As we approach the start of May, the business end of season for the major sports has arrived. This week, the footballing family discovered the finalists of the Champions League, the Premier League relegation scrap took another twist; the title race seemed to hinge on one game, whilst European leagues were either decided or practically sorted.
I guess the biggest story of the week was the shock that there would no ‘El Clasico’ in Munich for the Champions League trophy. In fact, there would be no Spanish involvement at all. The loss Barcelona suffered has subsequently led to the further ramifications that have emerged, with their manager, Pep Guardiola, deciding to step down at the end of the season. We are therefore now at a very interesting scenario regarding the Guardiola/Barcelona style. Will Barcelona continue to be successful with their new man at the helm? The fact he is Guardiola’s assistant makes me believe that in terms of an appointment, he was probably the best, in order to keep the momentum and style prevalent. The question now is, will he have the nous with his players in the manner Di Matteo has had at Chelsea or Connor at Wolves...? Also, when Guardiola returns to management, will he be as successful at his new club? Will he try and implement the same style he adopted into Barcelona’s ethos? You can certainly argue he produced a style suitable to the strengths of his players, so will he do that again, or go with his philosophy on how the game should be played? It is now we will see how well-rounded he is as a manager and whether he has other options. He certainly had no ‘Plan B’ when things weren’t working out for Barca.
Real Madrid also bowed out, preventing the chance of Jose Mourinho winning his fourth Champions League title with four different clubs, from four different countries. You just cannot take a German side to penalties, particularly when your main man now appears to lack the nerve to finish from twelve yards in a shoot-out. Neuer made some superb saves though, and the grit and determination the Germans showed over the two legs, as well as taking the game to Real and demonstrating their own attacking intent for lengthy periods, made them more than worthy winners. You must certainly back them as favourites against Chelsea when the Final comes around, with what looks a stronger side on paper as well as home advantage (the first side to receive such a privilege since Roma in 1984). However, the boys in Blue have already somehow pulled off an incredible result in disposing Barcelona, so I very much doubt, they will be looked upon too favourably! With Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Meireles missing though, some notable key men will be absent from the Chelsea side that night.
The Premier League title race has certainly reheated itself over the past fortnight as well. After being deservedly beaten by Arsenal on Easter Sunday, Manchester City trailed their cross-city rivals by 8 points and practically everybody, myself included, had handed the title once more to the men in red. However, with the pressure off his side, Roberto Mancini’s men have racked off three wins on the bounce, whilst United have been part of some shock results at Wigan and at home to Everton, causing the gap to be reduced to three points (with City having the upper-hand on goal difference). Subsequently, I cannot think of a better time to have the second league derby of the season! With only three games to go, the winner will certainly be in the driving seat, with United practically wrapping it up if they win, likely to retain the title with a draw, but certainly relying on others if their rivals do the double over them this season. The 6-1 defeat the Red Devils suffered back in October is another sub-plot that adds to this game, along with United’s win at the Etihad in the FA Cup, Tevez’s positive return for City, etc! I think the determining factor on this match will be how City deal with the pressure and what is at stake. The past few weeks they have had no pressure on them whatsoever, the manager had written off their chances (publicly at least) and they were considered out of the race, so could play with freedom. On Monday though, the pressure is going to be ramped up to a level that has been unprecedented so far this season. It should be a fascinating, intriguing match, which hopefully will be full of drama and excitement.
Finally, I am going to talk about the relegation battle. A topic I have significant interest in, after seeing my side get sucked into the mire in a manner so disturbing, that I am struggling to see how they are going to avoid the drop. Aston Villa’s defeat on Tuesday night to Bolton made the rest of the country realise that they are part of the scrap, as they now sit three points from safety. I on the other hand, predicted this months back, when Darren Bent got injured. Whilst every other side has had a resurgence in form, Villa have still only achieved two league victories in 2012. Without doubt, the manager is being vilified. Yes, he wasn’t a popular choice from the start due to his Bluenose connections, however, the game is a results business and he has failed to deliver. The club are guaranteed to have their worst ever home record, they have yet to score from a corner this season, they’re well on-course to achieve their lowest ever Premier League points tally, and won’t make at least ten wins in a season for the first time since the League’s inception. He is therefore a useless manager and it wouldn’t surprise me if he achieved his third relegation from the Premier League. Some will argue that he has had to work with too many of the kids. Well I’m sorry, if you’re told to trim a wage bill, then you still need to ensure by the end of it you have a squad that you are comfortable will survive the season, even when a few of the more experienced members are out for prolonged periods. Thankfully, yesterday’s point against West Brom was one I didn’t expect us to pick up. However, I still believe we are extremely vulnerable to going down and may be saved solely by our goal difference. Shocking really...
