It's been ages but ....

FIFA HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME

Still disappointed at the England team and still the bloody 'old die hards' are waxing on how they want to get back in the team. NO!


I accept Gerrard has a role to play and felt he should have kept the captaincy I mean come on Rio Ferdinand spends more time tweeting than training these days. One thing that really irked me was Andy Townsend commentating during the last England games that the fans will have forgotten the disappointent of the World Cup and cleaned the slate. err Andy you numpty no we haven't and no we will not suddenly go back to saying how wonderful these players are they've had more than one shot AND furthermore media types stop trying to turn back in Capello's path again in a deflection tactic. The team are/were/continue to be at fault and I don't care if the new blood gets it wrong at the start but eventually it will come right without Ferdinand, Terry, Johnstone (Glen), Lampard, Barry and many others injured or not. We want a total regeneration and lets go with Capello towards the next tournament but with young players. Becks, mate you did good and I would like you to leave on a high but face it son it would be a backward step to keep you in the team no matter how well you play.
Finally another message to Platini and Blatter stop holding football back and use TV camera's  there is no excuse unless you are hoping to make a buck selling to the highest bidder/greaser of palms. The average time wasted by a player rolling around feigning injury is longer than it takes for the 4th official to view it on screen and make the decision so stop stalling and let the game get some sense of fair play back we can see these cheats for what they are and brand them as such. Rant over.

World Cup Blog - out!

So there you have it. the dust has settled and the Spaniards are still wearing red and yellow in celebration several days later. Arguably up until the final itself the best two teams got there although on form I think a German/Spanish final would have been better. Holland were always going to try and cheat their way to a win as they have often done in the years since their 'total football' nonsense came of age. Robben was the whiner from hell and the way both sets of players surrounded Howard Webb on several occasions wasn't pretty nor respectful and far from fair play considering the number of times they asked him to produce a card for an opponent. Can you imagine how bad it would have been if we'd had a lesser ref? As for Holland saying he wasn't strong enough, they would have been 2 men down maybe 3 by half time had he stuck rigidly to the rules and not a chance of a Dutch win then... he kept them in the game I reckon and made a final of it.

The only way to solve this is to ban players and not whine at the referee when he does. You cannot have it both ways. Either you accept the discipline and stick to the rules or you forget football and call it something else. Like kiss ball or pretend to trip ball, diveball or handball. The apparent acceptance that it also ok to cheat has also got to stop FIFA has to come down and say it is not ok to cheat and if, after the fact there is video evidence then you will be banned and banned for a minimum of 3 games. Imagine how quickly clubs will pull their players into line if revenue is hit and profit as without these 'top' players the club starts to slide. It is simple and all it takes is balls and not politics for it is polictics these idiots play with our game. Blatter, Platini and all the other suits that 'administer' the game ffs I could given a mandate sort out the cheats in the English game in one season as longs as the managers were kept in their kennel and not allowed to interfere. Golf, rules no matter who you are make a mistake (not a cheat) and you can lose tournaments remember Ian Woosnam having too many golf clubs because his caddy missed the error, disqualified no nonsense and no argument cost him a fortune. Rugby is a similar field sport and you get no nonsense only the captain is allowed to talk to the referee and the captain sticks to it otherwise it is sin bin or worse. Now football would not work with a sin bin a ten minute penalty isn't really that difficult as they can play behind the ball and weather the storm but banning persistent offenders for future games will have an effect eventually. Forget fines and forget enquiries keep it to the rules and keep it transparent no matter if you are Maradonna it is the world Cup and the handball was deemed ok by the fans it's against the rules and a ban should have happened after the goal was replayed and disallowed, nothing difficult in that.

Back to the final and Spain were definitely the team that should have won yes Puyol should have been sent off but Robben stayed on his feet hoping to get to the penalty area he can't claim a disadvantage after he tried to use it as an advantage? Van Bommel? It's all been said but nothing has been done. Finally what the hell was Blatter doing there handing over the trophy it was an African World Cup he's had enough free publicity, meals, wine, flights etc including his salary he can buy a photo and get it photo shopped with him in it if he's that desperate. I would have liked to have seen Zuma and a child from the township presenting that trophy - period.

