie Fowler was one of the earliest big-name Premier League stars to seek a playing career in a niche club abroad.
However, his move never materialised in heightening the stature of his consequent clubs and it wasn’t long until media reports of Fowler’s loss of fame surfaced.
In 2009, the Liverpudlian joined Australian A-League side North Queensland Fury, yet after enduring a drama-filled season at the club he soon departed to fellow A-League outfit Perth Glory, where he remained for a further year after being offered contracts with a string of other teams.
After a second remarkable season, he joined Thai football club Muangthong United, playing 13 times during a spell which saw him step up as player manager before returning to England to seek a career outside of football.
Albeit for money, fame or fitness, a fleet of Premier League talent have flocked elsewhere to continue playing football.
Mutually advantageous for all parties, keeping players fit and financially stable whilst promoting the team and league in which they play, the mass exodus over the recent seasons of players seeking football across the world will continue to be a popular change in career path for many seasons to come.
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Team GB's possible route to the final
Article written for Total Football Magazine, July 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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With the Olympics just 17 days away, Team GB are one of 16 nations to compete in the football competition. However, with the limelight firmly on Stuart Pearce’s men, there has been little media presence on the teams that Team GB could face.
As the host nation and fourth favourite team to claim the coveted gold medal, Team GB are expected to perform admirably. By this reckoning, a semi-final appearance is but the lowest target for the country’s young lions.
If they perform well enough, their route to the final will still be no easy feat – here’s who could pose the biggest threats at London 2012.
Group stage: Uruguay fight for top status
Team GB are up against Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay in Group A, with the latter proving the biggest threat to claiming top spot.Uruguay have made their intentions clear, with first place in the group a priority.
Their 18-man squad was revealed yesterday, with Liverpool duo Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates amongst them.
Suarez (pictured) has been selected as one of three over-aged players alongside Napoli striker Edinson Cavani and Palermo midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios.
A rock in the defensive midfield position, Arevalo Rios has proved vital in Uruguay’s success, helping the team lift their 15th Copa America last year.
Suarez finished second in the scoring charts and whilst Cavani struggled to find the net, the scoring form of the Uruguayan strikers has seen them rack up 50 goals last season in a combined 86 matches.
It will be no surprise if this success is replicated during the Games.
Finishing fourth at the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay are aiming for their third Olympic title and could be strong contenders in both the group and knockout stages.
Quarter-finals: Mexico or Switzerland could await
If qualification from Group A is secured, Team GB will most probably face Mexico or Switzerland from Group B, depending on their finishing position.Both hold strong chances of progressing to this stage but critics fear their routes could be short-lived, with defeat against either Team GB or Uruguay in the quarters posed as a likely outcome.
The big news is the exclusion of Manchester United and Mexico poacher Javier Hernandez, who has been sidelined from the Mexican Olympic squad at the discretion of club manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
With the Premier League season beginning on August 18, Ferguson does not want to chance his fitness going into the opening weekend of fixtures.
Leading the line instead will be Oribe Peralta, who has already scored six goals in five Olympic qualifying games and is a proud gold medal winner and top goal scorer of the 2011 Pan American Games.
Captained by veteran goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona, a controlled mix of defensive prowess and attacking vitality could see Mexico cause problems should Team GB be paired against them.
First-time qualifiers since 1928, Switzerland have performed above expectations recently.
Qualification from the group stage shouldn’t be beyond them, whilst Lorient striker Innocent Emeghara could prove a handful for Britain’s defence, if the key man continues his hot vain of club scoring form.
Semi-finals and beyond
Whittling the competition down to four teams is always a hard and highly complex task, yet if predictions prove correct, then Team GB will showdown against one of the big two – Brazil or Spain – unless an upset or rematch against Uruguay is on the cards.Brazil’s roll of honour is the best in the world, but the one title to elude them is Olympic gold.
Rich with flair and an attacking instinct unrivalled by most, Brazil are firm favourites for the Olympic title this summer, hoping to build on their silver medal obtained during the 2008 Games in Beijing.
A tremendous amount of publicity has been given to Santos magician Neymar, yet London 2012 will be the first time he will perform on a mass global scale.
The trickster could easily walk away with the top billing if Brazil, also including Hulk and Alexandre Pato in the line-up, fulfil their promise as top Olympic nation.
National head coach Mano Menezes will guide the team and anything less than gold will hurt Brazil.
Spain, interestingly, failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. They did, however, triumph at Euro 2008 before going on to win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. The latter after conceding just one goal throughout the whole tournament.
The last time the national team lost in a competitive game was against France during the 2006 World Cup and they have since gone six years without defeat in a major tournament, something they will keenly wish to uphold.
Their Olympic team comprises huge promise including David de Gea, Cesar Azpilicueta, Adrian and Athletic Bilbao man Ander Herrera. They will be confident of mounting a challenge for Olympic gold.
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnett_
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Friday, 29 June 2012
Beckham omitted as Pearce favours defensive prowess
Article written for Total Football Magazine (Online). Full article can be found HERE
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Arms were seemingly aloft this morning as Stuart Pearce announced the Team GB squad, with one major omission – David Beckham.
Part of Sebastian Coe’s dynamic team that helped bring the Olympics to London, David Beckham has always been a prominent ambassador for Team GB and the Olympic Games, yet has failed to make the final cut for Stuart Pearce’s team.
With only three spaces for over 23s available in the squad, it was always going to be a tough ask for Beckham to be included, and he must now make way for former team-mate Ryan Giggs alongside Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards to fill the three spots.
After being a long-standing member of the Team GB committee, it seemed almost common knowledge that Beckham would be included – in fact, possibly even be one of the core players – in Pearce’s Olympic squad, but this is far from the case.
Pearce phoned Beckham yesterday with the news of his omission, stating that he wanted more defensive cover and though bursting with experience, a cool head and an inspiring ability to switch play effortlessly, Pearce felt Beckham couldn’t deliver defensively.
This certainly indicates why Ryan Giggs, 39 this season, has been chosen for his experience in a deeper midfield role ahead of LA Galaxy regular Beckham.
The FA has previously stated that no player selected for Euro 2012 would be selected for Team GB, and perhaps this has helped in influencing public opinion in assuming Beckham would be picked.
Indeed, this promise seems to have been largely upheld with goalkeeper Jack Butland – who did not
play a game in England’s Euro 2012 campaign – likely to be called up for Team GB.
Pundits were quick to add their views on Twitter, including an outraged Robbie Savage who felt it a “disgrace” for Beckham to be included in the provisional shortlist but excluded from the final 18-man squad. Even BBC Sport pundit Gary Lineker believed it to be a “terrible shame” that a player who had given so much to football and the Olympic bid was not rewarded with a place.
However, this is possibly what Stuart Pearce is trying to purposefully prove – players won’t get a place if it is felt obligatory; they must warrant their place on merit and good performances.
True to form, Beckham hasn’t played a competitive football match in England for nine years now and, though a current starter for LA Galaxy, it can be argued that the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer is sub-standard to that of the reputed Premier League.
On the off-season, many MLS stars including Beckham or Thierry Henry have been known to train with Premier League clubs purely to maintain their fitness levels – something that only seems second nature to Premier League players.
Let's not forget, while the focus may be on the omission of Beckham, even Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand too, and the inclusion of Giggs, Bellamy and Richards in the 18-man squad, there are still 15 places available for the hottest talent on these shores and this is something that is certainly to be savoured.
Of the 18-man football squads submitted for the Olympics, all must contain 15 players born after January 1 1989. Team GB were drawn in Group A where they will play Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates. Their first match, against Senegal at Old Trafford, will take place on July 26.
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Was it right to leave David Beckham out of Team GB squad?
Part of Sebastian Coe’s dynamic team that helped bring the Olympics to London, David Beckham has always been a prominent ambassador for Team GB and the Olympic Games, yet has failed to make the final cut for Stuart Pearce’s team.
With only three spaces for over 23s available in the squad, it was always going to be a tough ask for Beckham to be included, and he must now make way for former team-mate Ryan Giggs alongside Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards to fill the three spots.
