Charlie Webster Blog
Exclusive interview with Sheffield United manager Micky Adams
January 12, 2011
Filed Under Football
Exclusive interview with Micky Adams
07 Jan 2011 - 10:09:59
Yesterday I shot up the M1 (of course sticking to the speed limit) and made a trip to my home town, Sheffield. My car was a bit poorly so took it to get better, visited a friend and then I was lucky enough to meet the new boss of Sheffield United. Before a sat down with Micky Adams I briefly met Ched Evans who was on his way to take his dogs for a walk and then literally 2 minutes later the whole squad seemed to appear out of nowhere. Funny that!
After my influx of United players, myself and Adams sat down with a cup of coffee to have a chat. We got straight down to business on the most important topic of where we were both from in the Steel City, opposite ends by the way and what schools we went too. Once that was out of the way we got stuck into how he’s settling in as the new man about town.
I suppose us as football fans don’t tend to think how hard it must be coming into a new club with the pressure and expectation from both the club’s board and the fans. Well at least with Micky Adams being a Blade born and bred, he has a bit more leeway time to prove himself. We joked he has about 2 weeks extra than a non Sheffield United associated manager. However he did say that ‘Regardless of whether I’m a Blades fan or not, I’m a football manager paid to get results and if I don’t get results then I’ll be sacked.’ It makes you see things from a slightly different perspective especially we he went on to say ‘The average life span of a manager in the Championship is 12 months that shows you how hard it is to achieve our ambitions.’
Sheffield United has those high ambitions for sure and we might not have a big purse at the moment, to be fair though there are a lot of teams out there struggling in the current climate but what I like about the Blades ideals is they are genuinely working hard to develop and progress the youth academy. I’m not just saying that because they are my team either. When talking to Micky he stated that it was the manager’s responsibility anyway and looking after the first team isn’t his only job.
In United the structure is there but the one thing that has got to be continually guaranteed is actually bringing some players through. We’ve seen it with Kyle Walker and Keith Quinn as just a few examples. It was really key what Micky said ‘John Pemberton and myself have got to share a philosophy that goes from the first team right into the reserve and into the youth team. We have to look at a certain type of player that is going to be successful. We all have to train the same way. Do all the same things in games in terms of the way we defend and the way we attack and if we can share that philosophy throughout the club then I’m sure we’ll get future first team players coming through the academy.’
I was very happy when he said that, it was exactly what I wrote for my Football UK blog in October about the German model of football and how England can learn from it. At least one manager in the country has the right idea! So, of course as youth training is something I’m passionate about and with the lack of it in England I asked him his thoughts on the current situation. ‘Less and less English players coming through the systems and if they are they are getting lost somewhere.’ Micky continued to say that this was possibly because of the influx of foreign players but academies like Sheffield United’s have a responsibility to try and get as many players through as they can to help the England team. Now I don’t know about you but that sounds like a good idea to me, especially if more clubs worked in unison with this philosophy.
Enjoying our philosophical conversation, I led onto money; something I’ve mentioned in previous blogs and how the emphasis on money demands in football riles me something rotten. It was a refreshing change to hear the Blades gaffer respond. ‘Money shouldn’t be used as a motivational tool at any level. Motivation as a footballer should be that you win games of football and that you are happy coming into work and playing a game that you love.’ At this point I’m totally pro Micky Adams Sheffield United manager and feeling like I could have had at least another 2 cups of coffee with him, however I would have been bouncing off the walls and putting the world to rights by then so maybe good idea I didn’t.He continued ‘Nobody is shooting at you, you are not dodging bullets on a front line you are coming in and working and doing something that you enjoy. That’s always got to be the emphasis rather than looking at the money. If you are successful at anything the rewards will come.’ My thoughts exactly, see we’re nice decent folk us Sheffield lot.
After nattering away to Micky for at least half an hour, I was privy to witness the intensity and pressure of the January transfer window for clubs like United. It was so interesting to see how many variables were involved, not just budgets and filling needed positions but the importance of attitude and character, their current fitness level especially if they have not been in the starting 11 for a team and their relationship with the fans.
