Murray v Djokovic The Wimbledon Showdown

 Off court friends, on court foes.

'Ssake, ye cannae put the roof up, It's nae even dark!? '

Here we are, number 1 seed Novak Djokovic versus number 2 seed Andy Murray at 2 o'clock on centre court, Wimbledon. The two 26 year old's, Murray 7 days older, battling it out for the £1.6 million winner's prize money and a large shiny gold trophy.

Statistically speaking, Djokovic is superior to Murray winning 11 out of the 18 matches played between the two. Having accumulated almost double the career earnings of £33.7 million and winning six majors to Murray's one. On paper Novak is favourite.

However, any previous stats can go out the window. This is a unpredictable grass surface and a predictably supportive home crowd for Andy. No doubt there will be a star studded audience of A-listers suited and booted to support one of GB's genuine world class sportsman. This kind of inspiration could give Murray the edge and the mental boost when the chips are down.

Lads on tour

Momentum is key. It's as simple as that. Both men are technically brilliant, sharing a similar two-handed backhand and a booming first serve. The final will be won and lost by the player who can provide the smallest number of unforced errors. Obvious as this seems, but the pressure and tension on court needs to be channelled into accurate solid shots. Novak is known as 'the Iceman', having won every grand slam bar Rolande Garros and in 2011 winning 10 Tour events including 3 grand-slams.

Murray still has his own style of managing his performances on court, vocally and loudly berating himself when playing poorly.
The real turning point was Murray winning gold at Wimbledon at the London 2012 Olympics and The U.S Open. Gaining mass British support and conquering his final playing demons, has created a strong and confident Murray. Something he was lacking in previous years, having been the 'nearly man' of tennis. There is a noticeable swagger to his game now and it is a new positive attribute that has been formed by winning the big matches.

In the semi finals Murray defeated  Janowicz and Djokovic beat Del Potro in  one of the  most entertaining  grass court matches of all time.

This is the first year that Murray has not been labelled as the under-dog (regardless of Federer and Nadal  both exiting early on) and this kind of expectation seems to suit his methodical approach and composure. Physically, Andy Murray has transformed into a fantastic athlete providing him with the tools to reach shots previously out of sight.
Djokovic moves like no other tennis player, his footwork and suppleness around the court seem superhuman at times and making the impossible look easy. Both players are truly two of the best returners around, making for a potential five set whirlwind final.

Wimbledon 2013

This final is guaranteed to be a howitzer regardless of the outcome. I'm not going to predict or speculate on who will be victorious. But, I have no doubt that it will be a classic, hopefully ending the 77 year old wait for a British Men's Wimbledon Champion.



'Mon Murray!

1st Test Pre-Roar Australia v Lions

BOD breaking the line against Australia in 2001. Can he do it again?

Saturday is the first test between Australia and The British & Irish Lions. I'm going to go through the Lions selection for this match and see what is what.

2. Tom Youngs-England-Hooker

Youngs is picked at hooker. For his dynamism at the breakdown, solid lineout throwing and scrummaging. The former centre could really show the rugby world what he has in the locker

1. Alex Corbisiero-England-Prop

3.Adam Jones-Wales-Prop

Jones is one of the strongest tightheads around and his consistency and experience had almost guaranteed test selection before the initial squad selection was announced.

Corbisiero is starting because he is a beast in the scrum. Personally, I don't think he has earned his jersey but Gatland (the ex-front row) thinks the test match will be won or lost in the scrummaging.

4. Alun Wyn Jones-Wales-Second Row

5. Paul O'Connell-Ireland-Second Row

Mr Consistent in Wyn Jones and Mr Experience in O'Connell. The Welsh lock has been one of the most underrated players in British rugby for years. He does the basics exceptionally well and makes playing second row look easy. O'Connell is one of the unofficial captains in this squad. British & Irish Lions experience and a gladiatorial presence about him, the 2009 Lions captain is powerful and inspirational in equal measures.

6. Sam Warburton-Wales-Captain-Blindside Flanker

7. Tom Croft-England-Openside Flanker

Warburton is the series captain and a turnover specialist. I'm still not sure if he is the best current back row number six, however the management have faith in his leadership and ability to disrupt the Australian's quick ball. Tom Croft has performed well on tour and his elusive running and speed around the pitch are qualities essential to the Lions game plan.

