Written by Jerry Saturday, 10 October 2009 10:31
That’s the thing about fate. You don’t know what it is and you can’t change it. You don’t know what it is but you can smell it. You cannot see or know your fate but you know it’s in the room - you can sniff it and you can sense it. And it’s usually a bastard.
Everybody has a fate but it’s only interesting when it belongs to the great and the good. Football managers of Premier League clubs come into this category as do some of the players. Which brings us to El Camarero Gordo, Liverpool’s manager, and O’Neill and Heskey.
Yes, I know Cahill and Brian Doogan were the news yesterday, which is great – as far as it goes, but it’s not as absorbing as the fat waiter and the international striker who can’t get a starting berth for his own club.
I think I can smell the waiter’s fate. He will never win the prize he covets. If it is to be done, it must be while Gerrard is still a force and ageing, like fate, is inevitable. Can Liverpool afford to waste the productive chunk of Gerrard’s career under the stewardship of a man who spent his formative years working in a restaurant?
I think others can smell it as well. I think the collective nose of The Kop can smell it, certainly George Gillett, the owner, can. “In the last 18 months, we have invested £128 million on top of what has come in. That means it should be getting better. Now if it’s not getting better, it’s not Gillett and Hicks, it’s the manager,” Gillett said in the Telegraph on Tuesday.
I think the waiter will have his P45 handed to him shortly and I, for one, will be sad. First off, his replacement will likely be more competent, therefore a bigger challenge to ambitious clubs, and secondly, who will we have to take the gypsy’s kiss out of? I love observing him and writing about him. He’s engagingly comical – endearing almost. We shall miss him.
I shall not miss Heskey. What’s the point of Emile? I mean ... what’s the point? What does he do? I was going to start this piece under the banner “Does Emile Heskey tie his own bootlaces before a match?” or “Can Emile Heskey find his own way from the dressing room to the pitch” Can he even find the stadium from his home? But Damian would delete it as unfair.
Heskey can smell his fate. He knows he’s under-performing and it’s going to end in tears. He plays his football under the burden of this knowledge – which is why he’s so crap. It’s unfair, really, of O’Neill to even play him whilst the player carries this affliction. But what can he do? He’s probably the only person that can’t smell it.
Other players can sense it so they’ll do what they always do – be supportive and say complimentary things. It’s the polite thing to do. The problem is that O’Neill will tend to believe this nonsense and continue to play him.
I know you all love to talk about ‘formations’ and Lerner’s obligations as an owner and such, so I’m sorry to bore you with this stuff but the success or failure of great enterprises depend on this sort of thing. In a fit of pique Abramovich dispatched the Special One and the Gods would not forgive him. And Chelsea suffered.
We could still get lucky. Heskey might get injured on International duty or, alternatively, score a hat trick, prompting Sparky to buy him for Man City. Hope springs eternal.
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James
said:
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... I too, will be sorry to see FSW go. The beauty of his fate is that he just about does enough to suggest there is more. (God help him if he was at Villa, he'd have been sacked by the learned critics in his first season) Emile, I believe, has the 'yips'. It happens to all the greats. Langer in golf. Harmison in cricket. Eddie in Ski-jumping. It is unfortunatte for him that he is a professional footballer: a sport in which the 'yips' are far more wide ranging. In his particular case, they have a turned a fleet footed goal machine into Lennie Small. Tragic. |
Keith
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... "You cannot see or know your fate but you know it’s in the room - you can sniff it and you can sense it." You seem to be getting 'fate' mixed up with 'fart'. |
jerry
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...Jerry, Heskey is a really nice bloke. Nick, I know it. I sent this in yesterday and I didn't think Damian was going to use it. I was kinda relieved because the piece is bitchy about what, I'm sure, is a nice bloke. But he's crap. And it upsets me when he comes off the bench in front of talented young players who need some time on the pitch. It's not Heskey's fault really, it's O'Neill's. But it's the way I feel. If you earn £2 mil a year for doing something then you ought to do it well and if you don't, and your in the entertainment business, expect some flack. I can't assault Heskey, or Benitez for that matter, neither can I shout at them or be abusive. But I can expose them to ridicule. It's harmless enough and for the money they earn they need to man up and take it. And realise that they are underperforming. Heskey body language on the pitch is suspect. Others have written about it. It's because he lacks confidence and he needs to sort himself out. Nick, if you're offended, I apologise. I confess there is an element of devilment in it but I don't understand what's going on. After the blackburn match I was completely gutted. Not because we lost - that's going to happen - but at the nature of it. |
Keith
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... "The problem is that O’Neill will tend to believe this nonsense and continue to play him." Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic statement. To suggest such a thing is pathetic. I don't rate Heskey either but he must have something that O'Neill and Capello see and we don't. Did I mention that your statement was pathetic? |
jerry
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...You seem to be getting 'fate' mixed up with 'fart'. Nice one. You know when a comment is funny when you wish you'd written it yourself. |
John Jordan
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... keefvilla Nice one mate!..."smell a fart"!....That"s just what I did when I read this article! |
VillaNick
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...Nick, I know it. I sent this in yesterday and I didn't think Damian was going to use it. I was kinda relieved because the piece is bitchy about what, I'm sure, is a nice bloke Sorry jerry, I was being sarcastic, he's a nice bloke, nice blokes always finish last, too nice for his own good, etc etc.... It was kind of a P take, thats about the only good thing people have to say about the player. As a player: utter toilet. |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
