www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Sun Oct 25 05:12:28 GMT+00:00 1998
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 24/10/98 ***
2. Report DERBY COUNTY 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 1
3. Derby-United Telly Report
4. Derby v Man United 24/10/98 3.00
5. Don't forget Cole, says Yorke
6. MEN Article on Goalscoring Giggs
7. Wes Starts Again (PA)
8. Giggsy Set For Greatness (Mirror)
9. Wes Brown (Mirror)
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Sun 25th October:
25/10/1932: Harry Gregg born in County Derry. Gregg cost £25,000 from Doncaster Rovers
and made his debut against Leicester City in December 1957. He was one of the heroes
of the Munich Air Disaster and played in the 1958 FA Cup Final. The Ulsterman played
247 times in goal for the Reds between 1957-1966, and took part in the 1958 World
Cup Finals in Sweden with Northern Ireland with whom he won 25 caps. Gregg
moved to Stoke City in December 1966, later managing Shrewsbury Town, Swansea
Town, Crewe Alexandra and Carlisle United.
25/10/1997: United thrash Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford in a Premiership game watched by
55,142. Andy Cole 3, Ryan Giggs 2, Paul Scholes and Karel Poborksy scored the
goals. Team was: Schmeichel, Curtis, G.Neville, P.Neville, Scholes (Cruyff),
Pallister (Wallwork), Beckham, Butt, Cole, Solskjaer (Poborsky), Giggs.
************
Barry Daily Comment:
We made a draw today but after 11 goals in 2 matches we should
all be happy. Jordi on the score sheet!
Brondby personal match report final part 3/3 tomorrow.
************
Next 4 games:
Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
Wed 28/10 Bury (H) LC (Worthington Cup)
Sat 31/10 Everton (A) PL
Wed 4/11 Brondby (H) CL 19.45
Sun 8/11 Newcastle (H) PL
Wed 11/11 L.Cup 4th round?
Sat 14/11 Blackburn (H) PL
UNITED Stats v Derby are here:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/vseverton.htm
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
Champions league: 21/10
Brondby 2-6 Man Utd
Bayern 1-0 Barcelona
Table as at 21/10:
GROUP D P W D L GF GA Pts
ManUnited 3 1 2 0 11 7 5 Next "CL" Match
BMünchen 3 1 1 1 4 5 4 Man Utd v Brondby OT 4/11
Barcelona 3 1 1 1 5 4 4
Brøndby 3 1 0 2 2 9 3
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
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Subject: *** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 24/10/98 ***
Aston Villa 1-1 Leicester City 39,241
Charlton Athletic 4-2 West Ham United 20,043
Derby County 1-1 Manchester United 30,867
Liverpool 5-1 Nottingham Forest 44,595
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Everton 26,592
Southampton 2-1 Coventry City 15,152
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Newcastle United 36,047
Wimbledon 2-2 Middlesbrough 14,114
*** FULL LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 24/10/98 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Aston Villa 10 4 1 0 8 2 2 3 0 3 1 8 22
2 Manchester United 9 4 1 0 15 4 1 2 1 4 4 11 18
3 Liverpool 10 2 3 0 11 5 2 1 2 7 6 7 16
4 Middlesbrough 10 2 3 0 9 4 2 1 2 7 7 5 16
5 Chelsea 8 3 2 0 7 3 1 1 1 6 6 4 15
6 Arsenal 9 3 2 0 9 2 0 3 1 1 2 6 14
7 Newcastle United 10 3 1 1 9 5 1 1 3 6 8 2 14
8 Tottenham Hotspur 10 2 1 2 7 10 2 1 2 5 6 -4 14
9 Charlton Athletic 10 2 1 1 11 5 1 3 2 6 9 3 13
10 Derby County 10 2 2 1 4 2 1 2 2 4 5 1 13
11 Leicester City 10 2 2 1 6 4 1 2 2 4 6 0 13
12 West Ham United 10 2 2 1 6 5 1 2 2 3 7 -3 13
13 Wimbledon 10 2 2 1 9 7 1 2 2 6 11 -3 13
14 Leeds United 9 2 1 1 4 1 0 5 0 5 5 3 12
15 Everton 10 0 4 1 0 1 2 2 1 6 5 0 12
16 Sheffield Wednesday 10 2 1 2 4 2 1 0 4 4 8 -2 10
17 Blackburn Rovers 9 2 1 1 7 4 0 1 4 2 8 -3 8
18 Coventry City 10 2 1 2 5 8 0 1 4 2 8 -9 8
19 Nottingham Forest 10 1 2 2 2 4 1 0 4 5 12 -9 8
20 Southampton 10 1 1 3 5 9 0 1 4 1 14 -17 5
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Subject: 365 Report DERBY COUNTY 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Jordi Cruyff continued his Old Trafford renaissance
when he came off the substitutes' bench to snatch
a point. Lacklustre United were heading towards a
surprise defeat at Pride Park after Deon Burton
gave Derby a 74th minute lead. But United boss
Alex Ferguson went for broke when he sent on
Cruyff along with Jesper Blomqvist and Paul Scholes
in a triple substitution nine minutes from time and
the switch paid off.
