Donegal Triumph Twenty Years on to take All Ireland

GAA All Ireland Final 2012
Sunday, 23 September, Croke Park, Dublin
Throw-in: 15:30 BST
Att: 82,269

Donegal 2-11 0-13 Mayo

Ulster Champions Donegal have won the All Ireland football championship, doing so for only the second time in the clubs history, beating Connacht champions, Mayo.

Going into the prestigious All Ireland, Donegal manager Jim McGuiness had the luxury of a full strength side to choose from, having several players recovered from minor injuries.

Wing-forward Ryan Bradley, who during the semi-final win over Cork was cause for concern having been forced to come off due to a shoulder injury, has retained his starting place.

Mayo, who were looking for their first All Ireland victory since 1951 made one change, with Colm Boyle replacing Chris Barrett at half-back.

Boyle was absent during the victorious semi final over All-Ireland champions Dublin with illness.

Defender Lee Keegan, who dislocated a finger during the Dublin win, is back in the side as part of the half-back line and, with Andy Moran still out, keeper David Clarke retains the Westerners' captaincy.


An early goal brace from Captain Michael Murphy and Top scorer Colm McFadden laid the foundations for triumph exactly twenty years after their first taste of the GAA showpiece.

Captain Murphy struck right footed inside the area to take first blood just two minutes in, whilst McFadden, who came into the contest as Donegal’s most prolific marksman this season notching up an impressive 3-28, got off the mark on the 11th minute rifling in a left footed drive inside the area, leaving keeper Clarke no chance.


That initial lead helped settle the gold and green of Donegal almost immediately, showing their quality in possession and superior handling, evidence of why they were favourites going into the annual All Ireland clash, in what was a frenetic spectacle from the off.

In contrast, Mayo were slow out of the blocks, on edge and nervy on the ball, only fuelling the dominance Donegal were showing.
Mayo’s failure to settle was encapsulated with a string of late tackles resulting in no less than four of their players on the receiving end of yellow cards dished out by resident referee Maurice Deegan.

An ominous feeling at this point could be observed round the ground, and by a majority pro Mayo crowd on hand at the Irish centre in Huddersfield.

Although favourites, Donegal didn’t have it all their own way, as Mayo grew into the first half and the game, diligently fighting back with a strong showing leaving the underdogs 2-4 to 0-7 down going into half time.

Such a strong finish to the half for Mayo, reminiscent of their overhaul of Dublin in the semi-finals almost three weeks prior, afforded the Connacht champions to pen back a somewhat reeling Donegal at this stage to just a three point lead.

Plenty for Donegal manager and former player Jim McGuiness to think about at the break. Same too for Mayo boss James Horan, who would have been asking his players to pick up where they left off at the end of the first half, building on their own momentum. Banishing any thoughts of a repeat performance and poor start to the half of which Donegal had shown they can capitalise on, punishing their opponents.



Second Half

Mayo won the initial throw in to commence the second half, and impetus seemed to be with them, in an attempt to break free from the shackles of their own All Ireland final hoodoo which has afforded Mayo defeat on an unprecedented fives occasions previously including the 89, 96, 97, 04, 06 finals.
Several stalwarts remain from the heavy defeat inflicted by Kerry in the 2006 final - goalkeeper Clarke, corner-back Keith Higgins and forward Alan Dillon.

Disciplinary issues for Mayo proved evident again however, with McFadden converting a free after a foul for shirt pulling on thirty seven minutes.

As with the first, the beginning of the second half saw both sides go hell for leather, Mayo going point for point as O’Connor dispatched the kick to restore the three point deficit.

Both teams continued to trade points on the scoreboard with Big Frank McGlynn trying his luck from long range with an audacious effort paying off for Donegal. Taking the teams tally to 2 06 as the second half remained in its infancy.

Jim Mcguiness was the first of the two managers to make changes with Ryan Bradley coming off for Walsh.


Thereafter, a passage of play ensued where Donegal seemingly allowed Mayo time and space on the ball in front of their box, failing to close down effectively.
Mayo spurned three golden chances to convert but fell wide of the mark, perhaps a lack of composure at the critical moment was beginning to prove telling and costly for the side searching for the right to get their hands on the Sam Maguire trophy that has eluded them since 1951.