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... The thing is, Heskey is rubbish I think we all know that and have known it for quite a considerably time (liverpool days) but the thing is... He could play in the world cup final next year, he could WIN the world cup next year, hell who knows he might even get the winning goal (lampard shoots, comes back off the post, Heskeys fallen over but on the way down his back side comes into contact with the ball) "they think he's fallen over, he has now!" He could be revered like Hirst, Charlton and Ball. So then what will we do, we cant hate him forever, so we may as well embrace him, cheer his every touch, praise every movement or flick.... Maybe not. |
James Clift
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... Jerry/Churchill Heskey is crap! The thing is we'll be left with him until his contract expires cause: 1. O'neill won't want to get rid and accept that he's Villa's worst signing since Balaban. 2. No one out there is stupid enough to buy him and if they did he wouldn't be offered anywhere near what he's on here so he wouldn't go anyway. It pains to say it but we're stuck with the big useless baffoon! |
James
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... Jerry, I've been really enjoying your articles and your writing style. In reading the first half of the post, I couldn't agree more (Although what does that have to do with Villa???). However, when it comes to Heskey, I disagreee. Provided we're starting Gabby & Carew, not Heskey, then I'm actually quite glad to have him in the squad. He's more or less (begrudgingly) won me over since coming to Villa. Although it would be nice to see Delfouneso more often, Heskey can do a great job in certain situations. Don't get me wrong, I'd love even better players to be at Villa (and one day, they will come), but for now, having a player of Heskey's experience and ability is ideal for our squad. Note that I didn't say for the first team. That I would totally agree with you on. The whole point of a first XI and a squad means that your benchwarmers are generally not as good as the starters. I'd have Carew & Gabby ahead of Emile on most days. |
jerry
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...I don't rate Heskey either but he must have something that O'Neill and Capello see and we don't. Fair enough keef. Tell me what I'm missing. |
Keith
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... I don't know mate - I don't see it either. But he is the man leading England's unbeaten charge to the World Cup, so there must be something. |
Siddersonlyfan
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... I know some will throw their hands up in despair but the Heskey dilemma is all about formation. When England play 4-4-2 they play generally with a wide man on the right and then Gerrard on the left who tucks in creating 3 in the midfield. This means more of the play is tight link up play through the middle. This suits Heskey because he is quick and clever and can bring other players into the game - and set up scoring opportunities for them. This is why Owen liked playing with him and Rooney does now. However when Villa play 4-4-2 they play wth two wide men and so most of the attacking comes from crosses - either Milner, Young or Gabbie if he is running down the channels. Heskey as we know is no goal scorer. Further his link up play seems to slow the attack down. He looks for the pass and it isn't on or he has to put it out wide. Ideally I think Heskey is the 1 of a 4-5-1 formation - but Gabbie has this role sown up and rightly so. But if Gabbie played out wide then he could combine with Heskey. But as a 4-5-1 fan because it works I wouldn't want to change that. The reverse is also true. When Gabbie plays for England he doesn't show his best because he thrives in a 4-5-1 counter-attacking style of play and England are playing more possession football and passing through the middle. So we have a situation whereby Heskey is good for England but not for Villa and Gabbie is good for Villa but will struggle for England. The way to let Heskey show his best is to play him as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 when Gabbie needs a rest. And apologies to those who were hoping that there would be no formation talk today |
Car Frost
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... Does anyone else think there may be hope of Steve Bruce signing Heskey in Jan? I really hope his comments are intended to start that little ball rolling. Damian - liking the fate thing, maybe it's our fate to win the world cup as it does feel different under Capello - no hang on I've thought that for the past 5 world cups now lets not go there. |
Damian
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... Emile "The Goal Machine" Heskey: Heskey was released from Wigan in January 2009 after Steve Bruce said "Like Little Britain, the thought of Heskey playing for us just isnt funny anymore." He was signed by Martin O'Neil a week later - his former manager. The media was puzzled as to why O'Neil signed Heskey but then when in the next weeks Hello pictures were published of their gay wedding it all became clear. Aston Villa issued a statement saying,"The fact that Martin and Emile are married has nothing to with Emile's recent signing to the club." Emile ended up preforming good for about 56 seconds or so whilst under O'Neils management. This though, is a lot better than his recent bedroom performences whilst 'under' O'Neil. http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Emile_heskey |
VillaNick
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... It's funny how Carew always escapes critisism isn't it? I am as big a fan as most, however he's a striker and he ain't scoring, that's a fact not an opinion. I have a feeling MON will have Carew out before Heskey which would worry me. |
Steve Clayton
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... VillaNick: Agree, don't think Carew does enough or even looks interested most of the time. I suppose the difference is that Heskey does not have the ability or belief, whereas we can see Carew has - but he just doesn't choose to use it very often. That is opinion, and not fact. |
Michael panizza