Cruyff had been on the pitch for only four minutes
when he shot past Russell Hoult and into the far
corner to haul United level. The goal was the
Dutchman's second of the month and further
evidence of his return to form after a nightmare run
of injuries and loss of form. After United had put
Wimbledon and Brondby to the sword in such
spectacular fashion in their last two games, Derby
were expected to come like Rams to the slaughter.
Ferguson's men had banged in 11 goals in those
two wins, while Derby had lost their last three on
the bounce. Manager Jim Smith responded by
handing Burton his first start of the campaign, while
skipper Igor Stimac returned to bolster their shaky
defence.
But Derby have been far from soft touches for
United in the last couple of seasons, having now lost
only once in their last five meetings. With David
Beckham and Nicky Butt back after suspension,
Ferguson had almost a full hand to pick from.
Kick-off was delayed 15 minutes because of traffic
congestion and when the game did start, Stefan
Schnoor blundered to present Dwight Yorke with a
second-minute chance, but the German recovered
to deflect the striker's shot away for a corner.
Schnoor was then booked for a foul on Beckham on
the halfway line on ten minutes, although the
England midfielder was booed by the home fans
who felt he had dived.
Derby threatened for the first time in the 20th
minute and Sturridge had a shot deflected wide
before Stimac went close from the resultant corner.
The impressive Wes Brown fired narrowly over the
bar from 20 yards before Butt also went close, but
Derby ended the first half on top, Schnoor blazing
over when he should have done better.
United were feeling the pressure and Cole was
booked for not retreating at a free-kick 25 yards
out and he might have been sent off when he
obstructed Sturridge outside the box. Tony Dorigo
made his Derby debut when he replaced the injured
Jacob Laursen at half-time and the signing from
Torino quickly made an impression on the game
with his crosses from the left. Paulo Wanchope
headed into Peter Schmeichel's arms from one
delivery and, from another teasing ball, the Costa
Rican went down in the box claiming he had been
fouled.
A Burton shot was blocked by Brown and the
19-year-old came to United's aid again when he
blocked Wanchope's header at the back post.
Burton latched onto Schnoor's up and under and
fired just wide from the edge of the area with Gary
Neville furious he had not been given offside. Darryl
Powell won the ball just inside his own half and
went on a great run but, after playing a one-two
with Wanchope, he shot just across goal.
Just as United started to get back into the game,
Derby took the lead on 74 minutes that their play
had deserved. Dorigo back-heeled the ball to
Powell and he crossed for Burton to touch it past
Schmeichel into the far corner. United then brought
on Blomqvist, Cruyff and Scholes as they went for
broke - and it worked as Cruyff popped up with
three minutes left to secure what had looked like an
unlikely point for the Ferguson's men.
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From: Terry Dale
Subject: Derby-United Telly Report
They showed the Dor-bee - United game as a recording, unbeknowns to me
till I tuned in half way through the first half. So I haven't got a clue
what happened in the first 20 minutes. This could be a blessing in
disguise as the rest of the half was not exactly scintillating sexy
football. The weather looked reasonable, sunshine and showers, while
Pride Park seems to be a fine stadium, a sort of mini Old Trafford, but
without the pin-stripe suits and Havana cigars.
