CHELSEAThe consistently prodigious displays of John Terry and Frank Lampard must be rewarded with some silverware. Chelsea’s heart and soul operate with discipline and resolution. People moan about Chelsea’s wealth but their real riches lie in the character of individuals like Terry, Lampard, Damien Duff and the coach, Jose Mourinho. Duff and Arjen Robben encourage a generation to humiliate defenders. Enjoy.REFEREEING The ridiculous clause jettisoning good referees on grounds of age, such as the well-respected Paul Durkin, must be waived. The killjoy law forcing referees to caution goalscorers who remove their shirts must be scrapped; football has not become such a serious business that elation should be encouraged. Linesmen should become more involved in decision-makingSIMULATION Even in the pantomime season, Tal Ben Haim’s melodramatic tumble was as offensive as Wayne Rooney’s hand-off (while the Manchester United striker was arguably guilty of a dive in the first place). Forget Ben Haim, an insignificant actor on the Premiership stage. The real sadness is in witnessing such sweet ball-movers as Rooney, Robert Pires, Cristiano Ronaldo and Arjen Robben stooping to such subterfuge. Kids copy them. Fact.WAYNE ROONEY Of course he should channel his aggression better. But he is a teenager whose background hardly prepared him for handling fame and fortune. The national obsession with the minutiae of Rooney’s life demeans us and damages him. If we do not allow this boy struggling into adulthood some breathing space he could suffocate and a precious talent be ruinedCHAMPIONS LEAGUEEven taking into account the post-Heysel wilderness years, one European Cup triumph for England since 1984 is embarrassing for a country that prides itself on the quality of its domestic league. People confuse excitement with excellence. The Premiership’s constant turnover of possession does not prepare teams for more subtle Continental duelling. That might be changing. Do not rule out an English presence in the Istanbul final. If Mourinho’s savvy Chelsea can overcome Barcelona, the Premiership may finally live up to its cheerleaders’ hypeCHARLTON ATHLETICIf only every club were like the Happy Valley residents, English football would be a far better place. Well run on and off the pitch, Charlton are a model of footballing and financial prudence, exuding ambition without ruinous risk. Fan-friendly, Charlton are a genuine community focal point with players frequently involved in charity work. WAGESFor all its faults, football remains the best show in town and the headline acts, Lampard, Gerrard, Henry and Van Nistelrooy, deserve their handsome remuneration. Yet too many members of the supporting cast are paid unsustainable amounts. Remember that Winston Bogarde raked in pounds 40,000 a week guesting for Chelsea reserves and going shopping. Remember that Kluivert receives pounds 136,000 every fortnight for not delivering on Tyneside. The numbers do not add up. (The Daily Telegraph)
