0:00:01 > 0:00:04Good things may come in "freeze", but not much football did. Still,
0:00:04 > 0:00:14we salute all the games that did, just about, survive the big chill
0:00:14 > 0:00:28
0:00:28 > 0:00:32Pitch perfect, as freezing weather plays havoc with the weekend's
0:00:32 > 0:00:34fixtures. Are artificial pitches the solution?
0:00:34 > 0:00:40Falling faster than the temperature, play-acting players, conning
0:00:40 > 0:00:43referees. The Knowledge. This week - the game
0:00:43 > 0:00:47within a game, as attacker and defender play cat and mouse. Miaow!
0:00:47 > 0:00:55And all aboard at the only League Two game to go ahead this weekend,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58as Plymouth harbour more comeback Hello, thanks for joining us. Not
0:00:58 > 0:01:01the easiest weekend for football, with only six of our 17 teams
0:01:01 > 0:01:04getting a game, but rest assured we've got all the action that did
0:01:04 > 0:01:13survive. Plus, Graeme Murty and Leroy Rosenior in especially feisty
0:01:13 > 0:01:16mood. Hello to you both. Hello. The first thing we're going to talk
0:01:16 > 0:01:19about is the weather. With 17 games frozen off this weekend across the
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Football League, there's a growing belief among many in the game that
0:01:22 > 0:01:25the best solution to weekends like the last is artificial pitches.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27Should we put it on plastic? Wycombe Wanderers are among those
0:01:27 > 0:01:30leading the campaign to go artificial.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36And up North, rugby league are among those who already feel
0:01:36 > 0:01:38plastic is fantastic. As soccer matches fell by the wayside, Super
0:01:38 > 0:01:42League team Widnes beat the weather this weekend, playing their first
0:01:42 > 0:01:49competitive match on a brand new artificial surface. Tony Husband
0:01:49 > 0:01:54reports on football's reluctance to join the fans of plastic.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59Football's reticence to embrace plastic must surely be down to the
0:01:59 > 0:02:04controversial 1980s foray into Astroturf. Several teams or went
0:02:05 > 0:02:12plastic. Away team players were caught unawares by the strange
0:02:13 > 0:02:18bounce. He completely missed judged that on this at less than familiar
0:02:18 > 0:02:23surface. There were allegations that it game the home team too much
0:02:23 > 0:02:28of an advantage. The experiment soon lapsed. What comes a
0:02:28 > 0:02:32technology has moved the goalposts. Third generation science makes the
0:02:32 > 0:02:37artificial service -- surface picture-perfect. The bounce is
0:02:37 > 0:02:43realistic, the surface is forgiving and it can bring financial benefits.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47When people particularly in the lower leagues look for
0:02:47 > 0:02:51opportunities for income revenue, they need closer community
0:02:51 > 0:02:55relationships and a consistent playing surface. If plastic did
0:02:55 > 0:02:59exist, how much more revenue and Saturday afternoon entertainment
0:02:59 > 0:03:07would become a reality this weekend? -- would have become a
0:03:07 > 0:03:13reality? Snow we pictures. First of all, how
0:03:13 > 0:03:22different was it? It was totally different. It was horrendous and we
0:03:22 > 0:03:26had a massive advantage at QPR. You had burns all over your legs. I am
0:03:26 > 0:03:31shocked many players have long term injuries. I have had 12 operations
0:03:31 > 0:03:36on my knees. We certainly do not want pictures like that. Graeme,
0:03:36 > 0:03:41you are used to working on third generation pictures? It is better,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45more forgiving. You can turn, cut, the bounce is very good. I am not
0:03:45 > 0:03:49sure I would want to be on it all the time but I understand the
0:03:49 > 0:03:53argument in terms of revenue generation. We are talking about a
0:03:53 > 0:03:57consistent playing surface. None of the games in the Premier League
0:03:57 > 0:04:03were called off due to bad weather this weekend. It is a good idea for
0:04:03 > 0:04:07some people but we do not think it is fair unless everyone has it.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Shouldn't you have the choice? At the moment the FA say you cannot
