In a week where Steven Gerrard was locked up before being charged with assault and affray, it was no surprise to see no footballers appear in the New Year's Honours list: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/7804849.stm.
Even after two English teams contested the Champions (2nd, 3rd and 4th placed) League final.
Football players remain so distant from the rest of society. Money has a lot to do with it.
In the past, it would be THE highlight of any sportsman or woman's career to receive such an honour from the Queen.
Now how many £100k a week "superstars" really care about missing out on such honours. I can't think of many.
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Suspension bridge
You have to feel sorry for Droylsden.
They have been kicked out of the FA Cup for fielding a suspended player, Sean Newton, in their 2-1 win over Chesterfield in the second round. Newton scored both the goals in the FOURTH match between the two sides as Droylsden became the umpteenth side to be confused by bizarre FA suspension regulations.
A similar thing happened to Bury in 2006 when they fielded an unregistered player so there appears little chance that the Bloods' appeal will be successful tomorrow.
But one thing is clear: the FA's suspension system and the way they adminster it is bizarre to say the least.
Players are supposed to be suspended seven days after collecting five, 10 and 15 yellow cards for the season. This is in contrast to a sending off whereby players are immediately suspended for the next game. I cannot understand the inconsistency here.
If you look at the FA's own website, the list of players suspended are very confusing - http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Disciplinary/SuspensionLists. Presumably this info is relayed to club's but is very unclear.
I think two things should happen as a result of this sorry saga:
1. The FA's suspension system should be re-organised and made clearer for clubs and fans alike.
2. Is it really that bad for a player to collect five yellow cards across half a season (and potentially 30 matches)? Especially as players now get booked for breathing too heavily during games! Make it 10 yellow cards until action is taken - that would be much easier for the FA to adminster and make everyone's lives easier - especially the poor Droylsden secretary!
They have been kicked out of the FA Cup for fielding a suspended player, Sean Newton, in their 2-1 win over Chesterfield in the second round. Newton scored both the goals in the FOURTH match between the two sides as Droylsden became the umpteenth side to be confused by bizarre FA suspension regulations.
A similar thing happened to Bury in 2006 when they fielded an unregistered player so there appears little chance that the Bloods' appeal will be successful tomorrow.
But one thing is clear: the FA's suspension system and the way they adminster it is bizarre to say the least.
Players are supposed to be suspended seven days after collecting five, 10 and 15 yellow cards for the season. This is in contrast to a sending off whereby players are immediately suspended for the next game. I cannot understand the inconsistency here.
If you look at the FA's own website, the list of players suspended are very confusing - http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Disciplinary/SuspensionLists. Presumably this info is relayed to club's but is very unclear.
I think two things should happen as a result of this sorry saga:
1. The FA's suspension system should be re-organised and made clearer for clubs and fans alike.
2. Is it really that bad for a player to collect five yellow cards across half a season (and potentially 30 matches)? Especially as players now get booked for breathing too heavily during games! Make it 10 yellow cards until action is taken - that would be much easier for the FA to adminster and make everyone's lives easier - especially the poor Droylsden secretary!
Monday 29 December 2008
A New Year's resolution for the football law makers
I hope the FA and FIFA have a list of New Year's resolutions to implement.
The one rule I would like to change is the ludicrous ruling that says a player must be booked if he over-celebrates (or in other words takes off his shirt or goes to celebrate with family or friends in the crowd).
It's as if the rule makers have sat together and thought: "I know, let's take all the fun out of football."
There can be no logical reason for booking a player for celebrating. It is harmless - providing opposition fans or players are not provoked.
There have been many examples of players receiving their marching orders for "over-celebrating." Steve Brown's sending off for a second book for Wycombe at Leicester in March 2001 received national headlines - the T-shirt he revealed after Roy Essandoh's late winner was a tribute to his young son.
Yet despite plenty of silly sendings off, still nothing is being done to change this draconian rule.
The latest sending-off saw Port Vale's Danny Glover see red for a second bookable offence. Yet his first yellow card was for taking off his shirt after scoring against Rochdale. The message on the T-shirt: "Happy Birthday Dad!" A tribute to his father and Port Vale manager, Dean.
Change this daft rule now!
The one rule I would like to change is the ludicrous ruling that says a player must be booked if he over-celebrates (or in other words takes off his shirt or goes to celebrate with family or friends in the crowd).
