Milan v Chievo

AC Milan followed up a midweek win against Fiorentina with a Kaka inspired 3-0 victory to take all 3 points in the San Siro against Chievo.

From the outset both sides were buoyed by midweek results, with Chievo claiming victory against relegation rivals Bologna.

However it was Milan who started the stronger at high tempo with a succession of short snappy passes.

The ‘flying donkeys’ barely got out of the traps before super Mario Balotelli got the Rossoneri off to a perfect start by netting inside 4 minutes from close range.

Adel Taarabt threatened soon after with a shot from just outside the area, parried by Michael Agazzi, his direct running proving a problem for Chievo.

After a fast paced start where Milan exercised home dominance, Chievo whose away record this season has been woeful, edged back into the game with a spell of better ball retention.

Nevertheless, Milan looked capable of unlocking the door to the visitor’s defence each time they ventured forward.

On 27 minutes, Kaka rolled back the years on his 300^th appearance for AC Milan with a goal, after some great team build up, the Brazilian chested the ball down from an exquisite pass by Keisuke Honda and slotted past the keeper from 5 yards.

Kaka continued his renaissance moments later with some trademark midfield work, despatching a through ball into the path of Balotelli who squared in the box for Honda to make it 3-0, only for the Japanese captain to blaze over the bar.

Before the game, Milan manager Clarence Seedorf talked about a need to show consistency and continuity in order to put a run of results together if they’re to salvage something from this torrid season.

The 18 times Serie A winners had clearly listened to the Dutchman, who picked up where they left off after the break.

A set piece from Kaka on 54 minutes found the head of Honda, who brought a reflex save out of Agazzi, however, the ball came back to Kaka who had time to compose himself, rifling a right foot curling shot beyond the Chievo goalkeeper.

From that point on Milan were comfortable, and continued to keep a stranglehold on the game.

Man of the moment Kaka would not complete his hat trick after being substituted for fellow countryman Robinho on 73 minutes but that by no means tainted a memorable performance and the fans let him know with a standing ovation.

Rumour has it Kaka may be leaving the Rossoneri at the end of the season, with a move to the MLS potentially on the cards.

On this performance, Seedorf and Chief Executive Adriano Galliani may look to offer the talismanic midfielder an improved contract to stay at the San Siro for at least another season.

The referee threatened to take the shine off the result by giving Chievo a penalty in added time, following Zaccardo’s challenge on Thereau. Replays showed it was nothing more than a 50/50 tackle.

Thereau hit the bar with his effort from 12 yards and the clean sheet along with the 3 points were Milan’s.

Club in Transition or Crisis?

Parma defeat at San Siro, first time in 17 years

A football club in ‘crisis’ of whom wear red and black is being banded around a lot lately, however it’s not the borough of Manchester I’m referring to, but the province of Milan.

The Rossoneri slumped to a fourth straight defeat earlier today at home to Parma, the first time in 17 years ‘the crusaders’ have claimed victory at the San Siro.

Fans protested on mass before the game at how the club is being run, Chief Executive Adriano Galliani has come in for major criticism over recent signings, while Mario Balotelli has been among the targets of protest.

Post game a number of ‘Ultra’ fans engaged in a private meeting to voice their concerns with Galliani, Seedorf and players such as Balotelli and Kaka.

“It was a very peaceful meeting,” Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia. “After two years of suffering, they wanted to express their feelings.

“There is great respect for the Milan shirt on the part of everyone. Sometimes it helps just to listen and give the fans a voice, so they know we hear them.”

But I’m far from being a glass half empty kind of guy, so lets be realistic.

The previous three defeats came against Serie A leaders Juventus, Udinese who have lost only once in there last six games and away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Think we are all aware of Atletico’s capabilities both in La Liga and Europe this season.

So it’s been a tough run in to say the least for Clarence Seedorf and his band of not so merry men of Milan.

However, there’s a far bigger issue at work here than just last four games.