0:04:11 > 0:04:15have it. There was a meeting in November in which they debated the
0:04:15 > 0:04:18issue and there is a lot of talk it will be brought up next week when
0:04:18 > 0:04:23maybe there will be a vote about whether clubs should be allowed to
0:04:23 > 0:04:28go ahead. If you have an artificial pitch, you will see the same sort
0:04:28 > 0:04:32of thing week in week out. We do not want the game to be false.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35like the variable? I like that some pictures are slow and sometimes it
0:04:35 > 0:04:43is white and all of the variables you get with different sorts of
0:04:43 > 0:04:46weather. If you put messy on the pit, he would still be the best
0:04:46 > 0:04:50player in the world. We are trying to make an enjoyable professional
0:04:50 > 0:04:57game that is sustainable. What about the games that do not go
0:04:57 > 0:05:03ahead at all? Swindon lost Tibetan and maybe they are going to look at
0:05:03 > 0:05:09this depending on what happens next week. I would like every team to
0:05:09 > 0:05:11have underfloor heating. The FA could put money aside to get that.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16There is still the problem of getting to the game which you
0:05:16 > 0:05:21cannot do a lot about. There is the argument about revenue but I think
0:05:21 > 0:05:25it is a shrine. Trouble bridge is a shrine. You should not have Sunday
0:05:25 > 0:05:28teams playing week-in week-out. It is a professional game.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Economically, there is a massive advantage of being able to use your
0:05:32 > 0:05:37pitch throughout the week. understand that argument but my
0:05:37 > 0:05:41point is, I do not think they are good enough yet. Not even the 4th
0:05:42 > 0:05:48generation ones? Not yet, not for me anyway. You can continue the
0:05:48 > 0:05:55debate if you have a view on Twitter. In the meantime, here is
0:05:55 > 0:06:05what is coming up. We have got all the action from the weekend, all
0:06:05 > 0:06:11
0:06:11 > 0:06:16six games. We have players who do not play fair and why it Murts is a
0:06:16 > 0:06:20big girl's blouse. And we have The Knowledge. TV gold.
0:06:20 > 0:06:29Right now, a little less conversation and more action with
0:06:29 > 0:06:34our League Two round-up. Here is a list of the weekend's games.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Plymouth against Southend. Do not forget the only game in
0:06:37 > 0:06:41League Two. After going behind within a minute, Plymouth
0:06:41 > 0:06:51supporters would have wished they have not bothered. The second after
0:06:51 > 0:06:54
0:06:54 > 0:07:04poor defending as well players in a sometimes like buses, you get one
0:07:04 > 0:07:08
0:07:08 > 0:07:10and another one comes along Plymouth Argyle looking at an
0:07:10 > 0:07:14allegation that they sell them player was racially abused during
0:07:14 > 0:07:19the match. The clubs say they are conducting a thorough investigation
0:07:19 > 0:07:29into the complaints. Meantime, they came back from the gates of hell
0:07:29 > 0:07:30
0:07:30 > 0:07:33there. They did not play well. When you are not playing well, that is
0:07:34 > 0:07:38when you find out about their spirit and whether they have desire
0:07:38 > 0:07:43and hard to get back into the game. They did. We knew it was going to
0:07:43 > 0:07:48be a tough game. We made it tough on ourselves being 2-0 down. It
0:07:48 > 0:07:53shows the character we have to come back so late on. We have got spirit.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58You find a lot out about people when things are not going well. It
0:07:58 > 0:08:04shows that the lads are fighting to the death whatever happens. Carl
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Fletcher there. Still one. From safety at the bottom of League Two.
0:08:08 > 0:08:18Three games from the championship starting with Bristol City against
0:08:18 > 0:08:36
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Leeds. Commentary from Brendan James Wilson is the last man. The
0:08:41 > 0:08:46referee has a decision to make... James Wilson is being called over
0:08:46 > 0:08:55by the referee. He gets a straight red card. Ross McCormack races
0:08:55 > 0:09:00plena. The referee has sent him off. -- Ross McCormack was racing clean.
