SPORTSPERSON OF THE WEEK 2nd – 8th January

Nominees

Tim Howard (Everton Goalkeeper)

Michael Clarke (Australian Cricketer)

Demba Ba (Newcastle striker)

Martin O’Neill (Sunderland manager)

Michael Carrick (Manchester United Midfielder)

These five candidates for my first sportsperson of the week award have all contributed something very special to the efforts of their teams this week.

We will start by looking at Tim Howard. Howard is a largely ordinary goalkeeper, prone to the odd mistake and one of a number of unsuccessful Man Utd keepers. At Everton however he is a prized asset. Not normally for the reason he provided on Wednesday. While his side lost at home to lowly Bolton, Howard provided a moment he will never forget. On a blustery night, Howard received the ball deep inside the Everton half and launched it to the edge of the Bolton box. The ball kicked up off the surface and looped over a lost and confused Adam Bogdan and into the Bolton goal. Premier League history, made by Tim, making him a strong contender.

Next up is Michael Clarke, Australia cricket captain who took to the field of his home ground in Sydney, a year on from being booed by the same crowd during the Ashes. This time was different however. He took the Indian attack apart with style and grace, amassing a mighty 329 not out, before declaring just 5 runs short of the record number of runs by an Australian captain. A noble act from the skip.

Demba Ba, a free transfer from West Ham in the Summer continues to show he’s one of the best strikers in the business. Ba again led the line superbly on Wednesday at the Sports Direct Arena against Man Utd. This performance was crowned by a stunning shot over his shoulder into the corner of the net. A top class showing from Ba.

Martin O’Neill is starting to do a wonderful job at Sunderland. He seems to have a knack of making average players believe they are world beaters. Sunderland successfully turned over Manchester City last Sunday and continued by thumping Wigan 4-1 at the DW. If O’Neill continues in the vain, Sunderland are European contenders next season.

Michael Carrick is so often an un-noticed man in Manchester United’s midfield. He has received criticism over the last couple of seasons for a dramatic drop in form and accused of losing his ability to control the game. In the last few weeks this has returned. Starting with the win at QPR, Carrick has been United’s best player in the last few games and has found his passing range with superb effect. Even doing a marvellous job filling in at centre half has not proved too much for Carrick. This run of form was crowned yesterday with a magisterial performance at the Etihad. Carrick controlled the whole game with superb vision and execution of passing. It is for this, that he is a nominee on this list.

THE WINNER: Michael Clarke

It was a close run thing, but in the end, Clarke just pipped Carrick to become sportsperson of the week. His display at the SCG against India showed unbelievable powers of concentration and no shortage of skill. However the 329 alone would not have been enough to win this weeks vote. I have chosen Clarke for his show of selflessness in declaring short of a personal landmark in pursuit of team glory. Good work Pup!