What I Want to See in 2009

At this time of year it is common-place for commentators of all interests to make predictions as to what is to happen in the upcoming year: which new band is going to make a break through; how Gordon Brown’s year will play out; and which young starlets will break through into Premiership stardom?

This post is along a similar vein, though I am going to look forward and suggest what I would like to see happen in 2009...

The Lions in South Africa: After the last time this unique team visited the Springboks a hugely entertaining series ensued against the then World Champions, highlighted with Jeremy Guscott’s winning drop goal in the second test. This time the combined forces of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales visit the new World Champions to try and achieve the same feat. Ian McGeechan will lead the side for the fourth time with his last time out being the tour of 1997 along with a very potent coaching set-up of Warren Gatland, Shawn Edwards, Rob Howley and Graham Rowntree.

South Africa in their own backyard are going to be a mammoth task but after the autumn there were signs that McGeechan should look favourably upon. Both Scotland and Wales ran the Boks close, and when bolstered by the strengths of Ireland and England the Lions will be a highly formidable force.

The pack and especially the back row will be a key battleground, and I think Wales and potentially Lions captain Ryan Jones will play a crucial role. Likewise the contest of arguably the two best wingers in world rugby at the moment – Bryan Habana and Shane Williams – will ultimately decide the battle.

What I want to happen is a close series, removed from the politics of the 2005 New Zealand tour, with fast, expansive rugby, ultimately resulting in a repeat of 1997 and a 2-1 Lions victory going down to the final test.

The Ashes: I hope the Ashes can catch the imagination of the British public as it did in 2005: but with inflated ticket prices, and the series not being broadcast on terrestrial television I fear that this won’t be the case. I am also concerned that the Twenty-20 World Cup which takes place in England immediately after the Tests will turn the new cricket fans away from the 5-day form of the game in favour for the shortened, shotgun version.

Focussing on the pitch, I want to see the same excitement that was so prevalent when Michael Vaughan and his men won the urn three-and-a-half years ago. Australia are a far weakener side with the losses of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist - who they are struggling to replace – missing not just their ability but also their personalities and fear which they struck into oppositions. Likewise England aren’t as strong as they were, but after an encouraging Test series against India, and what should be two winning series against the West Indies, England should reclaim the Ashes.

I want to see a dominant England, with a cutting edge that they have been lacking to close out matches. I would love to see the emergence of Stuart Broad as a high class all-rounder. The Notts and England bowler has all the potential to fill a roll similar to Ian Botham, Freddie Flintoff and give the tail-end that extra bit of batting stiffness as Adam Gilchrist did for the Auzzies for so many years.

British Boxing: Boxing is often revered as being violent and barbaric. In many ways it is not too far removed from the Coliseum and the Gladiators in Rome 2,000 years ago. However, others see it as the most glorious of contests, and whoever has their hand held aloft in the centre of the ring is a hero. After witnessing the epic struggle between Carl Froch and Jean Pascal first hand, I have been fully converted, and cannot wait for what should be a very exciting year for British Boxing.

Firstly there is the ‘old guard’ – Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. It is yet to be seen what will be Joe Calzaghe’s next step. In many ways he doesn’t and shouldn’t fight again: he has a record of 45-0; he has been one of the longest reigning world champions of recent years, holding the WBO Super-Middleweight belt for 10 years; and he has now started promoting his own events. Any fight will have to make the Welshman big bucks. Perhaps a rematch against Roy Jones Jnr. or Bernard Hopkins at light-heavyweight being the most likely option before his eventual retirement. For Hatton, on the other hand, 2009 looks much more exciting. After good wins against Americans Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi, The Hitman seemingly has the options of who to fight. Arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter at the moment Manny Pacquiao could be a possible opponent in the Philippines or the US, or his victim towards the end of year – Oscar de la Hoya – could come over to the UK, with much talk about a summer stadium fight at either Eastlands - Hatton’s beloved Man City ground - or Wembley Stadium in London.

