SWANNY'S WORLD OF SPORT: Lincoln's heroes, I'll miss the big head, sack the pundits

Lincoln City proved my belief, that the magic of the FA Cup is a myth, very wrong
Lincoln City celebrations after their FA Cup win over Burnley.Lincoln City celebrations after their FA Cup win over Burnley.
Lincoln City celebrations after their FA Cup win over Burnley.

I was captivated by the Imps’ win at Burnley, not just because Joey Barton was exposed as a charlaton and not just because Sean Dyche was exposed as a manager with no clue other than to stifle and frustrate opponents.

I WILL MISS THE BIG HEAD
I will miss Mark Clattenburg. He comes across as an arrogant, attention-seeking referee, but I have no problem with that as long as performances justify the monstrous ego.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That wasn’t the case with Graham Poll, another referee who packed in before he had to, but Clattenburg was usually very good, certainly better than anyone else operating at his level.

Big headed referee Mark Clattenburg.Big headed referee Mark Clattenburg.
Big headed referee Mark Clattenburg.

Those who are revelling in his decision to accept a tenfold increase in his salary to £1 million a year should reflect on the fact that Lee Mason and Jonathan Moss, two officials not fit to lace Clattenburg’s boots, could now be in line to take charge/ruin some bigger games.

We obsess about referee performances these days to a degree that must make officials very uncomfortable.

SACK THE MOTD PUNDITS

Punditry on Match of the Day should have finished with the exit of Alan Hansen. His reputation rises with every dozy, inarticulate and ill-informed appearance from the likes of John Hartson, Trevor Sinclair and Danny Murphy. Hartson and Sinclair seemed to find Joey Barton’s scandalous antics last weekend funny rather than serious, but then he’s their mate so that’s okay.

Proud Lincoln manager Danny Cowley and Imps fans at Turf Moor.Proud Lincoln manager Danny Cowley and Imps fans at Turf Moor.
Proud Lincoln manager Danny Cowley and Imps fans at Turf Moor.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gary Lineker should just present the programme on his own, like Jimmy Hill used to do. Make him earn his grotesque salary.

GOLF IS NOW A POWER GAME

Dustin Johnson has reached world number one in golf, mainly because he hits the ball miles further than anyone else.

Technology now plays too big a part.