There is a little while left in the transfer window so it will be interesting to see the movement coming from the Lane but to more immediate matters and the FA Cup this weekend. A tournament I have always loved despite some people’s views on its magic been lost. Sheffield United take on Aston Villa on Saturday and it’s definitely not just a Cup game to the Blades. It’s going to be tough though as Micky said ‘I watched them the other night and if someone were to say they were lacking in confidence then I wouldn’t believe that. I think they are just unfortunate at the moment.’ I’m sorry Villa fans but please can you have just one more weekend of misfortune and give us Blades something to celebrate this weekend. Much appreciated.
Micky Adams seems under the usual pressures of a new manager coming into a team that’s struggling but he’s passionate, determined and believes in the club and as a fan having met him I’m behind him all the way.
London Football Coaches Association dinner
December 15, 2010
Filed Under Football
The London Football Coaches Association dinner at the Emirates stadium. I hosted the Q&A session with Gareth Southgate, Chris Coleman, Sir Trevor Brooking and Bob Wilson.
The proceeds of the evening were donated to the Willow Foundation set up by Bob Wilson and his wife in memory of their daughter Anna, providing special days for seriously ill 16 or 40 years old.
My column in the Sheffield Star
November 21, 2010
Filed Under Football
My column in the Sheffield Star...guess what it's about? Yep you got it Sheffield United. 'Blades Talk'
A little introduction to my love of the Blades since I was little 4 year old girl plus current thoughts on my team
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Charlie’s FootballUK blog ‘Newcastle speculation makes zero sense’
November 01, 2010
Filed Under Football
Charlie Webster - Newcastle speculation makes zero sense
29 Oct 2010 - 10:09:58
I am and always will be a one football team supporter. It’s Sheffield United all the way for me, but when I was at University I did pay St James’ Park quite a few visits and loved the atmosphere at the home of the Toon army, it’s nearly as good as Bramall Lane. Only joking!
I even went with Paul Gascoigne and some mates once which was quite an experience, but that story is for another time…Back to the club and I’m convinced it was a good thing for Newcastle to spend a season in the Championship.
They needed time to pick themselves back up again and get things settled on and off the pitch. They seemed to have done that but now manager Chris Hughton is under-fire and has been given the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ from the board.
The bookies are convinced his days are numbered at the club and the media have gone all out to push the idea. It actually makes you wonder where the story has come from - journalists, bookmakers, fans or the club?
Does the club react to the media thinking it’s what the fans think? The situation has similarities with last week’s blog regarding Wayne Rooney and the part the media plays in modern football. If it is the media then why would they stir things up? I’ll let you answer that!
It takes one little rumour or comment to spread like wild fire in the world of football. Every single whisper is heard in a village and football has become much the same.
I know quite a few Magpies and as far as I can gather, correct me if I’m wrong, Hughton is the manager and the fans want him to stay. I don’t think it would do Mike Ashley any favours with the supporters, especially after the last debacle, to get rid of the current manager.
Hughton took them back where they belong at the first time of asking, the Premier League. With chaos off the pitch and without a big budget it was an impressive feat to say the least.
Newcastle are currently in 9th place and I don’t think that’s a bad effort at all. Don’t forget the incredible 6-0 win over Aston Villa in August either.
On the other hand though I suppose just like any fans, the top four is what is wanted, and there is the feeling and this is not coming from me, that the supporters seem to think they have a right to be in the top four.
Newcastle is a massive club and with a massive club comes the same sized ego. It’s almost the case that Hughton has to overachieve and exceed all expectations for him to keep his job.
Or maybe it’s the fact that he is just not a big enough name. Does a big club, need a big name? What does a big name do differently anyway? Think back to the days of Arthur Cox and what he achieved.
With Hughton though it seems like he is always very willing to step down and step up at the board’s say so. He has been caretaker manager quite a few times before, Tottenham Hotspur in 1998, assistant manager of Republic of Ireland and two seasons as Newcastle’s caretaker. Would he again take a step back?
