Being dropped from the Morecambe eleven

English Football League / David Artell / 20 March 2008 / Leave a Comment

This week David Artell tells us about being dropped for last Saturday's match, Martin Taylor's second chance and why Alexander Hleb needs a quiet word in his ear

I was in slightly unfamiliar territory on Saturday as I was dropped to the bench. Having lost the last four games the gaffer explained that he had to get a win and I was the unlucky person. It's never nice being dropped but I can fully understand the gaffer's predicament and it's up to me to get my shirt back. Sitting on the bench on Saturday makes you realise just how stressful being a manager is as the gaffer never stood still and was kicking and heading every ball. I just wish he would stand still for a minute or two so the substitutes can watch the game without looking like their at Wimbledon swaying from side to side! It's never easy coming off the bench and playing, especially as a defender as you have not got a lot to gain and everything to lose. It's generally the opposite for forwards as they are usually thrown on with the team needing a goal. If they get a goal he's a hero and the gaffer is a master tactician. If he doesn't, then what is he expected to do in 10,15,20 minutes that the other strikers couldn't do before him?

Talking of defenders and I think you can guess where I'm stood on the whole Martin Taylor playing while Eduardo's still injured situation. For me it's part and parcel of the game and he didn't mean to injure Eduardo. As for suggestions from some quarters that he shouldn't be able to play until Eduardo recovers, well that's just nonsense. Firstly, I'm sure it would infringe some European Law and secondly, what would happen if a less talented player (Arsenal youngster) had a serious injury caused by a player (Cristiano Ronaldo) who was relied heavily on by his team? The injured player's club would be in no rush to get him back fit if one of their rivals was suffering greatly from his absence would they?

For me Taylor has served his punishment in an unfortunate accident and should be allowed to get on with his football. He was quite clearly devastated on the day and remorseful afterwards as he went to see Eduardo in hospital. When I was involved in an incident that saw our goalkeeper stretchered off to hospital it affected me in a way I've never experienced before, both in the game and afterwards. I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd contributed too and couldn't sleep for two days. I'm not saying that Taylor is a victim but people should realise that it was an accident and these things happen on football pitches. As for getting the police involved, people like Sepp Blatter should get in the real world.

Now I've got that off my chest, on to a lighter note! With Stuart Pearce leaving out three of his regulars in his Under 21 squad, it only seems a matter of time before the three in question are named in Fabio Capello's full squad. Of the three in question- Gabriel Agbonlahor, Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon- Walcott will know what to expect due to his involvement in the World Cup squad but even he could do no wrong in picking the brains of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and David Beckham (if selected). My captain and I try and have a little word in some of the younger lads ears (whether they like it or not!) and its then up to them whether they take it on board or not. I'm sure at times they just think we're harping on about something or nothing but listening to more experienced players and picking their brains, whether it be about something on or off the pitch, can only help young players.

One player who could do with a word in his ear from a senior pro is Alexander Hleb at Arsenal. When in Milan a fortnight ago he reportedly meet up with agents of city rivals Inter about a move there in the summer (something Inter have denied). If Arsenal didn't progress he would have left himself wide open to abuse from fans about his attitude and his mind not being on the game. Luckily they did progress and not much has been said but their Premiership form isn't going as smoothly. With four draws in their last four Premiership games they're not exactly in title-winning form and face another massive game on Sunday against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I can't see Arsenal winning and a resurgent Chelsea will put themselves right back in the Premiership race with a win. This week I'm going for a draw at half time and a Chelsea win at full time. At [6.2] it seems too good to miss.

David Artell plays for Morecambe FC:

http://www.morecambefc.com/