Blue Hawks and Tractors

Keano

2009-04-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned the breaking news yesterday, the whirlwind of a week at Portman Road culminated early today when Roy Keane was officially introduced as manager of Ipswich Town Football Club; becoming just the 12th man in our esteemed history to be honored with the post.

Take your pick of the news articles, and I wont repeat the details of the story, but there will plenty more commentary on the way and, no doubt, plenty of room for debate. Especially if you are Town fan please add your comment but all are welcome.

Keane Appointed Ipswich Manager from BBC Sport

Keane Excited to be Back from Sky Sports

Keane Targets Premier League from Soccernet

Personally, I'm going on record as saying I am on this bandwagon. And you heard it hear first (maybe) but we will run the table next year. I'll elaborate in my next post.

Cheers all...I'm off to learn that Keano chant and pour another pint - best thing to happen at Portman Road in at least 5 years....UP THE TOWN!!

Does Keano Drive a Tractor?

2009-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Breaking news hot off the press is that before Jim has even cleaned out his desk and turned in the keys to the Tractor, former Manchester United legend Roy Keane is about to accept an offer from Ipswich Town to return to the management ranks.

If you had asked me a couple of months ago I would have thought Portman Road would have been one of the most unlikely landing spots for Keano; if he ever decided to manage again. I'm not sure if it is still a likely destination, given that Jim was only shown the door this morning....but at the very least there seems to be plenty of smoke swirling around this storyline.

Much more to come...I'm sure.

Who is Luciano Civelli?

2009-01-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

In case anyone was wondering the Tractorboys have actually been doing a bit of transfer business under the radar in the past few weeks, and on Wednesday they introduced the latest addition to the team, Argentine midfielder Luciano Civelli. The fee is reported to be around 1 million pounds, though there appears to be some confusion as to whether the Town have bought him outright or attained 50% of his rights. I'm really not sure how they can buy 50% of the players rights or what that even represents, so lets hope it is an outright purchase and not something out of the Carlos Tevez drawer.

On paper it appears the new lad has some potential. He is only 22 and has scored 8 goals in 68 appearences for his club Banfield in the Argentine Primera División. He is a left footed left midfielder who has been a first team regular since 2006.

This story broke rather quickly as it appeared Ipswich were going to stay quiet in the transfer market given their current middle of the pack (but notably improving) status. This seems to be an encouraging signing and could well pay dividends. Hell, finding a left sided left footed player who can play to some pedigree is an accomplishment in itself. Lets wish the lad a warm welcome and hope he can fit into the team and start contributing. With 17 games to go there is still much to play for and maybe, at least for while, we can look on the bright side.

For the doubters that say it's a waste of money on someone we have never heard of - well to be fair any player that can be attracted to a mid-table second tier club is mostly going to be unheard of, and a million for a reasonably well established 22 year old is a fair gamble in my book.
Besides who had ever heard of Mauricio Taricco?

Luciano, una calurosa bienvenida a Ipswich...

We look forward to adding your name to the coveted Tractor Driver of the Week list.

Cheers!!

TractorHawks Legends of Sports Series

2009-01-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

As a new series of articles to throw into the mix, I am introducing a series entitled “TractorHawk Legends of Sports.” At least once a month, and maybe every couple of weeks time permitting, we’ll take a look back at a legendary team, player, coach, or sporting icon associated with the interests of this site.

There are just a couple guidelines for selection.

1. They must have contributed to the particular game or sport, for the most part, during my sporting lifetime, which goes back about 40 years so there is no shortage of candidates! There will be a couple of exceptions that cannot be passed.

2. They are somewhat aligned with the general sporting interests and teams of this site. But that does not mean that we will just focus on players from Ipswich, England, and Seattle. I am more than happy to take requests from readers, so if you have someone you would like to nominate feel free to comment below – I’ll add a ‘recommended by’ note to the tribute. All requests will be considered. As you will see many of the subjects will have had an impact on the sporting world and contributed to a variety of clubs and teams.

I already have a pretty decent list of candidates to get this historical perspective started but, as I mentioned, if you have a player or team that you think are worthy of consideration from any era just fire away below and let me know who and why.

Cheers!

Rafa Benitez Launches Attack on Manchester United Boss then Draws with Stoke

2009-01-10T22:04:00.001-08:00

We still have a bit of catching up to do on Blue Hawks as we continue to review the recent football activities, but sometimes a story presents itself that demands coverage. Seems like the the boss of Premier League leading Liverpool has taken it upon himself to be the self-annoited spokesperson for the other 18 managers in the EPL by launching a full-fledged assault on Man United boss, Alex Ferguson.

The timing of this is really quite confusing. Benitez has guided Liverpool to their best ever start since the formation of the EPL and his squad have held top spot for several weeks. Although Man U prepare to face a critical clash with Chelsea this weekend, Liverpool do not actually play United again until mid-March. So why the outburst?

Seems like Benitez is upset that Ferguson gets away with criticizing referees, and apparently the Man U chief is unjust in complaining about the particular sequence of Man U's fixture list. Like this is something new. Are you kidding me? Fergie has been going handbags with the likes of Arsene and Jose, and just about every other EPL manager for the past 25 years - ask Keegan how that worked out for him.

But Rafa, with his well documented notebook, pulls out his file with a list of facts regarding Feguson's attitude towards referees and United's schedule, and acts like this could derail Liverpool's chances of the title.

Fergie's been up to this for far longer than Rafa will ever be manager of Liverpool, regardless of how many marches the red side of Merseyside organize on his behalf. I'll hasten to add that I doubt any Premier manager will ever come close to the amount of silverware that Sir Alex has attained.

Sounds like Rafa is bottling it; although there is almost half the season still to go and he is the one in first place....for now. Last year we had the blow up with the American owners being blamed for Liverpool winning crap in the Premier League. This year after another 30 or 40 million quid of spending, the team are in finally in first place and actually challenging for the title, but it seems that is not good enough for Benitez. Maybe he is he trying to make a pre-emptive excuse just in case Man U win their couple games in hand and climb to within a point of first place. Who knows?

Regardless, anyone reading this site knows that BlueHawks personally couldn't give a toss about any of the so called "Big Four," but this as we routinely cover the Premier League, this story could not be passed up. So while Rafa spent time trying to rattle Ferguson's feathers, his team went out and drew with 3rd from bottom Stoke nil-nil - again; in a game that the Potters came far closer to winning. Maybe he should have spent more time filling up his dossier with scouting notes on Stoke - sort of like Hartlepool did in the Cup last week.

If I had to pick a personal favourite of the "Big Four" to win the league this year, I'm rooting for Villa...sod the rest (and yeah I know Villa are not considered a member of the EPL elite - thats the point).

Is Benitez right? Who does it impact more? Do you really think Ferguson cares? Hit the comments link and let me know.

Holiday Football Review - Ipswich Town

2009-01-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

I suggested in my last article that we need a few quick reviews to catch up on the holiday action so the site is up to date and on the right page as the tractor rolls on into 2009.

First up, part of the main focus and highlights (that might be stretching it a bit but still..) of the blog; the blue boys from Suffolk. Heading into the Christmas festivities Ipswich faced a tricky schedule with away games at Coventry and Derby while hosting Birmingham on Boxing Day. A couple weeks back I predicted 2 points from this particular engagement but the Town exceeded expectations and doubled that tally by squeezing in a win against Derby. Four points out of nine is not much to be excited about, but given the maddeningly inconsistent form that has plagued the team this year it is about as much as Town fans can hope for in any given 3 game stretch.

The sequence began back on December 20th as Kevin Lisbie made a surprising return to the score sheet as he bagged both Ipswich goals in a spirited 2-2 draw at Coventry. Certainly not a spectacular result as the Sky Blues, like the Town, appear to be stuck in the middle of nowhere in the table, but at least somewhat positive. The brace by Lisbie moved him into second place on the Ipswich scoring chart this year with five – that alone sums up some of the problems the Town have had this season.

Birmingham City have been in the top three in the Championship all season and were the favorites heading into the Boxing Day affair at Portman Road. A Christmas home match against one of the pacesetters of the league provided an opportunity for Ipswich to inject some life into their season in their final home match of 2008. A James McFadden penalty was all that Brum would need to see them head home happy and dash any hopes that Town fans may have harbored of gaining some much needed momentum. Statistically Ipswich looked to have had the upper hand in terms of goal attempts but this was misleading as Birmingham’s midfield controlled possession for extended periods of the match. One surprise came in the Ipswich starting eleven as Ivan Campo made a rare appearance for the Tractorboys.

Next, it was off to Pride Park for the final game of 2008 to secure a draw and deliver the 2 points for Christmas that BlueHawks had forecast. Derby had been struggling themselves recently with just one win in their previous six games. Magilton made two changes to the starting lineup with Velice Sumulikoski coming in for the injured Danny Haynes and Jonathan Walters being preferred up front to Jon Stead. Thus, the forgotten free agent Campo made his second consecutive start in a defensive midfield role.

The change up front paid dividends as Walters headed in a Ben Thatcher cross in the 14th minute for the only goal of the game as Town managed to record at least one win over the Christmas/New Years period. By all accounts, Town controlled this game and could have won by a wider margin, though they were aided when Derby’s Jordan Stewart saw red on 77 minutes. This match was the final game at the helm for Paul Jewell as he was fired a few days after this defeat, his 50th match at Derby.

Holiday TractorHawk Grade: C
The latest string of results leaves the Town in 10th place on 35 points, 6 points behind Sheffield United who currently sit in the final playoff spot, and a practically insurmountable 23 and 16 points behind top teams Wolves and Reading respectively.

A mostly forgettable end to a mostly forgettable year at Portman Road in 2008 as Ipswich have really struggled to put together any kind of decent run of form. While the playoffs are certainly well within reach, Magilton has got to get this squad playing some consistently decent football if the Portman Road faithful are to be rewarded with any kind of excitement in the second half of the season. Personally I wont hold my breath – the influx of players that Jim has signed have not made much of an impact and the team has shown only occasional sparks.

Still we could win the FA Cup….but we’ll catch up on that in another posting. Cheers!

Welcome to 2009!!

2009-01-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

With the festive season now firmly in the rear view mirror and the foundations in progress for some other major web based projects and initiatives, it’s time to welcome the New Year and get the ball rolling again in the land of the TractorHawk. I hope you and yours had a great holiday season and that you were afforded enough time to keep track of an incredibly busy festive football program.

We have lots to catch up with on both sides of the football universe as it applies to this blog, so over the next few days I’ll publish a few quick reviews of some of the major events that transpired in the Premier League, Championship, and NFL. And we can throw in anything else anyone might like to discuss. So if you have something you want to read or argue about, hit the comments below and we’ll get going.

I mentioned some ‘other’ projects at the beginning of this article. There will be more details to follow but I have been working on a few ideas for some subject themes for BlueHawks as we move into January and beyond. A couple that I’ll mention right now include a regular “Legends” series that will profile a player, coach, manager, or team of particular interest to this site. Most likely the focus will be on football (UK and US) and I have some basic guidelines established. But like everything else on my site I’m always open to feedback and requests to add to the agenda.

