Parker always had write stuff
THE only surprising element in Scott Parker’s lengthy retirement statement was the fact he has named one of his four sons Rafa. It is a surprisingly flamboyant name choice from as unassuming a professional footballer as you could wish for. In a 20-year career during which he never gave less than his all, Parker (left) was a controversial choice as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in 2011. He was relegated with West Ham that season. Maybe he was being recognised for his attitude – uncomplaining and unfalteringly first-class. Rafa and the boys could not have wished for a better role model.
MANCHESTER CITY are not confirming reports in Spain suggesting they will sign 16-year-old Barcelona defender Eric Garcia for a fee in the region of £1.3million.
It sounds very City, very high-end Premier League, though. Invest fortunes in your academy system and then use a massive wad to cherry-pick the best talent from other clubs.
It might be the reality of the modern game but it is not particularly appealing. SEBASTIAN VETTEL’S 10-second punishment for barging Lewis Hamilton was definitely inappropriate.
He should have been given the freedom of Formula One for making the rest of a so-far forgettable season utterly compelling.
In fact, if you didn’t know otherwise, you might be forgiven for wondering if the powersthat-be had put him up to it. AS if one circus show was not enough, boxing looks like it might get another.
It won’t be anywhere near the same scale as McGregor versus Mayweather, but the proposed bout between Nigel Benn and Steve Collins will probably generate decent interest.
Benn is 53 and Collins is 52. But why on earth would the British Boxing Board of Control sanction such a fight?
“It’s about the final chapter. It’s about closure,” said Benn.
No, it’s not. It’s about two middle-aged men having an unseemly scrap for cash.
It’s not sport and the sport of boxing should have nothing to do with it. THE madness of the transfer market, part umpteen. Liverpool want £15million for Alberto Moreno, the specialist left-back in their squad who can’t get a game at, er, left-back. He is a man who is kept out of his position by a guy who had spent over a decade in another position.
And the real madness? Liverpool will probably get it. PETER O’MAHONY led the Lions out for the First Test match, tomorrow he will not even h a kit on. He’s not injured. From captain to not even in the 23. They are not wrong when they say it’s a brutal game.