The dream is over for Ricketts...again
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:44PM 50 Cent’s favourite MLS player has been released by Toronto FC having played only three games this season compared to the twenty-seven he appeared in last term. Once again, Ricketts is on his bike. Was meant to be one of the more skillful players across the pond but obviously doesn't do enough to warrant a first team place - so I’m waiting for him to update either his Twitter account or his blog (or his other blog) for a possible explanation as to why he’s failed to make the grade. Again. Apart from being an average team player with an attitude problem/off the field issues/lack of application. I don’t know. Choose one.
Talking of Twitter, this gem is from his Wikipedia entry:
Rohan is also a known user of social networking site Twitter, under the username rohanricketts. He was involved in a controversy, dubbed "Twitter-gate" by Toronto FC fans when statements of displeasure with the amount of playing time he was receiving were posted on his twitter account, he alleges that it was someone else who posted the messages.
He just can't help himself can he?
Last time I mentioned Ro-Ric one or two of you from across the pond had a bit of info to share about his general performance in the MLS, so please feel free to share any opinions or rumours about the termination of his contract.
As for 50 Cent. There's no accounting for taste.
Reader Comments (4)
Hi there, long time reader, but first time poster.
In my own little way, I feel I have contributed to Rohan's inflated opinion of himself. Go back a few years to that time Hoddle was giving him a run in the team and he genuinely looked like he could be a great player. Well one match we were in a box as guests and someone had arranged a couple of 'Spurs faces' to come up to the box just before the game to say hello.
Lo and behold, Steve Perryman and Ricketts appeared and had a quick chat. Ricketts had been dropped for the game and had a face on him like a smacked arse, so I said to him, "Hey Rohan, you should be playing today" (not very insightful or creative was I?) and of course he grunted and said something like "yeah, of course I should". And skulked off.
How many others have said this to him over the years, until he started believing that his s**t didn't stink... we helped create a monster!
After reading your article I went and explored his twitter page and his official home page. It is funny and sad at the same time. He is the Alan Partridge of football. All he needs is a Ukranian girlfriend. The ego is incredible. I should add at this point that reminding everyone he is "50 Cent's favourite player" only does more harm than good. I have seen the photo; just because he was wearing a Toronto shirt with Rickett's name on the back doesn't mean he is his favourite player. More likely he was amused by the name (Ricketts: a disease). At the age of 26, he is hardly finished. He should find a club and work hard and resurrect what is left of his career. Sadly, I don't think it will happen. That is football.
By the way on another subject, I am looking forward to the first eight games of the season and see how many times Harry mentions are tally for last season. Surely a sweepstake is in order?
Ricketts. Not in da club.
toronto fc/spurs fan here..
i must admit i was excited to see rohan come to TFC. i remember his days in the premier league, had him on the occasional roster in footie manager games, and figured with him coming to the MLS he should be able to dominate (along with fellow signing Laurent Robert at the time... ugh!!! the guy ran less than a granite rock face).
ricketts had flashes of great skill.. enough to convince everyone he should have been dominating the right flank game in game out in the MLS.. at times, he did. he looked a cut above. he had 2 terrific goals in one game, the 2nd of which is one of the highlight goals of TFC's short history. on top of that, he was terrific for interacting with fans, and was one of the most well known players in toronto. unfortunately that just delayed the inevitable.. slowly the press box realized the smoke and mirrors show, and eventually the fans opened their eyes and started to see the truth. ricketts wing was the place where plays went to die. there is a national shortage of balls now, as countless passes were played to RR never to be heard from again. he even joined an indoor footie game i was playing in, and the dude would NOT pass the ball to a teammate. as long as you stayed between him and the goal, problem solved. :)
despite all this, he would still be a useful player coming off the bench. provide some width and decent service into the box late in the game. but the fact is, it wasn't his play that sank his career here in toronto. its more that footie is not his number 1 passion anymore. he has spent ALOT of time and effort working on his music career here in the toronto area and dabbled in all kinds of media around the city. you could see the focus was gone from his game.
it looks like he has been bought out of his contract to free up some salary dollars and a roster spot.. when a club releases an offensive player right before a match where you need to win by 4 goals, it's not just a footballing decision (6-1 btw!! champions league here we come!!)
he said he plans to stay based in toronto and keep on with his new projects. i wouldnt be surprised if he doesn't play again.