Where are they now? Nuno Gomes

Nuno Gomes

Where Are They Now: Nuno Gomes!
Roughly thirteen years Nuno Gomes was named in the 2000 European Championship's; Team of the tournament. Rubbing shoulders with legendary figures such as: Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids and Zinedine Zidane. At the time Nuno Gomes was 24. Similarly, if you lived in Portugal at the time of FIFA 2003's release Nuno Gomes' face would of been embroiled on the case.

Ten years on: the 36 year old plies his trade in Lancashire, for Championship side Blackburn Rovers. A team that had once upon a time won the Premier League and boasted the likes of Alan Shearer.


60 Second Dossier:Full name: Nuno Miguel Soares Pereira Ribeiro
D.O.B: 05/07/1976
Nationality: Portuguese
Clubs: Boavista, Benfica (twice), Fiorenta, Braga and Blackburn Rovers
International Appearances/Goals: 79/29
Club Appearances/Goals: 604/227
Position: Forward

The story of Nuno Gomes is perhaps not a remarkable one; neither tragic or outstanding. He was never a big star like some of the players he rubbed shoulders with the European Championship XI. But he was still a very talented player; almost at a world-class level.

His story began in the 1994/1995 season.

The eighteen year old man: Nuno Gomes would break into the first team at Boavista. Netting 2 times in 23 appearances; mainly as a winger. The next two seasons he would start to evolve into the Nuno Gomes that rival fans feared. 1996-97 season, Nuno Gomes would net 21 times in 45 appearances, also getting his hands on his first piece of silverware.

His first three seasons impressed the bigger fish in Portugal, Benfica aqquired his services at the start of the 1997-98 seasons; this would be his first stint at the Portugeuse giants. Until the 2000 season Gomes would make his name bigger around Europe by netting 76 times in 124 games. Also during that time beginning his fifteen year senior international career.

After his three year tenure at Benfica he joined Serie A outfit - Fiorenta. Here he would net 20 goals in 70 appearances, picking up the Italian Cup along the way. But in 2002 he would return home; to his beloved Benfica- staying there until 2011. Gradually as the years went by and his youth faded, he would fall down the Benfica pecking order. By his last season with Benfica, he managed eight appearances; mainly as a substitute, he managed to notch 5 goals however. In 2011 he was released from his contract; thus severing a 12 season bond. In his second spell with the club he netted 90 times in 276 appearances.

The talented Gomes was not short of takers; joining Primeira Liga side - Sporting Clube de Brage for the 2011-12 season. Managing 29 appearances in all competitions - including 5 in Europe. During his short tenure with the club he managed 6 goals. Not bad, for a player who was mostly used as a back-up player. His highlight of his tenure: A brace against Gil Vicente Fc in the September of 2011.

July 2012, the recently relegated Blackburn Rovers under the stewardship of Scotsman Steve Kean acquired the services of the veteran. Nuno Gomes signed a two year contract with the Lancashire side. A contract which will surely see Gomes see out the rest of his career on English soil.

At the time of writing this article- 15/03/2013- Nuno Gomes has appeared 13 times, netting 4 goals. Also partnering future star Jordan Rhodes, and ex Newcastle hitman Leon Best.

WATN RATING: 7/10

Maybe some of the readers of this article will remember Nuno Gomes from his time with Benfica, or his international appearences against England; 2004 still hurts the soul. The purpose of this article was to introduce my readers - if I have any - to a player, who has never really had much attention. This is the point in my new blogs, to throw some old, or forgotten sportsmen back into the limelight. I hope to make six different issues of 'Where Are They Now' (#WATN). Hopefully I will be releasing one every Friday for the foreseeable future. Anyways; I hope you enjoyed this!

Twitter: RyanRowley23

#WATN #TheSportingMan






Five Players Who Played For Too Long!

Players such as Ryan Giggs, Cafu and David Beckham were all perfect examples that longevity and football can go together. But then again there are also the players that played too long... the likes of Shola Ameobi for example. This article will list five players that should of climbed into their slippers earlier. 

Sol Campbell:

Sulzeer.. I mean Sol!