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... Carew escapes criticism because - unlike Heskey - he manages to find form and goals much more often than the "England international". It may not be a consistently brilliant form but has to be better than Heskey, which I appreciate is not a major achievement but hey, it's not Carew's fault if competition for the starting 11 up front is so poor  |
VillaNick
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... Squirrel I agree too. he doesn't look interested, it's the story of his life, that's why he has had more clubs than Tiger Woods. This will be his last season, we are just not playing in a way that would accomodate him, shame really. It's his swagger that makes him a hit with the fans. |
jerry
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... anotherjames (Although what does that have to do with Villa???). Good question. From time to time Damian allows the blog to wander off the reservation into non-Villa matters providing we’re talking football. Otherwise we’d end up talking about nothing but formations and the like. The Premier League is theatre. Sometimes, the PL resembles nothing so much as a gladiatorial contest at the Coliseum. And we are the mob. We expect to be entertained and if we get bored we demand blood. Heskey, in one way, is lucky – if he was in the Coliseum, Caesar would, undoubtedly have pointed his thumb down. Today, he goes back to the changing room and counts his money. He has to endure little more than some gentle hostility from the crowd and some irritated satire on a football blog. Nice work, if you can get it. El camarero gordo, la perra de Ferguson : the fat waiter, Ferguson’s bitch. The analogy is coarse but I find it amusing because it has some truth in it. I set out the rationale for this proposition at post 41, ‘Ten more days and Osbourne’, October 7th. At some point last season, Benitez decided to go to war with SAF. He kept referring to him as ‘meester Ferguson’ and alluded to a great conspiracy - in which many had betrayed him - orchestrated by Ferguson. His great achievements were being destroyed Anglo-Saxons and Celts simply because he was fat and Spanish. And, like all good conspiracies, there was a kernel of truth in it. We are the mob, xenophobic and brutal and we love to mock the afflicted. The only way to deal with it is to ignore it. The moment you show that it’s getting to you, we’ll pile on harder. Perhaps the Spanish do things differently, I don’t know. But Man U were unstoppable and are now on course to beat Liverpool’s record of league wins. Liverpool are also-rans. How bitter. The fat waiter belongs to Fergy. James, I’m glad Heskey has a supporter (I don’t feel so guilty now). You are obviously a gentleman. |
Steve Badger
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... Heskey's such an enigma to me. There has to be something there, otherwise so many names in the game wouldn't be saying such good things about him. I take the point that it's polite to do so, but so many seem to genuinely mean what they say, which leaves me perplexed and even guilty when you get the likes of Phil Thompson saying Villa fans ought to support him. The trouble is, he has been crap for Villa and there's no getting away from it. As much as I want to support him and see him doing a good job for Villa, I just don't see it ever happening, so I agree with stuff about "fate". He'll see his contract out here, I reckon and as already stated he's good (albeit expensive) to have in the squad. As for the FSW, I totally agree, he'll never win the Prem for Pool. But after the debacle where he managed to get rid of Parry, I think he's still in a pretty strong position and it'll be a while before he gets the bullet. £128 million above income in 18 months eh?  And some us moan about MON wasting money? |
jerry
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...Emile "The Goal Machine" Heskey: Excellent. |
jerry
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...£128 million above income in 18 months eh? Badge, frightening isn't it. |
Martin Clabon
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... Churchill, as the finest writer on this blog by a mile (Damian doesn't get any where near the top 10) you have a responsibility to use your power for good and not for evil! As a Villa fan I would love to laugh at the Liverpool manager but as he has won 2 Champions Leagues while we continue to be also ran it is not easy As for Heskey, if we had a number of players (midfield, up front or wing) knocking in goals regularly maybe we could criticise our England regular Centre Forward more, but we haven't Black mark  Still your biggest fan though  |
Martin Clabon
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... Churchill, by the way, thumbs down in the Coliseum meant the gladiator survived. Try reading more history and watching less hollywood. I am the mob  |
adam
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... loving the post and comments today. i thought it would be shite with no villa game this weekend  |
jerry
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...Heskey's such an enigma to me. I’ve used The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a dramatic tale from Literature, to try to explain ‘The Heskey Thing’. Perhaps we should consider a different metaphor. I’m sure you’ve all read ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’. When the Great and Good approve of something, the great unwashed go along with it to avoid looking foolish. Capello keeps winning and Capello likes Heskey so... Sorry jerry, I was being sarcastic, I missed the smiley. I keep doing this. Sorry. Emile, I believe, has the 'yips' Nan, this may be the best explanation yet. It happens to all the greats.Really! So he was 'great' then? |
jerry
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... As a Villa fan I would love to laugh at the Liverpool manager but as he has won 2 Champions Leagues while we continue to be also ran it is not easy Here’s the news Sid: two CL cups. Means nothing. Not in the context of what Liverpool are trying to achieve. Benitez would give his two CL cups, both testicles and his immortal soul to win the league. As for Heskey, if we had a number of players (midfield, up front or wing) knocking in goals regularly maybe we could criticise our England regular Centre Forward more, but we haven't Sid, what do strikers do? What do midfielders do? If you want to have a pop at Carew for not scoring, then do it, but you’re saying I can’t be mean to Heskey because the midfield isn’t scoring? I don’t think so. thumbs down in the Coliseum meant the gladiator survived. Try reading more history and watching less hollywood. I’ve looked it up - you may have a point. Actually it’s a grey area, the authorities are still undecided. Furthermore Sid, when I’m well into a good rant, try not to be so pedantic. Do the facts really matter? It’s the feel-good factor. It’s well established: Heskey is a duffer. Quad erat demonstrandum. |