Another exciting component that I plan to add shortly are soccer products and merchandise reviews where Blue Hawks & Tractors will provide unbiased articles profiling some of the latest and greatest products from a leading web based company. More to follow very soon as we wrap up the final details.

I will be sure to keep everyone updated so keep an eye out for further announcements and a whole series of new articles over the coming days.

Looking forward to a great 2009 in the TractorHawk sporting world, even if the Town don’t go up….Cheers All!!

Man United Win FIFA World Club Cup – Anyone Care?

2008-12-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

There was not quite a full slate of English Premier League fixtures this past weekend as Fergie and the lads headed to the Land of the Rising Sun to participate in a wintertime festival known as the FIFA World Club Cup. Depending on your viewpoint this could be considered the football definition of a complete and utter waste of time.

I side with the “waste of time” argument on this debate. This tournament is a showpiece put on by FIFA to supposedly determine the club champions of the world each year. The qualifications to enter this tournament can be described elsewhere but basically each continental club champion is represented - usually. The European representative is the winner of the Champions League from the previous season, thus Man U headed on the long trek east as the rest of the EPL contenders stayed at home to continue the domestic battle.

A few of these games were covered in the US, including the final which was televised live at 2:30 am Pacific on Sunday December 21st. Just for the record, I actually caught some of this game by pure chance. I hadn’t exactly set the alarm but had been battling my asp hosting service as I tried to publish some web design work until the wee hours, and when I finally called it a night to settle down, the final had just started. The stadium may have been full but this game had about as much atmosphere as a Sunday afternoon kick-around in the park behind the pub; more of a pre-season exhibition feel to it than the boldly proclaimed World Club Cup Final right down to being able to hear the players on the field.

There is no doubt, there were some talented players and squads involved but for the most part, I had not heard of any of them. That does not necessarily detract from the tournament but I would challenge most fans to name the teams involved. OK, so go and Google or Wiki the thing and tell me I’m full of it but please, I could really care less if Man U show their prowess and flex their muscles against the likes of Gamba Osaka and LDU Quito. I would wager most Man U fans could care less either. How many Liverpool followers remember their one-nil defeat in 2005? Did you stay up to watch it? Did you go to the game? If you really care that much about being an expert on all football teams from all leagues, please share your experiences and thoughts.

For the record the following teams were included in the showcase this year.

1 Adelaide United - Australia
2 Al-Ahly - Egypt
3 Gamba Osaka - Japan
4 LDU Quito - Ecuador
5 Manchester United - England
6 Pachuca - Mexico
7 Waitakere United – New Zealand

So how many of this lot do you think would make it through the group stage of the Euro Champions League...or for that matter the group stage of the UEFA Cup.

Adelaide defeated Watakere 2-1 in a “play-in” type game because the Japanese host team had already qualified or something.

United won the final by defeating LDU Quito of Ecuador, 1-0 thanks to a Wayne Rooney strike and were crowned FIFA World Club Champions. Great, now can we get back to regular football programming please? By the way Vidic got sent off in this game so I'm not sure how they handle that suspension. Do you think the United squad will be riding an open-aired bus through the Manchester streets upon their return? I’m sure the pubs and bars were partying all day and night celebrating this win. The teams most pleased with this affair would be the clubs and fans of the other EPL contenders as Man U now have 2 more games to squeeze into their fixture list. Funny how United face Stoke on Boxing Day after returning from the Orient. Shame the schedule makers didn’t pair them with a trip to Anfield, the Bridge, or Villa Park for their Christmas fare.

Hands-up if you're all off to Stoke

About the only item I find interesting in this global affair was the lack of bleating by Sir Alex about the fixture pileup. Every time there is an International Tournament qualifier or a round of International Friendlies, Fergie is one of the loudest protesters of “meaningless matches.” This week, hardly a whimper. Also for both of their tournament games, United fielded a very strong team complete with Rooney, Ronaldo, Ferdinand, Vidic, Tevez et al. When the national teams come calling if those players have so much as a bad hair day then they are staying at home. You’ve got to believe the FIFA brass had to have some serious influence to persuade United to field their top players - along with a big pot of gold.

There is an issue with the amount of matches for top players on top clubs. If you throw in a full domestic season, continuous international qualifying games, continental cup tournaments, and a major international tournament every other summer; it is feasible that eventually player fatigue will become an issue, and the subsequent complaints from managers and players become justified. But the next time Fergie starts it up with his fixtures piling up bollocks I, for one, won't pay the slightest attention.

With that in mind, FIFA insist that this tournament has value and merit in the global football scheme. It is nothing but another attempt to make more money by fabricating a mid-winter tournament that is a total waste of time. Still congrats to the new World Champions...I suppose.

Do you think otherwise? Hit the comment button below…Cheers!

Catching up with the Sporting World

2008-12-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

It’s been a busy week and a half, and much of it has been spent shoveling snow from the drive and trying to keep the supplies stocked as we have been hit by a constant barrage of snow storms in the Seattle area. So over the next few evenings, we’ll get caught up on a few highlights and get the ball rolling again. With the heart of the festive football fixtures upon us and the NFL regular season heading for a furious finale, I’ll break the reviews into a few articles and try to keep it all organized.

First up is some unfinished business from the previous week as the inclement weather put a hold on the weekly keys to the Blue Tractor award. With Ipswich having a mostly forgettable few days last week’s award went to Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Seneca Wallace. In a rare victory for the 2008 ‘Hawks, Wallace played with poise and confidence as he guided Seattle to just their 3rd victory of the season over the St.Louis Rams. The division rival Rams have been through some very lean times in recent history and the bi-seasonal match-ups between these squads have certainly lost the vigor that they once provided.

In a way it was sad to see the Edward Jones Dome barely half-full as the ‘Hawks showed up with both teams playing for nothing but pride, battling to avoid last place in an NFC West Division that has been owned by Seattle for four straight years and by their St Louis adversaries for four years prior. The game, as expected, was certainly not a classic but it required a spirited comeback for the Seahawks to come away with some respect in a 23-20 victory.

Wallace started again, deputizing for Matt Hasselbeck whose recurring back injury looks to have him on the sidelines for the rest of the season. Seneca’s performances have improved steadily as he has assumed the starting role and despite an early 7-17 deficit, Wallace remained calm and played mistake free football which culminated in a superb game winning drive late in the fourth quarter that included an amazing 45 yard strike to Deion Branch that setup an Olindo Mare chip-shot field goal with 2 seconds left on the clock.

The grade for the week ending around December 14th: C-

A dismal home performance by the Town at the hands of in-form Cardiff City was somewhat reprieved by a great fightback by the Seahawks on the road, albeit against a very poor St Louis Rams squad.

Tractor Driver of the Week: Seneca Wallace

Six years in the Seattle system under Mike Holmgren is paying dividends and although for reasons he cannot control, Seneca is one of the few surprising bright spots in a mostly miserable season for the 12th Man.

Weekend Rewind - Tractorboys

2008-12-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Winter kicked into full drive in the Pacific Northwest as snow and frigid temps hit our area. So, after an afternoon building snowmen and freezing the football(s), it’s time to sit in front of the fire with the laptop and look back over the past few days.

Little optimism remained in Ipswich, after the disastrous performance at Carrow Road, for the Wednesday night visit of Bristol City. Even the most patient of Town fans, including this author, have reached their levels of tolerance for the ongoing inept performances, and surely by now Magilton is feeling the heat.

Bristol City took the lead after just 5 minutes from a Stern John header and it looked business as usual as the Town laboured through the first half. But, whatever Jim said at half-time he needs to say more often because the lads came out fired up, producing a 3 goal outburst in 11 minutes courtesy of Walters, Counago, and a speculative own goal by City defender, Fontaine. With a 3-1 advantage the Tractorboys were finally playing the kind of football the fans have been craving all season. The blistering second half performance though was over-shadowed when Alex Bruce saw red after a two-footed tackle. Town sat back and despite some inevitable pressure held on comfortably for the home win over the Robins.

Onto Saturday and another home date, this time with in-form Cardiff who had not tasted victory at Portman Road in 62 years. With the Town sitting just 3 points behind the Bluebirds who occupied 6th place entering the weekend festivities, hopes were high that Ipswich could make a surge towards the play-off spots. As usual, those hopes were unfounded as Cardiff took an early 2 goal lead behind strikes from Jay Bothroyd and Gabor Gyepes. Although, Jon Stead pulled one back before the break, Town by all accounts were completely outplayed, and when Ben Thatcher received his marching orders after 68 minutes, another disappointing defeat was all but confirmed. The only surprise was that it has taken this long into the season for Thatcher to get sent off. Back to the middle of the pack and going nowhere fast once again for the men from Suffolk.

So in the space of the week, 2 defeats and 1 win. 2 red cards and a loss to our hated enemy – not just a loss but a pathetic effort. Mid-table mediocrity beckons but there appear to be no changes in sight. At least right now there are no transfer rumors circulating around Portman Road and this is a good thing because on no account should Jim be let loose with the cheque book right now. He has enough talent – by his own claims he has never made a bad signing.

Right you are then Jim, so if none of these blokes is bad then why the bloody hell can you not get them to play and put a few results together? The next three games see the Town host second placed Birmingham on Boxing Day, sandwiched between tricky road trips to Coventry and Derby. I hope I am wrong but there’s 2 points max from that calendar.

We’ll pick up the NFL action and hand out the weekly keys to the Blue Tractor in the next installment. No need for any wild guesses that this week’s winner doesn’t wear a Town shirt.

‘Till then….stay warm and Cheers All

Tired of TO

2008-12-15T14:34:00.001-08:00

On the NFL side of the football world, this bloke just can't keep his name and face out of the media. If a week or two goes by without reporters clamoring for his attention he just has to go do something stupid yet again to get onto the front page.

Owens undoubtedly is one of the most talented receivers ever to play in the NFL, so let’s get that out up front so I don't get flamed for ignoring his footballing skills and athleticism. He has blinding pace and throughout his career has consistently terrorized defenses around the league. This season, again he has been a productive and integral part of a mostly successful Dallas Cowboys team that is approaching their final push to secure a play-off spot.

You would think most players would be happy playing their career on perennial play-off and championship contending squads. But not this misfit. He tore up the 49ers franchise that delivered him to the NFL, to the point that they were forced to let him go to Philadelphia for practically nothing. A couple more decent seasons and a Superbowl appearance with the Eagles followed, but Owens incited a very public row with the team’s veteran quarterback and leader, Donovan McNabb - one of the most respected players in the game.

Phase 3 of his career finds him in Dallas and once again fortunate to be surrounded by a talented team that was regarded as one of the pre-season Superbowl favorites. However, after a relatively harmonious couple of seasons, TO once again feels threatened that maybe the entire franchise does not revolve around him; and as usual it is everyone else’s fault.