Does being in the Premier League mean that all of a sudden a manager who has done well in the Championship should watch his back if he’s had no or little experience of the top flight?
The caretaker role is a curious idea. In Norway in 2006 when Rosenborg BK manager Per-Mathias Høgmo announced he was taking a leave of absence in mid-season, citing health concerns, the club were 10 points behind leaders SK Brann.
His assistant Knut Tørum was appointed on an interim basis, and proceeded to lead Rosenborg to a spectacular comeback, clinching the league title with one match to spare. Høgmo announced his resignation two days after Rosenborg won the title, and Tørum was named permanent manager after the season.
On the other hand, Tony Parkes was named caretaker manager of Blackburn Rovers on six separate occasions between 1986 and 2004, without ever being given the role in a full-time capacity. He is still yet to be given a full-time managerial role.
After coming off a 4-0 loss against Arsenal and with all the speculation over his job position, it will be interesting to see how Hughton deals with the derby at the weekend.
If they lose does that mean he goes? Or is the backing of club, for the first time in football history, a genuine backing rather than what we usually see?
To be honest I think it’s totally ridiculous that these rumours are rife. For that reason I hope Newcastle win against Sunderland on Sunday, not because I don’t like Sunderland but just to put these rumours to bed once and for all.
I know it doesn’t seem to matter nowadays but Hughton is a nice guy.
Guys, don’t feel bad about watching the World Cup…just keep your missus happy with some pampering
June 13, 2010
Filed Under Football
My earliest World Cup memory is of a woman making an impact, albeit in a slightly embarrassing manner. I was sat at home in Sheffield after school with my dad watching the opening ceremony of USA ‘94 and Diana Ross shanked her penalty wide – it was an open goal and she still missed!
(Don’t give up the singing, Diana.)
That tournament began and ended with a dodgy missed penalty, Signor Baggio’s the more memorable of the two, but the main thing I took away from four weeks in front of the telly was just how incredible the tournament is. The carnival atmosphere, the colourful fans, the world united in one footballing showpiece.
What was there not to love? I was hooked.
It was only as I got older that I realised my passion for the World Cup wasn’t normal, for a lass. I was the only girl in my class to skive off school in 1998 when England’s game with Tunisia was shown
live on telly at 1pm. My girlfriends couldn’t understand what the fuss was about, but seeing Paul Scholes’ beautiful curled goal that day sure beat double science.
This year, at the ripe old age of 27, I’m lucky enough to be working in the media and now I’m even more excited about the World Cup than ever. Just like most of you guys I’m all set to try my damndest to watch every match, whether it’s England, Brazil or South Korea. Recent technological advances mean that thisWorld Cup will be readily available on more mediums than ever; your TV, laptop, and even your phone.
And on that note, I’ve got to stick up for fellas who are due to get it in the neck from their wives and girlfriends over the next month or so. It might cost you a spa treatment or two, but there are a number of ways to keep her sweet, take it from a girl who knows! A good female friend of mine insisted that her other half gave her a massage and cooked her dinner every single day throughout the duration of the last tournament in Germany. He dutifully alternated his time between pampering his wife and watching football down the boozer, and they’re now as happily married as any couple you could ever meet. Just remember lads that 10 per cent of people have ended a relationship because of football rows – that’s nearly five million people – and those arguments are only going to intensify as we watch Fabio’s boys attempt to bring home the bacon this summer. That’s a lot of lawyers’ fees…
I’m sure there’ll be more marital harmony in England should we win the tournament, but what price for an African winner?
Personally, I would love to see it.
It wasn’t until 1978 that an African team managed to win a World Cup match.
Any ideas? It was Tunisia, who defeated Mexico with a couple of late goals. They also managed a goalless draw with West Germany, but it wasn’t quite enough to see them progress to the quarter-finals.
Roger Milla’s heroics in 1990 captivated the world, and now, 20 years on, we have six African sides bidding for glory. For me, until Michael Essien’s injury, Ghana looked the strongest of that contingent, but without the Chelsea man they’re suddenly struggling to get out of their group; as indeed are Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast.