Sol Campbell, or Judas as Tottenham Hotspur fans would refer to him, was nine years ago, a pivotal member of the Arsenal Invincible side that took the Premier League by storm; he was one of the best centre backs in the world, if not, the best. He was one of the fastest centre backs England had ever seen. Five years after the glory days of Arsenal, Sol moved to Notts County, for one game. He left the club by mutual consent. Perhaps it should of been here where he finally called it a day. But he felt as if he had something left in his locker. In 2010, he began training with Arsenal, and with their shaky defensive problems was offered a short, but romantic return to the Emirates; he impressed, netting against Porto in the Champions League. But with the season coming to a close Arsene Wenger deemed him surplus of requirements. This should of been where he retired. Instead he signed a one year contract with Newcastle United, and he failed to impress.The highlight of his Toon being the football bouncing of his head in a 3-1 victory against Liverpool. After being released once more. Sol Finally called it a day. 

Old Teddy.

Teddy Sherringham:

Most people below the age of sixteen will only remember Teddy Sherringham from their sticker albums as a child. But about sixteen years ago, Teddy Sherringham was rubbing shoulders with: Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand for England's best striker. Born in 1966, Sherringham played for ten different clubs; he even holds a rare distinction for an Englishman, having played abroad at Djurgardens FC. His most successful stint at a side to date would be in the treble-winning side- Manchester United, during the 1998-1999 season; he scored the equaliser from David Beckhams corner against Bayern Munich, in one of the Champions League's finest comebacks. Sherringham remained at the top level until 2007, when he was released from West Ham. This is the point when the -then 41- year old should of hung up his boots. But instead he joined the Championship side Colchester United, and had a dull season. He managed 3 goals in 19 appearances. At the age of 42, Sherringham retired in 2008. He remains one of the oldest players to ever appear in the Premier League.

Regretting missing that penalty, Ruud?

 Ruud Van Nistelroy:

As a child the Premier League was dominated by two strikers: Thierry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelroy. Ruud Van Nistelroy was one of the best strikers to ever grace the Premier League, breaking records with every stride. He holds the record for the most consecutive games scoring record; with eight. Another impressive record Van Nistelroy holds is that he is Manchester United's all time top Champions League scorer, with 35 goals. After his five year contract ran down with the might of Manchester, he moved the Galacticos of Real Madrid; where he would continue to prosper, netting 46 times in 68 appearances. However, with the arrival of Jose 'The Special One' Mourhino, he was deemed surplus of requirements at the Santiago Bernabau. Like the players above, perhaps this is where Van Nistelroy should of called it a day. From here, he moved to Germany with Hamburger SV finding the net 12 times, in 36 appearances. He would then move to the then mega-rich Malaga in which he would undergo the worst season in his illustrious career; a sign the legend had fallen. Only finding the goal 4 times, in 28 appearances. He finally decided to call it a day, on a negative note.

Rivaldo:

The Brazilian is the only player on the list still playing; he plies his trade currently in his native Brazil with São Caetano, at 41 years of age, Rivaldo should be well past his sell by date. But he is still kickin' around; for lower league material, at that. Having played for fourteen different sides, all around the globe, one thing he does not lack is experience. Two moments live long in the memory, both completely different. His sensational overhead kick when he played for Barcelona. Then his infamous fall against Turkey in the 2002 World Cup. The last 'big' club he played for was AC Milan in 2004. He still has talent, but perhaps, it is time for the mercurial talent to hang his boots up, before it fades away.

Romario:

Yeah.. He's that Legend on FIFA14

Another Brazilian superstar that played in too long for his own good. Romario, was voted the best player in Brazil's 1994 winning World Cup campaign; he was also top scorer on that occasion. Renowned for his 'poking' of the ball technique, Romario once said he was second only to Pele in terms of footballing ability. Romario has a club list as long as your arm, and holds the unique distinction along with the likes of Pele, to have scored 1000 goals. After leaving Valencia in 1997, aged 31, he played for Fluminenseno fewer than four times, often leaving to join poorer teams than he played for in his prime and re-joining. His ability to score never faded, but the interest from the big teams faded; which speaks levels. Playing for likes of Miami may of offered a huge pay-cheque, but it was never a league that would be difficult to score in- in all fairness. The Brazilian finally retired in 2009, aged 43. Perhaps ten years too late.

Boxing: Jack Johnson. V Tommy Burns

Jack Johnson. Vs. Tommy Burns, fight report:This was my A-Level English coursework; and I thought it would make a good article on the blog. Plus it may introduce some readers to a largley forgotten American Boxer: Jack Johnson. Who was really an older version of Muhhamad Ali.