This past week he was reported as being upset because his quarterback, Tony Romo, who just a few months ago he was shedding tears for after a playoff defeat, seems to favor Tight-End, Jason Whitten in the passing offense. Apparently he went as far as claiming that they draw up plays together that don't involve him, bless - what they have their own ball and won't let him play anymore? Give me a break. On Friday as the Cowboys prepared to take on the conference leading and division rival NY Giants, Owens and Whitten had a heated exchange during which they had to be pulled apart. So TO's at it again and it's just a matter of time before he breaks up yet another championship potential locker room with his antics.

It is just yet another example of pathetic jealously that is usually refined to the schoolyard. Every team needs to have options in the passing game but he's only happy if they throw to him 15-20 times a game so he can be "unleashed" per his own words from a few weeks ago. For the record, while Whitten does have a key role in the Dallas offense (as does any talented TE on any team), his numbers thus far this season are comparable to Owens:

Owens - 58 RECS 886 YDS 9 TDs

Whitten - 69 RECS 815 YDS 3 TDs

So just what exactly is TO complaining about? He gets far more of the share of touchdowns which allows him to engage in his favorite pastime of showboating himself in front of the camera.

All About "81"

Mind you, he is not all to blame. The media thrive on this circus like vultures on a rotten desert carcus, bombarding us with images, interviews, analysis, and speculation revolving around the Dallas receiver.
HELLO people - this is just what he craves. During his spat with McNabb which resulted in him being kicked out of the Eagles practice facility for a week or two, TO decided to continue his own conditioning and work-outs at his home. In the front yard of course and with all members of the media invited. ESPN and the other sports network cameras couldn't get the trucks there quick enough, just so we could watch this idiot doing sit-ups in front of his mansion. Even with this latest incident supposedly behind them after Dallas defeated the Giants on Sunday night, the NFL network had the TO highlight available on it's website immediately after the game - for the record he caught 3 balls for 38 yards, but in the carnival world of TO, that is apparently worthy of a highlight reel.

I guess it is just another example in sport that is all too familiar. Superstar athletes that act like a spoiled brats that can't have all the toys but are given the spotlight regardless of their attitude or behavior. Pick your sport or game and you'll be able to come up with several examples. Heck, you could probably devote your own sports blog to the subject.

I just don't understand the ego and arrogance behind individuals like TO. His talent is undeniable. At the age of 35 he is still one of the best receivers in the league in terms of talent. But if you want the best at that position take a look at Cardinals wideouts, Fitzgerald and Boldin. As much, if not more, talent minus the garbage that comes with the TO package. Regardless of how bad my team are (and they are bad this year), as a die-hard Seahawks fan I would cringe if he ever pulled on the number 81 in Seattle.

So 2 requests: TO just please for once shut up and play football. And to the media please quit glorifying this egomaniac and concentrate on covering the games and, maybe just once in a while, give us some insightful analysis of players and teams that deserve some attention as we approach the finale to the NFL regular season.

If you have a rant or want to nominate an ‘Owens-esq’ candidate; if you’re a Cowboys fan and have an opinion on the forthcoming implosion in the locker room; if you love TO and everything he does and everything he stands for, hit the comment button below....Cheers!

Weekly Summary - English Premier League

2008-12-11T22:49:00.000-08:00

Last week I made a couple predictions. One that the Fox Soccer Channel games would produce some goals after a 4 game hiatus of the ball hitting the back of the net; two that Sunderland manager Roy Keane was headed for the “by mutual consent" path.

Before the weekend even started Keano decided to call it a day at Sunderland. Guess he didn’t fancy the probable mauling that he was in for as he faced the trip to Old Trafford for a kick-about at his old stomping ground. Maybe it wasn’t quite by mutual consent but Keane decided he could take the team no further and just became another stat on the EPL managerial casualty list. To be honest it did not surprise me at all. His team have been nothing short of appalling this year and, from the Sunderland games that I’ve seen this season, it was clear his players were no longer responding. By the way it should be noted, that would be the same players he spent about 80 million quid on in building this current squad of relegation contenders. He may be back in football one day, but right now his 27 month tenure is just another case for the argument that great players don’t make great managers – especially when they get a big transfer budget (Jim Magilton please take note).

Fox Soccer Channel delivered Arsenal’s home match against Wigan followed by Sunderland’s trip to Manchester. Should have been goals aplenty, but although there was a goal in each match, neither game was exactly what one might call a “barn-burner.” The recovery of the Goon Army sort of continued as they almost nervously ran out 1-0 winners over Wigan at the Emirates, courtesy of an Emmanuel Adebayor first-half strike - haven't heard from him in a while, but it was enough to end a 5 match unbeaten streak for Steve Bruce's men. The second game appeared certain to offer a few goals as Fergies boys looked to add to the pain of the Blackcats. But, although Sunderland rarely crossed the half-way line, it took United until injury time to break the deadlock and secure a drab 1-0 victory courtesy of a Vidic tap-in on 91 minutes.

Elsewhere, at the top Chelsea and Liverpool both secured victories by a two goal margin; the Blues winning comfortably 2-0 at Bolton and Liverpool racing past a poor Blackburn side at Ewood Park, 3-1 to stay top of the league. Talking of ex-players not making great managers, the old Gov'nor of Man U and England looks like he might be on a bit of a short lease as Blackburn continue to dwell in the relegation zone and play in front of a stadium filled well short of capacity. I'll give him another 2 or 3 weeks.

So, for the first time this season the top four spots in the EPL are filled by the usual candidates, known as the "Big Four." Aston Villa, however, stayed within striking distance at a point behind the Arse as they won the match of the week at Goodison 3-2, with Ashley Young scoring the winner in injury time, seconds after the Toffeemen had equalized. Hull came from behind to defeat Middlesbrough 2-1 at the KC to hold onto 6th place.

The general poor form of the bottom clubs continued as WBA managed a draw at home to Pompey while, as previously mentioned, Blackburn and Sunderland both lost. Despite a brace from Michael Owen that gave the Geordies a comfortable 2-0 lead at home, they couldn't withstand a furious comeback by Stoke and shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw. That result leaves Newcastle 4th bottom, 2 points behind Man City, Spurs, and West Ham. That is a whole lot of transfer notes tied up in 4 very under-achieving teams.

As the next round is almost upon us, we'll keep it brief this week, and although the top 4 look like business as usual, the EPL this year is still shaping up to be one of the most intriguing and tightly contested leagues that we have seen in a long while. 'Till next time...Cheers!

Weekly Rewind - Tractorboys and Seahawks

2008-12-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

To condense the weekly reviews a bit and make searching a bit easier, I’m going to experiment with breaking the summary into sections. First up will be a look at the plight of Ipswich Town and the Seattle Seahawks.

The weekend rewind is so far behind this week that we’ll call it the weekly rewind and get cracking to quickly review the major, and mostly forgettable, events of the past week, on the footballing battlegrounds of the TractorHawks.

Beginning in the land of the Blue Tractors, maybe we should just hit the fast-forward button and forget it all, writing it off as a bad dream. More like a bloody nightmare that I doubt the likes of Stephen King could concoct. Last weekend saw the first match in the 2008-09 of the second-most fierce local rivalry in England, according to the Football Rivalries Report 2008 study. The Ipswich-Norwich matches are circled on the calendar by fans the day the fixtures are released. With the Town being mostly inconsistent this year but playing much better on the road than last season, most Tractor boys and girls were quietly confident as we headed north into the hated lands of Norfolk to face the struggling Naarwich, looking to improve on our winning record against our rivals.

But, yet again the lads were not motivated and sank to a pathetic 2-0 defeat leaving Town fans to contemplate the inevitable ridicule and general taking the piss that was sure to follow. I arose eagerly on Sunday to check-in on the match and like the rest of the Tractor Nation was horrified as the game progressed. I’ve held off on being too harsh on Magilton this season, as I truly want him to succeed but enough already. Jim complained that the team produced their most inept performance of the season in front of the cameras in one of the biggest games of the season.

So, whose fault is that Jim? Yes, the players have to be accountable but if Magilton can’t motivate the team to step up for a match that means so much; a rivalry that he should be more than familiar with from his playing days, then I seriously doubt he can mould a promotion contending team out of this lot. The team that took the field are not fit to wear the shirt producing crap like this and it starts at the top Jim. A year and about 12 million quid later and we are no closer to the Promised Land of the Premier League than when we started. It makes you wonder what his predecessor, big fat Joe, might have been able to do with a transfer budget. Regardless, this consistently inconsistent rubbish is not cutting it at Portman Road, and while Magilton may claim to have the full support of the owner, he surely must be on very thin ice.

And so with Sunday off to the worst start possible, I had some serious second thoughts about tuning into the Seahawks match-up as the New England Patriots came calling, scrapping for their playoff lives. Heading into the game at 2-10, the ‘Hawks season is the proverbial exclamation point on a miserable sporting year in the Pacific Northwest (more of that in another post), and it looked to be a routine hammering as four more Seahawks offensive players were hit by the injury plague, that wrecked this season before it began.

Matt Hasselbeck’s back was aching again after the Thanksgiving Day pounding he took at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, so for the 6th game this year Seneca Wallace was called into action to run the ‘Hawks offense, starting under center. Almost reluctantly, I switched to the game in time for kick-off. I guess I can’t turn away ‘Hawks, regardless of how bad the season has been - no bandwagon or fair weather fans in this house.

So the flag was raised and the 12th Man jersey pulled on per the normal tradition during the NFL season. And, surprisingly, it turned out to be a bloody good game. Although the Seahawks once again came agonizingly short of pulling out the victory, the practically reserve offense gave the Pats all they could handle. Seattle led from the off, carrying an 8 point advantage into the final quarter, as Seneca put in a great performance tossing a career high 3 TDs on 20-28 passing for 208 yards and running for another 47. Ex-Patriot Deion Branch exhibited some of the form that garnered him a Superbowl MVP award as he tore up his former team mates, but it was not enough.

Once again the defense crumpled like wet cardboard in the Seattle rain. A third quarter 11 point advantage evaporated and, the Patriots in desperate need of a victory to stay in the running in a tightly contested AFC East, took a 3 point lead with just over 2 minutes remaining. Still there was hope, particularly with the performance that Seattle’s deputy quarterback had already put in. But, with the field goal that would tie the game within striking distance, New England stacked the box on an all-out blitz that incredulously the ‘Hawks O-line did not recognize. The rush wasn’t picked up, Wallace was flattened and fumbled the ball and subsequently the game away in the process. Another close one that we watched slip in the dying minutes. At least the effort was there for the packed home stadium of the loyal Seahawks faithful to witness – especially on the offensive side of the trenches. The second-stringers played their hearts out and, although once again the boys in Seahawk blue grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory, the ‘Hawks fans, for the most part, have to be pleased with the effort. Big Mike Holmgren is taking a year off from the NFL after this season – maybe he could pay a visit to Portman Road and show that lot what heart and pride is all about.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: F

Despite a good performance by the 'Hawks, the lack of effort from the Town as they succombed to a miserable defeat in the Anglian derby guarantess a second straight F on the report card.