So the semi finals are decided. Last night was another noisy night here in Spain as the boys got through after some trouble I thought. They deserved the win based on the second half but I couldn't help but feel sorry for Paraguay. What is up with Torres? Iniesta was also shockingly bad in the first half but produced it on cue. A few dives here and there as usual the refs inconsistency on the penalty area infringement should have allowed the Paraguayan to retake his fluffed free kick but it was not to be. Pique should have been banned a few games as well if FIFA conduct a post match video replay. Of course more cheating on display through all the games, Robben in that awful dive for the free kick that led to their first goal, having said that their second was a peach and Brazil aren't averse to cheating particularly Lucio and Alves so the Dutch go through deserved. I was angry at the Ghana result mainly because yet again cheats do prosper in football, a sure fire goal stopped by not one but two Uruguay players trying to handle it and the penalty miss sees the guilty player laughing but certainly in the Final if the team win the semi against Holland. Suarez should have at least a further 3 match ban once FIFA see the actions if anything shows the up the fact that in football you can get away with it that was one of the defining moments and when will the men in suits stop worrying about their pockets and ego's and sort these cheaters out. He's even had the audacity to say that he now has the 'hand of God'. I can't be the only person who is sick of seeing seriously injured players jump up within a second of realising they didn't get the foul, why aren't they booked afterwards for cheating? Argentina v Germany was a treat and it was good to see Argentinian so called sweet feet ran riot by youthful determination and lack of fear. My only fear is the players back in England will say "Look they got stuffed 4 - 0 it can't be our fault!" It was and I'm not for turning.

Finally Capello has got the backing, I hope they keep their noses out and let him do the job his way I also hope he literally sweeps all the dust out and starts totally fresh. Managers are already saying we can sort this and win the Euros - forget the Euros use that as practise and concentrate on the next World Cup if we lose in the Euros but see an improved team with guts, determination and a willingness to give their all regardless I'll be happy. However I know it won't happen, it never happens because those that get the free tickets and the big bucks get it anyway win lose or draw. We that pay the money, buy the merchandise and wave the flags just have to lump it. Here's a suggestion - why don't the FA open a petition site and ask for emails or a vote. The question? Shall we get rid of these overpaid jokers and go with the untried youth, yes or no?

Goal line technology on the way? Watered down more like as FIFA get their way. We don't need Hawkeye we need access to the TV replays and the 4th Official looks at it and calls it for the referee like they do in Rugby. If in doubt no score, no yellow card or red card a simple drop ball will suffice. I smell money here and companies making sure certain people are 'sweetened'. Goal line yes but offsides too! Any penalty can be looked at and any decision likely to affect the outcome of a match including direct red cards! If you get 2 yellows for being an idiot it is your fault. As usual the football fan is left to suck it up and pay their money there isn't a business that treats their customers in such a way.

On to footie, last night here in San Roque the noise was deafening as the cars drove around in a line tooting the success of the Spanish team especially against Portugal. They seemed as bereft of ideas as England as did Spain in some points which for me underlines the players are to blame not the manager once they get across that line. The mood amongst the public seems to be bin the players get new young ones in and keep Capello if only the people charged with looking at the game listened to us instead of listening to these experts that just want more money for coaches, players and kids starting out. It's not about money it is about attitude. So to the quarters; my thoughts are Germany will be too good for Argentina they are playing without fear but the Argentina team are together and full of flair. Brazil are showing well but takeable, my only hope is that Ghana do well. Why? Well they don't have any of the money, academies, coaches, hotels, massages and nonsense that we have yet seem to play ok?

