Transfer Window: The Movie

Its January, Beckham’s on the move again and Sky Sports News is on your TV 24/7, it can only be the joys of the transfer window.

Over the years we have seen some great drama that movies are made of, or at least I know a movie based on that would be better than High School Musical.

Ashley Cole going to Chelsea and the saga going on till 3am, now that is good TV. Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United, Carlos Tevez to Man City, Rafael Van Der Vaart to Tottenham Hotspur and for some reason, Eidur Gudjohnsen going to Stoke was given coverage.

You could make a film based on a big transfer move or even a documentary. You have the fundamentals to make an action film like the secret phone calls to find out what the enemy is doing, (a bit of tapping up or enquiry) the initial confrontation (meeting of the two chairman’s) the war negotiations, (the player’s contract) the fight (player or agent demanding more money)the aftermath (the official unveiling press conference)

To be honest it doesn’t sound that exciting. I wouldn’t expect Danny Boyle to ring me and go further in depth but you get my point.

The transfer window brings drama to the football season. For the Premier League it brings a concentrated time in the season when the big clubs can buy players. For us ones who follow the little clubs it brings an excitement where we can see if the board will pull out that 100k for a half decent striker.

Many managers and fans criticise this novel idea as teams lack players due to injuries or need to improve. That’s what is great about this time that you have to prepare your squad and play with it for the next few months.

It makes it harder and makes sure that the clubs with the big money don’t justsign players here and there or knick the football league hotshots when they feel like it. Every signing has to have a purpose.

Also, it brings over the top drama and incredible TV viewing. It turns deals that aren’t that big into massive ones on slow days. Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson comes out with his Mr Incredible mask on going from ground to ground chatting about transfers.

It’s so popular, he has even built up a core faithful who go with him to watch his reports. Fans always seem to be hanging outside the stadium with him. Unless they don’t have much to do and actually wait for the signing to turn up, sign a piece of paper, to go home again. Nah, it’s got to be the Swanson factor surely…

Anyway, I have had great fun looking up potential deals as some of you may have seen on my twitter including Kenny Miller going to Fiorentina. That’s why the transfer window is good, silly rumours and ridiculous signings. As long as your own team isn’t the one doing the silly deal it’s fine.

Here are some deals that have caught my eye so far…

Liverpool and Oxlade-Chamberlain

If Liverpool pay £10 million for a young player when they need help now, you would have to say that club is out of control.

Liverpool and Negredo

Liverpool probably won’t have European football at the end of the season so any good signings are out of the window. Maybe just the name is that attractive still.

Everton and Abdullayev

An Azerbaijan defender…The team always gets drawn to play Wales and struggles in the qualifiers for any tournament.

Benzema and Aston Villa

Aston Villa are struggling and Benzema is a top class striker. It would be the coup of the transfer window. However, Real Madrid want Adebayor on loan because Higuain is injured. Madrid need the cover so couldn’t let Benzema go.

If you have enjoyed some of these links, then you must visit the website below which shares people’s own rumours. You know the ones, like ‘my mate is at Heathrow airport and just saw Carlos Tevez, must be going to Arsenal.’ Or the classic ‘my mate is a taxi driver and just drove Wayne Rooney to Liverpool.’

Have a look at the Football Rumours Website to add your own rumour. Who knows, it might turn into a Bryan Swanson story that is then developed into an Oscar nominated movie.

The Ashes can safely stay at home

The Ashes have once again brought us some of the emotions needed to make a successful sporting event. We have experienced joy, laughter, nerves, shock and a lack of sleep.

We had the morning of the 2-3, with Ricky Ponting getting out for a golden duck. A moment I won’t forget as I nearly dropped my pasty and dropping a Cornish pasty would be unforgiveable.

Other great moments include Cooks domination of Australia’s woeful bowling and the sprinkler just caps off the entire series. What sporting team have their own dance except New Zealand and the Haka? Maybe we should do the sprinkler to intimidate opponents too?