Tractor Driver of the Week:

Actually a close call between 2 standout Seahawks offensive players, Seneca Wallace at quarterback and Deion Branch at wide reeiver. I'm giving the Tractor keys this week to Deion - though he might lend a drive to Seneca if he fancies it! Injuries have seriously limited Deion's contributions since leaving the Superbowl Champion Patriots to join big Mike's Blue and Green army in Seattle, and he has come under considerable fire from fans expecting more from the player that cost the team a first round draft pick. But credit where it's due as he had an outstanding performance last Sunday against his old mates, lighting up Qwest field. He finished with just under 100 yards receiving but hauled in 2 TDs; the second one a spectacular effort in the corner of the end-zone that capped an incredible 63 yard catch and run reception.

Great job Deion - I hope we get to see more next year.

Fox Soccer or Sleeper Channel

2008-12-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

Our mates over at Fox have had a bit of bad luck recently on the programming front – to put it mildly. The Fox Soccer Channel, while vastly devoid of any decent analysts or experts, is the savior for us fans of the English game that live in the USA. Most weekends three games are screened live from the Premier league and there is also a review show thrown in on Sunday mornings. A sort of a Match-of-the-Day in the morning, but with three or four blokes that nobody has ever heard of.

I have no idea how programming is determined or who gets to pick the games. I’m sure there are some contractual obligations with the Premier League and the team at Fox certainly have no say in the Premier fixture list. However, if there is someone in charge of selecting at least a few of the matches that are broadcast live, they might be updating their resume/CV soon.

Now I am not blaming FSC at all – just more bad luck than anything. Of course I realize that nobody has a crystal ball when selecting these matches and a couple (alright one) of the matches looked decent from a pre-game perspective.

Here’s the lineup from the past couple weeks:

Nov. 22 Chelsea 0-0 Newcastle
Nov. 22 Aston Villa 0-0 Man Unt
Nov. 29 Middlesboro 0-0 Newcastle
Nov. 29 Bournemouth 0-0 Blyth

This past Saturday, there was not an additional live Premier game available due to the second round of the FA Cup. Now, I’m all for the magic of the Cup and all that so I tuned in, but 10 minutes of watching this lot hoofing it up and down the field was all I could take. I hope they don’t decide to show the replay. But I always wondered what happened to Darren “sicknote” Anderton (well not really).

That was a run of 360 consecutive minutes of live English footie and not a Saturday goal in sight and I sat through about 300 of said minutes. I’m not sure if there was even one ruled out for offside. Six hours of a goalless drought…this is hardly helping much in promoting the beautiful game stateside.

On the bright side, it can only get better. And those of us waking up early for the 7:00 am Pacific Time Saturday morning kick-offs will surely see some relief soon. Eventually the luck has to change and someone must score on one these Saturday’s. Coming up this weekend is Arsenal Vs Wigan followed by Man U Vs Sunderland. There’s got to be 10-15 goals there alone, how about 4-4 followed by 6-0. That ought to cheer up our friends at FSC.

However, if you are a fan of the thrilling, or not so thrilling, nil-nil draw hit the button below and let me know…Cheers!

Weekend Rewind

2008-12-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

The rewind is so far behind this week that we’re almost into the preview stage of the upcoming weekend. Despite having big plans for a long Thanksgiving weekend, a bout of cold/flu put paid to my writing and most of my sports reviewing efforts. Still, at least I got almost better just in time to go back to work on Monday.

Anyway, moving on quickly to the business at hand, we’ll run a quick rewind this week just to be consistent. And, we’ll keep it brief, because in the land of the TractorHawk, my teams performed about as well as I was feeling.

Starting as usual with the Blue Boys from Ipswich. Once again, Jim M had the Town teasing the Portman Road faithful with hopes of a surge into the playoff positions in the Championship table. The fixtures began with a mid-week trip to St Andrews for a match up with Birmingham City, one of the pace setters of the league, as they look to return to the Premier at the first attempt. I mentioned last week that Jim was relishing the challenge of facing the second placed team, a feeling most likely not shared by the majority of Town fans. And, so it proved true as Ipswich were defeated 1-2. The game really was not as close as the score line suggests – from most accounts that I read anyway. Alex Bruce gave his old man something to think about with 5 minutes to go but for the most part Birmingham controlled the match, and two early goals from Liam Ridgewell and veteran striker Kevin Phillips saw City bag the win with relative ease. If this was a measuring stick of how close the Town truly are to being a promotion contender, then we have a long way to go. Play-offs at best but don’t hold your breath.

A chance for redemption was up next as the lads returned to Portman Road to face Sheffield United with an opportunity to redeem themselves from their previous engagement. But again the Town failed to capitalize and shared the points in 1-1 draw as each team scored from the spot, both from handball decisions. Tommy Milley scored for Town and the Blades equalizer came a minute from normal time, courtesy of James Beattie, who always seems to score against Ipswich; and another 2 points in the promotion playoff account went begging. Next up is a Sunday trip north to face the hated Naarwich in a match where form (like either team has any right now) usually goes out of the window, for the first installment of 2008-09 East Anglian derby. Nil-Nil is my early prediction, but this week more than normal…..COME ON YOU BLUES!

Just to wet the whistle a bit here's a link for those on the Blue side of Anglia reliving Town Destroying Norwich ten years ago. I have to admit though those kits were a bit dodgy.

Switching to the NFL side of the house and on Thanksgiving Day the ‘Hawks truly played about as well as I felt, in other words like absolute crap. Luckily I had taken some of that “don’t operate any heavy machinery” medicine so I got to doze through most of the Thanksgiving stuffing that the Seahawks received at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys. Much more of this and the Seahawk faithful will need that medicine every week. An absolute embarrassment as Dallas prevailed 34-9. It’s one thing that the ‘Hawks season has been wrecked by offensive injuries but what excuse does the defense have? I’ll always stand by my teams and thus far have done my best to avoid being too harsh on the Seahawks. But this was pathetic. Tony Romo sat back the entire first half playing pitch and catch with his receivers as the Cowboys routinely marched down the field at will - hell he could have been calling Jessica on his cell with as much time as he had in the pocket. The ‘Hawks D could muster no pressure and failed to cover a receiver all day. At one point as I sort of awoke from my Nyquil haze I thought I saw Julian Petersen actually trying to cover TO on a play – I figured it was the "over the counter" stuff until I checked the replay later. A medicinally induced haze is actually a good metaphor for the ‘Hawks season this year. The defense was ranked 29th in the league going into this game and they looked every bit as bad as one of the worst units in the NFL. With the heir apparent head coach, Jim Mora Jr, coaching the secondary, I actually hope that he is allowed to go coach the Washington Huskies college team, because if this is an indication of how the defense will look next season, we are in for a couple more grim years on the football front in the Pacific Northwest.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: F

Can't even put lipstick on the preverbial pig this week. 1 point for the Town and more humiliation for the 'Hawks. Where did I put that cough syrup....

Tractor Driver of the Week:

Usually this is a player or a group associated with my teams that has stood out in the previous week. Given the week we've had the prestigous sought after keys to the Blue Tractor go to my wonderful wife, Paula - bet she's well pleased! While I was of no use to the world, she had to take care of the our 4 year old, listen to me whinge all weekend, and still brought me up a plate of Thanksgiving dinner while I was laid in bed watching old James Bond movies and complaining about my miserable bloody sports teams, and anything else I could think of...love you honey...and thanks!!

Note-a-balls:

Back in the land of the beautiful game (sorta), the EPL produced a few surprises last week, and yet again there does not appear to be a team that is about to step up and take charge of the league. I’m sure, with all the recent commotion, the last thing Arsene needed was a trip to the Bridge to face league-leading Chelsea. In arguably the shock result of the weekend, the Goon army recovered from an early own goal to record a highly unlikely 2-1 win, behind two Van-Persie second-half strikes in 3 minutes. Though, I have to say he looked well offside for the equalizer it was a blinder regardless. Chelsea went unbeaten at home in the league for about 3 ½ years and now they have lost twice and were held by Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in just over a month. So far it is just one those years in the English top flight but it is very tight in the top and bottom halves of the division, which in itself is refreshing.

With the Chels faltering, step up Liverpool, though we had to wait until Monday when West Ham made the road trip to Anfield. A three point advantage at the top of the table was at stake for Rafa’s men as they prepare for the typical holiday fixture pileup. With Zola’s Hammers hardly lighting up the league, recording 1 win in 8 games, 0-0 was not what most people expected. But like Stoke and Fulham before them at Anfield, West Ham headed back to East London with a valuable point. The miserable run for West Brom continued and they are starting to become stranded at the bottom with just 1 point from the last 24.

Elsewhere, Ronny provided the video highlight of the week and a few laughs (unless you happen to go by “Sir Alex”) in the Manchester derby, as he got himself ordered off for attempting to catch the ball while going up for a corner – at the Man City end….a second bookable and he was gone. I’ve heard a couple reasons proffered: The ball was going to hit him and he was just protecting his face, bless him, then head the bloody thing; Out of almost 50 thousand people at the game he heard a rogue whistle from the crowd, so since when did top flight players stop playing when the whistle blows - especially when they’re up for a header on a corner??; He was pushed in the back and that caused the errant handling, yeah right this is the best of the lot – if a City player had as much grazed his shirt, Christiano would have been writhing on the turf in agony.

But City could not take advantage and the Roonsters 100th league goal was enough to give the Red Devils the points. They now lurk in striking distance of the top spot, in third place on 28 points. Elsewhere Villa once again could not confirm their credentials as an infiltrator of the big four domination as they were held at home to Fulham. The worst performance of the weekend goes to Sunderland as they were humiliated at home to Bolton 1-4. We’ve been “treated” to a few Sunderland performances in the US this year on the Fox Soccer Channel, and I’m not sure Roy can put up with much more of this rubbish. He’s usually pissed off at the best of times and it wouldn’t surprise me if he took the “by mutual consent” route in the near future. At least this week he has trip back to Old Trafford to visit his old mates which should cheer him up a bundle.

That’s it for the wrap this week as the next weekend is almost upon us but as my fitness slowly returns we’ll get back more often.

As always, comments more than welcome and you know what to do…..Cheers!

Weekend Rewind

2008-11-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Been a little behind on the blog in the past week with a busy time at the office as well as a couple of other projects that I am currently working. But time to get the Tractor in gear and take a look back at a busy weekend. Not a bad past few days on the sporting front. Plenty of action on both sides of the pond, unless you happened to be watching the Premier League games on Fox Soccer Channel stateside, but that aside the rewind this week will try to touch most of the highlights.

Starting with the teams of the TractorHawk faithful (ie me):

A little extra rewind is in order this week as before the domestic matches there was an appointment on the International friendly calendar as Fab took the Lions off for a nice little kick-around in Berlin with Germany. I don’t care if it was a friendly we beat Germany. John Terry knocked in the winner atoning for an earlier howler that had allowed German striker Patrick Helmes to cancel out Matthew Upson’s opener for Fab’s lads. I didn’t realize that Germany have never defeated England in Berlin in 7 games played there between the nations. Very surprising, considering they have beaten us everywhere else. England close out their 2008 calendar with a 2-1 win over an arch rival and with optimism looking forward into 2009. Was it just a few months ago that this same team were fumbling around under the guidance (or lack thereof) of Steve McFool?