0:09:00 > 0:09:10This could be a decision for the referee year. Bristol City could be
0:09:10 > 0:09:10
0:09:10 > 0:09:50Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds
0:09:50 > 0:10:00reduced to nine men. He has fouled is a card coming as well here. What
0:10:00 > 0:10:05
0:10:05 > 0:10:13colour will it be? A yellow card for Daniel Fox. David Murphy...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17That was close. That was Birmingham's first real chance of a
0:10:17 > 0:10:24long time. The keeper had to watch this. They are very good a save
0:10:24 > 0:10:34from the Southampton's number one. Daniel Fox looking for Rickie
0:10:34 > 0:10:39
0:10:39 > 0:10:44Lambert. Billy Sharp... He blocked a wave. Chris Burke, he has had a
0:10:44 > 0:10:51strong game. He is now going to go outside of Daniel Fox. He will get
0:10:51 > 0:11:01a free kick. Daniel Fox comes across here. He did not win the
0:11:01 > 0:11:16
0:11:16 > 0:11:26might have been a touch light and the assistant on the side is waving
0:11:26 > 0:11:33
0:11:33 > 0:11:43in trouble here. The referee again reaches for his pocket. And
0:11:43 > 0:11:51
0:11:51 > 0:11:58Brighton I a man down as well. -- I Buckley. He gets his 7th this
0:11:58 > 0:12:08season and was created by the centre. He has had plenty of
0:12:08 > 0:12:26
0:12:26 > 0:12:32injuries since starting for men. That is how it leaves the
0:12:32 > 0:12:40NPower Championship. Brighton have up to 10th and Bristol City six
0:12:40 > 0:12:44Disappointment for Saints against Birmingham, showed that game have
0:12:44 > 0:12:48been played? Not for me, I don't think so. I think he should have
0:12:48 > 0:12:54been. Nothing wrong with it. Why do you think it should not have been
0:12:54 > 0:12:57played? Looking at the safety of the players, it was not conducive.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01Leroy is thinking old school. have seen terrible pitches but they
0:13:01 > 0:13:07should have played with a red ball but just get on with it, it could
0:13:07 > 0:13:11have been a good game. Sometimes it isn't, that is what happens.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Sometimes you get dubious decision from the referee.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Now, Extra Time. Throughout the season we'll be taking one of the
0:13:17 > 0:13:21game's big issues, sticking 90 seconds on the clock, and letting
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Leroy Graham and myself go at it. Today, tumbling, taking a dive,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26simulation, players playing up and getting fellow pros sent off. It's
0:13:26 > 0:13:29a debate that's been heightened this weekend by Stoke manager Tony
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Pulis, well known to several clubs here in the region, who's demanded
0:13:32 > 0:13:38that the players' union, the PFA, get involved by coming down heavily
0:13:38 > 0:13:43on offenders. On our patch, did a Bristol City
0:13:44 > 0:13:50player get his marching orders because of Leeds play-acting? Look
0:13:50 > 0:13:54at Leeds forward Ross McCormack. He's fouled, yes - now watch him.
0:13:54 > 0:14:00Running to the ref to plead with him to get City's player red-carded.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Or Southampton's Daniel Fox at Birmingham. The first of his two
0:14:03 > 0:14:07yellows for this tackle. You'd think Chris Burke's ankle might
0:14:07 > 0:14:10feel a bit sore, but no. He's got a headache too.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14What's to be done? There's 90 seconds for Leroy Graham and myself
0:14:14 > 0:14:17to find the answer. See who YOU agree with and let us know on
0:14:17 > 0:14:24Facebook and Twitter. Graeme will probably be keeping score. I'm
0:14:24 > 0:14:28starting. From the referee's perspective, and I will say...
