Preston North End defender Sean St. Ledger is a confirmed guest on Wednesday 4th February Midweek Sports Show with Brett Cullen & Jonny Adamson LIVE in Frequency Radio.
Tune in from 2pm by visiting www.uclansu.co.uk and clicking the black "listen live" button.
Don't miss it!
Brett
Friday, 30 January 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
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Frequency Radio Midweek Sports Show with Brett Cullen & Jonny Adamson (Show One).
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Listen live every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to Brett Cullen and Jonny Adamson on Frequency Radio. Visit http://www.uclansu.co.uk/ and click on the black "listen live" button or type mms://dolphins.uclan.ac.uk:8080/wmtencoder/radio.wmv into your address bar!
January 28th: First Show.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Should Kanoute's Palestine T-Shirt Support Be Punished?
It should be common knowledge by now of the conflict in Gaza, where since it began on 27th December it is estimated 770 Palestinians and 14 Israeli’s have lost their lives. This is not an article to raise awareness or show any of my political views on the matter, but to look at an incident which occurred in Sevilla's 2-1 Copa Del Rey victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday evening, brought to my attention on www.kickitout.org.
Sevilla striker, Freddie Kanoute celebrated scoring a goal by lifting his shirt over his head revealing a T-shirt bearing the word 'Palestine' is several languages - a sign of support for the Palestinian people who have perished. Kanoute was booked for the action by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz who in his post-match conference explained the caution was in accordance with Spanish rules, aswell as noting the message Kanoute displayed.
Kanoute has received support from Palestine embassy official Mahmoud Aluanen who told Spanish radio station Radio Marca "[Kanoute] has shown himself to be a very brave person to support our people at a public event."
"Sportsmen are human beings and cannot contain their feelings. They have all the right in the world to express their opinion about matters which contravene human rights. I'm sure that all Palestinian children, those who love football, will be happy about this gesture."
The Malian, who is a practicing Muslim, could face further disciplinary action from the Spanish FA, despite Israel's Madrid Ambassador, Raphael Schultz telling Radio Marca, "I saw the match and the T-shirt bore nothing more than the name of Palestine. It was not an incitement against Israel. I don't think it extolled violence,".
Personally, I think the referee was right to yellow card Kanoute so long as it is in accordance with any rule stating you must not remove your shirt during a goal celebration. If it was for the message on the T-shirt, which the referee did mention, then that is unfair. It is a message of support for Palestinians who are suffering; it does not have any negative slant towards Israel. For me, the T-shirt is doing the same job the Kick It Out T-shirts do which is backed by the Premier League in England amongst other governing bodies. If Kanoute is not allowed to wear and display the T-Shirt, does it not go against what Aluanen is quoted as saying footballers have a right to express their opinions? If this kind of support cannot be shown then should support against anti-racism, anti-homophobia and other issues be shown either before, during or after a match?
A few years ago, Arsenal versus Manchester United at Highbury was a game which was centred around Nike's anti-racism campaign 'Stand Up, Speak Up' with the banners posted all around the stadium, both team kits emblazoned with the logo and players wearing the black and white bands. Apart from the specific message being relayed and being officially supported by the federation, what is the difference between this and Kanoute's actions? As far as I'm concerned, as long as Kanoute had no intent to spark any violence, which I don't think he did, then we should applaud somebody who is in the public eye, somebody who can influence many people, who raises awareness on an issue which undoubtedly has an affect on millions. If Kanoute, a footballer who is an icon to many, can inspire the Palestinian people to be strong through what is a tough time for them, then bravo to him. If he can inspire the many thousands who attended and watched on TV to at least take an interest in the conflict and have an opinion themselves and fight for it, putting himself on the line in the process, than that makes a bigger difference to the world than kicking a ball about the football pitch and nobody can criticise him for that.
I hope there is no further action against Freddie Kanoute because I do not believe he was trying to incite any violence. I think people should be aware of what is really going on in this world, yet some people rarely look outside their own back garden. Kanoute grasped at an opportunity to raise awareness, there is nothing wrong with that.
