An anonymous quote comes to mind from awards dinners across the world. “It was an honor just being nominated.”
The quote is synonymous with a person who has the honor of being at the awards dinner, but not receiving an award. Stephen Warnock has joined a secret club that has some of the best English players. Like his fellows in this club, Warnock was chosen for the finals squad leading into the European Championship or the World Cup and not getting to touch the field for even one minute.
The power of the internet and mobile communications may be witnessed during the days and weeks to come. Twitter has been filled with attacks against Rio Ferdinand for his lack of using Warnock. Some see this as a lack of respect for both Warnock and his talents. If this is true, then some of the best players of all time have shared the lack of respect. This happens many times to goalkeepers, but they are not alone in the group. Others include…
•Steve Howey
•Kevin Phillips
•Wes Brown
•Jermaine Jenas
•Tim Flowers
•Nigel Martyn
•Ian Walker
•David James
•Richard Wright
•Paul Robinson
•Scott Carson
•Joe Hart
These are by no means the only players that have faced this in their career. Warnock did not outwardly disappointment. If he had any feelings about the play choices, he kept them to himself and kept a team player atmosphere about himself the entire time.
The coaching stuck to their choices through a few injuries; no doubt they had their reasoning and would not be manipulated by online taunts and comments. Warnock was indeed one of the reasons that the team was in the Championship to begin with, this was never a doubt. The coaching staff made a clear choice and stuck with it. Not every player can play, and to be chosen for the finals is indeed an honor.