Testforum » have seen the real Olivier Giroud.

Mike Hogan is the play-by-play voice of the Toronto Argonauts on TSN 1050 Radio and contributes articles about the team for TSN.ca. On draft day, he was granted the rare opportunity to report on this years draft from inside the Argos war room. "Youre only as good as your Canadian talent." Its a well-worn cliche among those who follow the Canadian Football League, but it happens to be true. The stakes are high in the annual selection process, so the tension at the Argonaut head office in downtown Toronto was understandably high, particularly as it became closer to the beginning of the draft. Argo general manager Jim Barker sat down with TSN.ca at 4:30 pm et, two and a half hours before the first round commenced, to discuss what could and could not be included in this article. The only restriction was that the names of any players not drafted by Toronto, or names of players involved in trade discussion would not be used. Anything else was fair game. At that point, Barker explained that a trade with Edmonton had been completed. The Boatmen had acquired the third overall pick in the draft and intended to select Anthony Coombs if he was available. Barker had acquired the No. 3 and No. 21 picks in exchange for the No. 6 and No. 15 picks, as well as veteran import offensive tackle Tony Washington. The two teams also exchanged the rights of one player each from their negotiation list. The trade would not be announced until later, but was not contingent upon Coombs being available. The Argonauts love Coombs, a running back from the University of Manitoba. One person inside the room confided that it was a unanimous feeling about Coombs, and among a collection of people within an organization leading up to a draft, thats a rarity. The dye was cast. The Argos had done what they had to do, move up in the draft and get the highest pick they could without giving up too much. They had accomplished that, but now came the toughest part of the day; the waiting. The braintrust tried its best to kill time. Coaches and members of the player personnel department had already completed a mock draft and now had little to do except wait. Coaches asked questions about scheduling that they likely already knew the answer to. Some in the office watched the St. Louis Rams news conference announcing their draft picks to the media. Small talk was the order of the afternoon, and at times it seemed forced. Everybody involved was simply in the mindset that Coombs was out there, and the lead-up to finding out if he would be available with the third overall pick was, at times, excruciating. The malaise ended at 6:20pm et when a report from TSNs Farhan Lalji surfaced, indicating that the Ottawa Redblacks had traded the first overall pick in the draft to Calgary for offensive lineman Jon Gott. That announcement would ratchet up the tension in the office even higher. Would Calgary select Coombs to complement Jon Cornish? It was a possibility, and one that would do nothing to make the following minutes move any faster. At 6:35pm et, Barker and his staff met once more behind closed doors. After a few minutes, the staff emerged, grabbed a last-minute bite to eat and prepared to enter what has been dubbed the war room. In this case, the war room was on any other day an average-sized board room. By the time all had assembled, there were 13 people sitting around a table, another handful sat just behind. It was, to say the least, somewhat crowded. A high-speed fan sat on a mini fridge in the corner of the office. On the wall at that end of the room was a television, tuned to SportsCentre in anticipation of TSNs draft coverage. A collection of photographs was on one of the side walls, featuring a collection of the organizations greatest players who had been honoured as "All Time Argos". They were staring across the room at a wall featuring just the words "Toronto Argonauts. Honouring Tradition". Along the wall at the front of the room was a giant whiteboard. This would be the centre of attention for the next three hours. Along the left side of the board were the logos of the nine CFL teams. Along the top, which ran the entire length of the wall, were the numbers one to seven, representing each round. A grid pattern was drawn up with the overall number of the pick written in the top right corner. If a pick had been traded, a magnetic logo of the team that acquired that pick was placed in the lower right-hand corner. To the left of the grid was the most important aspect of the wall, the list of available players, in the order that the Argos had ranked the prospects. Each magnet has the name, school and stats of the player, with a picture added for good measure. The player atop the list was indeed Anthony Coombs. The man with the most responsibility on this night is general manager Jim Barker. Hes no stranger to the procedure, as