looking for the news

By: timmyg | July 5th, 2009

Never thought I’d say it, but I really wish the American sports media was covering this club, and game.

Why? Because then I’d have a better idea as to what’s going on at Motspur Park. Excluding the the Australian Tour roster and the “reports” that “link” us to other players, we’re left in the dark as to who is or is not getting fit for the upcoming season.

Who’s reported to training camp? Just have to glean from the photos on the official page. Who is absent, and why? Just speculate.

And who are the free agents from other teams? Good luck with that.

In the states, sports reporters and radio personalities both local and national devote a day or so to whatever each league calls their “free agent day”, and at least surveys the field. Same thing when NFL teams have mini-camps and pitchers and catchers report for spring training.

With similar dates for footy, one is best directed to wikipedia. Or if they’re a big enough name, SkySports may have an update or two — provided they have the rights.

I could be wrong, but reading/listening to both American and British sports media there seems to be a differing ethos: one is more interested in the scoop and the other the exclusive interview. One breaks the news, the other waits for it be broken then vies to be first to put it back together.

Example: did anyone in Britain predict Michael Owen going to United? I’m going to guess no. Here, we have daily updates about what Brett Favre is going to do via text message (more credible than a tweet?!?) to Chris Mortensen.

Or maybe because its Fulham, the little club on the river that gets buried amidst all the other clubs from London, Liverpool and Manchester. And whoever Real Madrid are buying next.

Nonetheless I still want to know what the future holds for Bouazza and Omozusi. Is the situation in Iran affecting Andranik? Are Etuhu and PK injured and thus not going ‘down under’? What did Roy do over the off-season?

I’m going to lobby for a Fulham beat reporter, someone who gets media access to the players and club (can such a thing exist in England?) that us bloggers cannot. And I nominate Dan from hammyend.com who’s been vital in sorting out this nebulous as best anyone can. Plus, he’s in London and a great lad.

Any other suggestions?