ITFC returned to Portman Road, where their home form has been as consistently inconsistent as their away form. Last season’s Premier whipping boys, Derby County were the visitors this week. After a slow start adjusting to life back at the lower level, Derby have been improving recently, climbing the table in the process. By all accounts a good performance from the men in blue this week as the Tractorboys ran out 2-0 winners behind goals from Pablo Counago and Jon Walters. That should be enough to see them both on the bench for the next match. Town back up to 8th, sort of knocking on the play-off door. Next up is a mid-week trip to second placed Birmingham who, along with their midland mates Wolves, look a good bet for automatic promotion. Jim is relishing the challenge….not so sure the same can be said for most Town fans.

So two for two on the football front. Then Sunday came…again. The hallowed Jim Zorn returns with the Washington Redskins, leading his team back into his old stomping ground in the Pacific Northwest. Flag goes up, 12th Man jersey goes on, ‘Hawks play close game, ‘Hawks lose fourth in a row when Matt H. throws the exact same bloody pass to the exact same spot that he threw at the exact same time in the previous week against Arizona, which also cost us a chance to win it at the death. And, of course the exact same thing happened – interception, game over. Flag comes down…shirt goes off…you get the picture. The ‘Hawks have a short week before they head off to Dallas for most likely a Thanksgiving Day stuffing. I’m not sure I can bear to watch but I probably will.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: B

England beat Germany, Town won, and at least the Seahawks game was close. With nothing left at stake for the 'Hawks, expectations have to be set realistically. So a solid B is appropriate this week.

Tractor Driver of the Week:

Each week I select a sporting nominee to receive the prestigious keys to the Blue Tractor. This week we're going back in time to call out former Ipswich and England stalwart centre back Terry Butcher. Why Butcher? As the latest patron saint of Scotland, Maradona returned to the scene, Tel-Boy had no intention of being caught up in the politically correct hoopla and media frenzy sourronding the return of the little twat, and made the point that he still bore the grudge from '86. I'm not sure if Butcher did shake hands at the end of the game but good on you mate for not bowing to the little prick. So while Diego may have had reporters eating out of his cheating hands once again, Terry stood firm by his own beliefs and those still shared by many England fans. As for Maradona, his latest trip to the limelight is over...we'll see you in 2010 sunshine.

Note-a-balls:

I made a reference to the sleepers from the Fox Soccer Channel this weekend. An early morning start had us US viewers tuning into a dreadful affair at the Bridge as Newcastle paid a visit. The FSC resident “expert” for the season, Warren Barton described this as a magnificent performance from the Geordies. Eh??? Chelsea had 33 attempts at goal...Newcastle 2. Magnificent – are you sure your’e not setting the bar just a little bit low for your ex-mates, Warren? Any point in the capitol city is a great result for Newcastle but lets leave it at that.

With the Chelse faltering, Man U had a chance to make up some ground. So cue the next FSC offering from Villa park. Better game but same result. So the day starts with 3 hours of footie on the box and not a single bloody goal. Elsewhere Liverpool drew at home to Fulham, thus ending my 5 week run of successful banker bets on the EPL prediction league, I Know the Score. The “Big Four” shutout was complete when the Gallasless Arse capitulated in the Sky Blue side of Manchester 3-0, with Robinho notching a sublime goal.

FSC did offer a tape delayed match later in the afternoon so they at least had a chance at some redemption. But it was from the Brittania as Stoke edged West Brom 1-0 in a game labeled as “absolute dross” by Bags manager, Tony Mowbray, so nevermind. On Sunday, West Ham won for the first time in 8 as they defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Not much to be said for this game either. Sunderland were poor with Cisse guilty of a few glaring misses as well as a well dodgy haricut which is now dyed bright red. And will someone please buy West Ham a new kit so they can get rid of those ridiculous patches on the front of their shirts.

So none of the teams in the top 10 of the Premier League were able to register a victory and there was a goal drought. Maybe it was jut one of those weekends crunched in between International friendlies and upcoming European action. End result is that the league is tighter still after 14 rounds.

On the US Front there were no problems with scoring in the NFL as points were aplenty in the league this week. 8 teams managed to score at least 35 with the Buffalo Bills leading the way as they dropped 54 on a hapless Kansas City. New Orleans followed in a close second on the Monday Night spectacle as they romped past Green Bay 51-29. There are no remaining unbeaten teams in the league this year as the Tennessee Titans fell to the Brett Favre led NY Jets at home, 13-34. The Titans may not have the swagger of the 2007 Patriots, and thankfully not the attitude, but with a record of 10-1 they are still in a great position to secure the top spot in the AFC. Good luck to them and their coach as they look to bounce back on Thursday at winless Detroit.

It’s interesting to note that two of the top quarterbacks in the league this year are ageless veterans Brett Favre of the Jets and Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals. As they approach the big Four-Oh, neither one is showing signs of slowing down and they have their clubs poised for a serious run at the playoffs. Warner is aided by having the best receiving corps in football with his standout WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin but it would not surprise me to see Favre and Warner mentioned at voting time for MVP. There, that ought to jinx both of them.

Onto college, dear oh dear. We really are going to have to take some time and get that essay published about this variation of gridiron football. Where to begin? I suppose at the top as Texas Tech, the number 2 ranked team, visited Oklahoma in a highly touted and way over-hyped Saturday night match. As we are told each week this game will have “profound implications….blah blah blah” – Oklahoma won 65-21 and it wasn’t even that close. So Tech fall down the rankings to around seventh or something, and won’t play in the championship match. Alabama didn’t play so they retain the top spot. The Texas Longhorns move to number 2 and OK are now ranked 3 in the BCS. What does all that mean? Who knows really.

As I look at the standings there are currently 4 unbeaten squads: Alabama, Utah, Boise State, and Ball State. Seems like a simple equation. If it stays the same 4 unbeaten teams in a semi-final and onto the Championship. But no, of course that cannot happen because those ‘other’ teams don’t play as hard a schedule and there are no divisions in the college sport that are based on competitiveness. So a whole load of people vote, then 6 super computers that would make a NASA scientist green determine some kind of average, then we mix it all together in some secret code that the CIA couldn’t crack, and we end up determining who will eventually play for the title. Can anyone think of an easier method?

And something else, we need more blue fields in football...

On a side note, locally, in the Pacific Northwest two of the worst college teams in the country squared off in Pullman, Wa. I believe that UW and WSU are ranked somewhere in the bottom 120 or so, if it goes that far. The Cougars won and retained the Apple Cup.

Hope your sporting week was a dandy one…..Cheers!

Weekend Rewind

2008-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Time to catch up on the past weekend and as usual I'll start with my two football teams. Maybe I should keep this brief because it doesn't take much of a summary or an anlysis to come up with bloody miserable!

The Tractorboys have been in gear in recent weeks putting together a nice little run that has seen the Town go unbeaten in 7 games and only 1 defeat in the previous 11. In the always tight Championship standings this allowed the boys in blue to climb quickly to their highest position of the season at 8th, going into this week's matchup at bottom club Doncaster. The team from the Keepmoat Stadium (that's got to have a nomination for best named ground in football) have struggled to adjust to life in the Championship and found themselves propping up the table. With the marked improvement in Ipswich's away form this term another 3 points seemed likely to potentially move the club into the play-off places. But, yet again Jim could not motivate his team to deliver a performance worthy of victory and the Town slumped to a very disappointing 1-0 defeat. I'm not taking anything away from the Rovers but if Ipswich are to be considered serious promotion contenders, these games have to be considered guaranteed wins. Anything less is not good enough.

And so Sunday came and it was time to raise the 12th man flag once again as the NFC West Champions elect Arizona Cardinals came calling. Going into the game at 2-7, with Big Mike's farewell tour in Seattle wrecked by injuries, the season was already a lost cause. The Cardinals with a relentless passing attack and the two best receivers in football in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, looked to put a stanglehold on the division title; their potential first since 1975. Hawk's fans demanded at least one final stand before we relinquished our 4 year reign as the best in the NFC West. Even with the retrun of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and oft-injured receiver Deion Branch, this was going to be a tall order. As expected, Kurt "38 years young" Warner, with his 2 massive receiving weapons shredded the Seattle secondary. But somehow the 'Hawks stayed alive. The defence tightened up when needed, heeding the call to keep Seattle in the game. The offence obliged by converting 3 Arizona turnovers into 20 points, but in the end with the game on the line and 2 minutes to go, a rusty looking Hasselbeck threw his 3rd interception of the match, and Arizona departed with a 26-20 victory, their first in Seattle in 6 years.

Each week I grade my 2 football teams - if you have a pairing you would like to add please feel free to comment below.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: D-

Football defeats on both battle fronts with the Town losing to the bottom club. Grade help up ever so slightly by the almost comeback by the 'Hawks on Sunday against a very talented Arizona outfit. The game was exciting and we had a shot at the end.

Weekend Tractor Driver:

Not many candidates on my teams worth mentioning as both clubs ended up with disappointing defeats. So I'm going with the 12th Man - the fans of the Seattle Seahawks. Renowned for their undying devotion to the cause, I am proud to be among them. We fill the stadium each week, rain or shine and that's not just talking about the weather. The noise is deafening regardless of the 'Hawks record and they almost rallied the lads to a victory.

Note-a-Balls:

Premier Football:

With the exception of the magic of Harry, in recent weeks much of the footballing attention has been at the Emirates where Arsenal continued their rollercoaster of a season looking to build on their victory over Manchester United. This week Villa came calling, a team who themselves, have been on a bit of a dodgy run just recently. Smart money was probably on the Arse to fully dispel any notion that their membership as part of the "big four" may be under threat. So when Clichy headed into his own goal on 70 mins in a tight affair and Agbonlahor sealed the deal 10 minutes later, a sorry looking Arsene headed back to the dressing room with his squad trailing the leading pack by an already insurmountable looking 8 points. Villa moved level with the Gooners on 23 points with the 2-0 win.

Elsewhere in the top flight it was for the most part a routine state of affairs. United hammered Stoke 5-0 at Old Trafford with the little winker claiming a pair and putting in a good days work. Chelsea strolled at West Brom with Anelka knocking in 2 more to extend his lead at the top of the EPL scoring chart. Drogba made a brief sub appearence as he prepares to sit out a few games for his missile attack against Barnsley in the Carling Cup a few days earlier. A couple decent games at St James' and the KC saw Newcastle and Hull split entertaining 2-2 decisions with Wigan and Man City respectively. City still cannot seem to garner the form that their payroll would suggest and relied on 2 goals from Steven Ireland to earn their point at the weekend, and by the way send my EPL fantasy team to victory with his midfield goalscoring exploits. Also a good selection of matches on Fox Soccer Channel this weekend for us that have to rely on the American feeds. Maybe WBA and Chelsea wasn't that great but Arse-Villa, Newcastle-Wigan, and Hull-M.City all made for pretty good entertainment.