this is his fourth draft as the Argos GM. He was also Calgarys GM, then Senior VP of Football Operations for five years before his arrival in Toronto. Also in the room with Barker was Chris Rossetti, the 23-year old who took over the reins as the teams director of player personnel this offseason, Vince Magri, the Argos Canadian scouting coordinator, Demetri Betzios, the teams U.S. scouting coordinator, as well as head coach Scott Milanovich, the members of his coaching staff, three other members of the football operations department and a reporter from TSN.ca. A speaker phone sat in the middle of the table. The teams were connected via conference call, with the league running the show. A roll call was taken as the tension continued to build. The nervousness increased even more as Barker learned of a rumour that Calgary was talking to BC about potentially moving the first overall pick in a deal. All eyes turned to the TSN broadcast and seeing Rod Black, Duane Forde, Paul LaPolice and Chris Schultz seemed to emphasize that it was time for football. The majority were glued to the screen as the Ottawa/Calgary trade was dissected. Opinions were exchanged, albeit in subdued tones, about the ability of Gott and who came out ahead in the deal. That discussion abruptly ended when CFL commissioner Mark Cohon appeared on screen and was asked about the ongoing CBA negotiations. The room was as quiet as it had been all night. Someone spoke up and asked if they should make an offer to Calgary for the top pick. It underscored how worried they were that their man may not last until the third spot. Coombs was ranked No. 5 on Fordes list of the top prospects, higher than most had him going in mock drafts, although now it didnt matter. The speculation was about to end. The CFL once again took a roll call to make sure everyone was ready to go. The procedural rules were explained and then the words that started the draft echoed through the room. "Calgary, youre on the clock". At 7:10pm et, the tension was at its highest level. Calgary was on the speaker phone and ready to make its pick. Each player had been assigned a number on a master list of draft eligible players, Coombs was number 84 on that list. The team would make its selection by giving the players number, name, position and school. John Hufnagels voice came booming through the speakers as some of the assembled Argo staff stared at the phone while others looked blankly into space. Hufnagel made the announcement that had everyone in the room holding their breath. "With the first pick of the 2014 CFL draft, the Calgary Stampeders select player number 219..." The Calgary GM didnt have to get to the name of Pierre Lavertu, the first overall pick in the draft, before a bizarre combination of excitement and relief was exhibited by those in the room. Some physically rose from their chairs, while others simply exhaled. One down, one to go. Winnipeg was now on the clock. The tension had crept back into the room. Eventually the CFL office gave the Bombers a one-minute warning. Someone evoked the name of the BC Lions again. Would they move ahead of Toronto? It was assumed the Bombers would select an offensive lineman, but if someone traded for that pick, all bets were off. There was an immediate sense of relief when the Bombers held onto the pick, and it was almost anticlimactic when the Winnipegers welcomed Matthias Goossen to the fold. There was no fist-pumping or high-fiving in Toronto, just a massive sense of relief when they realized they had their man. The trade with Edmonton had not been filed to the league. Barker didnt want to let others know he was high enough on one of the prospects to move up. The GM told director of football operations Ian Sanderson to contact the CFL to confirm the trade. It was still surprisingly quiet in the room, even though the Argos now knew they would be able to draft the player who would make or break this draft. The pick was confirmed when Chris Rossetti announced to the league something he was hoping hed have the opportunity to do. "With the third pick, the Toronto Argonauts are pleased to select player number 84, Anthony Coombs, running back, Manitoba." Smiles and laughter finally filled the room. The prospect that the football operations department firmly believed was the best pick in the draft was now a member of the Argos. A phone call was made to the newest member of the oldest pro football team to welcome him aboard. Both Jim Barker and Scott Milanovich spoke to Coombs, congratulating him and reminding him to keep working hard. Almost as soon as the pick was made, multiple teams contacted Barker to inquire if Coombs was available. It seems they were playing the same waiting game, but the Toronto GMs ability to aggressively acquire the pick he thought he needed turned out to be the difference. The discussion in the war room turned to what other teams