Sports Personality of the Week!

Footballer's are often perceived negatively in the media, and quite often that negativity is merited. However, in the last week or so, one player in particular has represented himself immaculately. That player is Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand has had a difficult season, with injuries restricting his participation in Manchester United's title challenge and Fabio Capello deciding last week that he is no longer the best person to captain England. Yet in the midst of all this, Rio has dealt with every pitfall incredibly.

Ferdinand on Twitter

After the news had leaked that John Terry was to be re-appointed as the national team's Captain, you wouldn't have blamed Ferdinand for publicly criticising the decision. Another scenario may have seen him retire from International Football; at the age of 32, this wouldn't have been surprising either. Instead, it has been reported that Ferdinand accepted the decision, and although he has fallen short of giving public approval, I think he deserves a lot of credit.

Also this week, Ferdinand featured prominently in one of Comic Relief's most popular sketches. The Manchester United player sat at a table with various celebrities, who were trying to decide which one of them should visit Africa on behalf of the event. Ferdinand's credientials were questioned when it was suggested that the big defender lacked the ability to cry on cue, a crucial part of any Comic Relief VT. Rio then tries to prove his doubters wrong, putting on a cringe-worthy attempt to force tears. For a man who has devoted a large portion of his life proving how 'gangsta' he is, this was a brave display in the name of a good cause.



Rio Ferdinand's Comic Relief Appearance

Another aspect of Ferdinand's public image which has received a lot of positive coverage recently is his use of Twitter. With over 650,000 followers he has proven that not all footballer's are 'Twits on Twitter'. He regularly uses his account for the benefit of charities, and has developed an endearing following through his friendly banter with fans and other footballers, in particular Robbie Savage.

Rather ironically, his behaviour on the back of this week's decision by Capello, shows exactly why Ferdinand should be England Captain. He's a great role-model, fantastic player, and is willing to put his own 'cool' image in jeopardy for the benefit of others less fortunate; I'd be pushed to say John Terry has even 1 out of those 3 traits.

EB...

Twitter: euanblack

A Really Terry-ble Decision by Capello

In the past couple of days there has been a lot of press coverage afforded to rumours that Fabio Capello is to reinstate John Terry as England captain. I thought I would put a quick post together in lieu of the final decision (which is expected tomorrow).

From what Capello said today, the original decision to strip Terry of the armband was only a temporary punishment, because of his behaviour off the field. It's almost as if he was a bad little boy being sent to the naughty step until he had calmed down. In my opinion this is completely the wrong message to send out. The decision should have been made on the premise that Terry was someone who could not handle the responsibility which comes with the role. In order to be reinstated he would have to show everyone that he has changed significantly. I don't think he has.

Liverpool FC's Captain Fantastic, So Why Not England's?



Something I can understand is Capello not wanting to have a different captain for every game, and because Ferdinand has suffered from injuries recently he might want someone more reliable; but why look any further than Steven Gerrard. Gerrard, for years, has proven himself to be a brilliant captain for Liverpool, dragging his team mates by the scruff of the neck to victory in huge matches. He has also shown an outstanding will to win and passion whilst representing his country.

I'm actually a big fan of Gerrard and largely critical of John Terry, so bias is undoubtedly sneaking into this post. However, I genuinely feel there is no reason to reinstate Terry; he is a poor role model, and his performances on the pitch have never been the same since his penalty kick miss against Manchester United in the Final of the 2008 Champions League.

John Terry After the Champions League Final Penalty Miss



Unfortunately, I think the armband probably will be on the arm of John Terry for the foreseeable future, I just don't understand why.

Feel free to comment and let me know who you think should be England's captain.

EB...
Twitter: euanblack

Guest Blogging on 'The Social Penguin'

A quick message to my army of followers! I've made my first guest appearance on Mike McGrail's fantastic 'Social Penguin Blog'. My post looks into the use of social media in football and the problems Twitter has caused some of the UK's top players. Have a gander when you've got a minute!

Please feel free to rate and comment!

Jack Wilshere's Infamous Rant on Twitter!