Coaching For The Brave

An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [Thursday 27 September 2012] found a charge of misconduct against John Terry proven and has issued a suspension for a period of four matches and a fine of £220,000, pending appeal. The Football Association charged Mr Terry on Friday 27 July 2012 with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand and which included a reference to colour and/or race contrary to FA Rule E3[2] in relation to the Queens Park Rangers FC versus Chelsea FC fixture at Loftus Road on 23 October 2011. The charge was the result of The FA’s long-standing investigation into this matter, which was placed on hold at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Terry’s representatives pending the outcome of the criminal trial. A hearing took place from 24-27 September 2012 before an Independent Regulatory Commission of The FA to consider the charge. The decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission...

Never say Never You will have to bear with me here as the headline could be misleading. However, players and pundits never fail to describe John Terry in this way. Despite all his issues the fall back position is that he is a great leader. It's a description that Terry likes to play up to with typical English bulldog spirit seemingly counting for more than those other English traditions of manners, discretion and a stiff upper lip. In the dressing room he is known for his rousing team talks that pump the troops up before battle commences. While on the pitch his do or die attitude and preference to put his body on the line earns him great respect. Our English game loves these types of characters. The ones who fly into last ditch tackles, fearlessly place their body in the way of a well struck shot or occasionally get a cut and carry on with a blood stained bandage around their head. Other footballing cultures would not see it quite the same. Last ditch? Italian defe...