Morning! So the Capello capitulation begins. Let me give you some food for thought is it me, is it every England Manager for the past few World Cups or is it the players, the same players to blame for this state of events? Remeber Beckham? How he came around once he realised public opinion was against his tantrums and antics. Including his spat with Capello at Real Madrid that brought him back from the brink once he realsied like the other galactico's that Capello was not to be messed with. Mc Laren lambasted, Sven (agreed weak but that was a stupid FA appointment probably based on an assessment by someones wife) also couldn't do it but even I believe and continue to believe that Capello is good enough. The players to a tee agree their preparation was perfect - a 5 star hotel and facilities lol makes me laugh. Alan Shearer last night said rumours are they don't like the manager and they don't like this and disagree with that well here's the news they don't have to like it they either play his way or do one! Capello is paid to do the tactics and preparation and these players need the discipline they proved beyond doubt their own self centred attitude is more important than their pride and desire for their country. Doubt me do you? Look at their faces they were never a team and haven't been for several years, Beckham has consistently gone out there and done the business and I believe dragged them with him. Had I been Capello at half time John Terry would have been off he is the bad apple in this and as a Chelsea fan I find this at odds but he has proven he must have his way or no way. Gerrard isn't strong enough as a leader neither is Lamps or Rio. I want Capello to stay because it is the only way we can clear this shite out and start from the bottom again. There are some that should stay, Milner, Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Dawson, Upson, Lennon, Gerrard, Green, Ashley Cole (on thin ice) but the rest need a long hard look at themselves and not blame the manager.

Finally why did he sub Defoe for Heskey? I think he was saying to all those players who constantly lauded him behind the scenes leaking it to the press that here was a guy that has never performed for England yet he's in because the players like him and he failed  - again.

The F.A. need to man up give Capello the next 2 years and leave him do his job. Oh and the press keep your nose away from the players they are spoiled kids reporting on the teacher when he tells them off.

Don't I ramble? I also notice I write so fast I make the odd spelling error, sorry. Anyway onwards. Great to see Spain doing well last night, Villa's goal when the keeper legged it out to interfere must serve as a warning to our very own keeper James who has a tendency to leave himself and his defenders stranded with tactics like that. Still if we stop passing back it just might stop him thinking about it. Spain v Portugal is a tasty game, I fully expect Brazil to go through against Chile and tonight I think the Americans will meet their match in Ghana who are well capable of beating them but it will be a close game. As for Uruguay v S. Korea the South Americans will probably be good enough this afternoon but it is a possible upset, I doubt it though. As far as England are concerned still the media are peddling rumours that John Terry wasn't alone and many players backed down at the last minute. It may be so that they don't like the regime or the manager but he is paid to do his job they should do theirs and stop whining about their treatment. If they want a reality check go see some of the townships around their 5 star accommodation then tell me they have it tough. They earn more in a week than I've earned in the last five years and they think the average football fan gives a tinkers cuss about them having to eat certain foods, not use their phones at the dinner table and behave with dignity. The other day I heard Lamps or Gerrard saying that it can be boring around the hotel in between training sessions, son, you and your team mates don't know the meaning of the word nor the meaning of the phrase 'life of Riley'. Shall I tell you something that really amazed me? When I visited the Berneabeu Stadium, Real Madrid's home you get to sit on the seats in the dugout. There's a laugh more like a hotel lobby than a dugout and the kicker is the seats they all sit on during the game are very comfortable and heated. So I think England have the ability to totally thrash the German team so long as they get on with the game and attack - where is Kevin Keegan when you need him?

Today's little drawing stems from the usual nonsense spouted by 'personalities' and not content with his once a tournament dig at England Beckenbauer is at it again. So we progress to the next round and a meeting with, as Stan Boardman would have said, "The Gerrrmuns." For me the Ghana v Germany game was a brilliant watch last night and I thought no matter which way they ended up either team will be decent opponent. The match also showed that the Germans are no where near as solid as their reputation has them and I think England can beat them and with luck easily giving us more confidence. However they are not going to lie down so any sgn of the usual over confidence will have us regretting it. Speaking of which Matthew Upson 70 yard pass back to the keeper smacked of the old England again yesterday why do we do that when Capello is screaming for us to get forward? Listening to Terry was he? Speaking of which Terry for once forgot his personal ambitions to Captaincy and played like his old self most probably proving he was committed and worthy of a place in the side I for one would have him under a 'possible' ticket from now on if he thinks he's invincible. James was a solid as ever as a shot stopper but I hope the German tendency to cross a ball doesn't find him out... again. Ashley Cole according to Mark Lawrenson is the best left back in the tournament that's a fact. Joe Cole did he really make a difference compared to Aaron Lennon not for me but his work with Milner who's ball holding skills in the corner were superb was worthy of his substitution. Gerrard, Rooney, Defoe all played as we have come to expect and Wayne should listen to the fans they chant his name because he's playing well and boo when England are not chill boy and keep doing the job like you can. Glen Johnson is getting better in defence Lamps was still for me out of sorts but he's getting there. We've turned the corner can we keep going uphill is the next issue becuase to be World Champions it is the only way forward.

