Ahead of the Game: Rafa unapologetic

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

 

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007. 1600 BST
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The news in 60 seconds

RAFA UNAPOLOGETIC
Rafael Benitez has said he would substitute Stevie G again if necessary in Liverpool's Champions League tie against Besiktas tomorrow. He denied, though, that he had a row with his captain after withdrawing him at the weekend.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article2725148.ece

FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tonight's Champions League matches feature Manchester United at Dynamo Kiev, Arsenal at home to Slavia Prague and a potential classic between Rangers and Barcelona at Ibrox. You can follow them all with our live match tracker.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/live_match_tracker/

GALLAS PUTS BOOT IN
Never one to miss an opportunity to criticise Chelsea, William Gallas has said Arsenal play more entertaining football than his former club. Worryingly for Slavia Prague, Arsenal's Champions League opponents tonight, Arsene Wenger has promised that his side can get even better.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article2719606.ece

MAKS ATTACK
Perhaps you've heard of Maksim Shatskikh. A hero in his native Uzbekistan and recently the scorer of five goals against Taiwan, Shatskikh is Dynamo Kiev's key man and will front their attack against Manchester United tonIght. Sir Alex Ferguson is still confident of victory, though. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article2719600.ece

LYONS WANT DROGBA
Jean-Micheal Aulas, the Lyons president, has admitted he would love to sign Didier Drogba, whose fragile heart was broken by the departure of Jose Mourinho. "Everything is possible in football," the scheming Aulas said.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2719760.ece

SKY BLUES EMBARGOED
Coventry City have had a transfer embargo placed on them by the Football League after a proposed club takeover collapsed. What difference it will make is unclear. In debt to the tune of £28million, the cheques at Iain Dowie's club had a certain bouncebackability anyway.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article2723819.ece

SOUNESS RULES OUT BOLTON
Graeme Souness is no longer in the running to become the new Bolton Wanderers manager. Apparently Souness had a chat with Phil Gartside, the Bolton chief executive, and decided he'd rather spend time in the Sky Sports studio.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/bolton/article2724059.ece

DIMITAR DISOBEYS
Martin Jol described Tottenham Hotspur's defending as disastrous against Newcastle United last night. Dimitar Berbatov wasn't happy either, refusing to warm up as a replacement and then cold-shouldering his manager at the final whistle.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2709564.ece

NEVILLE STILL POSITIVE
Phil Neville believes that Israel will get a result against Russia and allow England to qualify for Euro 2008. Fair play to Neville. After almost a decade of being trumped by younger full-backs, he still says good things about the national team.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2723984.ece

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If you've got another couple of minutes

While other British managers fall in line with the so-called continental approach to match preparation, AotG was delighted to hear that Alex McLeish has stayed true to Glasgow's singular culinary traditions during his side's Euro 2008 qualification campaign. Untroubled by the gastric possibilities of a good vindaloo, the Scotland manager has taken his squad to Mr Singh's India, a curry house in Glasgow, before each of their home games. McLeish became familiar with Mr Singh's during his time as Rangers manager, partly because Mr Singh is a huge fan of his former club. Presumably McLeish will book a table before the critical qualifier against Italy next month. Our suggestion? Go for the Madras, lads, and add fire to your belly.

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3
Number of wins achieved by Fulham in their past 30 league matches

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A quickie before you go, sir?

Watch Newcastle push Martin Jol closer to the dole queue with our televised highlights from their handsome victory over Tottenham last night. You'll also find the best action from all the weekend's matches.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2236741.ece

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>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
Some might spray - The Sun
What's the story: 1.) Noel Gallagher upset Colleen McLoughlin by not taking seriously a birthday request for Wayne Rooney. 2.) The Manchester City-supporting singer signed a guitar that Colleen bought for Wayne with the message "Happy Birthday Fatboy" and sprayed it light blue. 3.) It's an old gag - Noel once signed much worse on a guitar for Gary Neville
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What's in The Game

In the Game Podcast, Tony Cascarino sits down with sports psychologist Dr Jim Golby and asks if the England players' mental approach is holding them back. In a fiery debate with Guillem Balague , Tony also says Rafael Benitez was right to substitute Steven Gerrard against Everton. Neither shrinks from the argument.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2709966.ece
In the Fanzine Fanzone Gareth Harrison has valiantly resisted the effects of (another) long hangover and posted a tribute to a suddenly solid Newcastle defence and a formation - get this - that doesn't favour the Allardyce long ball. http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/2007/10/hangovers-on-a-.html
In the Game Debate , Tony has sparked some impassioned reponse by suggesting that the FA consider Harry Redknapp for the England job. Most of you agree, though a few dismiss Harry as cheque-book manager. Imagine.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-redk.html
Worried that David Moyes might spontaneously combust if he is the victim of another contentious referee's decision, Tom Dart reckons that the Premier League should start importing the best officials from abroad.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/mark-clattered.html

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>>>>> THE RIVALS <<<<<
Fergie: Rooney and Tevez are my new Cole and Yorke - Daily Mirror
Theo sets benchmark for Arsene contenders - Daily Mail
Come and join us, Ipswich tell Beckham - The Daily Telegraph

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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"Having recently been to Naples I feel that the fine imposed upon Inter is a little harsh. Had they [Inter fans] displayed a banner reading 'Naples, the sewer of Europe' they may well have avoided financial penalties." The banner said Naples was the "sewer of Italy". Thanks to Matt Keeler for the qualification.

"The Tottenham board have to take action. The director of football has done nothing to help. Comolli is just as culpable as Jol and Hughton. He has recruited the wrong sort of players over the summer and the coaching staff have done little to work on the areas needed. It is clear Spurs need to practise defending. The midfield is lightweight. Jenas, Zokora and Malbranque lack both the competitive edge to dominate games and have no ideas or creativity. Jol needs to play Boateng, Huddlestone, Taarabt and Lennon when fit. They cannot do any worse. Spurs have no direction or leadership and cannot rely on King being fit. Jermain Defoe must start as at least he displays a love for the club." Anthony Graham, from London, wants an overhaul at White Hart Lane.

