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d the gym.Martin hasnt been in touch
NEW YORK, N. Dane Cruikshank Jersey .Y. - Phil Jackson offered a mea culpa for the New York Knicks awful first half of the season but said hes doing whats best for the franchises future.Days after trading away two of the teams best players and getting little in return, Jackson asked fans not to blame coach Derek Fisher because whats shaping up as the worst season in franchise history is his responsibility.The Knicks fell to an NBA-worst 5-35 with their 110-82 loss to Charlotte to extend the longest single-season skid in team history to 15 games.In anticipating that we were going to be better, that we were giving hope to our fans that maybe there was a possible playoff opportunity here, that goes on me, Jackson said.That we have to now take responsibility and move forward and make things happen, that also goes on me and now I have to do the job that I was brought in to do.Jackson had said before his first full season as the teams president of basketball operations that he thought the Knicks were capable of contending for a playoff spot, but now says that they obviously werent.But Jackson, part of two championship teams with the Knicks as a player and a title-winning coach with the Lakers and Bulls, insisted hes making moves that could turn around a franchise that hasnt won since that second title in 1973.Were going through this period of time and for some of the people that have been fans of this team have told me many times that theres been this impression that maybe the team should blow it up and should start over again and its never happened, Jackson said. Its always been going after the next big star.We kept searching for the big star to change our fortunes which has never happened in the last 45 years or so, so reality is that this is probably the best way to go about the business and to begin and to restart and do it the right way and put it together in a way that really makes sense.Jackson traded guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland this week in a three-team deal that could leave the Knicks with more than $25 million in salary cap space next summer. Jackson said he hopes to bring in five to six new players next season.He acknowledged making the wrong decisions on the team he put together this season, though he was hamstrung for financial reasons. He may not be done making moves, saying the Knicks could be active at next months trade deadline.I just think that no one should be surprised in what we do from here on out, Jackson said.Jackson, who won an NBA-record 11 championships as a coach, praised Fisher for remaining optimistic and keeping the teams future goals in mind.I think in a lot of ways thats what leadership is, Fisher said. Its not to gloat and smile and be happy when things are going well and take all the credit, but to still be consistent and persistent in who you are when things arent going well.Jackson also spoke highly of Carmelo Anthony, who hopes to return soon from a sore left knee.But the All-Star forward might be one of the few Knicks who is still around next season. Jackson said this seasons group didnt learn the teams triangle offence as quickly as he hoped, necessitating some of the moves hes made and the next search for talent.Jackson said that hes lost some sleep trying to figure out ways to improve the Knicks, but believes it will happen. He said Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan, who gave Jackson his first chance to be a team executive in March, has remained supportive.We hope were on the right track, even though this isnt the track we anticipated, Jackson said.Discount Tennessee Titans Jerseys . "You hate when they score," he said with some distaste at the thought. "You take pride in it. Earl Campbell Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with cornerback Kelvin Hayden.Manchester Uniteds disappointing start under David Moyes has dominated the early season headlines, sitting 12th place on seven points through six matches in the Barclays Premier League. Its been a tough go for United supporters feeling mortal for the first time in ages. The 4-1 loss at Manchester City a fortnight ago highlighted how far they have to go under the new manager. It could be a weekly feature in this space: The Missteps of Moyes. Were not going there this week. Take solace United fans; all is not flawless on the other side of Manchester either. Manchester City looked a dominant force that day: a class above their rivals. When the blue side of Manchester is on, few can touch the tactical superiority and overall quality they possess. Manuel Pellegrini is a wonderful manager. The Chilean has a cool demeanor and keen eye for the game. Manchester City under Pellegrini looks a more complete outfit than their cross-city rival. But Pellegrini isnt without early season challenges. Away form is a real issue, as is proper depth in defensive positions. In a season where even the top teams have fatal flaws, Manchester City need look no further than their number one goalkeeper as the biggest issue. Pellegrinis decision on what to do about the struggling Joe Hart will determine the success or failure in the early days of his City tenure. A goalkeepers role is very simple. Save what you can get your hands on and dont make mental errors that leave your backline vulnerable. Of course, theres the catch, punch, communicate, distribute, and proper positional