The referee the other day during the Chile Swiss game was a right old tyrant totally ruined the game I felt sorry for the teams in the end but as usual a bum referee might affect the final games of the group and the number of players available for a last 16 game.

Well the day is here. Nice to see Mexico through and the Argies in their next game should be very interesting, I think they'll give them a right old go. Greece were seriously lacking in ideas and I thought Argentina didn't really show much to get around them. My favourite was obviously France how I cheered, Facebooked and Tweeted my joy as the cheating Henri and his rag tag bunch of unionista's were dumped right on their arse at the bottom of the group and out of the World Cup. Justice for the Republic of Ireland at least. England's turn to prove they are not like the French although I have my suspicions John Terry is becoming too big for his boots and I'm a Chelsea man through and though. Its seems the little niggles during McLaren's reign, the noises after Jose left Chelsea and Terry's name mentioned again? Here we are with another blip I think someone is trying to undermine Capello and even Beckham knows to his own cost at Real Madrid Capello is not for turning. So for me Terry get back in your box, Capello keep going it was ok up to now why is it suddenly wrong? Well it isn't it's just some players are not doing as they're told which I've mentioned before and by the way FFS drop Heskey I don't want him leaving the World Cup with another assist to his name! Come on England. 

I hear the vuvuzelas are providing all sorts of injuries not least reported during a game yesterday that a woman has ruptured her throat blowing to hard. Serves her right for blowing her own trumpet all the time I say. Yesterday's results were interesting I thought the Japanese are playing out of their skin and deserved a result against Holland but it wasn't to be. I've been also looking ahead like most of us. Living in Spain I fear for the Spanish if they wake up and get on they could meet Brazil in the next stage. Worse still for us we could end up with Germany. Even worse after their performance we could win our group they come second and we meet them anyway. Hopefully they win, we win and we avoid each other. Fact of the matter though is no game in this World Cup is a 'foregone' and surprises lurk around every stadium corner. It is no surprise people are now blaming Capello for England's demise, I prefer to blame the players as it is they that so obviously ignore his tactics on the pitch and why a normally calm coach resorts to shouting to get his message across. If they are doing what he says why does he constantly tell them to move the ball forward an England tactic missing since the days of Bobby Robson. For me love or loathe him Capello has to be allowed to manage and the players should stop thinking they know better and do as he says then we can blame him if it all goes wrong. Which I don't believe it will. I am sure although a more difficult game on Wednesday compared to Algeria the prospect of utter humiliation against Slovenia will at least make them work harder and chase down the opposition instead of sitting back and waiting for an easy goal. Kevin Keegan may not be the purists manager but he knew what the fans wanted - attack attack attack! Hopefully someone at the F.A. with balls if we do bow out will take every single player aside and say sorry you weren't good enough last time, this time and next time we're giving players with hunger a chance even if they are young, foolish and naive they couldn't possibly do any worse and they'll be cheaper.

