December 2007 - Sports And All

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Sports and All - December 2007

Man. Utd., Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal: Is Their Dominance Good for the Premier League?

December 28th 2007 04:43

Traditionally, many pundits have thought that the state of the English Premier League table at Christmas says plenty about how it will wind up in May. And by the looks of things, it will wind up like it always does, with the same sides heading the ladder. Since it began in 1992, the Premier League has seen very few clubs consistently dominate. Only "the Big Four" - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and more recently, Chelsea - have threatened to win titles and trophies year after year. So, as it looks increasingly unlikely that we will see a new champion this season, it begs the question as to whether predictable winners are good for the Premier League?

Every year since its inception, promoters and commentators have tried to talk up each season as "the most open year yet" with "any number of clubs capable of winning the title". You'll hear that on cable television. You'll read it in your newspaper. Season previews have thrown teams like Newcastle United, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa amongst potential challengers, regardless of their form from the previous year. I'm not sure whether analysts fear promoting the dominant oligopoly but some things never change: the Big Four always win. No matter how well other teams have recruited, they haven't had the firepower, depth or mental strength to wrestle the trophies from those who we expect to win them. Tottenham, after finishing 5th last season, was talked up as a potential top three team but have done nothing but disappoint. I think on paper their team had an outside hope of shifting the balance in power but let's be honest, were they ever really a chance?

Only four sides have won the Premier League in its fifteen years: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Blackburn (led by Alan Shearer in 1994/95, for those of you who have forgotten). And, though Liverpool haven't won a league title, they have dominated European and National Cup competitions, while finishing no lower than 5th since 1999. Supporters of the "Big Four" would hardly argue that their teams are too dominant and that their wealth and conquering of the smaller clubs is bad for the game in England. Arsenal supporters want nothing more than to finish in top spot, as far ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United as possible. The same goes for Chelsea, Red Devils and Liverpool fans.

The 2007/08 has had some twists and turns but few surprises. Arsenal who looked untroubled until a recent loss to Middlesborough and draw with Portsmouth, went into Christmas atop the Premier League table. Now that SIr Alex Ferguson's men have taken top spot they will be difficult to move. The Red Devils are hoping to win their second successive title, led this time by wunderkind Christian Ronaldo. Liverpool are an outside chance led by captain Gerrard, and the deadly strike tandem of Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt. Chelsea under Avram Grant have started to play their entertaining brand of football with a touch more intelligence. And, if star striker Andriy Shevchenko continues his current good form, who says they can't win their third title in four years?

Beyond Liverpool in fourth spot is fresh challengers, Manchester City, led by former England and Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson. They recruited well during pre-season after $38 million worth of spending due to an external takeover of sorts by UK Sports Investments Limited. Similar takeovers appear to be the only way that other clubs are going to compete, and, finally take it up to the Big Four. As good as City have been they still sit 10 points adrift of cross-city rivals United and are unlikely to mount a serious title challenge. Everton, Portsmouth and Aston Villa have also had valiant seasons but I guess someone has to finish 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th every year behind the usual suspects don't they?!

I have no doubt that due to the popularity of the Fifa Football game (on various Playstation, XBOX and Nintendo consoles), the success of the A-League and Australian Socceroos and the live cable television coverage by Fox Sports that interest in the English Premier League in Australia has never been higher. New fans are jumping on board all the time and not just here but across the globe. Unfortunately, new fans usually choose successful clubs. Clubs that have the big names and win the big games. Thus, the Big Four should continue to grow off-field, while they continue to dominate on it.

I personally don't have a problem with the oligopoly that rules in England. The Scottish League (SPL) is a two-horse race, won by either Rangers or Celtic every season, boring passive fans from around the world. While the Big Four continue their reign, the interest in the league will by no means dwindle, with off-field takeovers the key to others successes. With world-class internationals such as Torres, Shevchenko, Ballack, Fabregas and Ronaldo choosing to line-up alongside English stars Rooney, Gerrard, Terry, Carrick, Cole and Lampard, there is no better time to get vocal about the EPL.

I just warn you of one thing. If you do follow the English Premier League's smaller, less successful clubs, I guarantee you'll be bumping into a lot of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal supporters in the next few years, unless something changes soon.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Are India Serious Challengers or Old Has-Beens?