After being a long-standing member of the Team GB committee, it seemed almost common knowledge that Beckham would be included – in fact, possibly even be one of the core players – in Pearce’s Olympic squad, but this is far from the case.
Pearce phoned Beckham yesterday with the news of his omission, stating that he wanted more defensive cover and though bursting with experience, a cool head and an inspiring ability to switch play effortlessly, Pearce felt Beckham couldn’t deliver defensively.
This certainly indicates why Ryan Giggs, 39 this season, has been chosen for his experience in a deeper midfield role ahead of LA Galaxy regular Beckham.
Never guaranteed a place
Whilst the full 18-man squad list will not be released until July 6, indications show that - though a national treasure - Becks would face stiff opposition for position, and has never been guaranteed a place in the starting XI.The FA has previously stated that no player selected for Euro 2012 would be selected for Team GB, and perhaps this has helped in influencing public opinion in assuming Beckham would be picked.
Indeed, this promise seems to have been largely upheld with goalkeeper Jack Butland – who did not
play a game in England’s Euro 2012 campaign – likely to be called up for Team GB.
Pundits were quick to add their views on Twitter, including an outraged Robbie Savage who felt it a “disgrace” for Beckham to be included in the provisional shortlist but excluded from the final 18-man squad. Even BBC Sport pundit Gary Lineker believed it to be a “terrible shame” that a player who had given so much to football and the Olympic bid was not rewarded with a place.
However, this is possibly what Stuart Pearce is trying to purposefully prove – players won’t get a place if it is felt obligatory; they must warrant their place on merit and good performances.
True to form, Beckham hasn’t played a competitive football match in England for nine years now and, though a current starter for LA Galaxy, it can be argued that the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer is sub-standard to that of the reputed Premier League.
On the off-season, many MLS stars including Beckham or Thierry Henry have been known to train with Premier League clubs purely to maintain their fitness levels – something that only seems second nature to Premier League players.
Rising stars set to shine
Now is the time to look towards Team GB’s rising stars. Previously, a combination of young talent from all corners of the British Isles has been unprecedented, and it will be interesting to see how these players shape up in an ‘all-star’ set-up.Let's not forget, while the focus may be on the omission of Beckham, even Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand too, and the inclusion of Giggs, Bellamy and Richards in the 18-man squad, there are still 15 places available for the hottest talent on these shores and this is something that is certainly to be savoured.
Of the 18-man football squads submitted for the Olympics, all must contain 15 players born after January 1 1989. Team GB were drawn in Group A where they will play Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates. Their first match, against Senegal at Old Trafford, will take place on July 26.
Giggs, Bellamy and Richards in Team GB squad
By James Hartnett – Follow me on Twitter @JamesHartnettTuesday, 26 June 2012
Samsung Win a Pro Contract winner Chris Smith’s rollercoaster year
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Chris Smith became the second player in as many seasons to be granted a professional contract with newly-promoted League One outfit Swindon Town thanks to Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract competition. The event attracted over 5,000 hopefuls before Smith emerged victorious earlier this year.
After winning the one-year contract under veteran manager Paolo di Canio, Smith has had to change lifestyles from that of a Staffordshire University student working in his father’s oatcake shop, playing for Stone Dominoes in the fifth tier of non-league football, to that of a professional footballer - something he has found tough but rewarding.
He said: “The training is hard work, it’s a lot different to what I was used to but it’s alright now. It’s a massive step-up to before, and the pace and physicality is a massive change to when I played once a week for Stone Dominoes. It’s physically demanding but you have to take the good with the bad.”
One of two finalists, Chris remembers waiting by the phone for a call from Swindon manager Paolo di Canio to hear if he had been successful – a moment he will never forget. He recalled: “I knew it had happened but it didn’t quite sink in, it was such a surreal feeling. It was absolutely amazing news and it’s completely changed my life. The past few months since I left university have been a complete whirlwind. It’s a massive change but I’d do it all over again if I got the chance.”
Fingers crossed
After making his debut against Bradford on the last day of the 2011/12 season, Chris hopes to impress di Canio enough to secure further time on the pitch. He said: “I was buzzing when I was put on against Bradford, and was absolutely over the moon that I got the chance to play.
“I’m hoping for a few more appearances next season and get fitter before then. If I can get fit and Paolo trusts me enough then fingers crossed he’ll put me in the team.”
He was also quick to thank the support and guidance of his manager and team-mates at Swindon:
“Paolo has been absolutely amazing for me. Di Canio has been like a teacher and has taught me the main parts of my role, my positioning, when to run down the lines and everything in between. He’s spot-on in terms of his coaching and I’ve just kept improving thanks to him.
“The players have been really helpful too, keeping me calm when things don’t go right or encouraging me when things go well. Listening to what they say and believing in myself has been a huge help.”
As for the future, Chris is leaving his fate in the hands of his manager. He said: “I just want to work as hard as possible and give myself the best possible chance to get a contract extension. If I go on loan it’s not the worst thing though, and it’ll give me a chance to get some experience too. For now though, I’m focusing on the upcoming stages with Swindon and I’ll go from there.”
Registration open for Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract 2012/13
Chris Smith was chosen out of 5,500 applicants for a one-year professional contract with Swindon Town FC earlier this year, and was quick to praise the scheme: “I need to thank Samsung for launching the Win a Pro Contract competition in the first place, and giving me the chance to play for Swindon. If I didn’t have that, I’d still be playing for Stone Dominoes and working in my dad’s oatcake shop. I owe them everything, really.”
With registration now open for next year’s competition, Chris believes that any young footballer should apply for it since it could change their life forever. He said: “If somebody feels they have something to prove they should definitely apply. There’s a lot of talent out there and it does get missed sometimes. “If you think you have a bit of talent or something to show then go for it, and if you’re good enough you’ll get picked up. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Registration for Samsung’s Win a Pro Contract 2012/13 is open from now until August 31, with two contracts on offer for the first time – one at Swindon Town and one at Leyton Orient. To submit an entry or vote for a friend who has entered, visit Samsung’s Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/samsungfootball/app_130857653658015
By James Hartnett
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Spain v France preview: Nasri could hold the key
Published on Total Football Magazine (online). Full article can be found HERE
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The third quarter-final of Euro 2012 will take place this evening between France and Spain.
France will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 shock midweek defeat to Sweden, but face tough opposition in a Spain side yet to taste defeat in this year’s tournament. Alongside data analysed by Castrol Edge, here are some glimpses into what key battles can determine the outcome of tonight’s match in Donetsk.
Out of favour at Chelsea, Spaniard Fernando Torres has been in fine form for his country, finding the net twice in just 151 minutes of action and will be hoping to replicate this success and put his side into Wednesday’s semi-final.
France’s hit man Karim Benzema has had a slower start to his Euro 2012 campaign. Having attempted 17 shots without scoring, he holds the unwanted record of the most shots without scoring in the competition. Benzema will want to fix this quickly, emulating the form he has shown in last season’s La Liga when netting 21 goals in 34 appearances.
With good scoring form, strikers need good service. Spain have scored in all three of their group games, and before the knockout stage had scored the most goals as a nation. Whilst France have scored just three goals in their last three matches, they have not been short of chances.
Both teams will look upon their respective playmakers in David Silva and Franck Ribery for creativity, with both featuring prominently in their previous matches. As Castrol Edge analysed, Silva has led the way this tournament, netting a goal and creating three more in contrast to Ribery’s solitary single assist, yet with a slightly superior pass completion rate and chance creation, the Bayern Munich talisman’s threat is ever-present.
In charge of dictating the midfield will be fellow Catalan talisman Xavi and Newcastle’s in-form Frenchman Yohan Cabaye. If fit to play, Cabaye will be responsible for building chances for Les Bleus this evening, yet should also be feared in attacking positions after clinching a goal and an assist in just 152 minutes’ play.
Xavi however excels in midfield and, as Castrol Edge analysed, has amassed an astonishing 345 passes in just three games – over three times that of Cabaye. Of these, 15 led to clear cut chances and Xavi should feel unlucky that none of these have yet led to goals.