Saturday morning is like any other morning in the England camp. Same players, same routine same old lack of effort. I think we’re at the place most ‘rich’ clubs get to when the players don’t need to prove anything they’ll still pick up their money and let’s face it hardly any of them tried. Glen Johnson as usual running up all day and forgetting his real job – defending! Carragher, as briefed pulling shirts and giving away kicks cos he’s too slow. John Terry samr old diving and dropping at little contact so they get the free kick and don’t have to chase a player but oh what’s this, the ref didn’t buy it and now you’re on your arse John and they’re off with the ball! Ashley Cole, you could see it on his face he was annoyed at those around him for their lack of effort. Gerrard the same and defaulted into his shoot wildly mode which is of no use but he’s trying. Lampard what it us up with him can’t he do it on the world stage several times all he needed was to look up and pass it quickly but no we’ll hang around and pass it round cos it’s only Algeria we can walk this lads! Wrong again honey. Heskey? What a shame he didn’t get his second ‘world cup assist’ why do we insist on a player that cannot play at this level as a striker. We have plenty of footballers in England that can hold a ball and pass it we need a second striker and if you want heading power with quick feet… err Crouch is taller and scores more goals in an England shirt than Rooney at the moment. Aaron Lennon off for SWP why he was playing well and trying? Have I missed anybody? I know lets drop Rob green who’s made a mistake for Calamity James who very nearly mad a couple himself like running to the edge of the box and realising just before Carragher headed it out for a corner (cos he had no option cos James was running in) that he wasn’t gonna make it. Fabio where’s your head man. Finally Rooney who is trying, who is staying further up field and who I think does not play well off Heskey he need a mate who can twist turn and run like him say Defoe or Bent , yeah the guy they left behind. A draw is fine and I know we always do shit at the group stage but it is no excuse when you really could play shit and should still beat these team. Time for a rethink. How about play for England and all you get is expenses and an England shirt. The players don’t need the money and are treated like royalty anyway by the F.A. give it to those that are hungry instead of these stuck up wannabe’s who really have nothing in common with the fans that pay a fortune to see such lack of passion. As for Rooney and his outburst – had football not given him the privilege he enjoys today he would have been in a pub somewhere in Liverpool last night, swearing, drinking and probably fighting out of anger at the performance he’d witnessed on the TV. Roll on Wednesday.

At last the world cup livens up after some pretty abysmal games. Already the cheats are becoming evident the rolling around like they always do and of course the dramatic dive over the shoe to ensure the ref has seen the tackle. Am I the only person in the world to notice that now for public and pundits alike to cry foul the player merely has to ‘miss’ the ball? Whatever happened to intent, to the act of actually making contact with an opponent not the simple dive over the leg? I’ll leave that with you I’m sure you have a point of view. Or are you like other fools blinded by team colours and only cry foul for England and St George?

My predictions for today’s games Argentina v S Korea 2-1, I believed Nigeria would beat Greece 1-0 and that Mexico would beat France 3-1 were almost right. If the fool from Nigeria hadn’t reduced his team to 10 for most of the game they should have comfortably won, what price  on him getting an Escobar or hopefully for him just a Beckham?

Finally am I the only person pleased the French yet again have self imploded so magnificently? Yes they can still do it and no I don’t believe for a minute Uruguay and Mexico will battle it out South America understands continental pride like everyone else except Europe. They will draw and France will fall and we will cheer because the arrogant bastards deserve it, cheating Henri can’t even get a game now but I bet the Irish would have given a better account of themselves and worn their shirts with the kind of pride lacking in the French side.My predictions for today’s games well this time I’m letting you in:

Germany v Serbia seems to be a very easy German win but I’ll stick to 3-1. Slovenia v USA might be a banana skin for the yanks but I predict a draw. Finally the England v Algeria game. If these overpaid Nancy boys believe their own hype they should walk it but I guess they should get a least 2 more goals than the opposition but the deep play will as always leave us open to pressure I expect Algeria to score 1 but England at least 3.

Oh and for the record. Rob Green? Stick. It was an error, David James has made many many more in his career!

Game One

Another England performance to be worried about for the true fan. They just don't seem to be able to do as they're told for me. Capello obviously wants them to play up the field yet time and again they pass it back and mess around in defence. Here's the kicker; footballers in the team. If you play in the opponents half they won't get near enough to shoot at your goal!
Lows: Milner, if he was that unfit Fabio then rest him unless you were making a statement in which case tell everyone your best team and we'll accept changes. SWP not good and I wouldn't have taken him his shot at goal was truly pathetic. Wayne, showed yet again his frustration by coming too deep Wayne stay where you are mate if they don't pass you won't look stupid they will. Lamps, mediocre son but yes you can play with Gerrard. Green the error was awful but shit happens stick with him he was fine otherwise. Heskey good game but why play a striker that obviously cannot strike goal at this level. They can all pass a ball so let someone else have 'their first World Cup assist' we need goals. Carragher too slow and likely to give too many free kicks away pulling shirts at this level. Tim Howerd - about as injured as a kicked football no one rolls around when hurt, they are feigning injury and refs must know that. Try getting hurt and not lie very still.
Highs: Gerrard great goal. Rooney, temper under control and ran his ass off. Lennon got down the line a couple of times just lost a little in the final ball. Ashley Cole, quiet but solid as was Terry BUT stop passing the ball backwards! King looking good shame about the adductor. All in all satisfactory but please more adventure England you are well capable stop panicking and play the game the way you know you can.      