December 24th 2007 04:23

The Indian cricket team is attempting to throw down the gauntlet one more time to an Australian side that looks nearly unbeatable. Following the 2-0 whitewash against a Sri Lankan outfit featuring Murali, Vaas, Sangakkara, Jayasuria and Jayawardene, serious questions are being asked as to whether any side can seriously match it with Ricky Ponting's men. With India opting for the experience of aging superstars Laxman, Dravid, Ganguly and Tendulkar, they are showing their determination to win with a line-up that has done well for them in the past. The problem is however, whether selecting age over youth bodes well for coach Gary Kirsten's men in the future, particularly if this last roll of the dice is unsuccessful.

On paper a line-up featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and V.V.S Laxman is enough to scare any bowling attack around the world. These four men have gotten India across the line so many times before that everybody has lost count. And, importantly, they have been part of Indian teams that have drawn series with Australia away from home and defeated them on the sub-continent.

Tendulkar at any age is still one of the most dangerous players in world cricket. He has the ability and stroke-play to make runs on any surface and has the steel and guile to take it to Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark and Brad Hogg. So many times before, Australia has had Glenn McGrath to call on if the "Little Master" was in scintillating form, but this is no longer the case. Even aged 34, the Australians are wary of him, knowing that his career average is still a glorious 55.06 and that given that this is likely to be his final tour here, he would love to go out with a bang.

The man known as the "Maharaj" (or 'King') is coming off the back of a very successful series against Pakistan at home. Sourav Ganguly's 239 and 102 proved that he is still a very dangerous commidity in cricket today, even though at 35, his best years are behind him. The most controversial member of the Indian squad - due to run-ins with former coach Greg Chappell and Australian captain Steve Waugh amongst other things - he will certainly be a target of both the Australian pace attack and relentless local media circles. Ganguly will be looking to start well in the Boxing Day test, which will be his 100th.

Laxman and Dravid have been quieter achievers for the Indians over the years. Australian fans and players will remember Laxman for his astounding innings of 281 under immense pressure, at Eden Gardens in 2001. On the verge on an innings defeat Laxman - in a 376 run partnership with Dravid - steered India to victory, in a knock Wisden Cricket Almanac regards as the 6th best of all-time. While his form hasn't set the world on fire of late, his discipline and history against Australia - both at home and abroad - makes him one to look out for again this summer. He is 33 years of age. Dravid's relinquishing of the captaincy should see him return to his best. The 34 year-old is perhaps the most technically correct of all the Indian batsmen and maintains a test average of 56.5, which is outstanding. He has been slightly out of form but should return to his best here against Australia, knowing that he has troubled them on many occasions.

On their day these four batsman could destroy any world-class bowling attack in any conditions. They will go down as arguably four of India's best seven batsmen of all-time alongside Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammed Azharrudin and perhaps Gundappa Viswanath. However, this will almost certainly be the last tour of Australia for all these great stalwarts on Indian cricket. The same can be said for newly appointed captain and world-class leg-spinner, Anil Kumble (aged 37). Choosing Kumble as skipper is further indication of the Indian selectors resisting change, and instead opting for what has worked in the past.

Wasim Jaffer (29), MS Dhoni (26), Yuvraj Singh (26), Gautam Ghambir (26), Dinesh Karthik (22) and Virender Sehwag (29) represent the next generation of Indian stars with Singh a superstar in the making. His form recently has been very solid, particularly in the one-day arena. The selectors' overlooking of Dhoni as captain may come back to haunt them after his team-building job during the Twenty20 World Cup, which the Indians won. And, not selecting firebrand opener Sehwag for the First Test could be a big mistake, considering the trouble the Australians have had previously with the most unpredictable player in the line-up.

Without the boisterous quick Sreesanth and the possible non-selection of Sehwag, the Indian team looks predictable and old. Sure they have champion batsmen and a superb leg-spinner in their captain Kumble but there is little for the Australians to fear. Without Sreesanth, India's bowling - which has traditionally been its weakness, especially abroad - looks average, as he was the man who shook up the steady Australians during the recent home one-day series. Alone, his aggressive nature would have dragged spectators through the stands. If the First Test goes the locals way, crowds and series interest may again become issues, as they were during the Sri Lankan series.

I truly hope Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman and Kumble can make a memorable contest on what is likely to be their last ventures Down Under. Australian fans have seen the best of them in the past but this tour may have been the perfect opportunity to have gotten a glimpse into the Indian side's future.