greg1982
said:
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... “Heskey might get injured on International duty.” This is all poor stuff It’s amazing isn’t it? We have the first choice England centre forward in our team (the first since Gerry Hitchens in 1961) and he’s knocked by everyone. So Capello is wrong? I think it’s more that. As with many of our players, O’Neill is simply out of his depth when structuring a team. Much of what we are good at now is to do with good players having a game on their own as if they have just put down their coats as goalposts. Much of what we are poor at is about tactics, formation and organization and not having a good centre midfield. Heskey suffers from the aimless thump up field in the way that Ash and Gabs does. It’s just that Ash and Gabs rescue the scraps better. When was the last time we scored a goal of the quality of Man City last Monday? No creative MIDfield, no Sid/Mers, no good for Ash, Gabs, OR Emile. Give the guy a break. We just aren’t creative enough and Emile must think he’s in a rifle range at VP. I know I’m boring on the subject of a creative midfield but it infests all. |
peter haworth
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... The thing about Heskey is that he helps England win games,which is obviously very important to the national team and most importantly in matches that matter. 1st capped under Keegan,in Svens team that beat Germany 5-1,at the world cup in Japan when England beat Denmark 3-0 and Argentina1-0,in McClarens team that beat Gus Hiddinks Russia 3-0 and in Zagreb for Capellos 4-1 win over the Croats. Capello likes centre forwards such as Heskey who make the space for attacking midfielders like Gerrard and Lampard. What does it matter to England that Heskey has only scored 7 times in 56 games.Heskeys contribution in creating space and tiring defenders is far greater than appears and therefore he will remain in the England team for the world cup. A team player,it is never a question of how many goals he scores but of the number he contributes or how many the team could score when he is in the side. For the way England play Heskey is better at holding the ball,linking the play,creating space for others and pushing the opposing defence back.As a rule England play better with Heskey than without,playing with him in the big games he links the midfield and the team gels together. However as a Villa fan Heskey is not working for us Why ? Obviously,the England midfield is far superior to Villa"s,but Heskey as a squad player for us might prove useful,especially if Gabby is injured.OR when MON buys better midfield players. So my message to the Villa fans who keep slagging him off is to wait and see how the season pans out before calling for his head. |
Rattus NorVillicus
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..."they think he's fallen over, he has now!" ha ha ha ha ha ho hee guffaw As a Villa fan I would love to laugh at the Liverpool manager but as he has won 2 Champions Leagues When ? They've been in the final twice and only won one of them And the one they won was down to 17 minutes of madness from Milan, 17 minutes of divine inspiration from Gerrard, and an unbelievable amount of luck from Dudek - and it wasn't even FSW's team at that stage they were all Houllier's players. FSW is a totally over-rated manager who is lucky enough to manage a team with Gerrard in it. Meanwhile, he's bought hundreds of players that include only one good one - Torres. Take sidwell out of our midfield and put Gerrard in there, and I tell you, even Heskey would start to look like a great player. Benitez Sucks |
VillaNick
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... Do you remember the JG comment about Emile Heskey on his roller skates .........and now they are laughing at us! I Think he might go to Scotland next, unless Bolton get an injury to Kevin Davies. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... FSW major mistake was underestimating how important Alonso was to that team(he was probably more of the heart beat of that team then Garard). He wanted Barry in instead of him last year and Alonso never forgot that which is probably why he wanted to go to Real this summer when they came knocking. You can't replace a player like that too easy as he is one of the top CM's in the world and the others (mainly spanish too) are all at other top clubs already. |
Vijay Daryanani
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... Met Heskey this summer, told him, hey Emmile my son would like a pic with you, youre his fav player, he cudnt believe it!! haha but he was really nice, super, gentle giant |
Steve Badger
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...When the Great and Good approve of something, the great unwashed go along with it to avoid looking foolish. Capello keeps winning and Capello likes Heskey so... And while we keep winning, I'll keep supporting Heskey when he plays for England  But I won't want him to start for us. Maybe he has something to add coming on later, but I can't even see that. I'd rather see Fonz getting more time myself. |
scott harwood
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... agree badger on the fonz issue.i prefer the idea of bringing pace on later in games than power.the opposition are tired so you want someone running the channels and making a nuisance of themselves rather than someone who is gonna be lumbering about holding the ball up.ok it give our attackers time to catch up to the ball but it also give the oppostion defenders time to get back! |
John Clark
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... Great post as always, Jerry... The FSW is indeed a tragicomic character. I do almost feel sorry for him, as I imagine he's utterly confounded by SAF on the pitch, and can't understand a word he's saying off it. And seeing the deep disappointment so poorly concealed on his chubby, cherubic little goateed face is touching. Emile...I think I agree with Siddersonly fan, it's a matter of who he's playing with, where and how. Works for England, doesn't work for us. Maybe it wouldn't matter so much if a couple other players brought more to the game. And yes, whoever pointed out Carew. I do like him, but again...He did work harder in the City game, was back quite a bit, and he does actually score some goals. But a Bent/Defoe or some such up front with Gabby, if we're going to play two, now that would terrorize defenses. |
