Special edition blog today as I have been requested for this topic and I will be unable to do a blog until Sunday. The NBA playoff's begin this weekend and so its only right to make a few predictions, the majority are the expected.
West: Number 1 seed Oklahoma Thunder play the out of form Houston Rockets, at the start of the year I would have thought this would be a belter of a match up. Two high scoring offences going at each other however Houston are really out of form especially on the offensive end. Thunder will wipe this series 4-0.
San Antonio Spurs the 2 seed are another team bang out of form only winning 3 of the last 10 while their opponents LA Lakers Kobe less have won 5 in a row. This will be a close series and probably go the distance. Spurs are rested up though while Lakers are carrying too many injuries and so they scrap by.
Denver have one of the deeper squads in all of the NBA and probably the coach of the year. They are also in good form coming into the playoffs making this a very hard match up for the Golden State Warriors. Denver is a tough place to play as well so home court advantage is a big deal for Denver who make it past in 5 or 6 games.
The last matchup has all the makings of a classic Memphis against the Clippers. The toughest of match ups to call both teams in good form, both have good squads and depth in their squads. Clippers have home court advantage but I'm going with the Grizzles. It's really starting to click for this team and defensively they are solid lead behind Marc Gasol, it will go seven games.
East: The Miami Heat have been unquestionably the best team in the league this year and are tipped to go all the way. They face the best defensive team in the league the Milwaukee Bucks yet the Heat put points on them at will the other weekend and made real light work of them. This will be easy and done in four games.
The next game is a real chess match of a game the number two seed New York Knicks against Boston Celtics. The Knicks have been brilliant this year and they are getting healthier at the right time apart from anyone with the name LeBron Melo is the best player in the league. However Celtics have playoff experience and a vast amount of it. They are going to prove a real test for the Knicks and if the Knicks get past them it will prove all the doubters wrong that the Knicks are the real deal. I'm a believe in the Knicks, they win a tough 6-7 game series to progress.
The Indiana Pacers hosting the Hawks is my least favourite match up. Two out of form teams who are not playing well at all. Granger is out for the year and I do not think the Pacers have enough offensive weapons to trouble anyone without him. Hawks to win this but they not going far either.
The final game is Brooklyn against Chicago with rumours Derrick Rose may even feature for the Bulls. This will defiantly provide a lift the Bulls desperately need who are down to the bare bones of their roster. Defensively the Bulls look weak at the moment Deng is having to defend two players as Boozer is only playing one end of the court. This is a shame but the Nets go through but Bulls will be back next year much stronger.
Thursday 18 April 2013
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Olympic stadium to Lambeau field
Earlier this year I wrote about two young men entering next weeks NFL draft. These two young men where different to all the other future professional American football players because they were from the United Kingdom. Other the course of the last month a third candidate has un expectedly entered the running to be drafted next week. This is former Great Britain Olympian Lawerence Okoye who competed in the discuss at London 2012. Today I'm not going to discuss the importance of UK representatives in the NFL like I have previously but rather Lawerence's rather peculiar journey.
In just other a weeks time Lawerence Okoye could be drafted by one of the 32 NFL franchises but how has he gone from London's Olympic Stadium to Lambeau field or Foxborough in less than a year. Okoye has decided to take a break from athletics in order to pursue a career in American football. For many of the prospects selected in next weeks draft the journey to the NFL began years and years ago from playing high school football to college football to sports performance centres. Players have taken hundreds of game snaps and probably thousands of practise snaps. Lawerence's journey began literally months ago as he prepared for a regional trial in Atlanta and still yet to take any snap.
Although he is yet to play a game of American football or even be placed on a teams roster he has sent shock waves through the NFL community. He impressed so much at that trial in Atlanta that he was invited to the regional combine in Dallas. Traditionally about a quarter of the people who attend the regional combine end up either being drafted or acquired as a free agent by NFL teams. Straight away he had all 32 teams who were in attendance turning their heads. He measured in at 6-6 and over 300lbs, he then went on to run a blistering 40 yard dash time. To those who know Lawerence this did not come as a surprise they already know his explosiveness and athleticism. He further displayed this athleticism in practise drills where he participated in the defensive line drills.
Following the workouts he had NFL scouts queuing up to speak to him. Since the combine he has been rumoured to have already had formal workouts and meetings with teams including San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. This is just the first steps in Lawerence's quest to be an American football player he understands that he may not see the field of play for a long time and could initially end up on a teams practise squad. Okoye is going to need time to develop and understand the game and his position, developing the experience his peers have acquired other years of playing football. The strides he has made so far have been at a remarkable pace and these strides will probably be at the same pace. He is an intelligent young man turning down an Oxford University degree so learning an NFL play book should be no problem.
I personally am so excited for next weeks NFL draft we have 3 UK prospects hoping to be drafted or picked up by an NFL franchise via free agency. While Lawerence may be the biggest risk of all three prospects and perhaps all the prospects entering the draft as he has never played a game of football he could have the most potential. His athletic ability and measurables are already there for everyone to see, he has the passion and cognitive ability to succeed. I predict he will be drafted in one of the later rounds as teams are already intrigued with him. I hope which ever team he ends up on they are patient with him allowing him to learn and develop.
Good luck Lawerence from all football fans in the UK, it will be amazing to have one of our own playing at Wembley.
In just other a weeks time Lawerence Okoye could be drafted by one of the 32 NFL franchises but how has he gone from London's Olympic Stadium to Lambeau field or Foxborough in less than a year. Okoye has decided to take a break from athletics in order to pursue a career in American football. For many of the prospects selected in next weeks draft the journey to the NFL began years and years ago from playing high school football to college football to sports performance centres. Players have taken hundreds of game snaps and probably thousands of practise snaps. Lawerence's journey began literally months ago as he prepared for a regional trial in Atlanta and still yet to take any snap.
Although he is yet to play a game of American football or even be placed on a teams roster he has sent shock waves through the NFL community. He impressed so much at that trial in Atlanta that he was invited to the regional combine in Dallas. Traditionally about a quarter of the people who attend the regional combine end up either being drafted or acquired as a free agent by NFL teams. Straight away he had all 32 teams who were in attendance turning their heads. He measured in at 6-6 and over 300lbs, he then went on to run a blistering 40 yard dash time. To those who know Lawerence this did not come as a surprise they already know his explosiveness and athleticism. He further displayed this athleticism in practise drills where he participated in the defensive line drills.
Following the workouts he had NFL scouts queuing up to speak to him. Since the combine he has been rumoured to have already had formal workouts and meetings with teams including San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. This is just the first steps in Lawerence's quest to be an American football player he understands that he may not see the field of play for a long time and could initially end up on a teams practise squad. Okoye is going to need time to develop and understand the game and his position, developing the experience his peers have acquired other years of playing football. The strides he has made so far have been at a remarkable pace and these strides will probably be at the same pace. He is an intelligent young man turning down an Oxford University degree so learning an NFL play book should be no problem.
I personally am so excited for next weeks NFL draft we have 3 UK prospects hoping to be drafted or picked up by an NFL franchise via free agency. While Lawerence may be the biggest risk of all three prospects and perhaps all the prospects entering the draft as he has never played a game of football he could have the most potential. His athletic ability and measurables are already there for everyone to see, he has the passion and cognitive ability to succeed. I predict he will be drafted in one of the later rounds as teams are already intrigued with him. I hope which ever team he ends up on they are patient with him allowing him to learn and develop.
Good luck Lawerence from all football fans in the UK, it will be amazing to have one of our own playing at Wembley.
Monday 15 April 2013
Sports big weekend took a big punch
In a weekend that included a dramatic conclusion to the US Masters, one of the most open FA cup semi finals ever witnessed and some exciting IPL cricket I end up talking about football hooliganism today. The scenes witnessed at Wembley and St James Park over the course of the weekend were un-expectable and ones that take us back to the 1980's. Britain has done such a good job in dealing with football hooliganism over recent years that it has not been an issue.
However a group of Millwall fans and I have to say a very small group who I'm lead to believe from reports are not even football fans and have attended the FA Cup semi final just to cause trouble have clouded this weekend. Along with another small group of Newcastle fans causing trouble outside the stadium following the Tyne side derby on Sunday. On Saturday there where 14 arrests made and 29 Sunday along with images of people beaten up and showing total disrespect for authority. Yet the most shocking image to me was the sight of a small girl crying and scared. Football is meant to be place where families can go, a place that inspires younger people to participate or be part of the sport. I wonder if I was to ask that young girl now if she found football an attractive prospect or even inspirational.
For me a regular spectator at Oxford United I see a couple of problems. The first is the total allowance for anti-social behaviour driven by alcohol. The vast majority of people can handle their alcohol and enjoy the football. However for some they can not and therefore it should be banned. Police watch supporters drink in pubs and then even escort them to grounds. This maybe an over the top reaction but I would totally ban alcohol within grounds and then anyone who you believe has been drinking is not allowed in to the stadium. The reason for such a harsh reaction is because of the scenes we saw this weekend, the negative headlines in papers and we can not put of young people from any sporting activity.
The other change I would make is the training and professionalism of the Stewards. Many Stewards can be seen just watching the events play out on Saturday and not do anything about it. I know not all Stewards are trained in how to deal with situations like this and have no experience of how to manage crowds of people. I think clubs should have all Stewards within their grounds trained in how to deal with situations like this and all Stewards in grounds be at this level. This would hopefully prevent situations escalating to the scenes we witnessed this weekend.
Clubs and local authorities do a fantastic job at identifying these individuals and then placing football ground bans on them. I hope this continues and they can identify the individuals involved this weekend but I would also ask they face a harsh enforcement of the law. This will help us stamp out scenes we do not want to see again.
However a group of Millwall fans and I have to say a very small group who I'm lead to believe from reports are not even football fans and have attended the FA Cup semi final just to cause trouble have clouded this weekend. Along with another small group of Newcastle fans causing trouble outside the stadium following the Tyne side derby on Sunday. On Saturday there where 14 arrests made and 29 Sunday along with images of people beaten up and showing total disrespect for authority. Yet the most shocking image to me was the sight of a small girl crying and scared. Football is meant to be place where families can go, a place that inspires younger people to participate or be part of the sport. I wonder if I was to ask that young girl now if she found football an attractive prospect or even inspirational.
For me a regular spectator at Oxford United I see a couple of problems. The first is the total allowance for anti-social behaviour driven by alcohol. The vast majority of people can handle their alcohol and enjoy the football. However for some they can not and therefore it should be banned. Police watch supporters drink in pubs and then even escort them to grounds. This maybe an over the top reaction but I would totally ban alcohol within grounds and then anyone who you believe has been drinking is not allowed in to the stadium. The reason for such a harsh reaction is because of the scenes we saw this weekend, the negative headlines in papers and we can not put of young people from any sporting activity.
The other change I would make is the training and professionalism of the Stewards. Many Stewards can be seen just watching the events play out on Saturday and not do anything about it. I know not all Stewards are trained in how to deal with situations like this and have no experience of how to manage crowds of people. I think clubs should have all Stewards within their grounds trained in how to deal with situations like this and all Stewards in grounds be at this level. This would hopefully prevent situations escalating to the scenes we witnessed this weekend.
Clubs and local authorities do a fantastic job at identifying these individuals and then placing football ground bans on them. I hope this continues and they can identify the individuals involved this weekend but I would also ask they face a harsh enforcement of the law. This will help us stamp out scenes we do not want to see again.
Saturday 13 April 2013
No I in team
First of all a massive thank you to all of you who read my last post I received a record number of views and I was overwhelmed, Thank You all very much.
The cliche "there is no I in team" is one we have all heard often surrounding sports teams. I know I even used it as a demonstration with my football team last term at school and have been thinking along those lines when I have watched certain teams this year like Los Angeles Lakers, England Cricket team and Miami Heat. In fact it was this last example Miami Heat that made me think about this cliche and how they have been able to successfully put it together as a team but allowed room for individuals and today I'm going to argue that there is not just one I in team but many.
What the cliche simply means is that one individual can not make up a team and can not be expected to beat a team. Rather to win in a team sport you must play as a team displaying good team cohesion and utilizing everyone's strengths. One rugby player can not be expected to run through a whole team and score a try and in reverse stop them from scoring. It can leave you scratching your head when so many of the best individual players come together to play in the same team but do not succeed, use the LA Lakers as an example this year or in previous years not so much recently the England Football team. Both are justification that the whole is greater than any of its parts.
One of the first examples I think of when thinking about this statement is Kevin Pietersen. There have been so many times when he has come out to bat for England played an aggressive shot from ball one and quickly got out. On occasions when England have needed him to steady the ship, for example the first innings of the first test against New Zealand 2 months ago. When this has happened I have thought why can you not just bat for the team and not yourself i.e "there is no I in team". However if KP did not bat like this then he would not be the KP that has played nearly 100 tests for England and scored over 7000 runs as well as producing a brand of cricket that has helped England to dominate in recent time. By KP being the individual and batting the way he does he sets a tempo that opposition have to respond to or he will just take the game away from them. By him using his method of batting it has drawn opposition to focus on him and actually allowed other members of the middle order like Bell and Prior to flourish as all the attention is on KP. He relieves pressure from other players because of the volume of runs he scores and pace he scores them at. If KP was not allowed to be the individual in the team and maybe play more for the team in given situations this England team and the batsmen would not have had the success they have experienced.
Another example I can use to echo that there is a place for individuals within teams is the recent national final runners up, Michigan Wolverine men's basketball team. On this team they have the best player in the nation Trey Burke, who cleaned up at the national awards winning the player of the year award and being voted a first team All-American. There have been times this year when I have been screaming for Burke to pass the ball to an open team mate or not to take on a double team or not taking that jump shot with a man in his face. It would appear to the uneducated eye that he was trying to beat oppositions on his own instead of use his team mates who appeared to be in better positions. Yet its these exact plays that often resulted in him making a ridiculous three point shot like the Kansas game or driving past 2 defenders to take it to the basket. Its this exact individual play that resulted in him being voted as the best player in the nation and taking his team to the national championship game.
Those of you die hard Wolverine fans will say Michigan played their best basketball down the stretch when Trey got his team mates into the game and he was less of an individual I would agree his assists did go up and the team were very successful. However Burke still used his individual skill to be successful he just became better at deciding when to use his team mates and when he needed to stand up as an individual.
I therefore believe there is a comprise needed players within any team need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals, the chance to show their natural talent hence why they are playing in that team. Yet we all know the best teams are the teams were individuals play for the greater good, the greater good being the team. Next time someone says there is no I in team respond with your correct but there is 11.
The cliche "there is no I in team" is one we have all heard often surrounding sports teams. I know I even used it as a demonstration with my football team last term at school and have been thinking along those lines when I have watched certain teams this year like Los Angeles Lakers, England Cricket team and Miami Heat. In fact it was this last example Miami Heat that made me think about this cliche and how they have been able to successfully put it together as a team but allowed room for individuals and today I'm going to argue that there is not just one I in team but many.
What the cliche simply means is that one individual can not make up a team and can not be expected to beat a team. Rather to win in a team sport you must play as a team displaying good team cohesion and utilizing everyone's strengths. One rugby player can not be expected to run through a whole team and score a try and in reverse stop them from scoring. It can leave you scratching your head when so many of the best individual players come together to play in the same team but do not succeed, use the LA Lakers as an example this year or in previous years not so much recently the England Football team. Both are justification that the whole is greater than any of its parts.