Where France could falter in this tie will be in defence, and Laurent Blanc’s side will need a strong back-line to neutralise Spain’s attacking threat and silence their critics. Whilst Frenchman Adil Rami has excelled in his ability to clear his lines, he has attempted just three tackles in his last three appearances, with only one being successful. In contrast, Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has won seven of his 10 tackles in the same time – a figure only being surpassed by three other defenders.
France will be hoping for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to be on top form later if they are to have any hope of keeping Spain’s strike force at bay. In the group stages, the Lyon player has saved just 62.5% of shots faced, Castrol Edge revealed, and Lloris must improve this stat if he is to record his second clean sheet of the tournament. Spain can feel confident however with Iker Casillas in goal, with the Spaniard saving 91% of shots faced – the highest save percentage of all 15 goalkeepers featuring this summer.
Data collected by Castrol Edge suggests Spain have a 66% chance of beating France and booking their place in the semi-finals, where they will play Portugal.
The last time these two sides met competitively saw France record a 3-1 victory at the 2006 World Cup, yet only two of the victor’s starting XI may feature this evening - Franck Ribey and Florent Malouda. As they will argue, the European and World Champions are beatable, and Les Bleus will be trying to prove just that in Ukraine.
By James Hartnett
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France will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 shock midweek defeat to Sweden, but face tough opposition in a Spain side yet to taste defeat in this year’s tournament. Alongside data analysed by Castrol Edge, here are some glimpses into what key battles can determine the outcome of tonight’s match in Donetsk.
Out of favour at Chelsea, Spaniard Fernando Torres has been in fine form for his country, finding the net twice in just 151 minutes of action and will be hoping to replicate this success and put his side into Wednesday’s semi-final.
France’s hit man Karim Benzema has had a slower start to his Euro 2012 campaign. Having attempted 17 shots without scoring, he holds the unwanted record of the most shots without scoring in the competition. Benzema will want to fix this quickly, emulating the form he has shown in last season’s La Liga when netting 21 goals in 34 appearances.
With good scoring form, strikers need good service. Spain have scored in all three of their group games, and before the knockout stage had scored the most goals as a nation. Whilst France have scored just three goals in their last three matches, they have not been short of chances.
Both teams will look upon their respective playmakers in David Silva and Franck Ribery for creativity, with both featuring prominently in their previous matches. As Castrol Edge analysed, Silva has led the way this tournament, netting a goal and creating three more in contrast to Ribery’s solitary single assist, yet with a slightly superior pass completion rate and chance creation, the Bayern Munich talisman’s threat is ever-present.
Nasri could hold the key
Alongside Ribery, Samir Nasri could hold the key to unlocking Spain’s defence. Having scored already this tournament, he has also set up 14 chances for his team-mates - nine more than Spaniard Andres Iniesta. This is not to say Iniesta has not been a threat, with the Barcelona man boasting an assist and an impressive 89% shooting accuracy from nine shots.In charge of dictating the midfield will be fellow Catalan talisman Xavi and Newcastle’s in-form Frenchman Yohan Cabaye. If fit to play, Cabaye will be responsible for building chances for Les Bleus this evening, yet should also be feared in attacking positions after clinching a goal and an assist in just 152 minutes’ play.
Xavi however excels in midfield and, as Castrol Edge analysed, has amassed an astonishing 345 passes in just three games – over three times that of Cabaye. Of these, 15 led to clear cut chances and Xavi should feel unlucky that none of these have yet led to goals.
Where France could falter in this tie will be in defence, and Laurent Blanc’s side will need a strong back-line to neutralise Spain’s attacking threat and silence their critics. Whilst Frenchman Adil Rami has excelled in his ability to clear his lines, he has attempted just three tackles in his last three appearances, with only one being successful. In contrast, Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has won seven of his 10 tackles in the same time – a figure only being surpassed by three other defenders.
France will be hoping for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to be on top form later if they are to have any hope of keeping Spain’s strike force at bay. In the group stages, the Lyon player has saved just 62.5% of shots faced, Castrol Edge revealed, and Lloris must improve this stat if he is to record his second clean sheet of the tournament. Spain can feel confident however with Iker Casillas in goal, with the Spaniard saving 91% of shots faced – the highest save percentage of all 15 goalkeepers featuring this summer.
Data collected by Castrol Edge suggests Spain have a 66% chance of beating France and booking their place in the semi-finals, where they will play Portugal.
The last time these two sides met competitively saw France record a 3-1 victory at the 2006 World Cup, yet only two of the victor’s starting XI may feature this evening - Franck Ribey and Florent Malouda. As they will argue, the European and World Champions are beatable, and Les Bleus will be trying to prove just that in Ukraine.
By James Hartnett
Monday, 18 June 2012
Torres – Domestic disaster, international icon
Article written for Total Football Magazine (Online), June 18th 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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Torres – Domestic disaster, international icon
Questions have been asked for so long about the quality of
Chelsea’s troubled striker Fernando Torres, but the precise reason why
the Spaniard has not been in the same scintillating form he once showed
at Liverpool remains a mystery.Having experienced barren goal scoring droughts whilst at Chelsea and attracting widespread criticism for his confidence shattering performances throughout the past season, Torres has been a regular bench warmer at Stamford Bridge.
If it wasn’t for Didier Drogba retiring this year, perhaps the situation may have stayed the same for another season also.
However, Torres’ time to shine at Chelsea looks to be in the coming season, and what better way to stamp your authority and showcase your talent than on the world stage – and Torres seems to be doing just that.
Clear statement
With just 90 minutes under his belt in Euro 2012, Fernando Torres led a strong Spanish side to a convincing 4-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland last Thursday, getting on the score sheet twice in impressive style.His first goal came after a neat bit of individual skill enabled him to steal the ball in the area following a slight fracas moments before, taking it round a defender and thundering a strike into the roof of the net.
The second was arguably better, chasing a well worked through ball, running a third of the pitch with pressure mounting on him and calmly slotting the ball past a hapless Shay Given.
Torres made a clear statement on Thursday night in Gdansk, leading the team to a performance reminiscent of the form that led them to European glory last time round in the 2008 Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Who needs David Villa? Certainly not Spain, judging by lThursday night’s display.
Squad rejuvenated
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque came under heavy criticism following the team’s opening result, a 1-1 draw against fellow European giants Italy, after the starting XI featured no recognised striker. Cesc Fabregas led the line, and the side looked tame in the final third.Skip forward less than a week and the team looked rejuvenated, structured and, above all, together as a unit.
Before the tournament began, bookmakers published equal odds of Torres and Fernando Llorente being top scorer for Spain.
Torres is now the second favourite for the golden boot after just two rounds of fixtures in which he has started one.
Llorente is yet to feature in the opening three hours of this year’s tournament, and with Torres having already been such a prominent figure in Spain’s ascent to the top of the world rankings, it’s mystifying why his prolific form on the international stage hasn’t been replicated at his current club domestically.
Either way, if Torres continues to get the nod up front for a country capable of going all the way in this tournament, it might not be long until his critics who have bludgeoned his tainted club career for so long, become supporters of the same man.
By James Hartnett
Follow Total Football on Twitter: @TotalFootball12
Visit the Total Football Facebook page: facebook.com/totalfootballmag
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
The top 10 things the Premier League taught us - Total Football Magazine
Full article can be found online HERE
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His and the club’s first title since his arrival in December 2009 has come at just the right time too, after the team crashed out of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in disappointing fashion earlier last season.
After announcing a world record loss of £361m last season, and a staggering current wage bill just shy of £174m, Mancini’s team of superstars can finally flaunt the Premier League trophy to their fans.
The question now is whether they can maintain this feat with their existing squad, and go some way to recording their first profitable year since 2005.
Sir Alex Ferguson also had quite the spending spree last summer, hoping to achieve his 13th Premier League title with the signings of the highly-rated trio of Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea.
However, undergoing constant tactical changes with line-ups tarnished by injuries, the team took time to play as a unit and often looked fragile at the back.
Fundamentally, this cost Ferguson the title, and only time will improve the team performance and enable them to mount a strong title challenge next season.
Sunderland’s playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has changed countless games with his dynamic, accurate play, whilst Newcastle’s front-line partnership of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba have perhaps been the biggest surprise last season in turning the team into a top six outfit.