8. Jamie Heaslip-Ireland-Number 8

Heaslip on his day is a word class line breaking off-loader. I have had doubts over his form after his recent injuries, however he has the footballing ability on the rugby field to prove me wrong and dominate with ball in hand.

9 .Mike Phillips-Wales-Scrum-Half

10. Jonathan Sexton-Ireland-Stand Off

The scrum half position is where I genuinely believe the first test will be won. Phillips is the physical 'extra forward' scrum half, while Will Genia for Australia is a lightening quick passer and a spectacular broken field runner. It will be fascinating to witness the contrasting number 9's performances.
Sexton starts at much debated fly-half. Stronger all round game compared to Farrell, with more experience and defensively more effective too. His distribution is key and BOD will be combining with Sexton vocally to get the forwards running lines and creating holes on Saturday,

12. Jonathan Davies-Wales-Inside Centre

13. Brian O'Driscoll-Ireland-Outside Centre

Davies has shown world rugby that he has a brilliant all-round game. He can kick, pass and tackle with the best of them. But where his ultimate strength lies is his support running and off-loading. Alongside O'Driscoll, Davies could be remembered as a Lions great. BOD may not have the same pace any more, however he still has world class vision and skill to change a game in a split second.

11. Alex Cuthbert-Wales-Wing

14. George North-Wales-Wing

15. Leigh Halfpenny-Wales-Fullback

The Welsh back three trio of Cuthbert, North and Halfpenny ran riot at this year's Six Nations and this combination is proven at test level. Cuthbert has had an excellent try scoring tour and deservedly starts the first test match. Giant George North has only just overcome fitness fears and if he plays to his potential he could cause serious damage to the Australian's defensive line. A physical beast. Last but not least is Leigh Halfpenny. His metronomic style goal kicking is one thing, but he possesses world class tackling technique and razor sharp covering from deep. He'll be a match winner for the Lions if the first match is scrappy with penalties a plenty.

The Bench Warmers

Dan Cole

Richard Hibbard

Ben Youngs

Geoff Parling

Mako Vunipola

Owen Farrell

Sean Maitland

There is a pretty obvious selection policy from the Lions management. Big, strong, physical players. Combined with experience and proven ability at the very highest level. Hence why players like Toby Faletau, Stuart Hogg, Justin Tipuric and Richie Gray didn't make the squad. It is no coincidence that these players were given the most game time prior to this first test to prove themselves of a starting place. A few players were sold out in the last match (Hogg being played at 10 against International test standard players). The team selected had neither the structure or leadership to handle the step up against the high flying Brumbies.

As a Scotsman, one player on the bench is disappointing. But the management have their favoured players and those who they have trained and working with before. Which is no coincidence that there are no Scottish coaches on tour. The mind boggles...

I think the score will be tight and there will be single figure points in the 1st test...

Australia 24-18 British & Irish Lions

The Pie Sports News Premier League Alternative Awards

Suarez modelling his Pie Sports trophy

It's pretty much the end of the English Premier League season and the awards have been dished out for writer's/player's/young player of the season. Gareth Bale aka the Chimp-man aka Bale-zilla, has been the stand out player combining super charged speed with razor sharp dribbling and powerful accurate shooting.

Bale's Spurs medical

Overseas transfer of the Year

1. Michu- Rayo Vallecano to Swansea City
2. Jan Vertonghen- Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur
3. Christian Benteke- Genk to Aston Villa

Benteke came to Villa as  a fairly unknown Belgian striker. However a string of goalscoring cameos has rocketed his market value and reputation to the top of the Premier League food chain. As a young, strong, fast, agile and skillful striker Benteke would have been close to winning this award if Aston Villa were not flirting so close with relegation.
Vertonghen has given finally given Spurs a real classy centre back replacing (when fit) Ledley King. Composed and with two good feet, he adds an extra goalscoring element to Tottenham team who are on the verge of Champion League football for next season.
Michu is my winner for Overseas Transfer of the Year. The converted attacking midfielder was signed for just £2.5million and not many would have tipped him for doing anything of substance at the Liberty Stadium. But Michael Laudrup's knowledge of Spanish football was astute enough to sign Michu and play him as a forward. A lethal left foot and cultured all round game has turned 22 goal Michu in to one of the deadliest goalscorers in the Premier League right now. Many feared for Swansea this year with 'second season syndrome' after losing some key players, but with a solid season and a League Cup Trophy win, Michu has been the instigator for all things positive and my winner.