It's as if the rule makers have sat together and thought: "I know, let's take all the fun out of football."
There can be no logical reason for booking a player for celebrating. It is harmless - providing opposition fans or players are not provoked.
There have been many examples of players receiving their marching orders for "over-celebrating." Steve Brown's sending off for a second book for Wycombe at Leicester in March 2001 received national headlines - the T-shirt he revealed after Roy Essandoh's late winner was a tribute to his young son.
Yet despite plenty of silly sendings off, still nothing is being done to change this draconian rule.
The latest sending-off saw Port Vale's Danny Glover see red for a second bookable offence. Yet his first yellow card was for taking off his shirt after scoring against Rochdale. The message on the T-shirt: "Happy Birthday Dad!" A tribute to his father and Port Vale manager, Dean.
Change this daft rule now!
Tuesday 16 December 2008
The old and the new
I really enjoyed reading this blog from Norman Giller, sports journalist at the Daily Express in the 1960s and 1970s: http://www.sportsjournalists.co.uk/blog/?p=1600.
It was a bygone era that I was never part of and for all the wonders of modern technology, it sounds a fascinating life when journalism was "real." I sometimes wish I was born 20 years or so earlier.
It was a bygone era that I was never part of and for all the wonders of modern technology, it sounds a fascinating life when journalism was "real." I sometimes wish I was born 20 years or so earlier.
A monumental man
It's a Shoot style question: "Who is the biggest influence on your life/career?"
But it suddenly dawned on me while watching Inside Sport on BBC1 last night what a difference Martin O'Neill has made to my own life and career.
Why has someone I have never met had such an impact I hear you ask? Let me explain.
I was a young nine-year-old in 1993, and when I was not at school I was out shopping with my parents or occasionally round at friends' houses as you do. But other than that led a fairly sheltered and in a way naive young life. Still years away from taking an interest in girls, I had little drive and nothing in my young mind to live for me.
That changed in February 1993. I finally persuaded my dad to take me to watch Martin O'Neill's Wycombe - and never looked back. O'Neill had Wycombe playing in a certain way - exciting, entertaining and it was all winning football. Like most of my local town, I was obsessed as Wycombe capped a wonderful season by winning the Conference and FA Trophy double.
It was not just the football with Wycombe, it was the complete package as O'Neill ran that club from top to bottom. He really had a presence about him, he was that good. I was interested in reading what the great M O'N had to say in the programme - and his Absolutely Martin column remains one of the best I've ever read. Even at a young age, it taught me the values of honesty and respect.
I could not get enough football and especially Wycombe Wanderers' related literature - and Pete Lansley, now at the Times, wrote an excellent book "Out of the Blue," which talked about O'Neill's impact at the club and his character traits. O'Neill was probably the first man I ever looked up to.
It was O'Neill who indirectly developed my interest in sports writing which would lead to a future career. Not long after 1993, I first started writing football reports as a hobby.
But it was also in the summers of 1993 and 1994 that I learned two other important values from the great man: those of loyalty and commitment. O'Neill turned down jobs at Nottingham Forest, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City - teams in higher leagues than Wycombe - until he eventually moved to Carrow Road in 1995.
I owe Martin O'Neill so much.
But it suddenly dawned on me while watching Inside Sport on BBC1 last night what a difference Martin O'Neill has made to my own life and career.
Why has someone I have never met had such an impact I hear you ask? Let me explain.
I was a young nine-year-old in 1993, and when I was not at school I was out shopping with my parents or occasionally round at friends' houses as you do. But other than that led a fairly sheltered and in a way naive young life. Still years away from taking an interest in girls, I had little drive and nothing in my young mind to live for me.
That changed in February 1993. I finally persuaded my dad to take me to watch Martin O'Neill's Wycombe - and never looked back. O'Neill had Wycombe playing in a certain way - exciting, entertaining and it was all winning football. Like most of my local town, I was obsessed as Wycombe capped a wonderful season by winning the Conference and FA Trophy double.
It was not just the football with Wycombe, it was the complete package as O'Neill ran that club from top to bottom. He really had a presence about him, he was that good. I was interested in reading what the great M O'N had to say in the programme - and his Absolutely Martin column remains one of the best I've ever read. Even at a young age, it taught me the values of honesty and respect.