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Starting now! I will say stop giving the players the benefit of
0:14:32 > 0:14:37the doubt because they will only abuse the trust and start reviewing
0:14:37 > 0:14:44all video evidence whether you have seen it or not. Assimilation, look
0:14:44 > 0:14:50back at it afterwards and if anybody is doing this, winning
0:14:50 > 0:14:53penalties is one thing. You can never do that with simulation.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58you want to review it, it will be simple because you can't tell if a
0:14:58 > 0:15:06player is simulating. Sometimes it is obvious but sometimes it is not.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12If my players get touched, I want my players to go down. I may lose
0:15:12 > 0:15:15my job and my mortgage if we do not get the three points. We have to be
0:15:15 > 0:15:22professional and do what we can to gain advantage over the team. My
0:15:22 > 0:15:27manager is telling me to do it and we might not like it but we are not
0:15:27 > 0:15:30here to make your job easy, we are here to win. It is the referee's
0:15:30 > 0:15:35job to make sure that you are not wrecking the spectacle and the game
0:15:35 > 0:15:38and the Careers of your fellow professionals. It is the decision
0:15:38 > 0:15:45at the time. It could be the difference between winning and
0:15:45 > 0:15:49losing. If it benefits us, we would not be bothered. It is not our job
0:15:49 > 0:15:53to make it an edifying spectacle. And if we win, the fans go home
0:15:53 > 0:16:03happy as well as the players. when you cheat...
0:16:03 > 0:16:04
0:16:04 > 0:16:14I am so glad we had this chat. If there's anything you'd like us
0:16:14 > 0:16:16
0:16:16 > 0:16:26to debate in Extra Time, you know Back to the action, with what
0:16:26 > 0:16:31
0:16:31 > 0:16:34happened in League One starting yourself but you can when you
0:16:34 > 0:16:39concede five goals. But Wycombe showed fantastic character to get
0:16:39 > 0:16:42back in the game led by Gareth Ainsworth, here in the centre
0:16:42 > 0:16:47circle and he leads the drive to get ahead of the ball on matches on
0:16:47 > 0:16:57to what has to be not a great pass. You need quality and that is what
0:16:57 > 0:17:04
0:17:04 > 0:17:10bad cross his, straight on the head unlucky not to score an own goal
0:17:10 > 0:17:12here. There is no substitute for experience. We come out of the
0:17:12 > 0:17:18relegation zone. And they are right behind Yeovil
0:17:18 > 0:17:23now. Third consecutive away defeat for the Glovers. Yeovil got him for
0:17:23 > 0:17:28but unfortunately it was eclipsed by this strike. The goalkeeper had
0:17:28 > 0:17:37no chance with that one but we do feel a bit of luck with that save.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40We come out of the bottom four. Just a point behind Exeter and
0:17:40 > 0:17:47Yeovil. Gareth Ainsworth, extraordinary, still going strong
0:17:47 > 0:17:54at 38. All the other? Were in of him on the show, a fantastic
0:17:54 > 0:17:58catalyst for his team. -- all the younger? He has a desire but then a
0:17:59 > 0:18:04bit of desire, put it on a plate and get himself in the box so he is
0:18:04 > 0:18:11fit and strong. He decides that he wants a go war himself. And his
0:18:11 > 0:18:17celebrations have got a bit more genteel -- he was a go for himself.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21He has got a career as a rock musician. He does not need one, he
0:18:21 > 0:18:25can keep going because he is an amazing athlete. I take my hat off
0:18:25 > 0:18:28to him. A cult hero. Interesting to hear Murts's moral
0:18:28 > 0:18:31ambivalence on the whole play- acting issue earlier on. No great
0:18:31 > 0:18:34surprise given that this week's The Knowledge sees him descend into the
0:18:34 > 0:18:43dark arts himself this week. Ethics? That's just an area east of
0:18:43 > 0:18:49London to you, Murts, isn't it? resent that, I am a moral man. And
0:18:49 > 0:18:57this week we will use Fletch to gain an advantage to make defenders
0:18:57 > 0:19:00play where the centre forward wants to play. Let's intimidating style,
0:19:00 > 0:19:10and I gave him tips to cope with such a big unit as Fletcher.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Give yourself a yard, push away, it gives you a chance to come want the
0:19:19 > 0:19:24ball, and if you take a bad touch, it pushes the defender two yards,
0:19:24 > 0:19:30come forward two yards. You have got a gap for any mistakes.