Worst Attitude Award

Jose Bosingwa once hailed as one of the finest right backs in world football has certainly fallen from grace. A woeful season from QPR is one thing. But for a number of players who are quite happy to receive outrageously high pay-packets, Bosingwa is the worst. After being relegated from the PL, Jose was seen having a bit of a laugh down the tunnel as players like Clint Hill were in tears on the pitch. Bosingwa is pretty much the epitome of what is wrong with the modern game. Disgraceful.

NEXT...

David Brent Managerial Award

This quiz is genuinely difficult to determine whether It was the fictional tragic boss David Brent or the factual tragic boss Brendan Rodgers...

Wernham Hogg or Anfield?

The above quiz is tough. Brendan Rogers is a modern day Brent, but I don't want to watch re-runs of his interviews on Sunday night.

Best Extra-Curricular Activity Award

Andrey Arshavin

Absolutely nothing creepy about this and completely normal.


The Phil Jones Award for The Greatest Footballing Face in History

ERMAGHERD!

Beautiful man

I love Phil Jones. He is a gifted defender and a very hard working individual, who also has the best game-face in football.

That is the first instalment of Pie Sports News awards, there will be some more of the same and probably a bit more of a analytical and serious look at the up coming awards.

Part 2 Coming Soon...

The Wonder Years: 1996

There is nothing like re-living the glory years and a bit of sporting nostalgia. 96 was the year that I remember properly getting into sport and this is a tribute to some awesome moments.

There was a young black golfer who turned professional after dominating the amateur scene for three years. There had never been an athlete come in and shake up the the complexion of a sport quite like Tiger Woods. With a supreme all round game and monstrous driving off the tee, with the physical attributes and ice cold mentality to match, the golfing world was his for the taking.

This was his first PGA tour event and Tiger hits a hole in one. From this moment in 1996, Woods' career went from promising to stratospheric. 

Regardless of what has happened recently with his Lothario like lifestyle and change in coaches and form. Nobody can argue that Tiger Woods transformed the game and image of modern day golf. 

I mean, this is a historic point in time where fat Americans hadn't thought of shouting; ' It's in the hole!'  God, that's annoying...

Professional rugby union was a year old in 1996 and still coming to terms with how professional sportsmen dedicated themselves to training and physical preparation. Rugby league had been using superior and professional training methods for many years in comparison. If you are a fan of both codes and 7s and have half an hour to kill then you are in for a treat!

This is at the Middlesex 7s tournament. I stumbled across this video accidentally and when the Wigan Warriors lineup came on screen I had to watch both parts of the match.

Back then there was a snobbish attitude by union towards the skill level of  league players, but after this performance at Twickenham in 96, the doubters were proved so very wrong. Probably why Wigan were never invited back to play 7s again...

Seeing the calibre of attacking flair from the Wigan team was amazing to witness in the 7s format. Not surprising that most of those guys went on to represent their union countries at international level and even the British & Irish Lions.

The Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers and the Cup by Kilmarnock. Players like Paulo Di Canio, Brian Laudrup, Pierre Van Hooijdonk and Paul Gascoigne graced grounds up and down Scotland in the 90's. Those days seem to have disappeared sadly, but hopefully one day we can have that kind of quality back. Please come back.

Gazza  uniquely entertaining and provoking... 

 

Here we have Gascoigne at Euro 96 at Wembley, scoring that goal against Scotland. Magnificent skill and wonderful celebration of the 'dentist's chair' (Gazza pre-tournament was 'papped' lying in a reclining chair and booze being pored down his gullet).

Again, England lose to Germany on penalties with Gareth Southgate striking the definitive penalty with the assurance of a mouse. They think It's all over... It is.

