Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

We've had even the PM defending a cricketer involved in racist comment, but a bunch of players make an anti-racist statement it's a problem? I don't think so. There seems to be an upswell of opinion that thinks racism can be defended. This reminds me of Trumps government who proposed the people who campaigned against fascism were actually the problem and not armed and violent white supremacists. I think we need to stop getting too fancy about this. Peace and harmony = good. Divison and hatred = bad. Is that alright?

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Glen Hoddle was crazy. How was that going to work?

It turned out that Hoddle was crazy, although I think that it surprised many when it emerged. He is tactically astute though and understands the way the game is played enough to know how to fix things that aren't working

Southgate is a fairly sensible and reliable chap, with no tactical nous whatsoever, who couldn't spot a solution to a problem during a game if it stood up and punched him in the face

Polar opposites.

I still think that what England need is a tactically aware assistant manager to whisper stuff in Southgate's ear

The last three England managers didn't deserve the job, though Southgate has done fine so far and he is a decent bloke, unlike Big Sam!

I suspect he's still in two minds as to which formation to play, which is a worry.

Someone on the programme commented that a lot of the England players resented Hoddle because he was still so much better than them...

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Someone on the programme commented that a lot of the England players resented Hoddle because he was still so much better than them...

I did hear or read that he used to show off by taking free-kicks during training. I liked him as manager but his mouth was his downfall.

Prior to his heart attack when he was regularly on commentary, I enjoyed his insights on how the game was going, where mistakes were being made and how they could be corrected. He certainly understood the game, even if he was bonkers, with ridiculous ideas on life, afterlife and previous lives

Gingerfinch wrote:

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Someone on the programme commented that a lot of the England players resented Hoddle because he was still so much better than them...

I did hear or read that he used to show off by taking free-kicks during training. I liked him as manager but his mouth was his downfall.

I dunno, England's record under his reign wasn't much better than the record of anyone around him. If anything it was worse, if you consider Venables before him took England to within a goalpost of a Euro final.

bigfluffylemon wrote:

Gingerfinch wrote:

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Someone on the programme commented that a lot of the England players resented Hoddle because he was still so much better than them...

I did hear or read that he used to show off by taking free-kicks during training. I liked him as manager but his mouth was his downfall.

I dunno, England's record under his reign wasn't much better than the record of anyone around him. If anything it was worse, if you consider Venables before him took England to within a goalpost of a Euro final.

England were lucky to beat Spain in the 96 QF's , whereas we played against a good Argentina side in 98 and didn't have the luck. You're right though, Hoddle's record wasn't brilliant.

I always got the impression that a dressing room under Hoddle was not a very harmonious place

Italy beat Turkey 3-0.

They look like title contenders.

Immobile?! Priceless!

Wales vs Switzerland 1-1

Erickson collapsed in the Denmark game. Looks like Fabrice muamba. CPR given,.players crying. I hope it's nowhere near as bad as it looks, but if it is, he could have died.

Fingers crossed. Chilling and heartbreaking scenes

Report says he is now conscious and in hospital. At least he's in a controlled environment now. Best wishes to him.

Be so sad to see him lose his career at his peak. An amazingly talented player... Hopefully it's a scare and we see him back on the pitch again. But I guess all that matters now is he pulls through and makes a full recovery.