0:19:30 > 0:19:37You are just holding him, and there it is, back in. All the sudden you
0:19:37 > 0:19:47are hauled in the opposition. And He doesn't get everything his own
0:19:47 > 0:19:50
0:19:50 > 0:19:58I will try to take myself a way out of his vision. We will play cat and
0:19:58 > 0:20:08I am not comfortable, I like to know where the centre half is.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09
0:20:09 > 0:20:19up in front and bang. And that takes away as he tries to dominate
0:20:19 > 0:20:19
0:20:19 > 0:20:23physically. Yes, Fred. Well done. Perfect. Instead of that pinning
0:20:23 > 0:20:33sensation, we talk about Freddie dictating the terms of engagement.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34
0:20:34 > 0:20:39You could see me coming in and you took it off me. Nothing worse.
0:20:39 > 0:20:49are not in the business of playing games that we lose. If we do, we do
0:20:49 > 0:20:52
0:20:52 > 0:20:58Not easy, is it? The higher up you go, the smaller the margins become.
0:20:58 > 0:21:05But I don't want the game played on Fletcher's terms. It makes his job
0:21:06 > 0:21:09easier. But I need to field a defender because otherwise he could
0:21:09 > 0:21:14smash through the back of me. That was allowed in my days. You give
0:21:14 > 0:21:20him a note, give him a bit of space, and then you don't get injured.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Create uncertainty. Absolutely. Moving along, we may be in the
0:21:24 > 0:21:30depths of midwinter but we could be a few weeks away only from a moment
0:21:30 > 0:21:33of glory for one of our teams. Swindon Town, who are just one game
0:21:33 > 0:21:35away from walking out at Wembley. They play Barnet at the County
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Ground tomorrow night for a place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy
0:21:38 > 0:21:42final. So far their southern area final stands at 1-1. Aidan Flint
0:21:42 > 0:21:45put Swindon ahead at Barnet. Only for Mark Hughes to equalise in the
0:21:45 > 0:21:48second half. It may be a minor trophy, but it counts as a mark of
0:21:48 > 0:21:52real progress for a new management team. And, of course, it's the
0:21:52 > 0:22:02chance for the town of Swindon to enjoy a Wembley day out for the
0:22:02 > 0:22:03
0:22:04 > 0:22:07The game was postponed like so many at the weekend but they still
0:22:07 > 0:22:11kicked off on Saturday afternoon. A training session in interesting
0:22:11 > 0:22:21conditions. Although the Mediterranean maestro, de Canio,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23
0:22:23 > 0:22:28While his passion for skill and flair is so very evident... What is
0:22:28 > 0:22:36not so well nine is his work ethic. At first, I think it took the boys
0:22:36 > 0:22:42by shock because they are used to getting Wednesdays and Sundays off.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47But he expects people to be working hard and that is what it has been
0:22:47 > 0:22:51like. It has witnessed many changes. The weather, the training
0:22:51 > 0:23:01facilities and the backroom staff a far cry from the last out that he
0:23:01 > 0:23:01
0:23:01 > 0:23:05went in search of Wembley glory Swindon prepared for Wembley in a
0:23:05 > 0:23:09warm weather. Yet Simon ferry is the only outfield player who
0:23:09 > 0:23:19survives from what seems like another age. When, but fitting the
0:23:19 > 0:23:19
0:23:19 > 0:23:25occasion, his team-mates enjoyed It was a squad remained full of
0:23:25 > 0:23:30banter, motivation and confidence. Thousands were there. The town of
0:23:30 > 0:23:38Swindon had emptied for the day. And if it was not for Wembley's
0:23:38 > 0:23:42infamous tape at the time, as Charlie Austin skied the ball,
0:23:42 > 0:23:48perhaps the result would have been different as Millwall man at 1-0
0:23:48 > 0:23:58promotion winners. -- run out 1-0. Everybody was macro to play at
0:23:58 > 0:23:59
0:23:59 > 0:24:06Wembley. Hopefully we can put it They have witnessed one relegation,
0:24:06 > 0:24:11the part -- the departure of two managers as well as players. And
0:24:11 > 0:24:19they have got a new captain. Hopefully we can work up the steps
0:24:19 > 0:24:21and pick up the trophy but we are not there yet, when two we need to
0:24:22 > 0:24:29respect Barnett. It will be tough. We will see what happens on Tuesday
0:24:29 > 0:24:34I bet Charlie often wishes they had an artificial pitch at Wembley.
