Highlights of the Week

49ers vs Giants (16/11/14) - Chris Borland 

Now this game was a full week a go but I had to include something about the defensive performance of not only the 49ers but Chris Borland. Borland himself a 3rd round draft pick and standing in for one of the NFL greats in Patrick Willis is having a tremendous season so far. Claimed at being to short and not rangy enough to be a linebacker, a lot of teams were skeptical about bringing in Borland. And that's why he was 77th overall. San Francisco had a great defensive line for most of the game ending in a 16-10 victory over the New York Giants. And most of the hype was based around the return of another defensive-man in Aldon Smith. But my stand out performer in this game was Chris Borland, he seemed to be able to read a recognize all the plays. If he didn't make the tackles or interceptions he was involved in them in some way.
Including combined and assisted tackles Borland has made over 100 tackles this season and no doubt will continue to make more. His presence in the 49ers defence gives confidence to the team and to the fans. This video is from his time at the Wisconsin Badgers.

To think this is only his rookie season and being only 23 there is so much more to come. Being a 49ers fan and 24 years of age I find this guy so easy to watch. And feel so much better about the defence of the team.

United U-Turn

As you may of read in two previous posts I had spoken of my disgust at the Professional Footballers Association and in Sheffield United in allowing Mr Ched Evans to continue his way back to being a footballer. Sheffield United had allowed him to use there training facilities to work up his fitness to perhaps play again, maybe not for them but for another football team. Giving him an opportunity.
This man was convicted of rape and didn't even serve his full sentence.
I am happy to now report that there has been progress on this matter. The club Sheffield United have made a U-turn on there original decision to let Mr Evans train with them. This due a number of large high profile patrons of the club resigned. Musician Paul Heaton stood down from the 'Blades' community foundation. Although probably most high profile of all was Olympic Champion Jessica Ennis-Hill who stated that if the Welshman was reinstated she would request that her name be taken down of the Bramall Lane stand. This all after a petition had been signed by over 165,000 including myself. And also the rear shirt sponsor threatened to cancel there deal.

I agree that a convicted criminal should be allowed back in to the working world, they have that right. But what I disagree with is football, the way it is now footballers men and women. Sports people in general no matter who denies the fact they are all role models to a younger generation. I think that Sheffield United had no choice in letting him go, it would only bring them further down.
The PFA hopes Ched Evans gets a new club, other people and managers alike are not so sure. Graham Taylor a former England manger told BBC Radio 5Live

"I will be most surprised if another club does offer an opportunity, because we've seen what comes with it.
"I think it's a relatively easy thing for clubs to reject him and turn him down but I also understand why they would do it because of the reactions that we have seen".

I tend to agree, many have said he will go abroad. And maybe the clubs will take him over there perhaps the fans not knowing his history is better for him. In that it will cause less of a reaction.

I mentioned a petition started by Jean Hatchet that is on one of my previous posts. This link will take you to a new petition about making a stand against players who commit those sorts of violent sexual crimes against women. Thinking perhaps because they have the money and public support that it will be fine. Its a message to the FA and PFA to place automatic sanctions on players so there future is less secure in the game. Hopefully this will lead to better behavior on and off the field, which makes a better role model.

https://www.change.org/p/fa-pfa-take-a-stand-against-violence-against-women-girls-introduce-automatic-sanctions-against-players-who-commit-these-crimes

Scotland 1 England 3

Both teams were coming into this much anticipated friendly off the back of European Championship qualifications wins. Scotland faced the Republic of Ireland whom they won 1-0 after a very hard fought and even game. Only down to a well worked short corner routine. Consisting of a couple of 1-2's on the edge of the box, resulting in Shaun Malony's right footed curling effort towards the keepers left leaving him helpless. Republic of Ireland were unlucky to lose this game as they put up a valiant effort.
England however facing Slovenia, yes they did win 3-1 with one from captain Wayne Rooney from the penalty spot and two from Danny Welbeck, although for a lot of the game they were far from convincing. From my own perspective only after Jordan Henderson put past his own keeper to put England 0-1 down just before the hour is when they sparked into life. Credit too England a couple of years a go they would of crumbled to a humiliating defeat or just gone out to a whimpering 0-1 to a so called 'lesser' team. This time they fought back within a minute and won a penalty which got them back on track. This showed through in the Scotland game.

The 'Battle of Britain'. Or so that's what it had been called. This was once an annual fixture, and from what I saw I think we should have that once again. We may not of been separated politically but when it comes to football, I don't think there can be many other rivalries in world football bigger than England and Scotland. I wasn't there but to see it on TV and when the English national anthem is booed and drowned out by 45,000 Scots you can tell its a great atmosphere. The game was built up to be less technical and a more of a brutal affair. And after the Scots had more testing opposition with Republic of Ireland the game previous. Bookmakers and pundits gave them quite a chance of pulling off what would be an upset(to the English). As Hampden Park had not yet recovered from the Commonwealth Games the match was moved to Celtic Park with a capacity of just over 60,000. I don't think the capacity of the stadium would of mattered, it was still gauged to be a spectacle. 

