A day at the races
Hello everyone. Just getting things together for this Saturday's .
The whole of Football Focus comes live from with Rafa Benitez and Steve Claridge joining us as guests. You might be wondering 'why'?
Don't panic we are still covering all the football but there's a long link between the sports - Fergie's horse is 2nd favourite, and there will be loads of ex-pros watching from the stands on the day.
It was good to see Gordon Strachan on last week's show. I don't know if you saw the Focus Forum on the website this week but I asked Mr Strachan what the highlight of his career was. I know he has his detractors, but I was mightily impressed that he said it was when he told that he had been called up by England.
He knew how hard Dublin had worked as a player and knew he thought his time would never come. Strachan said it was wonderful to see the look on the striker's face when he told him he would play for his country. Strachan also said the pitch at Stamford Bridge is slow compared to a fast-paced Old Trafford.
I've never heard that before... I wonder if he's used a on it? Anyone play on a particularly slow pitch?
It was also great to get Bob Wilson on the sofa - the original host of Football Focus back in 1974! He said some very nice things about the current show afterwards but a few of the comments he made on the sofa have stuck in my mind.
Firstly, when asked if Arsenal would be a world class team with a world class keeper, he said that they already had one in . Mr Wilson is a shrewd judge of shot-stoppers and rates the 21-year-old Pole very highly despite the high-profile error in the Carling Cup final against Birmingham.
Wenger also rates Szczesny but Bob also intimated that the Arsenal manager had tried very hard to bring Pepe Reina to The Emirates. It's my understanding that Reina has a 拢20 million release fee in his Liverpool contract - the sort of purchase price that would be at complete odds to Wenger's normal methods of promotion from within.
Most people seem to think that if Reina does leave Liverpool, Old Trafford will be his chosen destination but if Wenger can match the fee (and that's a big if) I'm told the chance to move to London could be a rather juicy carrot.
That's not to say that someone like Reina would solve all Arsenal's problems. We saw again last Saturday another performance that highlights where they are short in a season when a little more steel and defensive solidity would have surely seen them ahead of Manchester United at this point.
Now I know but I'm afraid I need to continue talking Arsenal because we had a good chat with Theo Walcott at the launch of a new boot at Niketown in London. He was stuck in traffic on his way to the gig leaving me alone with the pre-match sweets. Safe to say my sugar intake was a little on the high-side that afternoon. I find it impossible to sit near sugary snacks without putting at least three in my mouth per minute.
My sugar intake was a little on the high-side
I've always been impressed with the way Walcott handles himself. He's bright and insightful and has been through enough media training to know what to say, but not so much that he's dull.
Despite his obvious talent - both on and off the pitch - it still seems we are waiting for consistent greatness from . There are some, like Chris Waddle and Alan Hansen, who publicly question whether he is capable of persistent quality,while others patiently wait for the arrival of the player they know is in there. Capello is a big supporter and listed the midfielder as one of his three who had a big England future (along with Carroll and Wilshere).
Next year could be a significant one in Walcott's career
Whatever the truth - Walcott has a big 12 months ahead and, talking to him last week, he knows it. If Arsenal do sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton this summer, as many expect, then Walcott will no longer be the only young Gunner on the wing. He could flourish with competition but that is precisely why next year could be a significant one in his career.
On this week's show the Aintree experience is coming together nicely but we are looking for a Grand National XI to use during the show so if you've got any suggestions get them down below. Pony Adams looks set to skipper the side but there is plenty of room for others.
If you do have a suggestion, a question for one of our guests or a comment about Walcott or Wilson then stick it down and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
You can follow the build up to the show by finding me at
Welcome comrades. This blog is all about giving you an insight into how Football Focus comes together each week. I do pop up across the 大象传媒's sporting output so there may be the occasional reference to something other than the beautiful game too.
Have a read and feel free to join in with your comments and questions brothers and sisters.
You can also follow me on .
Comment number 1.
At 6th Apr 2011, SAF_is_GOD wrote:pepe trainer
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Comment number 2.
At 6th Apr 2011, SaintRider wrote:Hola Dan
Top blog (bit light on the food talk but no big issue), just a quick question regard the boots behind you in the photo with Walcott. Do you prefer the latest, cutting edge boot or a more classic like the Puma King, Adidas World Cup or Lotto Albertini. And do you think the super modern boots make a difference to performance, it would be good to hear a pro's opinion on this.