The old men are sure to be tested - and most likely defeated - by a hungry and seemingly unstoppable Australian side, starting on Boxing Day at the MCG on Wednesday.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Phil Smyth, your time has come.

December 21st 2007 03:37

The Adelaide 36ers franchise is one of the proudest in the National Basketball League. While being competitive during basketball's boom period in Australia in the mid-1990s, a change of coaches finally paid dividends when the team one back-to-back championships in 1997/1998. The Messiah was former Canberra Cannon and 36er, Phil Smyth, a popular man who coached like he played: hard but fair, and while having plenty of fun. Smyth's outstanding record of making the playoffs continued, winning another title along the way. However, the honeymoon is well and truly over and after looking like missing the final 8 for the second year running, 'the General' should be shipped elsewhere.

I have been a huge fan of Phil Smyth's since he took over from Dave Claxton at the end of the 1996 season in Adelaide. He truly did a fantastic job in taking a non-playoff team to the championship in his first two seasons. While the squad always had the benefit of having star shooter Brett Maher, choosing former Denver Nuggets, Darnell Mee and Kevin Brooks as imports brought the title to South Australia. Mee will go down as one of the best defensive talents this country has ever seen. And Brooks, a lanky shooter full of personality, had the uncanny ability to hit difficult clutch baskets at range. Together with Maher and other parts of the puzzle, John Rillie, Paul Rees and Martin Cattalini, Smyth had assembled a wonderful team and could not have wished for a better start.

The first blemish on Smyth's resume came on the international scene. I have no doubt that he was harshly dealt with by Basketball Australia. After a shock loss to New Zealand in 2001/02, he suffered the embarrassing fate of being sacked only a few months into his reign as national coach, being replaced by rival, Brian Goorjian. Goorjian in a much longer time-span has had very, very limited success with the national team, only marginally beating New Zealand, with an Andrew Bogut-led Boomers at the 2006 Commonwealth Games at home in Melbourne. His other results have been average at best with a talented squad.

The second 36er championship was vintage Smyth. Having practically dismantled all that remained of the 1997/98 teams apart from captain Maher, 2002/03 saw 'General' Smyth bring in a new bunch of players, whom he moulded to resemble his previous outfit. Role players such as Mark Nash, David Stiff and Rupert Sapwell were as important as Maher and new star import, Willie Farley. And, the late-season addition of cut former Wollongong Hawk, Matt Garrison at small forward was a stroke of genius, with the eccentric American starring in the Finals vs. West Sydney. This was though, Smyth's last great triumph.

While they made the playoffs for another four seasons after the 2002 championship, they missed out last year (2006/07). Unfortunately ever since 2002 the 36ers have led campaigns full of nothing more than broken election-style promises and poor recruiting based more on romanticism than commonsense. Brooks was returned in 2003/04, while Farley, Rees and big man Brett Wheeler were given the same opportunity. They were all brought back to Adelaide even though they were well beyond their best, purely because they were fan-favourites and in some cases, mates of the coach. Farley and Brooks had remarkable championship years but were never the same after that and Wheeler was a horrible recruit for the club. A solid, championship-winning player in Sydney and Perth (with a stint in Victoria), Wheeler was picked up on the back of an injury-ravaged 2005/06 season, where he hardly played a game. Last year with the 36ers he was similarly barely spotted. Smyth also remained loyal to championship 6th man Mark Nash for two seasons too long after injury hampered so many of his seasons.

However, if anything, the big criticism of Smyth and his coaching staff has been his inability to secure young, local talent that have since flourished elsewhere. None stand out more than Brad Newley and Joe Ingles - though you could also make a case for Jacob Holmes, Brad Hill, Shannon Seebohm and Oscar Forman. Newley was by-passed by Adelaide before he starred up in Townsville for three years and then was drafted into the NBA by the Houston Rockets. It wasn't until Newley was on the verge of superstardom in this country that Smyth awoke from his slumber and decided to sign the guard to a deal. Of course, this was too late, with the Adelaide-born and raised Newley now plying his trade in Europe. Ingles starred at the Southern Tigers in Adelaide's south until he too was overlooked locally but not by the new franchise in 2006, the South Dragons. "Jingles" has shone with his spectacular, crowd-pleasing play since the day he arrived to play for Shane Heal's team. The 36ers could use his excitement right now.