The likes of Tottenham’s Kyle Walker, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Manchester United’s stalwart Phil Jones featured heavily in their respective campaigns last season and it won’t be long until they become driving forces in the national team too.
Newcastle did just this, and after putting in several strong performances their presence near the top of the pile was looking lengthy.
Having only been recently promoted in 2010, Newcastle were tipped by many to begin their slide down the table at any moment – yet the downfall never came.
They came under pressure as Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all sprang into action, rocketing up the form table and before long Newcastle were in amongst the big boys.
Come May, any one of the four teams could have finished third. Who said the Premier League was predictable?
It wasn’t uncommon that his on-field escapades, assists and goals for QPR were praised one week before his violent actions were condemned by the press the next.
His constant Twitter rampages have also landed him in hot water in the past, and public apologies are now becoming the norm for Barton.
Missing almost one-third of next season due to his latest suspension, QPR manager Mark Hughes now faces a tough decision regarding Barton – try and ship him off, or pay his bills knowing he won’t potentially play until November.
At just 21 however, this could be credited to his lack of experience in the game, and it’s fair to say as the season has progressed his misconduct has become slightly less.
What is for sure is that without Balotelli, the Premier League would be far less entertaining for spectators and critics everywhere and his cheekiness on-the-pitch only demonstrates this.
However, goals tend to come in quick succession when scored. Both Suarez and Torres last season have scored hat-tricks, and possess the ability to do it time and time again with more game time.
With Suarez holding the unfavourable record of the lowest shots-to-goals ratio in the Premier League last season, his lack of goals is not for want of trying.
The same can be said for Torres and Carroll, and with more game time perhaps the goals will begin to come – especially, for Torres, now Drogba has left Chelsea.
Huge score-lines meant highlight reels needed dramatic editing last season, and these weren’t always against relegation-fighting teams.
Manchester United beat Arsenal 8-2 on the same day Manchester City beat Tottenham 5-1.
Chelsea scored three against Arsenal but still lost 5-3, whilst Arsenal were also on the receiving end of a similar score-line in their 4-3 defeat to Blackburn.
To top it off, the 20,000th Premier League goal was also scored in December, by Aston Villa’s Marc Albrighton during their 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal.
Despite losing their final day fixture, QPR survived the drop by a single point, whilst Swansea and Norwich both finished 11 points away from the relegation zone.
By James Hartnett
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Money can buy you happiness
It took until the 93rd minute of the final game of the season for Manchester City to be crowned Premier League champions, but finally Roberto Mancini can silence his critics by showing them the title.His and the club’s first title since his arrival in December 2009 has come at just the right time too, after the team crashed out of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in disappointing fashion earlier last season.
After announcing a world record loss of £361m last season, and a staggering current wage bill just shy of £174m, Mancini’s team of superstars can finally flaunt the Premier League trophy to their fans.
The question now is whether they can maintain this feat with their existing squad, and go some way to recording their first profitable year since 2005.
Good players need time to gel
The glitz and the glamour of Manchester City has, at times, often left their rivals in the shadows.Sir Alex Ferguson also had quite the spending spree last summer, hoping to achieve his 13th Premier League title with the signings of the highly-rated trio of Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea.
However, undergoing constant tactical changes with line-ups tarnished by injuries, the team took time to play as a unit and often looked fragile at the back.
Fundamentally, this cost Ferguson the title, and only time will improve the team performance and enable them to mount a strong title challenge next season.
Bargains are to be had if you know where to look
Big-name transfers such as Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli dominated the media, but there were still plenty of surprise packages that made an impact in the Premier League last season.Sunderland’s playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has changed countless games with his dynamic, accurate play, whilst Newcastle’s front-line partnership of Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba have perhaps been the biggest surprise last season in turning the team into a top six outfit.
England’s national prospects are high
With maturity comes experience, and vice versa. Any player breaking through into a Premier League starting line-up obviously possesses enough ability that fans can only dream about.The likes of Tottenham’s Kyle Walker, Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Manchester United’s stalwart Phil Jones featured heavily in their respective campaigns last season and it won’t be long until they become driving forces in the national team too.
There is no ‘Top 4’ anymore
With Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal in a relegation battle back in September and Chelsea also off to a slow start, space was given for other teams to grace the top places in the league table.Newcastle did just this, and after putting in several strong performances their presence near the top of the pile was looking lengthy.
Having only been recently promoted in 2010, Newcastle were tipped by many to begin their slide down the table at any moment – yet the downfall never came.
They came under pressure as Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all sprang into action, rocketing up the form table and before long Newcastle were in amongst the big boys.
Come May, any one of the four teams could have finished third. Who said the Premier League was predictable?
Joey Barton still can’t get it right
A 12-match ban earlier this month during QPR’s defeat to Manchester City on the last day of the season all but sums up the hothead’s season of turmoil.It wasn’t uncommon that his on-field escapades, assists and goals for QPR were praised one week before his violent actions were condemned by the press the next.
His constant Twitter rampages have also landed him in hot water in the past, and public apologies are now becoming the norm for Barton.
Missing almost one-third of next season due to his latest suspension, QPR manager Mark Hughes now faces a tough decision regarding Barton – try and ship him off, or pay his bills knowing he won’t potentially play until November.
Why always Balotelli?
With the prowess and elegance of Balotelli also comes the ignorance of youth and the Italian is another one known for notorious misbehaviour.At just 21 however, this could be credited to his lack of experience in the game, and it’s fair to say as the season has progressed his misconduct has become slightly less.
What is for sure is that without Balotelli, the Premier League would be far less entertaining for spectators and critics everywhere and his cheekiness on-the-pitch only demonstrates this.
Players feel pressure
Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Fernando Torres. All three strikers have spent most of their season frustrated, managing to hit the back of the net in the Premier League just 21 times in 82 appearances collectively.However, goals tend to come in quick succession when scored. Both Suarez and Torres last season have scored hat-tricks, and possess the ability to do it time and time again with more game time.
With Suarez holding the unfavourable record of the lowest shots-to-goals ratio in the Premier League last season, his lack of goals is not for want of trying.
The same can be said for Torres and Carroll, and with more game time perhaps the goals will begin to come – especially, for Torres, now Drogba has left Chelsea.
Entertainment
With 1,066 goals scored in the Premier League at an average of 2.8 goals per match, last season has been full of high-octane entertainment.Huge score-lines meant highlight reels needed dramatic editing last season, and these weren’t always against relegation-fighting teams.
Manchester United beat Arsenal 8-2 on the same day Manchester City beat Tottenham 5-1.
Chelsea scored three against Arsenal but still lost 5-3, whilst Arsenal were also on the receiving end of a similar score-line in their 4-3 defeat to Blackburn.
To top it off, the 20,000th Premier League goal was also scored in December, by Aston Villa’s Marc Albrighton during their 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal.
Survival of all three promoted teams
In two decades of the Premier League, only once before last season have all three promoted teams avoided relegation the following season.Despite losing their final day fixture, QPR survived the drop by a single point, whilst Swansea and Norwich both finished 11 points away from the relegation zone.
By James Hartnett
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Cherries podcast - May 2012
Published alongside fellow Bournemouth University students Bob Bamber and Rich Best on university-managed website BUzz News. Full audio podcast can be found HERE.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
The biggest disasters in Premier League history
Article published on Total Football Magazine website. Full post can be found HERE
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The Premier League has never been better. Since it began, we have seen spectacular goals, games and players. But there have been some disasters too. Total Football’s James Hartnett selects his top 10 Premier League disasters.
Chalking up just one win all year, the Rams were soon condemned to relegation by mid-March – the quickest ever in the top flight.
Not only this, but they also hold the record for the lowest accumulation of points, having earned just 11 in 38 games.
Even after Davies was given the sack in November, his predecessor Paul Jewell could do little to calm the storm, amassing 32 games without a single win.
Having survived back-to-back relegation to League One the following season after finishing eight points above the drop zone, the Rams now sit mid-table in the Championship – a position unlikely to change anytime soon.
