Substance Not Symbolism

In the horror and destruction that has engulfed Zimbabwe and its people over the last few years the condemnation of that country’s leadership has been loud and clear, at least amongst the Western democracies. Political and economic sanctions have been imposed, perhaps justifiably, as its citizens are subjected to a continued onslaught of brutality.

As the reports cascade out of Zimbabwe reporting murder, rape, torture and a general imposition of destruction of a once healthy, economically structured nation. Opposition from outside has swung from the (failed) gentle nudging of South Africa to the more (failed ) confrontational approach of the EU and USA. Today’s election is clearly nothing but another oxymoronic addition to those gerrymandered and corrupt elections witnessed the world over.

So with the reek of fear, death and a bleak future, at least in the short term, how does the British Government respond, what meaningful sign of Britain’s determination to stand up for the people of Zimbabwe is declared? The Queen announced that HE President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe will be stripped of his honorary knighthood. Is that all the British Government has got?

What seems even more shameful is that this motion was discussed and debated in the House of Commons. Surely, a person of the most simplistic humanity could declare that there are far more effective sanctions that can be imposed by the 5th largest economy in the world. It is meaningless and an embarrassing statement of Britain’s opaque foresight in world affairs.

Modern Britain is burdened, somewhat unjustly, with alleged sins of empire. Any former British colony, especially one that has fought a divisive civil war against a racist and minority government, is bound to be sensitive to British involvement in internal affairs. But the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe has gone beyond colonial sensitivity. Britain, the European Union and the wider world should be more aggressive in their condemnation of human rights abuses. An Iraqi life, an Afghani life, a Jewish life, an African life, a European life and an American life is not worth more than a human life. Real intervention is required, peacefully by all means possible, decisively when required and with humanitarian ideas at all times. The people of Zimbabwe deserve more than an empty symbolic gesture of an outdated relic by its colonial rulers. Blood is still more expensive than oil.

Two on the Trot

In five seasons of playing for DEH FC never have we started the season as well as this year, played 2 won 2, scored 3 conceded 1, 6pts from 6. Remarkably we are currently only 1pt shy of our total for last season and have already outscored the previous season (our “relegation” one) by 4pts. Things are looking on the up!

Our 2nd game was played at the same venue as our 1st, out in the wilds of Hiroshima state. Whenever it takes more than one hour to get to a ground, spirits are usually not too high, but with the missus driving and with an adventurous air we managed to arrive at our destination in good spirits.

I managed to get to the ground 5 minutes before kickoff comfortable in the knowledge that games always start later than scheduled, and thankfully I was not too be disappointed as I ambled up to be the 12th and last man of the lineup.

Missing from our last game were our new manager and regular keeper to be replaced by our irregular, and freakishly tall sticks-man from the last couple of years. In fact we seemed to be missing a few other bodies from May, but during the warm-up (obviously mine consisted of kicking the ball against the wall a bit) they seemed to be pretty good.

The game itself was a close, end to end affair with DEH dominating the scoring chances and even though Honkawa FC shaded the midfield with two rather robust players not afraid to put the boot in. I hovered around the front line providing support and allowing my partner to zigzag dynamically across the pitch, like a fevered terrier. It worked as we went in at half-time 1-0 up.

The goal had been coming, only minutes before a great move was only just thwarted by the out-rushing keeping getting some part of his anatomy to deflect the goal bound shot. When finally DEH did find the back of the net, it was a well worked move, a fast zipping cross into the D of the box which was volleyed first time by Jaime, saved acrobatically and then rolled into the back of the net by my terrier like partner. Coming only a few minutes before the break Jaime pattered himself on the back and was content that he could be substituted at HT having contributed towards our lead. Except….