One of the first examples I think of when thinking about this statement is Kevin Pietersen. There have been so many times when he has come out to bat for England played an aggressive shot from ball one and quickly got out. On occasions when England have needed him to steady the ship, for example the first innings of the first test against New Zealand 2 months ago. When this has happened I have thought why can you not just bat for the team and not yourself i.e "there is no I in team". However if KP did not bat like this then he would not be the KP that has played nearly 100 tests for England and scored over 7000 runs as well as producing a brand of cricket that has helped England to dominate in recent time. By KP being the individual and batting the way he does he sets a tempo that opposition have to respond to or he will just take the game away from them. By him using his method of batting it has drawn opposition to focus on him and actually allowed other members of the middle order like Bell and Prior to flourish as all the attention is on KP. He relieves pressure from other players because of the volume of runs he scores and pace he scores them at. If KP was not allowed to be the individual in the team and maybe play more for the team in given situations this England team and the batsmen would not have had the success they have experienced.
Another example I can use to echo that there is a place for individuals within teams is the recent national final runners up, Michigan Wolverine men's basketball team. On this team they have the best player in the nation Trey Burke, who cleaned up at the national awards winning the player of the year award and being voted a first team All-American. There have been times this year when I have been screaming for Burke to pass the ball to an open team mate or not to take on a double team or not taking that jump shot with a man in his face. It would appear to the uneducated eye that he was trying to beat oppositions on his own instead of use his team mates who appeared to be in better positions. Yet its these exact plays that often resulted in him making a ridiculous three point shot like the Kansas game or driving past 2 defenders to take it to the basket. Its this exact individual play that resulted in him being voted as the best player in the nation and taking his team to the national championship game.
Those of you die hard Wolverine fans will say Michigan played their best basketball down the stretch when Trey got his team mates into the game and he was less of an individual I would agree his assists did go up and the team were very successful. However Burke still used his individual skill to be successful he just became better at deciding when to use his team mates and when he needed to stand up as an individual.
I therefore believe there is a comprise needed players within any team need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals, the chance to show their natural talent hence why they are playing in that team. Yet we all know the best teams are the teams were individuals play for the greater good, the greater good being the team. Next time someone says there is no I in team respond with your correct but there is 11.
Thursday 11 April 2013
Mock draft
Two weeks today Kansas City Chiefs will be on the clock to start the 2013 NFL. The draft process is nearly complete we have watched lots of college tape, the prospects have participated in the combine, pro days and even individual work outs. All that's left to do is find out who is going to be employed and by who. For today's blog I attempt my very own mock draft. This is where I try and predict which prospect goes where and give reasoning, then look back in 14 days time and see how completely wrong I got it.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel an immediate starter at left tackle. We solidify that position for many years to come and make multiple trips to the pro bowl I like him more than Matt Kalil last years first offensive tackle.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith a reaction pick from all the success recent first round quarterbacks have had. When you are not happy with the quarterback position you are always on the look for one, Smith is an upgrade at that position.
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd again the defensive tackle fills a hole for the raiders and starts straight away. He is a two gap filler in the middle who will make players around him better.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Cooper the first real shock pick. Kelly likes linemen who can pull and get out in the open to block. Cooper is the most athletic linemen in the draft and fits what Kelly is installing.
5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher the second offensive tackle to come of the board and my highest rated player in the draft. He starts immediately at left tackle replacing Jeff Backus and plays just as long as he did at the position.
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Millner the cornerback out of Alabama comes over to play n Cleveland opposite one of the best corner backs in the league Haden. Together they form a great partnership.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan the linebacker come defensive end has seen his draft stock rising recently. He provides Arizona with an option to rush the passer from day one in a division with two very mobile quarterbacks.
8.Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin helps provide that x-factor for the Bills. A team that needs some help on the outside can not resist taking the most explosive offensive player of the board.
9. New York Jets: Chance Warmack helps fill one of many holes the jets have. They would take Austin here if he fell however Warmack helps solidify a very shaky offensive line allowing who ever is running or throwing the ball an opportunity to succeed.
10. Tennessee Titans: Ezekial Ansah helps the Titans out a lot at defensive end. It's a good fit schematically and I think his upside is tremendous. Titans have a few pieces at the position already which will take the pressure of him to begin with allowing him to learn.
11. San Diego Chargers: Star Lotueleli clears all medical checks and bit end up being a steal for the chargers. Helps the chargers out in the middle can plug and play straight away and is another good scheme fit better NT than 3 technique.
12. Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson the offensive tackle comes in and plays opposite Martin. The offensive line got ripped to pieces las year in Miami and Johnson should help out.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant corner back from Washington. This may change if the Revis deal goes through but I believe Trufant is the second best corner in the draft.
14. Carolina Panthers: Sylvester Williams stays in state and goes to the Panthers who need upgrading in the middle of their defence who is very athletic.
15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson position yet to be decided as they move over to a 3-4 defence. They need a plugger in the middle but not sure he is the man and may end up at the defensive end position.
16. St Louis Rams: Cordarelle Patterson comes to Rams to give Bradford a true threat. The weapons at the offensive disposal in St Louis is poor and Patterson is defiantly a weapon and with Fisher there he will develop into a good receiver.
17. Pittsburgh Stealers: Jarvis Jones the outside linebacker from Georgia has come under some criticism recently but he just looks and feels like a Stealers linebacker. Who may not be able to keep them all in the future with unbelievable cap problems.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro another player who gets to stay in state. Dallas needs upgrading at the secondary position in particular safety who can also drop in and cover from the nickel. Something Vaccaro was asked to do a lot as a longhorn.
19. New York Giants: Bjoern Werner once considered the best defensive linemen in the draft as slipped right into the Giants lap. They need more production at the position and Werner could actually complement other ends the Giants already have.
20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te'o straight away becomes Urlachers replacement. Te'o will be a really good pick for the Bears he plays much better than he measures and you replace one leader with another.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alec Ogletree fits the Bengals really well and is probably the best linebacker in the the draft. Manaluga was never amazing at the position and Ogletree may not be an immediate upgrade but will develop into a better player.
22. St. Louis Rams: Johnathan Hankins is bit of a surprise pick here. Rams fans will be screaming for a running back to replace Jackson but you can get running back help later on. Rams also need more bodies and good bodies at the tackle position to rotate and keep people fresh.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen is Harvin's replacement. Even before Harvin left you would hardly say the Vikings had many outside weapons now this just becomes a necessary pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Barkevious Mingo who will play outside linebacker in the Colts 3-4. The Colts know that passing the football wins games, last year they got their passer and weapons this year they get their weapon to disrupt the pass.
25. Minnesota Vikings: DeAndre Hopkins a second receiver is added just two picks later. They can not afford to miss at this position so why not double your chances.
26. Green Bay Packers: Dante Jones the defensive end from UCLA will help secure that front defensive line that has looked a bit weak on the edges.
27. Houston Texans: John Jenkins nose tackle from Georgia. A mountain of a man who plays a position you can not have enough of. Texans see the upside of the pick allows rotation and developmental time.
28. Denver Boncos: Xavier Rhodes falls into the laps of the Broncos. They need to start thinking of Bailey replacement Rhodes just might be that man, nice size who likes to be physical.
29. New England Patriots: Tyler Eifert with Gronks injury a little unknown Eifert provides a little bit of an insurance and yet another weapon for Brady.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Ertz who might be the most complete tight end of the group. Gonzalez has said he will come back for another year but Atlanta would like a double threat and Gonzalez future replacement.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Damontre Moore once considered a top 10 pick does have true talent to be unlocked. 49ers can take the risk and you can never have enough pass rushers.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Woods the receiver from USC is Boldin replacement. He already runs good routes and has reliable hands I can for see him being Flacco's best friend.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel an immediate starter at left tackle. We solidify that position for many years to come and make multiple trips to the pro bowl I like him more than Matt Kalil last years first offensive tackle.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith a reaction pick from all the success recent first round quarterbacks have had. When you are not happy with the quarterback position you are always on the look for one, Smith is an upgrade at that position.
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd again the defensive tackle fills a hole for the raiders and starts straight away. He is a two gap filler in the middle who will make players around him better.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Cooper the first real shock pick. Kelly likes linemen who can pull and get out in the open to block. Cooper is the most athletic linemen in the draft and fits what Kelly is installing.
5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher the second offensive tackle to come of the board and my highest rated player in the draft. He starts immediately at left tackle replacing Jeff Backus and plays just as long as he did at the position.
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Millner the cornerback out of Alabama comes over to play n Cleveland opposite one of the best corner backs in the league Haden. Together they form a great partnership.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan the linebacker come defensive end has seen his draft stock rising recently. He provides Arizona with an option to rush the passer from day one in a division with two very mobile quarterbacks.
8.Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin helps provide that x-factor for the Bills. A team that needs some help on the outside can not resist taking the most explosive offensive player of the board.
9. New York Jets: Chance Warmack helps fill one of many holes the jets have. They would take Austin here if he fell however Warmack helps solidify a very shaky offensive line allowing who ever is running or throwing the ball an opportunity to succeed.
10. Tennessee Titans: Ezekial Ansah helps the Titans out a lot at defensive end. It's a good fit schematically and I think his upside is tremendous. Titans have a few pieces at the position already which will take the pressure of him to begin with allowing him to learn.
11. San Diego Chargers: Star Lotueleli clears all medical checks and bit end up being a steal for the chargers. Helps the chargers out in the middle can plug and play straight away and is another good scheme fit better NT than 3 technique.
12. Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson the offensive tackle comes in and plays opposite Martin. The offensive line got ripped to pieces las year in Miami and Johnson should help out.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant corner back from Washington. This may change if the Revis deal goes through but I believe Trufant is the second best corner in the draft.
14. Carolina Panthers: Sylvester Williams stays in state and goes to the Panthers who need upgrading in the middle of their defence who is very athletic.
15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson position yet to be decided as they move over to a 3-4 defence. They need a plugger in the middle but not sure he is the man and may end up at the defensive end position.
16. St Louis Rams: Cordarelle Patterson comes to Rams to give Bradford a true threat. The weapons at the offensive disposal in St Louis is poor and Patterson is defiantly a weapon and with Fisher there he will develop into a good receiver.
17. Pittsburgh Stealers: Jarvis Jones the outside linebacker from Georgia has come under some criticism recently but he just looks and feels like a Stealers linebacker. Who may not be able to keep them all in the future with unbelievable cap problems.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro another player who gets to stay in state. Dallas needs upgrading at the secondary position in particular safety who can also drop in and cover from the nickel. Something Vaccaro was asked to do a lot as a longhorn.
19. New York Giants: Bjoern Werner once considered the best defensive linemen in the draft as slipped right into the Giants lap. They need more production at the position and Werner could actually complement other ends the Giants already have.
20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te'o straight away becomes Urlachers replacement. Te'o will be a really good pick for the Bears he plays much better than he measures and you replace one leader with another.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alec Ogletree fits the Bengals really well and is probably the best linebacker in the the draft. Manaluga was never amazing at the position and Ogletree may not be an immediate upgrade but will develop into a better player.
22. St. Louis Rams: Johnathan Hankins is bit of a surprise pick here. Rams fans will be screaming for a running back to replace Jackson but you can get running back help later on. Rams also need more bodies and good bodies at the tackle position to rotate and keep people fresh.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen is Harvin's replacement. Even before Harvin left you would hardly say the Vikings had many outside weapons now this just becomes a necessary pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Barkevious Mingo who will play outside linebacker in the Colts 3-4. The Colts know that passing the football wins games, last year they got their passer and weapons this year they get their weapon to disrupt the pass.
25. Minnesota Vikings: DeAndre Hopkins a second receiver is added just two picks later. They can not afford to miss at this position so why not double your chances.
26. Green Bay Packers: Dante Jones the defensive end from UCLA will help secure that front defensive line that has looked a bit weak on the edges.
27. Houston Texans: John Jenkins nose tackle from Georgia. A mountain of a man who plays a position you can not have enough of. Texans see the upside of the pick allows rotation and developmental time.
28. Denver Boncos: Xavier Rhodes falls into the laps of the Broncos. They need to start thinking of Bailey replacement Rhodes just might be that man, nice size who likes to be physical.
29. New England Patriots: Tyler Eifert with Gronks injury a little unknown Eifert provides a little bit of an insurance and yet another weapon for Brady.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Ertz who might be the most complete tight end of the group. Gonzalez has said he will come back for another year but Atlanta would like a double threat and Gonzalez future replacement.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Damontre Moore once considered a top 10 pick does have true talent to be unlocked. 49ers can take the risk and you can never have enough pass rushers.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Woods the receiver from USC is Boldin replacement. He already runs good routes and has reliable hands I can for see him being Flacco's best friend.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Tigers return
Just days away from the first of four major's, the golfing world descends upon Augusta as it usual does this time of year for the masters. The famous green jacket is up for grabs again in what can only be described as one of sports truest levelling tournaments. Being tagged an under dog or book makers favourite really has little affect at Augusta as previous years winners will show being world number one going into the tournament has very little impact.
Of course the current world number 1 is Tiger Woods, its been a long time since he was world number 1 but he is back to the top of the game and what he needs most is a major to crown his return. If I would have asked you 5 years ago what would all the talk be going into the 2013 masters surrounding Tiger Woods. You might have said something like is he going to break Jack Nicholson record of most majors won. Instead and perhaps unfortunately it is can Tiger win his first major since 2007 and his first since returning to the sport.
Prior to 2009 when his martial infidelities came to light I thought of him as one of the greatest sportsman to have ever lived regardless of era or sport. I thought of him as a role model both on and off the course and one of the most positive influences on any sport. He changed the culture of golf breaking down racial barriers which had restricted black African American golfers particularly in the USA. I thought it was just a matter of time until he became the most successful golfer of all time.
He still could become the most successful after all he is currently ranked the best golfer in the world and is only 4 major titles away from Jack Nicholson's record. However remarkable Tiger plays and what ever tournaments he wins his legacy will always be tarnished. He could have been the greatest sportsmen of all time linked with names like Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan. I think Tiger can be put alongside names like mentioned for the excellences he has displayed on a golf course. At times when watching Tiger he is able to making shots that no one else can or likely will, can consistently play at a level no one can keep up with and just make the difficult look easy.
Before 2009 and when we learnt more about his private life I had him alongside or even above those names for the things he did away from the sport. Like the cultural barriers I have mentioned he broke down, giving new life to a sport that was becoming unpopular and dated and most importantly being a true positive role model. These accomplishments do not just vanish, he will always be known for these things he did away from the course but he is scared by the negative things as well.
While Tiger can never take back what has happened and as I mentioned his legacy will always be scared, I'm a romantic and like most have a soft spot for seeing sport played at its best. No one in the world has ever been able to or will this week match Tiger if he is playing at his best. That's why I will be supporting Tiger this week and I hope he can return to the excellence he has portrayed on the golf course in the past. After all this will help even the harsh critic forget all the negatives.
Of course the current world number 1 is Tiger Woods, its been a long time since he was world number 1 but he is back to the top of the game and what he needs most is a major to crown his return. If I would have asked you 5 years ago what would all the talk be going into the 2013 masters surrounding Tiger Woods. You might have said something like is he going to break Jack Nicholson record of most majors won. Instead and perhaps unfortunately it is can Tiger win his first major since 2007 and his first since returning to the sport.
Prior to 2009 when his martial infidelities came to light I thought of him as one of the greatest sportsman to have ever lived regardless of era or sport. I thought of him as a role model both on and off the course and one of the most positive influences on any sport. He changed the culture of golf breaking down racial barriers which had restricted black African American golfers particularly in the USA. I thought it was just a matter of time until he became the most successful golfer of all time.
