Graygate

So with all the hype surrounding this topic at the moment here's my perspective on it all.

To start off, what he said was as many people have said from the 1950's, it is so stereotypical and I have to say quite piggish. The game is advancing in many different ways now and having female officials is one, after all there are male officials and managers in women's football so it is only right that they come over into the men's game. What Andy Gray has been accused of saying and doing is damn right wrong, asking a woman to put his microphone in his trousers, that is wrong on so many levels, especially considering that he has a wife of his own !

All three of them, Andy Gray, Richard Keys and Andy Burton, the later not so much are in the wrong here. You simply cannot go around saying these kind of things in this day and age, their views are their views, you cannot change that, but they should at least have the sense to not say them when there are tens of people and cameras around, any of which could be mistakenly rolling. Just because they are women does not mean that they are inferior to men in terms of seeing something, we all have eyesight and are capable of seeing things. Now we all may joke about this, but at the end of the day what is said and recorded is what matters, unfortunately for this trio the "banter" they were sharing has been exposed to the public. You would have thought however that a professional such as Andy Gray could've seen something like this coming after what happened with Ron Atkinson a few seasons back which there was NO excuse what so ever for. What they have said is unfortunately just plain sexism and this will always be a part of football for some fans and pundits alike. Gray grew up in the era of rough footballing men when women were barely involved at all and he has not in my opinion advanced from that.

However, what they said may well have been banter between the two of them, a private joke after all, most of us share in a private joke once in a while, yet we all realise that there is a line to be drawn and saying something like "I bet she doesn't understand the offside rule" is absolute tosh ! The seriousness he showed when he said this was just sheer stupidity, surely a professional like Gray should have been more professional than he was. It was so stereotypical and simply wrong.

At the end he was rightfully sacked by SkySports after another tape was leaked. This was the correct decision as he would not have been respected again by football fans watching the TV, by these three stupid comments he has thrown his career away and be all means he deserves it. The other two however, Richard Keys, Andy Grays lap dog in my opinion, always seems to agree and nod his head when asked just went along with it, agreeing that there should be no place for woman in football. The worst thing about the whole incident that he had to phone the official Sian Massey up on the Sunday ! Whilst ok he probably had to apologise it was clearly forced because you would not apologise for your views if you actually believed in them. Keys was a stupid boy and is lucky to escape with a slap on the wrist, just about hanging on to his SkySports career. Andy Burton the smallest culprit in here, just saying she was a looker. I suppose that he was treating her as an object which is wrong in today's game, unsurprisingly Gray disagreed and said no. Burton will escape I should think with just a small ban and a little fine.

It will be a shame to see Gray leave SkySports, for all that has happened in the last few days he was a great commentator for them. At the end of the day, it was his own fault, there was no way that he could stay after that, it says all for his pride that he is letting his wife answer the door at his mansion. There is NO room for this in the modern game and he got exactly what he deserved, the sack.

Hope you enjoyed the blog and my views on Graygate.

FA Cup 4th Round Preview Part 2

This is the second lot of previews for the 4th round ties this weekend, 8 down and 8 to go.

Burnley vs Burton - This has the makings of another cup upset in Burtons favour, having defeated Middlesborough in the last round, the Brewers will be gunning for yet another shock, but this time against Eddie Howes Burnley at Turf Moor. The Clarets defeated League Two team Port Vale in the last round, but face Portsmouth during the week, Burton are disadvantaged in the fact that they haven't played since January 8th. I'd swing in favour of a Burnley win due to the fact Burton sold star player Shaun Harrad to Northampton Town last week, but this should be a good tie. This game should have the spirit of the FA Cup to go with it, with a reported 2600 tickets having been sold by the Brewers already.
My Prediction, Burnley 3-0 Burton Albion

Birmingham vs Coventry - The cup has a Midlands derby here, with the sides meeting for the first time since February 2009 which ended in a 1-0 Coventry victory. The sky blue's beat fellow Championship side Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Ricoh Arena in the last round whilst Brum defeated Millwall 1-4 at the New Den. Birmingham also have a Carling Cup semi final second leg to deal with against West Ham on Wednesday so this may be a close one to call. New signing David Bentley should play again for Brum and Freddie Eastwood may start for Coventry at St Andrews. The unfortunate thing about this game may be the attendance, you would expect a good number, but they got their second lowest crowd of the season at home to Aston Villa in the Premiership the other week.
My Prediction, Birmingham City 2-2 Coventry City, a replay at the Ricoh for this one.

