Wait until next year

August 5, 2009

Liverpool sign Alberto Aquilani

Liverpool haven’t hung around when it comes to replacing Xabi Alonso, signing Roma’s Alberto Aquilani for £18million.

Apart from a few clips on YouTube I haven’t seen much of the guy, but he’s an Italian international, so you’d hope isn’t half bad, although I thought that with Dossena…

Still, credit to Benitez for getting new blood in so quickly after the loss of a key player. The new season is just around the corner, and it’s clear that the squad needs bolstering. Hopefully, one or two more names are on their way, as the stronger the squad the better.

Anyone seen Aquilani? Any thoughts?

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August 5, 2009

Mets shutout Cardinals

Just saw the Mets beat the Cardinals 9-0. However, it wasn’t all smiles for the Mets, with yet another injury. Starting pitcher Jonathan Niese virtually did the splits covering first base and when he tried to pitch his landing leg completely gave way. I think the Mets must have broken a fair few mirrors considering the length of their injury list. A lack of mirrors might explain the beard-growing too.

But, the injury did give Nelson Figueroa a shot at redemption after giving up six runs in less than two innings on Monday against the Diamondbacks. And he grabbed that shot – pitching four good innings and batting in two runs for good measure.

Bobby Parnell pitched three good innings too, with three strikeouts and only one hit. So, at least the bullpen looked good. But if Niese’s injury is a bad one, the win will most certainly be a bittersweet one. He’s a great young pitcher, and a poor Mets need all the help they can get right now.

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August 4, 2009

Xabi Alonso finally leaves Liverpool for Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso appears to be on the verge of leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid. Not a surprise by any means after all the protracted negotiations, but still sad for me as a Liverpool fan. Alonso will go down in Liverpool folklore as part of the 2005 Champions League winning team, particularly for squeezing in that equaliser, but he will be missed for more than purely nostalgic reasons. Last season he was clearly one of Liverpool’s best players, and after the nonsense of Benitez trying to sell him on last summer it was wonderful to see Alonso show just how great a player he is, when lesser personalities might not have made quite the effort.

His passing was metronomic and his presence of mind in the Liverpool midfield will evidently be missed. But not just his passing – the stats also showed that more often that not he was one of the most industrious runners, covering more ground that most, if not all, his team-mates.

I remember reading that Alonso had made a point of actually living in Liverpool, to feel part of the city, rather than living out in the Cheshire footballers heartland. I think that sums up the fantastic attitude he had to playing for the club. I don’t envy whoever steps into his slot.

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August 1, 2009

Today’s tips

Good riddance to Goodwood!

Goodwood:

3.40 Jimmy Styles (15.00) and Mac Gille Eoin (17.00) 1pt ew

5.25 Mountain Pride (6.00) 2pt win

Galway

2.25 The Shepherd (7.00) 2pt win

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July 31, 2009

Bobby Robson dies

Statue of Bobby Robson, by Portman Road, Ipswich

Bobby Robson died today. It is worth noting what a remarkable career he had. With Ipswich he brought success to an unfashionable and ‘small’ club, and arguably escaped the shadow of Alf Ramsey there, indeed following the same path to become England boss. A mixed time with England (I remember him being incredibly unpopular after a dire Euro 88 and right up to the start of Italia 90), but one that ended with a semi-final appearance for England that arguably kick-started a Renaissance for English football in terms of popularity and mainstream acceptability. One of the few English managers to not only venture abroad, but to also thrive, with PSV, Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona. And Newcastle’s relegation this season put into perspective just what he had achieved there.

So, professionally remarkable, but from the various articles doing the rounds he was clearly a remarkable person too. I’ll let those more qualified discuss that.

Photo by Chelmsfordblue

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