Now you might think that once these issues are all resolved the season will wilter away, leaving us with an empty cavern of football from our lives. But thankfully, 2012 ensures that won’t happen this year, giving us international football throughout with the European Championships being followed by the Olympics tournament, before we’re straight back into the swing of another domestic season. This is why football is the biggest, and most popular sport, in the world! Love it!
Sunday 29 April 2012
Sunday 22 April 2012
Politics will always be a part of Sport
Once again, this week has had politics mixing with sport. You may remember back when I started the blog, that I believed these two different industries should be kept separate. However, the way the world now operates makes that an incredibly difficult task. The sporting world is a business in its own right and subsequently, it becomes embroiled within the political connotations that money and power bring. The world of Formula 1 is arguably one of the most financially lucrative and is always looking to expand and utilise opportunities to increase its stature globally. However, the persistence and desire to race this weekend in Bahrain, despite its continual civil unrest, I believe is a poorly-made decision by the FIA.
Thankfully, it appears that the race has passed without any protests that have led to the lives of individuals involved becoming endangered. Yet, after both Force India and Sauber employees were caught up in violent action earlier in the week, there is a strong argument to suggest the race should never have been held anyway. My personal view is that by the time the teams had touched down in Bahrain, the race really needed to happen. However, it should have been called off a long time ago, as I struggle to see how the situation surrounding the country is any better compared to twelve months ago. Unfortunately, no individual seemed to take responsibility for the whole affair, with the buck being passed from the FIA to the teams, to Bernie Ecclestone. The poor drivers conducted themselves excellently though, and went out just to do their job. Whilst the team of Force India took the decision to avoid a practice session so all their team members would be back at their hotel before nightfall, such was the disturbance and shock brought to the whole the group following the petrol bomb that landed dangerously close to certain officials in the lead up to the race.
These incidents should not have been occurring though. The poor excuse and reasoning of the race pulling the country together was brought out, but that was a pathetic and incredibly inaccurate argument. If nothing else, the presence of some of the wealthiest sporting operators was able to provide the protestors and anarchists the opportunity to express their views on the way their country is being ran. It offered the chance to demonstrate their views and beliefs and raise the terror by causing more riots and disruption in front of the world’s media. If anything it provided the opponents to bridge their differences even further apart rather than unite them under the stewardship of sport. This therefore has put F1 in the firing line from political leaders who believe their presence has helped inflame the situation and therefore, should have looked more carefully on the situation surrounding the country. Instead it appears the governing body have permitted everything to go ahead with the hope that things are not so bad, that the matters can be ignored, and just generally adopting a blinkers-on approach. Well, it is pretty obvious now that that has failed. I would be amazed if the authorities now believe they can justify keeping the race on the calendar for future seasons, at least until the trouble and unrest in the country subsides.
It is a shame that this week the build-up and furore around the race has been about the events happening off the track because currently the state of F1 makes it wide open and extremely interesting to the watching public. From the opening four races, there have been four different winners, with teams having varied success at different tracks. Unlike last season where Red Bull just stormed away with the drivers and constructors championships, this year it looks like it could be incredibly exciting, with the lead changing constantly. Yet, because of the situation surrounding the race, few Bahrain citizens got to witness the action live, with grandstands far from full. These people were well aware that there were more important things to prioritise currently; it’s just unfortunate that the sporting authorities also couldn’t see the same problems.