However another high tackle flew in by Mayo, with the free easily converted by Murphy, at this point it was arguably becoming a mountain to climb for Mayo as the clock continued to tick on, those two early goals giving Donegal the cushion they required to make history.

To Mayo’s credit despite a few heads dropping after the second goal went in early doors, they left it all on the field, giving everything and no supporters would of lambasted their players for lack of commitment, effort and desire.

Donegal, known for their claustrophobic, controlling style and brick wall defence didn’t waiver, building from the back line to supply McFadden who asked questions of the Mayo defence all afternoon.

Despite Donegal’s grip on proceedings, the last ten minutes were anything but a quiet affair of which the game would peter out without incident.

Within a two minute period Mayo took their chances, duly converting successive free’s, the match going from a 6 point game to that of 4.

Added time of three minutes would be exercised, Mayo trying to push forward to record an incredible comeback, nevertheless Donegal and Jim McGuiness would not be denied.

Twenty years after Donegal’s first and only triumph in the All Ireland, that feat would be repeated with a former player in Jim McGuiness at the helm, who was a member of the legendary team of 92’, masterminding history.

History that will live long in the memory to those of Donegal, a sea of gold and green bear witness to their team reaching the pinnacle of Gaelic football, captain and man of the match Michael Murphy raised the Sam Maguire trophy aloft to jubilant support and a heartfelt speech, thanking the fans and everyone involved in Donegal’s triumph on the grandest stage.

Starting Line Ups:

Donegal: P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, F McGlynn; A Thompson, K Lacey, E McGee; N Gallagher, R Kavanagh; R Bradley, L McLoone, M MCHugh; P McBrearty, M Murphy, C McFadden.

Donegal scorers: Murphy 1-4, McFadden 1-4, Bradley 0-1, McGlynn 0-1, Gallagher 0-1

Mayo: D Clarke; K Keane, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; L Keegan, D Vaughan, C Boyle; B Moran, A O'Shea; K McLoughlin, J Doherty, A Dillon; E Varley, C O'Connor, M Conroy.

Mayo scorers: McLoughlin 0-2, O'Connor 0-5, Conroy 0-1, Varley 0-2, Feeney 0-1, Keegan 0-1, Gibbons 0-1

Belgian GP: Jenson In Control at Spa

Jenson Button drove a comprehensively controlled race from the off to build upon a dominant showing in qualifying, and thus, claim his 14th formula one victory in his 50th race for McLaren.

The Belgian Grand Prix’s dynamics changed almost immediately in chaotic fashion, with Maldonado appearing to jump the lights fractionally as race director Charlie Whiting looked on shaking his head in disbelief.
What followed at the first corner was an incident resulting in drivers Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez and Romain Grojean all crashing out, with the latter appearing to be the culprit and instigator.

Lewis Hamilton was furious and rightly so, in a week where things couldn’t look bleaker, the sad passing of his Aunt, followed by the forced retirement at the hands of Grojean who, consciously drifted into Hamilton’s driving line causing the dangerous altercation and flying debris, at one point Grosjeans car was jolting precariously a top of Alonso’s Ferrari.

Alonso summed up his obvious dejection on crashing out: 'we pay for mistakes of other drivers, disappointing for myself and the team'

Grosjean, when interviewed soon after the incident conceded to being 'unsure' whether he moved across too aggressively from the start and into Lewis‘ racing line, affording this to having not seen the replay yet. Claiming the main thing is all drivers involved are ok.

Subsequently the Lotus driver has incurred the justified wrath of the F.I.A. who have sanctioned the Frenchman with a one race ban in addition to a 50,000Euro fine.

Speaking of sanctions, Pastor Maldonado, who did not escape the hoopla of the first corner unscathed, a damaged front wing forced an early exit for the Williams driver.
He would furthermore be held accountable for his part in the first corner pile up and the jump start that had been dually noted by officials, his reprimand, two five-place grid penalties to be imposed at Monza next weekend.

Of the incident and Grojeans gross misconduct, within the stewards report it was claimed;

"Neither the team nor the driver made any submission in mitigation of penalty"

“It eliminated leading championship contenders from the race... an extremely serious mistake and an error of judgement"

"This (was) an extremely serious breach of the regulations which had the potential to cause injury to others"

The presence of the safety car was immediately employed, with stewards scrambling to clear the debris.
Brit Button retained the lead through the ensuing mayhem of the first corner dramatics at spa, nevertheless a reshuffle in the pecking order would inevitably follow, with Hulkenberg moving into second from Kimi Raikkonen third, and Michael Schumacher placed in fourth.