More on the US football wrap in my next post.

Cheers!

New Jersey Nets to Help Fans Find Jobs

2008-11-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

Heard this story on the radio during the commute today. Apparently the NBA's New Jersey Nets are to begin a promotion aimed at helping their fans find employment. Basically, they will hand out 1,500 game tickets free to unemployed fans if the fans submit their resumes (CVs) to the organization. The club, subsequently, then plans to distribute the resumes amongst their corporate sponsorship partners and owner organizations. In the current economic situation and the hardships facing many families, this is an outstanding move of sheer brilliance on the part of the Nets and one that surely could be duplicated by all teams of all sports around the world. I'm not particularly a big NBA fan and certainly not a Nets fan, but this has to be called out as a rare example of a professional sports franchise truly returning something to it's fanbase.

Without a doubt worthy of a Golden Tractor nominee.

Weekend Rewind

2008-11-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

The sporting weekend started with a nice November trip to the seaside for the boys in the blue tractors on their latest Championship assignment. A tricky visit to the stadium with 2 stands was negotiated successfully as the Town came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory at Blackpool. It seems like Jim and the lads may be putting something together finally as the boys from Suffolk are now undefeated in 6 games. David Norris provided the only goal just before half-time and, maybe even more surprising than back-to-back wins for the Town for the first time in 9 months, Ipswich fielded an unchanged starting lineup. Also intriguing, is the record this year – absolutely identical home and away form right down to goals scored and conceded. No movement in the table for the lads but consolidation at least.

Sunday came and found the Seahawks once again traversing time zones as they made the longest trip in the NFL to visit an ever-improving Miami Dolphin squad and their half-full stadium. A typical meltdown saw the ‘Hawks fall behind quickly 14-0 and early on this looked like it would be just another rout. But the defense, lead by an inspired Julian Peterson, fought their way back into the game and cut the deficit in half on a Jordan Babineaux 35 yard interception call to the house in the second quarter. The ‘Hawks continued to plug away and despite trick plays and multiple formations, Seattle’s defense managed to hold. On offense, stand-in QB Seneca Wallace had one of his best outings in a Seahawks shirt and his performance was far better than his stats indicated. Ultimately, though, the 'Hawks again found a way to undo their efforts. Koren Robinson dropped an easy ball for a certain 6 in the third quarter and, Keary Colbert, subsequently released from the team, later contributed by fluffing a catch on a key 3rd and 15 play in the 3rd quarter which killed the momentum Seattle had built. A false start penalty with the 'Hawks trailing 19-21 forced the 2 point attempt back 5 yards and Seattle couldn’t convert. Despite a late drive with no timeouts the 'Hawks couldn’t move to within field goal range and the Fish held on for the victory. Overall, a good performance was ruined by 7 dropped passes and the 4 time defending NFC West champions fell to 2-7, on the wrong end of a 19-21 decision.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: B
Town undefeated in 6 games and a decent Seahawks performance holds up the grade. With injuries dismantling the Seahawks season even a split for my teams can score high with a good enough effort, even in defeat.

Weekend Tractor Driver:
Tough call this week but I’m going with Julian Peterson, outside linebacker for the Seahawks. Kept driving the Hawkhead defense with an inspired leadership performance. Plus he signed my hat this year when he visited my workplace. Cheers mate and keep plowing away even though the season is all but over.

Note-a-balls:

Premier Football:

Match of the weekend was in North London as Sir Alex and the red machine of the north came calling with every intention of piling on more misery to Arsene and the Gooner Army. After a bright start to the season recent performances have sent Arsenal reeling to the point that the unthinkable has been quietly mentioned at the Emirates. After losing to Fulham, Hull, and Stoke, being held by Spurs and Sunderland, and pushed around by Fenerbache in mid-week, the Arse subsequently downed Fergie’s lads 2-1. A double from Nasri and an inspired performance should, at least for now, silence the aforementioned unmentionables regarding Wenger’s future.

After a bit of a late night Friday, I was a bit dreary tuning into the early EPL offering in the US on Fox Soccer Channel. Luckily it was Sunderland-Portsmouth so I figured I probably wouldn’t have a problem getting back to sleep. This match provided an intriguing twist following on from the Arsenal-Man U affair with ex rival captains Roy Keane and Tony Adams squaring off from the manager dug-out. It was actually a pretty decent game and Keano’s men should have wrapped up the 3 points in the first 25 minutes. But although Cisse and his well dodgy haircut opened the scoring, a combination of the woodwork and a decent performance from England’s maybe number one kept it close. Portsmouth equalized with a screamer from Belhadj right after the break and Roy went off in a right foul mood when Defoe drilled in the winner from the spot in injury time. Pompey and their band of twenty-odd fans set off on the long trip south celebrating a first Premier win for the former architect of the infamous Arsenal offside trap, Tony Adams.

Fox Soccer Channel treated us to a routine Anfield hammering for West Brom in the second of the US Saturday morning doubleheader. Keano the player, scored his first and second EPL goals of the season as Pool strolled 3-0 and WBA extended their run of failing to score against the Reds to 23 years. Everyone’s favourite underdog stumbled to their 3rd straight defeat being downed 1-0 at home to Bolton. Losing their previous matches to Chelsea and Man U was not surprising but at home to Bolton could indicate that the bubble may be deflating. I hope not – I intend to write about the biggest surprise package the Premier has seen since the 2001 Tractorboys plowed the Premier fields, so hold on for a couple more weeks lads. The not-so-happy anymore Hammers looked to have halted their slide in a tense affair against Everton as they held a 1-0 advantage late into the game. 3 goals for the blue men from the land of scouse in the last 6 minutes saw West Ham capitulate and they are a team on the slide, while Everton head the other direction, establishing some momentum finally under their contract extended manager, David Moyes.

Chelsea bounced back from a Champions League embarrassment, turning Blackburn over 2-0 behind an Anelka double,and the magic of ‘Arry continued with Darren Bent once again displaying his inspired form as Spurs dumped the Sky Blues at the Middle-Eastlands. If former tractor favorite DB can keep it up he might get a call from Fab’s office sometime soon.

Elsewhere, on US Shores there was an election or something going on last week in case we hadn’t heard, but despite the excitement and uproar surrounding the President-elect the games must go on. First though a quick shout-out and congratulations to Mr Obama is in order and hopefully he can drive the American tractor to better pastures. Also, to John McCain and his efforts and service to the country. Both are top class gents that ran highly competitive and grueling campaigns. But this is not a political site, so lets get back to the sporting world. But if he has one I reckon Barack drives a blue tractor.

In the NFL, there were some great games and the divisions are starting to take shape. The Titans of Tennessee maintained their run as the only unbeaten team with an impressive 21-14 victory in the Windy City, despite a ground attack that garnered just 20 yards. The Giants and Eagles played out a thrilling 36-31 match up with the Eli and the lads getting the edge. Some experts are calling out the Giants as the best in the NFL, but until the Titans fall, the G-Men remain a solid number 2 in my opinion. Stealing a line from ESPN analyst Chris Berman, the wagons are being circled in Buffalo as once again they fell to a divisional opponent, this time being doubled up by New England 20-10 . After an impressive start the Bills are quickly reverting to also-rans. San Francisco played Arizona in a close game on the Monday night spectacle in the desert but the NFC West Champions-elect held on for the 29-24 win. Expect a brief hiccup for the Cards next week when they travel to the land of the Hawks who owe the 12th Man a decent home performance before we relinquish the division title.

Final callout of the rewind goes to Jerry Sloan for winning his 1,000th game with the NBA’s Utah Jazz. 1000 wins for the longest tenured and one the most respected coaches in professional basketball history deserves a mention on any sports commentary. Though his great teams led by John Stockton and Karl Malone were denied the title by the Jordon inspired Chicago Bulls in the mid-Nineties, Jerry has continued to rebuild and lead a perennial competitive team, becoming an NBA icon and cetain hall-of-famer in the process.

And how was your sporting weekend? Cheers!!

Beckham gets a loan

2008-11-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

The financial crisis credit crunch appears to have finally caught up with Hollywood’s leading sports star and the first lady of football on the US shores, Posh. What’s a girl to do when you’ve shopped out London, LA, Madrid, Manchester (huh?), and the old man is no longer mates with Tommy Cruise anymore?? Get a loan and move to Milan, of course! So, while the head Spice Girl eyes up a European assault on the boutiques and spas of Italia, Becksie gets ready to pack up the kids in the station wagon and lace it up for a 3-month loan spell with Italian Serie A giants, AC Milan.

After getting permission from his ‘owners’ the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer and Victoria, David secured a deal to play a few months in the Italian top flight. Maybe he needed to top up the coffers a bit or save up for another handbag for Posh (Christmas coming and all) but most likely, he fancied a decent game of football.

Let’s face it, since he arrived in LA to a fanfare that would rival a Pope on a farewell tour, his footy career hasn’t exactly sky-rocketed has it? After all, from playing on some of the greatest stages that football can offer; Old Trafford, Wembley, and The Bernabeu (and those are just his previous 'home' team venues), you would forgive the lad for thinking that Real Salt Lake away is just a bit of a Sunday “kick-about” at a different type of temple. The Galaxy versus the Houston 'something or others' hardly has the passion of a Man U trip to Anfield, or a visit to the Nou Camp while leading the hated Galáctico of Real Madrid. In case anyone was wondering that’s the real ‘Real’, not the Utah variety who call themselves ‘Real’ but play in Barcelona colors – you think they might have Googled it before coming up with that bright idea, or maybe that’s the point… But I digress.

Beckham has continued to add to his caps for England becoming the third most capped player in the history of the national team with 107 appearances. He is also a true ambassador for the game. The work that he performs for youth and community establishments is extensive and he has developed into a truly recognized global role model – a bloody rich one mind, but still a role model nonetheless.

I was devastated when the writhing acting antics of another cheating Argentinean, Simeone got him his marching orders at the 1998 World Cup and, arguably, cost us a place in the quarter-finals as we battled Argentina undermanned, for most of the match plus extra-time, before finally succumbing during the penalty shoot-out. The reaction he received in England on his return was undoubtedly the low point of his career, and in many ways, his treatment by so-called fans driven by the gutter press was nothing short of despicable.

But, ultimately Beckham came back and has since won every accolade possible in the club game and attained his ultimate footballing honor in captaining the England national team on 59 occasions. He is one of only five players to have represented England in 100 games and the only Englishman to score in three World Cup final tournaments.

England Players with 100 Appearences

Peter Shilton - 125
Bobby Moore - 108
David Beckham - 107
Bobby Charlton - 106

Billy Wright - 105

Although his role at the national level is now diminishing, I wish him the best. He’ll be back in the US next season for his summer job and if he visits the Pacific Northwest to play against the newly founded Seattle Sounders, I hope to be there in person to see one of the best playmakers that ever graced the English game, have a bit of a “kick-about.”