Therefore, I find the criticism from some sections of the Italian press as misguided, vindictive and naïve.

Don’t get me wrong - I understand their frustrations, it’s been a campaign to forget and far from what one would constitute a ‘Milan’ type performance over the course of a season. But this isn’t necessarily a Milan type squad.

Milan didn’t do themselves any favours against Parma, true, if your goalkeeper is sent off within the first five minutes you’ll naturally be on the back foot, it’s a game changing circumstance.

The referee had no choice of course, Abbiati was left floundering, and his positioning made bringing down Ezequiel Schelotto unavoidable.

Former Milanese striker Antonio Cassano netted the resulting spotkick.

Thereafter, Milan’s defensive frailties this season became immediately magnified and despite Balotelli striking the woodwork, the Rossoneri found themselves 0-2 down six minutes into the 2nd half. A hint of déjà vu and the game looked over.

Not so, Milan to their credit showed some real fighting spirit, substitute Adil Rami, arguably the clubs best player this season, pulled one back five minutes later.

The vilified Balotelli levelled from the penalty spot on 76 minutes.

Cancelling out the 2-goal deficit with 10 men, no one can pick holes in the teams desire and determination. They want to play for Seedorf, that’s very apparent.

Nevertheless, within 90 seconds of Balotelli’s leveller from 12 yards, striker Amauri went up the other end making it 2-3 to Parma, a killer blow.

With the wind out of Milan’s sails; former Inter academy product Jonathon Biabiany ended any hopes of a successful Milan fight back with a fortuitous diving header in the 90th minute.

Parma move up to fifth in Serie A, while Milan, languish uncharacteristically in eleventh.

Milan are a team low on confidence, that’s clear to see, but the off field protests and front office upheaval coupled with staff and player ins and outs haven’t exactly had a positive impact on this season.

The squad lacks identity and cohesion; values I feel can only flourish in the close season.

Seedorf needs time to mould the squad into how he wants them to play, to implement his philosophy, these things don’t happen overnight.

Jones-Bishop: Good to be back

It’s been a tough 18 months for Leeds Rhinos player Ben Jones-Bishop, but following his performance against Widnes in the Super League a fortnight ago, the future is looking brighter than ever.

Jones-Bishop sent a timely reminder of his abilities to Leeds boss Brian McDermott, scoring two tries on his return to the side.

The halfback who is equally adept at playing on the wing admitted his frustration at the lack of game time so far this season, but that it was good to be back.

‘It was good to be back out on the field and contributing to a good win. It had been a frustrating first 4 weeks not being involved so to be out there and have a good game felt great.’

Having not figured at all for Leeds during the first few weeks of the new season, questions were being asked about the player’s future, with the possibility of a loan move being rumoured.

‘A loan move was a possibility as after 4 weeks of the season, I hadn't had any game time but I wasn't happy to go anywhere until I had been given an opportunity to try and win my shirt back and stay in the team, which I feel I have the ability to do.’

It’s an opportunity the Leeds born player has taken, and despite rumours of a move elsewhere and the signing of winger Tom Briscoe from Hull, Jones-Bishop is not on his way out of Headingley.

The 25 year old spent much of last season on the sidelines recovering from a blood clot on his lung but came back to feature for the Rhinos towards the end of the campaign.

‘Knowing what I went through last preseason, this preseason has been tough, but much easier now my cardiovascular system is in full working order.’

He believes the lengthy lay off gave him food for thought about the longevity of a professional rugby league player’s career.

‘Having been through it and been unable to play and even do certain physical aspects of training for such a prolonged amount of time, it's probably made me change my outlook on my playing career as at any time it could be taken away from you.’

The halfback come winger’s exploits against Widnes kept him in the side for last Friday’s fixture at London Broncos, where he again scored a tandem of tries.

‘I'm very focused on being the best I can be at every aspect of my game at the minute.’

