GT wrote:... No problem. It's also nice to see a blue who appreciates Cantona. I'd like to know how all those who slagged him off for what he did would react if someone came and shouted a racial slur towards their mothers...
I had one hell of a battle at the paper I was at at the time to get to write an op ed on it – the overall editor (I was sports ed) wanted no comment on it for some reason. I got my way eventually. And yes, I agree about people would themselves react to such an aggressive slur.
I have fond memories of Cantona's goal in the FA Cup final in '96. God, that was a dull game that didn't come close to living up to the hype. The entire press corps was absolutely praying for someone – anyone – to score so that we wouldn't have to go through it all again.
And then Beckham's inswinging corner, James's punch and Cantona's extraordinary hop back on his left peg, the contortion of the trunk and the almost balletic strike straight into the net. One piece of absolute class to illuminate a match that, otherwise, I'd have forgotten completely.
GT wrote:Oh - and Ronaldo's fee. Reports today suggest it'll be paid in four annual installments of £20 million. Won't do the debt nor the transfer kitty any good!
Indeed. It's one of the things I'm happy about at City at present – apparently we just paid straight away for Barry. All done.