Football is not coming home Gareth.

What better way to answer the critics and laugh off the abuse from the media...

Other English football news:

• An uncapped David Beckham scores from the half way line against Wimbledon
• Wenger takes over at Arsenal
• Middlesbrough lose in both the league cup and cup final. They are relegated after being deducted 3 points for cancelling a match earlier in the season. Turns out that deduction cost them their Premiership status. Bad times.

Staying with fusstball, Borussia Dortmund won the Champions League with a 3-1 win against a very strong Juventus side. Lars Ricken came on and with his first touch scored this goal:

Screamer. Plus a Scotsman played and won a major footballing trophy. Paul Lambert.

Gooooolazo

Every Sunday I visited the magnificent church of  Football Italia on Ch4. Fantastic format and a wonderfully insightful view of Serie A, when It was the best league with the best players around. Nothing can compare to James Richardson relaxing at a cafe in Rome analysing and translating the back of the Italian newspapers.

My favourite striker of all time still is George Weah. I wouldn't still have a replica Milan top with his name on the back from 1996 if he was average. Weah also scored this goal too.

Robin Van Persie Abuses Children Using A Football

Don't worry this is not actually a child abuse story, but it does involve Dutch internet freestyle footballers and Robin Van Persie at his tournament in Rotterdam taking the proverbial out of youth players.

Years ago I stubbled upon some YouTube videos of Touzani doing unbelievable futsal skills and freestyling on the streets of Holland. These soon went viral and rumours were he was friends with Van Persie, turns out It's true.

Tekkers galore on show and some may say that It's against kids, however performing these footballing skills with no pressure is something that Joe Public wishes they could do.

The standard terrace shout of "I could do better than that" is often heard around any top flight football match. This clip of Van Persie just emphasises how bloody good top level footballers actually are. Wearing jeans isn't great for football but he is wearing the mythical Adidas Sambas. Everybody knows they are the finest footy shoes ever created. Fact.

I enjoy seeing world class footballers casually showing their class by having a kick about with us peasants or generally being cool guys outside of match day.

Here are  two more of my favourite videos of Zidane and Seedorf showing how good they really are. Almost Godlike.

Zizou shows the most casual and undeniable balance and control humanly possible. He is clearly just walking this kick-about and his level of skill makes the other guys playing look like fools.

His technique is sickeningly natural with everything he does. You can't teach that shiz.

Seedorf is still playing and at Botafogo in Brazil. He has always been blessed with a fantastic all round game and in 2010 he did a World Cup master class with BBC analysing the new Jabulani football. The moment he puts a free-kick wearing jeans and trainers in to the top corner is awesome and just proves what a ruddy good bloke he is and a modern day legend of the game.
Seedorf is cool and classy with his long range strike

At 36, he's still got it.

Barça to sign Neymar da Silva Santos Junior

Next season's 100 goal strike force?

Another real life Footy Manager 2013 transfer has happened. Finally, the super skilful and talented Neymar has a agreed terms to sign with Los Cules this coming Monday. Obviously the lure of European and a worldwide appeal was too much for the diminutive Brazilian and to be fair he was expected to leave a long time ago.

 This is the type of thing Neymar has been doing week in week out in Brazil, playing with the freedom and flair and delighting the Santos fans in the process.

He is an entertainer with unbelievable dribbling and skill, doing what he wants it seems. However the main issue is his play acting or simulation which he has honed in the Brazilian league, where it is more culturally acceptable to be rewarded for doing something well, diving and then receiving a free kick.

If you watch Neymar here as he performs a ludicrous show-boating move. The defender gets a straight red and Neymar does the old 'I've been shot Guv'nor!' and falls head over heels. The ref is done hook, line and sinker at this move.

I do hope he develops and his understanding of staying on his feet becomes apparent as he has the ability to pass, shoot, dribble and entertain his way into footballing folklore.

My element of scepticism aside, Neymar's dribbling ability is one that combines speed with the ball and unique tricks. I really do hope he shines in the Champions League and the thought of Messi, Iniesta and Neymar as an attacking threat... It's going to be awesome.

