Welcome to the General Federation of Trade Unions

Gordon Taylor praises David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Sir Tom Finney

Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009

Gordon Taylor praises David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Sir Tom Finney
By Dave Smith  March 30, 2009

Becks and Rooney on the same wavelength. (©PAphotos)

Gordon Taylor
I was honoured to attend a tribute dinner to the great Sir Tom Finney last week in Preston



Congratulations to David Beckham who joined the ranks of legend when he became the highest capped outfield player in the history of the England national team at the weekend.

That, in itself, is a magnificent achievement and for him to still be playing so well and looking so fit and sprightly after his spell in Italy, is a testimony to the dedication and commitment he has shown throughout his career.

Hats off to Wayne Rooney too for his wonderful performance in the 4-0 win over Slovakia, after a week when his temperament was called into question, not least by manager Fabio Capello.

What a way to respond, with a man of the match performance and a display of maturity that will probably keep the critics quiet for a while.

After his sending off for Manchester United against Fulham just over a week ago, question marks were raised about Wayne, so I was pleased to see David Beckham speak out in support of his England pal.

Even though it was reported that Capello had called Wayne’s punching of the corner flag as the actions of a ‘crazy man’, Beckham said of Rooney’s feisty nature: "You don’t get the great player that he is without the temperament and his attitude. Taking that away from a player is dangerous, it changes him."

Beckham added: “I don’t think anyone will try and do that with Wayne, I don’t think that’s an issue.  He is passionate about the game, he is passionate about winning. When things aren’t going his way he’s like every other player that wants to win - he shows his frustration.”

Whilst I agree with much of what the former England captain says about Wayne, and not trying to change him, I think he could benefit from a ‘count to ten’ approach on occasions because the teams he plays for, and his teammates, need him on the pitch.

He is such an influential player, especially in big games,  that if he is going to serve suspensions he is going to be a big miss, for club and country.

Finally, and still on the subject of England legends, I was honoured to attend a tribute dinner to the great Sir Tom Finney last week in Preston.

One of the game’s great gentleman and servants, Tom’s many friends turned out in force to pay homage to a fantastic former player and on-going ambassador for our wonderful sport. He is a man of modesty and humility, always with time for other people; qualities he has displayed throughout his life.

A PFA Merit Award winner in 1979, in my first year as chairman, Tom is both loved and revered in equal doses. Sir Matt Busby famously once said of Bobby Charlton that he is as close to perfection as you will get.

The same tribute could apply to Sir Tom Finney, a true football legend.
from www.givemefootball.com/pfa