Enter the new crop of talent: as already mentioned, Nottingham’s finest Carl ‘the Cobra’ Froch has an exciting year ahead of him. Having claimed a world title, he now has the opportunity to fight and become a marquee fighter. A possible fight against Jermaine Taylor, Lucien Bute or even Mikkel Kessler has been mentioned - but a British showdown on the scale of Benn versus Eubank is what Froch and Nottingham are hoping for, with a bout against Calzaghe. Equally, David Haye has already managed to catapult his way to the top of the heavyweight division after defeating Enzo Maccarinelli to unify the world cruiserweight belts, and then making the step up a division to knock out Monte Barrett. Haye, who promotes himself under Haymaker Promotions, is a character that the heavyweight division has been lacking. His confidence and charm is endearing, as he has managed to entice Vitali Klitschko into a fight which will take place in June somewhere in London. This isn't to mention Amir Khan or Olympic champion James DeGale amongst others at a very exciting time for the sport in the UK.

To see Calzaghe against Froch would be the highlight for any British boxing fan this year, possibly at the City Ground, Nottingham or at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. After all of the sledging that has gone between the two, there would be no love lost and both men would not leave without their heart and soul having been put to the limits. However, with much for Calzaghe to lose on this fight I don’t see it happening. Rather he will take another fight at light-heavy against a weak but big name boxer such as Roy Jones Jnr. and slip into retirement. Froch will probably have to make do with a fight to tie him over, perhaps against Jeff Lacy or Anthony Mundane, which would hopefully set up a big fight at the end of the year once he is better known by the American public. As for Hatton, I think a fight at Wembley against de la Hoya is a prospect too exciting to turn down. He should win, which would lead to a a match-up against one of the top fighters like Pacquiao or a return for Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Haye is the most interesting of the four; he is not unjustified to be in his position, but his mouth has got him a long way – which is fantastic for the fan. I would love to see him defeat Klitschko to set up an epic war between both brothers and the Hayemaker to spark some life into the heavyweight division – but we will have to see if he can pull off an amazing victory in the summer before we talk of that.

England Football: As far as the England football team goes I have very little to say about them. Simply, I want to be able to feel pride when supporting them, rather than feeling ashamed that a bunch of pre-Madonna’s are representing my country. Players who failed to even qualify for the last tournament as they would rather be playing for their clubs, or holidaying in Magaluf then bleeding for their country, and giving everything to win. Fabio Capello seems to be instilling this into the team a little more. I think he is the man to remind the England players, despite being Italian, of the meaning of wearing three lions on your shirt.

***

There are many other things that I could have written about: Andy Murray and Wimbledon, or as last year proved, more likely the US Open; Lewis Hamilton’s defence of his F1 crown; also the coverage of Beijing’s Olympic champions – or perhaps the reality which will see them drift into the obscurity for another four years. What is sure though, is that 2009 will throw up drama and debate, joy and despair as we anxiously wait on to see whether what we want to happen, will.

Will Gilgrass - 29th December 2008

The Jonny Wilkinson Factor

After weeks of competition, Alexandra Burke was judged to have the X-Factor which has propelled her from a no-body to stardom. At around about the same time, Jonny Wilkinson announced that he hopes to be playing by mid-February or March after a successful operation on his dislocated kneecap. One of the few players who remain from England’s 2003 World Cup victory, the fly-half when at full fitness is arguably the only England player of world class or possessing the X-Factor.

Wilkinson, as England’s leading points scorer with 1,032 from 70 test matches, is undoubtedly one of the greats, but the question remains to be answered as to whether his absence is the difference between the successful England teams of the 21st century and the failures. Undoubtedly he was the key in England’s World Cup victory in Australia – not only with the last gasp drop-goal to win the final, but throughout the tournament. Likewise, in the 2007 World Cup, Wilkinson’s return in their third group match seemed to revitalise the group as they went onto the final to lose to South Africa. Particularly in the Semi-Final victory over France, it was Wilkinson’s boot which kicked 9 points including a 40-yard drop-goal. Would Wilkinson in the autumn just gone have made a difference and perhaps have given England more success – particularly in the Australia game.

