I’ve enjoyed a relatively peaceful build-up to tonight’s much-anticipated game. Normally very nervous ahead of such occasions, I was treated to a few things that amused me enough to keep my mind off it.
Firstly, I was delighted to see Sky sack Andy Gray. I actually quite enjoyed his analysis some of the time (maybe it’s just a familiarity thing), and there was no doubt he was good at what he did, and very much the face of Sky Sports, along with Richard Keys and the great Martin Tyler.
BUT, his comments the other day against Sian Massey were totally unacceptable, and the sacking of a lead pundit for what some people might have brushed off as a bit of ‘good old-fashioned boys’ banter’, sends a strong message; the world is changing and if you can’t keep up, then take your prejudice elsewhere.
Sadly, sexism, as well as racism and homophobia still continue to ruin the beautiful game (and indeed the world), but who knows? Maybe now those stubborn old-fashioned types will feel a little more embarrassed, as Gray’s sacking makes him look like nothing but a bigoted old idiot.
I’m unsure as to why Richard Keys has so far escaped punishment. Hopefully he’s next.
Anyway, on a lighter note, our old friend Emmanuel ‘Adebarndoor’ is being strongly linked with a move to none other than Real Madrid! Jose Mourinho’s side are short of strikers at the moment, and see the former Gunner as a decent short-term option, and hope to secure him on loan until the end of the season.
When will the world realise how rubbish he is? He had one good season at Arsenal 3 years ago now and has done nothing since. We got the deal of the century as we sold him for a reported £25million, and it didn’t take too long for City to realise he’s a bit crap too, so now he warms their expensive bench.
It must be said, Mourinho is one for getting the best out of limited players, and this might just be the most impressive of the lot if he manages it. If not, one would expect Ade to soon make the move to Fulham or West Ham who are more his sort of level.
And finally (laughing out of sheer relief here), Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for Spurs reserve and injury table superstar Jonathan Woodgate.
The manager has hinted that he will look into the possibility of bringing in a centre-back on loan, but his worries in that position have been eased with the pending return of Sebastien Squillaci from injury.
Wenger revealed: “We were not after Woodgate, who I like as a player, but we are not after him.
That was not on our mind at all, [it was] completely out of the blue. Squillaci being available makes it much easier.”
Let’s all be thankful for that. And let’s hope this fine day continues with a place in the Carling Cup final by the end of the night.
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