Slow News Day
Wheels at the FA have never been known to turn quickly but even by their standards, the news that Jonathan Barnett, Ashley Cole's Agent, has been charged with a Breach Of Rules is a sign that things move a tad on the very slow side. Whilst accepting that sufficient evidence had to be gathered, surely they had all of the information that they needed once the cases against Cole, Chelsea and Mourinho had been successfully prosecuted? An explanation is surely due given that the event occurred over fifteen (15) months ago and the appeals process that Cole milked to the very bitter end was completed some six months ago.
As it is, Barnett has been charged with being involved in an "illegal approach to clubs whilst a player is still under contract". What I still find astounding about the whole affair is that men of considerable intelligence, i.e. Barnett and Kenyon, who have carved successful careers outside of football as well as inside the game were so stunningly stupid as to arrange a meeting at a Central London Hotel where surely even the most naive would suspect that staff would sell the story of the sordid subterfuge.
Presumably Barnett will be fined and warned as to his future conduct, taking into account that this is his first offence. I would be amazed if the FA took the steps of removing his licence as this would probably leave them open to a "Restraint Of Trade" action. Whether this has any impact other than to drive these contacts further underground remains to be seen.
And what of Cole himself? As I have noted earlier this week, there is a widely held belief that the players contract contains an escape clause, valuing him at £16m. I am not convinced that reflects a correct valuation but there is little that can be done about that should this prove to be the case. Whilst playing for the club, Cole continues to be held in high regard for his defensive capabilities but that is mixed with a certain amount of suspicion that the Left Back is merely biding his time until after the World Cup when he will move on. Whether he would be forgiven should he move to Stamford Bridge is subject to some debate. A move to the Bernabeu is easily dismissed in the mind of a supporter as a player wanting to test himself in a new league which could help him grow as a player and as a person, being exposed to a new culture ought certainly to do this. I have no doubt that a move to the Chelsea Circus would not be forgiven. I cannot recall one Arsenal player who has signed for a close rival and been received warmly at THOF even if they move onto another club. Particularly in this case where so much dishonesty has occurred on the part of the player and his representative. Add this to the fact that Cole was regarded as "one of us" having come through the ranks and rather like Michael Thomas, he will find the good times are remembered but without any fondness or affection towards the individual.
World Cup's are a time when players hope to prove themselves to elevate their earnings potential either with their current employers or at pastures new. For Jens Lehmann however, this years event is going to be a bit special having been confirmed as Germany's Number One between the sticks - Oliver Kahn apparently remains Number One between the sheets as compensation. Rather than come out and state his intention to dislodge Lehmann and regain his place in the starting line - up, it appears that the ageing lothario has thrown his toys partially out of his pram and is considering his International Future. Whether he will be allowed to make that decision or whether the DiveBomber will make it for him is yet to be decided. Good luck to Jens and I wish him well in this World Cup until they play England when to be brutally honest, I hope everyone in the opposing XI has the worst match of their lives.
Today's Tunes come from Don Dixon. Perhaps better known for his Production Partnership with Mitch Easter that was responsible for many an Americana album, including early REM releases. He has issued several solo albums, the debut was Most Of The Girls Like To Dance But Only Some Of The Boys Do. The style of this album fits in with a fair portion of the bands he produced "back in the day" and it remains one of my most played from this genre.
(You're A) Big Girl Now
Praying Mantis
Most Of The Girls Like To Dance
As it is, Barnett has been charged with being involved in an "illegal approach to clubs whilst a player is still under contract". What I still find astounding about the whole affair is that men of considerable intelligence, i.e. Barnett and Kenyon, who have carved successful careers outside of football as well as inside the game were so stunningly stupid as to arrange a meeting at a Central London Hotel where surely even the most naive would suspect that staff would sell the story of the sordid subterfuge.
Presumably Barnett will be fined and warned as to his future conduct, taking into account that this is his first offence. I would be amazed if the FA took the steps of removing his licence as this would probably leave them open to a "Restraint Of Trade" action. Whether this has any impact other than to drive these contacts further underground remains to be seen.
And what of Cole himself? As I have noted earlier this week, there is a widely held belief that the players contract contains an escape clause, valuing him at £16m. I am not convinced that reflects a correct valuation but there is little that can be done about that should this prove to be the case. Whilst playing for the club, Cole continues to be held in high regard for his defensive capabilities but that is mixed with a certain amount of suspicion that the Left Back is merely biding his time until after the World Cup when he will move on. Whether he would be forgiven should he move to Stamford Bridge is subject to some debate. A move to the Bernabeu is easily dismissed in the mind of a supporter as a player wanting to test himself in a new league which could help him grow as a player and as a person, being exposed to a new culture ought certainly to do this. I have no doubt that a move to the Chelsea Circus would not be forgiven. I cannot recall one Arsenal player who has signed for a close rival and been received warmly at THOF even if they move onto another club. Particularly in this case where so much dishonesty has occurred on the part of the player and his representative. Add this to the fact that Cole was regarded as "one of us" having come through the ranks and rather like Michael Thomas, he will find the good times are remembered but without any fondness or affection towards the individual.
World Cup's are a time when players hope to prove themselves to elevate their earnings potential either with their current employers or at pastures new. For Jens Lehmann however, this years event is going to be a bit special having been confirmed as Germany's Number One between the sticks - Oliver Kahn apparently remains Number One between the sheets as compensation. Rather than come out and state his intention to dislodge Lehmann and regain his place in the starting line - up, it appears that the ageing lothario has thrown his toys partially out of his pram and is considering his International Future. Whether he will be allowed to make that decision or whether the DiveBomber will make it for him is yet to be decided. Good luck to Jens and I wish him well in this World Cup until they play England when to be brutally honest, I hope everyone in the opposing XI has the worst match of their lives.
Today's Tunes come from Don Dixon. Perhaps better known for his Production Partnership with Mitch Easter that was responsible for many an Americana album, including early REM releases. He has issued several solo albums, the debut was Most Of The Girls Like To Dance But Only Some Of The Boys Do. The style of this album fits in with a fair portion of the bands he produced "back in the day" and it remains one of my most played from this genre.
(You're A) Big Girl Now
Praying Mantis
Most Of The Girls Like To Dance
posted by Yogi's Warrior at 2:13 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home