were doing, some of the trades that were made, and what lay ahead. There was discussion about trying to move up again. At the end of the first round, there was a brief break, giving people time to grab a quick bite to eat and reflect on what had been an interesting, and very successful start to the draft. The team didnt possess a second round pick so there was some down time. Barker was inquiring to see if he could trade up. As picks were made, it was apparent that the mood in a pro draft room wasnt much different than a group of friends holding a fantasy draft. Some of the selections made by other teams were acknowledged as being very good, while others were questioned or even mocked. Another interesting aspect of the process was how good staff members were at predicting who other teams would pick. While a team would be on the clock, a staffer would mention that one of their scouts was really high on a prospect, and more often than not, that player would be selected. There was some self-congratulation based on how accurate Torontos mock draft had been. As the second round progressed, there was great surprise at some of the picks. All of a sudden, there were two names on the war room board that occupied the ninth and 10th slots, and there was now a chance that they would not be chosen before the No. 21 pick. One of the two was selected, but the other one was available when the Argos were once again informed they were on the clock. Jaskaran Dhillon, an aggressive offensive lineman from UBC, was one of three players Barker mentioned in the pre-draft interview as being someone the team would love to obtain. His name was in the 10th spot on the teams prospect list. Because they didnt have a second round pick, the Argos had to wait an hour and 23 minutes to make their second selection in the draft. They felt it was worth it. Six more players would be chosen by the Argos, including Eric Black, the younger brother of Matt Black, the teams starting safety. At 9:52pm et, the Argos night was over, and in their eyes, just as it likely was in eight other war rooms across the league, the night was a success. The room cleared out quickly, most had flights to catch the next morning to spend two more weeks with their families before returning to Toronto to prepare for training camp. They will soon see what these eight newest Argos look like when competing against pros. Tony Gwynn Jersey . Terry came from Boston along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce but has appeared in just 35 games after a knee injury, averaging 4.5 points on 36 per cent shooting. Evans was a favourite of fans but not coach Jason Kidd, who used him in just 30 of their 51 games. Randy Jones Jersey . Buffalos defensive co-ordinator had his second interview with Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner on Tuesday night, a person familiar with the Browns plans told The Associated Press. http://www.padressale.com/padres-trevor-hoffman-jersey/ .C. -- When Michael Jordan speaks, people still listen. San Diego Padres Jerseys . 15 in Hamburg. The fight was originally slated for Sept. 6 but had to be postponed after Klitschko tore a bicep in sparring and was forced to miss four weeks of training. Rickey Henderson Jersey . Josh Mazzola drove in five runs to lead the Goldeyes (20-12) past the Capitales 11-5 Friday night at Le Stade Municipal in Quebec City.Manchester Citys top-four hopes are hanging in the balance after Arsenal twice fought back from a goal down to claim a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Super Sunday. City hopes dented by draw Manchester Citys Champions League chances are in doubt after a 2-2 draw with Arsenal. Sergio Aguero gave Manuel Pellegrinis men a perfect start when he scored his eighth goal in six Premier League games after eight minutes, but Olivier Giroud headed Arsenals equaliser from a corner just two minutes later.Kevin de Bruyne put City back in front with a low drive shortly after half-time, but Alexis Sanchez pulled Arsenal level again midway through the second half as the Gunners claimed a valuable point. From Citys Champions League chances to Girouds improved performance for Arsenal, here are five talking points from the game…Manchester City at risk It was Manuel Pellegrinis final home game in charge of Manchester City Manchester Citys top-four hopes are out of their hands, and they are in real danger of starting Pep Guardiolas reign without Champions League football. Manchester Uniteds 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday left City needing three points against Arsenal, but they could now drop to fifth if Louis van Gaals side win their game in hand against West Ham on Tuesday.The home supporters at the Etihad showed their disappointment by leaving in their droves long before Pellegrinis leaving speech, and City only have themselves to blame for their current predicament. Its