A quick run through the team showed me that Butt was in and Blomqvist
was out ... in hindsight, not such a great move. Wes Brown had also
retained his place. At least, it looked like Wes Brown. From a distance
he could have been Jaap's twin brother; close up, he looked like
Ronaldo. And, just to make things really interesting, his hair (or
bristles) appeared to be orange. (Maybe I need a new TV.) During the
game I could almost make out a chant to the tune of 'Knees Up Mother
Brown', which I suppose was meant for Wes but I couldn't make out the
words. Anyone know them?
Wes didn't do as well today as he's done in his previous outings. He got
a bit of a roasting from Wanchope (out-tricked occasionally) and from
Sturridge (out-run occasionally), but he gave a pleasing enough
performance for his age and experience and should stay put for Bury in
the Worth-nothing Cup, though I'd be surprised if Fergie extended his
run into the next PL game. The kid deserves a rest. I think we may now
see Ronny back alongside Jaap with Gazz.. (sorry) Gary Neville shifting
back out right.
We seemed to be suffering from our now traditional post-Euro lethargy.
But Becks, as usual, was interested and made some intelligent through
passes. Of course, he got a few boos from the Dor-bee herd but it all
sounded a bit forced as if the yobs are just going through the motions
of 'hating' him. In fact, this hate thing all seems a bit ridiculous
now, given some of the events that have occurred since, like the
sending-off and subsequent misbeviour of Big Time Charlie Ince in Sweden
and Di Canio's warm Italian 'embrace' of the fragile Mr Allcott. Still,
the mob will have their pound of flesh and Becks can cope with this sort
of tame stuff.
While Becks was rushing around in customary fashion, Giggs didn't seem
to be too bothered at all by the afternoon's proceedings (not surprising
after all the recent press hype about him). Nor were Yorke and Cole in
telepathic mode as they struggled to link up with each other. Butt
looked to be a yard off the pace and perhaps should have been given a
reserve game or two before being sent straight back into the first team.
Jaap was as dependable as ever. I love the way he isn't just a 'stopper'
but always tries to play out an intelligent ball to the forwards and,
usually, he's deadly accurate. The two Nevilles also did their bit
without setting the stadium alight with any individualism, and Keano
again was rock solid.
Dor-bee weren't any better than we were and their play was also scrappy
at times, with the ball pinging around like on a pin ball machine and
no-one, with the possible exception of Becks, capable of controlling it
to make a telling pass. So that nice Mr Durkin ('Adolf' to his friends)
put us all out of our misery by ending the half. But not before he'd
exercised his right arm by giving Cole an unnecessary yellow card for
encroaching at a free kick.
There was an amusing start to the second-half as the TV audience over
here were treated to the sounds of the (Arab) commentator crashing into
the commentary booth three minutes late. I even think his wristwatch
alarm went off at some point during the half. Oh yes, you people who
actually go to the match think you get all the excitement, eh? Not at
all.
It appears Fergie may have thrown a tantrum or three during the break as
the lads came out with determination spread across their faces. Or was
it blood? (Fergie doesn't mince his words.) Whatever, we were treated to
a Giggs shot (just wide), a long-distance Butt effort (just wide), and a
near own goal (er, just wide) when a superb cross from Yorke was cut out
by a Dor-bee defender. Just when I was beginning to think we might get a
shot on target, Dor-bee scored. A cross came in from the left and Burton
stuck out a hopeful leg which, it seems, got the slightest of touches on
the ball and sent the ball into the net. I should mention at this point
that Burton, like Wes, also looks like Ronaldo. Is it me, or do all
young players now look like the toothy Brazilian? Are they having
plastic surgery or something? After the goal, the camera focused on
Fergie and, quite frankly, I was afraid to look in case he too was
starting to look like Ronaldo. I needn't have worried. It was Fergie all
right, his iron jaws mashing his gum to a helpless pulp while Kiddo sat
tight-lipped next to him looking a little constipated. They weren't
happy.
