Memories of Another Welshman Playing for Spurs
Spurs could probably claim that they were robbed against Manchester City today, as Mario Balotelli could have been sent off after kicking Scott Parker in the head. Harry Redknapp thinks he should have been according to this report on the BBC. But he would wouldn’t he! And so do I!
On the other hand Spurs second goal had a bit of familiarity in my mind. Aaron Lennon weaved inside from the left and gave a perfect pass for Welshman Gareth Bale to drill home from outside the box.
I can remember that great Welsh winger, Cliff Jones, doing the same from probably the other wing and teeing the ball up for either John White or even Danny Blanchflower to score. It couldn’t have been Jimmy Greaves, as he usually scored inside the six-yard box and the distance was too great. Also Greaves didn’t join Spurs until the 1961-62 season and I have a feeling this was earlier.
Jones in his prime was as fast if not faster than Bale, although he wasn’t protected as much by the referee. He’s one of those players, who if they played in the modern era would be so much better.
My father also saw another great Welshman, who played on the wing for Tottenham in the 1930s. He was Taffy O’Callaghan, who although not being as fast as either Bale or Jones, was in a team nicknamed the greyhounds, which won promotion in 1932-33. But by repute he could hit the heavy leather ball as hard and accurate as any.
So perhaps Harry’s team will upset the odds and win the Premier League this year or perhaps in the near future. They have the most important brick in place.
Where Is The Africa Cup of Nations?
I’ve always enjoyed this football tournament, as I said here.
But this year it’s on Eurosport and the only way to see that is by using Sky. All you get is highlights on ITV4 and that’s not in my guide.
Older Footballers
With the return to action of Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes in the last few days, I can remember seeing some older footballers playing at the top level in the 1950s and 1960s.
John Charles – Although he was in the twilight of his career, I must have seen him in 1962 at Tottenham. He would have been in his early thirties at the time.
Stanley Matthews – He played for Stoke in the early 1960s and when I saw him at Tottenham, he must have been nearly 50 and still playing at the top level.
We’ve also had quite a few goalkeepers, who have still be playing at 40.
But to me, the greatest of these older footballers was Danny Blanchflower.
He was an outstanding player and captain, who completely bossed the game. He was also someone blessed with the gift of the Blarney Stone.
His finest moment for Spurs, was probably, when at 36 he lifted the European Cup-Winners Cup in 1962.
If he has a modern counterpart it is David Beckham.
He has been asked to keep himself available for the Olympic football.
It may be wishful thinking, but I don’t rule out Beckham playing in the final. Just like Blanchflower, he has the skill to provide the ammunition and on-field coaching to others, who can do all the hard work.
My Freedom Pass Failed South of the River
I’ve indicated before that London has always been two cities; my side of the North and the other side of the South.
Now I’ve got nothing against those who live south of the river and in fact some of my friends live there, but it’s a different country. It’s nothing new, as my father said that the two sides didn’t agree on anything before the Second World War. I blame it on Arsenal’s move from south of the river to Highbury. It was almost as bad as Wimbledon going to Milton Keynes.
But that still doesn’t explain, why my Freedom Pass wasn’t accepted at Elephant and Castle, either coming out or going in. However, in both cases, the helpful staff let me through.
Do the barriers read your DNA and if it’s from the North, you’re barred? We should be told!
The Very Good Can Come Back
It is an old adage in sport, that sportsmen and women never make a successful comeback, was disproved last night by Thierry Henry.
But then he was something special.
Cantona For President
According to this article, one of Britain’s favourite Frenchman, wants to stand against Sarkozy to be French President.
What Is It With ITV And Football?
I’m just watching Peterborough against Sunderland on ITV. Watching being the key word, as the sound isn’t working properly.
But then ITV has form in providing crap football coverage!
The Sensible Africans
Over the next few weeks, Africa will be staging the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Obviously, as it can get very hot in some parts of the continent, they hold it at this time of year, as it will probably be cooler.
Roberto Mancini at Manchester City may moan, but he knew he’d have the problem some months ago and should have planned better.
After all, the Africa Cup of Nations is important to the continent and most clubs will only lose the odd player for a couple of games.
So what does FIFA do?
They award the World Cup to Qatar, where it will either be played in the heat of an Arab summer or moved to the winter, which will inconvenience the whole sporting calendar in countries like the UK, where other sports are played.
Are Goalkeepers Loners?
After the amazing goal scored by Tim Howard and the wind last night at Goodison, BBC Radio 5 has been talking about goalkeepers who’ve scored.
The first I remember being scored was by George Farm for Blackpool against Preston. He had injured a shoulder and was playing up front and scored a headed goal.
In later life he had a spell as a lighthouse keeper.
It’s always said that goalkeepers are a bit mad, but are they loners as well?
Vinny Jones Shows He’s All Heart
Vinny Jones has got involved in publicity for the British Heart Foundation. The details and a video are here.
It should be remembered that his wife, Tanya, has had a heart transplant and I think he’s done work for the BHF before.
I actually think the whole concept of the video is rather good, as it’s very simply put together and you remember his message.
The Anonymous Widower 