Maybe Samuel Eto’o has a point to prove for Cameroon after being criticised by Milla for not stepping up to the plate when on international duty. But whatever happens, let’s just hope all six teams acquit themselves well to well and truly put African football on the map.
At the time of the 2006 World Cup, I had just moved out to Singapore to present ESPN’s football coverage in Asia. The majority of Singaporeans supported England which made me feel
right at home, but on my first night out I got into a boozy argument with a group of ex-pat Americans who were all slating the beautiful game. Two weeks later, with the World Cup in full swing, and the USA taking on the might of Italy, the same group of fellas were shouting at the TV as though they were seasoned experts in the nuances of ‘soccer’!
Thankfully as soon as the US were dumped out of the competition by Romania, they all returned to hating our game.
There were plenty more great memories from 2006. I hosted an open air screening of the England vs Ecuador game in a fanpark with Steve McMahon, who was treated like a king for his exploits at Liverpool, and we had great fun at those events. However, the one that sticks in my mind for all the wrong reasons was the Portugal defeat in the quarter-finals.
Not just because of the result, but the bar I watched the game in was full of lubricated Englishman, and a similar number of equally refreshed Portuguese… I was the only girl in the bar as it all kicked off. Good job I’m a fast runner…
For the Love of the Game
Filed Under Football
It’s started…your relationship will be put on hold for at least a month….
A whole entire month of one word answers and grunts from your other half and that’s only when they want food or a beer, no more Corrie or East enders in fact you can forget about TV unless it involves 22 grown men chasing a piece of sewn up leather around a playing field, oh and be prepared for endless days of sulking if the match didn’t quite go their way.
I write this as a football lover and presenter whose girlfriends can’t stand football and after having a heavy chat with a group of guys about the World Cup my poor girlfriend looked completely baffled and seriously bored. So I started to feed her some football one liners, she loved it and so did the guys! So it got me thinking maybe I could try and ease the boredom and pain for non loving football ladies out there…I told my friend if you can’t beat them join them…forget dress to impress as you won’t be noticed, how about impressing your other half with some football lingo and at the same time you get to ogle over fit hunky men with solid thighs of steel and a bank balance to match. Girls it doesn’t harm to dream
Let’s start with some names you might have already heard of but if you haven’t you should most definitely look out for. One, because they are skilful players and all at the top of their game and two, because they are seriously good looking eye candy to keep you entertained during the 90 minutes.
So here they are, and of course we have to start with the hottest property out there in both respects Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid (your partner will be in wonder if you can throw in who the footballers play for domestically)
Staying abroad with Fabio Cannavaro, Italian captain, set to join Al-Ahli Dubai from Juventus after the World Cup , and if you want to see what he looks like in just a pair of pants have a nosey at last year’s Italian D&G advert. It’s well worth it.
Over to Germany for Lukas Podolski who’s domestic team is Koln, a quality striker who ouses confidence and sex appeal.
Aussie Tim Cahill should also be on your radar especially if your man is an Everton supporter. In conversation you can throw in his impressive heading ability although from the looks department he is a bit too small for my liking.
I’m afraid we have to go back to Portugal but it’s worth it for Raul Meireles of FC Porto. The midfielder has been described as a tattooed kinky player with style. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
Last but not least I have to throw in some home grown talent. This was harder to find than I first thought. Wayne Rooney who’s also known as Shrek, no, all 6ft 7 of Peter Crouch, no, David Beckham, yep from the side lines, but on the actual field who? No Theo Walcot and his baby features, I’m still stuck any suggestions? Ok Aaron Lennon it is, I did give Frank Lampard a quick thought but that soon went! So Aaron Lennon who plays for Spurs back in the Premier League and he’s a northerner so he got the edge over Lampard! Hey us northerners have to stick together!
Now to add some credibility to this list of hunks you need some decent phrases to throw in the mix once in a while. These never fail.
If your partner is shouting at the TV and your unsure what’s going on, with confidence and disgust just say ‘referee’. In male’s eyes the referee is always wrong.