Perfect timing for this transfer, as 2014 is a World Cup year and if this Brazilian wonderkid can hit the ground running at the Nou Camp. Then Brazil could be crowned World Cup winners on home soil ("samba samba samba!")

 He really does have the footballing world at his youthful feet and what better club than at Barcelona. Hopefully their tiki- taka style of football can get the very best out of the 21 year old. Do we have another Lionel Messi at Barca? Or is he another Alexander Hleb ..?

You are tolerating Pie Sports News

So here you are... Attempting to read the first installment of Pie Sports News. Fairly average blog name, however It will have a no frills style and tasty helping of piping hot opinions. Hopefully I can stir up a debate in relation to the current sporting issues. There we have it.

"Let's be 'avin you! Come on!"

(Delia Smith CBE 28-2-05)

Alex Ferguson's Transfers: The Good, The Bad and The Tevez

Sir Alex Ferguson is finally hanging up his lucky coat and will soon have chewed his last packet of blue Extra. In tribute to the managerial overlord, I have compiled two teams of his Manchester United transfers. Firstly, a team of great value signings from his Utd tenure. Then a team of utterly horrendous transfers who failed to perform for the Red Devils.

Here are the players bought by Ferguson that in my opinion have been fantastic value for money and are true legends of the game.

Fergie's Best Transfers Eleven

1. Peter Schmeichel- The great Dane was bought for £500,000 and arguably was SAF's greatest signing. A fantastic shot stopper with a unique 'starfish' style of one-on-one goalkeeping made him a legend of the game and this team's keeper.
2. Viv Anderson- The tall rangy England right back was one of Fergie's first signings in his bid to create a new dominating Utd. Bought from bitter rivals Arsenal it was a huge coup and the type of player that epitomised what Alex wanted in a footballer.
3. Dennis Irwin- Hard working, intelligent and a brilliant tackler. Irwin was signed for £625,000 from Oldham and it proved to be an extremely astute purchase. His free-kick and penalty attributes were crucial for Utd but his longevity and reliability were even more important.
4. Jaap Stam- An ogre of a man and a unrelenting force at the back for Utd. The Dutchman was a frighteningly strong defender, rapid and had a dominating aerial ability to match. Ferguson is still adamant that selling Stam was one of the biggest mistakes he made as Man Utd boss.
5. Rio Ferdinand- Signed from Leeds Utd for a record breaking fee was pressure enough in itself. However, elegance and word class defending was Rio's bread and butter under Sir Alex. Besides from saying "you've been merked", there can be few people that can doubt his class and his ability to prove the critics wrong
6. Roy Keane- The Irishman's aggressive attitude and tenacious tackling were harnessed by Ferguson and turned into a dominant combative midfielder. In his prime there were few better and few so intimating as him. Keano as a captain was the driving force behind what exactly Fergie wanted on the pitch.
7. Eric Cantona- Signed from bitter rivals Leeds Utd, Cantona brought flare, excitement and entertainment to Old Trafford. King Eric was a troubled character but with Ferguson's guidance he was able to get the very best out of him. Undoubtedly one of the best players to grace the English Premiership, Cantona was a misunderstood genius of the modern game.
8. Paul Ince- 'The Guv'nor' was a swaggering central midfielder with a stamina, pace and a 'foot like a traction engine'. Bought for £1 million in 1989, Ince was a controversial bargain of a transfer appearing in a Man Utd strip while still contracted to West Ham.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo- In a friendly against Sporting Lisbon, a fresh faced 17 year old showed enough glimpses of skill for Sir Alex to pay £12.2 million for him. Fergie transformed Ronaldo from a player who did more lollipops than Willy Wonka's factory to a world beater. Unbelievable dribbling technique, speed, strength and a rocket of a shot, Ronny scores almost a goal a game and is one of the current best.
10. Wayne Rooney- Bought as a Evertonian boy with bags of potential  Wazza scored a hat-trick on his Champions League debut. There is no doubt that Fergie has tamed the beast which is Rooney and his all round ability can surely be credited to his coaching and having such a strong father figure in Sir Alex. There are questions over Rooney's form this season, however what he brings to the United team  as a forward is much more than just goals.
11. Mark Hughes- Signed for the second time in 1988, Sparky was a dynamic goalscorer and the scorer of many an important goal including his outrageous equalising goal against Oldham in the FA Cup semi final. Hard working, quick and strong Hughes was given another chance at Utd and Ferguson got the very best out of him as his mentor. 

