As a Liverpool fan, I’m used to players writing a heartfelt open letter to fans upon their departure, namely those who leave on good terms. Luis Suarez did it and most recently, Daniel Agger did it. It is widely regarded as a touch of class. So it is no surprise to see Oscar Garcia share his thoughts with fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv following his unexpected departure.
It was thought Garcia left Israel through fears of safety, but just before he was unveiled as the new Watford boss, he explained that he made his decision based on the fact that he was unable to do his job properly.
He should have been preparing for a Champions League qualifier, but instead, together with his players, had to take emergency measures – aborting training sessions due to missile sirens.
Garcia is also held in high esteem at Brighton, whom he led to the playoffs, and it’s fair to say that he will always remain a friend of Israel.
* When you get a moment, I suggest you Youtube Tom Rosenthal. I did the other day and what I saw was simply jaw-dropping. It looks as though he’s going to be quite some player.
Two-footed, strong and direct, he’s had an excellent schooling at Watford, but now feels ready for first team football, which he will get in Belgium.
I loved watching his dad, Ronnie, in the late ‘80’s, with his lung-busting runs down the flank at Anfield.
Tom, who turned 18 this week, holds a Belgium passport and will be in action against England at the Euro under-19s qualifiers which starts next month.
* The end of the cricket season came sooner than expected for Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger. He suffered a broken arm after being hit by a bouncer from Derbyshire’s Mark Footitt.
I know exactly how that feels as the same thing happened to me at the last Maccabiah, against South Africa. Just ask Benjamin Lederman for details.
* Ali Bachar led the tributes for Norman Gordon, the last survivor of the timeless Test, who passed away this week, aged 103. Remembering the former South African fast bowler, Bachar said: “He was a person who lived life to the full.”
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