After telling Yuiji, our skipper, that the old legs needed a blow in the summer heat and a wonder off to sit in the cool shade of the veranda to peruse the 2nd half in comfort would be ideal, I was somewhat shocked to be told that our “12th” man was a defender and didn’t need know how to attack. Well I resisted the temptation to suggest that I wasn’t exactly knowledgeable in the department either – turkeys don’t volunteer for Christmas. So as the whistle blew, I strolled on hoping the noggin wouldn’t get too burnt from the sun…

The 2nd half was another tight affair, with DEH wasting two glorious opportunities to make the game safe. The team did resort back to some bad old days of “pussyfooting around” (as my mother likes to condemn any team who pass the ball without an end result) whilst not actually shooting much. Still, as the final whistle blew and I could still move my lower limbs without pain, a very satisfactory feeling embraced the whole team.

I strolled off to find the missus, who had spent the game time eating and cleaning the car, rejecting the opportunity to watch her other half tutor the younger team members in the art of preserving energy on a football pitch.

On the journey home we spotted a sign advertising a Sri Lankan restaurant, which seemed too good an opportunity to reject. We still suspected we would be presented with a Japanese interpretation of Sri Lankan cooking, but to a great surprise, there plopped in the middle of nowhere was pucker Sri Lankan chef, who was very pleasant. He was also an excellent cook and the food was both outstandingly tasty and ridiculously cheap. Another visit is planned.

Some Random Thoughts

To revel in someone else’s misfortune does not seem a rather gentlemanly occupation to partake in. And yet, I must admit to a degree of satisfaction whilst watching Italy lose on penalties to Spain in the QF in Euro 2008. I have no real grudge against Italy, indeed I am rather fond of their wine, food and history. However, I do have a personal enmity towards a certain Italian football player who should have been banned for a long time after his brutal attack against the USA’s Brian McBride in the 2006 World Cup. Due to FIFA weakness an initial 5 match ban was reduced to 4 games allowing the miscreant the opportunity to play, and score a penalty that helped Italy become world champions.

So it was with a contented grin that Daniele De Rossi missed a penalty that contributed towards Italy’s elimination from Euro 2008. In the ways of karma I suppose it doesn’t quite balance out, but nonetheless maybe a small act of the Gods applying a degree of retribution for that savage injury.
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It should perhaps be noted that Brian McBride, who to this days suffers from nerve damage in his face publicly called De Rossi a “classy” guy for apologizing to him after the match. I think it perhaps says more about the class of McBride than anything else.
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The Euros (and by the way, when did that moniker start being applied?) have been entertaining in a distant sort of way. I don’t buy in to either of the approaches being adopted by exiled England fans and pundits. Firstly, it is not “more relaxing” because we don’t have to suffer the ineptitude of 11 Englishman trying to find each other win a football before crashing out in a penalty shoot-out. Nor do I wholly accept that “it is short term pain for long term gain”. Yes England have a smart, tactically aware, star non-obsessed (and Italian) coach, but look at the small print – 34% of the Premier League are English qualified. It is just painfully embarrassing that England are unable to qualify for a major championships – winning it may be beyond us, but hell qualifying? Richest league in the world - not in English talent it isn’t. But I have beat that drum many times before…
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So Cristiano Ronaldo is off to Real Madrid in a “world record fee”. I am torn, he has been a great player for my beloved United, but if he really wants to go to Real then take as much money as you can get and re-eneregise the team with the cash. Then again, why should United acquiesce to a player and a club (Madrid) that have acted beyond the pale? This, considering we are talking about modern football, is concluding quite a lot! Say no to his increasingly petulant demands and tell him not to instigate a move 6 months after signing a 5 year contract. Sadly, the inevitable seems, well inevitable and he will be off, but it is a gamble for the player, Real are hardly the most stable environment to grow as a person and player. Ronaldo could yet regret his haste in moving, even if his hangers-on, agent and bank manager disagree.

2008 Team Photo

Deh FC May 25th 2008: FC 180 1-2 Deh FC

The Away Shirts are on the ground...