Photo: buzzbox.com

So, what have been the deciding factors in helping Andrew Strauss to an England captain’s first tour victory in Australia since 1985? Has it been our players just being better? Have the Aussies withered away? I picked out a few significant points that I believe have brought the Ashes home…

Diverse Bowling Attacks

The big point of Test match cricket is that you must take twenty wickets. Sounds obvious but it’s harder said than done sometimes. England have struggled in the past due to a lack of wickets and therefore putting pressure on the batsmen who haven’t been able to compensate.

You look at the stats and can see our bowlers have caused the Australian batsmen all sorts of problems. Jimmy Anderson has been a handful with his swing and more consistent bowling by claiming 17 wickets only just ahead of the 6’7 Steven Finn who has 14 wickets.

Next in line is Chris Tremlett who incredibly in two matches has 13 wickets in comparison to Australia’s Ben Hilfenhaus who has only taken four wickets in three matches, it shows you how big the difference in quality really is. Tremlett has bowled at an average of 19.00, Hilfenhaus has bowled at an average of 73.50. The stats really say it all.

Photo: The Guardian

Mitchell Johnson had the one inspirational spell in the third test but otherwise, Australia’s main bowling threat going into the series has been pretty wayward and quiet. Ryan Harris has been a threat but has also taken 11 wickets along with Johnson but again has struggled to take key wickets.

Peter Siddle has been the only real ray of light for the Australians in the bowling and could have taken more than the 13 wickets he got but again England’s batting has been able to cope.

Ricky Ponting

The Australian leader, the face we usually despise and the batsmen who has dominated bowling attacks all across the world. Well, he’s done none of that in this series.

He hasn’t led from the front like previous successful Ashes or Australian test series victories and with a career average of 53.51, you would expect him to be able to be a rare shining light in amidst of below par performances.

When Ponting has walked to the crease this series it has been followed by thoughts of ‘we could take another quick wicket here’ usually this phrase would be said as a small joke. He has only scored at an average of 16.14, and with poor form at the top of the order, with Shane Watson being the exception, it gives England a big head start.

Photo: Getty Images

With Ponting struggling, it brings the whole team down and England have benefitted from this. Ponting has got out in some unfortunate ways such as inside edges onto the stumps but, he is an out of form batsmen whose captaincy is under threat.

Did the Aussies know their first eleven?

Another issue for Ponting is the fact of not seeming to know his first eleven. The team that went into the first test got a draw and in hindsight, did well. However Australia rang the changes and that was the beginning of the end.

Australia showed no faith in their bowling attack and brought in Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris. This was a bold move that didn’t pay off. It could have been an inspiring change but they didn’t stop there with Mitchell Johnson coming back into the squad for the third test and it was just disarray in the Australian camp.

Andrew Strauss and the England boys

But let’s not just focus on the Australian faults, we did also play some great cricket. We have spoken of the bowlers winning the battle at that end of the team, but the batsmen set massive scores that just took away lots of enthusiasm from the Aussies.

Alastair Cook came into the series as a man who needed runs and boy, he made some runs. He is so far, with a test match to go, the leading run scorer on 577 and has also made his highest ever score in test match cricket of 235 not out.

Having this at the top of the order provides the crucial backbone to the start of an innings especially when England’s next top scoring batsmen is Jonathan Trott coming in at three. He has made 445 runs so far and having this start in the innings to rely on 9 times out of 10 is going to provide any team with confidence.

There has always, except the defeat in the third test, been batsmen who can produce a score at crucial times. It all seems so simple, but Cricket really is this simple at times when things are going well for your side.

So, England have retained the little urn with ease and the Ashes can now not just stay at Lords like it always does, but we can look at it and truly say it is ours!

In a final message to Australia, you could try and fight for a drawn series but Strauss and Co will hopefully put the rubber stamp on one of England cricket’s biggest tour and Ashes successes.

WWE Year In Review

It's been a year of shockers, some good and some bad. However, did we see one of the greatest matches in wrestling history at Wrestlemania 26?