not just about today, its about results before today, said Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness. City were good today but if youre a City supporter watching that first half youre saying to yourself: Why are we not like that every week? City have the best players but week after week this season theyve gone out and not matched the opposition for effort. Thats why they are where they are.Welbeck injury hands Wilshere chance Jack Wilshere made only his second appearance of the season for Arsenal Arsenals Danny Welbeck looked disconsolate as he trudged down the tunnel after hurting his knee in the first half. The 25-year-old faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the injury ahead of Euro 2016, but his departure did at least open the door to his England team-mate Jack Wilshere.Following a brief cameo against Sunderland last month, this was only Wilsheres second appearance of the season after his return from injury. Recent reports have suggested his starring displays in Englands qualifying campaign will be enough to earn him a place in Roy Hodgsons 23-man squad for the Euros regardless of club form, but this was still an important step towards full fitness. Arsene Wenger admits he is worried about Danny Welbecks chances of making Euro 2016 Wilshere produced a typically tenacious performance as he joined Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey in central midfield. There were occasional loose touches as he adjusted to the intensity of the encounter, but overall he acquitted himself well after such a long spell on the sidelines.The midfielder showed a willingness to run with the ball, contributed defensively with tackles and interceptions, and also provided sound distribution,, with 25 of his 29 passes finding a team-mate - giving him the highest success rate of any Arsenal player.ddddddddddddechs weakness? Petr Cech was beaten by Kevin de Bruynes long-range effort Petr Cech will not enjoy watching replays of Manchester Citys goals as he was beaten twice at his near post. The 33-year-old was not helped by the static defending in front of him, but De Bruynes strike exposed what appears to be a growing weakness from long-range shots.Only Stoke have conceded more goals from outside the box than Arsenal in the Premier League this season, and all 11 of them have come on Cechs watch. The first came from West Hams Mauro Zarate on the opening day of the campaign, and De Bruynes effort was reminiscent of Yannick Bolasies equaliser for Crystal Palace three weeks ago.It could have been a costly lapse for Arsenal, and Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry was less than impressed. The ball goes through the legs of Gabriel but I think Petr Cech needs to do way better than he did, he said.Giroud ends his drought Giroud ended a run of 881 minutes without a Premier League goal While Cech endured an afternoon to forget in goal, there was a considerably improved display from the much-maligned Giroud at the other end of the pitch. The Frenchman ended a dismal run of 16 Premier League games without scoring when he rose to head home Elnenys corner, and his assist for Sanchezs strike was outstanding.The striker pinned Eliaquim Mangala as he received Sanchezs pass with his back to goal on the edge of the City box, and his deft flick allowed the onrushing Chilean to dispatch a clinical first-time finish beyond Joe Hart. Head boy Olivier Giroud has scored more headers (18) than any other Premier League player since his Arsenal debut in 2012. He had a great game today, his best for a while now, said Arsene Wenger in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He was sharp, focused, and today we have seen the real Olivier Giroud. Its true that in recent games he did not have that sharpness, but goalscorers go through ups and downs and you never know when a striker will score or not.Citys defensive issues laid bare again Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho was disappointed not to beat Arsenal From a Manchester City perspective, Arsenals first goal was a defensive horror show. First, Gael Clichys ill-judged pass wrong-footed Hart and clipped his own post as it went out, then Mangalas woeful marking left Giroud to rise unchallenged and head home from the resulting corner.Mangala allowed Giroud to get the better of him again for Arsenals second goal, and Citys struggles at the back were typical of a campaign in which they have now conceded more goals (40) than in any of the last five seasons.Citys defensive issues were further exasperated by the news that captain Vincent Kompany could be facing four months out after he was forced off in their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, and a major defensive overhaul is likely to be Guardiolas first priority when he takes over in the summer. Also See: Pellegrini: Were not finished Welbeck in Euros injury scare ' ' '