Sometimes you just say it better than we do, which is why we've dedicated a small corner of this e-mail to your views and boos. Feel free to send us your opinions to sport@timesonline.co.uk

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Tomorrow's news today

- Unrivalled coverage from tonight's Champion League matches
- Gary Jacob examines the crisis at White Hart Lane
- The fallout from the FAI's emergency meeting

And expect . . .

Attempting to explain a naan-flat performance at Ibrox, Barcelona question the motivations of the oddly hospitable local restaurateur they visited the night before.

Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece
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ROBERT DINEEN

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Ahead of the Game: Clattenburg Clanger

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

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Monday, October 22, 2007. 1600 BST
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The news in 60 seconds

CLATTENBURG CLANGER
Following the dignified example of Brian Ashton, the England rugby coach, David Moyes accepted defeat in the Merseyside derby with good grace, despite a controversial decision by the referee ... sorry, we forgot - this is football. Mark Clattenburg has been left off the referees' list for this weekend's matches after the Everton manager launched a tirade against his decision-making.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2716956.ece

DIDA DUCKS BAN
AC Milan's melodramatic goalkeeper Dida has had his two-match ban reduced to one. The goalkeeper was punished for breaching Uefa's "principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship" when he went down like he'd been shot after he was approached by a Celtic fan, but the governing body has decided that the offence is only half as serious as it was two weeks ago.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article2715561.ece

DROGBA AIN'T BROKE
Petr Cech says Didier Drogba is committed to "broken" Chelsea - despite his latest temper tantrum. The forward spat his dummy out of his pram last week, but the goalkeeper says he's only interested in how Drogba's feet do the talking (and he was pretty eloquent against Middlesbrough).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2709552.ece

'STAN' STANDS GROUND
Steve Staunton is refusing to go quietly into the night. The Ireland manager is expected to get his marching orders this week after his team failed to qualify for Euro 2008, but he has turned down the FAI's offer of departure by "mutual consent" and will fight for every Euro he's owed.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2709866.ece

BECKHAM SEASON OVER
David Beckham's season went up in flames after LA Galaxy were beaten 1-0 by Chicago Fire. The star-spangled midfield player managed 33 minutes but couldn't stop his team-mates slumping to a defeat that cost them a place in the MLS play-offs.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/us_sport/article2711966.ece

DIARRA DILEMMA
Lassana Diarra is getting itchy feet at Arsenal just months after leaving Chelsea because of a lack of opportunities. "I'm not stupid. If I come to Arsenal and my situation is the same as at Chelsea, then I should have stayed at Chelsea," he told The Times. "If I come to Arsenal, it's to play." As we're assuming he doesn't mean in the Carling Cup, he could be on his way.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article2709643.ece

BANNER BAN
What would happen if the FA copied the example of its Italian counterparts? Inter Milan have been fined £20,000 for displaying "offensive" banners including slogans such as "Naples, the sewer of Italy". Gabriele Marcotti wonders whether it's political correctness gone mad.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/gabriele_marcotti/article2709582.ece

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>>>>>FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS<<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame, football without censorship
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If you've got another couple of minutes

'ARRY FOR ENGLAND?
Is this the most outrageous suggestion since Steve McClaren was put forward for the job of England head coach? In this week's Game Debate, Tony Cascarino says that 'Arry Redknapp should be the next man in the hot seat if England fail to qualify for Euro 2008.
Replacing McCrackers with a man who's bought more lemons than a geriatric greengrocer may look like another piece of dodgy business, but signing Marco Boogers and Rigobert Song is nothing compared to playing Joleon Lescott at left back in a vital Euro 2008 qualifier.
And is there an English manager with better coaching credentials? At West Ham United, 'Arry helped nurture three of the present England squad - Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard - while he has shown he can move with the times by guiding Portsmouth to fifth in the Premier League. The only thing stopping him, according to Cascarino, is a smear campaign.
What do you reckon? Is Harry the answer to England's problems?
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-redk.html

THEGAME PODCAST
In TheGame Podcast, Guillem Balague and Gabriele Marcotti try to work out why England players go to pieces like a jigsaw in a box as soon as the pressure is on. After the ignominious retreat from Moscow, it should be essential listening for Steve McClaren (and the next England coach). The gang go a step farther than most and put the squad on the psychologist's couch as they talk to an expert about England's mental frailties.
The dynamic duo are joined by Tony Cascarino, who wants to know why Rafael Benitez substituted the second best player in the Premier League in the Merseyside derby. Balague, an authority on the Spanish influence at Anfield, thinks he knows the answer.
The team also stir the Scottish broth as they wonder why football is undergoing a renaissance north of the border. Cascarino played in the SPL for Celtic but he's as baffled as the rest of us. Online from 6pm.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2645945.ece

WHOLE NEW BALL GAME FOR ROONEY
What will the England rugby and football stars talk about, we wonder? In a party that sounds more like a wake after the last week, the nation's football flops are set to join rugby's nearly men at a bash to celebrate Josh Lewsey's testimonial. Wayne Rooney, who's going to have a keepie-uppie contest with Mark Cueto, should at least have plenty to discuss with the rugby boys at Old Trafford next month. Such as giving away silly penalties and controversial, campaign-changing refereeing decisions.
Still, Rooney is likely to be on his best behaviour. Andrew Sheridan is planning a demonstration of his bench-pressing skills, complete with a "human sacrifice". We don't know whether Will and Harry will be attending. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby/article2716548.ece

WENGER'S BIRTHDAY
If teetotal Jonny Wilkinson can let his hair down to go out on the razzle, surely Arsene Wenger can loosen his side-parting to celebrate his 58th birthday? Apparently not. Wenger, who is staying in tonight with a glass of wine to watch Newcastle United play Tottenham Hotspur, has said that all he wants for his birthday is a decent performance against Slavia Prague. That sounds about as much fun as a celebratory bash between England's dejected rugby and football stars (with Lewis Hamilton as special guest), so Ahead of the Game has come up with some ideas for presents. For a start, we reckon the Gallic general could do with a big bag of cotton wool with which to wrap up Cesc Fabregas, while we surely won't be the first to suggest a monitor for his dugout, so he can see those contentious decisions. The European Cup, one of those things money (or an immaculate scouting network) hasn't been able to buy, would also be nice, while a copy of The Times rich list could help him find a billionaire to bankroll the signing of a decent goalkeeper. And if the players are really struggling for party ideas, they could always play pin the tail on Philippe Senderos.
Got any better ideas? Send them to sport@timesonline.co.uk

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18
Number of minutes Lassana Diarra has played for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. He has played 180 minutes for France in competitive matches.
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A quickie before you go, sir?

