ASHLEY YOUNG is no diver – according to Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Clarke Carlisle.
The United winger, who has been heavily criticised recently for going down easily against Aston Villa and QPR, has won more penalties (eight) than any other player in the Premier League since the start of last season.
Retrospective punishment would only benefit English football
But PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle, who played with Young at Watford, believes that whilst he thinks players should be more honest, he doesn’t think that Young is a diver.
“I wouldn’t say he is, or has been, prone to falling over” he said before going on to spin that familiar line about players running really quickly not needing much of a nudge to be toppled over.
It’s one of those punditry clichés that makes little sense. Lionel Messi runs really quickly all the time, taking more than a slight nudge along the way, and he still stays on his feet. But then maybe it’s unfair to compare ordinary beings like Ashley Young with superhuman’s like Leo Messi.
Carlisle did say, however, that in cases where diving had been blatant, such as Andy Carroll’s fall against Newcastle, retrospective punishment would only benefit English football.
It looks like we are set for another season of Balotelli bedlam after the City striker announced he has “no intention” of leaving the Manchester club this summer – cue cheers from fans and journalists all over the city.
Roberto Mancini had admitted that he might be ready to try and offload his temperamental fellow Italian, but has since backtracked (something he must be getting used to by now), warning that Balotelli must change his ways if he is to remain at the club.
Meanwhile, Balotelli’s teammates; David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and Joe Hart have been nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
The City trio join Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, Spurs’ Scott Parker, and United’s Wayne Rooney on the shortlist.
Byran Redpath, who has been heavily linked with the director of rugby role at Sale Sharks, has resigned as head coach of Gloucester.
Bryan Redpath has resigned as head coach of Gloucester
“I’ve offered my resignation with a heavy heart,” said Redpath, who now looks set to return to his former club.
Oldham Roughyeds’ Challenge Cup tie with St Helens has been moved to Langtree Park amid fears that the facilities at Whitebank are not up to scratch.
Chairman Chris Hamilton confirmed the switch yesterday and praised St Helens for allowing Oldham to “maximise the occasion for the benefit of the club.”
The game provides a big opportunity for Roughyeds to get some much-needed cash into the club during a tough economic climate for spectator sports.
Wigan Warriors manager, Lestyn Harris, has been quick to support the Challenge Cup and its benefit to lower-level teams after his side’s 98-4 victory over North Wales Crusaders.
He told BBC Radio Manchester: “There's nothing wrong with having these contests in the early rounds."
And finally, Ashwell Prince has insisted that confidence is still high at Lancashire, despite starting the defence of their County Cricket title with a defeat to Sussex.
The South African batsman told BBC Radio Lancashire: "There's a good vibe in the changing room, although it might not sound like there is after a big loss like this."
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