What the incidents of the past week have taught me is that I need to change my stance on the political involvement within sport. Naturally, all sport has its own internal politics. However, now, it is impossible to get away from the fact that world politics are also liable in changing the situation surrounding sporting events. It was always my belief that the two needed to be kept separate, but that is now unrealistic in the current day and age. Sport has previously been utilised as a political tool, and not always a positive one, but authorities have tried to detach themselves from the association with one another. Nowadays though, with the heightened media coverage around and the boom in social networking, news will be spread instantly, causing the sectors of sport and politics to overlap like never before. With Bahrain offering the ultimate extremes with civil unrest and the mega-rich motoring giants being together, there always seemed to be an opportunity for those wishing to make a stand to take advantage of it. There has been at least one death in the disturbance this week, and thankfully, all involved in F1 seem to have got through it unscathed. I have no doubts that they will all be glad to have this race over with and move on to Europe in two weeks time.
Thankfully, it appears that the race has passed without any protests that have led to the lives of individuals involved becoming endangered. Yet, after both Force India and Sauber employees were caught up in violent action earlier in the week, there is a strong argument to suggest the race should never have been held anyway. My personal view is that by the time the teams had touched down in Bahrain, the race really needed to happen. However, it should have been called off a long time ago, as I struggle to see how the situation surrounding the country is any better compared to twelve months ago. Unfortunately, no individual seemed to take responsibility for the whole affair, with the buck being passed from the FIA to the teams, to Bernie Ecclestone. The poor drivers conducted themselves excellently though, and went out just to do their job. Whilst the team of Force India took the decision to avoid a practice session so all their team members would be back at their hotel before nightfall, such was the disturbance and shock brought to the whole the group following the petrol bomb that landed dangerously close to certain officials in the lead up to the race.
These incidents should not have been occurring though. The poor excuse and reasoning of the race pulling the country together was brought out, but that was a pathetic and incredibly inaccurate argument. If nothing else, the presence of some of the wealthiest sporting operators was able to provide the protestors and anarchists the opportunity to express their views on the way their country is being ran. It offered the chance to demonstrate their views and beliefs and raise the terror by causing more riots and disruption in front of the world’s media. If anything it provided the opponents to bridge their differences even further apart rather than unite them under the stewardship of sport. This therefore has put F1 in the firing line from political leaders who believe their presence has helped inflame the situation and therefore, should have looked more carefully on the situation surrounding the country. Instead it appears the governing body have permitted everything to go ahead with the hope that things are not so bad, that the matters can be ignored, and just generally adopting a blinkers-on approach. Well, it is pretty obvious now that that has failed. I would be amazed if the authorities now believe they can justify keeping the race on the calendar for future seasons, at least until the trouble and unrest in the country subsides.
It is a shame that this week the build-up and furore around the race has been about the events happening off the track because currently the state of F1 makes it wide open and extremely interesting to the watching public. From the opening four races, there have been four different winners, with teams having varied success at different tracks. Unlike last season where Red Bull just stormed away with the drivers and constructors championships, this year it looks like it could be incredibly exciting, with the lead changing constantly. Yet, because of the situation surrounding the race, few Bahrain citizens got to witness the action live, with grandstands far from full. These people were well aware that there were more important things to prioritise currently; it’s just unfortunate that the sporting authorities also couldn’t see the same problems.
What the incidents of the past week have taught me is that I need to change my stance on the political involvement within sport. Naturally, all sport has its own internal politics. However, now, it is impossible to get away from the fact that world politics are also liable in changing the situation surrounding sporting events. It was always my belief that the two needed to be kept separate, but that is now unrealistic in the current day and age. Sport has previously been utilised as a political tool, and not always a positive one, but authorities have tried to detach themselves from the association with one another. Nowadays though, with the heightened media coverage around and the boom in social networking, news will be spread instantly, causing the sectors of sport and politics to overlap like never before. With Bahrain offering the ultimate extremes with civil unrest and the mega-rich motoring giants being together, there always seemed to be an opportunity for those wishing to make a stand to take advantage of it. There has been at least one death in the disturbance this week, and thankfully, all involved in F1 seem to have got through it unscathed. I have no doubts that they will all be glad to have this race over with and move on to Europe in two weeks time.
