Henry, Shearer in Hall of Fame ... but not Giggs
RYAN GIGGS has been snubbed by the Premier League, who announced the first inductees to their Hall of Fame yesterday. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Blackburn and Newcastle icon Alan Shearer were the initial entries, while 23 further candidates were announced. But there was no slot for former Manchester United winger Giggs, who is the most decorated player in the competition’s history, having won the title 13 times. Later this week the 47-year-old will appear in court charged with assaulting two women and ‘controlling or coercive behaviour’. He is currently Wales manager but will not be taking charge of the national team at this summer’s European Championship, with Robert Page put in temporary control. Giggs has protested his innocence, said he will plead not guilty in court and added that he looks forward to clearing his name. He is due at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court tomorrow. Henry is considered one of the finest players to grace the competition. He won two titles at Arsenal and was a key member of the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ squad. Shearer is the top scorer in Premier League history with 260 goals. He won the title with Blackburn in 1994-95 and became a prolific striker for boyhood club Newcastle. The 23 candidates are: Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Matthew Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright. Fans have been asked to vote online. Six of the 23 will be chosen to join Henry and Shearer. To be eligible, a player must have retired by August 1, 2020.