Appointed in 2002 to guide a struggling Sunderland side to safety, he managed just two wins out of a possible 20 during his time at the Stadium of Light.
If it weren’t for Derby’s catastrophic future in the Premier League, Wilkinson’s Sunderland side would have held the record for lowest points tally after achieving just 19 points during his 27-match spell at the club.
Of their 405 games in the Premier League, Fulham have played out 49 no-score draws – that’s 12% of their games, more than any other club to have played in the Premier League, ever.
Interestingly, the most entertaining teams (though, on the basis of just 38 games in the top-flight) are Barnsley and Burnley, with both featuring a goal or more in every one of their games to date in the game’s highest division.
Holding the record for the most own goals in the Premier League with an impressive nine, Dunne’s most recent slip-up came with a 93rd minute equalising own goal against QPR back in September – a month before scoring his first of the season at the right end.
The highest current player to reach anywhere near this record is Everton’s Tony Hibbert, having played 248 goal-less games in his career during a 12-year spell with the Toffees (as of April 2012).
Far from being a Red Devil legend, Taibi is famed for letting a weak shot from Southampton’s Matthew Le Tissier past his outstretched body during their 3-3 draw that season. It’s little wonder then that United fans class him as the club’s worst signing ever.
WATCH Taibi's error vs. Southampton, 1999/00 season
However, his failure to capitalise on countless key goal-scoring opportunities for Chelsea has seen his £50m price tag come into serious disrepute.
The wayward striker often makes newspaper headlines simply by scoring, with his once-lethal pace, precision and confidence shot to an all-time low since his transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea in January 2011.
His first goal for Chelsea came three months after moving clubs during their 3-0 win against West Ham, ending a 903-minute goal drought.
Two more droughts were to come the following season, with his FA Cup double against Leicester City last month ending a 24-game goal-less run, whilst his strike against Aston Villa a fortnight later was his first league goal for over six months.
However, his time at Chelsea was blemished, having only hit the target 7 times in his following 41 games for the west-London club.
Of this, his four league goals consisted of a penalty and three goals against clubs that would later be relegated.
Having failed to impress, his time in the Premier League was cut short after the wayward striker was transferred to Atletico Madrid the following season.
From Pedro Mendes’ goal-that-never-was, denying Tottenham victory at Old Trafford during the 2005/06 season, to Chelsea’s goal-that-shouldn’t-be during their 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of Tottenham earlier this month, goal-line technology has been a much sought after addition to the game.
If that wasn’t enough, cast your mind back to Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal during the 2010 World Cup that arguably could have changed the game against Germany. England went on to lose the tie.
WATCH Lampard’s disallowed goal vs. Germany, 2010
However, sometimes their purpose, presence, or even personality can come under serious question. Man City’s Moonchester was never quite sure of its/his species, whilst across the road a man dress in a huge red bear suit with horns – presumably a Red Devil – ran the terraces at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace’s Pete the Eagle went one better, featuring lady-like eyelashes and what looked like a bra, whilst Stoke City’s mascot ‘Pottermus’ is a hippo – not exactly a predatory nor aggressive animal by any means, and rival only to Everton’s Chang the Elephant.
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Derby County – 2007/08 Premier League season
The 2007/08 season was to be a treacherous one for Derby County. After earning promotion by beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in the play-off final the previous season, Billy Davies’ Derby County were to experience the worst Premier League season in history.Chalking up just one win all year, the Rams were soon condemned to relegation by mid-March – the quickest ever in the top flight.
Not only this, but they also hold the record for the lowest accumulation of points, having earned just 11 in 38 games.
Even after Davies was given the sack in November, his predecessor Paul Jewell could do little to calm the storm, amassing 32 games without a single win.
Having survived back-to-back relegation to League One the following season after finishing eight points above the drop zone, the Rams now sit mid-table in the Championship – a position unlikely to change anytime soon.
Howard Wilkinson – Managerial spell at Sunderland
Whilst Paul Jewell’s disastrous reign at Derby County remains the most unsuccessful of the Premier League to record, it was one that only just trumped former FA technical director Howard Wilkinson’s reign at Wearside.Appointed in 2002 to guide a struggling Sunderland side to safety, he managed just two wins out of a possible 20 during his time at the Stadium of Light.
If it weren’t for Derby’s catastrophic future in the Premier League, Wilkinson’s Sunderland side would have held the record for lowest points tally after achieving just 19 points during his 27-match spell at the club.
Fulham – No-score bore
Whilst Aston Villa have amassed 81 0-0 results during their time in the Premier League, on the balance of play, it is West-London outfit Fulham who have achieved the result the most often.Of their 405 games in the Premier League, Fulham have played out 49 no-score draws – that’s 12% of their games, more than any other club to have played in the Premier League, ever.
Interestingly, the most entertaining teams (though, on the basis of just 38 games in the top-flight) are Barnsley and Burnley, with both featuring a goal or more in every one of their games to date in the game’s highest division.
Richard Dunne – Own goals galore
It seems that whilst Jamie Carragher has managed to score more goals for Tottenham Hotspur than against them, his ability to score at the wrong end has been eclipsed by Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne.Holding the record for the most own goals in the Premier League with an impressive nine, Dunne’s most recent slip-up came with a 93rd minute equalising own goal against QPR back in September – a month before scoring his first of the season at the right end.
Kenny Cunningham – Goalless for 331 games
Birmingham’s Kenny Cunningham currently holds the record for the highest streak of games without scoring. At an impressive 331 goal-less appearances, the centre-back was far from renowned for his box-to-box prowess.The highest current player to reach anywhere near this record is Everton’s Tony Hibbert, having played 248 goal-less games in his career during a 12-year spell with the Toffees (as of April 2012).
Massimo Taibi – Worst signing ever?
Manchester United were always going to have trouble replacing legendary shot-stopper Peter Schmeichel, but when they brought in Venezia goal-keeper Massimo Taibi (pictured) for a pricey £4.5m in 1999, they didn’t expect a player quite as notoriously bad as him.Far from being a Red Devil legend, Taibi is famed for letting a weak shot from Southampton’s Matthew Le Tissier past his outstretched body during their 3-3 draw that season. It’s little wonder then that United fans class him as the club’s worst signing ever.
WATCH Taibi's error vs. Southampton, 1999/00 season
Fernando Torres - £50m failure
The inclusion of Chelsea hitman Fernando Torres in this list is debatable. Second in the first-team pecking order and unable to play alongside Didier Drogba, the Spaniard has had his fair share of bench-warming.However, his failure to capitalise on countless key goal-scoring opportunities for Chelsea has seen his £50m price tag come into serious disrepute.
The wayward striker often makes newspaper headlines simply by scoring, with his once-lethal pace, precision and confidence shot to an all-time low since his transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea in January 2011.
His first goal for Chelsea came three months after moving clubs during their 3-0 win against West Ham, ending a 903-minute goal drought.
Two more droughts were to come the following season, with his FA Cup double against Leicester City last month ending a 24-game goal-less run, whilst his strike against Aston Villa a fortnight later was his first league goal for over six months.
Mateja Kezman – Serbian slump
Arriving at Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2004, big things were expected of Serbian Mateja Kezman after he managed an astonishing 105 goals in just 122 appearances for the Dutch side.However, his time at Chelsea was blemished, having only hit the target 7 times in his following 41 games for the west-London club.
Of this, his four league goals consisted of a penalty and three goals against clubs that would later be relegated.
Having failed to impress, his time in the Premier League was cut short after the wayward striker was transferred to Atletico Madrid the following season.
(Lack of) goalline technology
As any fan will agree, goal-line technology is a much-needed and overdue perk in the world of football. Whilst the likes of cricket, tennis and rugby possess video technologies to clear up any in-game dispute, football is yet to adopt the idea.From Pedro Mendes’ goal-that-never-was, denying Tottenham victory at Old Trafford during the 2005/06 season, to Chelsea’s goal-that-shouldn’t-be during their 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of Tottenham earlier this month, goal-line technology has been a much sought after addition to the game.
If that wasn’t enough, cast your mind back to Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal during the 2010 World Cup that arguably could have changed the game against Germany. England went on to lose the tie.