FREE PREMIER LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS
Watch Craig Gordon's outrageous own goal, Steven Gerrard throw himself to the ground to win that penalty, Phil Neville pull off a full-length save, 'Arry's men march on and Arsenal continue their winning ways. Premier League highlights from all the matches, free of charge.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article2236741.ece

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>>>>>THE TABLOID SCANDAL<<<<<
Sven gave me £10k when I became lover - News of the World
What you need to know: 1) The Svengali of Love is going through Manchester mums like Elano cuts through opposition defences. 2) His latest conquest, cleaning lady Saima Ansari, has spilled the dirt on their bizarre fling after discovering he has been using her as a substitute for another yummy mummy. 3) Although the Swedish smoothie had a deft first touch in the bedroom, he used to drive her mad with his obsession for "tidy" sex - he would fold his expensive clothes before bedding her and comb his hair between romps. 4) He was so worried about being rumbled on his dates that he would swap his Armani suit for a shell suit and flat cap when the two went out on the town.
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In TheGame

In Fanzine Fanzone, our Man City man admits he's starting to get bored with all these humdrum, routine victories. Ric is longing for the heady days of farcical defending and shot-shy strikers that preceded Sven's cool reign. Well, almost. Elsewhere, Derby County may have been relegated by the bookies, tabloids, message boards and Nostradamus, but Chris Smith, our Rams fan, still dares to dream.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/
Bill Edgar explains why Williams is the most popular name in Wrexham as he gives his unique statistical take on the weekend's action.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/weekend-in-numb.html
Two penalties and a couple of sending-offs may have had David Moyes spitting bricks, but it's small beer compared to these classics. In the latest of our series of Greatest... we look at the top Merseyside derbies.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-greatest-me.html
Alan Carr thinks John Hartson's decision to move to Norwich City has more to do with the half-time pies than his hunger for the game. See who's hot and who's not in the Topical Barometer .
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/alan-carrs-to-2.html
In this week's QA, Terry Christian tells Kaveh Solhekol why radio rival Alan Green sounds like a sweaty man in a brothel when he commentates on Liverpool.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/qa-terry-christ.html

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>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* Foot of Gord: Craig's freak own goal saves Curbs - The Sun
* He must have run over a Black Cat: Gordon's bad luck - Daily Mirror
* Moyes fury at clear-cut injustice - The Daily Telegraph
* Mersey Mayhem - Daily Mail
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

David (I never speak about referees) Moyes' comments are a disgrace from a so-called PL manager. To question the integrity of an official, whether he thinks the decisions are right or wrong is totally out of order. Here's hoping the PL hand out a lengthy touchline ban.
Get over it Moyes. Talk about bitter...
Tony is from Merseyside. We're guessing the red half .

Time to bring in European referees - too many of ours are "homers" when it comes to certain top teams and it stands out a mile. Everton should have had two penalties - the rugby was not due to start until much later in the day.
We'll give Dave from Flintshire the benefit of the doubt and assume he was talking about bias rather than which team the ref plays for.

Sometimes you just say it better than we do, which is why we've dedicated a small corner of this e-mail to your views and boos. Feel free to send us your opinions to sport@timesonline.co.uk

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Tomorrow's news today

- Arsenal and Manchester United look to build on perfect starts in Champions League
- Rangers aiming to prove they are no soft touches for Barcelona
- Oldest club in the world prepares to mark 150th anniversary

And expect...

Sven to return the flat cap to Wayne Rooney and thank him for the disguise.

Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

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Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
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Ahead of the Game: FA start the hunt

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

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Friday, October 19, 2007. 1600 BST
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The news in 60 seconds

FA START THE HUNT
Brian Barwick has backed Steve McClaren but Soho Square insiders say that the search for a new England manager will begin soon. Leading candidates include Martin O'Neill, Jurgen Klinsmann and Jose Mourinho, even though the former Chelsea coach wants a club job. No, Mr Gartside, he wants a big club.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2690053.ece

ENGLAND'S STRUCTURAL FLAW
Martin Samuel says the next England manager must configure a side that can play in more than one formation. The situation is so bad that Martin uses Mathieu Flamini as an example of the type of player we need to produce. Which begs the question: can't we go in for Arsene again?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/martin_samuel/article2690198.ece

TERRY SURGERY
John Terry will be unavailable to Chelsea for three weeks after having an operation on his injured knee today. Ashley Cole, his club-mate, will miss a month after hurting his ankle. Both players did the damage on England duty. Oh, how we missed them.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article2695696.ece

ISRAEL WILL 'NOT SURRENDER'
The Israeli FA have denied conspiracy theories that the national team will lose against Russia - thus ensuring their qualification for Euro 2008 - because of the close ties between the countries' football set-ups. "Israel is not a country that would surrender," a touchy official said. He's probably right.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2690011.ece

BILIC ACTS FUNNY
Not only does Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, have expert management skills but he also does a neat line in black humour. He told reporters England will qualify for Euro 2008. Hilarious.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2693401.ece

FOXES SPURN BOLTON
Leicester City have rejected a request from Bolton Wanderers to talk to Gary Megson about replacing Sammy Lee. "I showed immense faith in Gary after a sustained period out of the game," said Milan Mandaric, the Leicester chairman, with a fact that makes Bolton's inquiry only more odd.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/bolton/article2694580.ece

BECKHAM ON THE MEND
Golden Balls has made his first appearance for LA Galaxy since injuring his knee in August, coming on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with New York. "He's rusty," his manager, Frank Yallop, said. "He hasn't hit many corners in a while." No corners? Goddam, what does he do with his offense overtime?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2693256.ece

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>>>>> FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS <<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame - the major league
* It's free and you can still enter
* Win monthly prizes and tickets to the Euro 2008 final
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/playthegame
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I f you've got another couple of minutes

PELE ADMIRES BLADES DISPLAY!
Tony Currie, Neil Warnock, Dean Windass . . . Sheffield United could have chosen from a longish list of native heroes to open two new exhibitions at the club but instead they chose a certain Brazilian interloper. Yes, Pele will head to Yorkshire next month to unveil one display commemorating the club's 150-year anniversary and another marking 30 years since the U-21 match at Bramall Lane in which Laurie Cunningham became the first black player to represent England. Simon McCabe, an incredulous club director, said: "When Pele heard about our exhibitions, he immediately wanted to be involved."