Following the timely exit of the safety car 5 laps in, we were underway again, Jenson quickly opening up a 12.9second gap lead over his competitors by the 18th lap.

Prior to Jenson pulling away, Paul Di Resta in the Force India was first to pit, changing his Option tyres, that had been mandatory to the top ten from the beginning for that of the harder construct.
Meanwhile veteran Michael Schumacher rolled back the years with an exceptional passing move to get beyond Raikkonen to claim third spot.

Under the current conditions, that were fine and bright, albeit mild in temperature, the harder compound tyre switch initiated by Di Resta was being heeded by the rest of the field with both Mark Webber and Kimi Raikonen pitting to gain more tyre efficiency.

The pitting of Raikonnen allowed the seven times world champion Schumacher to slot into 2nd with ease, the German seemingly on a one stop strategy.
Michael wasn’t the only German moving through the pack as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel who, initially held 11th place on the grid passed Bruno Senna, the nephew of late great Ayrton Senna to take 6th, the Germans were on the charge.

Incident was not just on the track but off it, in the pits to be precise, as one of the Caterham’s clipped the back of a HRT, luckily minimal damage could be observed.

By the time Button was 12.9seconds clear in dominant fashion, the two Germans were second and third respectively, Vettel having made up an impressive recoup of eight places to the third and final podium place.

Soon after however, a close call unfolded between Germans Michael and Sebastian near the entrance to the pit lane.
Vettel, eager to overtake was caught unawares to Schumacher impending pit stop forcing the latter to cut across the prior in order to pit. A chink in the German efficiency armour?
Reason withstanding, the pit entry altercation between the Bavarian brothers was to be investigated after race.

By roughly the half point, Button had opened up a decisive gap, allowing for the Briton to pit and still come out in pole position, a fruitful side effect of an arguably perfect race so far.
No such luck for reigning world champion Vettel, as he pitted and emerged in sixth, with 23 laps of the regulation 44 completed, their was still time to make up the positional loss with others around him having to pit and his Red Bull team aiming for a one stop race, with necessary fuel at his disposal due thanks in part to the safety cars appearance.
A reshape again in podium places, with the stoic Button leading from Raikonnen and Hulkenberg.

In such a controlling position, Jenson received encouraging word from his McLaren pit crew that ‘Plan A is good’, presumably with two thirds of the race all but surpassed, the principled one stop strategy was on course for completion.

It was a familiar confrontation behind the assured Vodafone McLaren, with Vettel second and Schumacher third vying for superiority and points, with extra onus on Sebastian who could close the gap on Fernando Alonso in the Driver’s Championship following the Spaniards early spa retirement.

Drama again ensued in the pit lane, this time the Red Bull of Mark Webber and the red Ferrari of Felipe Massa, to be investigated after the race due to ‘Unsafe release incident in pits’ of Webber, who in fairness managed to avoid contact with the incoming Brazilians Ferrari on exiting the pits.
The HRT was not so lucky, spinning off at spa’s turn 12, Indian Karthikeyan falling victim to the gravel.

Elsewhere the battle for third was intensifying, with five cars bunching up hoping to lay claim to the final podium place.
Schumacher valiantly fended the chasing pack off as best he could, both Hulkenberg and Webber smelling blood with only 10 laps left to go, Raikonnen asserted himself drawing upon his previous duels with Michael to take third place.

Immediately after a ferocious passage of formula one, Hulkenberg and Schumacher exchanged 4th and 5th positions. Losing ground, Schumacher succumbed to a two stop finish and pitted accordingly.
Places one to three with eight laps remaining were Button out in front ahead of Vettel and Raikonnen.

So it proved to be, with the conclusion of the Belgian Grand Prix, Vettel moves up the championship table to second, 24 points behind Alonso.

"It was a crazy race from where I started," Vettel said. "The start was not so good and after the first corner when a lot of cars went off it was pretty crazy, fortunately we came back with a fantastic strategy. 
"It was the right call, and the car was quite good in the race and we were able to pick up some places.

