This Is How Not To Spin A Story

Have you heard about the 'bust-up' between England and former club teammates Gareth Barry and Gary Cahill yet?

No? I'm not surprised. Because despite headlines in the Sun, Mirror and, yes, The Guardian newspapers, this is a prime example of how NOT to spin a story.

What happened is this: Cahill tackled Barry in a practice match. He didn't help Barry back to his feet. Barry got up. Both players walked away.

Not really much of a bust-up there and so, unsurprisingly, the links to the Sun and Mirror story seem to be broken. Presumably they realised that there was quite literally no story at all.

But those dear people at the Guardian still have it.

Notable quote : "...Barry, clearly incensed, eventually returned to his feet and subsequently ignored Cahill."

Wow. Barry ignored him. Brutal. What a confrontation that must have been. Or maybe not.

Barry Moved To Protect His World Cup Ambitions

Midfielder Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa to Manchester City has clearly stunned a lot of people who genuinely thought the guy was about more than just money. And, I admit, I was among them.

The self-justification that Barry has come out with subsequent to the transfer has been pitiful really, but the thing that really takes the prize for me is Barry's claim that he moved in order to ensure his place in the 2010 World Cup squad.

He is quoted as saying :

“The World Cup next year has always been a major part of my thinking...I feel at Manchester City I will get the chance to play regularly in my best position and play a big part in a successful side.”

Now, I don't doubt for a minute that the guy wants to play world cup football, but claiming that the move to City would help attain it is ridiculous.

At Villa, Barry was pretty much ever present for manager Martin O'Neill and his consistently good performances brought him to Fabio Capello's attention.

At City, he'll have to compete with Nigel De Jong, Vincent Kompany, Martin Petrov and whoever else Mark Hughes brings in.

Pull the other one, Gareth. It's got a six figure weekly salary attached to it.