A Winning Start

FC 180 (0) 1 - 2 (1) Deh FC

Out in the wilds of Hiroshima state is the Monomomichi park, a not too enjoyable 2 hour drive just to play a game of football. It wasn't even a grass pitch. My memory is somewhat clouded by age, alcohol and the natural onset of mild dementia, but I am pretty sure this is towards the longer times and miles driven just to get to a football ground. The park itself is pleasant enough, some squeaky babbling brooks and a couple of dirt football pitches. There are other facilities including in winter a mountain to ski down, but maybe that discovery is for another time.

The new season brought a new captain, our regular right back of the last couple of years - Yuiji, some new and increasingly whisker free faces of our new players, a manageress, who by the looks of it seemed rather cosy with last year's skipper and regular keeper and of course the long discussed new Deh shirts. It is pleasing to report that all the new facets of team contributed to a healthy, combative and indeed skillful 2-1 victory to start our championship challenge / relegation avoidance with 3 well deserved points.

Jaime was the only gaijin playing, Dan being imprisoned at work, Dave recuperating and the 'keen' Deh teacher Darren, despite sending more than 30 texts over the week, failing to turn up nor offer any excuse for his absence. It is the second time he has not turned up, so twice bitten and the rest. It would, I also conclude, rather some up the man's character, and upon this evaluation he has been found desperately wanting of real substance. A lucky escape for the team.

FC 180's kit looked familiar and some of their players also looked as though we had been previously acquainted. As they were the home team and also played in blue, our new sponsored kit was regrettably covered by our new "away" kit of orange bibs. If I can say so myself, that was an inspired decision by the purchaser to order some bibs with the spare change left over from our initial shirt order. There was some amusing moments as some of the shorter team members complained that the bibs resembled "one-piece" dresses. Several rather amusing, if slightly cruel, comments were made that shall remain anonymous to protect the innocent.

Deh started the brighter and the midfield was especially dominant in the opening 20 minutes. only one goal was scored, by the "old man" of the team, Jaime. Using his honed panther like pounce he intercepted a lazy cross penalty box pass, controlled the ball with his left foot held off the defender and with one swing of the right boot (mishit) the ball into the back of the net from 25 yards. The keeper was out of position, but still I would like to believe that the accuracy of the placement of the shot would still have beaten him from any angle.

A good start and personally it is nice to open your account early in a new season, especially as a striker. Some of the younger players (maybe more in disbelief) were impressed by Jaime's link play and Deh had chances to settle the game with a second, including a beautiful 12 pass move than resulted in the shot just glancing the outside of the post and wouldn't have looked out of place in team wearing gold and green shirts (not Australia!)

Jaime was quite happy to substitute himself at HT for more younger legs, in total Deh brought 14 players and with the heat and ageing legs a HT blow was happily accommodating, like a Parisian brothel in the first Summer of Love (1900 for you uneducated out there).

Our manageress, apart from shouting the odd encouragement and holding the team sheet didn't exert herself too much, although one promising note to tell is her willingness to give players' legs a rub down to help rejuvenate those weary limbs. I am all for encouraging that.

The 2nd half was a much closer affair than the 1st, FC 180 equalising through some sloppy defending early in the half. Spirits were not low for long as the goal seemed to act as a spur for DEH and the pressure dial was turned higher as they pushed for another goal to restore their lead. We didn't have to wait too long, a corner from the left went to the back post and a skillfully executed low header restored the lead. As expected, FC 180 pushed hard for the equaliser and in truth their 2nd half performance deserved more reward. The last 5 minutes was back to the walls stuff, but Deh held on for their first victory of the campaign. The next landmark is 8pts which should guarantee avoidance of relegation....

Another Fine Mess

Recent season have not been kind to Leeds United, they have almost successfully turned themselves into a footballing equivalent of British Leyland. I suppose I should own up from the beginning and admit that Leeds is not a club for which I have much sympathy with or for. Following the red United from Manchester, having bricks thrown at me whilst trying to gain entry to Elland Road once and having a parent who was a Leeds fanatic, meant their every setback was cheerful footnote to my match day.