WATCH Lampard’s disallowed goal vs. Germany, 2010
Dodgy mascots
Often serving to add to the already red-hot atmospheric cauldron of any Premier League stadium, mascots can help immensely in rallying the troops ahead of the big kick-off.However, sometimes their purpose, presence, or even personality can come under serious question. Man City’s Moonchester was never quite sure of its/his species, whilst across the road a man dress in a huge red bear suit with horns – presumably a Red Devil – ran the terraces at Old Trafford.
Crystal Palace’s Pete the Eagle went one better, featuring lady-like eyelashes and what looked like a bra, whilst Stoke City’s mascot ‘Pottermus’ is a hippo – not exactly a predatory nor aggressive animal by any means, and rival only to Everton’s Chang the Elephant.
Messi magic overshadows the brilliance of Ronaldo
Article posted on Total Football Magazine website, 15th April 2012. Full article can be found HERE
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It seems that week in week out, La Liga legend Lionel Messi is breaking records at his own free will.
Only recently he broke the long-standing record for most Champions League goals for Barcelona, whilst his league and cup goal tallies purely compliment this statistic.
He is the current Ballon D'or holder, as well as the world's best goalscorer.
However, what with all this publicity and awe over the nifty Argentine, there is an elephant the size of a sperm whale in the corner of the room.
No disrespect to Lionel Messi - after all, it's no fluke that he's got to where he has and any recognition to his remarkable talent is well-deserved - but why isn't Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (or Cristiano Ronaldo, as he is better known as) receiving such legendary credentials by the press, the public, and the footballing world?
One of Fergie's best signings
During his time at Manchester United over five years ago, Ronaldo was quickly dubbed one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most successful signings yet during the Scot's 26-year-and-counting managerial reign.
Fair enough, public blunders such as Ronaldo's activity during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final between England and Portugal, whereupon he suggested Wayne Rooney should (and was) sent off for his stamp on Ricardo Carvalho, haven't helped ignite his career for the better - and it's perhaps easy to see why the winger dubbed 'the winker' doesn't get the credit he deserves by some England football fans.
However, his scoring tallies have helped put Real Madrid firmly on course for the La Liga title this year, with newspapers having to constantly create new headlines for each hat-trick or two-goal haul Ronaldo manages - something which is happening almost on a weekly basis in Spain.
Indeed, last month he too broke records, having scored 100 La Liga goals in the fastest amount of time since a player's arrival after his brace against Real Sociedad on 24th March.
This rout was achieved after just 92 games, surpassing the record previously held by Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas. Lionel Messi didn't even come close to breaking it.
Ronaldo’s proud record at United
Whilst at Manchester United, the winger racked up 84 goals in his 196 appearances - almost one goal every two games, and a record any striker would be proud of holding. This was to be just the beginning of a prodigy.
Ronaldo has taken to life in La Liga like a fish to water, with the league's fast-paced openness suiting his playing style to a tee. He's already scored more goals whilst at Real Madrid than he did whilst at United, at a remarkable rate of 1.1 goals per game too.
Bookies are so assured that he will feature on the scoresheet that the odds of him grabbing a goal is often so low it's almost impossible to profit from. It comes as little surprise then that this weekend saw Ronaldo net his seventh hat-trick of the 2011/12 campaign.
To put this in retrospect, since Messi's arrival at Barcelona he's working up 0.76 goals per game - three in every four matches. Fair enough, he did come up through the youth system and thus featured through a string of substitute appearances, but why does he warrant so much more recognition than Ronaldo?
I won't deny that Messi can easily change games. Just his presence alone on a pitch is enough to make any full-back uncomfortable for 90 tortuous minutes.
Ball glued to his feet
But, the same can be said about Ronaldo. Messi also isn't scared to take on defenders - in fact, he is actively jinking around the pitch with the ball glued to his feet and opponents stumbling over themselves just to attempt to get a tackle in - well, so does Ronaldo.
Furthermore, Messi possesses such flair and flawless technique his 1-on-1 finishing is next to nothing - just like Ronaldo's. I'm sure you can see a pattern emerging.
There's nothing more tantalising for a journalist than to compare players, I understand that. However, endless newspapers, magazines and broadcasters revel in comparing these two playmakers yet seem to always edge towards Messi's camp.
Even when they've both delivered man of the match performances, producing goals and creating chances, Messi still triumphs. What gives?
Will Ronaldo ever get his time in the spotlight, or will the three-year gap in Messi's favour prove the ultimate disadvantage to Ronaldo in this ongoing battle?
Either way, Ronaldo's table-topping performances have nowhere near as much recognition that they warrant and this needs to change. He can even score sublime free-kicks - so why is he still second best?
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
INTERVIEW: Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith
Published in Nerve Magazine, December 2011 Issue. Full article can be found HERE
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At just 22 Louis Smith is already one of the best artistic gymnasts in the world and, after whetting his appetite in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has his sights set firmly on a gold medal come the 2012 Olympics. The Peterborough-born gymnast caught up exclusively with James Hartnett just seven months before the Games well and truly begin.
When did gymnastics become a serious part of your life?
From a young age I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the sport. It was always serious for me from when I realised I had a talent, but I guess when I left school at 17 to focus on gym full time my commitment to it took on a whole new meaning as I was dedicating all of my time to the sport and nothing else. I’ve been competing now for 15 years – since I was a seven-year-old, winning my first competition during the Under-10’s Novice Championships.
Does it feel surreal to be living the Olympic dream?
It’s quite daunting to be honest! It’s not a nice thing staring your dream in the face when it can either end in success or failure. It’s a mad thing to come to terms with and obviously I want to realise my dream. I’ll never forget watching the gymnastics on TV at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It was the first time I decided that I wanted to be there doing that on the biggest stage.
What are your hopes in next year’s competition? Is a gold medal achievable?
A medal of any sort would be incredible, but the real goal is to do a clean routine. I know that if I do that then I have the potential to win a medal, but ultimately the goal is to do myself justice. If I go there and perform my routine clean, I’ll know that, whatever the outcome, I couldn’t have done any more.
Are you a firm believer that the more you put in, the more you get back?
Absolutely. For me the key to success in competition is getting your body to a level where you’re merely repeating what you’ve done in training. Personally, I train 6 hours a day with two days off, and definitely agree the more you put in during training, the more you get back through the results you achieve.
Where does your funding come from and have you found this hard to come by?
I’m currently a lottery-funded athlete through UK Sport, but in addition to that I’m thankful enough to have some really great sponsors who have been so supportive in helping me and making my life that much easier. I get all my training kit from Adidas, have an awesome car from BMW, have incredible nutritional support from Lucozade and then I’m also involved with Visa, British Airways, UPS, Next and Sky so I’m in a very fortunate position!
You achieved a bronze medal in the recent World Championships in Tokyo, performing one of the hardest routines and unfortunately losing balance making you lose touch of gold. Is it important to really strive to get hard moves in your routine to set you apart from the other competitors?
The competition in the pommel, as with all of the apparatus, is of such a high level that I’m always going to come up against incredible gymnasts from around the world with amazing technique. My strength is in my ability to up the difficulty of my routines so in order to compete with the best in the world I have to keep doing that to set me apart from the rest of the field.
What advice would you give to future gymnasts?
Work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself, be prepared to make sacrifices and most importantly, make sure you’re doing something which you enjoy. Those are the rules which I’ve led my life by and they’re what have got me to where I am today so I’d recommend to anyone – whatever their age and whatever dream they have – to do the same.
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At just 22 Louis Smith is already one of the best artistic gymnasts in the world and, after whetting his appetite in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has his sights set firmly on a gold medal come the 2012 Olympics. The Peterborough-born gymnast caught up exclusively with James Hartnett just seven months before the Games well and truly begin.
When did gymnastics become a serious part of your life?
From a young age I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the sport. It was always serious for me from when I realised I had a talent, but I guess when I left school at 17 to focus on gym full time my commitment to it took on a whole new meaning as I was dedicating all of my time to the sport and nothing else. I’ve been competing now for 15 years – since I was a seven-year-old, winning my first competition during the Under-10’s Novice Championships.