The current 36ers outfit smacks of no-risk recruiting. On paper the team is delicious. On watching them, they leave a sour taste in your mouth. Excusing injured leader Brett Maher, workhorse Brad Davidson, all-star Adam Ballinger and the evergreen Lanard Copeland, this team has lacked spark, hunger, drive, determination and the Big 'D', defense, all season. Darren Ng has had moments of brilliance but also moments of Allen Iverson-like selfishness, where he fails to recognise the open man. David Cooper has less offense than a straight man in a gay bar. Matt Sutton still hasn't made the cut, turning the ball over too often when called upon. And Axel Dench is a lumbering, selfish log who thinks he's Reggie Miller from behind the 3-point line and plays defence like the Polish army did against Germany in 1939. He has been a recruiting farce. As has now former 36er, Mike Chappell, who struggled with fitness, form and confidence during his time here. The man who starred in New Zealand and Wollongong was a shadow of his former self in Adelaide disappointing everyone, including the coach, until finally receiving the axe.

When asked of whether he should step aside, Smyth will smile, as he often does. He is a wonderful personality for the game and we've seen him smile many times over the years. But this season has seen him smile less than most, due to a string of disappointing results from a below-par team. Smyth would say that his record is impeccable and mention his fantastic winning percentages; however, these were a long time ago with very different teams and players. His past two years have been tarnished by short-sighted recruiting and a lack of consistency. Other coaches smile and laugh at the 36ers defense at the moment.

In the eyes of Adelaide 36ers fans, Phil Smyth is a legend, and one of the true nice guys of Australian basketball. He has done so much for the state of basketball in this country and particularly, South Australia. However, unpopular decisions have to be made for the 36ers to be successful once again. And, unfortunately, Phil Smyth is standing in the way of the team and a another championship.

He'd probably laugh at that but his current record isn't very funny.

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

How will the Scud be remembered?

December 21st 2007 01:44

One of Australia's most maligned - sometimes unfairly, sometimes fairly - sportspersons in recent times is on the brink of retirement. Mark "the Scud" Philippoussis' knee injury at the weekend, which will require immediate surgery and extended time off the court, could signal the end of his rollercoaster career. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up was once ranked as high as number 8 in the world, yet it was his Davis Cup inconsistencies and off-court interest in girls and fast cars that skews the view on "the Poo". This begs the question, how should he be remembered?

No-one can possibly doubt the Scud's natural talent with racquet in hand. The 6ft5 Victorian powerhouse burst onto the scene in 1996, aged 20, following a stunning upset of world number 1 and legend of the game Pete Sampras, at the Australian Open. Two years later, he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open against countryman Pat Rafter. And, while Philippoussis would eventually lose to Rafter, his quick rise was capped off with entry into the world's Top 10 at the beginning of 1999

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Are Boston a legitimate title chance?

December 13th 2007 05:37

The last time there was this much excitement in Boston, it was because Ted Danson was running a bar where he knew everyone's name. For the first time since the Bird, McHale and Parrish era, the Celtics look to be a genuine title threat. Their Big Three of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are getting it done, with a little help from their friends. At 18-2 they look unstoppable but whether their run will transcend through to the playoffs is another story.

The thing about the 1980 era Celtics is that they had the talents of one man in particular: Larry Bird. Bird should go down as being in the Top 5 best basketballers of all time and there is a strong case for him to be number one. He turned a 29-53 1978-79 Celtics team into a 61-21 team in 1979-80. Acquiring Robert Parrish from Golden State and drafting Kevin McHale from the University of Minnesota for the following season saw the original Big Three come together, contesting and winning 3 titles together. They were consistently winning playoff games for 10 years

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

Is Jawai ready for the NBA?

December 13th 2007 04:42

After a high-scoring and crowd-dazzling NBL All-Star Game in Melbourne last night there appears to be a new Australian big man bound for the NBA. No matter which way you look at it, Cairns Taipans forward/centre Nathan Jawai stands out in the national league. The likeable 21 year-old's popularity is undeniable, having received the most fan votes of any player for the All-Star game.

However, have we seen this all before? What makes anyone think that Jawai will be different from names like Matt Nielsen, Paul Rogers, David Andersen, Mark Bradtke and Ben Pepper. Those big guys that looked destined for the NBA until their ships sailed elsewhere, most often, back to our shores and the NBL

[ Click here to read more ]

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Matt 1 - Category: No Category

Email this Post to a Friend

March 2008

1 Posts

February 2008

2 Posts

January 2008

2 Posts