Colegate – The Long And The Short Of It
The Ashley Cole “tapping-up” case has taken a number of more intriguing turns with the release of the 24-page decision document published on the Premier League’s official website. Not least, in purely football terms, is José Mourinho’s assessment that top quality full-backs must be at least 5ft 11ins in height. The Ashley Cole “tapping-up” case has taken a number of more intriguing turns with the release of the 24-page decision document published on the Premier League’s official website. Not least, in purely football terms, is José Mourinho’s assessment that top quality full-backs must be at least 5ft 11ins in height.
In their opinion, the three-man panel had “grave difficulty in giving credence” to the Chelsea manager’s claim that Ashley Cole was too short at 1.68 metres (5ft 6in) because he was interested only in a player who stands at least 1.80 metres (5ft 11in).
They concluded: “AC’s lack of height was not an insurmountable difficulty. His short stature does not prevent him from performing at the highest international level at left back — a fact that must have been obvious to JM.”
To slightly muddy the waters further, the leading football reference books and Arsenal’s official web site list Ashley’s height as 1.73 metres (5ft 8ins).
It cannot be argued that, in the not too distant past, Chelsea have employed a number of fine full-backs who may have been lacking in inches but enjoyed plenty of experience at Premiership and / or international level. Examples are Albert Ferrer (1.70 metres / 5ft 7ins), Tony Dorigo (1.75 metres / 5ft 9ins), Terry Phelan (1.73 metres / 5ft 8ins), Celestine Babayaro (1.75 metres / 5ft 9ins) and Graeme Le Saux (1.78 metres / 5ft 10ins).
Away from Stamford Bridge, some of the most celebrated full-backs of the last decade fail the 180cms test: Dennis Irwin (1.73 metres / 5ft 8ins), Nigel Winterburn (1.72 metres / 5ft 8ins), Bixente Lizarazu (1.69 metres / 5ft 6ins) and Roberto Carlos (1.78 metres / 5ft 10ins).
José’s theory has the solid backing of both his full-backs in FC Porto’s 2004 Champions’ League Final victory passing the test of the tape. Right-back Paulo Ferreira (José signed him from Vitória Setúbal and is now with him at Chelsea) is 1.82 metres / 6ft 0ins as is left-back Nuno Valente (José’s first signing at Porto having previously been together at UD Leiria).
Speculation linking Athletic Bilbao’s left-back Asier del Horno with a move to Chelsea just fulfils the Mourinho criteria as the 24 year-old measures in on the 1.80 metre mark.
With fines totalling £600,000, the now infamous meeting has instigated one of the most expensive lunch bills in history. To the wider footballing public, it has undoubtedly left a nasty taste.
The question of loyalty and integrity in the game has also produced plenty of food for thought.
One of the more thoughtful and balanced responses came from Gordon Taylor. Speaking to the Press Association, the PFA chief executive commented: “There are no particular rules here against the agents involved and Ashley has been placed in a position where they (the commission) can only act against him.
“From that point of view it is unfortunate. Ashley has been placed in an invidious position where he is discussing a new contract with Arsenal.
“Things have not been finally settled and he has been advised to look at other options. If one club is looking to get a player in while the championship is still going on it can put that player in a very difficult position.
“To place Ashley in a meeting in a public hotel is really leaving him wide open. He was badly advised. He has been put in a position which has led to this charge.
“We have worked hard to make sure there is no restraint of trade on players. They are free at the end of their contract, even during a long-term contract after three years they have a right to speak to other clubs.
“There is ample opportunity. All Chelsea needed to do if they were interested in Ashley Cole was inform Arsenal as well as speaking to the player. They chose not to do that. They know the rules and the Premier League had no option but to take action against them.”
Related Link