Time to take some drastic action, Fergie, and, no, I don't mean taking
out another piece of gum. So, he made three changes: G. Neville, Butty
and Giggs went off and Jordi, Jesper and Paul
'For-God's-sake-score-some-goals' Scholes came on. There was an instant
reaction as the pace of our attack dramatically increased with Jesper
and Jordi attacking down the wings and everyone else deciding they might
as well be bold as well. We pressed Dor-bee back and were rewarded on 84
minutes when Jordi slotted a nice low, left-footed shot into the net
after good play from Stam, Brown (I think) and Yorke, who made the final
pass.
At this pregant point, viewers here were treated to an ad for the
forthcoming Blackburn - Arsenal game and another ad for Nissan cars.
Great timing. I ground my teeth thinking we were going to miss United's
winner till it dawned on me that I was watching a recording and I
already knew the result. Anyway, when play resumed, United did indeed
almost score a winner. A superbly flighted cross from the right fell to
Yorke's head but he couldn't quite control it, mainly because Andy Cole
had put him off by leaping for the same ball just in front of him. I
mention this only because you may remember Andy's recent comment after
the Brondby euphoria that he and Yorke never get in each other's way.
Ahem, quite. It seems to be a fundamental law of press reporting that
whatever you say to the press today, the exact opposite will happen
tomorrow.
So the game ended 1-1. Not a bad result as Villa also drew, but I
suppose there is some cause for concern about our away form in the PL (4
games, 1 win, 4 goals scored), especially the fact that Yorke never
seems to do all that well when he's away from the comfort and wide-open
spaces of Old Trafford. Also, with all the power of hindsight, it seems
that Fergie should have put Jordi or Jesper (or both) on a bit sooner
than he did, or perhaps even started Jesper in place of Butty.
Certainly, the late arrival of those two had a significant effect on the
course of game.
And so I'm off out, wondering anxiously if there any more Ronaldos out
there.
___________
Terry
Saudi
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Subject: Derby v Man United 24/10/98 3.00
Derby (0) 1 Man United (0) 1 FT
Burton 74 Cruyff 86
David Beckham's unpopularity with the Derby fans plunged to a new low when Stefan Schnoor was
booked for a foul on the Manchester United midfielder in the FA Carling Premiership clash at
Pride Park.
The Derby faithful were convinced he had dived and booed him each time he touched the ball for
the remainder of the first half.
The fans saw little to excite them in the opening 45 minutes and the best thing that happened
was when it stopped raining.
Derby were given an extra 15 minutes to try to figure out how to stop rampant Manchester United
after the kick-off at Pride Park was delayed because of traffic congestion.
United have banged in 11 goals in their last two games, while Derby have lost their last three
matches. The Rams, though, went into the game boasting a record of just one defeat in their
last four league encounters with Alex Ferguson's men.
Derby captain Igor Stimac returned and Deon Burton made his first start of the campaign, while
Tony Dorigo was among the substitutes after joining from Torino. Beckham and Nicky Butt
returned after suspension and Paul Scholes and Jesper Blomqvist dropped down to the bench,
while Ryan Giggs shrugged off a reported hamstring injury to start.
Schnoor made a mistake on the greasy surface to present Dwight Yorke with a chance in the
second minute, but the German recovered to deflect the striker's shot away for a corner.
Dean Sturridge tried to weave his way into the United box only to run into Wes Brown, who won
the ball and cleared the danger.
Sturridge tried again against Brown on the left and this time he won a corner off the England
Under-21 international, but United cleared Lee Carsley's inswinger.
Schnoor's was the first name into the referee's book for a foul on Beckham on the halfway line
on 10 minutes. The England midfielder was booed by the home fans who felt he had dived.
Phil Neville played a corner short to Beckham who whipped a shot over the bar from an acute
angle.
United won a free-kick 25 yards out in front of goal for shirt-tugging by Jacob Laursen, but
Beckham shot into the wall before hitting the rebound wide.
Derby finally threatened the United goal and Sturridge saw a deflected shot drop just wide and
from the resultant corner Stimac headed past the post.
Laursen had to come off the pitch for a couple of minutes as he received treatment after
hurting his right ankle.