In the meantime, count your pennies mate ‘cos you might need them when the missus hits those Italian shops…

FIFA 09

2008-11-06T20:30:00.000-08:00

A quick time-out for an observation on the lighter side….

I’m not sure if the same commercial airs in other parts of the world but in the USA, EA Sports have been mercilessly bombarding us with a commercial promoting the latest version of their all-world football game for the Playstation, X-Box 360, etc.

This ad provokes a couple of thoughts …

1. Please stop it – it is driving me nuts. I have the ’08 version of the game and it is good. But at the age of 39, I just don’t have the video game skills embedded in my DNA to keep up. Stop taunting me with a game that takes me a year to figure out just so I can maybe play on the second-to-easiest level. Mind you, I did get the Tractorboys to the Promised Land at the first attempt (on the ‘you don’t have a clue how to play this game, do you?’ level). Maybe my 4 year old can bring me up to speed.

2. Who the hell is the fat bloke that is sort of superimposed on the game play screens, yelling ‘goooooaaaaalllllll’ over and over again while trying to interact with the shots and action that is being displayed behind him?

I really can’t be bothered to look up who this fellow is, but in advertising this product you’d think they could at least find someone that might have some half-way believable soccer skills. As opposed to a pie man who looks like he’s been training for one of those food eating championships…you know the one where the little Japanese bloke eats a hundred hot dogs in 20 seconds.

Now I’m off to stuff Man U eight-nil…Cheers!

Weekend Rewind

2008-11-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

A split on the football front for me this weekend and, with the inconsistent form of Ipswich combined with the plight of the injury decimated Seahawks, that’s about the best I can realistically hope for on any given week.

Starting on the brighter side, the Tractorboys made it 7 points out of a possible 9 in their past 3 games with a solid 2-0 win at home against QPR. One of the biggest problems for the Town this year has been the lack of consistency at Portman Road, with far too many indifferent performances seeing the team mired in mid-table. However, the silver lining of playing in the Championship is that it is always tight. Just 10 points separate the 6th placed team from the relegation zone. In the latest turn of the ever-rotating starting lineup, Jonathan Stead was the hero, coming off the bench to score twice in 4 minutes and secure the 3 points. With upcoming games against Blackpool and Doncaster, maybe the team can put together a run and give us some hope, for at least a shot at a play-off spot. Though, the constant rotation of Magilton’s starting lineup is puzzling at best. It’s one thing for Rafa Benitez, Sir Alex, and the Arsene to mix up the lineup, but they have squads that could field 2 teams in the Premier and survive. This is Ipswich – Jim pick a team already. But there is hope.

Moving to the dark side, 3 hours of Sunday afternoon was spent watching a Seahakws performance drearier than the Seattle November day that it was. The clocks moved back but darkness was enveloping Qwest Field shortly after the first quarter. When Seneca Wallace hit Koren Robinson for a franchise record long 90 yard TD play on our first possession, hope seemed eternal. A win would keep us within 2 games of the division lead. Hasselbeck might convince his doctor he can walk sometime soon. McNabb was confused either by the defense or by the noise of the 12th Man. The ‘Hawks were in control. Can we call it early and all go home happy before it starts pissing down again?!! Then the second period began. McNabb went on to complete 20 of his next 22 passes, moving his team at will through the depleted ‘Hawks defense. On offence, bad habits returned with receivers dropping key passes that killed any decent drive Seattle could muster. Seneca Wallace deputizing at QB, as Hasselbeck missed his 4th straight start, did ok but Philly wasn’t about to be fooled again and reeled off 26 straight points for an emphatic victory. Seattle punted the rest of the game. At 2-6, this season has come and gone, and it’s time to level our expectations. In Big Mike’s farewell season he deserves better, and despite the injuries some of these players just aren’t performing.

Weekend TractorHawk Grade: C
Held up by the Town this week as we move into 8th place in the Championship (tied on points with 5 other teams mind you)

Weekend Tractor Driver:

Jonathan Stead, 2 goals in 3 minutes from the bench in his latest role as super-sub.

Note-a-balls:

The happy ‘Arry revival continued at the Lane as last placed Tottenham welcomed, got outplayed for most of the game, and then defeated league leading Liverpool. Dirk Kuyt got the scousers started and it looked to be business as usual for the ‘Pool looking to grind out another close win. But when Reds defender Jamie Carragher headed into his goal, Spurs were sparked into action, and just as they had shocked the Gooners a few days earlier, they struck again in injury time as Pavlyuchenko knocked in the winner. Spurs moved off the bottom for a couple days until Bolton beat the now seriously under-achieving Arabians of Manchester and Newcastle scored an unlikely 2-0 win over the previously impressive Aston Villa. So much for me stating Villa being a potential top four squad. Spurs back to bottom but 7 points in a week has them believing again – in what exactly I’m not sure but you get the point.

Talking about the shocking Gooners, a 2-1 defeat at Stoke, combined with Van Persie seeing red, and Adeboyor and England wonderkid, Theo Walcott off hurt has seen Arsene’s lads spiral. Dropped points this season already to Fulham, Hull, Sunderland, Tottenham, and now Stoke has got the Arse looking more like UEFA cup hopefuls than title contenders.

Chelsea take over top spot on goal difference after a 5-0 win over a pathetic Sunderland performance at the Bridge – see my previous article on Big Phil and his lads.

Hull decided to play attacking football at Old Trafford in a 7 goal affair. You’d be forgiven in many circles for thinking that if Hull were daft enough to attack United on the road they could be in for a 7 goal drubbing. United edged it 4-3 and again HCFC has everyone rooting for the underdogs in brown and gold. With 20 points they are half-way to safety which, at the beginning of the season, not many gave them a snowball’s chance of achieving.

In the land of the pigskin, America prepares to elect the new president. But first there was a typical busy fall weekend to get through. The pre-season unfancied Tennessee Titans remained the only unbeaten team in the league with a close 19-16 overtime victory over the Cheeseheads. I respect the Titans – they are a team that get very little media attention but this year they have overcome a bit of adversity at the QB position, and at least for now, continue to prove themselves as the best team in the NFL. You can’t argue with an 8-0 record and hats off to their unassuming and professional Head Coach Jeff Fisher.

In the NFC, the marquee game saw Eli Manning and the Giants welcome the Romo-less and suddenly dysfunctional Dallas Cowboys. While Jessica nurses her boy’s thumb back to health, the Cowboys tried 2 different quarterbacks to no avail, as the Giants romped 35-14 to take control of the very competitive Eastern division.

The college front needs a dedicated article, or thesis for that matter, and there will be one coming in a few weeks as the season progresses. Once again the sort of voted champions-elect-number one team went down as Texas Tech downed Texas with an incredible touchdown with 1 second to play (just as well they don't let the refs decide on injury time in US sports). There is no doubt that on any given week college football can produce some amazing games. But until they figure out a way to objectively and competitively rank these teams, I still struggle to find the point. Errr make them play each other….maybe….just a thought mind.

And how was your sporting weekend?

Cheers!

Big Phil Scolari is not Gene Hackman...probably

2008-11-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just a quick excerpt this morning as I tuned into the first of the EPL doubleheader on Fox Soccer Channel this morning to watch Chelsea annihilate a poor Sunderland team. The damage was done during a 5 goal outburst in about 26 minutes either side of the half in a match played in torrential rain. Contest and game over as the Blues strolled to a 5-0 victory. But it got me to thinking that Chelsea have a heck of a coach in Phil Scolari.

Chelsea have been an elite team for a few years now and their membership in the “big four” has been confirmed since Roman Abromovich started pumping his billions into the playing staff and payroll. They had success with Jose Mourinho at the helm and although, at the time, he came across as pure arrogance, I actually miss him a bit since he left the English football scene early last season. Some of the press conferences were priceless.

The football offered by Chelsea under the guidance of big Phil is in a different class. They play an attacking, open style, and have the capability to beat anyone in the Premier League or Europe on any given day. They have had the talent for a long while but Scolari has got this squad motoring towards a serious challenge for some silverware on all fronts.

Though, I’m well pleased with what Fabio Capello is getting done with the England team, big Phil would have been a top candidate, had the timing been right.

And something else, he sure reminds me of Gene Hackman – has anyone ever seen them in the same place at the same time…thought not?!!

Mid-Week Action

2008-10-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little mid-week action to brighten the daily grind…plenty of football going on as well, so worth a quick take...

Tuesday night saw a full slate of Championship fixtures and an opportunity for the Tractorboys to build on their win at Plymouth as we welcomed Charlton and former Town hero, Matt Holland. Looked like we had this one in the bag, but that would mean two consecutive wins for the first time this year. Could it be??? No, Pablo Counago wasted a penalty and despite 20 attempts on goal, Ipswich were once again held to a disappointing draw, with the teams sharing the spoils, 1-1. Call-out to Own Garvan for knocking in his 3rd goal in the last 2 games. Other than that, yet another truly disappointing display that sees us slip further from the promotion race. Big Fat Jim (don’t know why they call him that as he’s not really fat, or big, for that matter, but we’ll figure it out another day) Magilton reckoned we created enough chances to win 3 games, and the players are trying hard, and he's really disappointed….err this is getting really old Jim. Put together a streak and lets get moving – 4 wins in 14 games keeps the Blue Tractor firmly stuck in mid-table mediocre mud, heading nowhere….again. Sort it out Jim, pick a team, and get them to play. If you can’t do it, raise your hand and move on.

Got to mention the north London derby between the purveyors of the beautiful game, Arsenal, and the current butt of all football jokes, their hated rivals Tottenham and their new manager Harry Redknapp. So it was Arsene against ‘Arry, and although Spurs took an unlikely early lead, once the Gooners got up 3-1 in the second half, who saw a 4-4 draw coming?!! Too early to tell what effect Harry will have on the men in white, but regardless, ‘Arry or not, this team won’t be in the bottom 3 come judgement time. Keep it in perspective though, they aren’t anywhere near the top 4 either. Elsewhere, Hull finally succumbed to a squad from London, with Chelsea having their way 3-0 at the KC – despite their great start, midfield maestro, Geovanni is getting a bit carried away by proclaiming, "Scolari is a top coach and I do not doubt he will be a success at Chelsea, but I feel sorry for him because we are going to beat his team.” Right you are then.

Nothing else out of the ordinary, Man U, as expected, handed Zola’s Hammers their 4th straight defeat (was Curbs really that bad? And did you fix that kit yet?), Liverpool won on a late penalty…again to stay at the top. Villa continued to confirm their status as a potential top four or five team with a good win over Blackburn.

On the US side of the house the longest 3 innings in baseball history finally ended with the Philadelphia Phillies defeating the amazing Rays 4-3, in a 50 hour game 5 of the World Series and taking the title 4 games to 1. Congratulations to both teams, the Rays for getting there and firmly shoving the Red Sox and Yankess into also-ran nobody's this year, when nobody, including this author gave them a chance. And to the Phillies on your first championship in any sport in 25 years. Now do me a favour and invite all your mates on the Eagles football team over for a right good piss-up before they head to Seattle to kick the crap out of my Seahawks this weekend. 'Till then...Cheers all.

