Five Asides: Terry's 'other' word; Heather on board; Strikers; Andy Murray; Footy books
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Your support makes all the difference.1. But what about the 'other' word attributed to Terry?
Amid the debate over John Terry's comments to Anton Ferdinand, there has been no complaint that the other word he is said to have used, a very crude word for a part of the female anatomy, is highly offensive to most women and many men. This reflects a lack of respect for women in sport far more than the contrived fuss over an all-male shortlist for SPOTY.
2. Heather's place on FA board is none too soon
Congratulations to the FA, and Heather Rabbatts, on her appointment as the former's first female director. Having interviewed the one-time Millwall deputy-chair I can vouch for her knowledge of the game and general wisdom. One caveat – the appointment is long overdue.
3. The strikers Arsenal and Wolves could do without
There will be many an Arsenal or Wolves fan justifiably aggrieved at losing their Boxing Day football fix because of Aslef's demand for triple time and a day in lieu for their members. Basic pay for a Tube driver is £45,000. It turns out all those little boys wanting to be train-drivers when they grew up were on to something.
4. Murray was a deserving contender for Cav's prize
Mark Cavendish's deserved victory in SPOTY underlined how talent, allied to hard work, equals success. But why so much criticism of Andy Murray's inclusion in the top 10? Unlike some of our world champions, he competes in a global sport with no sub-categories. He was among the best four tennis players in the world all year, not the best at backhand, over one set, or the 85kg weight.
5. Walcott and Schwarzer get books out for the lads
Hopefully many a young lad is reading a Christmas present today. Plenty of boys are reluctant readers, but they can now choose from Theo Walcott's TJ series, the Jamie Johnson books by Dan Freedman, or the Megs Morrison stories by Neil Montagnana Wallace and Mark Schwarzer of Fulham.
There are other football-themed novels by both Tom Palmer and Alan Gibbons, plus Michael Morpugo's Billy the Kid. It's a long way from the days when Michael Hardcastle was the only author worth reading in the library, and further proof that football can be a force for good.
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