Features
Sheffield FC are pleased to welcome on board Sam Cooper from Sheffield Hallam University, who will be contributing regular features to the club's website covering all aspects of football.
Make or Break Time Across the Leagues
Written by Sam Cooper
It’s that time of the season again, where commentators refer to goals as “that could be the goal,” where players know every match is crucial and where sports journalists make their predictions for the final standings.
The Student View is no exception and looking at the fixtures not only in the top-flight, but across the board, fans up and down the country are in for an enthralling end to the season.
Firstly, Sheffield FC themselves have it all to play for in their remaining nine league games, not to mention the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Semi-Final against Stavely on Wednesday week.
Club, currently sit second at the time of writing after picking up a creditable point at third-place Glapwell, but with just two points separating seven teams in and around the play-off spots, they know there is no margin for error.
Elsewhere in the Steel City, Sheffield Wednesday have seven league games remaining, one of which includes a rather mouth watering derby against cross-city rivals United on 18 April.
Whilst, the pride and bragging rights that goes with winning a derby is immeasurable, looking at both teams run in, the 124th Steel City derby could be about more than just getting one over the nearest rivals.
Wednesday face tough trips to QPR, Middlesbrough and Cardiff, as well as what could turn out to be a relegation decider on the final day at home to Paul Hart’s Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, United travel to league leaders Newcastle on Easter Monday, along with tough home games against Coventry and Swansea, before making the long trip to Ipswich on the final day.
In the Premier League, we look set for one of the tightest title races in the Premier League’s history. Chelsea’s dropped points at Blackburn means that Manchester United lead the way by a point, but both teams have exactly the same goal difference.
Saturday 3 April sees the two teams meet at Old Trafford in what is, unquestionably, the biggest game of the season. United also face a local derby against Manchester City who have had the better off Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in recent meetings.
Chelsea, meanwhile, take on both Tottenham and Liverpool away in their remaining seven games, two sides desperate to claim that fourth and final Champions League spot.
Whatever the twist and turns mean in this latter half of the season one thing is for certain and that is that football fans across the country are in for some true edge of the seats drama.
Cheating Captain or Red Hot Striker
Written by Sam Cooper
Whilst the rest of the sporting media focus on the sex lives of our now former national captain, John Terry, 'The Student View' would like to bring to your attention that we, as a country, have arguably the hottest striker on the planet at the minute.
This is a striker, who having returned to his favoured role, has certainly had his shooting boots on and what a time to find them with just four months to go until the 2010 World Cup.
A player who has just chalked up his 100th Premier League goal at the age of just 24 and amongst all of his goals this season has even managed to find time to introduce his new baby boy into the world.
Yes, it is of course, the unmistakable Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United striker has already, at the time of writing, netted 21 times in just 25 league games – four more than his nearest rival Didier Drogba.
But it’s not just Rooney’s goals which make him stand out. It’s his 50 yard sprint to win the ball back; it’s his unrivalled fitness levels; it’s his will to win, his work ethic and most of all it’s his all round passion for the game.
Critics may say that this passion has sometimes being expressed in the wrong way. Rooney’s last game at a major finals saw him shown a red card for a stamp on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho.
But the way this passion is exerted has changed. Think back to his thunderbolt against Newcastle back in April 2005. After a decision hadn’t gone in favour of the United striker he followed referee Neale Barry down the pitch before promptly finishing his protest to blast in a volley in from 20 yards.
His change of ways was further evident at Villa Park last Wednesday, when the former Everton man offered no protest against the sending off of Nani in United’s 1-1 draw with Martin O’Neil’s side.
Whilst it is clearly too early to predict England’s chances in South Africa, it is also clear that Rooney has hit form just at the right time for his club and country.
The Student View
Written by Sam Cooper
Hi to all fans of the beautiful game.
I’d like to use my first column to introduce myself to you all and let you know what I’ll be up to.
During the Goole game, you may have seen a rather strange looking chap wondering around with a pad of paper and a pen – that’s me! My name is Sam Cooper and I contacted the club with regards to doing some media work, match reports, interviews etc. I am currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University for a degree in Sport, Culture & Society (cue the” taxdodger” comments) with the hope of being a sports reporter/commentator/journalist. I’ve also worked at BBC Radio Sheffield as part of the sports team, as well as at Sheffield Star.
I must say what an absolute privilege it is to write for such a prestigious club. I came down to the Coach & Horses with my dad, who is an assessor, earlier in the season and fell in the love with the place. The history, the tradition, the sense of community and friendliness around the ground is second to none.
Anyway, I hope to be writing regular articles about my view on the key sporting events of the week and welcome all feedback or comments that you may have. I also hope to be speaking to some of you fans because, to me, that is where true stories lie. The stories of being at a game on a cold Tuesday night in February when it’s -10C and you can’t feel your toes. Or the stories of gamse with six red cards, fourteen penalties and only one linesman!
If you do have any stories you’d wish to share with me then do not hesitate to get in touch with the club and I’ll do my best to speak with you.
Finally, I’d just like to thank Guy, Lee, Ian and the rest of the team for this opportunity and wish Club all the best for the rest of this season.