He still could become the most successful after all he is currently ranked the best golfer in the world and is only 4 major titles away from Jack Nicholson's record. However remarkable Tiger plays and what ever tournaments he wins his legacy will always be tarnished. He could have been the greatest sportsmen of all time linked with names like Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan. I think Tiger can be put alongside names like mentioned for the excellences he has displayed on a golf course. At times when watching Tiger he is able to making shots that no one else can or likely will, can consistently play at a level no one can keep up with and just make the difficult look easy.
Before 2009 and when we learnt more about his private life I had him alongside or even above those names for the things he did away from the sport. Like the cultural barriers I have mentioned he broke down, giving new life to a sport that was becoming unpopular and dated and most importantly being a true positive role model. These accomplishments do not just vanish, he will always be known for these things he did away from the course but he is scared by the negative things as well.
While Tiger can never take back what has happened and as I mentioned his legacy will always be scared, I'm a romantic and like most have a soft spot for seeing sport played at its best. No one in the world has ever been able to or will this week match Tiger if he is playing at his best. That's why I will be supporting Tiger this week and I hope he can return to the excellence he has portrayed on the golf course in the past. After all this will help even the harsh critic forget all the negatives.
Saturday 6 April 2013
Melo for MVP
Considering the year LeBron James has had for Miami Heat, leading them to top of the Eastern conference on a record breaking 27 game winning running, a shooting percentage that can only be dreamed of and more than likely a back to back NBA championship. In today's blog I'm going to make the argument that there is another player that deserves the most valuable player title and his name is not even Durant. This blog may have never been written if LeBron was not currently injured and still putting up his own ridiculous numbers, but I can be brave as he is out injured for the near future.
The man I'm considering for my MVP this season I have made discussions for him to claim this title twice already this season. Once when I had the opportunity to watch him play in January at the O2 arena and right back in November when he was leading the Knicks to a great start in the East. I have for a nearly a year said he is the most natural shooter of a basketball I have ever seen since seeing him at the Olympics last summer. I put him alongside Kobe, LeBron and Jordan as having the most fluent and technically correct jump shot in the game. The balance and poise he has when he shots the ball is above all of the names I have previously mentioned and what has helped him put up worldy numbers in his last three games.
In his last three games he has gone over the 40 point back in each of them and in one of them he topped the half century mark. When watching him which I have a lot this season and will be tomorrow when he goes up against Oklahoma Thunder the cream of the West, its obvious how he has put up these numbers. He has the ability of shooting from any where on the court which helps the Knicks do multiple things to get him open. When he is open or even when manned up he uses his technically correct jump shot with such great affect. This has left teams trying to contain him in the back court but recently he has done damage under the hoop or in the paint leaving teams puzzled as to where he can be contained.
Yet it is not his offensive skills that makes me consider him for MVP, it maybe the first time he has put both his front and back court together at the same time but its his role within the team and defensive skills that have really impressed. He has improved his defensive skills remarkably coming out of Syracuse he was known for his offensive power but was often thought of as a liability defensively. Watching this year he has regularly manned up against the opponents top player whether it be a Durant, LeBron or Bryant and he has contained them all really well. At the same time he has finally taken on the role that his team require him to be. One that is a leader, an offensive play maker who makes the right play at the right time and someone the team can turn to hit the big play.
Even when I write this I find it hard to really nail him on as the MVP because of the year Mr James has had. I can finish with this sentence I do believe Anthony is the best player in the NBA at the moment who is available to play. Lets hope his Syracuse alumni do not play as well tonight in the final four against Michigan.
The man I'm considering for my MVP this season I have made discussions for him to claim this title twice already this season. Once when I had the opportunity to watch him play in January at the O2 arena and right back in November when he was leading the Knicks to a great start in the East. I have for a nearly a year said he is the most natural shooter of a basketball I have ever seen since seeing him at the Olympics last summer. I put him alongside Kobe, LeBron and Jordan as having the most fluent and technically correct jump shot in the game. The balance and poise he has when he shots the ball is above all of the names I have previously mentioned and what has helped him put up worldy numbers in his last three games.
In his last three games he has gone over the 40 point back in each of them and in one of them he topped the half century mark. When watching him which I have a lot this season and will be tomorrow when he goes up against Oklahoma Thunder the cream of the West, its obvious how he has put up these numbers. He has the ability of shooting from any where on the court which helps the Knicks do multiple things to get him open. When he is open or even when manned up he uses his technically correct jump shot with such great affect. This has left teams trying to contain him in the back court but recently he has done damage under the hoop or in the paint leaving teams puzzled as to where he can be contained.
Yet it is not his offensive skills that makes me consider him for MVP, it maybe the first time he has put both his front and back court together at the same time but its his role within the team and defensive skills that have really impressed. He has improved his defensive skills remarkably coming out of Syracuse he was known for his offensive power but was often thought of as a liability defensively. Watching this year he has regularly manned up against the opponents top player whether it be a Durant, LeBron or Bryant and he has contained them all really well. At the same time he has finally taken on the role that his team require him to be. One that is a leader, an offensive play maker who makes the right play at the right time and someone the team can turn to hit the big play.
Even when I write this I find it hard to really nail him on as the MVP because of the year Mr James has had. I can finish with this sentence I do believe Anthony is the best player in the NBA at the moment who is available to play. Lets hope his Syracuse alumni do not play as well tonight in the final four against Michigan.
Thursday 4 April 2013
Cricket's calendar
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has became a fixture in the international cricket calendar and the sixth edition of the IPL got under way yesterday. This makes it an appropriate time to consider the club verses country debate but from a cricketing angle. This has already began with Eoin Morgan being at the center of this debate, many people believe that he should be with his county Middlsex this week playing in sub zero conditions in a pre-season friendly against Kent. The ECB have made it clear that they prefer their test players in England preparing for the summer's cricket rather than in Indian playing in a twenty twenty competition. Lets be honest last summers KP debacle was all because he was making sure he could play in future IPL tournaments but at the same time not risk losing his England place.
This debate can easily be solved by the ICC and respective national cricket boards by carefully managing the international and domestic cricket calendar. This country is 100% guilty of playing too much cricket both internationally and domestic. Players should be given the opportunity to play in lucrative tournaments like the IPL where they can get earn some money and help increase the global image of the game. In today's blog I'm going to begin to solve this debate by suggesting a couple of changes to both the domestic and international calendar 's that will settle the issue if players like Morgan and KP should be playing in the IPL.
The first change I would make is I would have distinct blocks during the calendar when international cricket is played. The first is the international season for fixtures played in England. England needs it's own distinct period because we are the only country that plays cricket in what we call summer May-September. All international cricket played in England needs to fit into these two distinct windows end of May and June then the second window through August and September. In these two periods you play seven test matches and a triangular one day series against the two touring nations. There is no need to fly India or Australia over just to play one cricket it has very little meaning.
The reason I have left July free is so our domestic twenty twenty competition can take place and by having England players available we increase the standard of competition and hopefully help counties get bigger crowds to the games. There is no reason to play test cricket in England prior to the last week of May because the chances of getting a completed test are very slim and it free's time up in the schedule. During this time the first two rounds of county championship cricket can take places sufficiently preparing England players for test cricket. I would also make dramatic changes to the championship structure for many years I have felt a 16 game schedule is far too much. It gives players little time to train or develop their tactical awareness and a coaches job is more like a team bus driver. I would adapt the championship to be a three tier championship each division having 6 teams in who everyone plays home and away making 10 fixtures a season. This makes every single game competitive and important for each county to win their division, which should not only help the country produce better and more tactically aware cricketers but help counties sell tickets as each game actually matters.
That sort of touches upon the domestic changes to help the burden on the cricketing calendar, I could go on for ever and discuss each change in more detail but I'm not sure I have the time to write it all down. With the international calendar I would make another couple of windows. First of all October would be a free month where no cricket is played unless its a world cup year and the extra time is needed. All international cricket needs to be played within these two windows first one November through to 2 weeks into January this allows home series in the sub continent to be played and Australia and South Africa. It also allows traditions such as boxing day and new years test matches to remain. Then there is the second window which is late February and all of March for countries who might not have been able to play home tests in the previous window like New Zealand and West Indies to schedule in home series.
This then leaves the IPL to be played in the month of April and that month only. I currently believe the IPL has too many fixtures and people loose interest however I for one minute do not think they will ever reduce the number of games played because of income reasons. Therefore I suggest the IPL plays its games much more rapidly. It's twenty twenty cricket teams do not need a week to rest between fixtures they could even play two nights in a row. In my eyes it should look something like an NBA schedule where a team plays 3-4 times week. This would allow all the world's best players to play in the IPL without creating conflict between them and their country.
I know like most of you this all looks well and good on paper but in the real world would never happen. There are too many nations that need to agree on playing cricket at certain times and all would fear it has a negative financial impact on them. This is where I would challenge them every change I have made I have done it with the idea that it would have a positive financial impact either through increasing competition or given the calendar more structure so interest is not lost. I will demonstrate this further in a future blog where I discuss international cricket and having a test match league but for now enjoy the IPL.
This debate can easily be solved by the ICC and respective national cricket boards by carefully managing the international and domestic cricket calendar. This country is 100% guilty of playing too much cricket both internationally and domestic. Players should be given the opportunity to play in lucrative tournaments like the IPL where they can get earn some money and help increase the global image of the game. In today's blog I'm going to begin to solve this debate by suggesting a couple of changes to both the domestic and international calendar 's that will settle the issue if players like Morgan and KP should be playing in the IPL.
The first change I would make is I would have distinct blocks during the calendar when international cricket is played. The first is the international season for fixtures played in England. England needs it's own distinct period because we are the only country that plays cricket in what we call summer May-September. All international cricket played in England needs to fit into these two distinct windows end of May and June then the second window through August and September. In these two periods you play seven test matches and a triangular one day series against the two touring nations. There is no need to fly India or Australia over just to play one cricket it has very little meaning.
The reason I have left July free is so our domestic twenty twenty competition can take place and by having England players available we increase the standard of competition and hopefully help counties get bigger crowds to the games. There is no reason to play test cricket in England prior to the last week of May because the chances of getting a completed test are very slim and it free's time up in the schedule. During this time the first two rounds of county championship cricket can take places sufficiently preparing England players for test cricket. I would also make dramatic changes to the championship structure for many years I have felt a 16 game schedule is far too much. It gives players little time to train or develop their tactical awareness and a coaches job is more like a team bus driver. I would adapt the championship to be a three tier championship each division having 6 teams in who everyone plays home and away making 10 fixtures a season. This makes every single game competitive and important for each county to win their division, which should not only help the country produce better and more tactically aware cricketers but help counties sell tickets as each game actually matters.
That sort of touches upon the domestic changes to help the burden on the cricketing calendar, I could go on for ever and discuss each change in more detail but I'm not sure I have the time to write it all down. With the international calendar I would make another couple of windows. First of all October would be a free month where no cricket is played unless its a world cup year and the extra time is needed. All international cricket needs to be played within these two windows first one November through to 2 weeks into January this allows home series in the sub continent to be played and Australia and South Africa. It also allows traditions such as boxing day and new years test matches to remain. Then there is the second window which is late February and all of March for countries who might not have been able to play home tests in the previous window like New Zealand and West Indies to schedule in home series.
This then leaves the IPL to be played in the month of April and that month only. I currently believe the IPL has too many fixtures and people loose interest however I for one minute do not think they will ever reduce the number of games played because of income reasons. Therefore I suggest the IPL plays its games much more rapidly. It's twenty twenty cricket teams do not need a week to rest between fixtures they could even play two nights in a row. In my eyes it should look something like an NBA schedule where a team plays 3-4 times week. This would allow all the world's best players to play in the IPL without creating conflict between them and their country.
I know like most of you this all looks well and good on paper but in the real world would never happen. There are too many nations that need to agree on playing cricket at certain times and all would fear it has a negative financial impact on them. This is where I would challenge them every change I have made I have done it with the idea that it would have a positive financial impact either through increasing competition or given the calendar more structure so interest is not lost. I will demonstrate this further in a future blog where I discuss international cricket and having a test match league but for now enjoy the IPL.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Fourth era of the European Cup
The greatest measure of success in European football has to be winning the European cup or more commonly known as the Champions league, for any football club. When looking at the competition and the winners in more detail it is clear to see that the European cup has gone through three era's and I would argue is about to enter its fourth. We are therefore entering a critical period in club football within Europe where the balance of power is about to be shifted.
1. The competition began in 1956 and up until the late 1960's was dominated by capital cities of Fascist regimes. Eight of the first eleven European Cups where either one by Real Madrid from the capital of Spain or Benfica from the capital of Portugal. This was the first era of the European Cup. As I go through the different era's do not make the assumption that it is only these footballing powers that win the competition during that period time. We can all point to un-likely winners in many sporting competitions and the European cup is no different, all I'm suggesting is as you look back over the competition three era's can be distinguished and we may even be entering a fourth.
2. By the end of the 1960's and early 70's smaller industrial towns began to dominate the landscape of European football. In the 1970's small industrial towns like Rotterdam, Amsterdam Liverpool and Nottingham all with populations at the time of under 1.5 million all won the European cup. These at the time were incredibly small towns and cities in comparison to capitals like London, Paris and Madrid. This era was aided by the industrial revolution, people from neighbouring towns and villages flocked to these cities in the search for employment and so they rapidly grew. The factories of these towns and cities were and still are linked to football clubs which aided their growth rise in power.
3. The next phase began in 1980's but there where a number of factors that happened over the next three decades. Money entered football like it had never been seen before, TV contracts grew, we had the first "million pound man" and freer movement of players through the "Bosman" rule. This meant the team with the most fans could sell more tickets and merchandising and attract better players. This lead to the diminishing of those small industrial towns because they did not have the population to support the clubs. In some cases Leeds United, Deportivo La Coruna and Fiorentina crippling them economically and competitively Teams in bigger cities started to expand their stadiums and take advantage of being surrounded by a bigger population. This would lead you to think that the bigger cities in Europe like London, Paris and Istanbul would be the most successful. In fact they were too big. These cities were just too big to generate brand interest and loyalty in fact most were filled with tourist who had no idea about football. In fact you wanted a city of about 2-4 million which could produce the required fan base, filling a large expanded stadium and be the vocal point of that city generating global attention. Hence the rise of Milan, Manchester, Munich, Madrid and Barcelona all of these cities have clubs which have dominated this era of European football.
4. This final phase I believe we are entering and began last year with Chelsea winning the European Cup. This is the rise of money clubs which will probably be linked to European Mega cities. The financial landscape of football is changing we now have mega rich owners who treat football clubs like toys and can spend what ever money they like on them. I'm talking about Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala. These clubs are fueled by rich owners who will do anything to win or buy the European Cup. Money has always dictated in some way where the power in European football lies I would be interested to see how many European cups these types of teams win over the next 20 years.
1. The competition began in 1956 and up until the late 1960's was dominated by capital cities of Fascist regimes. Eight of the first eleven European Cups where either one by Real Madrid from the capital of Spain or Benfica from the capital of Portugal. This was the first era of the European Cup. As I go through the different era's do not make the assumption that it is only these footballing powers that win the competition during that period time. We can all point to un-likely winners in many sporting competitions and the European cup is no different, all I'm suggesting is as you look back over the competition three era's can be distinguished and we may even be entering a fourth.