When the opposing side scores then say ‘surely that was offside’
If the ball is near your goal, the one you don’t want it to go in just yell ‘Clear it’
If a player from your team get’s fouled (ends up on the floor) a single one line of ‘that’s got be a yellow’ will engage your partner in football rant.
And lastly if the team your man supports is losing or lost DO NOT say it’s only a game or maybe next time they’ll win. This could result in break up talk.
Good luck and remember the best bit of 90 minutes of football is at the end the players take their shirts off so stick around!
I head to the townships of South Africa
April 16, 2010
Filed Under Football South Africa
In the townships of South Africa I discovered that not everyone is looking forward to joining the World Cup party.
South Africa’s preparations for the event that will put them in the global spotlight for over a month this summer were well underway when I flew out to Cape Town last month. As a football fan I can’t wait for the event, and, as us England fans say every time a major championship comes around, I really do have a good feeling about this one. Surely this really is our time…
When I touched down in the ‘Mother City’, I honestly believed that every man and his dog would be buzzing with World Cup fever, and proud to be the first African host of one of sport’s true blue ribbon events. How wrong I turned out to be… Okay, on the surface, all appears well. Zakumi mascots (the mascot with attitude, apparently…) and oversized ornamental plastic footballs line the streets, while the new Green Point Stadium, which comes complete with retractable roof, is a fine piece of architecture. I must add that every single South African I spoke to insists that Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium is better!
Anyway, I digress… As stunning a place as Cape Town is to visit – Table Mountain and Cape Point in particular are unforgettable – I wanted to get into the heart of the country and find out what ‘real’ South Africans thought about the World Cup coming to their homeland. So, when a local pal of mine offered to take me into the townships, I jumped at the chance. Even though I’d been warned that it was a path very few white people had dared to tread…I needn’t have worried, I was welcomed into the shanty towns with open arms, even though these were some of the poorest people I’d ever met – their lives bookmarked by poverty and violence.
My local friend, who is from the Zulu tribe, told me that the World Cup was never intended to benefit the townships or the poor. This made me incredibly sad and angry, because if Africa is finally being embraced into the World Cup family then surely the world should see the continent as it really is. It’s an amazing, vibrant, colourful place and should be portrayed as such.
One of the village elders told me that 2010 is just putting their country into more debt and that it’s the poor who pay while the rich grease their own palms with back-handers. I also spoke to a construction worker who was on the Green Point stadium job. Now that the building’s finished, he’s unemployed. I’d really hoped that men and women of all ages would be able to attend World Cup games, but one guy who was about my age told me that he’d have to try and watch matches on communal TV’s as no-one in these parts could afford a ticket. “It doesn’t make any difference whether the World Cup is in our country or not if we have to watch it on TV,” he said. “Why is that good for us?” South Africa’s 2010 slogan ‘Alive with Possibility’ seems to have ignored vast swathes of the population.
The young kids who don’t understand the political ramifications of what’s going on thought differently to the adults. For them, the excitement of the world’s greatest players coming to Africa was overwhelming. Although they screamed out Ronaldo’s name, it’s England – and David Beckham in particular – who they’re really looking forward to seeing. I couldn’t resist a kick around with the kids – they were among the happiest I have ever met, despite the fact that most of them live in shacks. They couldn’t believe that I – a gogo (elderly woman) – could play football!
However, the kids’ excitement was the minority feeling. I became even more confused when I was told that no money had been allocated to spend on trying to improve the national squad. Surely it’s vitally important for South Africa to have a successful team or at least get past the group stages for the first time in their history? They face Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A; a daunting task indeed.
However, one minor consolation for us English is that every South African I spoke to said that if their country is eliminated early on, then they’ll support England! I really hope that we can give the amazing people of the townships something to celebrate…
If you are heading to South Africa this summer, then Durban is the place to go.
What most travellers possibly won’t realise is that the tournament is being played during the South African winter, when Durban will be the warmest of the venues. Cape Town will be proper cold; I have this vision of milk bottle Brits walking around in shorts, replica shirts, pulled up socks and sandals, freezing their pasty bums off!