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Posts from the ‘Football misc’ Category

Feb 8

FA clowns

Tonight’s news says that the majority of pundits feel that the FA was right on their stance to deal with Fabio Capello in the way they did. I’ll not get into the John Terry racist allegation – as I would be commenting without an appreciation of evidence for or against (though of course, any form of racism is wrong).

The reason I suggest ‘clowning’ is in response to a question of whether it is the FA’s right to decide on removing a Captain (before his trial concludes) and without any consultation with the Manager.  In my mind, the answer is no and if anyone did so in any other walk of life wouldn’t there be a case for constructive dismissal.  The definition is: “If you resign from your job because of your employer’s behaviour, it may be considered to be constructive dismissal.”  Doesn’t Fabio have a legal background – could this be his next step?  I’ve not heard anyone else predict that this could be the following episode in this debacle.

The usual suspects come out of the woodwork to air their opinions.  Brian Barwick, yawn yawn.  England players tweet their gratitude to the Italian – some possibly eyeing up future transfers if he were to remain in the game and pop up elsewhere? A replacement suggested for this top coaching position is Guus Hiddink. What?  Do I think the Turkish FA would give a glowing reference – I think not.

I think it’s a Harry Redknapp appointment – though personally I might be inclined to shortlist Martin O’Neill on capability.  But maybe to satisfy the FA the puppet pictured would be an ideal choice?

Jan 31

Barcode fans

Clever use of technology but not nice!  Have to applaud the innovatory concept of using a QR code to brandish insults at the opposition’s fans though.  This is exactly what happened when Karsiyaka taunted arch rivals Gozteppe. 

At the risk of offending, the message was akin to the referee’s parenthood being questioned, with a translation by me, of one set of supporters being the offspring of a prostitute.  Other football blog sites suggest a close alternative interpretation.

I have been involved in the use of QR codes but for sensible, non-inflammatory marketing tactics.  

But this has given me an idea?  Which club over here will mimic the use of QR codes first?

How do we stop it exploding into abusive communications – guess every steward needs a smartphone with scanning app!

Dec 26

Mardinspor

World Language

It’s an old adage but “football is a world language”.  How often have I referred to this, with a comment on football being just the ice-breaker to remove any barriers in conversations or warm up a new acquaintance in commerce.   I recall my times in Aarhus and Copenhagen (Denmark) when amongst MDs I discovered the ‘Wembley Club’.  My own book has this as a recurring theme.

My last encounter was the Owner/Designer at Loka jewellery.  On learning that I was married to a Turk, support Kocaelispor in Turkey (obviously to a lesser degree than County!) and had bought my Son, a cim bom shirt for Christmas – he emphasised that even Barcelona would be defeated by his home team in Mardin.  The explanation that followed suggested such a slope on their home pitch (Mardinspor) and on the edge of a ‘mountain’ that the fear and vertigo would undermine even the best team.  Must look into this Ground in more detail – but a nice story anyway.

Dec 11

Logo

Keepmoat

I heard on the ‘grapevine’ that Doncaster Rovers is adopting an unusual transfer policy of signing players with an immediate plan to ‘shop window’ them.  Apparently, the philosophy is to (a) make money on any transfer and (b) perhaps inject a bit of ‘premier class’ to the on the field performances?  I can’t find this policy documented and haven’t worked with this Club for about ten years. 

So what about the methodology?  Be interested in the fans view.  Better players, maybe, but where’s the consistency or building of a team-spirit?  Could work commercially, but let’s keep an eye on progress.  From a quick trawl on google – all I can see is incoming players talked about: Marc-Antoine Fortune (West Brom), Herold Goulon (Blackburn), Carl Ikeme (Wolves), Pascal Chimbonda (QPR), El Hadji Diouf (West Ham) etc?

Manager, Dean Saunders defends ‘this inflow’ of talent, claiming it does nothing but help ‘Rovers’ try to climb away from the foot of the Championship table.

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