The one with another disastrous futsal tournament

Last Saturday 14th April 2012 was the 2nd edition of the EPL supporters club futsal tournament. It was bigger then the last tournament with a total of 12 teams. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle all sent 2 teams while Manchester City and Spurs sent 1 team.

Prior to the tournament we didn't really prepare well. All attempts for centralized training was met with lukewarm response and injuries. With that, I came into the tournament with zero expectations. And how wrong I was. I didnt know we were suppose to win the whole shindig. The best part was the players who never turn up for training are the ones demanding a win. 

First I'll get to the results. We drew our first game against Chelsea B 0-0 and I didn't see any playing time in that one. Next we lost to Man Utd A 2-3. I came in after half-time and we were already 2-down at that point. I came in and help stabilize the defence (sometimes you just need big guys at the back). I also got yellow-carded in that game. I was carded because I ran over a very small Man Utd player which I didn't see when going for a high ball. Funny call but it was against Man Utd. Craig pulled us level with 2 quick goals. Then disaster happened. I under hit a pass forward which was intercepted by a Man Utd player and I was caught out with a quick 1-2 counter. I was blamed for that goal which I owned up too. But the rest didn't accepted it. They claim that I should have been subbed because I was 'tired'. Well that was suppose to be their call on who comes in and out. My number wasn't called so I carried on. With that I knew I was going to be benched for the rest of the tournament. I missed our next 2 games, a 2-1 win over Arsenal A with goals from Leonard and Conrad and a 1-3 loss to Liverpool A with Conrad scoring our lone goal. We were already eliminated from the semis before our last game against Newcastle B. I was asked to start because there was nothing to play for. Due to be out cold, I wasn't ready for the game and made 2 early errors which lead to their goals in the first 3 minutes or so. Everyone was making me the scapegoat and then I had it. I walked out on the team, asked someone else to replace me. We lost 1-3 with Shahrul getting our goal. I didn't say goodbye to the team and walked back home straight after the game. The tournament was just across the road from my in-laws place so I decided to just walk to the tournament venue.

So i just played less then 8 minutes in the tournament from a total of 50 minutes playing time. Only played in 2 games while I was benched for the other 3. I didn't appreciate being made the scapegoat for the losses in which I played a part in. We didn't even prepare as a team. What do you expect? You think we can win by just showing up? Even Barcelona don't win without any preparation. With that I officially quit the team (like I was needed anyway). I will not make myself available for any future Spurs Malaysia futsal teams. 

A frustrating tournament and also a wasted weekend.

The one with the evening with Gary Mabbutt

On Tuesday, 27th March 2012, was a memorable occasion for the Spurs Malaysia fans. We had the opportunity to sit down, chat and dine with our legendary captain during the late 80s to 90s, Gary Mabbutt. The event was held at Seri Pacific here in Kuala Lumpur.

When he arrived, he was greeted with rapturous applause from all of us. It was my first experience seeing a Spurs legend up close. I had goosebumps and didn't know what to do with my hands but clap.

He shared his experiences and stories from his playing days as well as his opinions on the current Spurs squad.

When asked about the current squad, his believes it can go places, and he also says that if Harry Redknapp wants the England job, then the team should let him pursue his dream. As for who could replace him, he had 3 names - Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klinsmann and Guss Hiddink. He felt British names like David Moyes and Brendan Rodgers could be within a shout for the Spurs managerial post should Harry leave.

Gary also shared the work footballers do during the off-season. While a majority of players will make the headlines for the wrong reasons, footballers actually do a lot of community work. He talked about the charities and community work done by the club in Africa.

Gary also shared about his playing experiences. Who were his toughest opponents and such. He always wanted to play fair. He wasn't the "out-to-break-your-legs" type of defender. He always won the ball fairly. And how the current Spurs team could use a defender like him now to stabilize the squad. He was also the last captain to lift the FA Cup back in 1991. It was one of his proudest moments in his career.

There were topics we avoided asking, but Gary talked about it anyway. He talked about his own-goal in the 1987 FA Cup final. And how he became on of Coventry's influential people in their history as well as getting meals for free there for life. The other topic was Paul Gascoigne. His life story is well documented and Gary said its good to see Paul try to get his life back together.

The evening ended with an autograph session. And I didn't bring anything for him to sign. So I only got his autograph on the invitation card. I admit I was star-struck the whole evening and even when we chatted during the autograph signing, I was at lost for words. It's not everyday a Spurs legend comes to town.

The one with plotting another exit

Finally I have a way out. Another chance for a new start. I will be taking my 'talents' to Jalan Ampang. Also it will be back to what I used to do.

Now that I will be heading back to my previous field, I need to brush up on the latest market developments. Also need to find my swagger back and get my revenge (the revenge part was just for dramatic effect).

The timing is just nice too. Our 'bonus day' is this coming Friday. After that, I will tender my resignation and serve my notice (1 month).

I now have a chance to get my career back on track. I can try to regain that 'lost year' in my career. 

I for one know the grass is never greener on the other side, but the move was solely for the money. Given all my financial woes, the increase is very much needed.

While most people will see this a pick-me-up, I refuse to believe that my life is changing. Because knowing me, there will be a sick punchline somewhere, the killing joke as one may say.

The one with the exile from sports

My "exile from sports" still continues. Though no one really noticed or missed me except one teammate.

With all the work issues and personal problems I have, playing was the one thing that helped me forget about it all, even for a while. Doing what I do on the courts, will help de-stress and keep my sanity in check. It was the one thing I know where I can be awesome and help me feel good about myself.

But lately, I guess everything is taking its toll on me. I no longer have the same swagger and mojo to play. I'm not even confident in my own game. With this loss of confidence, I have bad and lousy games, which I can't take. Playing was the one thing that can help me be awesome, but if I keep having bad games, what am I?

With all this said, I find myself no longer having fun playing. Which is really the point of playing - having fun. But now that I'm no longer having fun, I guess I should just walk away or stay away.

The Mrs says I'm in my head too much. I think too much. But that's what I am. I have 'high' standards to my play. I want to entertain, I want to keep the game sexy. But now I can't seem to do anything right.

How long will I be out? I have no idea. I need to find that spark that ignites my interest in playing again.

The one with 300

Finally, I've reached another landmark post. My 300-th post. And I thought I would have reached 300 a long time ago.

The one where Aidan turns 6-months young

Today, my son Aidan Danial turns 6 months. It has been an absolute joy watching him grow and develop.

I remember when I first laid eyes on him, he was so small and tiny. Today he has grown a lot. From the 2.65 kg when he was born to the 7.8 kg now. From the 41 cm in length to the 65 cm tall baby now.

So at 6 months, its plain to see that Aidan has his mother's eyes and smile. And that cheeky grin from me.

Aidan at 6 months with his favourite toy Fin-fin

The one with no more will and desire to play

I guess things just keep downhill for me. For the past couple of months, I have no desire and will to play. To make things worse, my game also is falling apart.
People who know me, will know that I'm one of those 'ever-present' kind of player. I will play where ever and whenever there is a game. Just to clarify, game here means either basketball or tennis or futsal. Now I don't play as much as I do, and also I'm not even half the athlete I used to be.
I used to take pride in the fact that I can play 3 types of sports in 4-5 days a week. Now I can't even make it for once a week. Even if I do show up, its just to help make the numbers and I only do selective running.
Coincidentally, as I write this, Spurs Malaysia will begin their selection process and training for the upcoming tournament in April. Last year, I would have been first to throw my name in the hat but now I'm contemplating whether I want to even tryout myself.
Is this the price I'm paying for playing too many games in the past few years? Have I really burned myself out for good this time?