John Clark
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... Badger, Scott1: Yes. Late on, we should be running at them even harder, not giving them time to regain their shape and close things down. |
Bobby Park
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... Having Heskey in the England side against the cannon fodder we've played in the qualifiers hasn't been to much of a problem so far, against mediocrity you can carry a passenger, and perhaps the thinking is that he'll tke the punishment dished out by 3rd rate Kazakstani defenders who can't get anywhere near Rooney and the like. The problem will come when we get to the world cup and get through the group stage, then its playing against quality and all eleven need to be top notch. I don't think Heskey will figure from tht point onwards. Personally I wouldn't let him near an England or Villa shirt again, he reminds me of Dave Simmons, a striker bought by Tommy Docherty for Villa for £5000. Simmons did have a slightly better goals per game ratio though, I think it was 1 in 10. |
Steve Badger
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... links here; http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast....art=sports Let us know if any work lads please |
Daniel Wilson
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... Shanghai G-Sports ( sop://211.152.36.38:3912/6001 ) running like a peach for me as always via sopcast, cheers badger |
Steve Badger
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... tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=11a6f52b2f7ef28829ecad60a4c32b1c Stunning quality for a stream, but not English. |
James
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... I don't give a fart what he does for England. He may well be very useful with the hoover and cook a nice Sunday Roast, but as a professional footballer for our team, he does absolutely bugger all. He has done bugger all in the past and will continue to do bugger all in the future. I can only assume that MON only got him with several guarantees in his contract. Now, this was probably worth the gamble given the fact that he was cheap and a regular England International. Unfortunately, we lost. But hey ho, there you go. |
Scrumpy
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... Nothing like supporting the players in your team/squad.... Heskey was getting this sort of abuse before he'd even played a game. When are people going to realise that players play better in certain positions and better when a team is playing a certain/specific way. There are very few players I can think of that play well no matter how or who with. Heskey has always played with a strike partner who likes to drop off and play deep/ At Villa we don't have this type of player (the closest we have is probably Young who can play in the hole behind the front line, but by all accounts wasn't that successful when he last played there. Carew, Fonz or Gabby do not play this way). I'd still like to see Milner or when fit Downing playing that Gerard role behind the front line, with two wider midfield players (so playing 433) in attack. Watching any England attack that involves more than a few passes always seems to have Heskey involved at some stage, and nearly always results in a shot being made. And when we say the Villa midfield isn't as good as the England midfield, well it should be and could be (Downing, Young and Milner are in that calibre) Now MON would be mad to play Heskey as the lone front player while Gabby is scoring. Maybe when Gabby gets tired or drops in form, Heskey may give us the ability to play in a different way (especially if the likes of Downing, Milner, Young find good goal-scoring form). To MON's credit he hasn't adapted the team to play around a particular player (for instance this is the FSW achilles heel in that he structures a team around Gerard/Torres but then is buggered if either is injured). Heskey has allowed Cappello to accomodate Gerard, Lampard and Rooney in the same team (something that other Manager's failed to do successfully), Heskey may allow MON to accomodate his midfield trio when required. I'd still also like to see (but only when Gabby is rested/dropped) Heskey and Carew playing together, and bullying the opposition in the air box (with Milner/Young putting the ball in the box at every opportunity) but I think this needs a terrier (maybe Delph or Sidwell?) playing behind the front two and scrapping and winning every second ball which inevitably comes with playing this way, and immediately feeding it out wide again... but then that way of playing is a bit Graham Taylor As far as I'm concerned, whether it be Sidwell, Heskey or Davies or whoever, (no matter what I may personally think of them) if they can tie their own laces and are able to pull the Villa shirt on (even back to front!), they deserve to get my full support, no matter what! UTV! |
Steve Badger
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...Heskey was getting this sort of abuse before he'd even played a game. When are people going to realise that players play better in certain positions and better when a team is playing a certain/specific way. There are very few players I can think of that play well no matter how or who with. Heskey has always played with a strike partner who likes to drop off and play deep/ At Villa we don't have this type of player (the closest we have is probably Young who can play in the hole behind the front line, but by all accounts wasn't that successful when he last played there. Heskey does not play well in any position, imo. And certainly not if you look at him as a striker, which I don't anymore. He's a midfielder, imo and not even an attacking one, at that. That's backed up by your point about him playing with someone who drops off, eg Rooney. He can link the midfield and attack, I agree, but offers little on the goals front. Now MON would be mad to play Heskey as the lone front player while Gabby is scoring. Maybe when Gabby gets tired or drops in form, Heskey may give us the ability to play in a different way Agreed, but it's nothing to do with Gabby scoring or not. Heskey doesn't score, simple as, because he's not an instinctive striker. No way on earth should he ever be the one in a 4-5-1, imo and if MON tries to play him there regularly, I'll be calling for his head too. That said, against crap teams that can't defend, yes, go Heskey and Carew. Indeed, I've called for it before, when it was blatant that things aren't working. I just think the best solution is another forward. And Heskey won't be involved at all. I hope I'm proved wrong, but very much doubt I will be. |