"I had a lot of fun racing a lot of people, racing Michael (Schumacher). I'm looking forward already to coming back here next year, this circuit is unbelievable." 


The German's team-mate, Australian Mark Webber consolidates third, 12 points behind Vettel. Finnish Kimi Raikkonen is one point behind the Australian, 14 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

On his return to Spa, Raikkonen said "It's nice to be back here,"


"There are always a lot of fans and good racing - we have seen very nice racing here today. It's not the easiest day for me and the team - the car was not exactly as we liked.
"But we had a lot of fighting and we managed to get a lot of points for me and the team." 

Button's comprehensive victory at Spa leaves the Briton sixth, but at 63 points behind Spaniard Alonso with 200 available in the remaining eight races, his title hopes are still a long shot, never say never?

On this victory, Jenson said "This circuit is so special to most drivers," Button said. "The way that it flows, the history here. So to get a victory here, lights to flag, is very special for me." 

London 2012 Paralympic Games - An Introduction to Wheelchair Basketball

With the London 2012 Paralympics games getting under way yesterday, as a viewer, as an avid sports fan, I have to concede it’s a new experience.
I credit my effort to tune in ahead of the Diamond League meet in Zurich that featured superstars like Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, possibly down to the games being held on home turf, in addition to Channel 4 covering the competition, which makes the spectacle more accessible to the armchair enthusiast. Ticket availability problems seem to be a thing of the past as well with a broad spectrum of ticketing options available.

It is immediately evident on tuning into the Paralympics that sporting venues like the Excel Arena, Olympic Stadium, Aquatic Centre and the Velodrome respectively have entertained capacity crowds from the off, despite the games only now in their second day of proceedings.
Such interest is not confined to the dedicated stadia, initial television viewing figures accumulated during Channel 4’s coverage of  GBR v GER men’s wheelchair basketball peaked at 3.3m. About three times the average UK audience for a live Premier League game.

Prior to broadcasting specific disciplines, Channel 4 utilises a simple ‘Lexi guide’ to each sporting classification.
This for me is essential to many viewers and a big plus during coverage. With so many different Paralympic classifications with varying degrees of sporting aptitude dictated by athletes ‘disabilities’ or more accurately, abilities, as the Paralympics is all about what you can do, not what you are restricted from doing.
These guides give an audience a greater understanding and involvement of what is to unfold.


Here is the link to the Wheelchair Basketball Lexi guide;

http://lexi.channel4.com/wheelchair-basketball.html


Men’s Preliminary Group B - Team GB v Germany - 30/08/12

With such encouraging audience figures for Team GB’s opening wheelchair basketball game in Group B’s preliminary round against the Germans, you should very well feel aggrieved for missing it, shame on you.


The game itself, a replay of the European championship final was a compelling one, both GB and Germany trading the lead over the course of the match, after the Germans early dominance.
At one time leading by a gap of 18 points, arguably attributed to Great Britain’s nervy start in front of a packed home crowd majority.
It proved to be a great advert for the sport as I’m sure the Paralympic platform will prove to be for so many sporting pursuits on show.

Despite a convincing first half lead for the Germans of 18 points, the capacity crowd on hand at the North Greenwich Arena was in for a treat, a true British fight back was to unfold in the 3rd quarter, concluding in a Team GB lead of 53 points to the Germans 47.
Terry Bywater was amongst the top scorers for GB spearheading an incisive ’pass and move’ attacking style throughout the third quarter with the influential Ade Arogbemi who was easily the fastest man on court to overturn the 18 point margin inflicted by Germany.

The fourth quarter was a much more tense affair with GB attempting to build on their 3rd quarter resurgence and Germany looking to assert their dominance once again to see off the hosts.
Despite the guidance of head coach Murray Treseder and leadership of experienced mainstay 44 year old Simon Munn, who himself has stoically represented Britain since Barcelona 92’ and newly appointed captain Abdi Jama who won a bronze medal in his first Paralympics in Beijing as well as being a double European champion at junior level, Team GB struggled to maintain their authority over the German side.

Both sides traded the lead throughout the fourth and final quarter of regulation time.
The long arms of Jan Haller affording Germany an overriding power going forward with renewed impetus and quickness on rebounds, coupled with Passiwan leading the scoring, arguably the most gifted player on the court.
The assistance of Wolk provided efficiency by definition, the only way the Germans know how.

