| Bruce demands inquiry into blades • Manager fears firm pitches and blades are dangerous• Antonio Valencia and Fraizer Campbell seriously hurt in bladesSteve Bruce has called for a conference on footballers' footwear and the state of modern pitches in the wake of horrific injuries suffered by players wearing fashionable blades rather than conventionally studded boots. Already this season Manchester United's Antonio Valencia and Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell have sustained appalling injuries after their feet became trapped in the turf as they contested possession."The pitches are so good, so firm, these days that they are really hard compared to the way they used to be and the grass is also much stronger which means the blades can stay stuck there," the Sunderland manager said. "I think we've really got to look at this because there is a problem. It would be interesting to see some research into modern pitches and also footwear, which, on a lot of occasions, leave a lot to be desired."In recent seasons it has become increasingly fashionable for players to opt for blades instead of traditional conical studs with many feeling they offer better grip while maximising sprinting ability. Managers increasingly harbour reservations, though, particularly as the new boots are so lightweight that they might pass as slippers. Bruce believes a review is overdue."I think there should be a comprehensive study and medical report into the amount of injuries players wearing these blades are getting," he said. "I'd like to see stats comparing the number of players getting serious injuries wearing blades with those getting seriously injured wearing studs."Matters are complicated by the lucrative commercial contracts most leading players have with boot manufacturers. Accordingly, once the proposed study was published, Bruce would advocate the staging of a conference involving the football authorities and boot companies to plot a safer way forward."Maybe it's time for everyone to sit down together and see if there's anything we can do to make things better," Bruce said. "When we next sit down at the League Managers Association I'll certainly have an opinion."Sunderland have lost Campbell, their England Under-21 striker, for at least six months due to the serious knee injury sustained when his blades caught in the Stadium of Light's turf and his knee twisted under pressure as he challenged Manchester City's Micah Richards for possession. "When you see the replays, Fraizer drags his foot, his foot gets stuck and his knee just pops," said Bruce. "It's awful to see."Similarly, Valencia suffered a fractured leg and dislocated ankle as well as significant ligament damage during United's Champions League game against Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday and may not play again this season.The Ecuador winger underwent surgery today after his foot became lodged in the grass as he contested for the ball with Rangers' Kirk Broadfoot. "The operation went well," said a United spokesperson. "A plate has been inserted to stabilise the fracture but there is obvious significant ligament damage that follows a dislocation and he will be out for a good portion of the season."Bruce, who managed Valencia during the pair's days at Wigan Athletic, was left depressed. "You never want to see that. It's scary shit. But I know Antonio very well and if anyone can get back from that it will be him. He's one of the most dedicated kids I've ever worked with. He's strong and as tough as they come but he'll need to be; it's an awful injury."SunderlandAntonio ValenciaManchester UnitedLouise Taylorguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Del Potro comeback ends in defeat at Thailand Open Juan Martin del Potro lost in his comeback after being sidelined for eight months because of a wrist injury, falling to Olivier Rochus 7-6 (7), ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Kirk Gibson to manage Arizona Diamondbacks The Arizona Diamondbacks took the interim tag off of Manager Kirk Gibson’s title. feeds.bizjournals.com |
Texas bounces Nebraska, Auburn stays perfect By The Associated Press2010-10-17T11:01:30ZTexas gave Nebraska a send-off all right (AP) -- knocking the wind from the Cornhuskers' national championship hopes. Ohio State was one and done as No. 1, while Auburn's title aspirations are still on the rise.... hosted.ap.org |
Coyotes hopeful on sale Coyotes hopeful on sale feeds.bizjournals.com |