Sevilla striker, Freddie Kanoute celebrated scoring a goal by lifting his shirt over his head revealing a T-shirt bearing the word 'Palestine' is several languages - a sign of support for the Palestinian people who have perished. Kanoute was booked for the action by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz who in his post-match conference explained the caution was in accordance with Spanish rules, aswell as noting the message Kanoute displayed.
Kanoute has received support from Palestine embassy official Mahmoud Aluanen who told Spanish radio station Radio Marca "[Kanoute] has shown himself to be a very brave person to support our people at a public event."
"Sportsmen are human beings and cannot contain their feelings. They have all the right in the world to express their opinion about matters which contravene human rights. I'm sure that all Palestinian children, those who love football, will be happy about this gesture."
The Malian, who is a practicing Muslim, could face further disciplinary action from the Spanish FA, despite Israel's Madrid Ambassador, Raphael Schultz telling Radio Marca, "I saw the match and the T-shirt bore nothing more than the name of Palestine. It was not an incitement against Israel. I don't think it extolled violence,".
Personally, I think the referee was right to yellow card Kanoute so long as it is in accordance with any rule stating you must not remove your shirt during a goal celebration. If it was for the message on the T-shirt, which the referee did mention, then that is unfair. It is a message of support for Palestinians who are suffering; it does not have any negative slant towards Israel. For me, the T-shirt is doing the same job the Kick It Out T-shirts do which is backed by the Premier League in England amongst other governing bodies. If Kanoute is not allowed to wear and display the T-Shirt, does it not go against what Aluanen is quoted as saying footballers have a right to express their opinions? If this kind of support cannot be shown then should support against anti-racism, anti-homophobia and other issues be shown either before, during or after a match?
A few years ago, Arsenal versus Manchester United at Highbury was a game which was centred around Nike's anti-racism campaign 'Stand Up, Speak Up' with the banners posted all around the stadium, both team kits emblazoned with the logo and players wearing the black and white bands. Apart from the specific message being relayed and being officially supported by the federation, what is the difference between this and Kanoute's actions? As far as I'm concerned, as long as Kanoute had no intent to spark any violence, which I don't think he did, then we should applaud somebody who is in the public eye, somebody who can influence many people, who raises awareness on an issue which undoubtedly has an affect on millions. If Kanoute, a footballer who is an icon to many, can inspire the Palestinian people to be strong through what is a tough time for them, then bravo to him. If he can inspire the many thousands who attended and watched on TV to at least take an interest in the conflict and have an opinion themselves and fight for it, putting himself on the line in the process, than that makes a bigger difference to the world than kicking a ball about the football pitch and nobody can criticise him for that.
I hope there is no further action against Freddie Kanoute because I do not believe he was trying to incite any violence. I think people should be aware of what is really going on in this world, yet some people rarely look outside their own back garden. Kanoute grasped at an opportunity to raise awareness, there is nothing wrong with that.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Preston North End: Time To Look Ahead
It’s been a long old season for Preston North End, full of ups and downs, oohs and aahs, but its now time to breathe a sigh of relieve. Championship status for next season is secure and Alan Irvine can now wipe the slate clean and prepare for next season.
Ok, so there’s one game left which could potentially decide who could be playing top flight football next season, but that’s all irrelevant now isn’t it? After a real rollercoaster of a season its time to relax, put your feet up and be a proud Preston supporter…to an extent.
This season has not been something to be proud of… it’s only because of Alan Irvine that PNE won’t be playing along side the likes of Leeds in the third tier of the English game. That’s what I am putting it down to anyway.
As this season overall has been drab to say the least its time to move on. In the last edition we looked at the individuals and how they have played their part and we all now that Alan Irvine turned the fortunes of North End. So we really must not dwell on this failure. Preston, one of the founders of the Football League, need to be making an assault on the Championship next season. If teams like Stoke and Bristol City are considered two of the most fearsome teams outside the Premiership, then Preston can surely consider themselves as one of teams who can become their equivalent in the 08/09 term.