Butt eluded a sliding challenge from Paulo Wanchope to set up Wes Brown who fired a 20-yard
drive just over the bar.
Peter Schmeichel then dropped Wanchope's cross from the left, but United hacked the ball clear
before Derby could capitalise.
Butt was not far away with a shot which went just past the post on 36 minutes.
Schnoor should have done better four minutes later when Burton set him up eight yards out on
the left only for the defender to blaze over the bar.
Cole was booked for not retreating for a Derby free-kick 25 yards out from goal and when
Schnoor eventually took the set-piece he shot against the wall. Cole might have been sent off
when he obstructed Sturridge outside the box just before half-time.
Derby: Hoult, Schnoor, Powell, Stimac, Sturridge, Wanchope, Delap, Laursen (Dorigo, 46), Prior,
Carsley, Burton.
Subs not used: Poom, Carbonari, Elliot, Baiano.
Booked: Schnoor, Powell.
Man United: Schmeichel, G. Neville (Scholes, 81), Stam, Beckham, Butt (Blomqvist, 81), Cole,
Giggs (Cruyff, 81), P. Neville, Keane, Yorke, Brown.
Subs not used: Van Der Gouw, Berg.
Booked: Cole, G. Neville.
Attendance: 30,867.
Referee: P Durkin (Portland, Dorset).
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Subject: Don't forget Cole, says Yorke
Saturday, October 24, 1998
Dwight Yorke last night praised strike partner Andy Cole for having battled back
from the Old Trafford axe.
At Derby this afternoon, the Manchester United pair will be looking to continue
a devastating run that has brought seven goals in three games.
Yet Cole was forced to wait on the sidelines after Yorke joined United from
Aston Villa for £12.6million shortly after the start of the season.
Yorke said: 'Andy was top scorer here with 26 goals last season and was
unlucky to be out of the side. He doesn't get as much credit as he deserves.
People talk about his pace but he is more skilful and there is more to his game
than some seem to think.'
Cole has had to compete with Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but
seems to have sealed his place with five goals so far this season while Yorke
has picked up seven. Yorke added: 'Everybody is talking about Andy and me
but the fact is there is so much quality here. All these guys have been through
it before and know what it takes to win. It's a new feeling for me but I'm enjoying
every minute of it.'
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Subject: MEN Article on Goalscoring Giggs
HERO ACE GIGGS CLOSES ON GOALSCORING LEGEND LAW'S PROUD RECORD REPORT
BY PAUL HINCE
WING wizard Ryan Giggs is set to be crowned Manchester United's King of
Europe . . . as a goal-scorer.
The double strike against Brondby on Wednesday night has taken the goal
tally for the brilliant Welsh international in European Cup matches up to
nine to take him level with legendary George Best.
And Giggs - incredibly still only 25 - needs only five more Champions'
League goals to equal United's scoring record in the competition, held by
Denis Law.
``I had no idea I was level with George Best,'' admitted Giggs as he took a
break from signing copies of his new book ``Chasing Perfection'' at
Waterstone's book shop in Manchester city centre.
``To be even mentioned in the same breath as United legends like Best and
Denis Law is an honour in itself.''
Giggs is honest enough to admit that his Champions' League goal-tally
should already be in double figures after scorning a second half chance to
complete his hat-trick on Wednesday night.
``I think it was a bit of a misunderstanding between me and Paul Scholes,''
he says. ``But it would have been lovely to have come off with a hat-trick
under my belt.
``I took a bit of a knock in the first half and I knew that the boss was
going to bring me off later in the game.
``But even though I was expecting it, I was still disappointed when my
number came up. It is not too often that I have got myself in a position to
take the match-ball.''
Although manager Ferguson and his players could never have envisaged their
record-breaking away victory in the Champions' League, Giggs revealed that
the confidence of the Old Trafford team was at sky-high level when they
travelled to Copenhagen.
``The five goals we put past Wimbledon last Saturday did wonders for our
confidence,'' he adds. ``The best thing about Wednesday night's result is
that our Champions' League destiny is now in our own hands.''
IF they had their way United's internet fans would leave out England stars
Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes from the team to face Derby tomorrow.