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59%
Steve McClaren's win ratio as England manager. Brian Ashton's is 53%, although that will improve tomorrow night. Oh, yes, it will.
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A quickie before you go, sir?
Imagine if Bilic was serious. Imagine if he really believed Israel could beat Russia. Is there evidence to back him up? Well, this clip of the Chelsea wonderkid Ben Sahar suggests as much. Watch his peformances for Israel U-21s or the two goals he scored for the senior team against Estonia and you'll quickly realise the 18-year-old has rare strength and skill, and serious finishing ability. Chelsea, incidentally, signed him from Hapoel Tel Aviv for only £320,000. Are there really no special ties? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAPywsVf15A

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>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
Speedy ace: Roo unc in TV rap - The Sun
What you need to know: 1.) Wayne Rooney's favourite uncle has been fined £4,000 for illegally showing Sky Sports football in his pub. 2.) Both of the incriminating games featured Liverpool, against Chelsea in the Community Shield and Sheffield United in the Premiership. 3.) His uncle, John Morrey, has sold the boozer. 4.) Well, if you're going to watch Sheffield United you may as well drown your sorrows in drink . . .
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In TheGame

Gabriele Marcotti has responded to your comments on The Game Podcast . Apparently the co-presenter of our podcast also appears on Chelsea TV but only because it helps him to escape babysitting duties.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2645945.ece
Wearing his other hat as a Times columnist, Gabriele has won your praise for his suggestion that Fifa base their player of the year award only on media hype and performances in TV adverts.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/gabriele_marcotti/article2658345.ece
Rob from CFC Net has won Fan of the Month for his erudite contributions to Fanzine Fanzone . While many at Stamford Bridge lost their head, Rob kept his and wrote the best biased analysis of the south London soap opera you'll find online.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/fanzine_fanzone/
England's Euro 2008 campaign has had some terrible results but it also inspired some excellent journalism. We've trawled The Times' archive and compiled the best reports and analysis from the games that hurt the most.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2686254.ece

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>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* Mourinho: I want to be the boss of England - The Sun
* O'Neill top of the list - Daily Mail
* McClaren doing good job, say FA - Daily Telegraph
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"Now that David Dein is not in the way, why not add Arsene Wenger to the [England manager] candidates? He commands the respect of players, does not suffer egos gladly, develops young players almost beyond their potential and knows our national game intimately. Oh yes, I forgot. He's much too big a personality for the FA to manage. After all, someone who has been involved in the England set-up over the years is available. Sammy Lee, anyone?"
Howard Broadwell, Nottingham. Agree with your first suggestion, Howard, but we shouldn't even joke about the second one.

"Martin [Samuel], you keep saying that England only lost in Croatia because of a goalkeeping error. May I remind you that Croatia had 18 shots compared to England's one in that game and could have been out of sight by half-time, if it wasn't for Paul Robinson. Slaven Bilic was nice to the British media in saying that England played well, he was totally different in his thinking when speaking to the Croatian press. His exact words were, 'England were completely outclassed tonight.'"
Goran, our man in Zagreb, helps to explain Bilic's funny turn.

Tomorrow's news today

- Martin O'Neill on why England can still qualify for Euro 2008. He is serious.
- Lehmann future in doubt
- The Fink Tank: reports from the football laboratory.

And expect...

Bilic to tell Croatian media that the closest England fans will get to Switzerland and Austria next year is on a two-centre ski trip.

ROBERT DINEEN

Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

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Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
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Ahead of the Game: England special

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 18, 2007. 1600 BST
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The news in 60 seconds

DROGBA WANTS OUT
Moments after AotG billed today's round-up as an England special, news emerged that Didier Drogba wants to leave Chelsea. Apparently, Jose Mourinho's departure has shattered morale at the club and the forward can't put up with it any longer. At least one Russian won't be happy today, then.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article2688311.ece

McCLAREN'S VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Just when it seemed Steve McClaren's plight couldn't get any worse, Brian Barwick, the FA chief executive, has given the England manager his Full Support. We all know what that means.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2686953.ece

STRAWMAN FEELS THE HEAT
Clutching at the only straw left, Steve McClaren claims the pressure is on Russia because they have to win in Israel. No, Steve, the pressure is on you. Lots of it.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2681797.ece

BULLIES BEATEN
Martin Samuel says that, like most bullies, England are not so brave when the battle is beyond home turf. He is disappointed that McClaren used the lamest excuse of all, a dodgy decision. Nothing to do with naivety, panic or poor tactics, then?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2681804.ece

SCOTLAND POST-MORTEM
The Scotland manager insists his side can make it to Euro 2008 despite defeat by Georgia's kids. He could be right. Qualification is in THEIR hands.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2682213.ece

BRUCE TO WANDER?
Bolton Wanderers want to speak to Steve Bruce about becoming their new manager. They suspect he is unhappy in Birmingham. Surely not.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/bolton/article2686670.ece

CHAIRMAN WENGER?
Peter Hill-Wood reckons Arsene Wenger would make the perfect successor to him as Arsenal chairman. He would also make a good successor to you-know-who.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/arsenal/article2685722.ece

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS <<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame - Guus would
* It's free and you can still enter
* Win monthly prizes and tickets to the Euro 2008 final
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/playthegame
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If you've got another couple of minutes

UNDER THE HAMMER
Rio Ferdinand was taken to the cleaners even before he touched down in Moscow. The England defender has signed a pink mop that a breast cancer charity has put up for auction on ebay. When AotG looked, £34 was the highest bid, which is almost half the price of a ticket for last night's match. A bargain, then.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Signed-Vileda-Pink-Mop-by-Footballer-Rio-Ferdinand_W0QQitemZ110181152746QQihZ001QQcategoryZ11702QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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1,021
Minutes that Ferdinand went without conceding a goal with Manchester United or England. His next spell lasted four minutes.
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A quickie before you go, sir?