It can be argued that Van Der Sar, Bruce, Pallister, Vidic, Solskjaer, Cole, Yorke or Van Nistelrooy could have made the eleven. But I thought that it would be good to have a strong bench and a squad rotation which Fergie has always applied in his teams...

This is my team of misfits, signed by Ferguson in a moment of madness or drunkeness. Probably a combination of both to be fair.

 

Fergie's Worst Tranfers Eleven

1. Massimo Taibi- A £4.5 million transfer to Man Utd is stuff dreams are made of. However, after a flapping man of the match debut followed an unforgivable error against Southampton where the ball seemed to be under 'The Blind Venetian's' control but squirmed through the legs trickling over the line into the back of the net. Soon after he was loaned out to Reggina and banished from playing for Utd ever again.
2. Florent N'Galula- Signed as a youth player, could play in defence or midfield and tagged again as the new Patrick Viera. N'Galula never had the ability to get anywhere near the first team, yet alone the reserves. He stayed at United for 4 years and did next to nothing.
3. David May- Currently a wine merchant and when he played for Man Utd was a shit merchant. May had the fortune to play beside excellent defenders at Blackburn and Utd for the majority of his career. Not blessed with any real pace or skill, being a large lump of a man was adequate enough to be a squad player for Fergie and world class photo-bomber. If you look at the 98/99 celebrations of Man Utd winning the Champions League David May is at the forefront of most of the celebrations... Despite not playing a minute in the competition.
4. William Prunier- Joined Utd as Cantona's continental defender team mate. The anticipation and excitement didn't last long as a string of disastrous games in a make shift Utd defence called the end of his short stayed Utd career. In 1998 he joined Heart Of Midlothian and couldn't get a game. Pretty much says it all.
5. Pat McGibbon- Signed for £100,000, McGibbon made his debut appearance in the League Cup against York City in 1995. Man Utd lost the match 3-0 and McGibbon was sent off, resulting in no further appearances under Alex Ferguson. Utter utter mince.
6. Ralph Milne- WHO? I hear you ask... I remember from years ago in a Fergie interview, him stating that this Scottish bloke was the worst signing he ever made. He did however have similar talents to George Best at Manchester United... alcohol and gambling problems.
7. Jordi Cruyff- Having a Dad as one of the game's all time greats is enough pressure to buckle the strongest of men. Jordi however at times looked like he was playing rounders rather than playing at Old Trafford. No real end product and unable to adapt to the English Premiership pace of football, the fans never took to Johan's son.
8. Eric Djemba Djemba- So bad they named him twice. During the fashionable era of ultra combative defensive mifielders, this Cameroonian International was dubbed the next big thing. A string of highly unimpressive displays and the unique skill of giving the ball away almost every time, Eric was never destined for success as a first team Manchester United player.
9. Liam Miller- Signed off the back of excellent performances for Celtic in the SPL. Miller was expected to be a cross between Keane and Scholes. But he turned out to be about as good as a slug and Jonny Lee Miller. I may be seen as quite harsh but I had first hand experience seeing him play for my club Hibs and he was pretty diabolical.
10. Bebe- Ferguson forked out £7.4 million, yes £7.4 million on the back of a European Street Football tournament in Bosnia. Much was expected of this enigmatic Portuguese youngster, so when he took to the pitch for Utd fans were unpleasantly surprised by his lack of quality for his price tag. There were rumours that Bebe was homeless and played at the Homeless World Cup, although his style of play could be compared to that of a pissed tramp raking through a bin.
11. Dong Fangzhuo- Signed for £500,000 with the possibility of a further £3.5 million depending on games, Dong was loaned straight out to Antwerp for work permit reasons. After a couple of years Utd were hoping this young Chinese goalscorer would come back and be the diamond in the rough they were looking for. But it came quite apparent that Fangzhuo was in fact a lump of coal that Ferguson would not fuel his Manchester engine with.