2. By the end of the 1960's and early 70's smaller industrial towns began to dominate the landscape of European football. In the 1970's small industrial towns like Rotterdam, Amsterdam Liverpool and Nottingham all with populations at the time of under 1.5 million all won the European cup. These at the time were incredibly small towns and cities in comparison to capitals like London, Paris and Madrid. This era was aided by the industrial revolution, people from neighbouring towns and villages flocked to these cities in the search for employment and so they rapidly grew. The factories of these towns and cities were and still are linked to football clubs which aided their growth rise in power.
3. The next phase began in 1980's but there where a number of factors that happened over the next three decades. Money entered football like it had never been seen before, TV contracts grew, we had the first "million pound man" and freer movement of players through the "Bosman" rule. This meant the team with the most fans could sell more tickets and merchandising and attract better players. This lead to the diminishing of those small industrial towns because they did not have the population to support the clubs. In some cases Leeds United, Deportivo La Coruna and Fiorentina crippling them economically and competitively Teams in bigger cities started to expand their stadiums and take advantage of being surrounded by a bigger population. This would lead you to think that the bigger cities in Europe like London, Paris and Istanbul would be the most successful. In fact they were too big. These cities were just too big to generate brand interest and loyalty in fact most were filled with tourist who had no idea about football. In fact you wanted a city of about 2-4 million which could produce the required fan base, filling a large expanded stadium and be the vocal point of that city generating global attention. Hence the rise of Milan, Manchester, Munich, Madrid and Barcelona all of these cities have clubs which have dominated this era of European football.
4. This final phase I believe we are entering and began last year with Chelsea winning the European Cup. This is the rise of money clubs which will probably be linked to European Mega cities. The financial landscape of football is changing we now have mega rich owners who treat football clubs like toys and can spend what ever money they like on them. I'm talking about Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala. These clubs are fueled by rich owners who will do anything to win or buy the European Cup. Money has always dictated in some way where the power in European football lies I would be interested to see how many European cups these types of teams win over the next 20 years.
Sunday 31 March 2013
March madness
As March draws to a close with only a few hours to go what an appropriate time to reflect on what is the premier month of college basketball. For those of you who follow me on twitter (@michael_hume6) will have noticed how engrossed I get with what is referred to as March Madness. It is unlike any other sporting competition we have other here in the UK due to its unique structure. The closest event we have to it which receives mainstream media attention is Wimbledon but this is obviously very different as its a global event with only a couple of players playing per country.
During March 64 colleges compete for the national championship in a single eliminated tournament. This includes the 31 Division I conference winners who are automatically entered into the tournament and then 37 additional teams selected by the NCAA committee heavily determined by season record. The teams are then selected into regions and seeded putting teams into brackets within the region. During each stage the winner of the match progresses on to the next round. The first round is 4 games between the lowest ranked teams to leave the 64 teams heading into the second round. Teams are split into 4 regions the winner of each region will progress to the national semi finals or more commonly known as the final four before the winners competing for the national championship.
This format creates so much tension and drama as fans follow their team through the tournament. It also creates so many upsets such as this year Wichita State the 9th seed in the West region have knocked out power houses such as 1 seed Gonzaga and 2 seed Ohio State. In that regards it is similar to the FA cup where we get lower league clubs beating Premier league teams.
This year I have followed the whole tournament but paying particular attention to the college I have followed for several years now in football and basketball. Those of you following me on twitter will no-doubt know I'm referring to Michigan Wolverines. Who have played some sensational offensive basketball lead by All-American Trey Burke. The guard has been undefendable at times with his driving runs into the paint and taking on more of a leadership role and bringing other players into the game through his assists have made him the best player in the tournament so far. This is without discussing that unbelievable and close to the best shot I have ever seen, 3 pointer against Kansas to take it to over time.
You can see how excited I get from the tournament helped by my be-loved Wolverines going into the final four but can you imagine if we had something similar in this country. Maybe the twenty twenty cup in cricket where county's are seeded after their group stage and put into a much larger bracket format. I mean Sky would go for it because you could in essence create 4 finals days by splitting teams into regions of 4 teams the winner of the regional finals day goes on to the the national final. It would create loads of drama and provide unrivaled entertainment.
I love March and I'm gutted its ending in just hours time all because of college basketball. Good Luck Blue in the final four and great coverage from CBS.
During March 64 colleges compete for the national championship in a single eliminated tournament. This includes the 31 Division I conference winners who are automatically entered into the tournament and then 37 additional teams selected by the NCAA committee heavily determined by season record. The teams are then selected into regions and seeded putting teams into brackets within the region. During each stage the winner of the match progresses on to the next round. The first round is 4 games between the lowest ranked teams to leave the 64 teams heading into the second round. Teams are split into 4 regions the winner of each region will progress to the national semi finals or more commonly known as the final four before the winners competing for the national championship.
This format creates so much tension and drama as fans follow their team through the tournament. It also creates so many upsets such as this year Wichita State the 9th seed in the West region have knocked out power houses such as 1 seed Gonzaga and 2 seed Ohio State. In that regards it is similar to the FA cup where we get lower league clubs beating Premier league teams.
This year I have followed the whole tournament but paying particular attention to the college I have followed for several years now in football and basketball. Those of you following me on twitter will no-doubt know I'm referring to Michigan Wolverines. Who have played some sensational offensive basketball lead by All-American Trey Burke. The guard has been undefendable at times with his driving runs into the paint and taking on more of a leadership role and bringing other players into the game through his assists have made him the best player in the tournament so far. This is without discussing that unbelievable and close to the best shot I have ever seen, 3 pointer against Kansas to take it to over time.
You can see how excited I get from the tournament helped by my be-loved Wolverines going into the final four but can you imagine if we had something similar in this country. Maybe the twenty twenty cup in cricket where county's are seeded after their group stage and put into a much larger bracket format. I mean Sky would go for it because you could in essence create 4 finals days by splitting teams into regions of 4 teams the winner of the regional finals day goes on to the the national final. It would create loads of drama and provide unrivaled entertainment.
I love March and I'm gutted its ending in just hours time all because of college basketball. Good Luck Blue in the final four and great coverage from CBS.
Friday 29 March 2013
A blog in the life.... Part IV
It's been a while followers and I apologies for my almost 2 weeks without a blog. The internet at home has been killing me but all is sorted now and BT may even be installing the fiber optic in a week or two. So much has happened in the world of sport over the last couple of weeks from the disappointing cricket in New Zealand to march madness in college basketball.
I will start this come back with a traditional blog and my favorite one, that of course is the blog in the life of Desmond Trufant. For those of you who do not know what this concept is. It's a unique blog I do every couple of weeks that looks at Desmond Trufant following his pathway from college into the NFL. In the first three parts I looked at Desmond's background, college career and then followed him through the senior bowl and NFL combine. Once Desmond is drafted in a months time I'm going to follow his NFL career closely regardless of what franchise he ends up at.
The last two weeks have again been another busy couple of weeks for Desmond. The draft is exactly one month away and so a couple of weeks ago at the University of Washington he held his pro day. This is very similar to the combine but the participants now have home field advantage They can script their workouts to suit them and be more picky in what exercises they participate in. Trufant decided to stand by his 40 time he clocked at the combine and did not run a 40, he did participate in lots of field drills and once again showed of his fluid movement and athletic ability. It was reported ten teams where in attendance at the pro day including the Seahawks, Colts and Jaguars.
The final phase of the process to getting drafted is private workouts with teams. Teams like to try and keep these unknown in some chases so other clubs do not know who they are interested in. Other times they make it more public as it can increase the trade offers for a certain pick. The workouts can also take place either at the college of the participant or even at the clubs facility again making it hard to gather information on who has been meeting and workout with who. It has been confirmed that Desmond has already had private workouts with the Falcons and Jaguars, both teams are in need of help at the cornerback position. Desmond is more than likely going to participate in more of these work outs right up to draft day.
The NFL buzz surrounding Trufant is also gather he has recently appeared on the NFL network in which he came across really well and gained extra attention. All the draft expects from a variety of sources are locking him up as not only a first round draft pick but also one of the top three cornerbacks in the draft.
I will do one more blog on Desmond leading up to the big day in a couple of weeks time.
#goblue for tonights big sweet 16 game.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Helping the Legacy
Over the past few months I have been critical towards the government and national governing bodies towards how loyal they have been to the Olympic legacy. See my blog on UK Basketball for further evidence. However some good news has been announced from the Prime Minister this morning that £150 million pounds will be invested into primary school sport. A further £150 million will be invested by Sport England to aid primary schools link up with local sports clubs through the county partnership projects.
The money for this scheme will come from three departments, firstly the department of health will provide £60 million while the department of Education £80 million and £10 million by the department of sport and culture. However this investment does not begin to match the investment that was in place through the school sports partnership scheme which was dismantled by Mr Gove just two years ago. It is some what of a U-turn for me while not putting back in all of the money that was taken away from primary school sport.
The money that primary schools receive will be ring fenched therefore it will have to be spent on sports and not other areas. However the investment does give head teachers some flexibility as to how they spend it either in getting coaches into schools through NGB, teachers training or equipment. All in all they should have a positive impact upon the primary school pupils and their sporting experience.
This investment while only short term ( check the small print this is only a two year investment) will go a long way. It will help get pupils playing more sport not only in school but outside through the club links. Hopefully inspiring our next great Olympic athletes like Jess Ennis. Getting more children physically active through the introduction of new and old activities will help solve the burden childhood obesity is putting on the health system. These positives from the investement have been described as measurable hence why the government is so supportive of it but how can you measure the enjoyment of positive feeling a young child gets through playing sport. For me that's un-measurable and what makes investments like this one great.
I'm not for one minute going to criticise the investment any investment into school sport is welcomed by me. However I did read something really interesting which I think summed this investment up best. It ticks the box for supporting the Olympic legacy and most defiantly at its lowest level, it has NGB involvement it has ring fenching of sporting money and goes towards correcting the huge mistake made by the government of removing the school sport partnership. I just hope this investment is not a tick boxing exercise by the government but more an attempt to get children doing more exercise.
Sorry for the lack of blogs this week, still having major Internet issues here in the Hume household!!
The money for this scheme will come from three departments, firstly the department of health will provide £60 million while the department of Education £80 million and £10 million by the department of sport and culture. However this investment does not begin to match the investment that was in place through the school sports partnership scheme which was dismantled by Mr Gove just two years ago. It is some what of a U-turn for me while not putting back in all of the money that was taken away from primary school sport.
The money that primary schools receive will be ring fenched therefore it will have to be spent on sports and not other areas. However the investment does give head teachers some flexibility as to how they spend it either in getting coaches into schools through NGB, teachers training or equipment. All in all they should have a positive impact upon the primary school pupils and their sporting experience.
This investment while only short term ( check the small print this is only a two year investment) will go a long way. It will help get pupils playing more sport not only in school but outside through the club links. Hopefully inspiring our next great Olympic athletes like Jess Ennis. Getting more children physically active through the introduction of new and old activities will help solve the burden childhood obesity is putting on the health system. These positives from the investement have been described as measurable hence why the government is so supportive of it but how can you measure the enjoyment of positive feeling a young child gets through playing sport. For me that's un-measurable and what makes investments like this one great.
I'm not for one minute going to criticise the investment any investment into school sport is welcomed by me. However I did read something really interesting which I think summed this investment up best. It ticks the box for supporting the Olympic legacy and most defiantly at its lowest level, it has NGB involvement it has ring fenching of sporting money and goes towards correcting the huge mistake made by the government of removing the school sport partnership. I just hope this investment is not a tick boxing exercise by the government but more an attempt to get children doing more exercise.
Sorry for the lack of blogs this week, still having major Internet issues here in the Hume household!!
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Good business
Free agency is less than an hour away and many pundits will be flying round the cliche, good business. I think the best bit of business has already been done, yesterday the Seahawks traded for Harvin from the Vikings.
The reason why its such a good bit of business is the Seahawks came so close this season from the championship game. They are not a million miles away from making a serious run at the Super Bowl. The offence has been dynamic this season with Wilson at the head of it yet it does not possess too many home run weapons. Harvin is most defiantly that he can go to the house in a variety of ways receiving, running or returning. Giving Wilson extra weapons as he enters his second year is absolutely vital as teams are going to be watching him all through the off season preparing how to stop him to make his second year much more difficult. By giving the offence this new extra dimension it gives defensive coordinators a nightmare trying to plan for the Seahawks offence.
As for the Vikings they received a few low order draft picks and the Seahawks first round pick this season. The Vikings did not have much of an option than to trade Harvin a player who wanted out and was actively seeking a trade. The Vikings need to find value with their two first round draft picks they needed offensive weapons before Harvin left now they need multiple weapons. The Seahawks have done some good business already this off season now the Vikings need to show they have too.
The reason why its such a good bit of business is the Seahawks came so close this season from the championship game. They are not a million miles away from making a serious run at the Super Bowl. The offence has been dynamic this season with Wilson at the head of it yet it does not possess too many home run weapons. Harvin is most defiantly that he can go to the house in a variety of ways receiving, running or returning. Giving Wilson extra weapons as he enters his second year is absolutely vital as teams are going to be watching him all through the off season preparing how to stop him to make his second year much more difficult. By giving the offence this new extra dimension it gives defensive coordinators a nightmare trying to plan for the Seahawks offence.
As for the Vikings they received a few low order draft picks and the Seahawks first round pick this season. The Vikings did not have much of an option than to trade Harvin a player who wanted out and was actively seeking a trade. The Vikings need to find value with their two first round draft picks they needed offensive weapons before Harvin left now they need multiple weapons. The Seahawks have done some good business already this off season now the Vikings need to show they have too.
Sunday 10 March 2013
First test review
Sorry for lack of blogs over the weekend the usual busy weekends preventing me from blogging. Starting with a quick review of the first test between England and New Zealand today.
It was not the way the England team thought they would kick of this fantastic year of test cricket especially against a much weaker opposition. However it was typical England they have been slow starters in all of their first test matches in recent tours. The last three India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have all been awful first days and now you can add New Zealand to that list.
I thought they got the team wrong personally as I mentioned last week I would have taken five bowlers and even more so when Swann was ruled out just before the test match. England's bowling is currently not strong enough to knock over an opposition twice and so therefore needs that quality fifth bowler and for me it would be Onions.
Having said that I would have played him in replace of Nick Compton who scored a vital century in the second innings to prevent defeat. This innings was a really important knock on a pitch that did not allow him to be his fluent best. It does mean he will bat out the series as the opener and probably the first test against the same opposition at home. Captain Cook stepped up in the second innings with a century of his own after a very poor shot in the first innings. I thought Trott and Bell actually looked in very good touch and on a pitch where they can express themselves a bit more I will expect a lot of runs from them. They both look good for at least a century in the series. KP is KP and you get these type of tests from him. Root was the worry for me he did not look as confident and as assure of himself as he did in India but it is just one game and he will get another chance.
The bowling attack only got one opportunity and was usual James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers. The pitch did not suit the England bowling attacking not offering a lot of assistance or pace. However I still have fears about Finn he bowls too many boundary balls for me, that is not saying he is not dangerous but I want to see him have more consistence in applying pressure. Broad looks a long way from his best but it was always going to be slow journey back and Monty did a job. He is defiantly going to get a lot of overs if England persist with this 4 man attack.
The next test is just days away and England need to make massive improvements. I predict no changes but a change in performance and result. England win the second test.