Wolves vs Stoke - Another all Premiership tie, with Stoke in 10th and Wolves 19th, this is one to keep an eye on. In the league this season Wolves beat Stoke 2-1 at Molineux, but this game could depend on the side that each manager puts our. Tony Pulis put a largely reserve side out against Cardiff in the last round, whilst Wolves may feel this is the least of their priortities with their current league position, they beat Doncaster 5-0 at Molineux in the replay after being held 2-2 at the Keepmoat originally. Adam Hammill may get his first start for Wolves, Steve Bruce is chasing Stokes Ricardo Fuller, so depending on offers may not play.
My Prediction, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Stoke City, a fiesty game with a red card in, replay needed.

Notts County vs Man City - This game is being screened live by ITV on Sunday and is a good one to televise. Notts County pulled off one of the shocks of the round by beating Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light in the last round with goals from Westcarr & Lee Hughes, whilst Manchester City needed a replay to overcome Leicester at the City Of Manchester Stadium. Notts County will relish this game, however they did lose 0-1 at home to Carlisle at the weekend, but they may have had one eye on this money spinner. They last met in 2001 when City won 2-4 in a League Cup tie at Meadow Lane, but a lot has changed since then. This has the makings of a great cup tie, but should City play their full team they will have far too much class for the Magpies.
My Prediction, Notts County 2-4 Manchester City, just like their last meeting.

Stevenage vs Reading - The team that pulled off the biggest cup shock by beating Newcastle at home 3-1 in the last round are rewarded with another game against higher league opposition, this time in the form of Championship Reading. The royals beat also beat Premier League opposition, by defeating West Brom 1-0 at home, courtesy of in form striker, Shane Long. The League Two team that have come up from the Conference as champions could cause another upset here in front of what promises to be a large crowd at Broadhall Way.
My Prediction, Stevenage 1-0 Reading, another cup upset for Graham Westleys boys.

Aston Villa vs Blackburn - Another all Premiership game here with both sides hoping for a good run in the cup. In the previous round Villa beat Sheffield United 1-3 whilst Rovers defeated another Championship side, this time league leaders QPR 1-0 at Ewood Park in the game that contained the controversy with Diouf. In the league this season Rovers beat Villa 2-0, but in the League Cup Aston Villa gained a 3-1 victory. Villa should start record signing Darren Bent who scored the winner at the weekend, whilst Blackburn should stick with the same side that beat West Brom at home on Sunday. This is another tough one to call, I think that Blackburn may nick this one at the death.
 My Prediction, Aston Villa 1-2 Blackburn Rovers, Steve Keans men march on.

West Ham vs Notts Forest - This is possibly the trickiest tie to pick the outcome of, Avram Grants team can be so good, yet so bad at times and face a Forest side who have won 4 on the bounce (this was created before Tuesdays game against Bristol City.) The Hammers beat Barnsley 2-0 at Upton Park in the last round to progress, but have a Carling Cup match on Wednesday against Birmingham, so this game will be played on a Sunday. The Irons will hope to have signed Hoffenheim striker Djemba Ba on loan before this game however Freddie Piquionne is now banned. Forest come into this off the back of a great victory against rivals Derby at the weekend, so this one is a tough game to call.
My Prediction, West Ham 1-1 Nottingham Forest, a replay needed for this one.

Sheff Weds vs Hereford - This was the last tie to be picked and unfortunately for the sides the one that will probably create the least interest of them all. Wednesday should be nailed on favourites to win this, but come into it after losing heavily at Leyton Orient on Saturday, however they did beat Bristol City at Ashton Gate in the last round and they face Yeovil at home on Tuesday. Hereford defeated Wycombe at Adams Park in the previous round and face Morecambe tonight (when this will be posted.) The Owls could include new signing Gary Madine who signed from Carlisle last week.
My Prediction, Sheffield Wednesday 5-1 Hereford United, a romp for Alan Irvines men.

Thanks for reading, I'll be back for the 5th Round Preview !