Jack Johnson.

ON the 26^th of December 1908; Boxing day truly became boxing day. It was a momentous occasion as a new heavyweight king ascended to the prestigious throne, and claimed their place amongst divine fighters: Langford, Jefferies and Corbett.

What made this occasion more significant was that the new champion was black. The first black heavyweight champion of the world – Jack Johnson.

Jack Johnson, born in 1878 to former slave parents, had been fighting since he was twelve years old; mainly bare-knuckle and for very little money, but enough to capture the attention of his now friend Joe Choynski – who noted ‘ A man like Johnson should never have to take a punch’. Chonyski, 40, helped turn Johnson professional after their 1901 bout. Johnson would soon ascend to the Heavyweight crown.

For as many as four years, a title shot eluded Johnson, he beat contender after contender, but a title shot would never arrive. His race was what was holding back any chance of a title shot.  Former heavyweight champion – James J. Jefferies spoke of Johnson in poor regard, ‘As long as I live the heavyweight crown will never fall into the hands of an African-American’ he said to the press in 1906.

But with Jefferies’ retirement in 1906, a new heavyweight champion was crowned – Tommy Burns.  A hope emerged for Jack Johnson. A ray of hope that would cause controversy around the United States, but provide hope for the African-American nation.

Tommy Burns for the next two years would tour the world, fighting exhibitions: in London, Australia and France, and Johnson would follow. The media began to criticise Tommy Burns for ‘ducking’ Jack Johnson’s efforts to push a fight through. Johnson would buy ringside tickets to all of the champion’s fights, and he would regularly taunt the champion.


An interested Australian entrepreneur was watching the situation closely. Hugh McIntosh offered an astronomical sum of 7,500$ to the Champion if he would fight Johnson. The challenge was finally accepted.

December the 26^th 1908, 20,000 people flood into Rushcutters Bay to see the first mixed race title bout. The atmosphere was electric. Heart pounding. The white bigoted journalists had labelled Burns as the ‘Great white hope’ , and expected nothing more than a flawless victory for the Canadian.

Finally at 2:50pm, Jack Johnson entered the ring to a warm reception, sporting a fine white robe, standing 6ft1; five inches taller than his opponent.

Johnson’s goal was to dominate the fight from start to finish. He did just that. Johnson knocked down the Champion within a few minutes with a thunderous right hand. The Orthodox fighter was in a hungry mood. Burns was down for the count of eight, but eventually rose.

This sadly was the pattern of the fight. Johnson dominated, and even the most bloodthirsty fight fanatics, called for the fight to be stopped. Round 14. Johnson opened a barrage of attacks; the experienced 30 year old, attacked Burns with uppercuts, haymakers and anchor punches. The fight was stopped as the helpless Burns, fell like a tree in the forest.

The camera’s stopped rolling as the Champion hit the canvas; a bittersweet feeling engulfed the Rushcutters bay. The bigoted racists faces turned sour. The Galveston Giant, at 30 years of age, had proved to the world: a black man could win the most prestigious throne in the world.

Jack Johnson, beat challenger after challenger, until 1915, when his reign ended untimely, thanks to Jess Willard.

If had not been for Jack Johnson; we may never of seen the Joe Louis’ or Muhammad Ali’s of boxing. Jack Johnson, was a loafed figure back in the 1900's, and sadly died in 1947 in a car crash, after being turned away from a restaurant due to his skin colour.

Thanks, for reading; I hope you found this article a nice change and more original. I also hope to have introduced Jack Johnson to a new lot of people; 105 years after the title fight! If you found it that intresting that you would like to learn more then go to Youtube and type in- The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson; it is a two part documentry taking you through the details of his life. Worth a watch, if you have a few hours to kill.
Email: Ryan.Rowley@live.co.uk
Twitter: RyanRowley23

  

Top 5 Newastle United players

My Top Five Newcastle United Players:

Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, Newcastle United have had their fair share of Pre-Madonna's and footballing divas. But the prestigious club has also had its fair share of mindblowingly good players. But it is when the two categories clash that a true, fan favourite is born; like poles colliding. When a mercurial talent washes up onto the shores on Tyneside, the fans are love struck. Remember player like: Tino Asprilla, Laurent Robert and Paul Gascoine? All oozing in talent, but could you put your life on them to perform? The answer is no. Which is what makes the likes of them beautiful to watch, you never knew what to expect. It could be a moment of madness, or sheer brilliance.