It’s evident in the first few weeks of the season that ‘being the best’ is a philosophy being embraced by the whole squad at Leeds after a barren 2013.

The Rhino’s look firmly in the hunt for silverware in 2014, sitting a well placed 2nd in the First Utility Super League, possessing a strong squad, few look capable of stopping them.

‘We have started very well and I think that is down to the strong squad and pushing each other to try and get a starting shirt. We want to be at the top of the league and end up at Old Trafford but we know each weekly performance is important to be able to do that, and of course lift the Challenge Cup.’

Leeds boast the best defensive record in Super League after six games, conceding only 52 points in total.

A record they take into Friday’s top of the table clash at league leaders St Helens.

But with less than 12 months of his contract remaining, his future at Leeds may not stretch beyond the end of the season; the 25 year old is not worried.

‘I’m not looking too far into the future. I want to be playing week in week out and am focusing on trying to do that and put in good performances.’

With the prospect of what promises to be a mouth-watering tie against Saints on the 28th of March, Jones-Bishop will continue to focus on working hard to be a part of the Rhinos latest charge to challenge at the summit of Super League.

AFC Fylde coast past Magpies to silverware

Holders AFC Fylde retained the Lancashire FA Challenge trophy by beating Chorley FC 4-1 at the Reebok stadium in Bolton.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary, the Lancashire FA Challenge is no stranger to Fylde who have lifted the trophy 3 times in 4 years.

The victorious Fylde manager Dave Challinor said the clubs good form in recent weeks helped:

‘The lads are ecstatic, very pleased to win, we came into the game in good form, and knew that if we got a big result it would be good for us.’

A familiar face in Adam Russell came back to haunt Chorley by netting the first goal for Fylde in the 28th minute, and set up Harry Winter for the coasters second late on in the first half, after James Dean had brought the Magpies level on 42 minutes.

The game was finely poised as the 2nd half got under way, with both sides having spells of possession and chances to boot thereafter.

It wasn’t until the 87th minute however, when Fylde winger Michael Barnes burst forward and beat Sam Ashton in the Chorley goal, which effectively ended the contest.

In the dying embers of added time Barnes struck again to rub salt into the wounds of their Lancastrian rivals.

Ex Blackburn midfielder and current Chorley manager Gary Flitcroft took the positives from defeat:

‘We were in the game, Fylde are a good side on a good run, we’ve played at a great stadium tonight, the lads have worked hard to get here, the results not gone our way, we look forward to Saturday in the league.’

The game was closer than the score line suggested, however it was a true reflection of the sides contrasting form of late.

Chorley have won only once in their last 8 games, despite still occupying top spot in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division, with a game in hand and a three point cushion on the chasing pack.

Magpies boss Flitcroft was quick to dispel any knock on effect the cup final defeat may have on his side’s title hopes:

‘I think it’ll motivate us to go out and win the league, Fylde have obviously had a good night tonight, but we’re top of the league, we’re the team that everybody’s got to catch and we’ve got a good run of games coming up, we’ve just got to make sure we keep going, keep plugging away for the last 10 games of the season.’

Fylde are on a 16 game unbeaten run and have climbed up to 2nd in the league.

The coasters boss hopes his side can kick on in the league after winning the cup.

‘It was important that we won, not because their was a trophy on offer, which is great but, Chorley are having a bit of a wobble, and I think if they’d of won it might of given them the kick on that they needed going into league games, but its still in their hands, if they win all their games they win the league, its as simple as that.’

Challinor did say that the team would enjoy tonight but celebrations would be kept to a minimum until the end of the season.

‘We’ll save our celebrations for the end of the season, no matter what happens from now until then, they’ve worked there socks off, hopefully this is the first of some more success.’

Both teams return to league action on Saturday at 3pm. Fylde welcome Stamford to Kellamergh Park, while Chorley are also at home, playing host to Nantwich Town at Victory Park.

Whats the story Rossoneri?