FA Cup 4th Round Preview Part 1

In this blog, I'll preview all of the FA Cup 4th round ties and what I think their outcomes will be.
Torquay vs Crawley- The Gulls are enjoying a good second season back in the Football League under Paul Buckle and have come through some tricky tests already in the cup this year. They have seen off two League One teams in the form of Walsall & Carlisle and are not to be underestimated. Crawley of course, the Manchester City of non league, flying high in the Blue Square and having defeated Derby at home in the last round will be buzzing, but they have just come off the back of a tough game at Grimsby.
My Prediction is Torquay United 2-1 Crawley Town.

Watford vs Brighton & Hove Albion - The Hornets are one of the form teams at the moment, having won 6 out of their last 7 games, but losing away to Cardiff 4-2 on Saturday. Watford came through the last round by winning 4-1 against Hartlepool after being a goal down. Brighton, the leaders of League One having a great season, but like Watford lost their last game, 1-0 away to Brighton, although they did defeat last years finalists Portsmouth in the previous round. The possible sale of star player Elliot Bennett this week, could make be a devastating blow to their cup campaign and the league.
My Prediction is Watford 3-1 Brighton, Watford will have too much class for Gus Poyets men.

Bolton vs Wigan  - An all Premiership affair here with Bolton in mid table whilst Wigan are fighting against relegation, they are currently in 18th. In the last round Bolton came through a potential banana skin tie to defeat York City 2-0 at the Reebok, whilst the Latics won a tricky game against Hull 3-2. The league meeting between the two ended 1-1 earlier in the season, but this is the cup and i think Bolton will have this game for breakfast.
My Prediction, Bolton Wanderers 3-0 Wigan Athletic, Owen Coyles men will outplay the Latics.

Arsenal vs Huddersfield - Two sided that play good football will meet at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime, as the two meet for the first time. Arsenal had to come through a difficult reply at Elland Road to get the, whilst The Terriers edged past brave Dover Athletic at the Galpharm, 2-0. Arsenal come in on a good run of form, with Van Persie scoring at will, Huddersfield drew 0-0 against Colchester on Saturday, I don't think Lee Clarkes men will be able to withstand Arsenals possession and speed.
My Prediction, Arsenal 4-1 Huddersfield Town, but they will make it difficult for Wengers men.

Fulham vs Tottenham - A Premiership London derby for this one, both teams have something to play for in the league, but both in different respects. Spurs beat fellow Londoners Charlton comfortably in the last round, whilst Fulham hit sorry Peterborough for six, this may well prove to be an intriguing game.The added presence of TV coverage for this one, but Fulham have a pretty poor home record this term and may struggle depending on what side Spurs put out.
My Prediction, Fulham 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur, a reply needed for this one.

Everton vs Chelsea - Possibly the game of the round, although it may not seem like it. Both teams struggling in the league, Chelsea on a poor run of form and Everton to close to the bottom 3 for comfort. In the last round the Toffees overcame Scunthorpe 1-5 away from home with ease, Chelsea defeated managerless Ipswich 7-0 at Stamford Bridge. This one is a tough one to call, with Everton capable of being very good at times and yet so poor on others. If Chelseas big names come to the party this could be a long day for Everton, but I'm going on the assumption that they won't.
My Prediction, Everton 1-0 Chelsea.

Southampton vs Man Utd - This is one of the better ties of the round, with  both teams capable of winning this I feel. Southampton are a great well organised side, I've seen them first hand, they have the ability to run teams ragged, if Oxlade Chamberlain & Lallana are on their game, United full backs could have a torrid time. In the last round Saints beat a reserve Blackpool team 2-0 at St Marys, United beat Liverpool courtesy of a controversial penalty in the opening seconds. The Red Devils are on a good run of form, but this result may well hinge on what sort of team Sir Alex puts out, make no mistake the atmosphere at St Mary's will be electric, I can see Southampton nicking a reply here.
My Prediction, Southampton 2-2 Manchester United

Swansea vs Leyton Orient - This game should really be a formality, but yet i sense an unlikely upset may be on the cards. Swansea have a great home record and destroyed Colchester 4-0 at home in the last round, they way they have been playing they should have too much class for the League One O's. This is the FA Cup remember and Orient have carved their way through playing 5 games along the way, the highlight beating Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road in the last round. They will come in off of a sensational 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, if Alex Revell is on form, this could be an interesting one. I still fancy the Jacks to win it, possibly at a canter, but anything is liable to happen.

The last 8 ties I'll post tomorrow