Anyhow, in my latest article, I will be taking you through my five favourite players ever to pull on a Newcastle United jersey. You will more likely than not, discover that my five favourite players were/are mercurial in the nature; meaning the first paragraph was not in vain!

#5: Shola Ameobi:




Shola Ameobi

I know what you're all thinking: Shola 'I only score once a season' Ameobi?. But yes, Shola Ameobi is one of my favourite Newcastle United players for many reasons. He burst onto the scene as 19 year old, in 2001, during the golden days of Sir Bobby Robsons reign at Newcastle and he has been here ever since. He has unquestionable loyalty to the shirt; something not many footballers have in the current days. He has garnered the alias of 'The Mackem Slayer' by the Toon fathful, due to his knack for netting against Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland. Ameobi actually is the highest scoring living player with the most derby day goals: with 7 goals in 12 appearances against the Black Cats. If you could have any player in the world for one game against Sunderland: Choose Shola Ameobi. But for the other 36 games of the season, go with a more consistent striker.

#4: Pappis Demba Cisse:
Pappis Demba Cisse, currently wears the famous numer nine Jersey at Newcastle, a shirt once worn by the likes of: Alan Shearer, Andrew Carroll and Jackie Milburn. He arrived in the January transfer window of 2012, and set the Premier League alight with some sensational goals. He made an instant impact with the Newcastle fans, netting against Aston Villa; with a Shearer-esque strike, that sizzled into the top corner. He over-shadowed his compatriot Demba Ba towards the end of the season, scoring in almost every game he played in. His most memorable strike would perhaps be the Premier League Goal of the Season against Chelsea; which made it 0-2, and allowed Newcastle to win at Stamford Bridge for the frst time in almost thirty years. An amazing finisher, and mercurial player; a textbook Newcastle player, and a deserved Number nine.

#3: Alan Shearer:



Alan Shearer only third?! this must be blasphemy, especially when I am a Newcastle fan. However, I do have good reason behind this selection. On the pitch Shearer was a fantastic captain, as well as a clinical finisher; his goal against Everton lives long in the memory. However, off the pitch Alan Shearer -in my opinion- seems arrogant and pompous: this is blasphemy. Newcastles all time top goalscorer, never scored 'boring' goals, they were almost always spectacular. He is the best English centre forward ever. Bar none. He will also forever be remembered as: Newcastle's local hero.





#2: Andy Cole:

Back in the day of 'The Entertainers' Andy Cole, was Newcastle's finest striker. He netted 68 times in 84 appearances, before he was sold to the might of Manchester United; which left the City of Newcastle seething in anger. Like Shearer, Andy Cole knew how to score; scoring 271 league goals in his long and illustrious career. Fast on his feet and skillful on the ball, Andy Cole, gets the nod above Shearer due to his 81% strike conversion rate.


#1: Laurent Robert:



Laurent Robert is my favourite Newcastle player of all time. He is precisely the type of player the fans love. Absolutely mercurial. He has comparisons with Hatem Ben Arfa, and David Ginola. Robert's freekicks were thunderous and more often than not accurate; he had a tendency to shoot from long ranges, once scoring from 40m away. He spent five years on Tyneside, during that time, he managed to have: a bust up with the manager Graeme Souness, knock Oliver Bernard unconscious with a shot and before bowing out on Tyneside, he stripped off infront of the Gallowgate end and threw his kit into the fans. Laurent Robert, was the ultimate 'on the edge of your seat' player. I remember two goals vividly: His diving backheel against Fulham, as well as 'that' free-kick against Liverpool (The one Santiago Munez took in Goal!). It's just a shame Robert is remembered for his troubles with club hierarchies than his undoubted skill.

Again, like always, thanks for reading; and I hope you have enjoyed it! keep checking back for more sport related articles!Email: Ryan.Rowley@live.co.uk
Twitter: RyanRowley23

5 Forgotten Footballers

The Top Five Footballers Time Forgot:
Have you ever wondered what happened to that footballer, the journalists heralded 'The next big thing'? Or have you simply been watching a Championship side playing in the FA Cup on ITV1, on a Saturday morning and then asking yourself 'is he still playing?'


If so, then this is the article for you. You may well be pleasantly surprised to be re-introduced to a few old faces!







