Welcome to part three of my review of 2009, which will focus on the world of sport, and not just my first love of football (soccer). So without further ado let’s get on with it.
Sportsman of the Year – Roger Federer- Tennis
Usain Bolt broke more records at the Berlin World Championships in a simply stunning performance. Mark Cavendish became the worlds fastest sprinter cyclist (is there is a term?). Lionel Messi was sensational for Barcelona as they won six trophies. But Roger Federer once again made all the Grand Slam finals this season, winning two of them. This included the French Open, making him a Career Grand Slam Champion. He also regained the World No. 1 raking from Rafa Nadal that looked unobtainable for him in January, and broke Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slams. What more does he have to do? Also he was the only Gillette spokesman not to shame himself somehow, which is quite the achievement this year.
Sportswoman of the year – Jessica Ennis – Athletics
Kim Clijsters made a big impact on her return to the tennis tour, winning the US Open after 2 years out raising her family. Who can forget the iconic image of her celebrating with her daughter at Flushing Meadows. Claire Taylor was the first woman to be named as one of Wisden’s cricketers of the year after having a great year with England, winning the World Cup, World Twenty/20 and the Ashes and having starring roles with the bat in all three. But Ennis went into the Berlin championships as World No.1 and delivered on expectations in the Heptathlon. She came first in 4 events and set a personal best points tally. She wins this award for being able to compete at the highest level in 7 different sports, a great achievement.
Team of the Year – FC Barcelona – Football (Soccer)
Both the male and female English cricket teams had great years, with the women winning everything they competed for, and the men regaining the Ashes in another close fought and dogged victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Superbowl and set a record of the most SuperBowl wins with six. But Barcelona won an unprecedented six trophies in 2009, including La Liga, the Champions League and the World Club Championships. There is simply no better achievement.
Coach of the Year – Josep Guardiola – FC Barcelona
It is no surprise then that coach Josep Guardiola gets this award. In his first season managing Barcelona he won the treble, and in the first half of his second season he won three more trophies. Sure he has inherited a great squad from Frank Rijkaard, but Iniesta, Messi, Xavi and Puyol were all there with Frank Rijkaard post 2006 and Real Madrid won the title twice with an inferior squad on paper, with Barca finishing third in 2008 behind Villarreal. So Guardiola has made a big difference.
The ‘Most Bizzarely overated player to win the PFA and Sports Personality of the Year Award’ Award
Ryan Giggs. Seriously, aside from a few games at the start of the 09/10 season, he has been bloody awful. Why can no one else see this? Great player over the years, certainly not now though.
Most Improved Sportsman who isn’t Darren Fletcher (SuperFletch has been great since 07) Award
Yossi Benayoun. He’s gone from a raised inflection of voice player to someone who is universally regarded as really quite good. But not quite as good as Darren.
Yossi Benayoun
The Kevin Keegan Award for Shooting Yourself in the Foot
Although Ryan Babel and Nani come close for their surprise rants at their managers, Rafa Benitez takes this one home for his facts rant, his decision to buy an injured replacement for his midfield dynamo and then never play him when fit and his constant resting of players for games and then moaning when it blows up in his face. And thats not fiction!
The ‘Sport might not be my True Calling’ Award
Ryan Babel, as he shows here that he might be better off in the hip hop industry. Certainly better at it than he is at football. Drogba could probably do a job as well, as shown here, but at least he’s a good player.
The ‘As I’m Writing this he is Negating my Point’ Award
Ian Bell, who has been pretty dire for the majority of 2009, has just gone and gotten himself a century against South Africa. Sod’s law.
The ‘They Never Fail to Disappoint’ Award
The South African cricket team, who despite an incredibly talented limited overs squad, still bottle it at every available chance. And at Test level too now apparently.
Underachievers yes, but look at Amla's beautiful beard. Lovely
The Oh So Close Award
The Arizona Cardinals were so close to one of the biggest upsets ever in the Superbowl, losing to a last-minute touch-down by the Steelers. A real shame as they gave so much effort.
The ‘Not-so Great Escape’ Award
Hull City, who stayed up after winning one game in their last 20, lost on the final day of the season to Man Utd’s reserves and then Phil Brown started singing. Horrible.
The Bringing the Most Joy to the Most People Award
Newcastle’s relegation to the championship. Never have I seen the country more united, not even for World Cups!
The Award for Effortless Brilliance
Dimitar Berbatov, rarely puts in any effort, anonymous for the better part of the season, and yet capable of game changing moments of brilliance. Imagine how good he could be if he ever started trying.
Ball Control of the Year Award
Thierry Henry. He did so well to keep that ball in, it’s only lessened somewhat by the necessity of two touches. Shame.
Thierry Henry - The fate of a nation in his hands
And Finally…Personal Moment of the Year
Being at Old Trafford for the Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal game where we gained the point needed to secure the title. Being there to see the subsequent trophy presentation is not something you get to do every day. It’s such an affirming sight to see as a football fan, and despite the overwhelming detriment to my bank balance, it didn’t matter one bit. An unforgettable moment that is without a doubt my own greatest sporting moment.
PS. My Moment of the Decade
England winning the Ashes in ’05 was particularly special, as was going to the 2003 FA Cup Final and seeing England play South Africa (my second cricket team) at Lords in ’08, witnessing a century from Kevin Pietersen. The ’07 and ’08 Federer-Nadal finals were also monumental. But for me, standing in the packed Black Horse Pub in Exeter in May 2008, surrounded by my best friends, one of whom was a Chelsea fan, watching the Champions League Final was spectacular. They all bet on a Chelsea win, and the subsequent shoot out victory was the sweetest thing. Getting to rub it in the face of my Arsenal supporting best mate was even better. Ahhhh memories.
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