With the game tied at 66 - 66, the last attack fell to Team GB’s consistent scorer Terry Bywater with 3.5seconds of the game remaining.
Bywater had amassed 19 individual points thus far, however the chance came and went with Terry off balance and narrowly missed the basket.

For those wondering, the basket in wheelchair basketball is the same height as regular basketball.

At the final whistle, scores were level at 66 points a piece, over time was inevitable.

Many experts summise that who scores first in overtime goes on to win, and so it proved to be.
Germany took the immediate initiative with the first two baskets, and in truth GB looked fatigued and laboured as the first period of overtime ensued with a lack of control when in possession becoming more telling on the GB players.

Germany stretched to a seven point lead, putting the game beyond GB.

Final score: Team GB 72 - Germany  77


In the post match interview, Great Britain’s influential captain Abdi Jama was upbeat declaring ‘Team GB played well but didn’t have the edge, Germany played well, think if we build on this it’ll be ok. Crowd was right behind us and helped push us on’

Great Britain’s Australian head coach Murray Treseder was objective in pointing out the technical differences between the two sides;  ‘gave too many turnovers, and their quicker rebounds and quality in possession was the difference’.

Plenty to build on however, with an abundance of quick fire fixtures coming GB’s way in the coming days.

Up next is Canada for Great Britain, the reigning silver medallists, with kick off scheduled tonight at 21:15. Coverage courtesy of Channel 4.

Murray exercises Wimbledon demons to win gold for Team GB

Andy Murray rose to see off Roger Federer in straight sets in the Men’s Singles Olympic Final, and thus, win gold for Team GB.

The Swiss was powerless and impotent to the relentless Murray charge, driven on by a 15,000 sell out Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon.

Andy has never beaten Federer in a competitive five set contest, and recently lost to the world number one in the Wimbledon final a month ago.

For Andy, the heartache and anguish of losing in the Wimbledon final is now replaced with jubilation, adulation and a sense of redemption for the 25 year old Scot.

He has little time to savour the golden delights of his singles final triumph however as he is set to compete alongside 18 year old Wimbledon Junior champion of 2008 Laura Robson in the mixed doubles final against Belarusian top seeds Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi. The British pair, guaranteed at least a silver regardless.

A kin to his inner battle and victory, he is the first British man to win the Olympic singles final since Josiah Ritchie propelled himself to Olympic gold in 1908.

The first class display for Team GB in the tennis keeps them third in the Olympic medals table behind China and USA, with an unprecedented 16 Gold medals so far, an incredible achievement for Great Britain.

After carving up safe passage to the final via a straight sets victory over Serb Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, Andy picked up where he left off, coming out all guns blazing, racing to a 6-2 first set lead.

Federer appeared shell shocked, the crowd firmly behind Brit Andy Murray from the off, which must have unsettled the great Roger even just a little.
A string of unforced errors ensued as Andy had answers for all the questions being asked by the Swiss with controlled aggression and critical precision.

Murray looked in inspired form, having things all his own way it seemed, breaking Roger’s serve and winning the first set in 37 minutes.

Despite a strong start from the Scot, he evidently sealed the first set in the Mens Wimbledon final in similar fashion, an air of caution could be observed on Centre Court.

Neverless, what was to follow I can only describe as the very best I have ever seen Andy Murray play tennis.
With dominant prowess, he remained in the driving seat, his strong second serve proving solid as he accelerated through the gears to a 5-0 lead in the second set.
In doing so, Murray prevented Federer from winning a game in the best part of an hour, unprecedented, before taking the second set 6-1.

As per Olympic tennis rules, the 2 set lead Murray had achieved would be enough for victory in the previous rounds, determined through the best of three sets. However, the final is to be decided over five sets rather than three, a rule the viewer would not begrudge on this occasion.

As a viewer immersed in a potential history making moment for British tennis and for Andy Murray, you could feel the tension, the crowd was deafening and on their feet, a caldron of noise, playing every point.

I fully expected a fight back from Federer, the king of grass court tennis for the best part of a decade, winning Wimbledon a record 7 times.

The fight back I had envisaged never really materialised despite the third and potentially decisive set being a closer affair. Murray was diligently better and deserved of the comprehensive lead he had created for himself.