VIDEO NASTIES
Choosing the most excrutiating moments of McClaren's regime as England manager is no easy task but AotG thinks it has found the appropriate footage. Click on the first link - if you dare - to relive the tragicomedy of Paul Robinson's air-kick in Croatia. Watch the second for a reminder of the state-of-the-art primary school that McClaren used in preparation for Moscow and run the third - it'll make you smile - for The Times' view of the whole debacle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSwcKZTXpZY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN_V38pUeS4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFfA29ZlfaE

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
Speedy ace: Car to blame - The Sun
What you need to know: 1.) Andrew Taylor told a court that he crashed through the speed limit because his Audi does not feel fast. 2.) A lawyer for the Boro and England U-21 left-back said: "With a vehicle of this kind you can just drift away." 3.) Taylor was banned from driving for 56 days - his second speeding ban this year. 4.) It's funny that an England defender should lose concentration at important moments.
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In TheGame
Tom Dart demands that the phrase "mutual consent" is sent the way of the tackle from behind and Ron Atkinson and exorcised from the game.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-feelings-mu.html
In his responses to your contributions to The Game Debate, Martin Samuel wonders why Sven-Goran Eriksson never managed to get England playing like Manchester City. A fair point, but at least he didn't get them playing like Middlesbrough.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-ma-2.html
Bill Edgar has sparked some lively discussion with his choice of the 50 most significant moments in Manchester United's history. You want to know why there is no mention of Duncan Edwards or David Beckham. Nobody, though, complains about the omission of a certain former assistant manager. . .
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2624171.ece
Bill has also crunched the stats and found that Sam Allardyce was Bolton manager 31 times longer than Sammy Lee. He's twice as tall, too.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/successors-lack.html
The Game Podcast features two brilliant new guests, Tim Lovejoy and Andy Zaltzman, star of The Times' biting new satirical podcast The Bugle.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2645945.ece

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>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* Gerro: I'm to blame - The Sun
* McLeish: We're still in the hunt - Daily Mail
* FA must appoint true leader - Daily Telegraph
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"I don't know why people are surprised about this result, every Boro fan could have told you that Mac's luck would run out. He was found out at Boro, he isn't a good coach, but he is at times lucky, that's all. The man is all flimflam, he believes his own publicity, he tells you are seeing magnificent performances when you are seeing dross. Beckham saved this fool with one cross. If Beckham had refused to play for him, Mac would not have been in the job yesterday. When the FA sack Mac, they must appoint a good manager, not someone who will cow-tow to them. England needs a manager who is his own man, not a puppet of the FA."
Patti, from Middlesbrough, has long run out of patience.

"I didn't watch TV because I was sure that we had no chances in this game. What a surprise. Anyway don't be upset, we will lose to Andorra and Israel - it's a common scenario for our team -}. Great goal from Rooney!"
Bazil from Moscow tries to lift our spirits. With little success. (Is that bracket a Russian moustache?)

"Yesterday's story [in AotG] about Irish fans taking their grandmothers with them to get free admission to a game: any idea if Stephen Ireland went?" Matt C, from London , wins our prize-free email of the day award.

Tomorrow's news today

- The leading candidate who doesn't want the England job
- Myths that McClaren's replacement must dispel

And expect...

AotG to embrace Prozac, at last, and reinvent itself as Ahead of the Oval Ball Game and for us to talk about rugby and only rugby.

Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

ROBERT DINEEN

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
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Ahead of the Game: England have kicked off!

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 17, 2007. 1600 BST
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The news in 60 seconds

ENGLAND HAVE KICKED OFF!
Steve McClaren's side began their do-or-die match with the Russkies at 4pm BST. If the boss isn't watching, follow all the action in our rolling commentary now.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/sports_commentary/football/index.html

SO LONG, SAMMY
Little Sammy Lee has stepped down as Bolton Wanderers manager by "mutual consent". Well, that's how Big Chief Phil Gartside described it. We're not so sure.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/bolton/article2677155.ece

FANS HURT
Moscow police say that five Brits have been hospitalised after they were attacked in Moscow, though the British Embassy put the number at four. Fortunately none of their injuries is serious.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2677021.ece

CAPTAIN'S RETURN ON ICE
John Terry is not playing in today's match after he locked his knee training on the ice-covered toy turf at the Luzhniki Stadium yesterday. Sol Campbell has strapped on his skates and taken the England captain's place.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2673728.ece

GEORGIA ON YOUR MIND?
Alex McLeish has had a meeting with the 'King of Georgia' but gleaned no secrets about his opponents tonight. Courtly appointments aside, the Scotland manager promised no gimmicks in his tactics for today's other Big Match.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2674077.ece

TOTTENHAM RING THE TILLS
Spurs have announced record profits for the past financial year. The club trousered £27.7million despite confusing Darren Bent for a £16m forward. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/tottenham/article2676266.ece

BLUES COME CLEAN
Chelsea have admitted a charge of failing to control their players in the Premier League defeat by Manchester United. Is Billy Davies not guilty of that every week?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/chelsea/article2679068.ece

DIDA CASE ROLLS ON
AC Milan have appealed against the two-match ban that Dida received for staging his death at Parkhead. "He was hit!" said Adriano Galliani, the club's vice-president.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article2678489.ece

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS <<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame - you'll never get sacked
* It's free and you can still enter
* Win monthly prizes and tickets to the Euro 2008 final
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/playthegame
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If you've got another couple of minutes

FLIGHT FRIGHTS
Ramon Calderon's aeronautical troubles continue. A couple of weeks ago, security at JFK Airport mistook the Real Madrid president for a Mexican thief with whom he shares a name. Now, Werder Bremen have told Calderon that his Galacticos cannot fly home immediately after their Champions League tie in Germany next month because the club's new plane breaches night-flying regulations. Apparently, the 135-seater MD-83 jet will make too much noise.

