The football (and wider) world was understandably rocked on Sunday with the dreadfully sad news of Gary Speed’s passing. On the surface Gary had it all: his dream job, fabulous wealth, and most important, a beautiful family.
While nothing can ever replace their devoted husband, father, and son, the legacy of that fateful morning in Cheshire should be far reaching and can be the catalyst to save countless other lives.
As a sport and society at large we can no longer ignore the topic of depression. Only last weekend a German referee attempted to take his own life before the game at Köln. We also sadly have other examples such as Robert Enke, again in Germany. The Hanover- and German-squad member could no longer banish his demons, opting to leave behind a wife and child. As Matt said on Monday, there are also Stan Collymore and many more besides.
The high-profile cases (Paul Gascoigne, Paul Merson, and others) are merely the tip of the iceberg. It’s the countless thousands of people who live in our communities who rarely ever make the news that make up the bulk. At some point all of our lives will be touched by the spectre of depression. Whether it is us, someone we know, or a family member. We have a real chance to combat the issue and it would be an enduring and fitting memory.
The Sporting Chance clinic established by Tony Adams is a great base but it is not enough. The recognition of their work should be highlighted more and indeed that of any similar organisations. In our sport (as in life) we hear more often the negatives, whether that be FIFA-esque corruption scandals or poor refereeing decisions. I guess bad news sells. It is certainly more sensationalized.
A family, his friends and the sporting community at large is mourning the loss of an exceptional young man this week. Gary Speed MBE (1969-2011): May he rest in peace.
A Word on Last Week
I just also wanted to say how tremendously proud I was of everyone connected with the club last Sunday. From our fans right through to our management team, we handled ourselves superbly in very difficult circumstances. For some of the players it must have been especially tough and it was probably the hardest game of Shay Given’s life. When he saved late on from Leroy Lita, he punched the air while getting to his feet again. I thought it was extremely touching. His concentration levels were immense and it took special character from all those involved.
As for our fans—well, we were again superb and a real credit to our club. We paid due respect and the minute’s applause was all the more poignant for not being contrived. Football was sincere in its sadness, and responded spontaneously to a man who gave us fans so much. It was payback time.
The Game Saturday
Moving onto the game this Saturday, Villa host a stuttering Manchester United. United love it at Villa Park. They have been regular victors in semifinals down the years (when the FA Cup was a cup worth winning), and have a solid record against us. United come into the match on the back of a defeat against Palace midweek, albeit it with a weakened side. We can expect the team sheet to read rather differently come kick-off this weekend. The big guns will be back in, but you know what? I really think we have a chance.
Yes, they are going to turn their form around against somebody, but depending on how we set up they are there for the taking. I think we are outstanding value with bookmakers at 9/2. This is a game where we should be setting up to win. Of course respect them as champions, but they’re having a wobble and uncertainty riddles them at present. If we can continue on last week’s improvement and just gel a little better we can win.
But we have to set up with the intention to win. If we do, we can and possibly will. I liked the energy levels better last weekend with Petrov out, and I’d personally bring Jenas in from the start for this one. I think all round we looked better but of course I am aware the opposition will be sterner this time. I just have the sneakiest of feelings about this one. We will beat one of the top sides over this next period and i think it could be United.
It’s too early for team news and the like, and full match previews will be posted soon.
2-1 Villa if we have a go. If we revert to type, 0-3 United. And yes it’s that big a swing.
What I’ll Mostly be Doing Next Summer…
A bit of personal news this time: I have been selected to volunteer at next summer’s European Championship. As regular readers will know, I am a fan of the international game, and to be a part of it all will be a great experience. I didn’t get the media post I was hoping for, but I give it my best so I can be happy. I will be a steward at the National Stadium in Warsaw, based there for the tournament.
Warsaw will host five games total from the opening game right through to the semifinals, so hopefully I’ll be able to catch loads of games. The opening night should be pretty amazing with host nation Poland kicking things off.
The draw for the finals itself itself is tomorrow, and with Ireland qualified, coupled with my posting, I have a massive interest. Ireland will be a bottom seed but if they avoid a group-of-death scenario, they are certainly capable of qualifying for the knock-out stages. England will be in the second pot of seeds along with Germany. Spain and the Netherlands join the dual hosts (Ukraine along with Poland) in Pot 1.
I’ll give my early thoughts on the draw next week.
The Author