It’s been an odd year with moves made to bring about the next generation of WWE superstarbut some decisions that haven’t been made leave you wondering what could have been.

The feud that will be remembered is the Nexus v John Cena. This rivalry started on the 7^th of June and ended just over six months later. It was a big risk by the company, putting rookies up against the biggest star in the company. If anyone can carry the storyline obviously it’s Cena but to make it a feud to remember it has to work both ways.

When we first saw the storyline start at the 3 hour special, I was stunned at the graphic nature and the tenseness of the situation. You could tell this was the start of a big rivalry and from the start it had you wondering where it was going.

During the feud there were the ups and the downs. We will start with the ups and the shocks that we didn’t expect. Cena during this feud became a part of the Nexus. John Cena, the ultimate baby face of the WWEbecame a part of the most hated group in the company.

When this match was made for the Hell in a Cell PPV, I thought this was going to be the end of the rivalry with Cena winning but this showed that the WWE creative team do have guts. They put faith in the Nexus and went outside the box for one of the few times in recent times. It had controversy and shocked all fans, something that WWE doesn’t produce enough these days.

Another up was the fact WWE has started to push new talent through the Nexus. WWE needs new talent and can’t just rely on Cena, Orton, Edge, Kane, Mysterio, Undertaker, Big Show etc…to just feud on a loop.

Wade Barrett has shown he has good mic skills and can feud with the best in the company. His wrestling skills need improving but he created a good character that was entertaining to watch every week. Other members like Justin Gabriel and David Otunga have potential that needs to be worked with.

The downs are the fact WWE didn’t fulfil the potential this rivalry had. It was a big opportunity for John Cena to turn heel. It could have created a group and moment that would have lived long in the WWE memory. Cena turning heel would have been a big risk don’t get me wrong but it would have been a real shake up.

Another way they didn’t fulfil potential was that Barrett lost much credibility over the last weeks of thefeud. Ithink he will struggle to hold down a singles career and they also need to follow up from the Nexus burying The Undertaker, which they have to do. Barrett will need the Nexus behind him to make it a convincing rivalry.

In recent months we have seen the best part of the year as The Miz finally fulfilled his potential by cashing in the Money in the Bank and becoming WWE Champion. If I had to pick a superstar of the year, it would have to be The Miz. He has gone from a ‘Todd Grisham’ to WWE champion.

He has been a breath of fresh air with his brilliant mic skills and interesting character. He comes across convincingly and is a character you truly love to hate. He can divide a crowd much like Cena does, but for a different reason.

He now faces the real opportunity of going into Wrestlemania 27 as the WWE Champion. I hope he does and I can see him probably facing John Cena, a rivalry they did around two years ago when The Miz first turned heel. This match, if built up well, can give that real crowd edge that makes Wrestlemania special.

So, we look back at 2010 and actually can see big moments have been created. Shawn Michael’s retirement at Wrestlemania was done brilliantly in probably one of the tensest matches in recent history. The build up wasabout three months long and it all had a purpose. It won Match of the year…I’d put it up there with one of the best of all time.

We saw the return of Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, something we thought we would never see. Sadly the match at Wrestlemania won’t be remembered, but the fact Bret Hart could even attempt to wrestle was a monumental achievement for the Hitman. The build up to the match writes itself, but the boss once again proved just how good he is as Mr McMahon.

We have seen Batista and Chris Jericho leave our TV screens but we have seen the emergence of Dolph Ziggler and ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes along with The Miz.

And in 2011, I hope to see more stars going up the ladder as WWE has to one day bring through new talent. We have seen glimpses of potential from many but now it’s time for these guys, for example Drew McIntyre, to make the step up.

We are heading towards the 2011 Royal Rumble, who will win? For my thoughts, check back soon.

united they stand.