Does it feel surreal to be living the Olympic dream?
It’s quite daunting to be honest! It’s not a nice thing staring your dream in the face when it can either end in success or failure. It’s a mad thing to come to terms with and obviously I want to realise my dream. I’ll never forget watching the gymnastics on TV at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It was the first time I decided that I wanted to be there doing that on the biggest stage.
What are your hopes in next year’s competition? Is a gold medal achievable?
A medal of any sort would be incredible, but the real goal is to do a clean routine. I know that if I do that then I have the potential to win a medal, but ultimately the goal is to do myself justice. If I go there and perform my routine clean, I’ll know that, whatever the outcome, I couldn’t have done any more.
Are you a firm believer that the more you put in, the more you get back?
Absolutely. For me the key to success in competition is getting your body to a level where you’re merely repeating what you’ve done in training. Personally, I train 6 hours a day with two days off, and definitely agree the more you put in during training, the more you get back through the results you achieve.
Where does your funding come from and have you found this hard to come by?
I’m currently a lottery-funded athlete through UK Sport, but in addition to that I’m thankful enough to have some really great sponsors who have been so supportive in helping me and making my life that much easier. I get all my training kit from Adidas, have an awesome car from BMW, have incredible nutritional support from Lucozade and then I’m also involved with Visa, British Airways, UPS, Next and Sky so I’m in a very fortunate position!
You achieved a bronze medal in the recent World Championships in Tokyo, performing one of the hardest routines and unfortunately losing balance making you lose touch of gold. Is it important to really strive to get hard moves in your routine to set you apart from the other competitors?
The competition in the pommel, as with all of the apparatus, is of such a high level that I’m always going to come up against incredible gymnasts from around the world with amazing technique. My strength is in my ability to up the difficulty of my routines so in order to compete with the best in the world I have to keep doing that to set me apart from the rest of the field.
What advice would you give to future gymnasts?
Work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself, be prepared to make sacrifices and most importantly, make sure you’re doing something which you enjoy. Those are the rules which I’ve led my life by and they’re what have got me to where I am today so I’d recommend to anyone – whatever their age and whatever dream they have – to do the same.
London's Olympic Torch Lights Up BU
Published in Nerve Magazine for Bournemouth University, December 2011 Issue In co-operation with Nerve Sports Editor Toby Gray. Full article can be found HERE
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When Coca Cola perched their iconic red bus down at Talbot Campus to give people the chance to get their photo taken with the Olympic Torch, anticipation for 2012 to kick off got that little bit more real. Nerve Sport headed down to the event to catch all the hype that next year is already giving off, with interviews from all the key people involved.
On the road since May, the Coca Cola Torch Tour is travelling to every major town and city in the UK to give people the opportunity to become part of London 2012 by having their photo taken with the historic torch, as well as nominating 1 of 8000 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic flame through Bournemouth next year. With the tour now reaching its finale, the NUS tour is the final leg, with the bus visiting 20 selected universities across the UK, making students the only candidates left available to become torchbearers.
The torchbearer themselves will become part of a completely unique Olympic event. By taking part in a 70 day tour across the UK, 8000 people will travel 300m each through their own town or city with the Olympic flame; a feat that has never been performed at any Games before. The idea behind this is that 95% of the UK population will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame, and for people who weren’t able to get tickets for 2012, this is a way of feeling a part of the legacy. It is estimated that within the 70 day tour, the flame will travel 8000 miles across the nation until the opening ceremony kicks off on July 27th.
Bournemouth is set to have the torch towards the end of the tour on the 13th July, and according to organisers, the town the flame ends up in each night will host a huge celebration, with a range of musical artists and events to commemorate the occasion, all whilst the flame remains alight.
Yet the day wasn’t simply about the torch, it was about promoting all things Olympic, whether that be university based, or through the local community. Sport BU used the day to increase sport participation at the university, with rowing and kicking competition as well a punch bag tournament, designed to increase student involvement in sport. This was supplemented the presence of various volunteering opportunities, including the Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport) which aims to increase sporting participation to schools around the area in conjunction with 2012.
We caught up a host of personalities around the event to gauge their reactions on this memorable day.
“We’ve been on tour for about 3 and a half months now, and visited over 100 locations. We will literally finish one evening and drive up to 100 miles to our next location. We’ve done all the music festivals, most of the theme parks and currently this is the last leg of the tour; the NUS tour which will last 4 weeks.”
Talking about the aims of the tour, Andy highlighted the importance of getting everyone involved in next year. “2012 is a huge event for the UK as a whole, and I know loads of people that have applied for tickets and haven’t been able to get any, myself included. But the Olympic torch tour will go all around the UK, so everyone will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame. We know how much it means to everybody. Everybody loves the Olympics here.”
As students are the only remaining candidates eligible to become torchbearers, Andy reinforced the importance of young people representing Britain, as they represent the brand motto of “Future Flame”.
“People at university are the future and young people are leading us there, so we want young brand ambassadors that people can look up to and bring fresh ideas to the community.”
The decision to who the 8000 torcbearers will become will be passed to a panel including Olympic athletes, brand ambassadors and the International Olympic Committee, and Andy claimed the board were looking for passion.
“We’re looking for future flames so someone with a passion for anything. It could be sport, environment, or anything that gives back to the community. You need to sell yourselves to us and we can decide whether you can carry the flame next year.
The arrival of the Olympic Torch was obviously the focus for the day, and Andy explained the fascinating story behind the Olympic flame’s journey:
“The flame is always lit by the power of the sun, using a parabolic mirror in Greece. It is then transported by private plane with 24-hour security alongside back up flames from the original fire source.
You can’t just light it from any means; it has to be from the sunlight in Greece. If it any point, all the back up flames do go out (which won’t and hasn’t happened), we would have to transport it back to Greece to relight it. So in reality, the flame itself is more important than the torch. “
“The torch is an excellent thing to have, and not only for the university but for the local community too. We’ve had schools coming along today as well as members of the public, so it’s a really good thing for Bournemouth in general, not just the university.
Students have now been given even more opportunities to get involved in sport thanks to new sportBU schemes. Toby told Nerve: “It’s great to see that sportBU have a presence at this event, and we’ve got people recruiting volunteers locally for the Games when they come to Weymouth. It’s just about highlighting the different ways that students can get involved in sport and be part of the Olympics.
“Here at BU we have the initiative to get students more aware of the Games and heighten excitement.
In our bid we had a BU Medal Challenge for students taking part in pre-Games physical activity, ranging from free social sports and sport club parties to free group fitness sessions for students taking part in social and group sports."
On the back of a grant from Sport England, sportBU are also running Free Your Fitness – a campaign promoting taster sport sessions throughout the term to really get students involved in sport, be it on land or sea.
Bournemouth.
“Visually it’s been fantastic. It’s starting to get people really excited about next year, and it’s been a great platform to launch everything Olympic related that we’re doing down at the university.”
“These guys have been on tour since May, hitting every corner of the UK to get everyone involved in the biggest sporting event in the world. It’s a brilliant idea”
Due to the scope of the event, the Olympics has facilitated for a number of volunteering opportunities available next year. Virginia spoke of the impact: “We’ve already had 100 people sign up to various volunteering schemes so today has really fore fronted the various ways students can get involved in the Games.”
As for Relays, which aims to improve school involvement in sport in the build up to the Olympics, Virginia said she would love to see one of her volunteers chosen as a torchbearer for Bournemouth.
“All our volunteers have been brilliant, not only today but with their overall contribution to Relays in general. One of our guys has just won a South West award for volunteer of the year, so hopefully some of our people have a good chance of becoming a torchbearer.”
“The Coca-Cola tour has allowed us to promote volunteering opportunities within sport, directly linked to the Olympics, be it through participation or volunteering. As well as sportBU promoting physical, healthy activity, we also played host to RELAYS – an Olympic-based athletics project – and the Weymouth and Portland ambassadors scheme – a volunteering opportunity for students wanting to help at next year’s sailing events down here.”