A small observation on the new vuvuzuelas as I think they are called. Only a few games in and they are annoying, not because of their mosquito drone but because it seems the TV companies cannot lift their commentators voices without lifting the drone so it is hard to hear them! I bet in the stadium they are a nightmare - fun though.

Fighting?

So Wayne swears at referee's? We all knew that and most of us think they should have booked them for it post Rocky (RIP) at Arsenal and that disastrous 'wiring' of the referee that has never surfaced since. An experiment that showed footballers for what they are and they are nothing like us. Certainly skilful but respectful nope. So Rio is going to Man Utd for a check up then back again? Why? The recent issues for me are like the injuries to Butch Wilkinson and Bryan Robson in the World Cup when it forced England to play in a more advanced style and fuck me we started doing well. I remember Lineker's hat trick against Poland when we had to change things after the years of backroom coaching by Don Howe. He more than most for me was the reason for our dull, sideways playing style that ruined our chances and many a flair players chance of making it into the England side. Now I know Rio is a great centre back but over the past couple of years he hasn't been the same as when at West Ham or Leeds. Same goes for the likes of Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Glen Johnson - though his stint at Pompey turned him around. Heskey, Rooney, Milner, Lampard, Gerrard, Defoe, Bent, Crouch, Beckham and several others all play with the passion a fan wants, no nonsense no self indulgence just get the ball play it forward as quick as possible and stick it in the back of the net. Finally JT's coming out fighting and full of the media splosh to get the fans onside. No need son just get out there stop messing about playing back to the goalkeeper play it forward everytime you can and use the skill you have all been given to give England the result it so deserves after years in the nearly made it league.

So in earnest the first 'game' in South Africa begins and ends. The tournament not yet started Wayne in his usual manner places his stamp firmly on it. Is there no end to this talented man's idiocy? Good bad or indifferent the footballer of today shows time and again that money and a lack of discipline lies at the root of all that is wrong. I hope Capello gets his size whatevers wedged right up Rooney's arse and leaves them there until he gets the message. Shut up and play football you stupid sod and if you cannot control your temper then try a profession where stress is a real factor and not just some overpaid pansy throwing a hissy fit. Roll on Saturday.

MP's expenses hot on everyones lips here as the House of Commons takes a delivery.

Same theme but with Chris Tarrant's Show as the gag.

December 2008

It's been ages since I blogged mainly due to being too busy. Cartoons are good practise but when they are free other stuff comes first. Next time you see a Gibraltar Chronicle remind them to get more of my cartoons in :) If you want some yourself including caricatures for cards etc just get in touch or visit www.fhmedia.co.ukI was asked by James Neish to take a small role in the theatrical success of the year The Sound of Music. The singing was fantastic as was the whole production. I wasn't there the day they took the photo's for the programme so for the last night I added this to the photo's of the rest of the cast outside the theatre. The original I gave to James.

I was asked to design a souvenir tee shirt by Calypso to go on sale at the Cable Car Top Station. This is the design and if you want one either visit the Top Station OR email the Cable Car Co.My take on the CuttySark fire once word was out as to how it got started by a faulty vacuum cleaner being left on.

Another design for a tee shirt that wasn't taken up.

A final cartoon asked for by the Gibraltar Shop website that was never used to my kno0wledge.

A Valentine cartoon following the reports of the RGP watching criminals allegedly on Main Street from a safe house.

News that the Convent, the Governor's Residence, has buried a time capsule gave me this idea. It's Joe Bossano in the wheelchair by the way.

Finally after much delay the new King's Bastion Leisure centre opened. reports had it the Chief Minister was there daily to ensure work was moving along.

Spanish press jumping on every piece of gunge on a Spanish beach insisting it comes from the 'New Flame' a recent wreck off Europa Point. Published.

Peter Hain resigned and Gibraltar felt after his sovereignty debacle he went much later than he should. Published.

As news hit the streets of the Convent burying a time capsule under some new building renovations there is only one thing that should be there for future generations. Unpublished.