Monday 16 April 2012
A day at the races doesn't always have a happy ending...
After a week’s sabbatical because of the Easter break, I am back and ready to talk sport once again. On Saturday, the country’s bookmakers were flooded for people’s annual pilgrimage to make their bet on the Grand National. The steeplechase is still seen as the world’s biggest horse-race and the crowds continue to flock to Aintree to personally experience the atmosphere that the day provides. In the build up to the race, I heard a comment from one broadcaster that every horse in the race probably had a fairytale story attached to it. Those ones getting the greatest coverage were the two that ended up as joint-favourites, Synchronised going for a Cheltenham Gold Cup and National double, and Seabass with Katie Walsh looking to be the first female jockey to win the prestigious race. It is for reasons like this that the country is enchanted by the race year on year.
I was one of those who is always engrossed and engaged by the day, and it is on my ‘to do’ list to go and experience the event one year. However, yesterday was not that day and so I instead subjected myself to different media formats in the lead up to the race to help try and determine who I would bet upon once entering the bookies. I would never describe myself as an expert on the horses, but I have seemingly done well in my previous gambling exploits on them. However, as I was to later discover, my instinct was not so hot this year!
Unfortunately, the race again will be overshadowed by the news that emerged post-race. A shame when it was such an exciting race, with one of the closest finishes I can remember. However, after two deaths last year leading to changes made on the course to try and make it safer, once again two magnificent horses were immobilised after receiving fatal injuries after falling during the chase. According to Pete and Synchronised were treated on the course but medical teams could not recuperate them. It is a particular sad end for Synchronised, who was considered a strong contender for becoming only the second ever horse to complete the Gold Cup and National double in the same season. Yet things looked concerning pre-race when the horse managed to unseat jockey AP McCoy on route to the start line. After a quick medical check-up both horse and jockey were declared fit to compete, but it only took six fences until the disaster struck. Concern is therefore held upon whether Synchronised was fit enough to be involved in the race at all. It was already going to require a monumental effort to have been able to recover from its exploits in Cheltenham in time, and the scenario that played out suggested that the stallion had failed to do so.
Neptune Collonges will be noted in the history books though as the 2012 victor. He started the day around 50-1 but had some fans amongst those pundits who follow the sport avidly, support that must have descended upon the public as he entered the race at 33-1, still a long way back from a genuine favourites or contenders in the eyes of many though. However, the grey defied the odds and as he cleared the final fence and started chasing down those at the front, eventually overhauling Sunnyhillboy by what could only be best described as a nostril on the line. Seabass came in third, giving Miss Walsh the highest ever placing of a female jockey in the race, ahead of Cappa Bleu, who completed the top four. Having said this only 15 of the 40 horses completed the 4 mile, 4 furlong course.
Both Sunnyhillboy and Cappa Bleu were two horses I considered putting bets on, but in the end I was enchanted by a potential back-to-back win by Ballabriggs, who came in 6th, but had received a quiet build-up on race day. I also backed Shakalakaboomboom, who gained widespread support, although arguably based on his absolutely cracking name, whom despite being at the front and leading at one time, fell away on the run to home and trailed in 9th. That will teach me to not follow the crowd! My final each-way punt was a toss up between Sunnyhillboy and Killyglen, naturally I chose the wrong one, with the latter falling on the first lap of the circuit. I also made use of a free bet I was provided, and thought I may as well go for a horse to win. Being the lover of a dream, unique event and some romanticism I plucked for Seabass, although it unfortunately could never quite haul itself over that line first. When I look back on my selections I ended up with three of the four favourites, thus, demonstrating how much of a lottery the race is by the respective positions all the ‘favourites’ came in at. It is a real test of the horses’ capabilities to get around the course successfully, requiring determination, guts, and probably some slices of luck!