Murray’s power from the base line proved too strong for a lack lustre Federer who cut a visibly dejected figure, it was beginning to look surprisingly ominous.

Roger’s serve was breached once more, this time in the 5th game of the third set, for the final time.
Andy’s superior service game afforded only one dropped point, as he won the third set 6-4, closing out the match in style with an ace.

A straight sets victory over Roger Federer, particularly on grass is no easy feat, Andy did so in emphatic style, and so it proves to be the capture of the biggest title of his career, a crowning moment for arguably the ’nearly man’ of men’s tennis in recent years, with enough talent and determination to reach major grand slam finals, however just coming up short in the final.

Encouraging performances throughout the London 2012 Olympics showed a rejuvenated Scotsman, playing the best tennis of his career.

Former British number one Tim Henman, who now commentates on the BBC’s tennis coverage had this to say:

"What a response from 28 days ago. To win 6-2 6-1 6-4 on Centre Court...he's not only beaten Federer, he's taken him apart. To go from 2-2 in the first set to 6-2 5-0 - that doesn't happen to Roger Federer!
There were tears of disappointment after the Wimbledon final but he should enjoy every minute of this."

Next up for Andy is the US Open, with this new found vigour and a morale boosting display bode well, can he lay his grand slam hoodoo to rest?

Peltier latest addition at Elland Road - Next up, a striker?

Leeds United have completed the transfer of Lee Peltier from fellow Championship club Leicester City.

The deal done is for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £600,000.

The former Liverpool Trainee, who made only four appearances for the Merseysiders, none at senior level also had spells at Yeovil on loan before moving to Huddersfield Town in 2009 before moving to big spenders Leicester in 2011 for a fee of £750,000.

In total, the highly rated right back signs for Leeds, despite offers from other clubs including former employers Huddersfield, on a 3 year deal having amassed almost 200 league appearances.

It is believed Huddersfield’s ‘Players player of the season’ during the 09/10 season will be given the number 2 shirt vacated by transfer-listed Paul Connolly.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock has long been an admirer of Peltier, capped for England at Under 18 level, and becomes Warnock’s tenth summer signing as the Whites reshuffle continues.

Summer recruits include goalkeepers Paddy Kenny and Jamie Ashdown, defenders Jason Pearce and Adam Drury, midfielders David Norris and Paul Green and forwards Luke Varney and Andy Gray.
Jamaican international midfielder Rodolph Austin is set to complete his transfer from Norwegian side SK Brann on Sunday.

Striker

With veteran manager Warnock on the look out for a striker, although not to be rushed into a decision in the transfer market, perhaps one Jermaine Beckford who plys his trade at Peltiers previous club Leicester, would be worth a shout?

It’s of my belief that Leeds are in need of additional firepower up top, a 20+ goal a season calibre front man is required for United to realistically challenge at the upper echelons of the Championship.
Whilst Ross McCormack did well in the role last season with a return of 19 league goals, despite the Whites stuttering to a 14th place finish. The Scot is believed to be looking for a new deal to keep him at Elland Road beyond the closure of the transfer window.

The outgoing Snodgrass with 13 and Argentine Luciano Becchio with 11 were the only two players in double figures last campaign.

Many Leeds fans are divided on the issue of Beckford and a possible return, citing financial limitations of any potential deal being stuck between the two clubs.

Rumour has it that Beckford is unhappy with the Foxes amid growing tension with Leicester boss Nigel Pearson and would be open to a move back to Leeds.

He received a warm reception from the Leeds faithful during last seasons final game, turning out for the foxes, acknowledging the home fans fondly before being substituted at half time.

Jermaine was said to be taken a back with the warm welcome on his first visit to Elland Road as an opposing player, saying he didn’t want to score against Leeds, as at no other club has he been valued and treated so well and with such positivity.

Would you welcome back the former Elland Road number 9?

Aston Villa: Captain Stiliyan Petrov's Leukaemia in Remission

　

Aston Villa today announced that club captain Stiliyan Petrov’s battle against Leukaemia is in remission.

It was during last season, on the 30^th of March that ‘Stan’ was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. The condition was revealed following tests conducted after Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, where Stiliyan had developed a fever.