It was not the way the England team thought they would kick of this fantastic year of test cricket especially against a much weaker opposition. However it was typical England they have been slow starters in all of their first test matches in recent tours. The last three India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have all been awful first days and now you can add New Zealand to that list.
I thought they got the team wrong personally as I mentioned last week I would have taken five bowlers and even more so when Swann was ruled out just before the test match. England's bowling is currently not strong enough to knock over an opposition twice and so therefore needs that quality fifth bowler and for me it would be Onions.
Having said that I would have played him in replace of Nick Compton who scored a vital century in the second innings to prevent defeat. This innings was a really important knock on a pitch that did not allow him to be his fluent best. It does mean he will bat out the series as the opener and probably the first test against the same opposition at home. Captain Cook stepped up in the second innings with a century of his own after a very poor shot in the first innings. I thought Trott and Bell actually looked in very good touch and on a pitch where they can express themselves a bit more I will expect a lot of runs from them. They both look good for at least a century in the series. KP is KP and you get these type of tests from him. Root was the worry for me he did not look as confident and as assure of himself as he did in India but it is just one game and he will get another chance.
The bowling attack only got one opportunity and was usual James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers. The pitch did not suit the England bowling attacking not offering a lot of assistance or pace. However I still have fears about Finn he bowls too many boundary balls for me, that is not saying he is not dangerous but I want to see him have more consistence in applying pressure. Broad looks a long way from his best but it was always going to be slow journey back and Monty did a job. He is defiantly going to get a lot of overs if England persist with this 4 man attack.
The next test is just days away and England need to make massive improvements. I predict no changes but a change in performance and result. England win the second test.
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Major talking point
Only one topic of conversation has been on all sports fans lips today specially Sir Alex Ferguson's. That of course is the sending off of Manchester United winger Nani in last nights knock out champions league game against Real Madrid. Today I'm going to give my opinion on the incident and some of the events that followed then feel free to discuss them further through the means of twitter.
First of all the red card it's self in no doubt changed the whole dimensions of the game. However when making a decision the referee can not think about if giving him a red card will change the course of game, he needs to judge the incident independently. In my eyes the incident is dangerous the foot is far to high and makes solid contact with an opponent. Dangerous play is considered a red card and so I do happen to agree with the referee. Yes I understand he did not look at the opponent and was always watching the ball and had no intentions but that is irrelevant, it was dangerous.
Following this Real Madrid still had to score two goals to progress. The task united faced was not impossible less that a year ago Chelsea shut shop on Barcelona in Spain. Manchester United could have done a similar job and to blame their exit out of the champions league on the red card is something I do not agree with. They still had their own destiny in their hands.
There are two more incidents I wish discuss the first is Rio Ferdinad's reaction to the referee at the final whistle, continuously clapping in his face. This for me was a terrible display of sportsmanship and an awful role model to young footballers and this comes at a time when he is being linked back to the England team. Shocking reaction by a player that has more red flags against his name than a golf course. I mean for a player that has been through so much and had so much experience you would have thought he would have known better. The final point happens to be a negative one against Sir Alex Ferguson, I understand he was disappointed to be knocked out the champions league however he should be able to fulfil his press obligations. Think how many people were watching post game last night to see Fergies reaction but we never got to. It's a game dominated by media now and Ferguson needed to have recognised that last night.
Please discuss.
First of all the red card it's self in no doubt changed the whole dimensions of the game. However when making a decision the referee can not think about if giving him a red card will change the course of game, he needs to judge the incident independently. In my eyes the incident is dangerous the foot is far to high and makes solid contact with an opponent. Dangerous play is considered a red card and so I do happen to agree with the referee. Yes I understand he did not look at the opponent and was always watching the ball and had no intentions but that is irrelevant, it was dangerous.
Following this Real Madrid still had to score two goals to progress. The task united faced was not impossible less that a year ago Chelsea shut shop on Barcelona in Spain. Manchester United could have done a similar job and to blame their exit out of the champions league on the red card is something I do not agree with. They still had their own destiny in their hands.
There are two more incidents I wish discuss the first is Rio Ferdinad's reaction to the referee at the final whistle, continuously clapping in his face. This for me was a terrible display of sportsmanship and an awful role model to young footballers and this comes at a time when he is being linked back to the England team. Shocking reaction by a player that has more red flags against his name than a golf course. I mean for a player that has been through so much and had so much experience you would have thought he would have known better. The final point happens to be a negative one against Sir Alex Ferguson, I understand he was disappointed to be knocked out the champions league however he should be able to fulfil his press obligations. Think how many people were watching post game last night to see Fergies reaction but we never got to. It's a game dominated by media now and Ferguson needed to have recognised that last night.
Please discuss.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Lions priority in free agency
Less than a week away from free agency and Detroit will have began examining the field of players who are just about to become free agents. While the cap space is not massive and does prevent the Lions from making a big splash I fully expect the Stafford deal to get done to allow them to be a bit more creative. However today I'm going to look at the main spots that should be targeted in free agency. Some of these positions may get addressed in the draft but currently Lions have a lack of picks.
1. The main priority for me is defensive end. The lions do need to look to add talent in this position and they may do in the draft as there are many defensive ends near the top of the draft board. Avril is gone and we will not be able to resign him, KVB has been cut so we have lost both our starters. This years free agents at defensive end is not particularly strong and we are looking for quality starters. I have already mentioned we may look to the draft but we could even get creative and make a trade here.
2. Safety could be the position we target in free agency as there is some talent available. I would first bring back Delmas on an incentive lead contract giving him the opportunity to play and show he is fit at a cheap price. I would then target Quin from the Texans, a young talented safety you is an immediate starter.
3. Houston is going to hit the market as well come next Tuesday and he was with out doubt our best corner back by a long way. We have three young corner backs in Bentley, Whitehead and Green who need to be given the opportunity to play and develop. However at the same time they need some veteran help to learn from and to take some of the burden away from these young players. Lions need to add experience at this position one should be targeted in free agency.
4. Another position Lions are going to loose two starters is outside linebacker. I'm a big fan of both Levy and Durant and in my opinion both should be re-signed and we should keep a consistency at this position.
5. Change of pace running back one is able to catch, block and run on the outside. There are many media outlets linking us with Reggie Bush and I have no complaints with this but it must come at the right price. There are also other options out there in this position and someone should be brought in.
Never the less unlike last year Detroit next week will be very busy.
1. The main priority for me is defensive end. The lions do need to look to add talent in this position and they may do in the draft as there are many defensive ends near the top of the draft board. Avril is gone and we will not be able to resign him, KVB has been cut so we have lost both our starters. This years free agents at defensive end is not particularly strong and we are looking for quality starters. I have already mentioned we may look to the draft but we could even get creative and make a trade here.
2. Safety could be the position we target in free agency as there is some talent available. I would first bring back Delmas on an incentive lead contract giving him the opportunity to play and show he is fit at a cheap price. I would then target Quin from the Texans, a young talented safety you is an immediate starter.
3. Houston is going to hit the market as well come next Tuesday and he was with out doubt our best corner back by a long way. We have three young corner backs in Bentley, Whitehead and Green who need to be given the opportunity to play and develop. However at the same time they need some veteran help to learn from and to take some of the burden away from these young players. Lions need to add experience at this position one should be targeted in free agency.
4. Another position Lions are going to loose two starters is outside linebacker. I'm a big fan of both Levy and Durant and in my opinion both should be re-signed and we should keep a consistency at this position.
5. Change of pace running back one is able to catch, block and run on the outside. There are many media outlets linking us with Reggie Bush and I have no complaints with this but it must come at the right price. There are also other options out there in this position and someone should be brought in.
Never the less unlike last year Detroit next week will be very busy.
Monday 4 March 2013
Busiest test year ever
Tomorrow late in our evening England kick off what is going to be the country's busiest year in test cricket. England face New Zealand in the first of 6 test matches home and away before under taking the massive job of back to back ashes. England need to kick the year of on the right foot and that means getting the balance of the team correct so that it is settled for the whole year.
I would say the majority of fans know nine players of the team it is the final 2 positions will cause a little debate. Lets start with what we know. Cook will defiantly open the batting but who with we are unsure about. The middle order is pretty settled Trott at three, KP at four and Bell at five is one of the most consistent middle orders in world cricket. Conditions in New Zealand and then back home suit their batting as well and should have prolific years. Prior will keep wicket where he bat depends on the rest of the line up. Swann will be the spin bowler and England will only need to play one in 2013, the opening bowlers are Anderson and Finn. For those of you counting that is 8 out of the 11 just the final three spots to decide.
I'm a big fan of only playing four bowlers in the way the great Australian team did however England do not have the quality of bowling to do this yet. The first person I would defiantly include in the team is Broad to be the first change bowler and bat behind Prior. A fit and in form Broad is the best bowler in England and maybe the world, he is on his way back from fitness and needs to be given every opportunity to bowl and get ready for the Australians. If Broad was at his best England could get away with playing 4 bowlers but at the moment they need the fifth. This is an aggressive move as you need to bowl the opposition out twice to win the test, it also shows a recognition of how the team can best achieve a win. For this fifth spot I would pick Onions, he currently looks like he is back to full fitness and has proven in the past he is of test quality.
That means pushing Prior up to six in the batting order and leaving two men to fight it out for the other opening spot with Cook. Now I'm going to go against everything I believe in with this decision. I thought Compton was good in India was solid at the top showed a good temperament and has done nothing wrong to lose his spot. However you can not account for a young man that has come on to the international scene and taken it by storm. Root has shown he can bat in a variety of conditions, under pressure and in different situations. He passes the eye test and looks like he is set for a long international career. He is aggressive at the top but not in a wreck less way, England need to give him innings before going up against the Aussies. Therefore Compton just misses out and Root gets the nod.
I would say the majority of fans know nine players of the team it is the final 2 positions will cause a little debate. Lets start with what we know. Cook will defiantly open the batting but who with we are unsure about. The middle order is pretty settled Trott at three, KP at four and Bell at five is one of the most consistent middle orders in world cricket. Conditions in New Zealand and then back home suit their batting as well and should have prolific years. Prior will keep wicket where he bat depends on the rest of the line up. Swann will be the spin bowler and England will only need to play one in 2013, the opening bowlers are Anderson and Finn. For those of you counting that is 8 out of the 11 just the final three spots to decide.
I'm a big fan of only playing four bowlers in the way the great Australian team did however England do not have the quality of bowling to do this yet. The first person I would defiantly include in the team is Broad to be the first change bowler and bat behind Prior. A fit and in form Broad is the best bowler in England and maybe the world, he is on his way back from fitness and needs to be given every opportunity to bowl and get ready for the Australians. If Broad was at his best England could get away with playing 4 bowlers but at the moment they need the fifth. This is an aggressive move as you need to bowl the opposition out twice to win the test, it also shows a recognition of how the team can best achieve a win. For this fifth spot I would pick Onions, he currently looks like he is back to full fitness and has proven in the past he is of test quality.
That means pushing Prior up to six in the batting order and leaving two men to fight it out for the other opening spot with Cook. Now I'm going to go against everything I believe in with this decision. I thought Compton was good in India was solid at the top showed a good temperament and has done nothing wrong to lose his spot. However you can not account for a young man that has come on to the international scene and taken it by storm. Root has shown he can bat in a variety of conditions, under pressure and in different situations. He passes the eye test and looks like he is set for a long international career. He is aggressive at the top but not in a wreck less way, England need to give him innings before going up against the Aussies. Therefore Compton just misses out and Root gets the nod.
Sunday 3 March 2013
A blog in the life.... Part III
It has been a very busy couple of weeks for Desmond Trufant as he attended the annual NFL combine in Indianapolis last weekend. The buzz coming out of last weekends combine for Desmond is very promising after what was a very good performance. The combine needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as it will not determine where a players is drafted but it can help answer some questions.
In a few weeks time I'm going to publish my own personal scouting report on Desmond Trufant but one of the things many scouts have questioned is his vertical speed. He was able to answer this question in what is the highlight event of the combine the 40 yard dash with a 4.38 run, the third best time by any defensive back. He was also extremely quick in the 20 yard shuttle and again one of the top performers. In the skills based exercise he looked smooth and one of the most natural at his position entering this years draft.
Following the senior bowl a buzz was beginning to form surrounding Trufant and this was only enhanced after the combine. His performance answered some of the question marks scouts had against him which is helping him secure being a day 1 pick in Aprils draft. Many of the experts are now placing Trufant firmly in their first round of mock drafts and in some as high as number 25. Mike Mayock of NFL.com has him ranked as his third corner back over taking Johnathan Banks.
At the combine players also have meetings with teams in the evenings some of his meetings were confirmed. He did meet with the Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles and Vikings. Trufant is now preparing himself for his pro day at Washington on March 13th and then following that any team visits.
In the next update I will give my scouting view on Turfant as well as reporting on his performance at his pro day. Good luck Desmond.
In a few weeks time I'm going to publish my own personal scouting report on Desmond Trufant but one of the things many scouts have questioned is his vertical speed. He was able to answer this question in what is the highlight event of the combine the 40 yard dash with a 4.38 run, the third best time by any defensive back. He was also extremely quick in the 20 yard shuttle and again one of the top performers. In the skills based exercise he looked smooth and one of the most natural at his position entering this years draft.
Following the senior bowl a buzz was beginning to form surrounding Trufant and this was only enhanced after the combine. His performance answered some of the question marks scouts had against him which is helping him secure being a day 1 pick in Aprils draft. Many of the experts are now placing Trufant firmly in their first round of mock drafts and in some as high as number 25. Mike Mayock of NFL.com has him ranked as his third corner back over taking Johnathan Banks.
At the combine players also have meetings with teams in the evenings some of his meetings were confirmed. He did meet with the Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles and Vikings. Trufant is now preparing himself for his pro day at Washington on March 13th and then following that any team visits.
In the next update I will give my scouting view on Turfant as well as reporting on his performance at his pro day. Good luck Desmond.
Friday 1 March 2013
Stafford deal crucial
Free agency is looming and just days away, lions have a really important matter to deal with before then which will shape their free agency. This big pressing matter is Matthew Stafford and getting him resigned to a new contract. Staffords cap hit for this forth coming season is over $20 millions which is approximately one sixth of the cap. This is a massive problem when Detroit have holes all over the roster and need to be players in the free agency.
By resigning Stafford to a new long term deal it will make his contract much more friendly to this years cap. It could potentially save Lions about 5-8 million in this years cap. This would allow them to resign some their own free agents who need to be kept around like Avril and Cherilus. It would also give the club the opportunity to be more active in free agency and pursue veterans who can come in and be leaders, who do not come cheap.
It also has some positive affects on Stafford to get the deal done sooner rather than later. Firstly and most obviously it secures him to the club for longer, players like to have lengthy contracts as generally they are loaded with guaranteed money. It will also have a similar affect as to what Brady has done in New England given his team more money to strengthen the roster and ultimately more chance of winning. Finally I think it will help with him gaining leadership of this young team. Currently I do not view Stafford as a great leader few players look up to him but this could help him change this persona and players may feel accountable to him.
My final thought on this is it is not going to be easy. Stafford holds all the leverage as he is due over $20 this season and is in titled to that money, after all that is the contract he signed. Stafford will want to be paid correctly and will demand top dollar. Stafford holds more leverage because for him their is no major rush he has 2 more years under contract and financially would happily take the money from this contract. Stafford needs to show his commitment to the team here and how serious he is to helping build a winning team.
Sign a new deal Staff and become a leader.