The fans' team is: Schmeichel, G. Neville, Stam, Irwin, Brown, Beckham,
Keane, Blomqvist, Giggs, Cole and Yorke.
City supporters XI is: Weaver, Allsopp, Fenton, Tiatto, Wiekens, Mason,
Brown, Horlock, Dickov, Goater, Bradbury. Perhaps they didn't realise that
Pollock is available again after suspension. (Dave) Perhaps they have never
heard of him. The rest are all no-names
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Subject: Giggsy Set For Greatness (Mirror)
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN
Even his face is aerodynamic. High cheekbones frame eyes set deep and the
nose comes to a delicate point. Were the features designed in a wind-tunnel
they could not be better set. Ryan Giggs is indeed a remarkable specimen.
At 24 the Manchester United icon is firmly established in the pantheon of
Old Trafford greats.
His book, Chasing Perfection, may already be out of date judging by his
exquisite contribution in Copenhagen on Wednesday, including two goals
neither of which required the use of his left foot.
Giggs' credibility and status as a superstar of the modern game is
underpinned by a stack of medals - the like of which few can boast - the
respect of his peers at home and abroad, and queues at a Manchester book
store this week which trailed halfway down Deansgate.
His languid, balletic talent has assumed greater importance in the
post-Cantona period.
It was no coincidence that United's Championship challenge began to wane in
the six weeks he was absent last season. Roy Keane was missed but not as
badly as Giggs.
The role of talisman sits comfortably on shoulders slender yet strong. Seven
years at the cutting edge of the United dream factory have enhanced rather
than diminished what is essentially a sensitive soul. Giggs, despite the odd
hiccup, has grown into a fairly well-adjusted, balanced young man. He is
football's Millennium man.
Modesty forbids glowing self-appraisal and a guarded personality keeps his
inner-most thoughts locked deep. He is not wholly comfortable talking about
himself but he accepts his part of the role that fate has handed him.
"I'm aware of my importance to the supporters of United. I have a special
relationship with them. I grew up here from the age of seven. I'm a local
lad who knows what it is like to shout from the terraces," said Giggs.
"I'm a United fan. I watched the likes of Robson, Hughes and Whiteside from
the Stretford End. I know how much it hurts when the team loses. How much we
the players influence the mood in the town. That is a big responsibility.
And one I take seriously.
"I have always realised we have a responsibility to do well. Not just for
ourselves as players but for the people who pay their money week in week
out.
"It is an honour and a privilege to play for this club. I've never forgotten
about that."
Indeed not, evident by the serious hard labour endured for upwards of an
hour on Thursday afternoon signing books by the hundred.
Never once did he complain despite arriving home in the early hours and
reporting for training beforehand.
Book shops are not Giggs' natural habitat. That said, his second edition to
the burgeoning literary genre - sporting autobiographies - is a creditable
effort, beautifully presented and well written.
It does, however, have a major flaw. It fails to communicate his sense of
humour.
According to former team-mate Ben Thornley, now at Huddersfield, Giggs is
only a fez short of Tommy Cooper. "No-one believes me when I tell them this.
They think Ryan is super serious, but he's not," said Thornley.
"He's better than Tommy Cooper at keeping his face straight while delivering
a one-liner. He cracks everybody up in the dressing-room."
Giggs declined when asked to give an example for his repertoire, admitting
only that when the mickey-taking starts it does so with him.
Seven years on from his debut, Giggs is a rich man - a millionaire with
wealth enough to buy a pile in the country, top of the range Porsche and a
home for mum, Lynn, who remains a force in his life.
The same is not so of his father, who brought the family north 17 years ago
when he signed pro for Swinton Rugby League Club.
"I don't see much of my dad," said Giggs, eyes alert as if to forbid further
probing.
"He lives back in Wales. He is no longer a big part of my life."
Though Lynn played league baseball in Wales, it is his father from whom
Giggs inherited the major part of his athletic gifts - speed and balance.
In full flow he is one of the most awesome sights in world football. How
foolish the journalist from The Times must feel three years after putting
his name to an article explaining why Giggs would never be a great player.
For some he was never anything else.
