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Posts tagged ‘Harry Redknapp’

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?

May 9

Spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down
5 Comments

Spoonful of Sugar

BBC’s coverage of football titled “Lord Sugar Tackles Football” was aired last night.  You can get a repeat performance on the BBC iPlayer (though apparently it doesn’t work worldwide).

I missed it ‘live’ but caught the repeat performance.  Must say that I felt the programme to be somewhat academic.  It emphasised basics of running a business which we all know have been ignored by many a football club.  Furthermore, it came across as a TV production made for entertainment without any real delving or investigative stuff – just headline stories and stats.  The simple facts of ‘financially keeping ones house in order’ was once communicated accurately at a Stockport County FC fans forum (post mortem) by a member of the Parfett’s family. It’s like a former colleague said to me, “Adrian, the problem with common sense is that it just isn’t common”.

One thing clearly apparent is the game has moved on, becoming a complex maze of commercial forecasting and debts accelerated, since Lord Sugar’s time as Owner of Tottenham Hotspur FC.  Lord Sugar sold his majority stake at Tottenham to ENIC (leisure group) for £47 Million.  He has described his time at that club as “a waste of my life”.

We were reminded of the £800M purchase by Glazer’s of Manchester United FC, with “extreme borrowings”.  Long live FCUM.

Surprised that Harry Redknapp said he didn’t know the wages of any players at his club. Karen Brady was an articulate contributor to the show and I always thought her to be a plausible candidate for a top job at the Football Association.