I was one of those who is always engrossed and engaged by the day, and it is on my ‘to do’ list to go and experience the event one year. However, yesterday was not that day and so I instead subjected myself to different media formats in the lead up to the race to help try and determine who I would bet upon once entering the bookies. I would never describe myself as an expert on the horses, but I have seemingly done well in my previous gambling exploits on them. However, as I was to later discover, my instinct was not so hot this year!
Unfortunately, the race again will be overshadowed by the news that emerged post-race. A shame when it was such an exciting race, with one of the closest finishes I can remember. However, after two deaths last year leading to changes made on the course to try and make it safer, once again two magnificent horses were immobilised after receiving fatal injuries after falling during the chase. According to Pete and Synchronised were treated on the course but medical teams could not recuperate them. It is a particular sad end for Synchronised, who was considered a strong contender for becoming only the second ever horse to complete the Gold Cup and National double in the same season. Yet things looked concerning pre-race when the horse managed to unseat jockey AP McCoy on route to the start line. After a quick medical check-up both horse and jockey were declared fit to compete, but it only took six fences until the disaster struck. Concern is therefore held upon whether Synchronised was fit enough to be involved in the race at all. It was already going to require a monumental effort to have been able to recover from its exploits in Cheltenham in time, and the scenario that played out suggested that the stallion had failed to do so.
Neptune Collonges will be noted in the history books though as the 2012 victor. He started the day around 50-1 but had some fans amongst those pundits who follow the sport avidly, support that must have descended upon the public as he entered the race at 33-1, still a long way back from a genuine favourites or contenders in the eyes of many though. However, the grey defied the odds and as he cleared the final fence and started chasing down those at the front, eventually overhauling Sunnyhillboy by what could only be best described as a nostril on the line. Seabass came in third, giving Miss Walsh the highest ever placing of a female jockey in the race, ahead of Cappa Bleu, who completed the top four. Having said this only 15 of the 40 horses completed the 4 mile, 4 furlong course.
Both Sunnyhillboy and Cappa Bleu were two horses I considered putting bets on, but in the end I was enchanted by a potential back-to-back win by Ballabriggs, who came in 6th, but had received a quiet build-up on race day. I also backed Shakalakaboomboom, who gained widespread support, although arguably based on his absolutely cracking name, whom despite being at the front and leading at one time, fell away on the run to home and trailed in 9th. That will teach me to not follow the crowd! My final each-way punt was a toss up between Sunnyhillboy and Killyglen, naturally I chose the wrong one, with the latter falling on the first lap of the circuit. I also made use of a free bet I was provided, and thought I may as well go for a horse to win. Being the lover of a dream, unique event and some romanticism I plucked for Seabass, although it unfortunately could never quite haul itself over that line first. When I look back on my selections I ended up with three of the four favourites, thus, demonstrating how much of a lottery the race is by the respective positions all the ‘favourites’ came in at. It is a real test of the horses’ capabilities to get around the course successfully, requiring determination, guts, and probably some slices of luck!
But now, the discussion amongst horse racing enthusiasts is regarding the future that the National holds in this country, with some even seriously contemplating that its days could be numbered such is the concern over animal welfare based upon the number of horse fatalities in recent years (20 since 2001). Personally, I believe all forms of steeplechase hold their own dangers and as winning trainer, Paul Nicholls, has said, it is impossible to make the Grand National race risk free. However, part of the thrill and excitement held over the race is the challenges it offers, which are different to any other race-course. I understand that changes need to be made to try and improve the safety aspects for the horses, but if drastic measures are taken I can see punters losing confidence and interest in the event because it lacks the grand allure it currently holds. Once this has gone, then the race will dwindle as a spectacle, and eventually be pulled I imagine, unless of course, that is the action that is taken, a thought BBC correspondent, Cornelius Lysaght, has envisaged happening. It will be a sad day if that did occur, as Britain and the world, would be losing one of the most complete sporting tests out there.