GRAN IDEA
In an attempt to swell the crowd at their recent Dublin derby against Bohemians, St Patrick's Athletic launched a campaign entitled 'Grab-A-Granny'. To the disappointment of those with a Rooney-esque taste in women of a certain vintage, however, the League of Ireland club were not giving away blue-rinsed matriarchs to those who attended. Instead they offered free admission to any fan who brought their grandmother along. Perhaps a little stingily, in the accompanying press release the club regretted that they could not supply barley sweets for the escorted ladies. . .

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5
League One managers have left their job this season, the highest number of the top four divisions.
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A quickie before you go, sir?

SAMMY'S STARTING SIGNAL
It is not often that a chairman gives his manager the dreaded vote of confidence on the day of his appointment. Watch the start of this footage, however, showing Sammy Lee's introductory press conference as Bolton Wanderers manager, and you realise that is exactly what Phil Gartside did to Sam Allardyce's successor. Watch all the clip and you'll see a jobless Big Sam telling reporters that he plans to spend some time in Spain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMu9HVYPY4

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>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
No hex please... we're British - The Sun
What you need to know: 1.) Russian fans have paid a witch called Dambela to put a curse on four England stars. 2.) Her speciality is to make men's privates itch. 3.) Russians credit her for the injuries to Ashley Cole and John Terry, and Frank Lampard's failure to win back his first-team place. 4.) Joe Cole has side-stepped Dambela's spell (perhaps he has too many tricks of his own 5.) AotG needs to scratch (OK, maybe you didn't need to know that)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In TheGame

Martin Samuel has answered the best of your responses to his suggestion that Sven is highlighting the shortcomings of English managers. Our Chief Football Correspondent agrees that Manchester City could break into the top four but warns that the Swede is not a loyal manager.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-ma-2.html
Tom Dart analyses the managerial departures this season and finds that life is even tougher at the bottom than it is at the top. Unless you're Sammy Lee.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/gaffers-who-mad.html
Moritz Voltz takes issue with Sepp Blatter's proposal to limit the number of foreign players allowed at a club. The Times columnist and Fulham midfielder fears such a rule would force him to work in a German restaurant. How awful.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/article2658348.ece
In a godly Game Podcast Times funny man Andy Zaltzman and Tim Lovejoy wonder whether religious faith aids player performance.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* Joleon's 10-year tip for the top - The Sun
* Hiddink: I will break my bad run - Daily Mirror
* Owen told new deal hinges on fitness - The Daily Telegraph
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"I don't think it's fair to leave the Scots out of Ahead of the Game just because everyone expected them to top their group due to the good fortune that they enjoyed in the draw. I know that, in comparison to the quality opposition that England have had to overcome to be on the brink of qualification, it's a nothing story but maybe an article about the cost of securing insurance for players travelling to Georgia would have been an interesting angle since the sporting angle is so unremarkable. Mind you, I'm surprised that the news about England's game made it into Ahead of the Game [yesterday] after seeing the exciting news of a new contract for Giggs and initial discussions about a new contract for Chimbonda." Ben, Edinburgh. Point taken, Ben, consider this an admission of a poor omission.

"The problem with the kind of runs we have seen with the likes of Greece in 2004, South Korea in 2002, and Scotland now is that their spirit and desire take them to the required destination, but there is very little after that.
I mean, let's say that Scotland get to Euro 2008 and go out in the group stages. What next? I think that's where the real test comes, because you then have to change the mindset from 'we could do something here' to 'this had better be something that we expect from ourselves every time'. That was one of the problems Roy Keane had with the Irish squad. Wasn't his gripe that they were happy enough to treat qualifying for the World Cup as the end in itself? Scotland have the players at the right age to make this a long-term rise, if they keep aiming high and believing they are good enough. Lord knows that international football needs more teams like this in the mix to make it interesting." Bharath Janardhan captures AotG's thoughts precisely.

Tomorrow's news today
- Unrivalled coverage of Russia v England, including Martin Samuel, Matt Dickinson, Giles Smith and Bill Edgar

And expect...
AotG, now probably the most impartial football round-up online, to give due coverage to another stirring performance from Scotland in their match against Georgia. Oh, yes, we will.
Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

ROBERT DINEEN

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
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Times Newspapers Ltd is a member of the Direct Marketing Association and registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. To see our privacy policy, click here.

Ahead of the Game: Joleon's the man

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 16, 2007. 1600 BST
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The news in 60 seconds

JOLEON'S THE MAN
So, Mr Lescott, your qualifications. Centre-back for Everton, a couple of good seasons with Wolves and one international appearance, as a substitute, although you didn't play particularly well. Splendid, you're playing left-back for England tomorrow. On a plastic pitch. Good luck.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2666375.ece

LAMPARD LEFT OUT
Poor Frank. His marriage had a little trouble in the summer - yes, allegedly - then his Special boss departed and now Steve McClaren has assigned him to the bench. Again. Not his finest few months. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2666356.ece

JOSE FOR ENGLAND?
How will the FA act if the Russian mission runs aground? Quite possibly by calling the Special One in from the cold, if our intelligence is correct. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2666391.ece

FERNANDO FIT AGAIN
Not a good day for Phil Neville. First Lescott beats him to an England place and now Fernando Torres is ready to don his Alice Band in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. The Spaniard has recovered from the abductor injury he suffered training with Spain.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article2670659.ece

GIGGS DEAL
Sixteen years after Ryan Giggs made his Manchester United debut, the oldest winger in town has signed a year-long contract extension that ties him to the club until at least 2009.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article2671668.ece

CORRECT INDEMNITY
The FA have increased their insurance indemnity on players' injuries to £100,000 a week. The Soho Square suits insist the hike is not due to the likely grated knees and blistered feet out in Moscow.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2669137.ece

BYE, BYE BIANCHI
Rolando Bianchi says he could leave Manchester City if he does not break into the first team by December. "I don't like playing five or ten minutes of games," the Italian moaned, unaware Sven loved the same quality in Darius Vassell.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_city/article2670494.ece

