Capello, Gascoigne and Riquelmé

A few stories have reached the IBWM inbox today that pricked up this correspondent's ears.  

Considering its all visual, I’m not exactly sure how that worked.

Firstly, IBWM has sat back and watched the English media begin to assume the position, with Don Fabio Capello firmly in their sites.  It didn’t take long. 

 

 Fabio Capello, yesterday

I’m beginning to think that not qualifying for the last European Championships has induced a sort of tournament amnesia in the English public.  It seems to me that just about everyone has forgotten how the song goes.  Even in Italia ‘90, England were far from spectacular for large periods.  The 0-0 draw with the Dutch in the second game back then showed intent though, and England probably played their best football in the tournament in the ultimately fruitless Semi Final defeat to West Germany.  But inbetween there was little to get excited about.  Of course that was with a side with a lot more potential, but you have to wonder how this one will work out.  IBWM refuses to call judgement on anyone just yet.........although Australia and Cameroon are clearly fooked.

Going back to that West Germany game; it was, of course, the match that really catapulted Paul Gascoigne into mega-stardom.  IBWM has met Gazza a couple of times down the years and he’s dropped from being the life and soul to the embodiment of pity, bless him.  I was particularly sad to hear that Paul’s’ latest transgression has resulted in him being treated in a Newcastle hospital following a car crash.  And a car crash is as near to a perfect analogy of Gazza’s life as you will ever get. 

 

I can still see that turn in the Holland game when Gazza actually out-Cryuffed the Dutch defence and left Richard Witschge and Ronal Koeman on their arses, metaphorically anyway.  Genius.  But he could do that.   

To this day I wonder whether, on leaving IBWM’s parish (Newcastle), Gazza had only made his way to the tutelage of Alex Ferguson at Manchester United rather than follow Chris Waddle's bizarre accent path to Tottenham.  I’ve no doubt that cockernee wide-boy-in-chief Terry Venables got the best out of his player…..but it’s the bright lights of London that did the damage.  Considering the era, maybe Gazza could have entered Italia 90 with mop top shoulder length hair, baggy jeans and Stone Roses album under his arm, rather than the knocking out sad duets with Kenny Lynch and those Chas/Dave characters.  It could all have been so beautiful, it really could…….

Happy days

But then again, at Manchester United, he might just have keep his best performances for his club, where he has been effectively brainwashed into a role, rather than doing it for his country……mentioning no names.

And sticking with no names, here’s one that wasn’t in Diego Maradona’s 23 man Argentina squad; Juan Roman Riquelme.  I’ve read today that the adult interest salesman that make up the ownership of West Ham have launched a 'bid' for his services that is in no way any kind of publicity stunt.  No way, no siree, definitely not.  Just like their ‘reported’ moves for David Beckham and Thierry Henry aren’t either.  

I suspect West Ham, like most other clubs in England, are particularly short of cash…..something that at this stage in their careers will not appeal to Juan Roman, or any of the others for that matter.  Still, probably best to talk these things up.  “I’m not asking twenty, I’m not asking ten”.  

Stereotyping?, moi?

 
Hey ho……..