Glen Johnson
There must have been a certain amount of satisfaction in the air when Glen Johnson put pen to paper to confirm his move from Portsmouth to Liverpool. Remember, this was the young defender who didn’t make much of an impression at Chelsea, was allegedly given regular tongue lashings by Jose Mourinho and then scurried off to Pompey as quick as he could.
But while at Fratton Park he re-discovered his game, was voted the South Coast club’s player of the year, became the England regular at right back and even had Chelsea looking to re-sign him. The move is great news for him and well deserved. Plus of course, his boot sponsor Lotto will doubtless be delighted to see one of their few English representatives plying his trade with one of the Big Four.
Man Utd 09 / 10 kit
Since we revealed the official ‘teaser’ images of the new Manchester United kit for next season, debate has raged long and hard about what it does or doesn’t look like. So, here’s my two-penneth worth.
The shirt will have the AIG logo on it because they remain the sponsor of the club. Their deal doesn’t expire until June of next year when Aon Corp will take over.
Whilst the images are brilliantly shot to hide much of the detail, you can make out a ‘V’ running across the front of the shirt.
It will definitely have an ‘Old School’ feel to it as it’s been specifically designed to reflect the club’s past glories.
Setanta (again)
So, Setanta has ceased trading in Great Britain and its Premier League games rights have been bought by ESPN, a channel owned by Disney. No doubt the 200 staff that have been made redundant (through no fault of their own) not to mention a number of governing body financial directors are currently going round muttering a phrase that rhymes with Donald Duck.
As it happens, I always felt that the figures put forward by the Irish broadcaster just didn’t add up and despite their strong start, it just shows you that there’s no substitute for a long-term business plan. In other words, it was all a bit Mickey Mouse.
Newcastle kit
Newcastle United have mirrored the success of Manchester United by getting many of us to talk about their new kit for next season. However, unlike the Premier League champions, it’s for all the wrong reasons.
The new away kit is made up of a two-tone yellow striped shirt and yellow shorts. It is, without doubt, excruciatingly awful.' Fair play to Steven Taylor who was brave enough to model the kit – shame he looked like a across between a Blackpool deckchair and a bowl of lemon Angel Delight or the result of a mutation between a Norwich and Grimsby fan. No wonder Michael Owen has decided to leave.
Competition time.
Just a few thoughts on the various tournaments that are on right now.
Italy looked great in their Puma King XL Italia kit in South Africa. Sadly they played not so much like kings but rather paupers.
England’s Under 21’s don’t look half bad.
Dropping Theo Walcott then seeing him come off the bench to set up a second goal against Spain. Genius from Stuart Pearce.
Congratulations to Spain for extending their record-breaking unbeaten run.
Despite millions of pounds of investment, Britain’s tennis players are more rubbish now then they’ve ever been.
Who wants to get a pair of the new Orange Blaze / Black Nike Total 90 Laser II’s after watching Fernando Torres play in them? Me please.
How good can Jack Rodwell become?
The women’s Twenty/20 competition was far more exciting than the men’s.
Desperately hoping for a British Lions comeback in the second test but fearing the worst.
Eng U21’s are looking great, would be great if they set up the full international squad with the trophy.
Fairplay to Glen Johnson.
Newcastle are now just a joke.
Nah, don’t fancy those orange Torres boots.
Agree about the England U21’s – not too shabby at all.
As for the Newcastle United strip, just one word. Why?
Think Lotto really need to raise their game with Johnson.
He’s such a massively important ambassador for them in the EPL.
England Under 21’s are looking great, gives me good hopes for World Cup 2010 for our senior team and Stuart Pearce has done an emense job with our lads.
Dont blame Glen Johnson for moving, he has become a fantastic Right back and he can attack extremely well when needed to.
Newcastle have done it to themselves I am affraid. The new kit is nothing but a joke and will be laughed at even more wearing it in The Championship next season!
Torres is world class, I have a pair of the Lasers but wouldnt want the Orange ones!!
I HATE LOTTO