I could not get enough football and especially Wycombe Wanderers' related literature - and Pete Lansley, now at the Times, wrote an excellent book "Out of the Blue," which talked about O'Neill's impact at the club and his character traits. O'Neill was probably the first man I ever looked up to.
It was O'Neill who indirectly developed my interest in sports writing which would lead to a future career. Not long after 1993, I first started writing football reports as a hobby.
But it was also in the summers of 1993 and 1994 that I learned two other important values from the great man: those of loyalty and commitment. O'Neill turned down jobs at Nottingham Forest, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City - teams in higher leagues than Wycombe - until he eventually moved to Carrow Road in 1995.
I owe Martin O'Neill so much.
Friday 12 December 2008
The good, the bad and the ugly
As usual, I had most of the early part of this week (Monday-Wednesday) off. Well, I still had to do my usual "home" work and attended a Wycombe Wanderers meeting on Monday night, but you get the picture.
So I decided to tick off two more grounds - Swansea City's the Liberty Stadium and Ipswich Town's Portman Road. Yes, I know, talk about a trek (my carbon footprint must be very high now) but I saw Swansea v Barnsley on Tuesday and Ipswich v Bristol City on Wednesday. They were certainly eventful matches.
The Good: both matches were outstanding games of football - certainly tremendous adverts for the Championship, a much more exciting league than the Premier League will ever be.
Swansea came back from 2-0 down to earn a point with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time courtesy of two stunning strikes from Jason Scotland.
At Portman Road 24 hours later, both sides were prepared to attack with Bristol City going ahead through Stern John before Ipswich scored three in a seven minute spell at the start of the second half and looked like they could have had many more.
I was very much a fan of the traditional feel of Portman Road, actually in the town itself - it was my first trip to Ipswich too.
The Bad: plenty of moans - ticket prices and fickle fans being the main ones.
Firstly ticket prices: do Ipswich Town really think it is surprising that they get their lowest attendance in two years when tickets are £26.50 on a cold Wednesday night two weeks before Christmas? Tickets in football are ridiculously high - restricting people from all walks of life from coming. Football should be inclusive for all.
Then we come to the fans. After paying such prices to get in there is an argument that they are entitled to their opinion. But they are supposed to be supporters. Both games were extremely open but you got Swansea fans arguing amonsgt themselves and booing players at 2-0 down. Then when Ipswich had pretty much dominated the first half, the referee's whistle for the interval was greeted by howls of boos. A strange way about going about supporting your team.
The Ugly: Alex Bruce's dreadful lunge at 3-1 Ipswich was both completely unnecessary and dangerous. It meant that Jim Magilton shut up shop and a game, that would have ranked number one in terms of matches I've seen this season, only just makes the top five.
And finally another talking point: Barnsley's Jon Macken received a large amount of flak from the Swansea fans. Some of it witty, some of it funny, but most of it vile abuse. In a week when Sol Campbell has finally got his way and got 17 Tottenham fans charged with abusing him at a football match, it was refreshing to see Macken's response to fan jibes. He pointed to his large nose and laughed ... during the game that is! And afterwards he took the time to applaud the Swansea fans. I somehow feel that is a more refreshing way of dealing with abuse than crying out about it.
So I decided to tick off two more grounds - Swansea City's the Liberty Stadium and Ipswich Town's Portman Road. Yes, I know, talk about a trek (my carbon footprint must be very high now) but I saw Swansea v Barnsley on Tuesday and Ipswich v Bristol City on Wednesday. They were certainly eventful matches.
The Good: both matches were outstanding games of football - certainly tremendous adverts for the Championship, a much more exciting league than the Premier League will ever be.
Swansea came back from 2-0 down to earn a point with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time courtesy of two stunning strikes from Jason Scotland.
At Portman Road 24 hours later, both sides were prepared to attack with Bristol City going ahead through Stern John before Ipswich scored three in a seven minute spell at the start of the second half and looked like they could have had many more.
I was very much a fan of the traditional feel of Portman Road, actually in the town itself - it was my first trip to Ipswich too.
The Bad: plenty of moans - ticket prices and fickle fans being the main ones.
Firstly ticket prices: do Ipswich Town really think it is surprising that they get their lowest attendance in two years when tickets are £26.50 on a cold Wednesday night two weeks before Christmas? Tickets in football are ridiculously high - restricting people from all walks of life from coming. Football should be inclusive for all.