aspects of the game as well. But none of the tasks are too complex in nature. Its when these basic tasks become a chore, and ultimately blundered over, when a change at the position must be made. Confidence is key. The Manchester City and England No. 1 goalkeeper, Hart has none at present time. His play has been indecisive and unconvincing dating back to last season. You can see it in his body language. Its plain to see in his regular hesitation on the field. His inability to come up with saves at crucial moments has become borderline epidemic. This is nothing new to England goalkeepers. The revolving door and lack of consistency has plagued English goalkeepers since the days of David Seaman. Hart is just the most recent case. Dont call Hart cursed; call it a temporary dip in form thats lasted longer than expected. Hart, 26, captured the number one job at City to start the 2010-11 season. He cemented himself ahead of Shay Given, and proved worthy of the role with standout play. Back to back Golden Glove awards culminating in helping City to their first League title in 44 years in 2011-12 showed his talent. Since that time, Hart has been inconsistent at best, failing to maintain his lofty standard in often frustrating fashion. Highlight reel save one moment, to lapse in concentration or improper positioning the next. With a top-team in front of him, reliability is essential. The seeming lack of faith of the manager, and even worse the body language of his teammates as of late does nothing to secure faith in him leading City from the back. “The three goals, I think we can do better, not only the goalkeeper,” said Pellegrini after a 3-1 loss in Champions League to Bayern Munich. The manager is unwilling to throw his goalkeeper under a bus. His team was nowhere near up to par, and Bayern Munich was clearly the dominant side. The result was not on Hart. The goalkeeper was part of the mess. His play, poor, and on the Champions League stage, Hart has to do better; much better. Hart was beaten near post with his hand on the ball on the first and third goals. Better positioning and firmer wrist and the goals would have been kept out. And on the second goal, Thomas Muller got behind the back line far too easy and Hart, as he failed to do so last weekend on the match-winner for Aston Villa, hesitated, didnt get big and didnt properly time his approach. It all ended with egg on Harts face, looking lost. The Premier League losses to Aston Villa and Cardiff City highlighted indecision on Harts part and the critics voices grow louder and greater in number by the day. Gary Neville, Roy Hodgsons assistant in the England side and television commentator politely acknowledged Hart should have done better against Bayern Munich. Pellegrini nor Hodgson can ignore the subpar play of their goalkeeper and the subsequent calls for change. Its a fragile position for the managers, especially for Pellegrini. City surely needs Hart at his best, but England does as well heading into the crucial final two matches which will determine whether they punch their ticket to Brazil next summer. Pellegrini cannot let the latter effect his words or decision in the coming days towards Hart. He must do whats best for the club. To the onlooker, its quite clear: Hart needs some time on the sideline, out of the line of fire, to sort out his issues. If it were not for a striking lack of depth and ready-made options, its time for Hart to lose his No. 1 job for country, and for club to follow suit, at least for the time being. The argument will be made Hart is the only choice for England. Fraser Forster nor John Ruddy have International experience to give confidence in big games for England against Poland and Montenegro – virtual must wins for World Cup qualification. A bold move by Hodgson going with Forster or Ruddy would open old wounds, bringing back memories of Scott Carsons blunder in his England debut in a 3-2 loss to Croatia seeing the Three Lions fail to qualify for Euro 2008. Then manager Steve McClaren was ridiculed for his goalkeeper selection and was fired the next day. Does Roy Hodgson have the courage to take a similar ‘risk and try the same? Blaming inexperience among back-ups is a cop-out. Form should be the best indicator of who should start. Hart is not in form.&nbssp; The argument can be made Forsters top play in the Champions League for Celtic warrants serious consideration. Curley Culp Jersey. A player featuring in the Scottish Premier League may be too big of a leap of faith. Without a Buffon or Casillas to rely upon, Hodgson will stick with Hart and hope for the best. Two good games are all he needs. Hodgson will hold his breathe. Pellegrini must take a longer view. Does he want to entrust Hart in important matches this season and beyond? Loyalty is earned, not easily given by a new manager. The early returns havent been good. January may not be the time to dip into the market for a goalkeeper if faith in Hart is already lost. Next summer seems a better time to address the position if needed. Pellegrini must weigh his in-house options first to deal with the immediate task at hand. Back-up goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon warrants a look. The Romanian International is a big body and hasnt been given a chance to play significant time at the club. He doesnt have the resume or experience as Hart. But a new face may be suffice short term. Call it a stopgap measure and see how it plays out. Hart