Scotland will not be happy with how things started or of course how they ended. The game started very scrappy and yes at times aggressive, but as a passionate supporter of your national side how else would you want it to be. Both teams had even amounts of possession I feel, the only thing that was lacking was chances. But that's when Jack Wilshere took the initiative and played a marvelous lofted ball right onto the head of Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain. Chamberlain had come in from his right sided forward position to nod home and give England a 0-1 lead in half an hour. Just after the half it seemed as if everything was going to plan for us England fans, as if it was going to be a walk in the park. When a scrappy set piece wasn't cleared effectively by the Scottish defense, Wayne Rooney nodded an instinctive header past substitute goalkeeper Craig Gordon leaving him flat footed. Craig Gordon a keeper who was reappearing in the Scottish net after a period of 4 years. A two goal lead surely England wouldn't let that slip, would they? Well they did but it took a while for Scotland to break through and it didn't last long. Young Hull City left back Andrew Robertson who had played pretty well all night, played a cheeky 1-2 with another Scotland sub Johnny Russell, entered the box and coolly slotted it past Fraser Forster in the England goal. Where they back in it with 5 minutes to go 1-2. No.

From the restart and 2 minutes after Roberson's goal, a fine passing move down the England right side ending with an Adam Lallana cross into the centre were Wayne Rooney waited to tuck it calmly home. Scotland 1 England 3.
Overall this game had everything the passion, the rivalries on and off the field. The big build up, and for both sides a positive performance.
I think if the domestic season is going to have to be marred with friendlies, then I will be happy to watch this one every year.

Giancarlo Stanton

I knew there was plenty of money within Major League Baseball, but when this story came out about Giancarlo Cruz Micheal Stanton I was taken aback by the money involved. Although the deal is a 13 year contract and spans basically across the rest of his career. The contract is seemed to be worth a massive $325million over the 13 year period. With this it would seem he is like likely to earn more in day than a fair majority of Americans every year. An average of just over $69,000.

Stanton is poised to earn more than Patriots QB Tom Brady, over the entirety of Brady's yes illustrious career he will never earn as much as the Miami Marlins outfielder. Who just at 25 has his whole career ahead of him other than Brady at 37 who is approaching the end. Its a fantastic deal for Stanton especially with it lasting him most of career, but he is prepared to work and prove he is worth contract that he has been given. Stanton knows he has had to work to where he is, and he accepts the pressure on his shoulders due to the large contract and media saying he was going to be the next superstar. Micheal Stanton is ready to work even harder, believing he still has work to do to be the best that he can be.

These were my favorite highlights of the week, Decided to mix it up a bit, hope you enjoyed.

Thank you for reading, Anthony.

McLaren Honda - Honda McLaren??

Either way round I am looking forward to this partnership once again. McLaren will be dropping there engine manufacturer of 20 years Mercedes for Honda whom they once partnered in the late 80s early 90s.

Ayrton Senna at Imola, San Marino 

McLaren and there new Japanese manufacturer are due to run there first preliminary cars in a filming on Friday (14/11/14). And begin with there new engine (MP4-29H1x1).
It has been a mixed 20 years with the Mercedes engine. Improvements with the car and then if I'm honest a positively stagnant last 5-6 seasons. With Red Bull dominating the scene and the likes of Ferrari in there slipstream there was no room for McLaren. With it being a completely new car this time round all teams had there technical issues, the Silver Arrows(Mercedes AMG) returned and taking away there technical faults they've had no trouble taking the constructors title.

It would look like another driver change is on the cards with the possibility of Jenson Button leaving his seat after 5 years to be replaced by the one and only Fernando Alonso. Kevin Magnussen is likely to keep his seat as he has only had the one rookie season.

Fernando Alonso, possibly heading for McLaren Honda

The two drivers to take the interim car for a spin at Silverstone will be Oliver Turvey and Stoffel Vandoorne two test drivers.

I have high hopes for this car not just because of the new partnership and new engine but because of seasons past. Past failures will spur the team on to do greater things. This new engine manufacturer will give a greater influx of energy into the McLaren team. Like they want to win again.
It also sounds good.
McLaren Honda- Honda McLaren? 

Thanks for reading Anthony.

Ched Evans Update

Sheffield United are allowing Mr Chedwyn Evans to train with the club after a request from the players union. This now seems that Mr Evans with therefore be once again be playing professional football.

Although Sheffield United have released a statement saying that 'they condemn rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms'
It seems as if the club a respected club are yes giving a man a chance but are contradicting themselves in the process. I cannot understand how they can take him back into the club. Maybe he is only training to keep his fitness up bit still that could lead to him playing for a team in the Football League once again. I believe the fans are not pleased about this action by the club, which is understandable they disagree with having a convicted rapist on there playing staff. And I don't see how it would be any different for any other fans in the league.
Sheffield United are not taking him on as I player yet I must stress, it is only on a training and facility basis.
The PFA have said that footballing professionals should be treated as equals before the law. Well Mr Chedwyn Evans is still pleading his innocence and his appeal is being fast tracked.