Indeed their subsequent relegation from the Premiership in 2004 was the only saving grace from a woeful season for my own United. So their continued spiral towards the outer regions of the English league, economic downturn, farcical boardroom shenanigans and dodgy ownership you would have thought would have been an endless rainbow.

As inevitable relegation form the Championship became a certainty at the back end of last season, their club owner voluntarily placed them in administration, “to save the club” and they were docked 10 points and sent to League One. A strange thing then happened, the other league clubs got the hump with Leeds for their legal, if morally unpalatable, decision to enter administration. Committees were called, men with large stomachs eyed up lunch expenses, eccentric persons with blazers huffed and puffed and Leeds were docked a further 15 points, so they began the current season on -15.

Now I really don’t know the rights and wrongs of the case. I freely admit that I chuckled when the announcement was made, but here is the thing, Leeds then appealed (as was their wont). So what then happened? Yes you perceptive mind has probably nailed the rivet to the steel, nothing happened. Everything was swept under the carpet, hidden on the top shelf and suspended in time until we reach the end of season with 4 games remaining.

Only in what can be described as a lunatic decision; the appeal is just being heard. Let us put a time scale to this, Leeds were docked their points on August 4th 2007, it is now the middle of April 2008. Does it really take that long to successfully conclude an appeal? More worrisome, is that if it does – why? More troubling still, who in the game’s governing body is allowing this to happen?

There is almost a whiff of the West Ham controversy of last season, when without putting too fine a point on it, West Ham were effectively “fined” an award of twenty-five million pounds for lying and cheating.* The spark to that incident also occurred in August and the final hearing for some unexplained reason waited until April before deciding any points penalty would be unfair on their clubs. Thank god these lawyers weren’t at Nuremburg!

Whether Leeds are guilty for infringing on League rules is not really the issue, but delaying the final decision until just before the conclusion of the season is unfair on Leeds and the other clubs in that division. If Leeds is given any of their points back, then the whole nature of the table changes, in some permutations dramatically so. How can that possibly be right or fair? Common sense alone would seem to suggest that it wouldn’t be the case, but then again as we are dealing with football administration perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised at the shambles that is just around the corner. It is once more a powerful damning of how the game is inadequately run in England.

Leeds’ current plight is somewhat self-inflicted due to their economic ineptitude at the start of the 2000s. They gambled with their futures and it all came horribly unstuck, which led to player fire-sales, relegations and laughter all abound by their rivals. By the end of 2007 season their plight was so perilous they had twice been bought by Ken Bates. Supporters must have thought things could not get any worse!

Yet there must be sympathy with their fans (this really is not a phrase I ever thought I would utter) because they have been tossed around like limp lettuce leaf in salad bowl. As usual when those in power in England involve themselves in the running of the game, the fans are the ones who always suffer. Whatever the results of the appeal are, the decisions should have been made many months before so fans of Leeds and other clubs could get to grips with the outcome long before the season is almost finished. Sadly that would have been too blindingly obvious and easy for English football to understand.

*West Ham were fined five million pounds for their contravening of Premier League rules. Yet because they stayed in the division they are annually awarded thirty million pounds as a basic sum from television revenue. When adding higher income rates from sponsorship, no wonder West Ham thought they had got a result. The only fair outcome would have been to have had points deducted, but then "blindingly obvious" is nothing but an oxymoron to the Premier League.

The Season is Over!

This new modern technology is indeed a mysterious wonder. Our final game of the season has been played...even though the kick of date was scheduled for May 5th, or next month. Apparently a thrilling 0-0 draw did not truly reflect the game that was brimming with off-side goals, red cards, missed penalties, nubile cheerleaders and even a streaker. What a way to sign off the season that ended with DEH FC finishing in a respectable 8th position, a huge improvement on last season in both points and performances. Our final season's tale of the tape is as follows:

2007-08

1: 茶・茶 10 8 0 2 38 10 24

8: DEH FC 10 2 4 4 13 15 10
11: FC Dynamo 10 1 8 1 13 47 4

*Really 8 as we had two phantom 0-0 draws....