Emerson Fittipaldi
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Comment number 3.
At 6th Apr 2011, Eric Morecambe wrote:Those sweets would have been demolished if I'd been around too. Can't help myself!
What Walcott really needs is at least one whole season without any major injuries. It seems that just when he gets going, something happens to put him out for a few weeks. It doesn't help that Arsenal have never really got going this year, despite the fact they are closer in the league than they have been for a while. However, the standard of performances at the top this season is not what it has been previously. Good to hear Bob Wilson confirming the opinion of the former on-loan Brentford goalkeeper from last season. He gives me the impression of being considerably better than Almunia, and the other guy (whose name escapes me right now).
As for players in a Grand National XI... how about Regi Blinkers?
Don Quixote
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Comment number 4.
At 6th Apr 2011, Stroke of Luka wrote:I'm meant to be working, so just a quick suggestion for the Grand National XI - Robert Hoof
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Comment number 5.
At 6th Apr 2011, everton145 wrote:geoff horsefield
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Comment number 6.
At 6th Apr 2011, mpkisr wrote:Patrick Shergar, Joleon Ascot, Pepe Reins-a. All play for Leicester Pigott.
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Comment number 7.
At 6th Apr 2011, exiled_geordie wrote:I don't know who the starting eleven will be, but 'The Chair'(man) has got to be the biggest obstacle to success!!
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Comment number 8.
At 6th Apr 2011, fballmu wrote:What a George Friend has got to be in the running!
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Comment number 9.
At 6th Apr 2011, san2012 wrote:Afternoon Dan,
Good blog again Sir.
Grand National XI - Shergar-th Crooks
(Yes I tweeted you on this yesterday, that was me...Now you know my real name...worrying!)
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Comment number 10.
At 6th Apr 2011, tomefccam wrote:Any ideas where about in the Race Course you'll be Dan, wouldn't mind getting along and having a peak.
I wonder if we fast forward a year that we'll be talking about the potential Walcott has and how next year is the one where he'll really take off. The fact is, he's average, Arsenal tend not to miss him much when he doesn't play. When he does he doesn't score enough goals. He has played one very good game for England in 5 years and the others have been distinctly poor. He is inury prone and cannot stay fit, and is therefore useless to any manager looking to build a successful side.
Grand National XI: Joe Royle Ascot, Martel (Former Grand National Sponsors) Desailly, 2001 Winner - Red Maraudona, Sergio Canales Turn, Referee Martin Foynavon, Jenny Pitman - Brother of Brett.
Coach Fuller
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Comment number 11.
At 6th Apr 2011, tomefccam wrote:@10
My mistake - SISTER of Brett
Danny Mellon
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Comment number 12.
At 6th Apr 2011, Eric Morecambe wrote:Andy Booth
Bit more obscure that one...
If the weather is like this in Liverpool on Saturday then it should be a fast race - hopefully all the horses and jockeys will get round safely if the ground is a little on the firm side.
Sherry Stringfield
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Comment number 13.
At 6th Apr 2011, tomefccam wrote:Ruben De La Red Rum
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Comment number 14.
At 6th Apr 2011, dutchblog wrote:Mr Dan Meirion Walker - seems you let all sorts on this blog judging by the photo!
The Dutch TV commentator yesterday evening said that Gareth Frank Bale showed real English Spirit during the Champions League quarter-final first leg match 鈥 will that Spur him on!!
No Robbie Savage on hand - thankfully - to give a stupid remark like the retort to your recent question about his tie 鈥 a more professional approach would be better instead of savage remarks, perhaps Mr Robert William "Robbie" Savage could be coached by Mr Robert "Bob" Primrose Wilson to try and bring him up to an acceptable 大象传媒 standard.
Good to see Bob Wilson looking so fit & well 鈥 commendable for his charity stint, good luck!
Lets hope Chelsea Vs Man U will surprise us all with a decent showing this evening鈥︹︹ food for thought, perhaps.
Sherbet 鈥淟iquorice鈥 Dip
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Comment number 15.
At 6th Apr 2011, SaintRider wrote:How about Glen Saddle?
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Comment number 16.
At 6th Apr 2011, thesaint200 wrote:A name for the Grand National XI. The former Clyde, Everton, Barnsley & Aberdeen player Tommy "Parade" Ring. Another name William Gallops (William Gallas)
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Comment number 17.
