Roy Hodgson after the game yesterday:
Maybe he reads too many of these blogs that people write in to. Our fans in the Hammersmith End actually constantly chant his name but these people who write into the club’s blogs, they’re the real experts and they want something that he’s not been able to give them – 30 goals a year. But he has been a key player for us.
Personally, I don’t think it’s our fault. We’ve been pretty fair with Zamora, all things considered. Nick W’s written one of the best defences of Bobby I’ve read. I’ve also pointed out that the stats do show Bobby’s more influential that his detractors think. There are plenty of other pieces where we’ve contested the conventional wisdom that Zamora’s not good enough for this level.
So if it isn’t us, who is Roy talking about? Rich has been pretty strong in his defence of Zamora – at times sparking fierce debate in the comments. And there aren’t all that many other blogs that have been around for all of this debate. I’ve never been to Cottage Corner myself, but Roy’s emphasis on ‘the club’s blog’ suggests that might be where the offending messages are.
To me, the reaction to this is far too overblown. Zamora played brilliantly yesterday and did his usual ‘angry man’ celebration. As long he keeps scoring, he can do whatever he wants afterwards for me. If he picks out a few of the idiots who continue to deride him, then maybe it’ll make them think again. And, and just to prove that bloggers and those who sing his name aren’t mutually exclusive, I was singing Bobby’s praises for much of Sunday afternoon.
Perhaps Roy has mistakenly said blog instead of messageboard…
BZ has every right to do and say what he likes as do we all. However pushing away the player who crossed the ball for you and who put the ball on a plate so even BZ couldn’t miss was poor. Roy can blame whom he likes but having a player showing disrespect to the players and fans only makes the comments continue.
No player however good or bad should be allowed to behave so poorly.
“…and did his usual ‘angry man’ celebration” That made me laugh, so true.
I agree with Adam – I think Roys means messageboards/forums – some of the stuff is pretty vile and ill-considered, and could easily get you upset if you let it.
I’d suggest Bobby just listens to the crowd at the Cottage; we were cheering him to the rafters when he scored on Sunday!
If you are reading this Bobby – keep up the good work, you played a blinder on Sunday – now just release a little apology saying you didn’t intend your “Shut your ***ing mouth” routine as an insult to the Fulham fans in general, and you’ll be well on the way to becoming a fans favourite. Oh and work out a ‘happy’ celebration routine…! Scoring goals is fun, isn’t it?
I think its clear that BZ’s anger was aimed at a very small number, maybe even just one individual. So if you are that person, or have engaged in that abuse, then it’s a bit hypocritical of you to complain about being abused. As the saying goes, “if the cap fits, wear it”. On the other hand, if you haven’t abused him, then clearly his anger was not aimed at you. Having said that, I’d still much rather see him celebrate the way most players do after they’ve scored. But if its a choice, I’ll take an angry goal scorer over a placid non-goal scorer.
I was critical of Bobby last season. Guess what? He made me eat my words a bit this season. However I still say he’s made his point long ago, no need to continue with the “angry man” celebrations unless its directed at opposing supporters.
A simple question, here, if you all don’t mind. And this is in NO WAY a criticism or insult to Roy Hodgson. It’s clear to anyone who has eyes to see, and a fairness, that he’s an intelligent gentleman who happens to be a great football manager, as well. But many of his generation, who are not engaged in online forums/blogs/social networking, he may have simply chosen the word blog, not quite certain of the subtle differences between the different types of social interchange? Now IF Roy Hodgson is more plugged in than many of his age, then I certainly apologize. I don’t mean to defame or in any other way harm Roy or his reputation. Blog is simply the most atypical word between messageboard/forum/ etc.