Sunday 1 April 2012
The Rewards of Good Work
This week, Stuart Lancaster was appointed full-time successor to Martin Johnson as head coach of the England Rugby Union squad. After a string of dazzling performances under his tenure during the recent Six Nations Championships, the news was expected and considered idealistic in order for the team to further develop and re-establish themselves as one of the major power-houses on the world scene. There has been no negative press on the appointment which can signal relief for the RFU, whilst former associates of the game, pundits, as well as current players have all come out and supported the work that Lancaster has produced since he was placed in caretaker charge for the past three months.
Having achieved four wins out of the five matches, including a monumental effort in Paris, the Six Nations were certainly good for England this year. In fact, the defeat they suffered to the Welsh was cruel and unjustified, with many post-match conceding that the young English side deserved to take the points. Subsequently, you can look back on it and argue that the team were robbed of a Grand Slam under their interim coach. It is not just the results that they have achieved that has been a welcomed sight to all associated with the team though, but the manner in which they have played and entertained the supporters as well. With the youthful element that appears to have been a key aspect of the Lancaster period so far, the players seem to have a ‘no fear’ approach that has paid dividends. A few pundits have suggested that the individual players involved are not excellent players in their own right. However, when placed in the well-oiled machine Lancaster has created, they help create this impressive 15-man unit that is flourishing. Whilst the performances of certain individuals suggest that there could be some world-class players who now need to fulfil their potential and establish themselves.
However, this side that Lancaster has brought together are still young and have the potential for further development and improvement. It is therefore imperative that Lancaster is given the time to make the team world-beaters and on par with the South Africa’s and New Zealand’s who currently dominate the rugby world. His contract suggests this will be the case. With the World Cup in 2015 on English soil, the necessity to provide the Lancaster the opportunity to mould his side into a manner that could allow them to reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy is so important. Naturally, there are going to be downs, along with the ups, which have only been experienced so far. Now is the true test of Lancaster’s credentials and ability to turn this English side back into one that is feared throughout the southern hemisphere. With the big hitters all up next for the English side, the down could be very imminent and very sharp. Alternatively, if the team continue to defy plaudits and upset the apple-cart, then perhaps Lancaster’s honeymoon period may be extended just a while longer.
Lancaster seemed to enforce and implement a philosophy that appeared to be lacking under the last few stewardships of the head coach role. The players were all working for one another, whilst they approached the matches with respect, values and leadership. This meant the exclusion of some of those who have been more disruptive members of the camp, who have not necessarily represented themselves as England rugby players in the most appropriate and expected manner. The off-field antics could certainly have been associated with the dismal performances that also tarred the England side out in New Zealand in the most recent World Cup. Those performances, both on and off the field, brought shame upon the nation and against a side that was previously respected for their professionalism when they approached the key moments. It was the sort of stories that had been previously associated with the footballers or cricketers of the country, and showed that there was certainly a lack of leadership, respect, and professionalism amongst the party who travelled.
Furthermore, there appeared to be a bit of a chaos at the RFU when trying to identify a suitable replacement. Candidates ruled themselves out for a variety of reasons which made you believe there were more issues behind the scenes than met the eye. You could therefore argue that the governing body have actually landed themselves an ideal man in the flukiest of circumstances. Lancaster has been in and around the set-up of the RFU for some time now so you would hope that relationships have already been formed. It is also fortunate that he is an intelligent and articulate enough coach to demonstrate his worth in the role. If he had failed during the Six Nations then the appointment of a new coach may have been more difficult that envisaged. It is for that reason that I think the RFU need to have a look at themselves as an organisation and adopt an approach and philosophy not dissimilar to how Lancaster has adjusted the senior side.
What I think is undoubted though, is that everyone wanted Lancaster the opportunity to continue the work that he has already begun. He is professional, intelligent and committed to the cause. He knows what he wants his side to achieve, and will enforce a work ethic that ensures they reach their potential. In the past, the players seem to have not always held the respect that they should do towards their leader, but the vision he has portrayed to his side has led to a united approach. Hopefully, this is now the start of a resurgence within English rugby – Grand Slams and World Cup success would certainly demonstrate that Lancaster’s approach has worked.