"I remember his first game for Salford Boys Under-11s," said Thornley. "I
was only 10 and playing for the B team. Ryan had missed the trials so the
coach couldn't pick him for the A team. All he said was: 'this is Ryan he'll
be playing on the left wing today'."
The match was against Bootle, formidable even at 11 as teams from Merseyside
tend to be.
"Nobody fancied it," said Thornley. "They all seemed older and bigger than
us. I'm sure they had already started shaving.
"The A team got beat. We went on straight after fearing the worst. I don't
know why. We won 8-1. Ryan scored six. A double hat-trick on his debut. He
was all elbows and knees but even then it was obvious he was different
class."
Six years later Giggs achieved his life-long ambition when he pulled on the
cherry red shirt of United. The fortunes of both player and team have risen
inexorably since, with only the European Cup eluding their grasp.
Not for much longer if the display in Denmark is any guide. For Giggs, like
his manager Alex Ferguson, landing the Holy Grail is almost all that
matters.
"Money doesn't motivate me now. It used to when I was a teenager. As an
apprentice, the win bonuses made the difference. A big difference. Money
mattered then. But the more you earn, the less money motivates you, I find,"
explained Giggs in his book.
"Having more money has the opposite effect to winning more trophies. The
more trophies I win, the more I want to win trophies.
"I'm not like that with the money I've earned. Players today are on good
money to win games and be successful. But that doesn't mean that players try
harder when the cash rewards are increased. For me, it's not about the
money."
Should United secure the European Cup in the near future, the name Giggs
will merit mention alongside Law, Charlton and Best.
Not just a great, but a legend.
It is a fate his skills demand. And his nature, too. Giggs is hero material
from head to toe, a leader by example and deed. The one who can make a
difference.
Cantona was such a player and it is the Frenchman's mantle that Giggs is
beginning to assume.
A more fitting successor the King could not have.
"I have the chance to make history, to be remembered the same way as the
great players of Manchester United,'' added Giggs.
"Eric will always be remembered like that. If I can do the same at the end
of my career, I'll be happy."
And perfectly so, no doubt.
"Are you Against the BSkyB takeover? Please Read! Click on image!"
Subject: Wes Brown (Mirror)
WES JOINS THE OWEN GLORY TRAIL
By Steve Millar
Wes Brown was educated in the same soccer academy as England and Liverpool
sensation Michael Owen.
And now the 19-year-old Manchester United defender is being tipped to
graduate with a similar brilliant pass mark.
Brown, born in the Blue side of Manchester but nicked from underneath City's
noses, has impressed in the 11-goal battering of Wimbledon and Brondby.
Brown based his game on that of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. Bruce, now
boss of Sheffield United, said: "If he's saying he's modelled himself on me
I'm very pleased.
"I think the way he's been playing I should have modelled myself on him! We
all knew when we first saw Wes that he was an exciting talent. A natural. He
sticks out from the rest because of his stature.
"He is clearly a wonderful natural athlete. His temperament and composure
are superb.
"Wes is a footballer who can go on and play at any level. It's not going to
faze him. When you play at Old Trafford you know all about that.
"I was so impressed with him in the game against Brondby and my mates who
saw him play in the Wimbledon game told me that United had once more
discovered an unbelievable talent."
Another former Old Trafford colleague, Huddersfield's Ben Thornley, said:
"Wes is a quiet lad but when I saw him play for the first time in United's
reserves last season, I knew then that it wouldn't be long before he was
playing in the first team.
"He reminds so much of Paul McGrath. Nothing troubles him. He's quick, good
in the air and reads the game well."
Brown himself is delighted to have settled so quickly into the slip stream
of his pal Owen.
He tells Match magazine: "I was in the same age group at Lilleshall as
Michael for two years. His success hasn't been a surprise to anyone who
knows him.
"We always knew he would be top class and in the international team one day.
I am still learning but as a United fan I model myself on the likes of Gary
Pallister. Steve Bruce too. They are both top-class defenders. I am now
hungry for more experience."
"Are you Against the BSkyB takeover? Please Read! Click on image!"
Pic Link today is http://www.red11.org/mufc/imusa.htm
Barry
J. Leeming Digest Prgram
by 
William
McArthur Canada