CHIMBONDA CONTRACT
Tottenham have started negotiations with Pascal Chimbonda to extend his contract. Courted by Chelsea in the summer, the French right-back is one of the few Spurs players not to have recently agreed a new deal.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/tottenham/article2670603.ece

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS <<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame - with more bite than Moscow
* It's free and you can still enter
* Win monthly prizes and tickets to the Euro 2008 final
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/playthegame
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you've got another couple of minutes

Few things help AotG survive the day more than the expertly drilled female presenters who anchor Sky Sports News, so it was sorry to hear that Claire Tomlinson has taken a break from presenting due to stress. Informed, polished and a genuine fan - she recently cancelled plans to follow Spurs to Cyprus, for goodness sake - Tomlinson was reportedly carpeted by Sky bosses for not apologising to viewers after the Derby County keeper Stephen Bywater uttered the c-word live on air. A bad mistake perhaps but no worse than choosing Bywater to interview. This is the orator who repeated the singular chant "go on, dildo" and urged viewers to "get their rat out" after the Championship play-off final. Come back soon, Claire, we miss you.

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50
Goals that San Marino have conceded in their Euro 2008 qualification campaign. They've scored one.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A quickie before you go, sir?

Bryan Gary Habana has sprinted to the top of the rugby world but, if his father Bernie had had his wish, the lightning-quick Springbok winger might have taken a different career path and would be burning up the Old Trafford turf. A keen Manchester United fan, Bernie named his son after club legends Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey, which more than justifies the inclusion of this incredible footage of Habana racing a cheetah. England rugby fans will be relieved to discover the animal just about keeps pace: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
Two-way mirror reflects badly on 'spies' - Associated Press
What you need to know: 1) Two unnamed gentlemen were found watching a Danish team meeting at the Women's World Cup from behind a two-way mirror. 2.) The men were holding video cameras. 3.) The Danes made no official complaint. 4.) In fact, the girls were said to be quite flattered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In TheGame

Tackling the Frank Lampard Debate in The Game Podcast, Tim Lovejoy says he never booed a player on a team he supports, though he did laugh at Winston Bogarde. On a more pious note, Times funny man Andy Zaltzman suggests faith unfairly aids performance and the authorities should test footballers' religious convictions. Plus, stats guru Bill Edgar reveals which English midfielder returned the worst figures against Estonia (they're embarrassingly bad).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2645945.ece
In QA, Ricky Tomlinson posits perhaps the most penetrating case yet for the dismissal of Steve McClaren. "You can ride two horses with one arse," argues Ricky, claiming that McClaren's role as assistant to Sven should have precluded his promotion to the Big Job. http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/qa-ricky-tomlin.html#more
Resident travel experts Steve Keenan and Ian Belcher have compiled a five-minute guide to Moscow. They suggest England fans making the trip should pack a trunkful of dollars and prepare for a vodka-sinking party city.
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/destinations/europe/article2664528.ece
Martin Samuel has sparked another impassioned Game Debate, with readers divided on whether Sven's success at Manchester City spells trouble for English managers. Be sure to say your piece.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-is-e.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* Rio: End my Euro Pain - The Sun
* Hiddink blasts McClaren - Daily Mirror
* Lay off Owen, says Shearer - Daily Mail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"Man City could be a bigger club than Chelsea with Sven at the helm. Transfer fees seem to be two-tier now depending on the size and stature of the club. Henry goes to Barca and the fee is less than Bent going to Spurs. Torres was a relative bargain too if you look at the transfer fees Liverpool recouped when selling Bellamy et al to lesser clubs. City have a good ground, a wealthy benefactor, a strong support and a big name manager. Add a cut-price Michael Owen to the current squad and you've got the makings of a top four club for sure. You'll know they are really getting there though if they then flog Samaras to Middlesbrough for the same money they spent on Owen." Perhaps, Kevin , but surely even Boro wouldn't employ Samaras.
"England have suffered in the past because the manager has often automatically selected the 'big name' players without giving enough thought to blending a cohesive team. Dropping Lampard is a good thing but we should all remember that McClaren only discovered the Gerrard/Barry combination by accident - his hand had been forced due to injuries. Yet he still takes credit for it. Brilliant!" Poor McClaren, nobody will ever praise him, not least Luciano from Bristol .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tomorrow's news today

- Terry: I'm fit and ready
- Cascarino on why McClaren must stay positive
- Bill Edgar's brilliant statistical analysis of England v Russia

And expect...

News to emerge that, in an attempt to simulate fully conditions in Moscow, England players spent a night man-marking glamour models in a baroque Mayfair nightclub.
Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

ROBERT DINEEN

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

If you no longer wish to receive this e-mail, please click here to unsubscribe (you must be logged in to do so). If you wish to contact our Customer Services team, please send an e-mail to info@newsint.co.uk, or if you wish to speak to a Customer Services representative,  please call 0207 860 1133.

News International Limited, 1 Virginia Street, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International Group and is registered in England No 81701.

Times Newspapers Ltd is a member of the Direct Marketing Association and registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. To see our privacy policy, click here.

Ahead of the Game: PLASTIC PRACTICE

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Alpha mail. The only truly useful football e-mail

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, October 15, 2007. 1600 BST
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The news in 60 seconds

PLASTIC PRACTICE
Guus Hiddink, the Russia manager, insists the artificial pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium will not give his side an advantage against England on Wednesday. He expects Steve McClaren's side to get all the practice they need on the plastic playground at the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham (http://bth.trafford.sch.uk/new/index.php). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2663179.ece

YOUNG CALL-UP
McClaren has called up Luke Young, the Middlesbrough right-back, to provide cover at, um, left-back for England's big night in Moscow. The England manager had his hand forced because Ashley Cole is injured and Phil Neville is Phil Neville. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2659268.ece

NO WATER TORTURE
McClaren has asked Russia not to soak the Luzhniki Stadium pitch overnight. The England manger is worried because Spartak Moscow confused Celtic by wetting the synthetic turf before their Champions League tie. The hosts left the pitch bone dry for training. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2658642.ece

