From Twelve to One

The on-going saga of the National Football Centre continues. It has now been on the drawing board for approximately nine years. The facility that is to be constructed at Burton-on-Trent. The Football Association relaunch the initiative by renaming it to St. George’s Park! A token gesture? The Football Association’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup continues. A further ambassador from abroad is now on board. That of ex-Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur favourite David Ginola. Additionally the government are concerned that the bid could be upset by English violence. Approximately 3,200 known troublemakers will be ordered to surrender their passports and they will need to report to their local police station before the tournament begins on Friday 11th June 2010. They will not be able to travel abroad until the tournament ends. Mark Steels from the National Criminal Intelligence Service says, “there’s been an increase in the amount of violence used in the last couple of years. They’ve become much more sophisticated – like organised crime groups.” At the end of January 2010 it is reported that England captain John Terry has had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge. Although this is a personal affair, it brings into disrepute the position of the captaincy. The whole question of whether John Terry can continue in the role has now to be decided. From a football point of view it is widely accepted that John Terry is a great central defender and a marvellous leader on the pitch. But his behaviour off the pitch is disgraceful. The transgression has been made against a very good friend of his in Wayne Bridge. But obviously the deceit has ended that friendship. Wayne Bridge says, “I don’t want anything to do with him. If that means I don’t go to the World Cup then so be it.” Fabio Capello has chosen fourteen squads as England manager so far and although Wayne Bridge has not been an automatic choice for the first eleven, he has been included in thirteen of these squads, therefore a regular member. The actions of the England skipper could therefore go a lot deeper and into the dressing room. Just five months before the start of the World Cup Finals. It beggars belief! How will it be resolved? The Football Association Chief Executive Ian Watmore believes that the final decision should be that of Fabio Capello. One situation and problem that he could not have possibly foreseen or expected. His moralistic attitude and strict Catholic beliefs are going to be tested to the hilt. On his return from Italy where he as been convalescing from knee surgery, the first thing Capello does is to re-emphasise his commitment to England and that he will fulfil his contract through to the 2012 Euro finals. A decision on the John Terry situation will be made and announced within a few days after he has had time to consult the many people involved in the disruption. The African Nations Cup comes to an end with Egypt again winning. They have now been African champions in 2006, 2008 and now in 2010. This is good news for Fabio Capello as Egypt are confirmed as England’s next friendly opponents. The match will take place at Wembley on Wednesday 3rd March 2010. It is becoming increasingly difficult to arrange a further two friendly matches before the World Cup Finals and so far nothing more is confirmed. An enormous sting in the tail for Togo at the end of the African Nations Cup when it is decided by the Confederation of African football to ban them from the next two tournaments! Although the players wanted to continue to play, it was their government who called them home. They have therefore been banned for ‘political interference.’ True to his word, just a day after Fabio Capello arrives back in England, he holds his own investigation into the John Terry business. He talks with many people including that of his number two, Franco Baldini. He clearly wants to resolve the situation before his trip to Warsaw for the Euro 2012 draw. He finally summons John Terry to Wembley to inform him first of his decision and then issues a statement. “After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.” John Terry has lost the captaincy but will continue to play for England if selected. Vice-Captain Rio Ferdinand is the new captain and the vice-captain is announced as Steven Gerrard. Fabio Capello has wasted no time at all, he has re-shaped the England set-up within two days. His decision is unerring, ruthless and final. It once again highlights the continuity of his control, discipline and vision.