The official statement from the club read:
"It is with great delight that we can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan's acute leukaemia is in remission."

Villa’s statement went on to say the battle is not yet over: "Stan's fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead.

"But he would like to share with you this tremendous news now."

The Bulgian midfielder, capped more than a hundred times for his country has undergone four months of chemotherapy, in which time, new manager Paul Lambert and his predecessor Alex McLeish kept Petrov in his role as captain despite his absence from the team set up.

On the 5^th of July, Stiliyan’s 33^rd Birthday, he visited his fellow team mates at the clubs training ground Bodymoor Heath, where the players were reporting for their first pre season training session. He was presented with a cake by the playing staff, singing happy birthday to him with a round of applause following.

The statement continues: "Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago."

"He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his team-mates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period."

"He and his family have been moved by the depth of feeling stirred in so many people and he has taken great strength from it, too."

"On Stan's behalf, the club would like to thank everybody for continuing to respect Stan's privacy and his family's throughout his ongoing battle against acute leukaemia and for those who have raised awareness of the condition.

"Stan remains very committed to this crusade going forward."

I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Stiliyan Petrov continued success in his fight against Leukaemia and speedy recovery.

David Platt in line for footballing come back at Man City? - Overtures of Italia 90'

The Manchester City assistant coach may have given the squads attackers something to think about after turning the clock back by astutely executing a well worked bicycle kick during an open training session as part of the clubs pre-season tour of the far east, with Argentine trio of Carlos Tevez, Pablo Zabaleta and the visually stunned Sergio Aguero looking on.


　

Sky Blues fans could argue its superiority ahead of the overhead kick scored by Wayne Rooney for rivals Manchester United against City in February 2011 which subsequently won the 'Best Goal' award at the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards.

As a player, Platt ironically began his career in 1982 as an apprentice at ‘the old enemy’ Manchester United, before signing for Crewe Alexandria in 1985 where he initially gained a reputation as a goal scoring midfielder.

Winning the Milk Cup in 87’ with Crewe, the free scoring and strong running midfielder finished with 56 goals in 134 league appearances.

Mid-way through the 87/88 season an approach from Aston Villa was established, the Villains’ stumping up £200,000 for his services.

His goal scoring from midfield continued, helping the club gain promotion to the first division at the delight of the Villa Park faithful, who had experienced the agony of relegation only the season before.

The following campaign, the club was on the brink of the league title, only for their hopes to be dashed by the supreme scousers of Liverpool. Nevertheless, Platt was rewarded for his fine form with the PFA Player of the year award, and an England international call up in November 89’ by then England boss Bobby Robson.

His consistent form would not go unnoticed by Bobby Robson, who picked Platt as part of his 22 man squad for World Cup Italia 90’.

His inclusive was as a squad player and his involvement in the group stages proved just, with two substitute appearances against the Irish and the Dutch, the final group game against Egypt spent on the bench for its entirety.

However, with England now in the knockout stages, they faced the belligerently bold Belgians who hit the post twice, and John Barnes having a goal disallowed for offside, wrongly so I might add, meant the two teams played out ninety minutes to the tune of nil nil.

The old adage ‘Cometh the man, cometh the hour’ certainly was to reign true as David Platt was brought on as an extra time substitute.

With the two teams locked goalessly with the prospect of penalties looming large, in the 120^th minute, the last minute, Platt rifled in a screaming volley on the turn from a pin-pointly accurate Paul Gascoigne free-kick, David’s first goal for his country, what a time to open your account on the international stage.

He reflected afterwards: "I started as a substitute. I can remember little snatches of the game. John Barnes having a volleyed goal harshly disallowed, Belgium hitting the woodwork twice, I can still see Enzo Scifo hitting the post with a tremendous strike from 25 yards. I was at the other end of the bench from Bobby Robson and didn't have much contact with him. Having since been a manager I now know that the emotions he must have been going through were far more intense than mine. I came on for Steve McMahon."

"I had an eye for getting on the end of that sort of ball and the technical ability to finish those chances off. I worked hard on practising overhead kicks and volleys in training at Aston Villa but, even so, if I had re-enacted that chance against Belgium 10 times in training the next day there's a very good chance I wouldn't have scored once from it. It was just one of life's rare, perfect moments."

