The Ageing Genius that is Ryan Giggs

It’s amazing what goes through your head when a game is chugging along at 0-0. A lot of things were running through mine yesterday as I watched Man U and Spurs. Just what does Tom Huddlestone's tattoo say?, what is Gareth Bale trying to achieve with that manky haircut? (you're never gonna hide those ears Bale no matter how hard you try).

Will Jamie Redknapp's face turn out like Harry?, why does Giggsy's bandage look like it's been on his arm for the past four months?, how long can Scholesy keep playing so brilliantly?, I wonder is Berbatov's nerves are shot yet?, can Nani actually physically cross a ball?, seriously will Sky stop banging on about how 'good' Tottenham are..They’re still Tottenham for f***'s sake! and so on, there was a lot more not fit for print!

It was a far more entertaining 2nd half, 13 minutes in Berbatov took control of the ball and actually drove at the Tottenham defence, bursting into the box past Benoit Assou-Ekotto before laying of a deft back heel (a back heel that in my time only Cantona was capable of matching), into the path of Evra, who was in turn felled by Assou-Ekotto, PENALTY! nice one.

Then more thoughts ran around my head, who's going to take it?, no Rooney, Berbatov will probably miss, can't remember the last time Scholesy scored one (if ever). Then up stepped Ryan Giggs, if ever there was a player to put away a penalty. He did and United were 1 nil up, then managed to concede a sloppy equaliser. Nani then produced a piece of Ronaldo-esque brilliance by chipping the on-rushing Gomes 2-1. Wilson Palcios clumsy challenge gifted United their 3rd, he pulled down Nani in the box, Giggsy done the rest from the spot, 3-1 and game over.

After the game I thought I was hearing things (I could have been seeing as I was on such a high), something about Giggs getting his first ever penalties in the Premiership...Never! amazingly it was true. The man that has broken almost ever personal record in the English game added another feather to his bow. Listening to Giggsy achievements is an amazing experience and Sky dolled them out in quick succession.

He's scored in every season of the Premiership (that’s 17 years running), made his debut in 1991 (I was six), in search of his 12th PL medal (more than other winners Blackburn, Arsenal & Chelsea combined), his 3oth outing this season (at the tender age of 36).

He's outlasted many of his peers and the club and is inspiring a whole new generation. Many of today's kids won't remember Giggsy in his pomp, but always will. How can anyone forget 'that goal' against the Arsenal in the 1998 F.A. Cup semi-final replay?

Henry Winters article inspired me to write this blog today - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/7629551/Henry-Winter-Manchester-United-winger-Ryan-Giggs-the-most-golden-of-oldies.html
here as just some of his choice descriptions of Giggsy -

Giggs passed and moved, the ball seemingly adhered to his foot. The lithe Welshman was 67kilos of sleekness floating over the pitch he knows so well, teasing a pass here, sending a team-mate away there. He led by example, by not wasting the ball and also by quiet word.'

'In a sport not overly stocked with ambassadors, Giggs’ enduring prominence deserves celebrating. He is an inspiration to any youngster setting out with his dedication in training and sense of adventure on match-day. Giggs’ success as he glides elegantly through his 30s offers encouragement even to established pros.'

The most amazing fact for me was to be found in yesterday's Irish Independent - 'The last time Manchester United lost to Spurs at Old Trafford, a 16-year-old Ryan Giggs had just accepted the offer of a traineeship with the club.'

Maybe it's time for Hansen to change his famous spiel about 'never winning titles with kids' to never winning titles with oldies. In the words of AC/DC, Ryan Giggs 'we salute you.'