http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...et-British-signings-Premier-League-debut.html You have to laugh - Eddie Howe stated that he will sign British players... So far, he has signed:- Adam Federici - Australian Josh King - Norwegian Christian Atsu - Ghanaian Artur Boric - Polish.
He might find some British players demand more money than those form overseas. Isn't that part of the issue regarding lack of British 1st teamers in the Premier league?
Evening from a hot and sticky Toulon. While coming across I watched the French Cup final between Auxerre and Paris SG. It was utter rubbish! I have seen better football at the Vic this season.
Naughty behaviour from some Leicester City youth player...or "stars" as the media call them. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ai-women-end-season-tour.html#reader-comments Now this is another shameful example of how some young footballers behave - clearly they are not stars and I actually wonder if its that sort of description which makes them believe they are bigger and better than anyone else and can do what they like. Be interesting to see Leicester do - baring in mind one of those involved is the manager's son!
One of the things about modern sport which is guaranteed to bring out the Grumpy Old Man in me is this awful Americanisation of anthems and traditional songs at English sporting events. It seems that the crowd is now believed to be incapable of singing without the assitance of an X Factor or Britian's Got talent contestant. It was therefore a delight to see a choir leading Abide with Me on Saturday at the Cup Final - I'd still rather they just had a brass band but it was a massive improvement nonetheless..
http://www.pinkun.com/mobile/home/norwich_city_voted_second_worst_away_day_experience_1_4100020 Sorry Dave...
http://www.brisbaneroar.com.au/article/clut-eyes-big-201516-season/lvz69mz33bvp1bhx5a3p8pwlt Was watching these, somewhat brief, highlights of Brisbane Roar thumping Villarreal on Wednesday night thanks to two goals from a young striker called Devante Clut. He made a bit of a name for himself in last season's Asian Championship - could be worth a look. I'm perfectly willing to go over on a scouting mission on Watford's behalf... Also picked up a little snippet in the article - Man U are apparently 'buying into' Melbourne Victory...
The Telegraph reported this morning that the Football league is operating a type of Rooney Rule from next year. Basically any club advertising a youth or assistant manager's job must shortlist at least one black or ethnic minority candidate. Good to see that the clubs have agreed to this and will be interesting to see the long term results..
I find it a sad indictment on the state of society that such a measure has to be put in place - and tend to disagree that it's a good thing. I say this as someone who has been the 'victim' of such affirmative action in the past on more than one occasion - a victim who had to pick up the pieces after 'the best person for the job' turned out not to be. I suppose, though, that football more than any other industry has a history of poor appointments...
The jury is still out on this one. It's sad that quota systems have become necessary, but would you want to be offered a job only because of your skin colour, age, sex, disability etc. ? We have this type of positive discrimination also in politics, where on our Green reserve list of candidates for our local council every second place had to be occupied by a woman - regardless of ability.
"Positive" discrimination is still, by definition, discrimination. Whomsoever is the best person for a job should get the job. If we have to make allowances and special arrangements then they should be made: e.g. a blind friend of mine had all manner of gizmo's and whistles and bells afforded him but he was still the best man for the job and that is why he got it. (He's a computer programmer for a major Building Society).
The Rooney rule is not a positive thing for me, we should be encouraging the shortlisting of all staff entirely on merit with no discrimination. This rule potentially will just increase tension if the more ignorant among society start questioning peoples ability citing the Rooney rule as the only reason they got an interview or even the final position.
I wonder how many black professionals have not applied for jobs due to the perceived feeling they aren't given a chance?