More quality is needed though in the final third in there needs to more creative in the middle of the park if they are to make the step up. I don’t think Irvine needs to add to the eight decent defenders already at his disposal, but money is tight so finding the right bright spark to unlock defences will be difficult. But it has to be done because although Alan Irvine can be created the turn around in fortunes, he needs to earn his money by shopping well and giving Chairman, Derek Shaw a good list for him to work with, because another season fighting relegation isn’t what the club, the players or then fans want.
I obviously hope that next season will be an improvement on this past one, and I expect it too. But I think it would be niave to expect a top 6 finish. It will take a lot of hard work over the course of the season but also during the summer. I trust Irvine in the leadership of the club and think that he is the next big thing in management. Next season he will prove it and the board should back him in all his ventures.
A couple of good quality players would fit the superb surroundings that they will be playing in next season nicely. The new stand is now taking shape and hopefully will be full along with the rest to get behind the Whites on the pitch. One thing I will say about the new Invincible’s Pavilion is that I am not sure why there are more corporate places available. Sure it will look nice with the sliding doors and what have you, but surely when more support is needed there should just be extra seating made available rather than taking up space for more prawn sandwich brigadiers? It’s clearly something to do with the business side but I think there should be more ‘normal’ seats available to the average Joe like you and me.
On the Championship season… I hope West Brom, Watford and Stoke get promoted to the Premier League. Why I hear you ask? Well we don’t want another waste of space like Derby in their do we. Watford and West Brom will make a good effort and at least have that little bit of quality in their squad to make a good go at fighting relegation right from the off. Stoke will play a tough game with a good defence and a few decent players in the likes of Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller going forward. They are the best three teams in the League and are the ones who you would want to represent The Championship so to speak. But its going to be interesting and definitely a one to watch, just like at the other end of the table.
Ok, so there’s one game left which could potentially decide who could be playing top flight football next season, but that’s all irrelevant now isn’t it? After a real rollercoaster of a season its time to relax, put your feet up and be a proud Preston supporter…to an extent.
This season has not been something to be proud of… it’s only because of Alan Irvine that PNE won’t be playing along side the likes of Leeds in the third tier of the English game. That’s what I am putting it down to anyway.
As this season overall has been drab to say the least its time to move on. In the last edition we looked at the individuals and how they have played their part and we all now that Alan Irvine turned the fortunes of North End. So we really must not dwell on this failure. Preston, one of the founders of the Football League, need to be making an assault on the Championship next season. If teams like Stoke and Bristol City are considered two of the most fearsome teams outside the Premiership, then Preston can surely consider themselves as one of teams who can become their equivalent in the 08/09 term.
More quality is needed though in the final third in there needs to more creative in the middle of the park if they are to make the step up. I don’t think Irvine needs to add to the eight decent defenders already at his disposal, but money is tight so finding the right bright spark to unlock defences will be difficult. But it has to be done because although Alan Irvine can be created the turn around in fortunes, he needs to earn his money by shopping well and giving Chairman, Derek Shaw a good list for him to work with, because another season fighting relegation isn’t what the club, the players or then fans want.
I obviously hope that next season will be an improvement on this past one, and I expect it too. But I think it would be niave to expect a top 6 finish. It will take a lot of hard work over the course of the season but also during the summer. I trust Irvine in the leadership of the club and think that he is the next big thing in management. Next season he will prove it and the board should back him in all his ventures.
A couple of good quality players would fit the superb surroundings that they will be playing in next season nicely. The new stand is now taking shape and hopefully will be full along with the rest to get behind the Whites on the pitch. One thing I will say about the new Invincible’s Pavilion is that I am not sure why there are more corporate places available. Sure it will look nice with the sliding doors and what have you, but surely when more support is needed there should just be extra seating made available rather than taking up space for more prawn sandwich brigadiers? It’s clearly something to do with the business side but I think there should be more ‘normal’ seats available to the average Joe like you and me.
On the Championship season… I hope West Brom, Watford and Stoke get promoted to the Premier League. Why I hear you ask? Well we don’t want another waste of space like Derby in their do we. Watford and West Brom will make a good effort and at least have that little bit of quality in their squad to make a good go at fighting relegation right from the off. Stoke will play a tough game with a good defence and a few decent players in the likes of Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller going forward. They are the best three teams in the League and are the ones who you would want to represent The Championship so to speak. But its going to be interesting and definitely a one to watch, just like at the other end of the table.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Is it too premature to think that Preston are now safe from the Championship relegation battle?