scott harwood
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... badger ur right about heskey.he is a round peg that cant even fit in a round hole!!as for england im not to fussed theyve lost because it looks like croatia are out now! |
matthew halsey
said:
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... Keefvilla To quote you: " I don't rate Heskey either but he must have something that O'Neill and Capello see and we don't. Did I mention that your statement was pathetic?" MON sees the same most villa fans do, nothing more nothing less. Its okay you can say it come on repeat after me, "he is SHIT!" If you don't rate him stop trying to make excuses for him, you must learn to hold some convictions of your own, when you grow up you will have to kid. You spend all your time agreeing with certain people regardless or saying their comments are pathetic. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... SCOTT1, as for england im not to fussed theyve lost because it looks like croatia are out now! Part of me would have liked us to go 100% undefeated. But in a way, I'm glad we didn't, as it would have heaped even more pressure on the squad. I'm sure pressure has a lot to do with things and Capello knows this. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... matt26may1982, If you don't rate him stop trying to make excuses for him, you must learn to hold some convictions of your own, when you grow up you will have to kid. That's an extremely harsh comment mate. With age/experience comes the knowledge that you might be wrong. In which case you tend to not put your head totally on the block. Keef's doing just the same as me, ie, hedging his bets |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Churchill, love your rants, you know that. However, set the bar high and use classical allusions and you have to get it right in my opinion - set up for challenge no matter how pedantic. Got to keep our standards up! Back to FSW, 2 Champions Leagues mean nothing - that's the kind of nothing I would like to see more of at Villa Park. He is really well respected as a tactical genius across Europe and while I dislike the guy I just don't think we are really in a position to have a pop much as I would like to Also I am far from Heskey's biggest fan but I still don't believe he deserves the abuse he gets while he is in claret and blue, Carew is also not scoring any goals this season! More than anything I can not buy the idea that we get on the back of a Villa player when we have seen so often that players can turn it around - Ash started poorly, Cuellar terrible when he joined, same with Petrov Great post in terms of quality of prose, missed in terms of message as far as I am concerned |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Pancho, ah yes, only 1 CL, I stand corrected. I had it in my mind he had won it with Valencia but he won La Liga twice and UEFA Cup which added to the Champs League, and final on another occasion, the FA Cup and runners up in Premier League is still the sort of record I would like for MON |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... matt26may1982, I look forward to Keef returning beered up from the pub and reading your comments, fireworks expected. To say keef doesn't hold convictions is way wide of the mark, still, makes for interested viewing. |
matthew halsey
said:
|
... Badger, Im just giving him some back thats all! The certain click here like to jump all over ppl thinking they know it all when they probably never kicked a ball or watched footy over a number of years. just looking at stats and graphs and reading them out loud to themselves in a Mr Bean voice in their bedroom. |
matthew halsey
said:
|
... Cowanslovechild, What! Are actually telling me Keef is old enough to drink alcohol!? Perhaps 2 pints of shandy will do him good. Can i just ask are there a number of posters on here from around the Sutton, Cannock, Tamworth area?? |
jerry
said:
|
...He is really well respected as a tactical genius across Europe and while I dislike the guy I just don't think we are really in a position to have a pop much as I would like to Curiously, I'm quite fond of him. But he's a natural victim. It's grossly unfair, but I can't resist the urge to poke him on a raw nerve. Bless him. Great post in terms of quality of prose, missed in terms of message as far as I am concerned Ahh, now you have found a raw nerve ,Sid. Mea culpa. It's known as style over substance and I have to plead guilty. I tend not to let the facts get in the way of a good story. Faced with a choice, it's always the style and, sooner or later, it will undo me. That's why I love Benitez; his delicate ego lends itself to an exaggerated narrative. In my mind he's become a Fairy Tale - a man who started life working in a tappas bar and rose to win the Champions League but destroyed himself with the pursuit of a prize beyond his grasp. You're also right about Heskey - he plays in Claret and Blue and deserves our support. Okay, new year's resolution; lay off Heskey. I give myself till Monday week. If that. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... matt26may1982 Keef is very opinionated hence I am not getting the idea he blindly agrees with some people. He and I had a running battle for weeks before we thought better of it and made up - so we agree sometimes and disagree others but he is not a kiss ass - and he watches Villa regularly. I'm form the other side of the City personally - B30, not Villa heartland but around 50 - 50 nowadays. Think Keef is from the North side though from memory |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Churchill, don't ever change, your style is part of what makes this site bearable when some are bitching and moaning like spoilt children. Someone called you pretentious on this site and when you quote in Latin rather than write on the toilet walls there is always the risk you will slip over the line but it is a risk worth taking |
James
said:
|