More on the story from the 12/11/14. That Members of Parliament are starting to get involved in this case. The likes of Nick Clegg and local Sheffield Labour MP and shareholder of Sheffield United Mr Paul Bloomfield. Both of these gentlemen think that Sheffield United should seriously rethink letting Mr Chedwyn Evans continue training with them. Saying as he is not just a footballer, he is role model, and it sends out some disturbing messages to younger people and victims of sexual violence.

Also the club's rear shirt sponsor DBL Logistics has explained today that if the club do resign Ched Evans than they will withdraw there sponsorship.

If you would like more on this story it's on Sky Sports and I have some more information on a previous post.

Thanks for reading Anthony

Jacksonville Jaguars in London

This is something that is very close to my heart as well as being a sporting topic. With the Jacksonville Jaguars hosting the Dallas Cowboys this afternoon at Wembley. The Jags have been taking a tour of London, to show a bond between our two countries and put a face to theRoyal British Legion's poppy appeal. On what is Remembrance Weekend for us all.

Donate as much or as little as you can

Thanks, Anthony.

Mario. Is he really Super or just relatively Simple?

This over 9 possibly 10 weeks has ended up being a bit of a rhetorical question. I'm sure most would agree if Mario Balotelli were to put his mind to it he most definitely could be super. Just it seems not yet.
This has been a long time coming this post, every time I go to write it there is a Liverpool game on that day or the next, and I don't really feel like contradicting myself withing 24 hours. I'm sure you can see why.
On his day Mario Balotelli can be a superb football player, but and this is a big but. He chose or rather now chooses to have a strange mental approach to games. Mario looks angry, possessed oddly close to violence sometimes. Seems more interested in his appearance and how he looks playing football than actually doing the job he supposedly loves doing.

A lot of journalist and so called "experts" have mentioned about Mario's rather troubled upbringing in Brescia, Italy. It was definitely not a regular childhood, whatever you class as that. He was born to Ghanaian immigrants in Palermo, Sicily. After this when he was two it was all change when young Mario Barwuah went in to foster care and met the Balotelli's. Many say that Mario's strange actions both on and off the pitch could be related to his troubled path growing up. And maybe he has tried to be so independent that he hasn't wanted the help, or felt he didn't need it. Perhaps he hasn't had the company around him that would support him in his life or career. Being a black professional footballer made his rise in life and the game even tougher. Clearly this should not be the case in the modern day. Maybe Mario hasn't dealt with these awful situations as well as he may of done. He has had plenty of racist abuse in his what is a very short career being at the age of 24. Both at AC Milan and Inter Milan he suffered from frequent incidents directed at him, whilst playing against Juventus. 

When you hear of these stories you start to feel sorry for the guy. But you then realize he has everything he wants, as a footballer he has accumulated plenty of money by playing for such big and upstanding clubs. Being paid the obscene like all footballers in the modern era. He can have almost anything he wants... or so he may think. This also I think leads to him thinking he's better than he actually is. I am in know way trying to put a mark on his ability as we all know what he can do on a good day. But in 5 maybe 6 years he could possibly be as good as he thinks he is now.

Mario definitely has the technical ability to suceed at the highest level of football, he sometimes chooses the wrong passes and makes the wrong decisions in games and that's where a lot of the time his teamates have tended to get on his back. Most recently at Liverpool FC he has looked very selfish, like he has lost his love for the game. Many football fans who know of Balotelli will know that he adores the game of football and is always looking to improve. He is now at a club where you cant make to many mistakes before they look to offload you. Mario has to be careful at Liverpool FC because they have values and principles that set a certain standard. Not unlike any other team but mostly about working for each other during a game. The fans reactions about Mario Balotelli and his first couple of months as a LFC player haven't been great. As a Liverpool FC fan I can see where they are coming from with him. You would think he would want to impress at a new club, not be all lack luster and seem as if he is in his own world for good parts of the game. His record from other clubs is something to be admired especially the latter from AC Milan scoring 26 in 43 appearances. When last in the Premier League he scored 20 in 54 appearances for Manchester City which isn't the greatest. One thing that needs to be improved and that is a certainty, in those 54 games for Manchester City Mario only managed the 1 assist. This however was to assist Sergio Aguero for the goal that was to win City there first league title.

Stan Collymore said a few weeks back on TalkSport that 'Mario Balotelli could be one of the youngest footballers ever to disappear from the game' . 

I really hope this doesn't happen there is so much talent in this young man but he seems to not see it in himself. Or there is to much belief, an arrogance in his ability, such as he doesn't need his teamates on the day. As a football fan I hope there is more to come from Mario Balotelli on the world stage, he was left out of the Italy squad, for recent internationals with the manager giving 3 other strikers the opportunity. I not only believe that Mario can become a great player on a domestic stage, I also believe that he can do it on a world stage when given the chance again. He is half way there with his ability, he just now needs to sort out his attitude toward not only the game and his teamates, but also himself. I think that given time Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool FC will be able to morph Balotelli into the player we all want to see. A truly Super Mario.

Thank you for reading, Anthony.