Last week saw the start of the 2009/2010 football league season, and my word did it kick off with a bang! plenty of goals which sadly im sure 95% of went past Swindon against Gillingham. It felt like it anyway. And this week sees the start of the new Premier League season, and the opening week will be just as explosive and intriguing.

Even though the Premier League is now more predictable, you still get your entertaining shocks that make it the best league in the world. Think back to last season, the late equaliser by Jenas to complete a Tottenham comeback at Arsenal, Arshavin's 4 goals v Liverpool at Anfield and Rory Delap being the good part of a team, and now you will see that anything can happen in the Premier League!

(don't worry lads, i'll save you!)

The summer has seen lots of money going back and forwards, but not alot within the country. Except Man City who are buying the premier league dream team! Its like fantasy football to them, but there making It realistic. What a cracking idea!

Summer Signings for City include Gareth Barry, Tevez, Adebayor and Toure. Some top name players, who City have paid big money for, espically Tevez who cost 25.5 million. Will Citys spending however bring quick success? not for me It won't. They need to start playing as a team and with big name players It takes a while to gel and play as a team. Anything though outside a european spot would be seen as a failure at Eastlands. Money also brings expectation, and I'm sure Mark Hughes Is aware of that.

Ronaldo has now left our shores for the sun of Spain and finally ended the ongoing, and in my opinion boring, transfer speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. United will miss his presence this year, They would be silly not to admit that, anyone worth £80 million is going to be missed.

United though have replaced Ronaldo with Wigan winger Antonio Valencia. Valencia is a good player, but no Ronaldo. If he is the straight replacement then United haven't filled the gap left, but players like Nani can still come through and be crucial players for United this season and in seasons to come. Rooney will now be able to play upfront where he should be, not out wide and hopefully he can have a great saeason before winning England the world cup in 2010....maybe im going off topic! United though still have the power to win the league. There squad is full of quality and still has more depth than any of the title challengers. Players like Anderson can't get in the united first eleven and to me he is defintely going to be a world class midfielder.

The other title challengers though, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have had quiet summers. Arsenal have sold players like Adebayor and Toure, whilst signing Ajax defender Thomas Vermaalen. He comes with a good reputation and could help improve Arsenals defence. Another crucial thing to remember about Arsenal is that it is Arshavin's first full season. He was a class act towards the end of last season and I'm sure more is on its way. They still need a more quality squad to compete for the title but they will keep up with the others longer than what they did last season when fighting for Villa for 4th place. How embarrasing was that for Arsenal.

Watching Sky Sports News today made me realise why Liverpool won't win the title this season. There fans were saying they would win it because they have the best fans...sadly that won't get you three points! Liverpool have Torres up front, and thats it. Great striker, but he gets injured and they are struggling. David N'Gog and Voronin don't do it for me sadly. Alonso has gone but Liverpools strongest part of the team is the centre of Midfield and have plenty of back up, espically buying Aquiliani for 20 million from Roma. The defence looks an issue for the start with injuries, but that doesn't mean that Liverpool should spend 12 million on Michael Turner from Hull. Im sure someone must be laughing about making that one up and now it is in the press, that can't be true! Liverpool's defence always gets you plenty of fantasy league points so it must be good.

Chelsea may have won the community shield and now feel they have the pschological advantage but Im not sure that matter sone bit when It comes to United. With Sir Alex as manager, they won't be fussed too much by that defeat.

Chelsea have added only two players to there squad in Zhirkov, who is a highly rated Russian left midfielder or defender, and Daniel Sturridge from Man city on a free who is someone who is tipped to be a future star. These could both be great assets to Chelsea for now and future. I still see the problem at Chelsea in there depth upfront. Drogba can be stroppy and Anelka, even though top goalscorer last year can be hot or cold. They needed ito invest in a solid quick goalscorer. The big issue last year was can Chelsea play them both together and will they try it this season under Ancelotti? Thats another issue, will Ancelotti do a Scolari? We will see. Ancelotti will have a season to prove himself and his number one aim will be the Champions League. The Premier League is more realistic but Mr Abramovich craves that Champions League trophy still after numerous semi finals.

