In 1979 the fixture was played on my brother's birthday and we won 3-1. Yesterday was his little girl's birthday. I knew I should have backed it
Sheffield United have retracted their offer to let convicted rapist Ched Evans use their training facilities. The club said reaction to their initial decision "has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated". I think that Watford have been down this road of a player leaving jail, but it seems to me the difference lies with the players attitude on his release. Evans has shown no remorse and still argues it never happened. Unless he can prove he was wrongly convicted, he should at least apologize to the victim and then try to start his playing days elsewhere.
Very true, ofh. And it's not a case of Hornets just sticking to their players. How would you feel about Marlon King back at the club (if he was back at his best?) I wouldn't touch him with a bargepole because of total lack of contrition. I don't want my kids singing his name. I'm fine with Troy because he has shown a great deal of humility and contrition, and so I have been able to explain this to my kids - both under ten, both able to understand.
Sorry! I also think Sheff Utd should be applauded for having the guts to change their mind. Weaker leaders would have tried to see this through because of perceived (not actual) loss of face.
I think it is also the nature of the crime that has caused this. What happened with Troy, although not justifiable, is one that could happen to a lot of people on a Saturday night. Whereas what Ched did was disgusting, and almost proves what many people think about footballers in that they can do what they want/have who they want. Having said that, and I'm not condoning what he did in any way, but you can understand why he hasn't apologised yet. He is still fighting the conviction and an apology would be pretty much an admission of guilt. If he feels he is innocent, should he just accept whats happened and move on?
Sheffield United said initially that they took him on the advice on the PFA - anyone know if they've commented on the decision? I saw an interview with Evans' aunt a few weeks ago and she said that he is guilty, should admit what he's done and show remorse. She's a counsellor for rape victims so should know what she's talking about.
I think Kev's post counters his aunt's statement - he is fighting the conviction, and may even have good grounds - presumably his lawyers think so. I don't really think that his aunt's profession is really relevant either - what matters is whether or not she is in possession of all the facts, and I would imagine that it's doubtful that she has especially now that she has basically spoken out against him. The difficulty he faces is, in my opinion, that we live in a society with a strange mix of moral values. He will find that, even if cleared of rape, some sections of society will still be against him 'integrating' back after him having served time for it anyway. Compare that with others who apparently approve of recent revelations regarding a former PM, former cabinet minister, young boys and murder - approve to the extent that they are party to covering up all details, and allowing those involved to continue on in work. Which is the more heinous?
The latter. From what I've read of this suggests that his indignance at being caught, his ability to afford lawyers (who will naturally tell him he has a good case) will mean he will fight to clear his name. But, again only from what I've read, he doesn't look innocent.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30143924 Another example of American arrogance, surely........ "Batman's first appearance was in 1939, while Valencia have been using a bat on their crest since 1919." I believe Victoria (talentless tart) Beckham tried to sue Peterborough Utd over their use of the nickname "Posh"..........
Whether or Not Ched Evans actually committed rape is known only to those involved - not his aunt nor lawyers, judge or jury - however the evidence was sufficient to convict him. Unless he can overturn that judgement then he stands as a rapist. He has served his punishment but rehabilitation cannot begin until he admits his crime and shows remorse. He will not do that if he is convinced he is innocent - which means he cannot move on until he either proves his point or gives in. If he knows he is guilty then his current stance of claiming innocence is pretty stupid as it stands in the way of his future
Meanwhile, former Watford and England boss Graham Taylor has said he does not think Evans will be able to resume his football career elsewhere. He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I think they [other clubs] will stay clear. "I will be most surprised if another club does offer an opportunity, because we've seen what comes with it. "I think it's a relatively easy thing for clubs to reject him and turn him down but I also understand why they would do it because of the reactions that we have seen". My guess is that he will have to move abroad unless he can prove the jury were wrong.
Morning all from a damp but mild bandit country. Just broken my fast and will be setting off for The Vic in half hour or so, looking forward to the game after a long break. Little Miss W_Y is not working today so she will make her 2nd visit all season!
What sort of nonsense do we have now? The FL give a middle east bank without any money permission to purchase Leeds as fit and proper owners. When they are exposed as being potless they sell 75% of the club to a man with convictions for fraud. The FL try to prevent him from ownership, but on a legal nicety they have to give him the go ahead. That legal point is no longer valid, so they ask him to stand aside for three months until this conviction is spent under time rules. If you read into what has been going on over the past few years Baz seems like an angel. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co....s-not-in-the-interests-of-any-party-1-6981493
Ignoring the fact that Mr Bridger is furious about what happened to his sports cars, I agree, ofh, total madness. Are they incompetent, the FL, or what? I hugely resent the degree to which total chancers are allowed to take over such vital assets of our national heritage with, it seems, total impunity. The FL is supposed to be protecting us (the country) from this. They set further worrying precedents by accepting that it is worse for these idiots to be removed. Very worrying for the future of our national sport, a thing of irrelevance to the chinless wonders in Westminster (unless we are doing well in a competition when they take every photo opportunity to be seen with their shirtsleeves rolled up, clapping and smiling as if they understand).