Thanks to the various schemes sportBU offer, the Olympians of tomorrow may only be a stone’s throw away. “Our varsity programme is where we do our elite end of sport. We have students represent us as teams and as individuals, and last year we came 30th out of 146 institutions in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) competition, being the lowest-populated university of the top 30.
“Athletes also represent us at an international level, and attend the World Games for universities. Alongside this, we also give scholarships for athletes that represent us at a national level or above.”
Dividends often pay off for sportBU athletes, and the university boasts a fleet of talent. A proud Amanda said: “Our golf team is the best in England, and often get invited to represent BU on a large scale.
We also have England football squad trialists, with one player put on the reserve list to represent Great Britain at the World University Games in China this summer.
“Ultimately though, we strive to push both ends – participation and elite – and although varsity trials have finished, there are other ways of getting involved in Sport BU, such as intramural or social sport in the lead up to the Games and beyond.”
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When Coca Cola perched their iconic red bus down at Talbot Campus to give people the chance to get their photo taken with the Olympic Torch, anticipation for 2012 to kick off got that little bit more real. Nerve Sport headed down to the event to catch all the hype that next year is already giving off, with interviews from all the key people involved.
On the road since May, the Coca Cola Torch Tour is travelling to every major town and city in the UK to give people the opportunity to become part of London 2012 by having their photo taken with the historic torch, as well as nominating 1 of 8000 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic flame through Bournemouth next year. With the tour now reaching its finale, the NUS tour is the final leg, with the bus visiting 20 selected universities across the UK, making students the only candidates left available to become torchbearers.
The torchbearer themselves will become part of a completely unique Olympic event. By taking part in a 70 day tour across the UK, 8000 people will travel 300m each through their own town or city with the Olympic flame; a feat that has never been performed at any Games before. The idea behind this is that 95% of the UK population will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame, and for people who weren’t able to get tickets for 2012, this is a way of feeling a part of the legacy. It is estimated that within the 70 day tour, the flame will travel 8000 miles across the nation until the opening ceremony kicks off on July 27th.
Bournemouth is set to have the torch towards the end of the tour on the 13th July, and according to organisers, the town the flame ends up in each night will host a huge celebration, with a range of musical artists and events to commemorate the occasion, all whilst the flame remains alight.
Yet the day wasn’t simply about the torch, it was about promoting all things Olympic, whether that be university based, or through the local community. Sport BU used the day to increase sport participation at the university, with rowing and kicking competition as well a punch bag tournament, designed to increase student involvement in sport. This was supplemented the presence of various volunteering opportunities, including the Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport) which aims to increase sporting participation to schools around the area in conjunction with 2012.
We caught up a host of personalities around the event to gauge their reactions on this memorable day.
Andy Cope –Coca Cola Torch Tour Team Representative
Part of a small team touring every corner of the UK, Coca Cola Torch Tour Representative Andy Cope spoke to us about the journey.“We’ve been on tour for about 3 and a half months now, and visited over 100 locations. We will literally finish one evening and drive up to 100 miles to our next location. We’ve done all the music festivals, most of the theme parks and currently this is the last leg of the tour; the NUS tour which will last 4 weeks.”
Talking about the aims of the tour, Andy highlighted the importance of getting everyone involved in next year. “2012 is a huge event for the UK as a whole, and I know loads of people that have applied for tickets and haven’t been able to get any, myself included. But the Olympic torch tour will go all around the UK, so everyone will be within 1 hour drive of the Olympic flame. We know how much it means to everybody. Everybody loves the Olympics here.”
As students are the only remaining candidates eligible to become torchbearers, Andy reinforced the importance of young people representing Britain, as they represent the brand motto of “Future Flame”.
“People at university are the future and young people are leading us there, so we want young brand ambassadors that people can look up to and bring fresh ideas to the community.”
The decision to who the 8000 torcbearers will become will be passed to a panel including Olympic athletes, brand ambassadors and the International Olympic Committee, and Andy claimed the board were looking for passion.
“We’re looking for future flames so someone with a passion for anything. It could be sport, environment, or anything that gives back to the community. You need to sell yourselves to us and we can decide whether you can carry the flame next year.
The arrival of the Olympic Torch was obviously the focus for the day, and Andy explained the fascinating story behind the Olympic flame’s journey:
“The flame is always lit by the power of the sun, using a parabolic mirror in Greece. It is then transported by private plane with 24-hour security alongside back up flames from the original fire source.
You can’t just light it from any means; it has to be from the sunlight in Greece. If it any point, all the back up flames do go out (which won’t and hasn’t happened), we would have to transport it back to Greece to relight it. So in reality, the flame itself is more important than the torch. “
Toby Horner – SUBU President
As one of only 20 successful university applicants, Bournemouth University’s Student Union President Toby Horner spoke of the impact the event had at BU.“The torch is an excellent thing to have, and not only for the university but for the local community too. We’ve had schools coming along today as well as members of the public, so it’s a really good thing for Bournemouth in general, not just the university.
Students have now been given even more opportunities to get involved in sport thanks to new sportBU schemes. Toby told Nerve: “It’s great to see that sportBU have a presence at this event, and we’ve got people recruiting volunteers locally for the Games when they come to Weymouth. It’s just about highlighting the different ways that students can get involved in sport and be part of the Olympics.
“Here at BU we have the initiative to get students more aware of the Games and heighten excitement.
In our bid we had a BU Medal Challenge for students taking part in pre-Games physical activity, ranging from free social sports and sport club parties to free group fitness sessions for students taking part in social and group sports."
On the back of a grant from Sport England, sportBU are also running Free Your Fitness – a campaign promoting taster sport sessions throughout the term to really get students involved in sport, be it on land or sea.
Virginia Bailey – RELAYS Coordinator
Virginia Bailey, the schools coordinator for local volunteering scheme Relays (Regional Education Legacy in Arts and Youth Sport) spoke of her pleasure in welcoming a leg of the Torch Tour toBournemouth.
“Visually it’s been fantastic. It’s starting to get people really excited about next year, and it’s been a great platform to launch everything Olympic related that we’re doing down at the university.”
“These guys have been on tour since May, hitting every corner of the UK to get everyone involved in the biggest sporting event in the world. It’s a brilliant idea”
Due to the scope of the event, the Olympics has facilitated for a number of volunteering opportunities available next year. Virginia spoke of the impact: “We’ve already had 100 people sign up to various volunteering schemes so today has really fore fronted the various ways students can get involved in the Games.”
As for Relays, which aims to improve school involvement in sport in the build up to the Olympics, Virginia said she would love to see one of her volunteers chosen as a torchbearer for Bournemouth.
“All our volunteers have been brilliant, not only today but with their overall contribution to Relays in general. One of our guys has just won a South West award for volunteer of the year, so hopefully some of our people have a good chance of becoming a torchbearer.”
Amanda Kevern – Sports Development Officer
SportBU’s Sports Development Officer Amanda Kevern also spoke of her excitement after the Torch Tour, and has high hopes of student involvement in sportBU this year.“The Coca-Cola tour has allowed us to promote volunteering opportunities within sport, directly linked to the Olympics, be it through participation or volunteering. As well as sportBU promoting physical, healthy activity, we also played host to RELAYS – an Olympic-based athletics project – and the Weymouth and Portland ambassadors scheme – a volunteering opportunity for students wanting to help at next year’s sailing events down here.”
Thanks to the various schemes sportBU offer, the Olympians of tomorrow may only be a stone’s throw away. “Our varsity programme is where we do our elite end of sport. We have students represent us as teams and as individuals, and last year we came 30th out of 146 institutions in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) competition, being the lowest-populated university of the top 30.
“Athletes also represent us at an international level, and attend the World Games for universities. Alongside this, we also give scholarships for athletes that represent us at a national level or above.”
Dividends often pay off for sportBU athletes, and the university boasts a fleet of talent. A proud Amanda said: “Our golf team is the best in England, and often get invited to represent BU on a large scale.
We also have England football squad trialists, with one player put on the reserve list to represent Great Britain at the World University Games in China this summer.
“Ultimately though, we strive to push both ends – participation and elite – and although varsity trials have finished, there are other ways of getting involved in Sport BU, such as intramural or social sport in the lead up to the Games and beyond.”
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