'Super Kev Phillips'

#5: Kevin Phillips:
Our fifth player, is one of our oldest players. Yes, Kevin Phillips is still kickin' around; he is currently on loan to Crystal Palace from Blackpool. Still clinical; 2 goals in 5 games. 'Super Kev' has played for no fewer than nine clubs: Sunderland and Southamptan being two of the most notable sides he has plied his trade at. Born in 1973, Kevin Phillips is four months older than Manchester United's, Ryan Giggs. An interesting fact about Kevin Phillips is that he is the only Englishman to date, to win the European Golden Boot. Unfortunately, however, Phillip's never prospered on the international scene, being overshadowed by the likes of: Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Michael Owen.

#4: Johnathan Woodgate:


Johnathan Woodgate

Our fourth player may be the most unfortunate; legal issues and injury problems blighted a promising career, that saw him play for the Galactico's or Real Madrid to the Minnow's of Middlesbourgh. In some people's opinion: Woodgate may well of been England's most naturally gifted centre-back of recent years, but misfortune and injury prevented the talented centre-back to cement a place in the England XI. An interesting fact about Woodgate, is that he was the first English player born in the 1980's to play a full international game. He was also part of the Newcastle United team that reached the 2004 UEFA Cup semi-final, as well as being a member of the Leeds side to reach the Champions League semi-finals. During his chequered career, he has pulled on the jerseys of seven different teams. He currently plays for Middlesbourgh, an unfitting side for a former Galactico.



#3: Michael Bridges:
Some people may be scratching their scalps at this inclusion, 'Who is he?' you might be thinking. Well in the 1996-1997 Premier League season, Michael Bridges emerged as one of the brightest prospects in England. Born in North Shields, Bridges signed for Wallsend Boys Club, before joining Sunderland. From there he scored 16 goals in 79 league appearances, which caught the attention of -the then top side- Leeds FC, which prompted them to spend £5 millon on the Geordie lad. He went on to score 19 Premier League goals in his maiden season for Leeds, he also became for first LUFC player since 1995 to score a competitive hat rick, since 1995. From here, his career descended. He played for a string of lower league English teams; and could never find the form that he showed at Leeds. He now plays in Australia for the Newcastle Jets. Michael Bridges could of had the world at his feet, if it were not for bad luck.


#2: Michael Owen:






Michael Owen, could fit into the 'Hero to zero' bracket perfectly. 15 years ago, he burst onto the international scene after netting a phenomenal solo-goal against Argentina, in the 1998 World Cup. Fast forward to today, he is jeered by the journalists that proclaimed him to be England's saviour. Many people - including myself - find Michael Owen to be a greedy, waste of a footballer. Ever since leaving Liverpool for the Galactico's of Madrid, Owen has been labelled a bench warmer. The one time Liverpool player ranks 7th in the all time Premier League scorers table, with 150 goals. He is also the highest scoring England player still playing; with 40 goals, in 89 appearances. Michael Owen currently plays for Stoke City, a step down from Manchester United, Newcastle Liverpool and Real Madrid, in many people's opinions. I am sure in his own heart, he will know the same. Michael Owen could of been the greatest player in the world, had he not pursued his greed. A true shame.


#1: Edgar Davids:



You're more than likely thinking: 'He is still playing?'. You wouldn't be wrong thinking that way either. The one time: Juventus, Barcelona and Spurs man, is now plying his trade in Barnet, as a player-coach. Nearing the age of 40, Edgar Davids does not have the Fountain of youth of his side. But he is still 'The Pitbull'. Renowned for his goggles; which he needs for his Glaucoma. Edgar Davids is the number one player on the list for more than one reason: Ten years ago, he was a superstar. The Dutchman won countless medals in: Italy, Spain and his native Holland, including the UEFA Champions League. He even featured alongside: Roberto Carlos and Ryan Giggs on the FIFA 2003 case. Since he left Ajax in 2008, Davids has played for Crystal Palace and Barnet. As 'little'as these sides are, it is nice to see a footballer from my childhood still kickin' around; it gives of a sense of nostalgia.

It will be a sad day for the sport of Football when Edgar Davids calls it a day for the third and final time.

I hope you have enjoyed my article, I hope to produce more. If you did like it, leave a comment or like it!

Twitter: RyanRowley23
Email: Ryan.Rowley@Live.co.uk