Seven time winners of the European Cup AC Milan are in comparable crisis this term, languishing in mid-table obscurity, closer to relegation than the upper echelons of Italian football in recent months. So what’s gone wrong?

The true extent of turmoil at the club began to unravel in the summer of 2010, with owner and CEO Silvio Berlusconi stating that after a prolonged period (20+ years no less) of bankrolling transfers and wages, it was now time to tighten the belt.

In his second stint as Italian Prime Minister, Berlusconi was quickly getting to grips with the financial crisis hitting the Eurozone which was akin to a wounded, leggy challenger, attempting to fend off a heavyweight boxing champion in his prime.

Continuing to plough money into a football team, no matter how illustrious, while the country flounders financially, does not a good businessman or politician make.

However, to fans, pulling the plug after so many years would always be a bitter pill to swallow. The Milanese have been treated like a spoilt child over the years by ‘father’ Berlusconi, throwing money at the team they love so adoringly.

But these things rarely last forever, and such radical upheaval is never met welcomingly without sections of derision, alas, the fans protested at the clubs training ground.

During the late knockings of the summer transfer window, Berlusconi, as before, gave the fans want they wanted.

Completing major deals for marquee superstars Robinho from Manchester City, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Barcelona.

Factor in transfer fees and wages; the deals would cost Milan upwards of 70 million Euros, and the financial recoil of such exuberate spending was felt over the next two seasons, the club reporting losses of 130 million Euros.

However, with a strong nucleus of experienced, big game players still at the club, the Milanese could breathe a little easier knowing their team would continue to contest for top honours, winning the Scudetto in 2010/11 and the 2011 Supacoppa Italia against bitter city rivals Inter.

The following season with the help of Andrea Pirlo, who had signed for Juventus after Milan released the midfield maestro on a free, pipped them to top spot in Serie A by 4 points.

A year later the gap widened, with Milan finishing 3^rd, a gaping 15 points behind the old lady.

At the end of the 2012/13 season, we reach a juncture not dissimilar to that of 2010, this time though, austerity beckoned with no wavering to please to masses.

Defender Thiago Silva was sold to mega rich PSG, a few days later star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic followed the Brazilian to the French capital.

Those deals combined generated 60 million Euros and freed up 35% of the wage bill.

A change in philosophy had begun, geared towards signing younger (and cheaper) players, a mantra designed to tighten the purse strings and build for the future.

The reasons being a combination of adapting to the economic climate and the impending Financial Fair Play regulations, which implement parameters on losses a club can sustain over time.

Smart move by the Milan board, nevertheless, it could and probably should have happened sooner.

When talking about the numbers involved, offloading Silva and Ibrahimovic can be seen as the obvious losses, if not good business sense, but maybe not the biggest in terms of influence and reach within the club.

The new direction the club was taking in transfer policy meant that in order to make room for new blood, the veterans who had provided such noble service year on year, defying ageist cynicism in evergreen fashion, exit stage right.

Theirs something altogether romantic about the commitment between club and player, in the circumstance where advancing years is not seen as a negative stigma. More so, the club will work with the elder statesman, getting the last ounce of quality out of their professional while the player can stay in the show.

Turns out, the shows over.

Experienced players like Gennaro Gattuso, Alexandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf whose combined contribution to AC Milan spanned 32 years were shown the door. Also, Fillipo Inzaghi and Gianluca Zambrotta both retired that summer, like captain, leader and icon Paolo Maldini had done in 2009.

Leaving only Massimo Ambrosini as a recognised member of the ‘old guard’ still on the clubs books, which together had supplied the Rossoneri with much of its success spanning a decade or more.

His time was up at the end of the following season, released on a free. Questa è la vita? (That’s life).

The abrupt manner of the changes and failure to sufficiently replace their talismanic stars has left Milan a shadow of their former self’s.

As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was relieved of his managerial duties a poor run of results.

The show must go on, enter Clarence ‘the saviour’ Seedorf?