At 6th Apr 2011, Supersuperfrank wrote:Surely the first name on the sheet has to be Ruud Van Nistelrooy? No clever pun on the name, just the most horsey-like player to ever grace the game!
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Comment number 18.
At 6th Apr 2011, Vincent B Rodriguez wrote:Gary Naysmith
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Comment number 19.
At 6th Apr 2011, maffyew wrote:Norman Punter, Neil Paddock, Marlon Marewood, Jockey Stein, Brian McBridle.
Hate liquorice. Foul stuff.
Ronny Rosenthal
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Comment number 20.
At 6th Apr 2011, SAF_is_GOD wrote:my first post (#1) was lazy and i apologise dan. i was busy in work. anyway...
nice blog, how about...
ShamRock Of Gibraltar Rovers (Team)
Geoff Horseshoe
RedRum Corluka
Frankie Detoori Lampard
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Comment number 21.
At 6th Apr 2011, scotsman1 wrote:robert hoof
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Comment number 22.
At 6th Apr 2011, scotsman1 wrote:lee neigh-lor or neigh-mar
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Comment number 23.
At 6th Apr 2011, Robert wrote:The 2001 Grand National runners and their Football alter egos
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB - Andy Carroll - can he stay away
BACKSTAGE - Ashley Cole - Where next Mrs will come from
OSCAR TIME - Christiano Ronaldo - Nuff said
WHAT A FRIEND - Joey Barton - How many fights?
DONT PUSH IT - Eric Cantona - Drop Kick Hero
SILVER BY NATURE - Bobby Robson - Always came in second with England
BALLABRIGGS - Robert Green for England!
BIG FELLA THANKS - Mick McCarthy and his team selections
NICHE MARKET - Ledley King's competitive appearances
QUINZ - Nial Quin's and his furnishings
STATE OF PLAY - Alan Hansen's summing up
BLUESEA CRACKER - Peter Bonetti - Nuff said
WEST END ROCKER - Gordon davies - fulham's best ever scorer
ARBOR SUPREME - Kevin keegan and that hairdo
CHIEF DAN GEORGE - George Best and his Champaigne breakfast
CHARACTER BUILDING - Paul Gascoigne for everything silly
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE - Ron "Chopper" Harris for his talks to the ref
MAJESTIC CONCORDE - Peter Beadsley - need I say more?
COMPLY OR DIE - Vinny Jones' nutcracker suite
CALGARY BAY - Keenan Gracey described by McCarthy as the king of Canadian Soccer
THE TOTHER ONE - Shay Given's MCFC appearances
VIC VENTURI - Bruce Grobbelar for the way he always ventured upfield
TIDAL BAY - Aaron Lennon - his Form is like the tides
NORTHERN ALLIANCE - Steve Bruce - A Geordie running Sunderland, who would have believed it
OR NOIR DE SOMOZA - David Ginola - film Star looks but only performed in black and white
IN COMPLIANCE - Sir Alex Ferguson....
KING FONTAINE - Gary Lenkar - Did A better dancer grace the pitch?
ROYAL ROSA - Tim Flowers - Royally dumped as a keeper for England
QUOLIBET - Michael Owen and where he spends his wages
KILLYGLEN - Glen Hoddle's decsiion to bring in a phsycic to England
CANT BUY TIME - Teddy Sherrighma trying to keep on playing
ORNAIS - Any WAG
SURFACE TO AIR - Allan Shearer in the box
DOONEYS GATE - Ally McCoist after the recent Old Firm Derby
GRAND SLAM HERO - Giggsy without a doubt
ROLL ALONG - Emil Heskie, as he can never roll it into the net
SANTAS SON - Fernando Torres when he saw the Chelsea deal
PIRAYA - Crouch after the Real game
THATS RHYTHM - the sound of Fulham supporters make when they see "that" statue
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Comment number 24.
At 6th Apr 2011, Robokopthe3rd wrote:Good blog, but I was a bit dissapointed...just 3 sweets a minute! Should have been 3 sweets per second. Used to be a real laugh playing the `stuff as many marshmallows in your mouth and try and whistle the national anthem` game. Until somebody started gagging at least.
No. 23-very impressive I must say!
My futile effort:
Bob Champions League
Champion the wonder horse
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Comment number 25.
At 7th Apr 2011, Andy Connor wrote:You're just there thinking you're the big I am, ooh lahdeedah look at me look what I can do and yet here I am unimpressed not caring, sorry what's that? No you're not,
Oh
You are
....