All-English Final - Sweet F.A

Yesterday was the first night of the quarter-finals of the European Cup, or as it is now rebranded the Champions League. Even though, the old name seems to encapsulate the reality of the participants better than the new one. However that is a different path and the purpose of this posting is once more to hammer on the bolted door of the F.A.’s insane reasoning. Last night 3 English teams played, and can you guess how many players participated? Go on, it’s easy take 60 (4x15 names on the team sheet) and then subtract 8 because that is the sum total of English involvement, eight from sixty! Further add on the number of English coaches involved in this years’ competition - zero, and no wonder we didn’t qualify for Euro 2008.

There were seven Turks from only one Turkish team - half the night’s squad, eight from France even though there are no French sides left – five from Arsenal alone, or a third of their players and once more even though the only Spanish team plays tonight, there was still four players that can don the red national jersey.

It is a ludicrous situation that England continues to not grasp. The F.A. outs more into winning the right to host the world cup than grooming the players to actually win one! Wembley stadium accepts plaudits for its design, but not location, whilst the proposed English National School of Excellence remains nothing more than a fantasy on paper.

We are turning into Scotland, a third-rate international nation who are happy to accept qualification as the limit of their ambition, albeit that at the moment that is even beyond England. England have systematically failed, since well forever, so surely, even the most money-driven myopic Premier League accountant and smug big four fan must get that the current status does nothing for the advancement of the game. To continue to beat the drum about the genius of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, or the Champions League knack of Rafa Benetiz only helps to further drown what’s left of the national team. When a manager of an English team has more Ivoirians playing than English, something is rotten.

The top teams argue that they have to purchase from abroad because the skills are lacking amongst young English players, really? Well that is not helped when the big clubs recruit 16 year olds from just about anywhere, to join their academies. Combined with the laughable leadership from the Premier League (who continue to allow patently dangerous purchases by suspect businessmen, politicians and arms-dealers) and the ineptitude of the F.A. to control its out of control offspring, no wonder we have reached the nadir of not having two decent English strikers.

What seems to be forgotten in all of the back-slapping of a possible all English Champions League final, is viewing figures for big European nights or indeed league games are time and again thumped by numbers watching England struggle in European / World Championships. Doesn’t that give the game away the F.A.? More people regularly watch an uncompetitive England than excellent domestic teams, what does that indicate? Go on, it really is an easy answer…but please let’s get away from this notion of an all-English final, because it isn’t and until changes, real changes not cosmetic ones, are made an all-English final is nothing but a grossly mis-leading advertisement.

A few Summer Snaps

Whilst transferring a few photos from a memory card I stumbled on these photos that were taken at my flat whilst Neil was visiting last summer. If my memory serves me well, we had earlier been gorging ourselves at the Fukuya Beer Garden. To be honest not a lot of the night's activities can be recalled, although how Tim's attire could have been dislodged from one's mind is something that probably shouldn't be dwelt on for too long...

Neil (and Ray in the background!) This photo was taken at Jong-topia, our occasional mahjong parlour.

Also at Jong-topia, when a couple of newbies stopped by for a night's mahjong practice. Ray and Noda oversee interjecting with their sage-like thoughts.

From left to right: Ray, Neil & Kenyon. I seem to remember Ray taking a tanking, Kenyon huffing and puffing, me treading water and Neil running away with it...but I could be wrong...

A dedicated follower of fashion...notice even though totally gonked out, Tim steadfastly holds his half-can of beer upright! Not a drop was spilt...

The NEW DEH FC Shirt 2008-2009

It is here folks! After years of tight, minute negotiations next season(s) kit has arrived from the secret underground lair in rural Devon. First impressions are that it is very, very lightweight due to a) the ultra expensive Adidas climate control unicorn skin or b) it being a bit cheap. However, if the shirt holds together those humid Hiroshima summers will be a bit easier for those of us who are older and not quite in Olympian condition.

Anyway, Ladies, Gentlemen, Leeds & Stoke fans, without further protestation, here is the NEW kit....