http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/ Robbie Savage Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Jose-Mourinho-of-Inter-Milan-must-be-the-next-Manchester-United-manager-plus-Phil-Brown-should-have-stayed-at-Hull-article359559.html Jose Mourinho is more than a manager. He is the man.I told you here last week that Real Madrid should move heaven and earth to make him their next boss, but after his triumphant return to Stamford Bridge I've got something even bigger in mind.There are persistent rumours linking Jose with Liverpool but I think he would be crazy to go there if Rafa Benitez goes. They need more than the four world-class players Fernando Torres is asking for and that makes it too big a rebuilding job with owners... Jose Mourinho is more than a manager. He is the man.I told you here last week that Real Madrid should move heaven and earth to make him their next boss, but after his triumphant return to Stamford Bridge I've got something even bigger in mind.There are persistent rumours linking Jose with Liverpool but I think he would be crazy to go there if Rafa Benitez goes. They need more than the four world-class players Fernando Torres is asking for and that makes it too big a rebuilding job with owners... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:30:54 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Jose-Mourinho-of-Inter-Milan-must-be-the-next-Manchester-United-manager-plus-Phil-Brown-should-have-stayed-at-Hull-article359559.html 2010-03-18T22:30:54Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-David-Beckham-injury-won-t-kill-England-s-World-Cup-hopes-but-Aaron-Lennon-absence-could-plus-Tottenham-s-Jermain-Defoe-is-a-brave-man-article359587.html I've got huge sympathy for David Beckham after the injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup finals.Becks worked so hard to get back into the England set-up and he's done brilliantly to stay there while playing in the equivalent of League Two football.But honestly, you'd think no-one had ever suffered an injury before by the amount of coverage his Achilles tendon has got.So far I've heard from four different physios and three doctors, read acres of paper coverage and watched hours of ne... I've got huge sympathy for David Beckham after the injury which has ruled him out of the World Cup finals.Becks worked so hard to get back into the England set-up and he's done brilliantly to stay there while playing in the equivalent of League Two football.But honestly, you'd think no-one had ever suffered an injury before by the amount of coverage his Achilles tendon has got.So far I've heard from four different physios and three doctors, read acres of paper coverage and watched hours of ne... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:29:01 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-David-Beckham-injury-won-t-kill-England-s-World-Cup-hopes-but-Aaron-Lennon-absence-could-plus-Tottenham-s-Jermain-Defoe-is-a-brave-man-article359587.html 2010-03-18T22:29:01Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Acupuncture-is-giving-me-the-needle-plus-check-out-pics-of-my-new-haircut-my-missus-and-my-cricket-box-article359617.html ROBBIE'S STORY OF THE WEEKHere's something you probably don't know about professional footballers - we use acupuncture.So this is a picture of me and my cricket box (in the slideshow above - ED) getting the needle this week as treatment on my groin strain.Those needles are about two inches long and they really hurt - so you get a bit nervous beforehand.Mind you, it's very cruel when you take your trousers down and get told: "Don't worry Robbie - it's only a little prick".**ROBBIE HATES... The... ROBBIE'S STORY OF THE WEEKHere's something you probably don't know about professional footballers - we use acupuncture.So this is a picture of me and my cricket box (in the slideshow above - ED) getting the needle this week as treatment on my groin strain.Those needles are about two inches long and they really hurt - so you get a bit nervous beforehand.Mind you, it's very cruel when you take your trousers down and get told: "Don't worry Robbie - it's only a little prick".**ROBBIE HATES... The... Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:28:04 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Acupuncture-is-giving-me-the-needle-plus-check-out-pics-of-my-new-haircut-my-missus-and-my-cricket-box-article359617.html 2010-03-18T22:28:04Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-How-Roberto-Mancini-tapped-me-up-as-Manchester-City-s-new-keeper-plus-Ian-Wright-is-wrong-about-son-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-article351849.html After a busy night on Wednesday, I woke up yesterday to the buzzing of text messages on my mobile.The first was from Craig Bellamy. “You've wasted your career,” it said. “You should have been a goalie.”The came one from Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, claiming I was now the sixth-best keeper in Wales.The third was from Roberto Mancini: “We need another goalkeeper at City, how are you fixed?”I don't want to unsettle Shay Given, so all I'll say to that one is that I'm unavailab... After a busy night on Wednesday, I woke up yesterday to the buzzing of text messages on my mobile.The first was from Craig Bellamy. “You've wasted your career,” it said. “You should have been a goalie.”The came one from Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, claiming I was now the sixth-best keeper in Wales.The third was from Roberto Mancini: “We need another goalkeeper at City, how are you fixed?”I don't want to unsettle Shay Given, so all I'll say to that one is that I'm unavailab... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:32:40 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-How-Roberto-Mancini-tapped-me-up-as-Manchester-City-s-new-keeper-plus-Ian-Wright-is-wrong-about-son-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-article351849.html 2010-03-11T22:32:40Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-David-Beckham-knew-exactly-what-he-was-doing-when-he-wore-that-green-and-gold-anti-Glazer-scarf-at-Manchester-United-plus-Jose-Mourinho-should-be-next-Real-Madrid-manager-article351815.html David Beckham would have to be very naïve not to know the meaning behind that green and gold scarf he wore at Old Trafford on Wednesday night – and Becks is not a naïve man.I played alongside him in Manchester United's youth team and there was no bigger United fan among us. He was obsessed with the club and I'm told he still is.So I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he wore the colours associated with the anti-Glazer campaign.None of the current United players could get away with ... David Beckham would have to be very naïve not to know the meaning behind that green and gold scarf he wore at Old Trafford on Wednesday night – and Becks is not a naïve man.I played alongside him in Manchester United's youth team and there was no bigger United fan among us. He was obsessed with the club and I'm told he still is.So I'm sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he wore the colours associated with the anti-Glazer campaign.None of the current United players could get away with ... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:31:34 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-David-Beckham-knew-exactly-what-he-was-doing-when-he-wore-that-green-and-gold-anti-Glazer-scarf-at-Manchester-United-plus-Jose-Mourinho-should-be-next-Real-Madrid-manager-article351815.html 2010-03-11T22:31:34Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-How-mum-almost-ruined-my-big-break-with-Manchester-United-and-there-s-something-fishy-about-my-wife-s-kipper-article351797.html I love my mum Val to bits... even though she almost cost me my big break.When I was a kid my dad managed our local youth club team, Bradley, and mum used to do the catering.I'd done well in one game, and afterwards mum was pouring tea for the parents when a spectator came up and asked if he could have a chat to the manager about one of the players.She told him dad was too busy to talk as he was getting all the dirty kit together ready to take home for washing.The guy looked a bit crestfallen ... I love my mum Val to bits... even though she almost cost me my big break.When I was a kid my dad managed our local youth club team, Bradley, and mum used to do the catering.I'd done well in one game, and afterwards mum was pouring tea for the parents when a spectator came up and asked if he could have a chat to the manager about one of the players.She told him dad was too busy to talk as he was getting all the dirty kit together ready to take home for washing.The guy looked a bit crestfallen ... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:30:04 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-How-mum-almost-ruined-my-big-break-with-Manchester-United-and-there-s-something-fishy-about-my-wife-s-kipper-article351797.html 2010-03-11T22:30:04Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-John-Toshack-is-trying-to-force-Manchester-City-s-Craig-Bellamy-out-of-Wales-like-he-did-to-me-plus-why-England-boss-Fabio-Capello-should-still-take-Arsenal-s-Theo-Walcott-to-the-World-Cup-article344083.html John Toshack prodded me into quitting Wales and now I fear he's doing the same  to Craig Bellamy.Despite being our country's captain, Bellers wasn't picked to face Sweden on Wednesday although my understanding is that he was available to play. The 1-0 defeat showed what a mistake that was.Craig  is a world-class player, probably one of the three best performers in the Premier League this season. His goals against Chelsea on Saturday were magnificentHe has had his injury problems for Wales, bu... John Toshack prodded me into quitting Wales and now I fear he's doing the same  to Craig Bellamy.Despite being our country's captain, Bellers wasn't picked to face Sweden on Wednesday although my understanding is that he was available to play. The 1-0 defeat showed what a mistake that was.Craig  is a world-class player, probably one of the three best performers in the Premier League this season. His goals against Chelsea on Saturday were magnificentHe has had his injury problems for Wales, bu... Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:02:35 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-John-Toshack-is-trying-to-force-Manchester-City-s-Craig-Bellamy-out-of-Wales-like-he-did-to-me-plus-why-England-boss-Fabio-Capello-should-still-take-Arsenal-s-Theo-Walcott-to-the-World-Cup-article344083.html 2010-03-04T23:02:35Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Why-you-can-t-blame-Ryan-Shawcross-or-Stoke-s-Tony-Pulis-for-Arsenal-kid-Aaron-Ramsey-s-injury-plus-my-hard-shoulder-hell-and-why-the-FA-can-t-punish-Swansea-s-Gorka-Pintado-for-his-horror-challenge-on-me-article344081.html Aaron Ramsey is the most promising Welsh talent since Ryan Giggs and I was sickened by the Arsenal kid's injury at Stoke on Saturday.But I'm sure there was no malice in Ryan Shawcross' challenge – certainly not the same intent as there was when Swansea's Gorka Pintado launched into me a couple of weeks ago or when Watford's Al Bangura broke my leg three years ago.And I definitely don't believe this sad incident is any kind of indictment of the way Stoke play – or that Arsena's unfortunate cro... Aaron Ramsey is the most promising Welsh talent since Ryan Giggs and I was sickened by the Arsenal kid's injury at Stoke on Saturday.But I'm sure there was no malice in Ryan Shawcross' challenge – certainly not the same intent as there was when Swansea's Gorka Pintado launched into me a couple of weeks ago or when Watford's Al Bangura broke my leg three years ago.And I definitely don't believe this sad incident is any kind of indictment of the way Stoke play – or that Arsena's unfortunate cro... Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:01:57 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Why-you-can-t-blame-Ryan-Shawcross-or-Stoke-s-Tony-Pulis-for-Arsenal-kid-Aaron-Ramsey-s-injury-plus-my-hard-shoulder-hell-and-why-the-FA-can-t-punish-Swansea-s-Gorka-Pintado-for-his-horror-challenge-on-me-article344081.html 2010-03-04T23:01:57Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-My-wife-Sarah-thinks-Welsh-rugby-team-wear-green-socks-so-they-look-like-leeks-plus-why-I-love-Fiona-Phillips-and-hate-losing-at-go-karting-article344079.html ROBBIE'S STORIES OF THE WEEKI don't know where to start with my lovely wife Sarah this week.We watched Wales v France together last Friday night and when Alexis Palisson went over to score the visitors' opening try, she said, “that number 11 is a handsome guy... and, do you know, he looks French.”Later Sarah noticed Wales were wearing green socks and asked: “Is that to make them look like leeks?” I've never seen a red, white and green leek, but perhaps I've not been paying enough attention.We... ROBBIE'S STORIES OF THE WEEKI don't know where to start with my lovely wife Sarah this week.We watched Wales v France together last Friday night and when Alexis Palisson went over to score the visitors' opening try, she said, “that number 11 is a handsome guy... and, do you know, he looks French.”Later Sarah noticed Wales were wearing green socks and asked: “Is that to make them look like leeks?” I've never seen a red, white and green leek, but perhaps I've not been paying enough attention.We... Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:00:39 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-My-wife-Sarah-thinks-Welsh-rugby-team-wear-green-socks-so-they-look-like-leeks-plus-why-I-love-Fiona-Phillips-and-hate-losing-at-go-karting-article344079.html 2010-03-04T23:00:39Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-A-three-match-ban-is-not-enough-for-what-Swansea-s-Gorka-Pintado-did-to-me-plus-Aston-Villa-players-will-find-out-on-Sunday-why-the-Carling-Cup-must-never-be-scrapped-article335709.html I could have been writing this from hospital, my career over.I know that if I hadn't spotted Swansea's Gorka Pintado coming last Saturday and adjusted just in time to his horrendous foul, he would have broken my leg and finished me as a professional footballer.That's why I believe that the FA must start looking at extending the normal three-match ban for violent conduct when the circumstances are extreme.Only Pintado knows his intentions, but I saw a 14-stone raging bull launch himself at me,... I could have been writing this from hospital, my career over.I know that if I hadn't spotted Swansea's Gorka Pintado coming last Saturday and adjusted just in time to his horrendous foul, he would have broken my leg and finished me as a professional footballer.That's why I believe that the FA must start looking at extending the normal three-match ban for violent conduct when the circumstances are extreme.Only Pintado knows his intentions, but I saw a 14-stone raging bull launch himself at me,... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:58:36 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-A-three-match-ban-is-not-enough-for-what-Swansea-s-Gorka-Pintado-did-to-me-plus-Aston-Villa-players-will-find-out-on-Sunday-why-the-Carling-Cup-must-never-be-scrapped-article335709.html 2010-02-25T23:58:36Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Manchester-City-s-Wayne-Bridge-deserves-so-much-credit-for-quitting-England-Fulham-s-Bobby-Zamora-has-earned-a-call-up-from-Fabio-Capello-and-Neil-Warnock-is-the-Robbie-Savage-of-managers-article335695.html Wayne Bridge has come out of this whole John Terry mess with a lot of credit.It's a hell of a thing to give up playing for your country. - I know because I've done it.But it must be even worse to give up playing in what would probably have been Wayne's final World Cup - a World Cup he must know England have every chance of winning.It gives you an insight into just how much he must have been damaged by Terry's alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel. He must be heartbroken and so low.Now Wayne h... Wayne Bridge has come out of this whole John Terry mess with a lot of credit.It's a hell of a thing to give up playing for your country. - I know because I've done it.But it must be even worse to give up playing in what would probably have been Wayne's final World Cup - a World Cup he must know England have every chance of winning.It gives you an insight into just how much he must have been damaged by Terry's alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel. He must be heartbroken and so low.Now Wayne h... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:57:42 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Manchester-City-s-Wayne-Bridge-deserves-so-much-credit-for-quitting-England-Fulham-s-Bobby-Zamora-has-earned-a-call-up-from-Fabio-Capello-and-Neil-Warnock-is-the-Robbie-Savage-of-managers-article335695.html 2010-02-25T23:57:42Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Guess-who-is-Derby-s-new-go-kart-champion-my-wife-Sarah-s-got-the-cream-how-Paul-Green-s-coaching-badge-went-wrong-and-how-my-underpants-surprised-a-woman-article335691.html Modesty prevents me from telling you the identity of Derby County's new go-karting champion.But, as I told my gutted team-mates, "Don't feel too bad... it's all those years of experience I've had driving Lamborghinis and Ferraris".The karts were brilliant, and we were tearing around at speeds of up to 50mph on our team bonding session.But there was one scary moment when someone bumped me from behind at a hairpin and put me into the tyres at 30mph.When I got out of the kart a bit shaken, all I... Modesty prevents me from telling you the identity of Derby County's new go-karting champion.But, as I told my gutted team-mates, "Don't feel too bad... it's all those years of experience I've had driving Lamborghinis and Ferraris".The karts were brilliant, and we were tearing around at speeds of up to 50mph on our team bonding session.But there was one scary moment when someone bumped me from behind at a hairpin and put me into the tyres at 30mph.When I got out of the kart a bit shaken, all I... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:56:21 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/robbie-savage/Robbie-Savage-column-Guess-who-is-Derby-s-new-go-kart-champion-my-wife-Sarah-s-got-the-cream-how-Paul-Green-s-coaching-badge-went-wrong-and-how-my-underpants-surprised-a-woman-article335691.html 2010-02-25T23:56:21Z true