Umpapa umpapa that's how it goes
Umpapa umpapa everyone knows
Best get a wiggle on before this gets awkward!
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Comment number 26.
At 7th Apr 2011, United_Road wrote:Great effort number 23.. but becauseicouldntsee... surely Arsene Wenger!!??
my contributions... Karl - heinz RedRummenigge, Trevor bechers brooking, helder winners post-iga
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Comment number 27.
At 7th Apr 2011, Surreybloke wrote:#25 quality as usual.
After having heard about some football fans somewhere recently being seen not drinking beer, but a particular kind of wine instead, I wonder if the winning jockey on Saturday will forego the champagne, and instead consume some Lothar Mattheus Rose instead? Or maybe they'll have simpler tastes, and just go for a Lars Lager-feld instead.
(Shall I leave now?)
I'd have thought another guest you could have had on for this Saturday would be Mick Channon? He's a race horse trainer of course these days, but used to play for Southampton of course. Might have been interesting to hear his view on how his old team are doing these days, and their chances of making the Championship, and perhaps ultimately, in a couple of seasons, the Premier League once more.
Quintus Batiatus
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Comment number 28.
At 7th Apr 2011, Robert wrote:#26 Like it! But after last night
becauseicouldntsee - UEFA Goal official
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Comment number 29.
At 7th Apr 2011, Mully wrote:Not a name but surely with a set of teeth that can eat carrots through a wire fence Ronaldinho has to be in the 11, or the squad at least.
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Comment number 30.
At 7th Apr 2011, jellywobble wrote:ugh liquorice is loved by dogs, but not by this human! Forget dolly mixtures, my latest sugary snack obsession is with the sour jelly squirms - they're just lovely.
Haven't read the other entries fully, but Steed Malbranque and Mat Sadler would be my 2-penneth-worth. Grand National is the only flutter I do every year!
Walcott should be given more of a chance by Wenger, feel a bit sad as impression I get is he's not being given as much chance as he could. Might be injury related as he's often afflicted by something? He definitely has a talent and you can only get consistency if you play regularly.
Bob was a legend at Arsenal, but does he remember who was the most difficult player he came up against? What are his feelings on the England goalkeeping position and national coaching set-up for the future? (is Hart really a good no.1? Whatever happened to Robinson and can he ever return to the set-up?)
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Comment number 31.
At 7th Apr 2011, blaenorynyclwyd wrote:Robert #23 WOW YOU HAVE THE NAMES ALL SEWN UP.
Another good blog Dan. Still waiting for another one of your big interviews; they tend to be top drawer amazingly good as opposed to just 'good blog Dan'. I did like the Strachan interview and the pic of the Allsorts made me want them real bad. I am on a deliberate sugar low at the moment, have been for 2 weeks, so your blog did not psychological good.
Might let my guard down today, my youngest has just had two full body MRI's and various dyes injected into her, with general anesthetic, so I'm in need of a pick me up.
I was interested to read your thoughts on Arsenal, tend to agree with what I read, though I thought Bob Wilson was claiming abit much for a very good 21 year old, and only 21 year old keeper.
I would be particularly interested to hear your thoughts on a "Compare and Contrast Norwich and CCFC" Am concerned about my native CCFC's plight.
Thanks.
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Comment number 32.
At 8th Apr 2011, Robert wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 33.
At 8th Apr 2011, piemanji wrote:A few ideas for the Grand National XI:
GK: Edwin van der Startersgun
DF: Ivar Goingimarsson
DF: David Epsommeil
DF: Jody Paddock
MF: Jermane Pennant
MF: Mohamed Good,-good-to-firm-in-places-soko
MF: Darren Homestrecher
MF: Ladies' Daymien Duff
FW: Waintree Rooney
FW: Ruud Grand Nationalrooy
FW: Shane Furlong
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Comment number 34.
At 8th Apr 2011, Scott John wrote:Nice Dan
Will you be looking to use as many racing references as possible during the show? Will United last the trip in the league? Will Spurs be late fallers???
Good work #23, you smashed it.
Paul Furlong
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Comment number 35.
At 9th Apr 2011, Kev wrote:Dan, as a committed Christian, I am surprised at your support of horse racing. Please read the following for information about this cruel 'sport'.
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Comment number 36.
At 9th Apr 2011, 1978 Shoot league ladders wrote:What an absolutely shameful event this is. I will not be betting on it again after today.
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