Trans-Atlantic Football Fans

2008-10-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

By now it should be clear that I am a dedicated fan of football from both sides of the pond. As mentioned earlier, I was raised in England in the southeast and spent much of my childhood growing up in and around Ipswich, and later in a smaller town, Bishop’s Stortford which is about 30 miles or so northeast of London. Having moved to the US in 1990, I have lived in a few states including Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and now Washington.

With football embedded in my DNA my first trip to Portman Road at the age of 4 began my lifelong devotion to Ipswich Town Football Club. I’m not sure what I did in a previous life to deserve that, but I suppose it could be worse. By the the age of 9 I was a fully enlisted “Junior Blue” and received a signed picture (well one of several hundred thousand cheap copies probably) of Ipswich legend, Paul Mariner shortly after our FA Cup triumph over Arsenal in 1978. I don’t recall what happened to the cheap merchandise that came with being a Junior Blue but I remember each week believing my letter from the club must be on its way telling me I’d been selected to lead the team out at the next home game. 35 years later, the letter still hasn’t shown up and I’m not sure they would let an almost 40 something bloke lead the Tractorboys into battle – they’d have to get me out the bar first and it might be a bit embarrassing to have to set me pint down before leading the boys to battle. Still it might provide a bit more entertainment than some of the recent offerings from Portman Road!

So, moving on with blue blood running through the veins, I ended up in Oregon desperately seeking some sports, football of any kind from some source, I didn’t care…desperate times...call for...Anyway it was early September of ’88 or ’89. A strange game was starting on the TV – they called it “football” and it was Monday night, so apparently this was a big event. Anyway, I settled in to watch a load of big blokes in some kind of body armor run into each other, fall down, and chuck a rugby ball around for 3 hours or so….I was hooked! The game was a divisional match between the NY Giants and Washington Redskins – I have no idea who won or who was playing on each team but I had discovered some strange hybrid kind of football that wasn’t really football but very addictive. Oregon was the location. Many (but not all) die-hard fans of the English game are chosen by geography – it’s not a choice, it’s a dedication, a lifelong duty to the cause. Closest team to Oregon…Seattle – they play in blue…..done deal.

The Trans-Atlantic football combination for me was complete and it’s been a Tractor driving, 12th Man fanatic rollercoaster for 20 years now. With probably a million or so Brits living in the US there must be someone representing just about every possible UK-US football pairing that is just as nuts as me. I was good friends with a few English lads in Tucson, Arizona and in our small circle we boasted Ipswich–Seattle, Ipswich-Arizona, Everton-Dallas, and Manchester United-Arizona affiliations. One thing we all had in common though was the Three Lions, and England matches often culminated in all-day drinking affairs beginning with the 10 am (Arizona time) kick-off through to the midnight darts tournament, where we were all so pissed no-one could even keep score, let alone hit the board!!

Fun days, and Cheers to Luke, Mark, and Richard that made up that circle. We had some laughs and I hope you’re all doing well. It was bloody amazing to run into a fellow Tractorboy in the desert but after leaving Arizona, I’m pretty sure I left Luke as the sole keeper of the key to the blue tractor in Tucson.

I’d love to hear some stories from people with similar backgrounds and read about some of the highs and lows that come with supporting football teams on both shores of the big blue pond. I’ll visit this again sometime when this blog thing has had a chance to take-off. Until then, if you want to share your stories on this topic you know what to do below….Cheers!!

Weekend Rewind

2008-10-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

As I develop this site we’ll take a minute to look back over the previous weekend and get some regular themes established.

A royal blue weekend double for me as the Tractorboys got a rare win, romping past Plymouth 3-1, thanks to an Owen Garvan brace and a first in 11 games for Kevin Lisbie. This was followed by an even more improbable ‘Hawks road win against the reeling 49ers who introduced their new interim Head Coach, linebacker legend, Mike Singletary, after the sudden firing of Mike Nolan.

A big fan thumbs up to Singletary though for kicking one of his own players out of the game! Not sure I’ve ever seen that before but after Vernon Davis was flagged for a personal foul for smacking ‘Hawks Free Safety, Brian Russell after a reasonable gain and costing his team 15 vital yards, Singletary gave him a right good rollicking. This was followed by swift sending to the showers…not only that, but as the sulking player headed off for the early bath, his coach calls him back to get his helmet and then tells him to piss off...wow! That’s a Golden Tractor Key award nominee right there (when we get it started).

It’s been a tough season for both my football teams, so this weekend, was indeed, a rare event. Though it was great to see both my blue flags flying, I think it’s going to be a rough year for me on both sides of the football pond.

Weekend Tractor-Hawk Grade: B+ (not an A because the ‘Hawks were actually out-gained though we won by 3TDs and David Norris got sent off in injury time for kicking the ball away – cue the referee’s a total wanker)

Other notes:

The NFL took its show to the “Home of Football” as the New Orleans Saints upended the San Diego Chargers in a 37-32 shootout in front of over 83,000 at the most expensive stadium in the world, Wembley. Can only imagine the “what the bloody ‘ell is he doing then?” when the Saints punter ran the ball back through his own end-zone for an intentional safety in attempt to run off the clock. “Own touchdown?….how much it that worth then?”

Hull City remain in the top 3 in the Premier League after a comprehensive 3-0 win over West Brom, and I was thoroughly impressed getting to watch the game as the Saturday early match on Fox Soccer Channel (our big-screen football feed for English fans living in the US). I will say the result was a bit harsh on the Brom but HCFC have already earned themselves a future article on this site.

Liverpool ended Chelsea’s 86 game unbeaten run at home. The men in red move to first place in the EPL for the first time in like 30 years with a 1-0 win at the Bridge over Big Phil and his lads. Enjoy it while it lasts, Scousers. By the way are you still protesting your US bankroll??

The Phillies take command of the World Series. Most focus is still on the upstart Tampa Bay Rays, who like the previously mentioned Hull City of the EPL, are more than worthy of a full post at another date. Shout-out though to Seattle favorite Jamie Moyer on his performance for Philadelphia Sat. night – at 44, he is giving all us middle-aged over-the-hill beer-guzzling-fried-egg-sandwich-eating blokes some hope.

College football – we’ll need to get this going a bit as it is not one of my hot topics but I pay attention. Pretty much all the top teams won, so we’re still on course for about 8 teams qualifying for the championship but with no tournament at the end noone knows, and for right now, who gives a toss – come on, let Boise State back in, it’s worth it just to see that frickin blue field….no upsets of note, though a worthy mention to the AZ Wildcats for playing a close game against USC, eventually succumbing 10-17. Having lived in Tucson for 12 years or so, you’ll notice a Wildcat reference every once in a while.

And how was your sporting weekend?

Cheers!!

Coin Toss – Hawks and Tractors on the field

2008-10-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Writing an introduction, in my opinion, is the hardest task of any type of written work. So I’m glad it’s done (see the Pre-Game). Before I dive into my specific teams and the reasoning, or lack thereof, for the blog title and the teams I follow, just a bit of background is in order.

Throughout this blog you will often find me switching between sports on both side of the Atlantic, and for example, examining the ins and outs of two very different types of football. In addition, you may notice frequent transitions between English and American-English commentaries. Raised in England since birth but moving to the US in 1990 is the simple explanation. I’m fanatic about football, and whether you crave the NFL or the EPL, you’re going to find something here for you. After 18 years in the US utilizing both an English and American style of conversation is inevitable, and it most definitely will show throughout my articles. If you get confused have another beer, and read on anyway. Keep in mind not all this stuff is confined to football. We’ll cover just about anything and everything in the sporting world.

So, Blue Hawks and Tractors? Simple, it relates to the Seattle Seahawks and Ipswich Town Football Club. Quite a unique combination and we’ll cover the history at some point, but in short I have followed the Town my entire life; the ‘Hawks my entire US sporting life. Now we need to throw in England as well, but I thought that “Blue Hawks, Three Lions, and a Tractor” might be getting just a little wordy…then again, it’s kinda got a ring to it, and they have all won crap in recent history. That’s not quite true, the ‘Hawks have 4 consecutive division titles, which is about to end, but in terms of championships, I come up with the goose egg, nil, zilch…or FA in some circles.

Now, with the teams identified, the title explained, and the commentary style accounted for, we can get going. Do not think that this blog will focus only on the 3 aforementioned teams. Yes, they are my passion in the sporting world, but there is a ton of material to cover and I’ll be discussing many teams from across many sports and making many observations about our sporting universe. I will throw in some status and updates on my teams, if for nothing else, so you can share or relate to my rollercoaster ride of near-glory and frequent misery.

Cheers!!

Pre-Game

2008-10-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

For my first entry into the world of blogs I’ll take a little time to provide an introduction and give an outline of what Blue Hawks and Tractors just might be all about and how it may develop as we explore the world of, primarily team sports from the view of the dedicated, passionate, and committed (or should be committed on any given Sunday), sports freak. On occasion, I may deviate and delve into some other subjects, but for the most part they will be few and far between and will usually connect to the world of sport in some way or another.

Well, that’s the plan so far but this is just the beginning. In fact, originally I titled this post as the kick-off, but it is more like the pre-game warm-up – the kick-around. The part of the match when you’re heading back from one last run of relief while traversing the steps to your seat, balancing at least 2 beers or as many as they’ll sell you at your given stadium, so as to miss as little game time as possible.

The commentary is going to be in form of sports talk as the way sports fans talk about sports. True fans that is, fans that can talk endlessly about teams, players, coaches, refs, playoffs, their own teams, teams they hate, and fans that have a never-ending supply of hope and optimism regardless of just how bad the product on the field might be at any given time. If you’re looking for expert opinion from a panel of ex-players that get paid bloody millions to state the freakin obvious week-in and week-out, you’re in the wrong place. But any given NFL or English Premier League pre-game show should have exactly what you seek.

There will be some rants – no doubt, I mean ranting is THE most revered pastime of any fan, whether you admit it or not, you know it’s true. So I’ll rant on occasion (alright a lot), but I’ll also find plenty of time to talk about the good stuff too and why the hell we spend so much time with all this anyway.

Like any blog it will take a few entries to get the momentum going, a few articles to develop the attitude, a bit of time to get some attention. But I’m going to have some fun and a few laughs and I hope a few others can join in too. Whether you get a laugh out of an entry or disagree with every word I say, that’s just fine. You’ll be reading this because we have something in common and if we can stir some debate, heated or otherwise, then we’re doing something right. The more comments the better. Eventually, I hope to engage a readership and draw and build on various experiences and interact as much as possible. All reasonable comments will be published, or conversely, stupid shit will be deleted.

There will a few quick posts in succession to get this thing moving and establish some regularly themed articles. For now, the pre-game is winding down, so take your preciously guarded beers back to your seat and get ready for the team to take the field.

Cheers!!