So, for me Manchester United are still the team to beat. They have the quality all across the pitch and under Alex Ferguson always have the best man in charge. They always seem to pop up with a goal when its needed, which is the sign of champions.

(John O Shea stood in the right place...out of the way!)

Its always a tough one predicting, thats why i don't bet...but I'll have a go with this predicted top ten.

1. United - Have a good quality squad who can get a goal when its most needed.
2. Chelsea - Great team, lack a depth of quality and might struggle up front.
3. Liverpool - too relient on Torres and Gerrard to mount a challenge yet.
4. Arsenal - some great individulas but as a team struggle to break down teams.
5. Villa - No great players signed but have good players and manager but lack depth.
6. Man City - with that quality bought, they got to make europe. simple.
7. Tottenham - good squad, good manager but again, too many strikers to juggle with.
8. Everton - haven't spend, Lescott might still leave, but a club I hope do well.
9. West Ham - Zola have bought some players, could get them playing well like himself
10. Fulham - Miracle last season with there finish, why not again?

The other teams to me just don't have anything that makes my top ten. Wigan might make it in but It Is the usual culprits for me!

You will be shocked how long that took me to decide, thought i'd just write that out in one go...anyway, heres too a cracking Premier League Season and a successful one for your team...if your a Birmingham, Burnley, Portsmouth or Hull fan...I'm not sure your going to enjoy this season. No particular reason obviously....

Caddy calls it a day.

One of England's greatest bowlers Andy Caddick has decided to retire from first class cricket at the end of the season.

Andy Caddick, Caddy, Big Ears is my cricket idol. Being a Somerset fan myself it is slightly bias but he was a brilliant opening bowler for England, sadly when England weren't at there best.



I started playing cricket when i was 11 and Caddy was my inspiration, so much so my nickname at Calne when I play is Caddy. (I like to think its because im just as good, but i think the big ears have a part to play) His run up is also brilliant and his bowling action is extradionary! if you have never seen it, check it out, and have a go at copying it, its very hard!

I was watching the compliation of tributes put together by Sky and the one that caught my eye was a comment by David Lloyd. He said that on his day, he was unplayable. That is a big statement to make, but many people out there will know what he could do with a ball. His sheer pace and bounce at times did make him look impossible to play.

I remember watching him in his greatest moment for England when taking four wickets in an over against the West Indies in 2000. I was 10/11 years old in my front room watching it and it was incredible to see. West Indies collapsing to 69 all out. Caddy could change a game but was also prone to some wayward bowling but when you knew that magic was there you allowed him to not be perfect all the time!
His last test match was in Australia when taking seven wickets in the final ashes test match in the 2003 Ashes. It was fitting that he started his test career against the Aussies and finished that way.



In 2007, Caddy had a great season taking 72 first class wickets. He helped Somerset get back to where they belong, into division one of the county championship. His performances were that impressive, many spoke about a shock England return, which sadly didn't happen. Caddy though had ended on a high in 2003 and wouldn't have ever been able to reach that standard again at the age of 38. I think he thought the same too and was just glad to help Somerset out.

The numbers of wickets do the explaining for Caddy and clearly show why he is a cricket legend. In his test career he took 234 wickets at an average of just under 30, which for a test career of 10 years, is a good standard to maintain. He has taken over 1,000 first class wickets, and to be precise It's now 1170 first class wickets but with a month of the season still to go, he will be hoping for that 1200 mark. If he can do that, I would love it for his career to end with a county championship. I don't think there are many people that would begrudge him, in the cricket world, that honour. Unless your a Durham player/fan!

All i hope of now, is to make a trip down to Taunton to see the man bowl one more time.

My Grandad use to tell me about the great england fast bowlers he watched like Bob Willis and many others that I have forgotten but I'm pretty sure one day i will have the same conversation with my grandson about Andy Caddick and hopefully, he will care just as much as i do.