Beckham for England and on loan; Toronto FC thoughts

BECKHAM ENGLAND'S MAN?

As the guy in my circle who follows football on a regular basis, friends and acquaintances asked me what all the hoopla was when David Beckham joined the L.A. Galaxy. Was he still any good? Isn't he a washed-up has-been who is simply trying to cash in one more time before a full-time acting career calls?

I calmly answered no to such questions and explained to the uninitiated that I thought the Galaxy had signed the man who would become the best player to show up for an MLS fixture.

To be entirely fair, Beckham earned his bad rap on a Real Madrid team chock full of superstars who have become complacent in their Galactico roles. Until recently, Madrid looked nothing like a side who seemed even remotely interested in living up to their considerable pedigree.

Madrid now sit atop the La Liga table alongside the 2006 European champions (who are also looking to claim the underachiever's crown by crawling to the league title). Beckham has played an inspiring role in this reversal of fortunes, looking much more like a savvy veteran footballer in the process. So much so in fact, England manager Steve McLaren has given him a recall to the squad.

So what, right? McLaren needs to save his job so he goes back to the well? I think this may be the brightest thing McLaren has managed to do since he took over from Sven. As he was quoted in an article on ESPNsoccernet.com, McLaren will "stand or fall" over the decision to recall the former captain. It seems that a year after Germany, England need Beckham again.

Beckham won't single-handedly save England from missing Euro 2008. However, like Sheringham in the run up to WC 2002, a wise manager can use Beckham's considerable talents, particularly to win games against the sides like Israel and Andorra that seemed to present such a problem.

Beckham, on the right to start or coming on in the middle could provide an inspiration that has been sorely lacking from the English sides of late. Beckham still works hard, can cross the ball and is their best set-piece option. A match, either in a starting role or as a sub, against a side like Estonia (next week) will show that he still has a role, albeit diminished, in the side.

GALAXY MUM ON LOAN POSSIBILITY

This leaves the question: how will the Galaxy handle an England star, not just a former England star? Reports on various sites have discussed the possibility of Beckham going on loan to Europe (likely England) during the MLS close season.

Initially, club general manager Alexi Lalas shot down the idea. Now, some reports are saying Lalas is okay with the idea whilst coach Frank Yallop is the one opposed.

I can understand their apprehension. You've got a guy who you're paying $25-million (USD) a year and what happens if he gets broken while across the Atlantic? He will be the best player on the Galaxy when he arrives, if not the best player in the MLS (Juan Pablo Angel might have something to say about that though). Yallop didn't run from the dysfunctional CSA just to have is meal ticket ruined putting games in overseas to maintain a England squad place.

I don't, however, think that this should be seen as a bad thing. The MLS league season is 32 games long and is largely devoid of the additional games that wear down players in the European leagues. Teams like Chelsea or Manchester United played in excess of 60 games this season accounting for the League, FA and European cup competitions.

If MLS sides can loan a player out to participate in quality, competitive football for a short period during the off-season, they should take advantage of the opportunity. Players currently play in winter leagues anyways, so continued participation in a professional league would only serve to benefit the league.

As for the Galaxy's particular concern for an extremely valuable asset, these can be somewhat alleviated too. Loan deals are contractual. Contracts, particularly of this nature, carry clauses with them that would help to protect Beckham or any other player. A maximum number of games, no cup competitions, only brown M&M's in the training room, whatever. Clauses could also be inserted to cover salary in the event of a long term injury.

Not only would specific clauses limit the exposure of a player to injury and the club to financial loss, they would likely dissuade potential suitors as well. In other words, Beckham wouldn't be loaned to Derby County who couldn't take such a chance. A side like Newcastle or Aston Villa, with deep pockets and great aspirations, could afford these risks.

At any rate, the loan list status of Mr. Beckham will be worth watching once he joins up with his new club.

TORONTO FC

As a Torontonian by birth if not much else, I follow sports in that city: the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jays, the Raptors and now Toronto FC.

I caught the second half of the game between TFC and the Columbus Crew on Saturday night. I've followed the team through the papers and the 'net previously, but it was great to catch some live action.

Aside from some spotty camera work, the match was entertaining. TFC live up to their reputation as the roughest side in the league, throwing themselves into tackles with abandon at times. However, they play with passion and I think that they will quickly cement themselves in the hearts of many Torontonians, just as they have with the supporters who turn up to BMO field.

Jeff Cunningham, acquired earlier in the week from Real Salt Lake, will be a hit. This guy is fantastic, with a knack of slipping behind the last defender for runs on goal. He was unlucky to be kept off the score sheet on Saturday, but him and Danny Dichio will be formidable up front in the matches to come. Keep an eye out for these two this Saturday against Colorado.

How long will Freddy hold on?

On the heels of the Champions League Final in Athens, some of the biggest news from England outside of Liverpool's defeat has been billionaire Mike Ashley's takeover bid for Newcastle.

Ashley has ponied up at least $118-million (Canadian) to purchase 41.6 per cent of the club from Sir John Hall, according to BBC Sport. Hall had apparently rebuffed other suitors prior to accepting Ashley's bid.

Where does this leave Ashley? The easiest route to claiming the 75 per cent of shares required to completely takeover the club would be to buy out chairman Freddy Sheppard's share, which is just under 30 per cent. Along with smaller blocks of shares, this would allow Ashley to take Newcastle off the open market.

Freddy, however, is shocked. He, along with new manager Sam Allardyce, were surprised by the move. Several reports indicate the two will meet to discuss the future following Ashley's purchase.

That Newcastle need a fresh start goes without saying. The club hasn't won any silverware since 1969 and after a 13th place finish they are no closer. They have a stadium that should be the envy of most other Premiership sides and loyal fans, but a succession of managers have squandered cash on a collection of also-ran players.

Freddy is passionate about his club. I can recall many times over the years his promises to repay the support of the Toon Army, but the trophy case remains bare. I suspect that after a great deal of moaning, he will give in to reason and relinquish control. BBC reported that he is due a $2.15-million buyout if ousted from his position as chairman. He could always stick around to be the thorn in Ashley's side, but eventually he'll cut and run.

Allardyce, on the other hand, shouldn't be trying to suck up to Sheppard. Rather than running to the chairman to get the scoop, he should have been calling up the new stockholder and congratulating him. Big Sam, one of the best managers in the Premiership, needs the full support of the man with the big chequebook.

For Newcastle fans, this is fantastic news: a fresh injection of cash to go along with the new manager. Ashley is not a wealthy American, so a deal will go down without any of the xenophobic fear mongering that has surrounded the Liverpool, Aston Villa or Man United deals. He's young (45) and ambitious, just what the doctor ordered.

Newcastle has the potential through new ownership, huge stadium and loyal fan base to join the elite of the Premiership, but not with the old hands on the tiller. Newcastle supporters will keep their fingers crossed, I'm sure.