Seedorf’s credentials as a player, particularly with Milan are well documented, but for the sake of gratifying hero worship, and for those of you who weren’t born to appreciate his talents or have been living under a rock these past 20 years, the legendary Dutchman’s trophy cabinet includes two Champions Leagues, two Scudetto’s and a Coppa Italia. Not bad.

In Seedorf’s maiden managerial role, Milan have seen a steadying of the ship, currently sitting 9^th in Serie A on 35 points from 25 matches, 4 points off 6^th placed Verona and 5 points off rivals Inter who sit 5^th. The team have won 4, drawn 1, and lost 3 in all competitions so far, with only 1 defeat coming in the league.

As it stands, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to suggest he could lead Milan to a Europa League place come the end of the season.

Long term, let the Dutchman build a dynasty.

*Stats accurate to time of write up - approx 24th Feb*

**Follow up comment piece on a new era under Seedorf coming soon*

The Disclosure of Sexual Orientation in Football

England women’s captain Casey Stoney recently made the brave decision to come out, and is the most high profile player actively playing to do so in this country. But why, up to this point, is there no other openly gay professional in the English game?

Huddersfield Town Ladies central defender Laura Booth has her say: ‘I think this is due to people's ignorance and the inability to accept gay people in a stereotypical mans sport.’

Of the men’s game, not since the 1990s has there been an openly gay footballer who continued playing in England.

In 1998, former Norwich and Wimbledon player Justin Fashanu tragically took his own life eight years after coming out, at the age of 37.

By his own admission, he had not been prepared for the negative backlash that followed the decision to disclose his sexual orientation, and claimed his football career suffered ‘heavy damage’ as a result.

This sequence of events has left a lasting mark on our ‘beautiful game’, like a wound that won’t heal, or a scar, seen as a constant reminder of the rejection, faced by Fashanu, and moreover the potential for it to happen again.

It’s that threat of rejection that is holding professionals back.

In recent times, we’ve seen former Premier League star and German international Thomas Hitzelsperger come out, this however came after he had announced his retirement from playing.

American journalist Sam Smith thinks the many outweigh the few but confidence in taking that leap into the unknown is a factor for any sportsman: ‘There have been many gay men in pro sports, though none feeling confident enough to announce it in our too exclusionary society.’

Leeds United’s former American midfielder Robbie Rodgers came out in 2013, but again, after announcing he was stepping away from football and returning to the states. He has since restarted his career, signing for LA Galaxy at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season.

Anton Hysen of Utsiktens BK, is the only other homosexual actively playing professional football. His employers ply their trade in the third tier of Swedish football.

Lets not forget Liam Davis who plays for semi professional outfit Gainsborough Trinity, six divisions below the Premier League.

But this is all further a-field, far from the upper echelons of English football.

Huddersfield Town Ladies first team manager Glen Preston believes the issue of homosexuality in football is indeed, societal:

‘I think homophobia is a problem in society in general, not just football or any sport for that matter, so any sport that exists within society will have a level of homophobic attitudes.’

Are these homophobic attitudes of the wider populous, positive or negative, a contributing factor?

In the main the response to Casey Stoney’s decision to come out, and that of her male counterparts, has been positive, acceptance from their peers and the general public has been forthcoming, in particular the LGBT community seeing these professionals as role models.

But for the athlete, is that more of a burden, a curse rather than a gift, having to manage the added pressure of being the first openly gay professional in the top tier of English football.

Footballers are regularly faced with a barrage of abuse from the terraces. Racial abuse is well documented through the 70s and 80s, in some countries its still a major issue, by contrast, the English game has come so far in combating racism.

Glen Preston, continues: ‘Sport has the ability to influence the masses and to break down barriers to acceptance but drugs, violence, racism all exist out of sport, football is not the problem, but it can help form part of the solution.’

However a not too dissimilarly dark cloud is hovering above our football stadia, homophobia, and homophobic chanting.