After Preston North End came from a goal down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Deepdale on Tuesday evening, Lilywhites Manager, Alan Irvine stated that the club’s target is to reach the 54 point mark so that PNE can maintain their Championship status. But is this a rather pessimistic view from the man who has turned the clubs fortune around this season?
The Scotsman has turned the Lancashire club’s fortunes since his arrival in Preston, and the win against Mick McCarthy’s team has increased the club’s unbeaten run on a Tuesday night to 32 games, meant they have won three consecutive matches, and come from behind for the first time under his reign. With a renewed optimism circling the air, is it too soon to begin hopes of strong top half finish, before safety from relegation is reached?
Five points now separate Preston from the relegation zone, yet a win against arch rivals, Blackpool on Saturday could move them to as high as 12th, in close proximity of teams above them. Having said that, it would be over confidence and naïve to suggest the players should relax and not still fear the threat of dropping to League One.
A poor performance against Crystal Palace was overshadowed by good displays at Leicester and Charlton. The win against Wolves was also a decent display, however still not at the level Preston fans would ideally like to witness. This, along with the fact that anyone truly can beat anyone in the Championship, means that PNE cannot now rest on their laurels and expect immunity from the relegation dog-fight, but at the same time, there is a temptation to imagine them safely in the top half of the table, a thought inconceivable three games ago, which is the reason for the hallucinations.
History has proved that you have to take your chances in this decision, if you don’t it could cost you valuable points. Wolves were guilty on this occasion as they arguably had the better chances in the game, up until the penalty decision which turned proceedings around. If they had built on their one goal advantage before Chris Brown went down easily under a challenge in the Wolves box, they could have gone on to win the game by one or two goals. However, Preston showed the belief and determination to fight their way back into the game and despite the generous penalty decision, they thoroughly deserved their win.
But everyone connected to PNE should not get carried away. There is a lot of work still left to be done this season concentrating on increasing the gap on the pack below them. The moment they slip, it gives others a chance to gain ground on them. They will feed on any scraps which Preston give them, therefore they should still be looking over their shoulder at who’s behind them and look at who they can catch just ahead of them, before visualising where they could be at the end of the season.
On the new signings, Michael Hart will step up his recovery from a hip-flexa injury by featuring in the reserve fixture at Morcambe on Thursday evening. I hope that the full-back can pull through the game with no problems as with Liam Chilvers on the sidelines for nine months, Hart’s return from injury would a timely boost and add extra numbers at the back. We are not desperate as Neal Trotman was on the bench on Tuesday, but the experience which Hart would bring in is a considerable amount more than the former Oldham centre-back, Trotman. It’s sad that Craig Beattie is out of action before he really got going. Hopefully he won’t be out for too long and can show the fans at Deepdale some of the qualities that earned him a move to West Brom last summer. As for Tamas Priskin, he showed good touches on the ball on Tuesday and also impressed me with his intentions to get beyond the backline with his piercing runs. However, he needs to hold them back for half a second as repeatedly being caught offside could become increasingly annoying unless he gets right and scores some goals.
I would also like to express my delight that Preston will be ‘beaming back’ the Blackpool match to fans who can watch the game on a big-screen at Deepdale on Saturday. The game is a must see for all Preston fans and it is a great idea for the club to provide an opportunity for the fans to watch the team in action in such a crucial game.
The Scotsman has turned the Lancashire club’s fortunes since his arrival in Preston, and the win against Mick McCarthy’s team has increased the club’s unbeaten run on a Tuesday night to 32 games, meant they have won three consecutive matches, and come from behind for the first time under his reign. With a renewed optimism circling the air, is it too soon to begin hopes of strong top half finish, before safety from relegation is reached?
Five points now separate Preston from the relegation zone, yet a win against arch rivals, Blackpool on Saturday could move them to as high as 12th, in close proximity of teams above them. Having said that, it would be over confidence and naïve to suggest the players should relax and not still fear the threat of dropping to League One.
