|
|
Post by FullerMagic on Jan 5, 2008 0:22:14 GMT
Obviously keeping an eye on The Beast's progress?  Times Martin Samuel, Chief Football Correspondent Nicky Butt tipped for England recall as Fabio Capello era begins today Nicky Butt is one of the surprise names under consideration as Fabio Capello begins work as England manager today. The Italian will arrive in London this morning and hits the ground running with a visit to Aston Villa’s match against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round this afternoon; but it is his choice of venue tomorrow that could raise eyebrows, with FA sources insisting that the new manager will make a late decision on whether to attend Luton Town’s match against Liverpool or Newcastle United’s visit to Stoke City. f he chooses the latter, it could prove encouraging news for Butt, the veteran midfield player, who last played for England in November 2004. At Real Madrid, Capello favoured two players holding central midfield in front of a back four, but if the Italian wishes to replicate that system he will need to find a partner for Owen Hargreaves - and Butt is one of the few Englishmen trusted to play that role at club level. There has been much talk of a radical overhaul of the national team, with Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, the Villa forward, under scrutiny, but Capello is a pragmatist and if he feels that England’s strengths lie in keeping the game tight he will not hesitate to take an unpopular path. Butt made 39 appearances for England, the high point being his run of games during the 2002 World Cup finals under Sven-Göran Eriksson, which earned him a place in Pelé’s team of the tournament. Yet he was squeezed out by the emergence of the Steven Gerrard-Frank Lampard partnership before Euro 2004, lost form and was not recalled by Steve McClaren, Eriksson’s successor. Capello is anxious to emphasise that he has no firm thoughts on any member of his squad and is just as keen to see fringe players as established ones. He will also take in the Carling Cup semi-final matches between Chelsea and Everton and Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur next week in a crash course in English football. He has been doing much the same with the English language at his home in Marbella, Spain, over Christmas, working with language teacher Peter Clark. He will still require an interpreter during meetings in the foreseeable future, but his command of English should reach a sufficient level by the time his players meet before the match against Switzerland in February. The FA has taken the unprecedented step of consulting the Press Complaints Commission in an attempt to ensure Capello and his family are spared the media intrusion that gave Eriksson such an image problem during his five years as England head coach. A letter sent to all sports editors yesterday sets out guidelines on when and where Capello will be available for interview. Sent by Adrian Bevington, the FA director of communications, the letter reads: “Mr Capello and his family value their privacy very highly. Having considered the issue with our solicitors and the Press Complaints Commission, the FA would like to advise editors that Mr Capello and his wife wish their private lives and activities, and those of their family, to be respected and not considered appropriate for intrusive coverage.” |
|
|
|
Post by Jamo on the wing on Jan 5, 2008 0:27:57 GMT
Buxton and Broomes in Capello's first squad maybe?  |
|
|
|
Post by sportsman on Jan 5, 2008 0:29:54 GMT
What with Fergie sitting next to Bobby Robson as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by PotterLog on Jan 5, 2008 0:29:56 GMT
If he wants two holding midfielders, what's wrong with Barry and Hargreaves?
|
|
|
|
Post by bogus on Jan 5, 2008 0:30:22 GMT
Suddenly, the Britannia is the centre of the football universe. Sir Alex, Sir Bobby, The BBC, Worldwide coverage (TV and Radio) and now the new England Manager, Fabio Shame the star of the show will be Jamaican ;D  |
|
|
|
Post by PotterLog on Jan 5, 2008 0:32:11 GMT
Not that much of a shame, bogus.  |
|
|
|
Post by sportsman on Jan 5, 2008 0:32:14 GMT
He's also not Champions league cup tied as well!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by njkk on Jan 5, 2008 0:32:32 GMT
I hope him, Ferguson and Robson have paid for their tickets  |
|
|
|
Post by Jamo on the wing on Jan 5, 2008 0:46:54 GMT
After watching us on Sunday I reckon Capello will be on the look-out for an Englishman with a massive throw.
Steve Backley could get a call up.
|
|
|
|
Post by POS51 on Jan 5, 2008 0:49:50 GMT
;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Paul_Stoke on Jan 5, 2008 0:51:12 GMT
And all the shouting we have done regarding simmo being englands number 1!!
|
|
|
|
Post by POS51 on Jan 5, 2008 0:54:29 GMT
Imagine if Simmo puts in an amazing performance.
Stranger things have happened. Possibly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jamo on the wing on Jan 5, 2008 0:55:41 GMT
I'll settle for him having a very quiet evening with nothing to do thank you.  |
|
|
|
Post by POS51 on Jan 5, 2008 1:00:06 GMT
Agreed, but if he has anything to do i hope he does it in an emphatic style.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jamo on the wing on Jan 5, 2008 1:01:23 GMT
That'll do for me! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by POS51 on Jan 5, 2008 1:04:10 GMT
Excellent.
We should tell Simmo our amazing plan. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by markscfc72 on Jan 5, 2008 2:23:40 GMT
and everyone knows lawrence is better than becks, even posh!
|
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Jan 5, 2008 2:26:47 GMT
I thought he was Irish? He's obviously not I know but hasn't he played for them before?
|
|
|
|
Post by JoeinOz on Jan 5, 2008 2:31:36 GMT
If Ferguson and Robson will be at Stoke its a good chance for Capello to meet with them and pick their brains and discuss some stuff. As well as having some bacon and cheese oatcakes of course! |
|
|
|
Post by sokrates on Jan 5, 2008 2:33:04 GMT
I don't think Capello has ever been Irish.
|
|
|
|
Post by markscfc72 on Jan 5, 2008 2:37:43 GMT
I thought he was Irish? He's obviously not I know but hasn't he played for them before? whos irish, youve lost me ??? |
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Jan 5, 2008 2:39:04 GMT
Lawrence! ;D Sorry it was after Your post mentioning Lawrence and I forgot to quote.
|
|
|
|
Post by markscfc72 on Jan 5, 2008 2:48:02 GMT
thought it was, nah hes defo english, born in retford apparently!! Retford is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England, located 31 miles from the county town of Nottingham, in the district of Bassetlaw see you learn something new every day  just found this picture of him, what a pisser  wonder what happened next! |
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Jan 5, 2008 2:53:53 GMT
I know he's as English as Mick McCarthy but he is qualified to play for Ireland-I'd bet a tenner!
|
|
|
|
Post by daverichards on Jan 5, 2008 7:17:59 GMT
If he's there we have to sing "SIMO FOR ENGLAND" its our duty
|
|
|
|
Post by Linx on Jan 5, 2008 8:43:38 GMT
Lawrence is from Retford but is registered as an Irish player, probably under the Jack Charlton "your grandmother shagged an Irishman so that'll do for me, son" rule.
|
|
|
|
Post by stokie63 on Jan 5, 2008 9:31:49 GMT
i hope were charging them money for their tickets.
|
|
|
|
Post by knowingeye on Jan 5, 2008 10:13:39 GMT
Capello learning English? Won't help him round here then!
|
|
|
|
Post by OldStokie on Jan 5, 2008 10:41:20 GMT
Billy, I've given you some karma for that great pic of Ricardo. It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Wot a talent we have! Gooarrn Ric...make my day tomorrow and show the world just what you can do. Another hat-trick will do nicely my son. OS. |
|