IRELAND: HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW?
Stephen Ireland may quit international football because his team-mates have taunted him about an alleged hair transplant or hair piece. Irish journos report that Ireland withdrew from the squad that faced Germany after players noted the midfielder's thickening mop, pinned him to the ground and checked for evidence of a wig.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/euro_2008/article2659431.ece

SISSOKO MUST BATTLE
Rafael Benitez has told Mohammed Sissoko not to give up his fight to win back a first-team place at Liverpool. "I have confidence in him," Rafa said, a week after culling the midfielder from the squad. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article2661701.ece

SIDIBE ASSAULT
Mamady Sidibe is receiving treatment at his club Stoke City after fans attacked him and Fredi Kanoute following Mali's victory 2-0 in Togo. According to Jean-Francois Jodar, the Mali coach, "there was blood everywhere". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article2662721.ece

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>> FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH BRAINS <<<<<
* Register today for PlayTheGame, with more body than Ireland's barnet (even his new one)
* It's free and you can still enter
* Win monthly prizes and tickets to the Euro 2008 final
* http://www.timesonline.co.uk/playthegame
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you've got another couple of minutes

GRANT'S LICENCE
Now, AotG has crammed. It's (barely) passed school exams after a night of sweat, fluked a degree in a productive panic and scored a journalism diploma in a couple of months flat - funny how it doesn't show, huh? Yet Avram Grant will shortly surpass each achievement if a rumour on the mill is true. Word has it the new Chelsea coach will gain his pro-licence Uefa badge with a two-week programme in Tel Aviv in February. Had he stayed in England, the Israeli would have spent a year with the FA studying modules that include season-long strategy, interpersonal skills and how to lose gallantly in the knockout stage of a major tournament.

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14
Number of times Joe Cole beat an opponent against Estonia; Shaun Wright-Phillips did so twice.
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A quickie before you go, sir?

REY IS FREE-KICK KING
Forget David Beckham. Scrub Roberto Carlos. Andrea Pirlo? Pah! On the evidence of this footage from Venezuela's win over Ecuador yesterday, Jose Manuel Rey is the best dead-ball specialist in the world. Watch and marvel as the defender's brilliant shot from close to the halfway line clears the wall, dips over the keeper and sends the possibly biased South American commentator into baritone whoops of delight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA7fdmdXRT4

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>>>>> THE TABLOID SCANDAL <<<<<
Jose 'had two other affairs' - The Sun
What you need to know: 1) Jose Mourinho faces claims he had two more affairs to add to the recently revealed tryst with shop girl Elsa Sousa. 2.) Carolina Salgado, the former girlfriend of the president of FC Porto, wrote of the covert couplings in the first draft of a new book - but omitted them from the final edition. 3.) The Special One romps to Bryan Adams (no, not Summer of '69). 4.) AotG had no idea Mourinho might rotate lovers as frequently as his back four. Allegedly.
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In TheGame

Gabriele Marcotti sparks rather more of a debate than he intended in TheGame Podcast when he puts it to Tim Lovejoy, host of 606 and former front man of Soccer AM, and Andy Zaltzman, Times comedian (!), that religion in football is performance enhancing. Guillem Balague and the rest of the crew also speculate about which players are committed advocates of hypnotherapy as a performance-enhancing practice. Ready to download from 6pm. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/audio_video/podcasts/thegame/article2645945.ece
In the new Game Debate, Martin Samuel argues that Sven-Goran Eriksson's success at Manchester City will make Premier League chairmen think twice before employing an English coach, particularly Alan Curbishley. http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/the-debate-is-e.html
Walter Gammie, our resident non-League expert, visits Leighton Buzzard, rising stars of the British Gas Business midlands division who recently suffered trouble on the terraces. According to Walter, Bedfordshire blood spilled, the police arrived and, yes, the hatch on the club bar came down.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/leighton-a-vict.html
In his weekly Fiver, Tony Cascarino highlights five pertinent events from the weekend, including the epoch-defying PA announcement at Lansdowne Road that "West Germany" made a substitution in the 0-0 draw with the Irish Free State ... sorry, the Republic of Ireland.
http://timesonline.typepad.com/thegame/2007/10/tony-cascarin-1.html

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>>>>>THE RIVALS<<<<<
* All tights on the night... Robbo dressed for plastic - The Sun
* This is the greatest test since our Soviet Union days - Daily Mail
* Lamps will tough it out - Daily Mirror
* McLeish heads to Georgia without key players - The Guardian
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Joe Bloggs' Soapbox

"I think that Eriksson's success is a good thing for English managers. It is a timely reminder (a blueprint almost) of what is required to be a good manager. Improve your contacts and your scouting network for starters, Eriksson had loads of money but through his contacts he was able to get players like Elano and Petrov. His success ensures that any young English manager who wants to succeed has to bring his A game. Success breeds success, it's up to the likes of Steve Bruce and co to rise up to this brave new world of football management." Baller84. Nice point. Not sure if Bruce is the best man to lead the revolution, though.

"McClaren is wrong to say there is no difference [between performances on grass and on a synthetic surface]. Spartak's goal against Celtic would have gone wide had it been on a grass pitch - the spin the ball took when it hit the surface took it in. Spartak also had a chance in the second half which was headed into the ground. Again, had it been on a grass pitch, it would have resulted in a goal, only the ball bounced over the crossbar." Ballycastlebhoy, Antrim. Paul Robinson, you have been warned.

Sometimes you just say it better than we do, which is why we've dedicated a small corner of this e-mail to your views and boos. Feel free to send us your opinions to sport@timesonline.co.uk

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Tomorrow's news today
- Revealed: the England team to play Russia
- Sir Bobby Robson on fighting cancer

And expect...
Steve McLaren to ask David Pleat, manager of Astroturf-era Luton Town, to brief England on the pitfalls of playing on a plastic pitch. Call it artificial intelligence.

Spread the word. It's like pyramid selling but without the hassle. Click on the following link if you (or your friends) want to subscribe to this newsletter:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2187217.ece

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Anonymous tips, suggestions, funnies, fan mail and complaints: sport@timesonline.co.uk
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