London Irish: Underdogs to Title Contenders?

London Irish are currently top of the Guinness Premiership. It is an amazing achievement for a club that were under serious threat of relegation 4 years ago.

The transformation of the club has been absolutely remarkable. When Brian Smith took over as Director of Rugby 3 years ago, London Irish were struggling, they had narrowly avoided relegation the previous season and the reputation as one of the lowest try scorers in the league.
Smith, a typical Australian with a burning desire to win, coupled with a passion for expansive rugby was determined to change all that.

He did, and how, that season London Irish swept teams aside with a running game that had pace, width, inventiveness and at times pure genius. They finished third in the league, running in an incredible 54 tries, making them the league's highest scorers.
Just last season Smith guided the team to the first Heineken Cup semi-final in their history and had instilled in them a brand of rugby admired throughout the English game.

In the summer Brian Smith departed to become Attack Coach as part of Martin Johnson's new-look England coaching team. Despite this, Toby Booth, promoted to Head coach from his previous position as Assistant coach under Smith, and Player-Coach Mike Catt, vowed to carry on what Smith had started. So far, so good, the team lie top of the league, having achieved some impressive results. This occurring despite losing star performers Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy to England duty this autumn. They beat champions Wasps 26-14 in the first game of the season, and achieved a narrow 28-27 win over high flying Harlequins. The team then ran in 4 tries in a convincing 28-6 win over Sale, a side that was previously unbeaten and hadn't conceded a single try.

Results like the tight win against Harlequins after trailing 20-8 at half -time show the side, as well as scoring tries, are developing a much needed resolve. Such an attribute will be crucial if they are to become title-winning material.

One thing is for sure, so far, the signs are good.

RE: Harry Houdini

I recently read this post on Football Frustrations and I have a couple of comments to make.

I agree that Redknapp has done so far what was seen as being an impossible job and looks certain to steer Spurs comfortably away from relegation. There is no doubt that on paper the Spurs team was always awash with talent. However, under Ramos those players were a picture of dejection, completely bereft of confidence. Jonathan Woodgate in particular had commented in the press that he believed that he and his team mates were destined to be embroiled in a relegation battle. 

 I would even go as far as to say that maybe towards the end of Ramos' reign the Spurs players had given up on performing for their manager because they did not want to save his job.

Since the arrival of Redknapp Spurs have been transformed. You could be forgiven for thinking that the team under Ramos and the present one are two entirely different sets of players. Redknapp has instilled confidence within the players once again, and given them the reassurance of a run in the team to prove their worth. The pace, verve and inventiveness that characterised Spurs teams of the past has returned, and they are reaping the rewards. 

I believe though, that the task of saving Gomes' premiership career could be a step too far for Redknapp. His error strewn performances show no sign of ending. Not only does his confidence seem to be shattered but the defence in front of him look as if they have no trust him. If this is the case it makes good decision-making within the defence extremely difficult. This in my view makes his position untenable and the only way forward is to leave the club and get a fresh start elsewhere.

Norris Abuse Is Unfair

Following his 'handcuff' celebration against Blackpool, Ipswich Town midfielder David Norris was subjected to a barrage of abuse last weekend.

Ipswich were playing away against Doncaster Rovers, and the home support did not miss the opportunity to goad Norris about his actions. Boos could be heard every time he touched the ball as well as the chant "Friend of a murderer". This treatment cannot simply be brushed off as part and parcel of the game. 

What Norris did was at worst extremely naive and there was never any malice intended in his actions. The gesture regardless of whether it was right or wrong was done to show support for his friend. This was perhaps not the best method of doing so, but everyone makes mistakes. 

It seems some people believe that footballers should be above this, that every mistake on or off the field can and should be heavily scrutinised. Those people should remember that a talent for football does not make them any less human. Hopefully, those who abused Norris will realise this and allow him to put the incident behind him, sooner rather than later.

What Next For England?

This Friday, Kevin Pietersen faces perhaps his toughest test so far as England captain.

He will lead England out against an Indian team that are still buoyant from the 2-0 test series victory against Australia. Not only this but they will be competing in a form of the game which is widely considered to be the Indians strongest suit.

Food for thought then, for Pietersen, a phrase surprisingly apt considering his part in the TV advert promoting the tour. After the 124 run defeat to Mumbai President's XI, it looks like a hot curry is the last of his worries. England, despite what looks to be significant progress under Pietersen still have one age old problem. They are vulnerable to the most surprising and spectacular batting collapses.

The theory behind this has been put down by many as lack of match practice. I think I've heard this before, and it would appear to be true. A handful of warm-up games is no way to prepare for a series against one of the most powerful cricketing nations in the world. Especially as the series takes place in their own back yard. The ECB have been guilty of poor planning such as this many times before and don't seem to have learn their lesson. It isn't viable simply from a professional point of view, let alone international level.

If the problem isn't dealt with quickly, England will continue to struggle on tour for many a year. Should that happen, Pietersen's aspirations of establishing England as the leading force in world cricket will simply be a pipedream.

RFU Jeopardise Division One Clubs

On Friday the RFU will discuss their proposal to for a new fully professional 12 - club Championship to replace National Division One.

It seems to me that the RFU has failed to consider the full consequences of this proposal and the burden it places on the clubs involved. The competition would put enormous financial constraints on them. It would be financial suicide for them to agree to participate. As the sole employer of their staff the wage bill would be astronomical, not to mention the costs incurred to upgrade their stadiums to Premiership standards.

Surely it is in the interests of fairness and common decency to get the consent of all those involved before deciding on such radical changes as these. However, the RFU seem to be unconcerned with these values. The clubs don't seem willing to take this proposal lying down and rightly so. If they do, they may face extinction.