Andy The Great.

Last week Andrew Cole announced his retirement from football, after a highly successful career spanning 1 years plus. Cole will be regarded as a top finisher, a world-class striker and a great black footballer along with other greats such as John Barnes. He boasts many winners medals and was part of the historic treble winning Manchester United team. He is one of the premier leagues all time top scorers, and in one season for Newcastle United, scored 40 goals in one season. He also has scored the most goals in a premier league match- 5 in a 9-0 victory. You would think that such a prolific player would have an impressive international career to match- wrong.

Cole, like many other great English players, never replicated his club form for his country. Was he given a fair shot? Well, at the time in the peak of his career, England had Alan Shearer- a genuinely great player who would be hard to displace from the set up. But whether Cole was given a fair shot is debatable. While you could argue that you have to take your chances, it can also be argued that a fair run to prove yourself should be given. Could England have benefited from using Andy Cole more? I think so, but Cole isn’t the only footballer of his era to be overlooked. Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand are a few more. But their goals, professionalism, and role model acumen have not gone un-noticed by me. I salute all the great black footballers who never got their deserved international playing career. If not for you, we may not be witnessing such young talent as the Theo Walcotts, Jermaine Defoes, Gabby Agbonlahors.

Kimbo Slice vs Seth Petruzelli

Do you remember Kimbo Slice? That tonk guy who does street fighting. Well recently he joined up to an American version of Ultimate Fighting.

In Ultimate Fighting, challengers face eachother in a cage, with just a ref in the middle and they are allowed full contact blows to eachother until the ref deems someone is in real danger. Kimbo, who made a way for himself through posting his street fights on the internet, is relatively new to the sport having ony 3 fights but winning all, 2 by KO. last week he was pitted against an unknown opponent Seth Petruzelli. And here is result...

Premier League Round-Up

This weekend saw Chelsea maintain their top spot in the premier league by cruising to a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. They are being chased closely by Liverpool who also kept their unbeaten record in tact by beating so called 'top four club' Manchester City. Hull are the suprise package at the moment in third place following a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, who were condemned to their 5th defeat of the season.

Sunday Results

West Ham (1)-(3) Bolton
Pompey (2)-(1) Stoke City
Totty (0)-(1) Hull City
Man City (2)-(3) Liverpool
Chelsea (2)-(0) Aston Villa
Everton (2)-(2) Newcastle

Amir Khan KO'D In First Round

Amir Khan was sensationally knocked out in 54 seconds after his debut fight in his new Sky Sports contract against Breidis Prescott.

The English fighter was twice knocked down inside a minute, both times by strong left hooks which rocked him, and on the second occasion, left him on the canvas for a 10 count. It was a startling set-back for Khan who was pushing perhaps too hastily for a world title shot. On this evidence, he clearly has a lot of work to do.

Much had been voiced on Khans chin. Many saying it was too soft, but to be fair, there aren't many boxers who could have withstood the strength of Prescotts much revelled left hand.

Khan admits he made a mistake coming out on the offensive, but Prescott who predicted he would knock out Khan in the 4th round is surprised at how early his victory came.

Is Khan's career over? He insists he will be back, and if he does overcome this defeat it will prove he is a true champion.

Amir Khan- Not Ready Yet

Amir Khan laboured to a fifth round stoppage of his opponent Gomez last Saturday, prompting many boxing insiders and even his followers to admit that the UK fighter is a long way away from the title fight he so badly craves.

While the victory was indeed morale boosting, its exposed many weaknesses Amir Khan would have rather concealed. Many critics have pointed out Khan’s weak chin, which was previously exposed by Willie Limond, and again was exposed by Gomez as he was knocked down. Another worrying thing about Khan was how many times he played into his opponent’s hands in term of tactics. As a result he was dragged into a ‘street fight’ trying to fight on the inside, and was made to pay by being caught off-guard with the left hook that floored him.

But as his promoter Frank Warren said, that is purpose of these fights. Not to take anything away from Khan, after all the points I have pointed out, to come back an win shows his championship credentials. He is steadily moving up the learning curve, and win hard work we can expect not only a title victory, but a long title defence which will further stamp his supremacy in the sport of boxing.

This is the video of the last round (5)

Keeping It Real- The Ronaldo Saga

The biggest transfer story of the summer so far is whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United. After what has been his most successful season in the English premier league, the winger is now contemplating whether or not to carry on his illustrious career in England.

Much has been said and numerous rumours have surfaced during this summer period, but nothing concrete and formal has been said from the source himself- Ronaldo. His preparations for the European championships seem to have had been hampered by the speculation, as every interview questions were aimed towards him to clarify his future. His response has always been vague saying he will give an answer shortly, which has lead many to believe he could well want a move away as he has don’t nothing to quash the rumours.

Whilst Ronaldo has been vague in his response to the speculation, United have made their position very clear. They have issued numerous statements that the player is not for sale, and if Ronaldo makes his intentions clear that he wants to be sold, a legal battle could be brewing.

This saga has been going on for well over a year, but since United’s epic champions league win in Moscow, Real Madrid president Calderon has made is clear that Ronaldo was the clubs top transfer target. His public comments and flirtatious behaviour has infuriated Sir Alex, who eventually reported the club to FIFA for their actions. Even United’s owners the Glaziers have come out fighting, claiming they would rather let the winger rot in the reserves than being forced to sell their prized asset.

Ronaldo has never hidden his desire to play in Spain, and has recently labelled the move a ‘dream’. No doubt in the run up to pre-season we will see whether dreams come true.

Sven Out, Hughes In?

Sven Goran Eriksson parted company with Manchester City today after one season in charge. Whilst his departure has come as no surprise, his sacking has highlighted the cut-throat industry premier league managing has become in the midst of the foreign owner era.

Sven guided City to their highest league finish in 3 years (ninth) and also beat rivals Man United twice in the season. On the last day of the season, despite the humiliating 8-1 defeat to Middlesborough, he guided City into the UEFA cup via the fair play league. Owner Thaksin Shinawatra eventually ran out of patience with the former England coach after City failed to maintain their impressive start to the season. The news will come as a blow to City fans, who after hearing the news prior to the seasons end that Sven would be sacked, staged protests outside the club.

Many names have been linked with the vacant position but it seems as though the role may be filled by Mark Hughes, who earlier, was granted permission from Blackburn to talk to Man City. Rumours have also started to filter that Sam Allardyce may be ready to move to Blackburn, should Hughes leave Blackburn

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