By resigning Stafford to a new long term deal it will make his contract much more friendly to this years cap. It could potentially save Lions about 5-8 million in this years cap. This would allow them to resign some their own free agents who need to be kept around like Avril and Cherilus. It would also give the club the opportunity to be more active in free agency and pursue veterans who can come in and be leaders, who do not come cheap.
It also has some positive affects on Stafford to get the deal done sooner rather than later. Firstly and most obviously it secures him to the club for longer, players like to have lengthy contracts as generally they are loaded with guaranteed money. It will also have a similar affect as to what Brady has done in New England given his team more money to strengthen the roster and ultimately more chance of winning. Finally I think it will help with him gaining leadership of this young team. Currently I do not view Stafford as a great leader few players look up to him but this could help him change this persona and players may feel accountable to him.
My final thought on this is it is not going to be easy. Stafford holds all the leverage as he is due over $20 this season and is in titled to that money, after all that is the contract he signed. Stafford will want to be paid correctly and will demand top dollar. Stafford holds more leverage because for him their is no major rush he has 2 more years under contract and financially would happily take the money from this contract. Stafford needs to show his commitment to the team here and how serious he is to helping build a winning team.
Sign a new deal Staff and become a leader.
Thursday 28 February 2013
Stacking in cricket
The term stacking is a very emotive term in sport and one I associate with American sports. The term it's self means playing players in a sports team in a specific position because of their race or ethnic background. For example in American football black players were often associated to positions with low cognitive requirements and decision making but ones which needed speed, power and jumping ability such as wide receiver and running back. While on the other hand white players were seen to be more intelligent and so controlled positions like the quarterback. To demonstrate this point the first black quarterback did not win a Super Bowl until Doug Williams won it in 1987 with the Washington Redskins.
Today's blog is inspired by a student at school who educated myself on the fact this American term has been linked in English culture and sport. Prior to the industrial revolution when cricket was played as a recreational activity players from working class and middle class backgrounds played in the same team. However working class players experienced the stacking affect, middle class gentlemen took all the positions of power such as bowler and top order batsmen while working class gentlemen were fielders. While stacking in America took place due to race and stereotypes of perceived abilities of these racial groups stacking in cricket took place because of power. Middle class gentlemen needed to always display their power over the working class and so held these more powerful positions.
In comparison both have one thing in common they are dated terms. Even football has rules in place that currently prevent stacking from taking place and having a negative impact on the sport. The Rooney rule requires NFL franchises to interview someone from a minority ethnic group for the position of head coach, the position which requires most intelligence and decision making. However it's not a dated term in accordance to some research.
Some recent research found that stacking still takes place in Britain within cricket. The findings suggest that certain racial groups are associated with certain positions, it must be noted that this is only specific to Britain. The research found that Asian players are typically associated with high status batters and "Black" players are associated with low status bowlers. The research did state that this is not because of a player centrality theory but more to do with historical and geographical influences. In particular Asian players coming to Britain from the sub continent and "Black" players coming from the West Indies.
The linked was made that historically the West Indies produced bowlers and these bowlers flourished in English conditions and hence held down the bowling positions. While countries like India and Pakistan traditionally exported batters and so took up these roles in England. The stacking affect is clearly taking place players are playing certain positions because of their background.
Who would of thought it, that a term typically associated with America and in years pasts actually has place all be it a different term in modern Britain.
Today's blog is inspired by a student at school who educated myself on the fact this American term has been linked in English culture and sport. Prior to the industrial revolution when cricket was played as a recreational activity players from working class and middle class backgrounds played in the same team. However working class players experienced the stacking affect, middle class gentlemen took all the positions of power such as bowler and top order batsmen while working class gentlemen were fielders. While stacking in America took place due to race and stereotypes of perceived abilities of these racial groups stacking in cricket took place because of power. Middle class gentlemen needed to always display their power over the working class and so held these more powerful positions.
In comparison both have one thing in common they are dated terms. Even football has rules in place that currently prevent stacking from taking place and having a negative impact on the sport. The Rooney rule requires NFL franchises to interview someone from a minority ethnic group for the position of head coach, the position which requires most intelligence and decision making. However it's not a dated term in accordance to some research.
Some recent research found that stacking still takes place in Britain within cricket. The findings suggest that certain racial groups are associated with certain positions, it must be noted that this is only specific to Britain. The research found that Asian players are typically associated with high status batters and "Black" players are associated with low status bowlers. The research did state that this is not because of a player centrality theory but more to do with historical and geographical influences. In particular Asian players coming to Britain from the sub continent and "Black" players coming from the West Indies.
The linked was made that historically the West Indies produced bowlers and these bowlers flourished in English conditions and hence held down the bowling positions. While countries like India and Pakistan traditionally exported batters and so took up these roles in England. The stacking affect is clearly taking place players are playing certain positions because of their background.
Who would of thought it, that a term typically associated with America and in years pasts actually has place all be it a different term in modern Britain.
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Combine winners
The combine has finished after a very long and busy weekend and it has sent us all to YouTube or contacting anyone who has some game film to watch on certain players. My opinion on the combine is no one is a loser. Even if a player did not measure up or test as predicted it means scouts will go and watch more game film on that player to check if they have missed anything. Ultimately the player has achieved what they wanted, potential employers watching them play football.
I do believe though certain people come away from the combine as big winners and these are generally easy to spot because the incredible amount of buzz surrounding a player. I'm going to discuss my winners this evening.
1. Manti Te'o. The most watched aspect of the combine was his press conference following of the drama that was created from the cat fish scandal. I personally believe he handled it very well, he discussed the issue when reporters asked him about it but at the same time moved the topic of conversation on to focus on football. He appeared as if he had finally put the issue to bed and could focus on his football. He handled the situation well and teams wanted to talk about him as a footballer not a young person who made a silly mistake.
2. Tavon Austin. The wide receiver blow the forty up by nearly breaking Chris Johnson time and setting a sub 4.35 time. This is the event that gets most media attention and so if you want scouts to look at you this is the event to dominate. As the NFL gets quicker and faster teams look for explosive players and they will build plays around them. In less than four and a half seconds Austin increased his draft stock and earned himself a lot of money.
3. Dee Milliner. One of the question marks Milliner had against him entering the draft is his straight line speed. The best way to answer that is to set a fast forty time and he did this. His time of 4.37 now answers all scouts problems with his speed, I fully expect him to not run a forty at his pro day and to be really happy with this time. I still have other questions on Milliner such as is he a product of a brilliant system and is inexperience with his back pedal. However there is no doubt with this forty time Milliner is a winner from the combine.
I do believe though certain people come away from the combine as big winners and these are generally easy to spot because the incredible amount of buzz surrounding a player. I'm going to discuss my winners this evening.
1. Manti Te'o. The most watched aspect of the combine was his press conference following of the drama that was created from the cat fish scandal. I personally believe he handled it very well, he discussed the issue when reporters asked him about it but at the same time moved the topic of conversation on to focus on football. He appeared as if he had finally put the issue to bed and could focus on his football. He handled the situation well and teams wanted to talk about him as a footballer not a young person who made a silly mistake.
2. Tavon Austin. The wide receiver blow the forty up by nearly breaking Chris Johnson time and setting a sub 4.35 time. This is the event that gets most media attention and so if you want scouts to look at you this is the event to dominate. As the NFL gets quicker and faster teams look for explosive players and they will build plays around them. In less than four and a half seconds Austin increased his draft stock and earned himself a lot of money.
3. Dee Milliner. One of the question marks Milliner had against him entering the draft is his straight line speed. The best way to answer that is to set a fast forty time and he did this. His time of 4.37 now answers all scouts problems with his speed, I fully expect him to not run a forty at his pro day and to be really happy with this time. I still have other questions on Milliner such as is he a product of a brilliant system and is inexperience with his back pedal. However there is no doubt with this forty time Milliner is a winner from the combine.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Young cricketers life
Last summer on the 18th June Tom Maynard died, after being chased by police officers he ended up being electrocuted on some railway tracks before being hit by a train. For those of you who do not know the story, Tom was only 22 and in his second season at Surrey County Cricket Club. He and his flat mate Rory Hamilton Brown were out that evening in Wandsworth London following the loss of a twenty twenty game.
The post-mortem examination revealed to a jury today that Tom was 3 times over the drink driving limit. Police officers were chasing him as they had seen him drive dangerously. He was also to have had cocaine present in his system.
While there are many different things that could be discussed regarding this story I have decided to take the line how unique and confusing a young cricketers life can be. In Andrew Flintoff's autobiography he discussed the problems he had when he was a young cricketer at Lancashire mentioning the club game him very little support when settling into a flat in Manchester on his own at just 19 years old. This lead to Flintoff having late nights eating take aways and drinking excessively and we know the consequences of this when Flintoff was ridiculed for his size in 2000/ 2001. Luckily Flintoff had the opportunity to turn his youthful mistakes around unfortunately Maynard will not.
Like Flintoff Maynard was a young lad living in a big city away from home for the very first time and with this comes many temptations. Surrey as a club had put some measures in place to help Tom with the maturing process such as sharing a flat with Lions team mate and club captain Hamilton Brown. With the thinking they could support one and other with their quest to play for England and Hamilton Brown could keep an eye on his young team mate. However the week before the accident both Hamilton Brown and Maynard were warned by the club for their late nights and drinking before a championship game. Yet no serious measures were taken to prevent what happened a week later.
Now I'm not suggesting all the blame lies at the door step of Surrey County cricket club in fact Tom himself needs to take some blame like wise his team mates who were out with him that night. I do believe county cricket clubs need to help young players make this transition when they move out of home have lots of money and the temptation of the big city. I was pleased to hear Surrey have announced some form of recreational drug screening today hopefully to act as deterrent not to take these substances. Clubs should also consider players schedules thinking about when they have free time and when they do not. Living accommodations maybe a young player sharing with the overseas pro. Could you imagine this scenario occurring if Maynard shared a flat with Surrey's club captain this year Graeme Smith. Most importantly teach this young players what it means to be a professional cricket commitment in your playing life and social, lifestyle, diet, training etc.
I hope this harsh lesson learnt can be a wake up call for county cricket clubs rather than just looked upon as a young immature cricketer making a mistake and clubs put some guidelines in place to support these young players.
The post-mortem examination revealed to a jury today that Tom was 3 times over the drink driving limit. Police officers were chasing him as they had seen him drive dangerously. He was also to have had cocaine present in his system.
While there are many different things that could be discussed regarding this story I have decided to take the line how unique and confusing a young cricketers life can be. In Andrew Flintoff's autobiography he discussed the problems he had when he was a young cricketer at Lancashire mentioning the club game him very little support when settling into a flat in Manchester on his own at just 19 years old. This lead to Flintoff having late nights eating take aways and drinking excessively and we know the consequences of this when Flintoff was ridiculed for his size in 2000/ 2001. Luckily Flintoff had the opportunity to turn his youthful mistakes around unfortunately Maynard will not.
Like Flintoff Maynard was a young lad living in a big city away from home for the very first time and with this comes many temptations. Surrey as a club had put some measures in place to help Tom with the maturing process such as sharing a flat with Lions team mate and club captain Hamilton Brown. With the thinking they could support one and other with their quest to play for England and Hamilton Brown could keep an eye on his young team mate. However the week before the accident both Hamilton Brown and Maynard were warned by the club for their late nights and drinking before a championship game. Yet no serious measures were taken to prevent what happened a week later.
Now I'm not suggesting all the blame lies at the door step of Surrey County cricket club in fact Tom himself needs to take some blame like wise his team mates who were out with him that night. I do believe county cricket clubs need to help young players make this transition when they move out of home have lots of money and the temptation of the big city. I was pleased to hear Surrey have announced some form of recreational drug screening today hopefully to act as deterrent not to take these substances. Clubs should also consider players schedules thinking about when they have free time and when they do not. Living accommodations maybe a young player sharing with the overseas pro. Could you imagine this scenario occurring if Maynard shared a flat with Surrey's club captain this year Graeme Smith. Most importantly teach this young players what it means to be a professional cricket commitment in your playing life and social, lifestyle, diet, training etc.
I hope this harsh lesson learnt can be a wake up call for county cricket clubs rather than just looked upon as a young immature cricketer making a mistake and clubs put some guidelines in place to support these young players.
Sunday 24 February 2013
UK round 1 of NFL combine
Day 2 of the NFL combine is nearly in the books with quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs wrapping up their on the field drills. Yesterday the offensive linemen took to the field and one of the competitors was one of the two UK participants. Menelik Watson is an offensive linemen from Florida State whom originated from Manchester. On Saturday he completed his combine drills including the individual drills and the forty yard run.
Watson's background is a complicated one and one which could easily be a typical a story written in Hollywood. He comes from a single parent home deeply below the poverty line growing up on one of the most crime ridden areas of the UK, it was a tough back ground. Watson was always determined to get out of this situation through sports he has pursued careers in soccer and basketball none of which unfortunately worked out.
Then two years ago when he faced a dilemma already having a young daughter he had one final opportunity try football a sport he had never played or go back to Manchester and raises his family. His body has come straight out of an NFL offensive line factory, he is 6 feet 5 and weights 310 lbs. If you could draw up an NFL tackle it would look like Watson.
What makes Watson stand out at the combine is his lack of football experience. He has only played two competitive years of football and many of these players are coming of double that just at college. This year Watson started every game at right tackle which in its self is pretty remarkable to get a starting after just one year at a junior college the year before. In that one year his ability and athleticism just stood out. He has fantastic quick feet which makes him ideally suited to the tackle position, great athleticism and movement for such a big man and has good strength. This raw physical ability has had NFL scouts drawling , if this is what he is able to achieve after just two years imagine what he could achieve in an NFL program.
At the combine yesterday many scouts expected to see him blow it up with all this athleticism previously mentioned. However yesterday he appeared like a rabbit in head lights and froze a little on stage. He looked a bit slow during the forty and then in individual drills his footwork looked a bit slow and sloppy. While this is not a good thing its not the end of the world, what will count for Watson is how he interviews with teams. He needs to show teams that he has a decent football IQ, is willing to learn and all his potential can be fulfilled.
What this experience can be used for is a learning experience for other UK athletes who enter the NFL and get the opportunity to attend the combine like Tom Wort who will tomorrow. The combine is very American and something in the UK we have nothing like. I still believe although Watson has not had the best weekend he will still get drafted in the 2nd round. He is a bit of a development project who may see some playing time in year 1 but more than likely it will be in year 2.
Watson's background is a complicated one and one which could easily be a typical a story written in Hollywood. He comes from a single parent home deeply below the poverty line growing up on one of the most crime ridden areas of the UK, it was a tough back ground. Watson was always determined to get out of this situation through sports he has pursued careers in soccer and basketball none of which unfortunately worked out.
Then two years ago when he faced a dilemma already having a young daughter he had one final opportunity try football a sport he had never played or go back to Manchester and raises his family. His body has come straight out of an NFL offensive line factory, he is 6 feet 5 and weights 310 lbs. If you could draw up an NFL tackle it would look like Watson.
What makes Watson stand out at the combine is his lack of football experience. He has only played two competitive years of football and many of these players are coming of double that just at college. This year Watson started every game at right tackle which in its self is pretty remarkable to get a starting after just one year at a junior college the year before. In that one year his ability and athleticism just stood out. He has fantastic quick feet which makes him ideally suited to the tackle position, great athleticism and movement for such a big man and has good strength. This raw physical ability has had NFL scouts drawling , if this is what he is able to achieve after just two years imagine what he could achieve in an NFL program.