Look at all successful teams and they have had a solid, reliable goal kicker: in 1995 for the South Africans it was Joel Stransky; when watching Dan Carter of late for New Zealand and the Crusaders the points are often on the scoreboard before the ball was kicked; and in the last few weeks Nick Evans has proved to Harlequins what a kicker can achieve - setting up grandstand finishes against Stade Français in the Heineken Cup, and Leicester yesterday. England, when Wilkinson has been absent have not been able to match this: Charlie Hodgson has never really recreated his Sale kicking percentages at international level; Danny Cipriani perhaps found the step up to international level too much during the Autumn Internationals; and Toby Flood has not been able to shrug off Wilkinson’s shadow at club and international level.

England failed to score many tries throughout 2008 but this is really no difference to 2003. The media in the Southern Hemisphere accused England of boring play and a lack of cutting instinct able to break through opposition defences. The obvious difference between the two was Jonny Wilkinson’s left – and often right – boot that was able to accumulate points at regular intervals and pin the opposition back.

Wilkinson is a metronome when it comes to kicking and is definitely missed by England. But what he also brings is a determination and he knows how to close out games, which is vital in his position. Against Australia, which was the only game against the Tri-Nations England came close to winning, they lacked a player of Wilkinson’s experience to be able to drop a goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and to put the ball in the corner when required – maintaining the pressure on the opposition. He is also very big in defence. With the fly-half channel often being an opportunity for oppositions to let their big runners attack and roll over weak tacklers, Wilkinson stands up with back row forwards, and this perhaps contributes to his injury problems.


Jonny Wilkinson is unique as he is of genuine world class. The term is often banded about but with the Newcastle Falcon it cannot be understated – and it is this which separates England ’03 from England ’09. England ’03 had this throughout the side in the key positions: other than Wilkinson, Will Greenwood was a pivotal playmaker and try-scorer whose contribution to the side was often over-looked; equally in the pack the back row of Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back and Richard Hill was formidable, and obviously the leadership Martin Johnson.

In today’s pool of England players no-one is near this standard – but many have the potential. For me, Danny Care was one of the few members of the England squad to come out of the autumn fixtures with any credit. The Quins number nine, who turns 22 next week has grabbed his opportunity to take the England shirt with both hands at a point where there were many others vying for the position – Peter Richards, Harry Ellis and Richard Wigglesworth. What is perhaps key for Care is that he stays in the team, and builds a partnership with a fly-half to develop a devastating half-back combination which becomes world class. It is important to note that world class partnerships and combinations do not necessarily comprise of world class individuals, but can be more devastating. Danny Cipriani, who certainly has been seen as the most likely to fill England’s fly-half shirt if Wilkinson does never fully shake off his injury problems, could form a very exciting partnership with Care. The two could develop together to be the focal point of the England attack if given the opportunity and time. Equally players like James Haskell could become a long term successor to Dallaglio; Jordan Turner-Hall at just 20 is reveling in the Harlequins team and could make the step up; and if Matt Tait eradicates some of his inconsistencies he could fill the void which still hasn’t been filled after Will Greenwood’s retirement.



Clive Woodward took six years to build his World Cup winning side. The Tour to Hell which saw devastating defeats away to Australia and New Zealand in the summer of 1998 was arguably a crucial part of the development of the side. It gave players who were to be pivotal in 2003 such as Wilkinson and Josh Lewsey some hard lessons in international rugby, which is maybe what Cipriani experienced a few months ago and what others need to experience now to be successful in the future.

It is testament to Wilkinson’s ability that we still speak of him as we do and pin our hopes on him, despite the fact that since that infamous drop goal in 2003 he has only played a handful of games for both club and country. But as Toby Flood has experienced more than any other, when Jonny Wilkinson is about his shadow will be cast on any pretender to his throne - a near-impossible reputation to live up to. This probably prompted Flood’s move to Leicester in the summer so that he could develop as a player without Wilkinson always on his back. England certainly misses the ability which Wilkinson possesses, and it cannot be discovered overnight. If Wilkinson is to be believed then he still has his best years in front of him, but this waits to be seen. If I was Martin Johnson I would begin to take a punt and begin backing some young guns. They may experience some blows at first, but youngsters with ability can come back and be stronger for the experience. Cipriani, despite his spluttering start clearly has class and the confidence which is required and I would let him form a partnership with Danny Care; others such as Haskell need to be able to make mistakes at International level to be able to gain world class status.