Then we come to the fans. After paying such prices to get in there is an argument that they are entitled to their opinion. But they are supposed to be supporters. Both games were extremely open but you got Swansea fans arguing amonsgt themselves and booing players at 2-0 down. Then when Ipswich had pretty much dominated the first half, the referee's whistle for the interval was greeted by howls of boos. A strange way about going about supporting your team.
The Ugly: Alex Bruce's dreadful lunge at 3-1 Ipswich was both completely unnecessary and dangerous. It meant that Jim Magilton shut up shop and a game, that would have ranked number one in terms of matches I've seen this season, only just makes the top five.
And finally another talking point: Barnsley's Jon Macken received a large amount of flak from the Swansea fans. Some of it witty, some of it funny, but most of it vile abuse. In a week when Sol Campbell has finally got his way and got 17 Tottenham fans charged with abusing him at a football match, it was refreshing to see Macken's response to fan jibes. He pointed to his large nose and laughed ... during the game that is! And afterwards he took the time to applaud the Swansea fans. I somehow feel that is a more refreshing way of dealing with abuse than crying out about it.
Sunday 2 November 2008
1-0 to the Wanderers - or is it?
Sports reporting can be difficult. You have to get things right. Fortunately I've yet to make any real howlers. But at least if the worst happened, and I did, I know that in print there is still (for now) a line of defence thanks to the beloved sub-editors.
Broadcasting is much harder as there is no line of defence. One can only wonder how Carrie Davis feels this morning.
Ms Davis works on the Chris Moyles Show on Radio 1 as a sports reader and covers games for Final Score on Saturdays.
She was at the Don Valley Stadium yesterday to cover Rotherham against my team Wycombe. On 65 minutes they came to her where she announced that Simon Church had scored his first goal for the Blues following fine work by Tommy Doherty in the build up.
Her final report said Wycombe had won 1-0, the BBC confirmed the result as 1-0 and Final Score even had Wycombe top of League Two.
Only Church's "goal" was ruled out for offside. The match finished goalless and Darlington leapfrogged Bucks' finest on goal difference.
Ms Davis is probably asking herself over and over again how she can make the mistake of getting absolutely everything wrong. She surely should have realised her original mistake and corrected it before full time. I cannot work it out.
One thing's for sure: this incident should replace Carrie Davis' most embarrasing moment of falling over drunk whilst being sick on the M40. One hopes she wasn't driving at the time.
Broadcasting is much harder as there is no line of defence. One can only wonder how Carrie Davis feels this morning.
Ms Davis works on the Chris Moyles Show on Radio 1 as a sports reader and covers games for Final Score on Saturdays.
She was at the Don Valley Stadium yesterday to cover Rotherham against my team Wycombe. On 65 minutes they came to her where she announced that Simon Church had scored his first goal for the Blues following fine work by Tommy Doherty in the build up.
Her final report said Wycombe had won 1-0, the BBC confirmed the result as 1-0 and Final Score even had Wycombe top of League Two.
Only Church's "goal" was ruled out for offside. The match finished goalless and Darlington leapfrogged Bucks' finest on goal difference.
Ms Davis is probably asking herself over and over again how she can make the mistake of getting absolutely everything wrong. She surely should have realised her original mistake and corrected it before full time. I cannot work it out.
One thing's for sure: this incident should replace Carrie Davis' most embarrasing moment of falling over drunk whilst being sick on the M40. One hopes she wasn't driving at the time.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
UEFA in plot loss shock
I don't know quite what makes our football organisations make stupid decisions on a regular basis, but the decision to move next week's Atletico Madrid against Liverpool match to a ground over 200 miles away beggars belief.
UEFA have quite rightly sanctioned Atletico for the racist behaviour of their fans. But by forcing them to play 200 miles from their Vincente Calderon home punishes innocent Liverpool supporters more than their own.
The match in Madrid is just eight days away. Yes, eight days. Talk about lack of notice for visiting fans. Liverpool, along with all British clubs, take plenty of fans to all their away matches. 3,000 Liverpool fans will have already booked flights and accommodation for the game.
Why do Liverpool fans deserve such treatment? What have they done wrong?
It's time for UEFA (along with our own FA and FIFA) to start making sensible, thought out decisions, considering all the consequences. Rather than just making knee-jerk reactions. Or is that too much to ask?