At the combine yesterday many scouts expected to see him blow it up with all this athleticism previously mentioned. However yesterday he appeared like a rabbit in head lights and froze a little on stage. He looked a bit slow during the forty and then in individual drills his footwork looked a bit slow and sloppy. While this is not a good thing its not the end of the world, what will count for Watson is how he interviews with teams. He needs to show teams that he has a decent football IQ, is willing to learn and all his potential can be fulfilled.
What this experience can be used for is a learning experience for other UK athletes who enter the NFL and get the opportunity to attend the combine like Tom Wort who will tomorrow. The combine is very American and something in the UK we have nothing like. I still believe although Watson has not had the best weekend he will still get drafted in the 2nd round. He is a bit of a development project who may see some playing time in year 1 but more than likely it will be in year 2.
Just one bowler away
England go 2-0 up in New Zealand as they claim the one day international series to go along with the twenty twenty series. It came as no surprise really as Ashley Giles had a much deeper squad to work with this time round than that he had in India. England were just resting one player as part of the rotation policy due to the increasing demand on international players, that player being Kevin Pietersen.
The England team should and did beat New Zealand, both teams are in dramatically different positions in the international pecking order. New Zealand are rebuilding trying to find players like Taylor who this team can be built around while England are looking to take those final steps in preparation for the Champions trophy later this year in which they are serious contenders. I believe they are just one missing piece from being serious contenders.
Assuming KP comes straight back in the team probably for the Morgan given Bell and Roots current form this is how I currently see the state of the team. You have a genuine opening bowling combination that can rival any in the world including the multiple options South Africa currently have. James Anderson took his 229 ODI wickte yesterday, he is now England's leading wicket tacker in limited overs cricket and is in the top 5 bowlers in the world. At the other end you have the less consistent but more veracious Finn who is England's strike bowler. When England sniff blood send Finn in and he will knock them over. Broad is on his way back to fitness and taking baby steps to get himself back to the world beater he was a couple of years ago. We also possess the number 1 spinner in the world and I mean number one because unlike other spinners Swann bowls in all conditions and in all scenarios.
The batting is beginning to look like one of the most settled line ups we have ever had in 50 over cricket. Bell and Cook set a good pace for England at the top and both have showed they are capable of batting for a considerable amount of time. Trott at 3 is reliable and a player you can always bank on, KP at 4 is perhaps the best one day batter in the world. Then England have unearthed its next talent Joe Root, who this winter has showed he has the mentality and skill to play at the top level. The most enjoyable thing to watch was how adaptable he is, in the second game of the series when England needed to accelerate the run rate he scored a run a ball 80. Then in the next game when England had all the time in the world they just needed someone to grind out a win he got a 56 ball 28 not out. He could potentially be the modern day Michael Beaven. Then England have put Butler at 6 which I really like considering the change of rules where the batting power play is taken in over 35. Butler is primed to take advantage of this power play which will be crucial in the champions trophy where the last power play is typically the most dangerous in England.
The final position I have not spoke about is the 5th bowling spot/ 7th batting spot. Chris Woakes took it up for this series and did a reasonable job. When he was younger he excited me because I thought he would kick on and be a bowler who bowls above 90mph and a batter who gives it a hit. Its his bowling that I still have question marks about against a good batting line up I'm not sure you could get 10 overs out of him. I would like to see Woakes go back to Warwickshire and do two things. One add another yard of pace which is needed at the next level and two be more consistent with his skills, when he bowls a yorker it needs to be accurate when he bowls a slower ball it needs to be disguised. The advantage Woakes has is this England set up abides by the law and possession is nine tenths of the law. Woakes is in possession so he will be given plenty of opportunity to go on and nail this place down.
Looking forward 10 days to the test matches I expect England to dominate the test matches and carry on from the great result they got in India. England are just 6 tests away from the opening Ashes test so every ball counts now.
The England team should and did beat New Zealand, both teams are in dramatically different positions in the international pecking order. New Zealand are rebuilding trying to find players like Taylor who this team can be built around while England are looking to take those final steps in preparation for the Champions trophy later this year in which they are serious contenders. I believe they are just one missing piece from being serious contenders.
Assuming KP comes straight back in the team probably for the Morgan given Bell and Roots current form this is how I currently see the state of the team. You have a genuine opening bowling combination that can rival any in the world including the multiple options South Africa currently have. James Anderson took his 229 ODI wickte yesterday, he is now England's leading wicket tacker in limited overs cricket and is in the top 5 bowlers in the world. At the other end you have the less consistent but more veracious Finn who is England's strike bowler. When England sniff blood send Finn in and he will knock them over. Broad is on his way back to fitness and taking baby steps to get himself back to the world beater he was a couple of years ago. We also possess the number 1 spinner in the world and I mean number one because unlike other spinners Swann bowls in all conditions and in all scenarios.
The batting is beginning to look like one of the most settled line ups we have ever had in 50 over cricket. Bell and Cook set a good pace for England at the top and both have showed they are capable of batting for a considerable amount of time. Trott at 3 is reliable and a player you can always bank on, KP at 4 is perhaps the best one day batter in the world. Then England have unearthed its next talent Joe Root, who this winter has showed he has the mentality and skill to play at the top level. The most enjoyable thing to watch was how adaptable he is, in the second game of the series when England needed to accelerate the run rate he scored a run a ball 80. Then in the next game when England had all the time in the world they just needed someone to grind out a win he got a 56 ball 28 not out. He could potentially be the modern day Michael Beaven. Then England have put Butler at 6 which I really like considering the change of rules where the batting power play is taken in over 35. Butler is primed to take advantage of this power play which will be crucial in the champions trophy where the last power play is typically the most dangerous in England.
The final position I have not spoke about is the 5th bowling spot/ 7th batting spot. Chris Woakes took it up for this series and did a reasonable job. When he was younger he excited me because I thought he would kick on and be a bowler who bowls above 90mph and a batter who gives it a hit. Its his bowling that I still have question marks about against a good batting line up I'm not sure you could get 10 overs out of him. I would like to see Woakes go back to Warwickshire and do two things. One add another yard of pace which is needed at the next level and two be more consistent with his skills, when he bowls a yorker it needs to be accurate when he bowls a slower ball it needs to be disguised. The advantage Woakes has is this England set up abides by the law and possession is nine tenths of the law. Woakes is in possession so he will be given plenty of opportunity to go on and nail this place down.
Looking forward 10 days to the test matches I expect England to dominate the test matches and carry on from the great result they got in India. England are just 6 tests away from the opening Ashes test so every ball counts now.
Thursday 21 February 2013
Ponting is back
A couple of months ago I wrote a blog regarding Ricky Ponting and how it will be a great shame not being able to watch him play again. Problem solved by Surrey County Cricket Club, who today Ricky Ponting signed a 2 month contract with. Ricky will be playing for a short period of time at the Kia Oval as Smith will be off playing for South Africa in the champions trophy.
The county got really excited earlier this winter when they managed to land Smith as not only their over seas player for this summer but also their county captain. With the busy international schedule this year Smith is going to be called away from his county duties for a brief period leaving Surrey in a dilemma with no overseas player or captain. So who better to call up than one of the most successful international captains of all time and the second leading test run scorer of all time. I would say that is a pretty decent replacement.
For those of you worrying that Poniting no longer has the skill to succeed at the professional level I draw your attention to a recent double hundred scored by himself in the Australian domestic cup. Hopefully Ponting will not only bring his top class batting skills to South London but also his leadership. The reason why Surrey desperately chased Smith was because of his leadership qualities he can bring to this young team that is still maturing and already been through some rough moments last season. Hopefully Ponting can also bring his strong head to guide this team through the summer and maturation process.
The final comment I have regarding this signing is the timing. Ponting will be eligible and available to play in the twenty twenty competition and the tickets for this competition go on sale........ Tomorrow. Some well timed buzz.
The county got really excited earlier this winter when they managed to land Smith as not only their over seas player for this summer but also their county captain. With the busy international schedule this year Smith is going to be called away from his county duties for a brief period leaving Surrey in a dilemma with no overseas player or captain. So who better to call up than one of the most successful international captains of all time and the second leading test run scorer of all time. I would say that is a pretty decent replacement.
For those of you worrying that Poniting no longer has the skill to succeed at the professional level I draw your attention to a recent double hundred scored by himself in the Australian domestic cup. Hopefully Ponting will not only bring his top class batting skills to South London but also his leadership. The reason why Surrey desperately chased Smith was because of his leadership qualities he can bring to this young team that is still maturing and already been through some rough moments last season. Hopefully Ponting can also bring his strong head to guide this team through the summer and maturation process.
The final comment I have regarding this signing is the timing. Ponting will be eligible and available to play in the twenty twenty competition and the tickets for this competition go on sale........ Tomorrow. Some well timed buzz.
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Only possibility is trade
It seams like every off season there is some type of drama un folding in the green half of New York. It's been will Revis turn up for training camp and sign a new deal, what role will Tebow play and Favre at quarterback. It looks like this off season is no different and taking the spot light once again is Darrell Revis.
Revis unfortunately missed a lot of the 2012 season due to injury but is still with out doubt the best defensive player in football and defiantly the best player on the Jets roster. Revis current contract expires at the end of next season and is searching for a deal which will make him the best payed defensive player in football. The new general manager recently told Revis and the world through a press conference that no one is set on the roster and open to trade talks. This has been pushed on the new general manager as the roster is in awful shape both in a talent perspective and financial.
Revis yesterday spoke on NFL total access about a breakdown in communication with the team and appears to be miles away from the team and not an integrated part of the roster. The only future I can see for both Revis and Jets which makes both camps happy is a trade. First of all the Jets would get financial relief when it is in a poor CAP situation. Secondly any trade will also likely mean stock piling some draft picks likely a first round and or even some quality players. Allowing them to re-build this poor roster. Thirdly it involves a tricky road they have already been down in trying to sign Revis to a long term contract. They have no franchise tag option to use on him next year when he would be able to just walk away from the team and he would likely hold out during camp this off season creating more drama surrounding the franchise. A road they do not want to go down again.
It is also a win situation for Revis, he would more than likely go to a team with more chance of winning now than the Jets. He would finally get paid like the defensive star he is because any team fading for him will ensure they have enough CAP room to sign him to a long term deal.
I never thought I would see the day when it was the best situation for a team to trade away its best player and best defensive player in the league. However the truth being this situation is only a month or less away.
Revis unfortunately missed a lot of the 2012 season due to injury but is still with out doubt the best defensive player in football and defiantly the best player on the Jets roster. Revis current contract expires at the end of next season and is searching for a deal which will make him the best payed defensive player in football. The new general manager recently told Revis and the world through a press conference that no one is set on the roster and open to trade talks. This has been pushed on the new general manager as the roster is in awful shape both in a talent perspective and financial.
Revis yesterday spoke on NFL total access about a breakdown in communication with the team and appears to be miles away from the team and not an integrated part of the roster. The only future I can see for both Revis and Jets which makes both camps happy is a trade. First of all the Jets would get financial relief when it is in a poor CAP situation. Secondly any trade will also likely mean stock piling some draft picks likely a first round and or even some quality players. Allowing them to re-build this poor roster. Thirdly it involves a tricky road they have already been down in trying to sign Revis to a long term contract. They have no franchise tag option to use on him next year when he would be able to just walk away from the team and he would likely hold out during camp this off season creating more drama surrounding the franchise. A road they do not want to go down again.
It is also a win situation for Revis, he would more than likely go to a team with more chance of winning now than the Jets. He would finally get paid like the defensive star he is because any team fading for him will ensure they have enough CAP room to sign him to a long term deal.
I never thought I would see the day when it was the best situation for a team to trade away its best player and best defensive player in the league. However the truth being this situation is only a month or less away.
Monday 18 February 2013
What's this combine thing?
In 4 days time the NFL world will centre upon Indianapolis for the regularly NFL combine. Over the next week many of my blogs will focus on the combine as I concentrate looking at this years college players preparing to enter the NFL through the draft in April. Therefore I thought it would be a good idea before it all gets going to actually look at what this combine is.
The combine began in 1977 the purpose of the combine back then was to get all the college players together so that their future employers (NFL teams) could conduct medial tests to check their fitness. This would save each player having to do a medical test with each team. Thirty six years later the whole process has changed dramatically.
There are three parts to today's combine it begins with arriving on the particular day your position is required. On the first day you will participate in lots of measurement tests such as height and weight as well as a muscular strength test. Here players are tested how many times they can bench press 225lbs. Players also complete what is called the Wonderlic test which is an aptitude test and players this year for the first time will complete a second aptitude test. On day two players go to the field at Lucas Oil stadium where they complete many other fitness tests such broad jump and the showcase piece the 40 yard dash. They also have many positional specific drills in which they compete in. During the evening players will also have 15 minute interviews with teams if they request to see the specific player. This is really important as for many of the players it will be the first time they meet the team that will draft them in 2 months time.
Do not believe for one minute that the combine is the main tool in which teams use to help them draft a player. In fact the very opposite it is a small tool used to get a small amount of detail about a player, such as clearing up a medical issue or understanding a players speed. Teams and scouts use the combine to either cement their opinion on a player or send them back to the film room to watch that player some more.
I hope this small amount of information will inspire some of you to follow the combine this week or keep up to date with it through this blog.
For blog updates follow me on twitter michael_hume6
The combine began in 1977 the purpose of the combine back then was to get all the college players together so that their future employers (NFL teams) could conduct medial tests to check their fitness. This would save each player having to do a medical test with each team. Thirty six years later the whole process has changed dramatically.
There are three parts to today's combine it begins with arriving on the particular day your position is required. On the first day you will participate in lots of measurement tests such as height and weight as well as a muscular strength test. Here players are tested how many times they can bench press 225lbs. Players also complete what is called the Wonderlic test which is an aptitude test and players this year for the first time will complete a second aptitude test. On day two players go to the field at Lucas Oil stadium where they complete many other fitness tests such broad jump and the showcase piece the 40 yard dash. They also have many positional specific drills in which they compete in. During the evening players will also have 15 minute interviews with teams if they request to see the specific player. This is really important as for many of the players it will be the first time they meet the team that will draft them in 2 months time.
Do not believe for one minute that the combine is the main tool in which teams use to help them draft a player. In fact the very opposite it is a small tool used to get a small amount of detail about a player, such as clearing up a medical issue or understanding a players speed. Teams and scouts use the combine to either cement their opinion on a player or send them back to the film room to watch that player some more.
I hope this small amount of information will inspire some of you to follow the combine this week or keep up to date with it through this blog.
For blog updates follow me on twitter michael_hume6
Sunday 17 February 2013
Wenger time for change
Coming of the back of another poor performance for Arsenal and exiting another cup with trophy aspirations squashed some fans are calling for change at the club. Fans have discussed many different changes from inside the board room to player personal and even a change in manager. Before I shed my views on the later change I will say I'm a massive Arsene Wenger fan and believe he is the right man to lead Arsenal. I remember when he came in over 15 years ago and totally changed the fortunes of this club and therefore always has my backing.
I also believe Arsenal and Arsene face unfair competition in which they can not match. If you shared players wages evenly amongst all 20 clubs in the premier league each club would get 5%. It has been proven that how much a club spends on players wages correlates to success and ultimately league position. In Arsene's first 7 years as manger when he experienced great success Arsenal actually spent 7.5% of the leagues players salary. At the time this was the greatest proportion by any club in the premier league.