needs a few games to get his head straight. The status quo is not good enough. Call this weekends match against Everton the test. If Hart continues with his unreliable ways, look for Pellegrini to act. It may be early days for he at City, but these are important days nonetheless. In the ultra-competitive and unpredictable Premier League, a steady goalkeeper may be the difference between a title or not. Right now Pellegrini needs to think with his head, not with his Hart. Other Musings - Spurs have been the most impressive and consistent side weve seen through six Premier League matches. The depth at Andre Villas-Boas disposal is impressive, rotating his side to near perfection in all competitions. The ball movement has been very good and there is every reason to believe this group of new players in the team will continue to grow and develop continuity as the season progresses. The positive steps are plain to see, but work is still to be done. The second half performance in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea shows they have maturing to do before making the next step. It was a match they were in complete control. Spurs let Chelsea off easy in a subpar performance by the visitors. The counter-punch of Jose Mourinhos side caught Spurs at a moment of weakness and once Chelsea was given a step, they took full advantage and grew into the match. Tottenham need to learn how to take full control of matches as such at home. This type of maturity comes through experience. Its much different playing as the hunted rather than the hunter. They will grow from this and be better from it. - West Broms 2-1 victory over Manchester United, the clubs first win at Old Trafford since 1978, was played in the media as more a United failure than the top play from the visitors. Steve Clarkes men are worthy of greater acknowledgement of how well they played. A slow start to the season had many pegging West Brom for a relegation battle. Positive performances in recent weeks have changed that tone. Without the injured goalkeeper Ben Foster, midfielders James Morrison, Chris Brunt, and striker Nicolas Anelka, Matej Vydra, Shane Long, and with Scott Sinclair limping off early, the team had ever reason to roll over at Old Trafford as so many have done before. The team had a coming of age performance, and could have put five past David De Gea if it were not for the intervention of the woodwork and United keeper. Newcomers Morgan Amalfitano and Stephane Sessegnon have put in back-to-back top performances, and 20-year old striker Saido Berahino has burst on the scene, looking very much the part. The backline will always be steady. Its having more quality in attack that will keep opposition honest. This isnt to say the current standard is sustainable. But the panic button is not being hit in the Midlands any longer. - Hull City is becoming the sweethearts of the new Premier League season. The newly promoted Tigers have points in four straight in all competitions and is giving Steve Bruces side the belief needed to compete in the top league. Theyve been winning with Captain Robert Koren on the sidelines. Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies have put in top performances through the spine of the team. They will be challenged over the next month with top scorer Robbie Brady on the sidelines after hernia surgery. - You wont see a worse display of defending than Newcastle centre-backs Fabricio Coloccini and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in a 3-2 loss to Everton Monday. Yanga-Mbiwa was especially palpable substandard display as Newcastle conceded three times in the first 45. The rest of the team play was fine. Without reliable play at the back, Alan Pardew doesnt have a chance. Its concentration and basic commitment that are lacking. You feel for the manager, who is clearly on the hot seat. There is nothing he can do about such pathetic defending other than not play the players. Unfortunately he is not blessed with top options. One thing he can do is bury the hatchet and start Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman is top quality. His goal in the loss was outstanding. Hes too good to be wasted on the bench. - Arsenal was impressive again this week. Top wins over Swansea away and Napoli in the Champions League have the team riding a level of confidence not present at the Emirates in years. Theyve done so despite a rash of injuries. A more difficult schedule comes in November, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Southampton in consecutive weeks. The most important thing is to keep striker Olivier Giroud healthy with sufficient rest. The games are adding up. The return Nicklas Bendtner does leave a whole lot of confidence the team has enough depth in attack. @WheelerTSN | gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Cheap Soccer Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Hockey Jerseys Nike NFL Jerseys China Cheap Nike MLB Jerseys China Wholesale Baseball Jerseys China Wholesale College Jerseys Cheap Jerseys From China Wholesale Jerseys Near Me Cheap Jerseys Online Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Soccer Jerseys China Cheap NCAA Jerseys Authentic Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic MLB Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Throwback Jerseys Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China ' ' '
- Created: Oct 24 '18
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