... Good grief Churchill, you of all people shouldn't stoop so low as to apologise for the victory of style over facts. To the echo of your voice our forefather's fought and died to ensure this was not a German state. Hurrah for style and bugger the bally facts! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Matt, Badger, Fair enough, but I don't think you can say Keef hasn't seen any footy mate. You'd probably see me as one of that clique, but the truth is we're very much a minority and we just try and counter what can sink into total negativity sometimes, that's all But then, Keef can and no doubt will argue his own case. FWIW, I'm from Pype Hayes originally and currently Erdington. God's/Villa country |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
...To the echo of your voice our forefather's fought and died to ensure this was not a German state. Nan was a Fan what the hell are you on ? Our forefathers (no apostrophe) fought against fascism. Germany ? Dumkopph ! |
jerry
said:
|
... What did you think of England's performance yesterday? I thought Heskey played well. |
James
said:
|
... Whoever it was, I think he was trying to suggest that well written bullshit has always been a rather British trait, whereas the Germans prefer cold fact. |
James
said:
|
... Oh, and finally. I've just spoken to the naughty person. He apologises for the poor punctuation and agrees with your assessment of his intellectual capacity. |
jerry
said:
|
... I've pulled this directly from thr Irish Independant. It provides valuable insight: "Yet there was a time when he seemed like a prime example of a young player who had let early success go to his head. The Richard Dunne who joined Manchester City from Everton nine years ago was out of condition, inconsistent and notorious for his exploits off the field. It seemed only a matter of time before he became the latest young Irish player to drown his potential at the bottom of a pint glass and return home to domestic soccer with tales of what might have been across the water. Seven years ago, City manager Kevin Keegan gave Dunne one last chance and the player did something remarkable for a man in his early 20s. He accepted that his problems were his own fault and that no one else except himself could change them. The lumbering and erratic Michelin man lookalike was replaced by a sturdy muscular warrior whose distinguishing characteristics were intensity, focus and bravery." Players like Dunne are a rare commodity. Hughes must have been mad to let him go. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Seems Dunne played the whole game, according to Yahoo sport. I was going to post a link to that article about him earlier this morning for the benefit of Faccundo, but decided against. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Doesn't look like Damian's going to write anything today so might as well mention what I've seen. Apparently Micah Richards wants out and is eyeing Villa and Sunderland. That's good of him isn't it? I don't think we need him now. And Eliot Parish has been singled out for praise in the under 20 world championships. Well done son Very quiet though isn't it? Bloody hate no footy weekends  |
jerry
said:
|
...Very quiet though isn't it? We've become a ghost town. Where would Micah Richards fit in? If he wants first team footy, the Villa can't give it ti him. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Where would Micah Richards fit in? That's my point, I don't think he would now. I just chucked it up so people can give their thoughts, seeing as there's nowt else doing today What did you think of England's performance yesterday? I suspect you were trying to attract some sort of comment too He was pretty anonymous from what I saw, but tbf, I didn't watch it that closely. Why wasn't the game on telly? |
James
said:
|
... About time we had a controversial post from Damian that everyman and his dog wants to slag off. Fair play, our man knows what he's doing. |
jerry
said:
|
...I suspect you were trying to attract some sort of comment too New Year's resolution. Why wasn't the game on telly? They must have known it would be crap |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... off topic, because, well, there is no topic today Does anyone remember when they used to have a race to see who was the fastest player in the league (this is going back a fair few years) I seem to remember it was from one end of the pitch to the other? Do they still keep track of who the top 5/10 fastest players are? I wonder if our Gab would win the prize given the chance?? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...New Year's resolution. Dan, they do the Nike challenge of some sort. Last I heard, Gabby lost out to Lennon, I think. Not sure if Gabby had a bad one or what. I'll see if I can find it for you mate seeing as I'm bored witless |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Dan, have a mooch round this site; http://www.skysports.com/whois...index.html If your works comp will let you, that is (I assume you're working?). |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Badger, thanks for that, i'll have a look when i'm at home, the work comp won't even let me right click, lame... Can't believe Gabby lost out to Lennon I'm guessing Bellamy would have been involved after Man City asking him to man mark Gabs towards the end of the city match! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Well, that site currently has Gabby as the fastest. I'm sure my previous statement was right, but can't find that actual head to head now. You'll have to take my word for it |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Hehe, looks like Ballack might be crocked for next week. http://www.chelsea.vitalfootba...p?a=516327 Hope so |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Nice site now I can get it to load Badger! I have a feeling Gabby would stuff Lennon in a 100m face off, especially if you got a random high street honey to stand at the end of his lane. Can't believe Rooney is right up there?! andcheck out this link to the sun, apparently Sol Campbell came second in their tests?!?! http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/ho...layer.html |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... just found this little gem too of Gabby doing his Nike test, I think he beat Lennon at raw pace, but lost out on speed with the ball which sorts that one out, I'd kind of expect Lennon to win that one though as thats his job. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related Anyway, qustion answered, back to Heskey? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...especially if you got a random high street honey to stand at the end of his lane. It seems Gabby was the quickest without the ball, but Lennon won overall because he was quicker with the ball. I think Gabby was returning from his achilles problem at the time. But whatever, both are pretty quick when you consider the distances they run in a game. Frightening really. Some very interesting stats in that Sun link. Very dubious though, imo. I remember Andy Cole as being pretty nippy, for example. But he wouldn't have lived with Gabby. That said, I thought Gabby had lost a yard in the first couple of games, but seems back in fine shape now. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Your right, the Sun link is VERY suspect. I'm sure when I was young, this must have been around 88-92, I saw the top 5-10 race accross a pitch at half time (on tv) and some bloke from Cardiff or Sheffield Wednesday was thrashing everyone, if only my memory worked better? Wasn't Des Walker pretty fast? |