The next 6 seasons where no success was experienced Arsenal did increase its proportion of player salary spend in the premier league to 8.8%. However in the same period the two oil rich clubs Chelsea and Manchester City spend over 10% each and show no sign of reducing their wage bill. Manchester United are also just outside this 10% mark. This makes Arsene's job so difficult in competing for the premier league against these 3 clubs and add in the evidence that players wages correlates to success Arsene has a tough job.
Arsene being an economic mastermind had noticed this correlation back in 1996 when he came to London along with other holes managers of English clubs had not spotted. These holes being players diets, use of statistical data and a great understanding of foreign markets which no other manager at the time had. He utilised these holes to propel Arsenal up the league and fill their trophy cabinet with silver.
Arsene now needs to show that he can change. Managers and clubs have caught up with him mainly through copying his great practises. All clubs now have a team of maths geeks who scrawl through data, 5 star chiefs who travel every where with the teams ensuring all the players eat correctly and have scouts that travel to the far corners of the globe hoping to find that next Henry or Veira. Wenger needs to find new holes and then capitalise on these in order for him to do this he will need to change.
I also believe Arsenal and Arsene face unfair competition in which they can not match. If you shared players wages evenly amongst all 20 clubs in the premier league each club would get 5%. It has been proven that how much a club spends on players wages correlates to success and ultimately league position. In Arsene's first 7 years as manger when he experienced great success Arsenal actually spent 7.5% of the leagues players salary. At the time this was the greatest proportion by any club in the premier league.
The next 6 seasons where no success was experienced Arsenal did increase its proportion of player salary spend in the premier league to 8.8%. However in the same period the two oil rich clubs Chelsea and Manchester City spend over 10% each and show no sign of reducing their wage bill. Manchester United are also just outside this 10% mark. This makes Arsene's job so difficult in competing for the premier league against these 3 clubs and add in the evidence that players wages correlates to success Arsene has a tough job.
Arsene being an economic mastermind had noticed this correlation back in 1996 when he came to London along with other holes managers of English clubs had not spotted. These holes being players diets, use of statistical data and a great understanding of foreign markets which no other manager at the time had. He utilised these holes to propel Arsenal up the league and fill their trophy cabinet with silver.
Arsene now needs to show that he can change. Managers and clubs have caught up with him mainly through copying his great practises. All clubs now have a team of maths geeks who scrawl through data, 5 star chiefs who travel every where with the teams ensuring all the players eat correctly and have scouts that travel to the far corners of the globe hoping to find that next Henry or Veira. Wenger needs to find new holes and then capitalise on these in order for him to do this he will need to change.
Thursday 14 February 2013
Kelly's first move
One of the most intriguing things this off season and moving into next season is can Chip Kelly bring his fast paced, quick scoring, high octane offence to the NFL. The offence he created in Oregon was one of the most explosive to play football characteristically its very fast paced almost like a hurry up offence, it scores quickly meaning its defence does spend a lot of time on the field but the offence scores a lot of points and he spreads teams out putting his play makers in space and the opportunity to win.
Today Kelly quietly made his first signing bring in the five year veteran quarterback Dennis Dixon who has spent time in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Dixon to no surprise is an Oregon Duck alumni and was starting quarterback when Kelly was offensive coordinator. In that 2007 season Dixon had a really good year as a quarterback he throw for 20 touchdown and had a completion percentage above 65 and also rushed for over 500 yards.
There is obviously a degree of trust there as well as knowing the offence Kelly likes to run a little bit. It can work in two ways first Dixon can come in and challenge Vick for playing time keeping Vick honest and he can also teach Vick the offence helping him come to grips with this new system.
I like this move from Kelly because he knows he does not have the quarterback in Philadelphia who he wants for the future. He also knows that this years free agency and draft class is weak for quarterbacks, with this move he gets a guy he knows and could even do a steady job for him.
Follow me on twitter at michael_hume6 to get updates on all my blogs.
Today Kelly quietly made his first signing bring in the five year veteran quarterback Dennis Dixon who has spent time in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Dixon to no surprise is an Oregon Duck alumni and was starting quarterback when Kelly was offensive coordinator. In that 2007 season Dixon had a really good year as a quarterback he throw for 20 touchdown and had a completion percentage above 65 and also rushed for over 500 yards.
There is obviously a degree of trust there as well as knowing the offence Kelly likes to run a little bit. It can work in two ways first Dixon can come in and challenge Vick for playing time keeping Vick honest and he can also teach Vick the offence helping him come to grips with this new system.
I like this move from Kelly because he knows he does not have the quarterback in Philadelphia who he wants for the future. He also knows that this years free agency and draft class is weak for quarterbacks, with this move he gets a guy he knows and could even do a steady job for him.
Follow me on twitter at michael_hume6 to get updates on all my blogs.
Tuesday 12 February 2013
Playoff...... Not American Football, Basketball or Rugby but....... Soccer
Today's blog is inspired by a column I read in today's Daily Mail (not my usual paper) and continues with a theme I have discussed in many of my blogs. In past blogs I have discussed ways of making the English Premier League more of an even league to play in, as I'm sure we could all predict prior to this season the title was going to one of three destinations. We also know with still 3 months of the season remaining we can narrow that very small field down to one, as United have all but won the league. In the past I have mentioned creating a more even and exiting league by introducing salary caps or restricting the number of non English players but today I read about introducing a play off system.
The more I read into it the more I could really see this happening in the premier league. It will attract so much excitement and attention if you have had a grand final as the show piece at the end of the season in front of a sold out Wembley. This would attract an incredible amount of TV money, sponsorship and media attention the FA would not be able to resist. The workings of this could take any format from the top 4 playing in a knockout top position v fourth and second v third and the two winners going to the final. Or second v third with the winner playing the top finished team in the final. There are multiple options, I'm sure you can even think of your own.
There is no denying how much excitement and entertainment this system would create. Just take this season for example how demoralising it must be starting the season as one of the 17 teams that know your not going to win the league or being one of the 19 teams two thirds of the way through the season knowing your not going to win the league. Soccer needs to keep its fans hocked for larger parts of the season and this would achieve that.
With renewing the TV deal fast approaching this could be an avenue a very lucrative avenue that gets explored in the not to distant future. Why this seams as a really drastic change to soccer in this country just take this final thought. The grand final would probably rival any sporting event worldwide including the Super Bowl and at first Rugby did not want to make this change but it is now the highlight of their season. A soccer playoff in May consisting of the best teams in the country with a grand final on the last day of the season between the best two teams would create something unforgettable.
The more I read into it the more I could really see this happening in the premier league. It will attract so much excitement and attention if you have had a grand final as the show piece at the end of the season in front of a sold out Wembley. This would attract an incredible amount of TV money, sponsorship and media attention the FA would not be able to resist. The workings of this could take any format from the top 4 playing in a knockout top position v fourth and second v third and the two winners going to the final. Or second v third with the winner playing the top finished team in the final. There are multiple options, I'm sure you can even think of your own.
There is no denying how much excitement and entertainment this system would create. Just take this season for example how demoralising it must be starting the season as one of the 17 teams that know your not going to win the league or being one of the 19 teams two thirds of the way through the season knowing your not going to win the league. Soccer needs to keep its fans hocked for larger parts of the season and this would achieve that.
With renewing the TV deal fast approaching this could be an avenue a very lucrative avenue that gets explored in the not to distant future. Why this seams as a really drastic change to soccer in this country just take this final thought. The grand final would probably rival any sporting event worldwide including the Super Bowl and at first Rugby did not want to make this change but it is now the highlight of their season. A soccer playoff in May consisting of the best teams in the country with a grand final on the last day of the season between the best two teams would create something unforgettable.
Monday 11 February 2013
The scrum has fallen
Bit of a different view today I'm focusing upon a sport I have not focused on before in this blog, that being Rugby. I will not for one minute pretend to be an expert in the sport one little bit, I like to watch and can teach it at school. I have limited playing and coaching experience but I feel this has little affect on what I observed yesterday.
While watching the England Ireland game yesterday which turned out to be a magnificent win for the away team I spotted something I had seen often in international rugby in recent years. The scrum has become a skill or component of the game that is an absolute mess at the top end of the game. Yesterday twenty two scrums were attempted and if the referee were to apply the rules 100% correctly including full binding and not allowing a scrum to continue because you expect the ball to be out of there very soon, then only 3 of the scrums were legal. All of the others had something wrong with it including front rows not binding correctly, number 8 and flankers disengaging to quickly and turning of the scrum.
I'm not meaning to slate the England and Ireland packs for not being able to scrum affectively in fact part of the blame can be put on the ground as the turf just slipped from under the packs feet. However this is an observation I have made across many international games. The referee can rarely get the two teams to scrum correctly first time and second time the referee normally allows the scrum to take place even if a foul is occurring. The scrum is an extremely difficult skill 16 people all working together and against each other, therefore how are we meant to teach it to younger rugby players if there is no good model or example at the top level which they can watch.
This made me think if the scrum is becoming a bit of a laughing stock and instead of being able to restart the game following a foul we are taking more time out of the game trying to perform a skill which is rarely performed correctly, is it needed. Free kicks could be given instead of scrums to speed the game up, reduce the number of people in the scrums or referees be more tighter to encourage correct scrimmaging technique. I will not pretend to have the answer but I would suggest it is an area of the game which needs focusing on.
While watching the England Ireland game yesterday which turned out to be a magnificent win for the away team I spotted something I had seen often in international rugby in recent years. The scrum has become a skill or component of the game that is an absolute mess at the top end of the game. Yesterday twenty two scrums were attempted and if the referee were to apply the rules 100% correctly including full binding and not allowing a scrum to continue because you expect the ball to be out of there very soon, then only 3 of the scrums were legal. All of the others had something wrong with it including front rows not binding correctly, number 8 and flankers disengaging to quickly and turning of the scrum.
I'm not meaning to slate the England and Ireland packs for not being able to scrum affectively in fact part of the blame can be put on the ground as the turf just slipped from under the packs feet. However this is an observation I have made across many international games. The referee can rarely get the two teams to scrum correctly first time and second time the referee normally allows the scrum to take place even if a foul is occurring. The scrum is an extremely difficult skill 16 people all working together and against each other, therefore how are we meant to teach it to younger rugby players if there is no good model or example at the top level which they can watch.
This made me think if the scrum is becoming a bit of a laughing stock and instead of being able to restart the game following a foul we are taking more time out of the game trying to perform a skill which is rarely performed correctly, is it needed. Free kicks could be given instead of scrums to speed the game up, reduce the number of people in the scrums or referees be more tighter to encourage correct scrimmaging technique. I will not pretend to have the answer but I would suggest it is an area of the game which needs focusing on.
Sunday 10 February 2013
Blog in the life of Desmond Trufant Part II
Two weeks have passed since I last checked in with Trufant and it has been a pretty quiet couple of weeks in comparison to the weeks ahead. The raving reviews have continued since the Senior Bowl as scouts have gone away and re-watched the tape. He even ranked in NFL.com scouts Bucky Brooks top 4 cornerbacks entering this years draft and had him going in the first round of his latest mock draft.
Since the Senior Bowl Trufant has retuned to the University of Washington and is working very hard in preparation for the NFL Combine next week. I like that he has returned to his University to work rather than going to an elite athlete performance centre. For me it shows he is grounded and knows he can work hard in familiar surroundings which should prepare him ideally for the biggest interview process of his life.
Trufant has said he is not working on anything in specific in preparation for the combine rather he is preparing for everything. He wants to display his consistency across all the disciplines from the 40 to the skills drills to the interviews in the evening. One thing to keep an eye on is his brothers 40 time 4.38, I'm sure he will want to beat this for bragging rights but it will also boost his draft stock if he was to beat it.
In two weeks time I will review Trufants Combine what the buzz is coming out and how he is preparing for his schools individual work out session.
Since the Senior Bowl Trufant has retuned to the University of Washington and is working very hard in preparation for the NFL Combine next week. I like that he has returned to his University to work rather than going to an elite athlete performance centre. For me it shows he is grounded and knows he can work hard in familiar surroundings which should prepare him ideally for the biggest interview process of his life.
Trufant has said he is not working on anything in specific in preparation for the combine rather he is preparing for everything. He wants to display his consistency across all the disciplines from the 40 to the skills drills to the interviews in the evening. One thing to keep an eye on is his brothers 40 time 4.38, I'm sure he will want to beat this for bragging rights but it will also boost his draft stock if he was to beat it.
In two weeks time I will review Trufants Combine what the buzz is coming out and how he is preparing for his schools individual work out session.
Saturday 9 February 2013
Rocky times ahead in Oxford
As I watched Oxford loose to a team lower than them in division two this afternoon I looked and listened and could not help but think the club and team face a really rocky period. As some fans and pundits still talk of playoffs and must win games the top 7 is a long way away and just steadying this sinking ship would be a more realistic achievement.
First of all on the pitch the team is now on a four game winless run and the fixtures come thick and fast and they happen to be good clubs. Today's match was easily the bank win as games against Fleetwood, Gillingham and Port Vale are all around the corner. On top of that the squad also has some serious injuries Craddock the clubs top goal scorer is out for a while, Leven the teams most creative player is out for the season alongside the starting centre half Durberry. Having said all this it's hard to see where the next win will come from.
I'm also a big fan of manager Chris Wilder, I believe he is one of the better coaches in the league and over the last months while a group of supporters have been calling for him to be removed I have thought exactly the opposite. The problem is this section of supporters is ever growing with every loss and today I witnessed its impact upon the players. Normally Oxford fans are really loud and get behind their team, they are not ones to silently wait for goals but more to lift their team and give them the extra man. However over the last couple of months the crowd has got quieter and quieter, a strange atmosphere has crept over the Kassam. This has filtered its way to the players, who are not appearing to play for their manager. I'm not saying the Oxford boys are not giving 100% effort for their manager like Rovers may have earlier in the season for their ex manager but I would question are they playing to his system? Taking his ideas on board and then responding to them on the pitch?
Then there is the financial battle of the field the club is going through with trying to make a decent revenue from its ground and even attempting to own it's own ground. All in all Oxford may not face rocky times but actually be experiencing them. The best way to steady the footballing ship is on the pitch but as I have explained this is easier said than done.
First of all on the pitch the team is now on a four game winless run and the fixtures come thick and fast and they happen to be good clubs. Today's match was easily the bank win as games against Fleetwood, Gillingham and Port Vale are all around the corner. On top of that the squad also has some serious injuries Craddock the clubs top goal scorer is out for a while, Leven the teams most creative player is out for the season alongside the starting centre half Durberry. Having said all this it's hard to see where the next win will come from.
I'm also a big fan of manager Chris Wilder, I believe he is one of the better coaches in the league and over the last months while a group of supporters have been calling for him to be removed I have thought exactly the opposite. The problem is this section of supporters is ever growing with every loss and today I witnessed its impact upon the players. Normally Oxford fans are really loud and get behind their team, they are not ones to silently wait for goals but more to lift their team and give them the extra man. However over the last couple of months the crowd has got quieter and quieter, a strange atmosphere has crept over the Kassam. This has filtered its way to the players, who are not appearing to play for their manager. I'm not saying the Oxford boys are not giving 100% effort for their manager like Rovers may have earlier in the season for their ex manager but I would question are they playing to his system? Taking his ideas on board and then responding to them on the pitch?
Then there is the financial battle of the field the club is going through with trying to make a decent revenue from its ground and even attempting to own it's own ground. All in all Oxford may not face rocky times but actually be experiencing them. The best way to steady the footballing ship is on the pitch but as I have explained this is easier said than done.
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