*As an additional footnote, I would just like to wish Stiliyan Petrov, the club captain of the football team I support, Aston Villa, all the very best in his recovery against leukaemia. The scenes yesterday at Villa Park were heartfelt and showed how well-respected he is within the club. Good luck Stan.
Having achieved four wins out of the five matches, including a monumental effort in Paris, the Six Nations were certainly good for England this year. In fact, the defeat they suffered to the Welsh was cruel and unjustified, with many post-match conceding that the young English side deserved to take the points. Subsequently, you can look back on it and argue that the team were robbed of a Grand Slam under their interim coach. It is not just the results that they have achieved that has been a welcomed sight to all associated with the team though, but the manner in which they have played and entertained the supporters as well. With the youthful element that appears to have been a key aspect of the Lancaster period so far, the players seem to have a ‘no fear’ approach that has paid dividends. A few pundits have suggested that the individual players involved are not excellent players in their own right. However, when placed in the well-oiled machine Lancaster has created, they help create this impressive 15-man unit that is flourishing. Whilst the performances of certain individuals suggest that there could be some world-class players who now need to fulfil their potential and establish themselves.
However, this side that Lancaster has brought together are still young and have the potential for further development and improvement. It is therefore imperative that Lancaster is given the time to make the team world-beaters and on par with the South Africa’s and New Zealand’s who currently dominate the rugby world. His contract suggests this will be the case. With the World Cup in 2015 on English soil, the necessity to provide the Lancaster the opportunity to mould his side into a manner that could allow them to reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy is so important. Naturally, there are going to be downs, along with the ups, which have only been experienced so far. Now is the true test of Lancaster’s credentials and ability to turn this English side back into one that is feared throughout the southern hemisphere. With the big hitters all up next for the English side, the down could be very imminent and very sharp. Alternatively, if the team continue to defy plaudits and upset the apple-cart, then perhaps Lancaster’s honeymoon period may be extended just a while longer.
Lancaster seemed to enforce and implement a philosophy that appeared to be lacking under the last few stewardships of the head coach role. The players were all working for one another, whilst they approached the matches with respect, values and leadership. This meant the exclusion of some of those who have been more disruptive members of the camp, who have not necessarily represented themselves as England rugby players in the most appropriate and expected manner. The off-field antics could certainly have been associated with the dismal performances that also tarred the England side out in New Zealand in the most recent World Cup. Those performances, both on and off the field, brought shame upon the nation and against a side that was previously respected for their professionalism when they approached the key moments. It was the sort of stories that had been previously associated with the footballers or cricketers of the country, and showed that there was certainly a lack of leadership, respect, and professionalism amongst the party who travelled.
Furthermore, there appeared to be a bit of a chaos at the RFU when trying to identify a suitable replacement. Candidates ruled themselves out for a variety of reasons which made you believe there were more issues behind the scenes than met the eye. You could therefore argue that the governing body have actually landed themselves an ideal man in the flukiest of circumstances. Lancaster has been in and around the set-up of the RFU for some time now so you would hope that relationships have already been formed. It is also fortunate that he is an intelligent and articulate enough coach to demonstrate his worth in the role. If he had failed during the Six Nations then the appointment of a new coach may have been more difficult that envisaged. It is for that reason that I think the RFU need to have a look at themselves as an organisation and adopt an approach and philosophy not dissimilar to how Lancaster has adjusted the senior side.
What I think is undoubted though, is that everyone wanted Lancaster the opportunity to continue the work that he has already begun. He is professional, intelligent and committed to the cause. He knows what he wants his side to achieve, and will enforce a work ethic that ensures they reach their potential. In the past, the players seem to have not always held the respect that they should do towards their leader, but the vision he has portrayed to his side has led to a united approach. Hopefully, this is now the start of a resurgence within English rugby – Grand Slams and World Cup success would certainly demonstrate that Lancaster’s approach has worked.
*As an additional footnote, I would just like to wish Stiliyan Petrov, the club captain of the football team I support, Aston Villa, all the very best in his recovery against leukaemia. The scenes yesterday at Villa Park were heartfelt and showed how well-respected he is within the club. Good luck Stan.
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