England needs to rebuild, which has begun with the introductions of Delon Armitage and should continue with Care and Cipriani. Wilkinson is a cut above, or at least was. We should remember what he has achieved and enjoy the success that he has brought, but until he manages to play back-to-back matches for Newcastle and play well, his name should not be talked about when discussing England squads and Lions squads for that matter.

Will Gilgrass - 28th December 2008

Jermaine Pennant – the most foolish man in football?!

Jermaine Pennant looked set for an extraordinary move to current Spanish champions Real Madrid. However it appears a loan move to either Stoke or Wigan are now the more likely destinations for the 25-year old. The Bernabéu were set to unveil the Liverpool right-winger, who has only started two Premiership matches this season, days after unveiling the signing of Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth for £20-million. However, the deal reportedly collapsed over Pennant’s wages, as he demanded £60,000 a week, which was twice as much as the £1.5-million-per-year contract tabled by Madrid.

This episode smacks of insanity: Jermaine Pennant, who currently sits behind Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun in the Liverpool set up was/is being courted by Real Madrid is arguably as unexpected as the transfer-deadline-day transfer of Carlos Tévez to West Ham in August 2006; but more disbelieving is Jermaine Pennant’s failure to bend over backwards to play for the Spanish Giants.

Only a handful of English players make the move to play on the continent, with Real Madrid attracting most with Michael Owen, David Beckham, Jonathan Woodgate and ex-Liverpool winger Steve McManaman all having made the move to Madrid. They enjoyed a varying amount of success, but one thing that cannot be in doubt is that they developed greatly as players and often won trophies.

Pennant came to the forefront of the footballing world when he became the most expensive teenager. Ten years ago Arsène Wenger signed the then 15-year old for Arsenal from Notts County for £2-million. Since then he has failed to fulfil his potential which have also seen a series of disciplinary problems which included a drink-driving conviction that saw him play with an electronic tag whilst on probation in 2005.

There have been positives in the Nottingham-born winger’s career which is evidently what Real Madrid saw in him. He undoubtedly has pace and trickery which can mesmerise defenders: his ability led some Leeds fans to offer their own money for his permanent signing during his loan spell in 2003-04; and his performances for Liverpool saw an England call-up in the pipeline, but he was snubbed by then manager Steve McLaren.

A transfer to Madrid would not only have been hugely prestigious, but the chance would have surely enhanced his footballing ability. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Guti, Raúl, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben would have paid dividends for him. Furthermore a move from the Premiership could have worked wanders for him personally as he could escape the British paparazzi and focus on his football.

It seems that we won’t know whether Pennant would have been a success for Madrid, or if he would even have featured in the famous White Shirt on a regular basis. If this was in his mind and he rejected a move as he wanted the promise of first team football, given his recent time out of Liverpool’s match day squads, then it would be commendable. It would have demonstrated a footballer who wanted to play football and one who rejected sitting on the sidelines, even if they were the sidelines of one of the world’s most decorated clubs.

Though it seems that it was money which was the reason Pennant turned down the opportunity which most footballers dream of – including, supposedly, Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. If it is because Pennant wouldn’t accept Real Madrid’s contract offer then I think he has been particularly foolish. He should have looked at Steve McManaman’s experience in Spain as inspiration. McManaman was in many ways a very similar winger to Pennant and was hugely successful at Madrid, becoming the first Englishman to win the Champions League twice. He became very highly respected by the Spanish media before Real’s policy turned towards Los Galácticos and he was effectively forced out of the club with the signing of David Beckham.

I am very doubtful that the sights and sounds of Stoke and Wigan are greater pulls than those of the Spanish capital. Especially for Pennant who is somewhat of a Playboy having dated a Hollyoaks actress and now a glamour model. So we wait to see what beckons for one of England’s most controversial and perhaps underachieving footballers. But one thing that is for certain is that unless there is a dramatic U-turn in Rafa Benítez’s team selection, Pennant needs a move this transfer window in order to resurrect his career and join Ashley Young, Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and David Beckham in the battle for England’s number seven shirt.

Will Gilgrass - 25th December 2008