"The one place where things didn't go right was almost as soon as I left the pitch. One minute I was euphoric and the next I was being hauled off for a random drug test. It was hot and you're so dehydrated after playing that it took 40 minutes – which passed very, very slowly – for me to produce a sample. I was in a room with a couple of Belgians who were seriously unhappy because they'd just been knocked out. I didn't know what to say. By the time I came out the other players all had their suits on and the euphoria had passed"

Platt is immortalised for THAT volley and those decisive few seconds on 26^th June 1990, in Bologna, Italy.

He started the next game against Cameroon, opening the scoring, latching on to a Stuart Pearce cross on the 25^th minute. England would go on to win the game 3-2 in extra time.

With England reaching the semi-finals, West Germany stood in their way for a place in the World Cup final. The game finished one a-piece over ninety minutes, England again dicing with extra time. Platt had a header disallowed for offside, a dubious decision. Extra time concluded at a stalemate, Penalties the decider.

Platt managed to score England’s third penalty despite the Germans number one Bodo Illgner getting a hand to his effort. However it was not enough and England were beaten and out of the tournament, the Germans, victorious.

Thereafter at club level, the 1990/91 season would prove to be his last at Villa Park, continuing to contribute to Villa’s goal tally.

On 21^st of July 91’ he transferred to Italian side AS Bari for £5.5m, the move proved relatively successful, in a league notoriously renowned for its defensive prowess, Platt carved out 11 goals in 29 league games, an impressive achievement especially for a midfielder.

The following season however proved less so, with the club relegated.

The big guns of Juventus came calling in 1992, Platt signing in June with the Bianconeri for £6.5million.

He helped ‘the old lady’ win the Uefa Cup in 93’, although not named amongst the substitutes for the final, he picked up a medal as part of the squad.

Throughout the season he found cementing a first team place a struggle, playing only 16 matches with a goal return of three.

His off the field friendship with Sampdoria captain Roberto Mancini would help end Platt’s Turin nightmare.
Roberto using his influence to lever a transfer for Platt to join him at Sampdoria, the move came in July 93’ for £5.2million.

Platt’s tenure with Sampdoria was exactly 2 years in duration, ending on 14^th July 1995, he totalled 17 goals in 55 league outtings.

Not before he helped the team win the Coppa Italia in 94’ with future England manager Sven Goran Eriksson at the helm.

With his Italian football playing career concluding, David Platt had matured into an experienced and well rounded technical footballer, possessing a range of passing and finishing skills as well as being astute on the dribble.

A return ‘home’ to English football seemed the likeliest destination for the 29 year old.

On July 10^th 1995, north London outfit Arsenal signed him for £4.75million, the first signing by new manager Bruce Rioch in his short tenure.

Rioch was sacked a year later after a dispute with the clubs board, despite a 5^th place finish in the league.

Platt was retained by new manager Arsene Wenger, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in the 97/98 season.

With Wenger preferring the new partnership of Petit and Viera in midfield, Platt’s first team appearances were limited, although he was still a solid contributor from the bench, responsible for the headed winner against Manchester United in a 3-2 victory for the Gunners at Highbury.

The double winning season of 1998 proved to be his last as he opted to take a year out to concentrate on coaching.

Platt had a short stint at managing Sampdoria soon after in Serie A but a dispute over necessary coaching badges resulted in his resignation soon after.

Given the opportunity of Player-manager at Nottingham Forrest in 99’, his tenure lasted 2 years, as he struggled to gain promotion back to the Premier League with financial backing.

On July 21^st 2001, soon after leaving Forrest, he was appointed England Under 21’s boss, guiding the squad to the 2002 under 21s European Championship, however he stepped down after failing to qualify for the same tournament 2 years later.

He was succeeded by Peter Taylor, Platt then worked in the media as a pundit for various TV channels.

In July 2010, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and former team-mate of Platt’s at Sampdoria, announced David’s appointment as first team coach, a role he continues to revel in alongside Mancini.

Fast forward to present day and Manchester City having failed to win in their first two pre-season games, Roberto Mancini’s squad have turned things around and won their last two matches against Turkish side Besiktas and Premier League rivals Arsenal, who they dispatched 2-0 with goals from Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium.

They dilligently disposed of a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpar last night 3-1, courtesy of Aguero, Tevez and Johnson before Malaysia pulled one back.