Toon players getting hot under the collar?
Posted on July 22nd, 2009 | 39 Comments |
The first tussle involved Habib Beye who was incensed enough to remonstrate with Huddersfield skipper Peter Clarke following an earlier disagreement. Whether that was something said at a free kick or a challenge either one of them didn’t like, is unclear.
Certainly I didn’t see the flashpoint because I was halfway up the stairs to get my pie (which incidentally were out of stock!). But both players looked fairly agitated and keen to get at each other. Which resulted in a 20-man melee (I love that word) that involved police and stewards and continued down the tunnel. Beye didn’t reappear for the second half but as I suggested in my earlier report of the game, I got the impression that was the original plan regardless.
The second incident involved Coloccini and former Gateshead forward Lee Novak with the striker reportedly suffering a cut to his chin. It came as a surprise to me just how close these two actually got and that there was physical damage as it was dispersed relatively quickly and there didn’t seem to be much in it. The exact cause of that incident is also unclear. What is clear though is that this was a relatively bad-tempered affair considering the nature of the game.
There were several hefty challenges early on, particularly on Joey Barton which went unchecked and on at least three separate occasions it appeared that Carroll, Duff and Nolan were man-handled off the ball. Quite why it was such a full-blooded affair isn’t clear, although Clarkie will have had them wound-up for this one. It’s also safe to say that we’re still a big target and teams will want to have a go at us.
With that in mind, though commitment and steel is essential, I’m not sure looking to belt the living daylights out of the opposition is the most constructive way forward. Both managers have come out and said the incidents show how much the players care. I’m not sure I agree with that. I definitely like the implication that the players are sticking together but I think it says more about their current state of mind rather than a symbol of their ‘unity’. The talking should be done with their feet and at the minute they’re remaining diplomatically mute on that front, it would seem, the Darlington result flattering to deceive.
It seems like the frustration in the stands over the current situation is being mirrored on the pitch. I’ve so far been given the impression that in terms of the football, half of our squad looks fairly disinterested. And yet all the uncertainty seems to have shortened some fuses. Beye has been involved in a couple of incidents in his time at St James’ but on the whole is reasonably well disciplined. That all went out of the window last night. Of course, these things happen and it might just be pure coincidence.
We expect them to be consummate professionals but, whether it’s an indication of the calibre and character of players we have I don’t know, there’s the very real likelihood that this whole sorry mess is getting to them and that these players are taking their eyes of the ball at a crucial time. Without the right preparation and a good start, next season could turn out to be a long hard slog and it could get quite scary. Though the likelihood of dropping down another tier is still a way off to my mind and not something I care to contemplate. The facts are, that we are effectively rudderless and without direction and the body language of the players tells me most of them are ready to jump at the first chance of another club. With or without the platitudes of Steven Taylor ringing in our ears.
I’m also aware that we have been in the media for all the wrong reasons over the last few years and this latest issue is just another example of our implosion. With a transfer embargo on our players until a sale is progressed and a current impasse on the sale, it seems we’re stuck with these players. Players who look disillusioned, disenchanted and irritated. A unhealthy state of mind and seemingly lacking desire and commitment when it comes to the actual football. Hughton has stated, should it be necessary, he’d have no qualms about entering the new season with this current squad. Fair enough Chris, that’s your prerogative.
Having seen two games this season, personally, it’s a pretty scary thought when you consider there’s a healthy portion of the transfer window to go and Mr Ashley will undoubtedly be keen to shed some of the financial heavweights if there are no buyers and he becomes stuck once again with this unwanted gig.
P.S. My alternative theory is that the players are just angry at having to wear such a bloody clip of a football strip. It’s not a ‘grower’ by any means.
NUFCBlog Author: bowburnmag
bowburnmag has written 234 articles on this blog.
AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAAA,
Finally, a Newsnow link! Well done lads and lassies, should get a LOT more traffic now! Sorry no comment on the story, but I’ll be back now it’s listed on the mecca of all news portals!!