A poor performance against Crystal Palace was overshadowed by good displays at Leicester and Charlton. The win against Wolves was also a decent display, however still not at the level Preston fans would ideally like to witness. This, along with the fact that anyone truly can beat anyone in the Championship, means that PNE cannot now rest on their laurels and expect immunity from the relegation dog-fight, but at the same time, there is a temptation to imagine them safely in the top half of the table, a thought inconceivable three games ago, which is the reason for the hallucinations.
History has proved that you have to take your chances in this decision, if you don’t it could cost you valuable points. Wolves were guilty on this occasion as they arguably had the better chances in the game, up until the penalty decision which turned proceedings around. If they had built on their one goal advantage before Chris Brown went down easily under a challenge in the Wolves box, they could have gone on to win the game by one or two goals. However, Preston showed the belief and determination to fight their way back into the game and despite the generous penalty decision, they thoroughly deserved their win.
But everyone connected to PNE should not get carried away. There is a lot of work still left to be done this season concentrating on increasing the gap on the pack below them. The moment they slip, it gives others a chance to gain ground on them. They will feed on any scraps which Preston give them, therefore they should still be looking over their shoulder at who’s behind them and look at who they can catch just ahead of them, before visualising where they could be at the end of the season.
On the new signings, Michael Hart will step up his recovery from a hip-flexa injury by featuring in the reserve fixture at Morcambe on Thursday evening. I hope that the full-back can pull through the game with no problems as with Liam Chilvers on the sidelines for nine months, Hart’s return from injury would a timely boost and add extra numbers at the back. We are not desperate as Neal Trotman was on the bench on Tuesday, but the experience which Hart would bring in is a considerable amount more than the former Oldham centre-back, Trotman. It’s sad that Craig Beattie is out of action before he really got going. Hopefully he won’t be out for too long and can show the fans at Deepdale some of the qualities that earned him a move to West Brom last summer. As for Tamas Priskin, he showed good touches on the ball on Tuesday and also impressed me with his intentions to get beyond the backline with his piercing runs. However, he needs to hold them back for half a second as repeatedly being caught offside could become increasingly annoying unless he gets right and scores some goals.
I would also like to express my delight that Preston will be ‘beaming back’ the Blackpool match to fans who can watch the game on a big-screen at Deepdale on Saturday. The game is a must see for all Preston fans and it is a great idea for the club to provide an opportunity for the fans to watch the team in action in such a crucial game.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Preston North End v Leicester City: Quick Preview
In tonight's trip to The Walkers Stadium to take on Ian Holloway’s Leicester City, the Preston boys will be looking to improve on the dismal Palace performance. Alan Irvine has said that he wants his midfield to provide his frontline with more chances, as The Lilywhites look to go level on points with The Foxes. Neil Mellor may start up-front along side Chris Brown after coming on as a half-time substitute for Karl Hawley, and Darren Carter looks set to retain his place along side captain, Paul McKenna in the middle of the park as Richard Chaplow is unlikely to recover from a hamstring injury. Hopefully, PNE will produce a performance to be proud in a bid to boost their battle against relegation.
Monday, 3 March 2008
Do Preston North End have the consistency to escape relegation?
The Stoke result was surprising for everyone. Nobody expected The Lilywhites to come away from the game with anything other than a loss, despite the amazing record of being unbeaten at Deepdale on a Tuesday evening since 2001. Alan Irvine’s men performed admirably and thoroughly deserved the 3 points against Tony Pulis’ side. After the match it was unfairly portrayed that Stoke had the upper-hand throughout the game. Preston more than matched the visitors in every part of the field and despite Pulis claiming his side had seven good chances, Preston had plenty of their own. However, it could also be said that Stoke fell victim of something which Preston have been struggling with – poor finishing. Richard Chaplow fortunately had his shooting boots on and should have been leaving the field with the match ball, but missed an early second half sitter which would have give him his hat-trick. The story for Stoke was that they didn’t test PNE goalkeeper, Andy Lonergan enough times.