The true extent of which has been brought to the public’s attention in this weeks Dispatches programme on Channel 4.

The documentary secretly recorded opposition fans chanting homophobic abuse at Brighton fans during matches last season.

Over a 3 game span, the Dispatches team catalogued 20 homophobic incidents.

Brighton is well known for its substantial LGBT community, and is often referred to as ‘the gay capital of Britain.’

A report complied by the Brighton and Hove Supporters Club and Gay Football Supporters Network was submitted to the FA last year.

Its findings showed that at 57% of matches during the 2012/13 season, fans had been subjected to some form of homophobic abuse.

If those words based on sexual orientation were replaced with racially aggravated language, that would not be acceptable, so why should this?

On these findings alone, it’s clear to see that players could be targeted from the terraces over their sexuality and receive abuse.

This type of abuse is not confined to the stands, with a growing presence of fans on various mediums like Twitter, Facebook and fan forums - giving rise to Internet abuse.

Abuse of ex and current professional footballers on sites like Twitter has been well documented in recent months, providing a platform for racial hatred and homophobic slurs.

Forming another avenue of potential rejection and negativity that any player considering coming out may have to face.

This gives weight to the potential for more negative backlash now than ever before.

Such facilities require better policing in order to eradicate such prejudice in society, sport and specifically football.

On this evidence, the national game has a way to go before it can be called the ‘beautiful game’ with any true conviction and a long way off seeing an openly gay professional in the top division of English football.

Teenager Tim Needham takes on worlds best for Team GB

Local teenager Tim Needham is gearing up for the biggest competition in his fledging Taekwondo career, after being selected to represent Great Britain at the Junior World Championships in Taiwan next month.

Needham, 15, will embark on the trip to Asia on March 3^rd, stopping off in Korea to continue his training prep before advancing to Taiwan, where he will compete in the under 48kg category, some 20 days later.

On being told he’d been selected, Tim said: "I felt over the moon, it's a fantastic opportunity to compete at the world championships"

Despite juggling the demands of school, Needham competed in the European championships in September, reaching the quarterfinals.

The last couple of years have been fruitful for the 15 year old, with honours including gold at the Austrian A class, silver at both the German and Croatian A class, and bronze in the Spanish A class.

The Huddersfield born youngster is expected to medal in Taiwan.

"My mind set going into this is going to have to be very focused, one slip could result in losing so I need to concentrate. No doubt I'll be nervous but there is no way I’m backing down."

A positively courageous attitude adopted by both Tim and his brother Alex 2 years his senior, who have endured immeasurable adversity in the past, their mother passing away in 2008 and the sport of Taekwondo has helped keep the teenagers focussed, grounded and disciplined.

"We train 6 sometimes 7 days a week, it can include cardio and Taekwondo specific training. Every other weekend we are in Manchester training with the junior national team coach as well as the rest of the junior invitational squad"

However, as with many sporting disciplines in the current economic climate, funding is tight.

"The thing that we would change about the sport is that it costs a lot of money to do the sport due to the different international competitions. Also the national governing body don’t give any money to help fund them."

Team GB provide no financial support to competitors, who are tasked with raising the funds required to travel to the various international competitions and tournaments around Europe and the rest of the world.

The trip to the Junior Worlds will cost between £3,000 and £4,000.

Older brother Alex has also had similar success in the martial arts discipline, possessing a black belt in Taekwondo, and claiming gold at the British Open A class the highlight of the 17 year olds career so far.

Both Needham brothers share the same passion for the sport and are winners, with the hope of taking their talents even further.

"When we started like most kids we had a dream to be world champions, but in recent years that dream has become all the more likely. We both hope to become world and Olympic champions, eventually become one of the greatest ever to do the sport" said Alex.

The Needham siblings progression through the help from a support network of family, friends and instructors coupled with hard work and determination to succeed, earmarks the Olympics in Rio 2016 as a realistic aim.