0:24:34 > 0:24:44What do you reckon? We have finished, put it to bed! They were,
0:24:44 > 0:24:45
0:24:45 > 0:24:48you were the -- you were involved in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52They will not trade that, the experience of play Wembley for
0:24:52 > 0:25:01anything. That was the catalyst on the upward spiral for the club. I
0:25:02 > 0:25:04think that will happen to Swindon. You can't beat it. And it just
0:25:04 > 0:25:07breed confidence. As soon as you get the first trophy, you win
0:25:08 > 0:25:12something and then you think you can do anything, invincible. That
0:25:12 > 0:25:16is what happened with Southampton do and I'm sure it will happen with
0:25:17 > 0:25:22Swindon. Any thoughts on power Canio there in the temperatures?
0:25:22 > 0:25:25still had the coat and gloves. He is not as hard as people think.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28is Italian! Swindon not the only team with
0:25:28 > 0:25:32their eye on Wembley. Saints in action this week in the FA Cup, in
0:25:32 > 0:25:34a 4th round replay. In the Championship it's Birmingham versus
0:25:34 > 0:25:44Portsmouth. Also Bournemouth versus Exeter in League One, and in League
0:25:44 > 0:25:45
0:25:45 > 0:25:48A couple of things before we go. One is the fantastic former
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Scotland winger Tommy Hutchison, who had a half-time presentation at
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Bristol City this weekend. Tommy's just retired as community officer
0:25:57 > 0:26:05at Bristol City. And you may remember the extraordinary impact
0:26:05 > 0:26:10he made when we featured him on Late Kick Off two years ago.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14think probably I got more satisfaction out of the last 11
0:26:14 > 0:26:18games that have been here at the club, working with the schoolkids
0:26:18 > 0:26:25and changing their lives through football ban probably what I did
0:26:25 > 0:26:30when I actually played the game. I know for a fact that it is what
0:26:30 > 0:26:35they have in their lives. I am probably the straightest person
0:26:35 > 0:26:37they meet. But once you have given those guidelines to them, I find
0:26:37 > 0:26:47there's very few that will break them.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49
0:26:49 > 0:26:53Leroy, it's been great to have you Thousands of young men have been
0:26:53 > 0:26:58through the system with Tommy. And they will be better people and
0:26:58 > 0:27:02footballers. That is what Tommy was about. And his work is continuing?
0:27:02 > 0:27:11Yes, he has left in a good state and weather takes over has got a
0:27:11 > 0:27:15good foundation. It has been great to have you back, mirror. -- Leroy.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Some say Leroy's been serving a bit of a two-week ban for rough play.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21But, after all that play-acting talk earlier, I'm wondering if it
0:27:21 > 0:27:23was really merited. Have a look at this if you're not faint-hearted.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Here's Murts and Leroy filming the titles for our match analysis,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30which you've been seeing over the last few weeks. But what you didn't
0:27:30 > 0:27:40see was this. When we filmed this, Murts had a broken wrist. But he'd
0:27:40 > 0:27:56
0:27:56 > 0:28:06taken the bandage off to look It is not funny!
0:28:06 > 0:28:07
0:28:07 > 0:28:11It is the same noise... When you went down against wingers, that is
0:28:11 > 0:28:18the noisy made. They did that, not me. Is your wrist better now,
0:28:18 > 0:28:27Graham? Yes, it is fine. You can see that again on Twitter and our
0:28:27 > 0:28:35Facebook Page. Many thanks to Graeme Murty and Leroy Rosenior,