But the intriguing thing for Preston is that they play superbly well against the top teams such as Watford, West Brom, Portsmouth and Stoke, but fail produce the same performance against teams lower in the league. They play well and get results sometimes, but the Crystal Palace performance was poor. Both teams were guilty of not playing with any flow, giving the ball away too easily in midfield and lacked the cutting edge upfront to create any real good chances. Crystal Palace did arguably look the more likely to score, but dispite this, a 1-0 loss, I feel, is harsh on PNE. Neither side deserved to win or lose a poor game.
Looking at two contrasting performances from North End and the team’s precarious position in the Championship table, do Preston have the consistency to drag themselves away from the relegation zone?
Overall under Alan Irvine the team has been performing well, playing decent football and just lack a finisher upfront. But in a league where anybody can beat anybody, the key is form and consistency. It’s all very well playing excellently against the top teams in the league picking up one or even three points, but the team really needs to produce the same performance against the teams around them, which are the games which are considered six-pointers at this stage in the season. The team needs to get back in form and perform well as the remaining games will all be difficult as teams are either chasing promotion or play-off spots are fighting it out at the bottom along with Preston. They still face a difficult trip to rivals Blackpool on the 15th and welcome Burnley to Deepdale a week later. Promotion chasers Bristol City lie in wait of Irvine and his men on the last day of the season, and the PNE manger will certainly be looking to have his side’s position in the Championship for next season nailed down by that stage. But before then, Preston could be in an even worse position than what they are in now. Sheffield Wednesday are just a single point behind them and have two games in hand. If they find their form, the task of fighting for safety gets a whole lot more difficult.
I am confident that PNE will be safe this season, but it cannot be taken for granted. Preston will have to play with spirit, commitment and quality if they are to get back to winning ways. But every knock back at this stage in the season is going to a massive blow. Every player is going to have to work for each other and fight for every victory as no game is more important than another. I am sure that the team will find its momentum again and pick up the five wins the manager has said his side needs to be safe. It’s going to be a close and exciting end to the Championship season, at least for the neutral, but a few Preston North End fans could be going gray if things don’t go right.
But the intriguing thing for Preston is that they play superbly well against the top teams such as Watford, West Brom, Portsmouth and Stoke, but fail produce the same performance against teams lower in the league. They play well and get results sometimes, but the Crystal Palace performance was poor. Both teams were guilty of not playing with any flow, giving the ball away too easily in midfield and lacked the cutting edge upfront to create any real good chances. Crystal Palace did arguably look the more likely to score, but dispite this, a 1-0 loss, I feel, is harsh on PNE. Neither side deserved to win or lose a poor game.
Looking at two contrasting performances from North End and the team’s precarious position in the Championship table, do Preston have the consistency to drag themselves away from the relegation zone?
Overall under Alan Irvine the team has been performing well, playing decent football and just lack a finisher upfront. But in a league where anybody can beat anybody, the key is form and consistency. It’s all very well playing excellently against the top teams in the league picking up one or even three points, but the team really needs to produce the same performance against the teams around them, which are the games which are considered six-pointers at this stage in the season. The team needs to get back in form and perform well as the remaining games will all be difficult as teams are either chasing promotion or play-off spots are fighting it out at the bottom along with Preston. They still face a difficult trip to rivals Blackpool on the 15th and welcome Burnley to Deepdale a week later. Promotion chasers Bristol City lie in wait of Irvine and his men on the last day of the season, and the PNE manger will certainly be looking to have his side’s position in the Championship for next season nailed down by that stage. But before then, Preston could be in an even worse position than what they are in now. Sheffield Wednesday are just a single point behind them and have two games in hand. If they find their form, the task of fighting for safety gets a whole lot more difficult.
I am confident that PNE will be safe this season, but it cannot be taken for granted. Preston will have to play with spirit, commitment and quality if they are to get back to winning ways. But every knock back at this stage in the season is going to a massive blow. Every player is going to have to work for each other and fight for every victory as no game is more important than another. I am sure that the team will find its momentum again and pick up the five wins the manager has said his side needs to be safe. It’s going to be a close and exciting end to the Championship season, at least for the neutral, but a few Preston North End fans could be going gray if things don’t go right.
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