Where the hell is Essien?

Hiya, Mark here.

Well, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised, footballers are not known for their intelligence but Michael Essien's omission from the PFA player of the year short list beggars belief. An all round midfielder, comfortable attacking & defending, can play in every position bar goal, we are watching the best midfielder in the world enter his prime. Someone compared him to Roy Keane recently - utter tosh, Essien is by far a more complete player.
Indulge me for a second while I bring up some cliches about Marvelous Mike:
He treats every game like a cup final...
He's an irresistible force of nature...
He steps up to the plate...
Etc....

Continuing the theme - what is Gerrard doing in that list? Has he been playing football this season? And Rooney on the young player of the year list? Do footballers even watch football? Are they basing their votes on Pro Evo, Fifa 2007 or Football Manager games?

I propose getting rid of this silly award, it is a popularity contest, not a footballing contest.
Perhaps I should save my ire for the football writers player of the year award instead...

To tonight's game at Old Trafford, United are more injury hit - Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Mikael Silvestre, Park and Saha are definitely ruled out and Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea are doubtful - Nordie teenager Craig Cathcart could be handed his debut at right-back. Still, they should have enough class going forward to open up the gap with Chelsea, and my money's on Smith to score, with United winning by 3.

Talk to ya tomorrow
Mark
http://www.okeydokefootball.com