I have a confession to make. As a young lad I 'supported' Man Utd for several years following their undeniable success. Then one day I woke up and realised that I was just following the glory and was quite bored of them winning every match. My solution was close to home, which is why I support my local team Hibernian FC and I have been basking in disappointment and poor football for many years now. I love it and winning really is overrated.

Sir Alex Ferguson is another Scottish legend of the game who will be remembered as one of the best managers of all time. It's just a shame there are so many world class Scottish coaches and not any footballers these days.

Play Sports? Got A Beard? You Are Great.

Everyone should appreciate a fine beard and if you don't, well I hate you. They can symbolise many things, like freedom or maturity but mainly just undoubted awesomeness.

Not strictly a sportsman. But a bearded Greek god-like athlete

Much deliberation has been had in creating a list of 6 such hairy heroes. The criteria is as follows:

Type of beard

Style

Coolness

Status of the sportsman

Manliness 

6. James Harden - Houston Rockets - USA - Basketball

James Harden owns the most bodacious beard in the NBA

Dream Team + Beard = Awesome

Anybody who shoots hoops of the calibre of James Harden and can pull off a slick beard should have a bronze statue of them erected. Harden's beard has a Facebook page and Twitter account and has inspired songs and t-shirts. Brilliant.

5. Josh Strauss - Glasgow Warriors - South Africa - Rugby

Great Scot! what a beard

Loves a beardy selfie

I particularly appreciate Josh Strauss's bushy beard. Physically imposing bosh machine and back row forward who puts his facial hair on the line every match.  I'm even more proud to be Scottish, with the knowledge that he plays his rugby in this very country. What a bloke.

4. Paul Breitner - West Germany - Bayern Munich - Real Madrid - Football

"No beard Keegan? Don't touch me..."

Not exactly a beard in this photo. But anyone that  looks
cool with a handlebar moustache, a perm and a yellow Jagermeister T-Shirt is beyond worthy for this short-list

Paul Breitner the marauding left back turned box-to-box midfielder had the 70's beard and perm combination down to an art. Pretty sexual for a man who was one of only four footballers ever to score in two different World Cup finals. Oh... the others were Vava, Zidane and Pele. Enough said.

3. Andrea Pirlo - Juventus - Italy - Football

The Architect

Italian Stallion

Andrea Pirlo was supposedly past it. Declined a new contract by Milan and released on a free. What better way to make a comeback than to grow a beautiful thick beard and pick up Serie A player of the season in the process with Juventus. L'architetto is a truly legendary deep lying playmaker that continues to dominate matches and beard competitions in equal measures.

2. Sebastian Chabal - Lyon - France - Rugby

A day in the life

Vogue

Sebastain Chabal is one of the bearded wonders of the modern facial hair world.  L'Homme Des Carvernes: 'The Caveman', is 6ft4 and almost 18st who's style of play can only be described as Neanderthal like. The contact area is his best friend and in his prime the most feared tackler and ball carrier in global rugby Chabalmania is a thing in France and with wild long flowing hair and a big bushy beard to match he is an icon of the professional game and a beard enthusiast's idol. Viva le barbe!

1. Socrates - 1954-2011 - Garforth Town - Brazil - Football

Dr Socrates- World Cup captain

Too cool to do his own stretches

Socrates who sadly past away in 2011, will be remembered for being one of the very best footballers of all time. He combined technique and grace as a midfield playmaker for Brazil at two World Cups. In my opinion qualified Doctor Socrates was the epitome of cool, having a striking beard and afro/perm look in the 70's and 80's is magnificent. Wearing a headband which read "people need justice",made political statements stylish. Described as a genius, intellectual or legend doesn't do this heavy drinking, heavy smoking, beardly God justice. Even his appearance for the last 12 minutes of a match for Garforth Town at the age of 50 transcended coolness.

All I can say is that this maverick of a man was a one off and brought joy to millions of beard enthusiasts and the other types of people around the world. He will be remembered as the great philosopher of football.

No Harry, not even a woollen beard can hide that melted fox face of yours. Go away