Dan's Sport Roundup

Danny is our resident sports nut! As well as being an avid Tottenham fan Danny also enjoys watching a wide range of other sports and regularly plays powerchair football - an emerging sport for power wheelchair users. Here he will give his opinions on the weeks sporting events and let us know what to look out for in the coming sporting week!

Wed_01st_Feb_06

Why do Spurs send their fans on a emotional rollercoaster!? I ask this question after the 1-0 defeat at Fulham. This means we have taken 1 point from the last 3 games. While I always thought a finish in the top 4 was unlikely, the longer the possibility remains, the more hopeful I become. Recent results suggest we are going to throw away this wonderful opportunity! Without Mido we were toothless. Instead of 2 midfielders, I would have brought in another striker before the transfer window shut. Rasiak was diabolical and is way out of his depth. I would like to thank Michael Brown for his service to Tottenham and wish him the best for the future. I was very sorry to see him leave.

The most high profile move in the window was Robbie Fowler going back to Liverpool. I think this will be a good signing because "God" as he is known as by Liverpool supporters is still one of the most natural finishers in this country. I believe tat Theo Walcott might have made a big mistake by joining Arsenal. It has been proven with the likes of Francis Jeffers and Jermaine Pennant that Arsene Wenger does not give young English players a fair crack of the whip. The most surprising move sees Brentford’s F.A. Cup hero DJ Campbell go to Birmingham. This completes a meteoric rise for a player who was only last year playing for non-league Yeading. Although he is raw, Campbell looks to have the potential to become a good player.

My Cup predictions may not have been correct but both Reading and Coventry managed to get a replay. Orient were very unlucky to lose to a last minute goal. In the second half, the underdogs matched there illustrious colleagues and deserved at least a replay. The 5th round gives Liverpool an early chance to revenge the recent league defeat when they host Manchester United. High flying League One side Colchester reward for beating Derby is a dream tie away to either Chelsea or Everton. All ties takes place on the weekend of the 17th of February.

In other sport, Roger Federer won the Australian Open by beating unknown Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in four sets. I was very impressed by Baghdatis, who for the first two sets matched Swiss superstar shot for shot. In my opinion, the Cypriot has the ability and the game to become a top 10 player sooner rather than later. In the women’s event, I feel that Amille Mauresmo’s victory was a bit hollow as Justine Heine-Hardenne had to retire ill. In A1 Racing, a pit-stop blunder cost Robbie Kerr at least a podium finish, if not a victory in South Africa.

In this week’s sport, Rugby Union sees the start of the Six Nations Championship. I hope England can put Wales in there place after the Grand Slam victory. This competition will be a indication of England chances of retaining the World Cup in 2007. Snooker sees the first ranking event take place in Malta. With only 3 ranking events, a good run is vital for players who want to either get into or stay in the top 16. Jimmy White needs to go far in tournament as he is 21st in the world. If he does drop out of the top 16, he will have to qualify for ranking events next season for the first time in his long career.

My final thoughts concern this weekends Premiership games. I hope Arsenal continue there poor away form when they visit Birmingham. Liverpool face the ultimate test away to Chelsea. They will be looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat earlier this season. A win for Liverpool would not only do them a power of good but also give the rest of the Premiership a shot in the arm. I implore Martin Jol to play Keane and Defoe up front this weekend. He must drop the useless Rasiak. The two small strikers can play together if we keep the ball on the floor.

I beg Spurs to get back to wining ways against Charlton!