James
said:
|
... Playing against Gabby must be absolutely awful. In that game the other night, on more than one occasion, he gave the defender 10yds head start and still beat him to the ball. I just love watching that. I just love it. He even looks fast on the TV, which often doesn't reflect exceptional speed. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...I saw the top 5-10 race accross a pitch at half time (on tv) and some bloke from Cardiff or Sheffield Wednesday was thrashing everyone, if only my memory worked better? Wasn't Des Walker pretty fast? I very vaguely remember that, but can't remember who won. And yes Des Walker was fast off the mark, again from memory. In that game the other night, on more than one occasion, he gave the defender 10yds head start and still beat him to the ball. As you say, it must be a nightmare. From distant memory ( ) I immediately knew if someone had the beating of me and it's a sad feeling Mind you, they were different days. I used to be more of a centre left player without the craft. My small frame meant I was agile and nippy off the mark. I got fouled loads but rarely got really hurt, much like Ash. But crap  Sorry, I'm rambling |
James
said:
|
... Time is a killer. I used to be the quickest in my cricket team over 60m. This season there were fat U18's beating me. |
Car Frost
said:
|
... Micah Richards noooooooooo. Steve Bruce will save us by buying Heskey and Richards, I can imagine them both at Sunderland for some reason. I'm boring myself with Heskey now but here's a couple for you.. * Heskey has started as many games for his country this season as he has for his club - in other words Capello thinks MORE of him than O'Neil. * When he was brought back for the away game against Croatia, England won 4-1. When England won 5-1 in Germany, Emile was playing again - as he was when we beat Croatia again last month - You could say he has also played in a lot of defeats, it's just strange that all of our best performances as a country have Heskey in the side. As much as I don't want his name on the team sheet, who am I to argue with the science of Capello & O'Neil, like an 11 year old in his first chemistry lesson I just know what I want to stick in the test tube. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...like an 11 year old in his first chemistry lesson I just know what I want to stick in the test tube. Er, you mean Sodium or Potassium or anything else that just goes BOOM? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Ah, shoot, I forgot. At age 11 it was still calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide going milky(?) Well boring Oxygen and other stuff came a bit later I digress because I'm bored, sorry |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Anyway, question answered, back to Heskey? Oops, missed that one Dan. Er, well yes, he's been shite hasn't he? (sidles away knowing he has nothing to say that hasn't been said before) |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... That face was supposed to be a face, by the way. Hmm, I wonder how much shite I can post before Damian gets the hump? Come on Damian, post something mate, even if it's rubbish. That'll teach you to have kids In all seriousness, I assume you're knackered? Looking back, they were happy days |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Heskey is god As in unsurpassed and excelling all the time, even when we don't quite understand? If that's about right, I agree. We are talking about shite, yes? |
jerry
said:
|
... From the Times, Monday October 12th: "Emile Heskey revealed last night that he will consider leaving Aston Villa during the January transfer window if he is not playing regular first-team football in order to bolster his World Cup hopes" Damian now has his topic for tomorrow (later today). Personally, I'm gutted. |
James
said:
|
... Not sure what his point is. He knows he's going to get 1st team football at Villa. He's on a promise. Whereas, should he negotiate a spell at Kiddie Harriers, he'd need to play for his place. Sit tight big fella. |
Andi
said:
 |
... NO NO NO please Heskey dont go please say you will stay !! What is he on, is he better than Carew NO does he do anything constructive when he gets a game NO does he even look bothered when he is on NO Heskey the que is already forming of the teams who want to sign you, your agents phone is glowing red hot of the all manager the could us you, the trouble is the TEAMS ringing are in the CHAMPIONSHIP where you would probably set the league alight, but would you get in the ENGLAND sqaud that way ??? THINK yourself lucky your at the VILLA and done nothing since you signed you big LUMP stop your whinning you arent that good |
Andy Scarborough
said:
 |
...Nan, this may be the best explanation yet. Churchill, Nan did go on to mention Eddie the Eagle. That was a clue, you missed it. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
...Nanwasafan said: Bollocks, Nan. You buggered your grammar and won't own up to it. Go to the bottom of the class and see me after school, I will have a note for your wife. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
...At age 11 it was still calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide going milky(?) Well boring By the age of twelve it was alcohol, and by fifteen it was lysergicides. |
harbinder singh
said:
 |
... Heskeys selection in the villa team makes me think that oneill has lost the plot and you wont like this villa fans but his failure to sign a decent striker despite spending millions compared to most if not all premier league managers in the last three years makes him an average manager not much better than our last manager. |
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