UEFA have quite rightly sanctioned Atletico for the racist behaviour of their fans. But by forcing them to play 200 miles from their Vincente Calderon home punishes innocent Liverpool supporters more than their own.
The match in Madrid is just eight days away. Yes, eight days. Talk about lack of notice for visiting fans. Liverpool, along with all British clubs, take plenty of fans to all their away matches. 3,000 Liverpool fans will have already booked flights and accommodation for the game.
Why do Liverpool fans deserve such treatment? What have they done wrong?
It's time for UEFA (along with our own FA and FIFA) to start making sensible, thought out decisions, considering all the consequences. Rather than just making knee-jerk reactions. Or is that too much to ask?
Sunday 12 October 2008
Is there any better feeling...
than seeing your side, already down to 10-men having dominated a game 150 miles away from home, come back and score an injury time equaliser to remain top of the league and extend their unbeaten run to 10 games and preventing a miserable trip back?
I'd forgotten what that 10 seconds of complete euphoria after a goal felt like. Although I'm a professional now, I'll always be a fan at heart. That trip to Grimsby was extremely worthwhile.
I'd forgotten what that 10 seconds of complete euphoria after a goal felt like. Although I'm a professional now, I'll always be a fan at heart. That trip to Grimsby was extremely worthwhile.
Were England fans right to boo Ashley Cole?
No, I'm not going to answer that question. Because as far as I'm concerned, that subject is not overly newsworthy. A small minority of fans boo one of their players thanks largely to his obnoxious personality than his footballing ability. Big deal. That subject simply does not warrant hours upon hours of Sky Sports News asking various sporting celebrities their opinions. Presumably Monday's newspapers will be full of that very same subject too. I really don't care.
I'm afraid that Sky Sports News were paying for lack of preparation. With no live Football League matches today, SSN in particular failed to grasp that it would be a slow news day. There were plenty of features they could have used: a look in detail at the lower leagues, it was FA Cup 3rd qualifying round day on Saturday and that barely got a mention anywhere. What about the Premier League clubs? What do players, management, fans, etc do when their team is not playing? Is that good for the game?
But no SSN chose the easy option and it made mind-numbing television. The people working there sadly failed to think outside the box. I await tomorrow's papers with (little) interest.
I'm afraid that Sky Sports News were paying for lack of preparation. With no live Football League matches today, SSN in particular failed to grasp that it would be a slow news day. There were plenty of features they could have used: a look in detail at the lower leagues, it was FA Cup 3rd qualifying round day on Saturday and that barely got a mention anywhere. What about the Premier League clubs? What do players, management, fans, etc do when their team is not playing? Is that good for the game?
But no SSN chose the easy option and it made mind-numbing television. The people working there sadly failed to think outside the box. I await tomorrow's papers with (little) interest.
Thursday 9 October 2008
Something for the weekend
I know a lot of sports journalism students who support their teams every Saturday and expect to do the same for the rest of their lives. They are living in cloud cuckoo land.
When does the majority of sport take place? That's right, the weekend. So sports journalists should expect to give up the vast majorities of their Saturdays and Sundays.
It's either your team or your profession - something that few students actually realise. Giving up watching Wycombe Wanderers regularly is one of the hardest things I've had to do, but it is a sacrifice I have had to make if I want the career I want.
I am therefore delighted that I have a Saturday off. Any late work requests permitting, I will be at Grimsby on Saturday to watch the best team in League Two. It will only be my second Wycombe match of the season. Let's hope the 300 mile round trip is worth it!
When does the majority of sport take place? That's right, the weekend. So sports journalists should expect to give up the vast majorities of their Saturdays and Sundays.
It's either your team or your profession - something that few students actually realise. Giving up watching Wycombe Wanderers regularly is one of the hardest things I've had to do, but it is a sacrifice I have had to make if I want the career I want.
I am therefore delighted that I have a Saturday off. Any late work requests permitting, I will be at Grimsby on Saturday to watch the best team in League Two. It will only be my second Wycombe match of the season. Let's hope the 300 mile round trip is worth it!
Monday 6 October 2008
The Great North Heroes
It was a struggle to get up at 9.30am on Sunday morning let alone do anything else so full marks to everyone competing in the Great North Run - especially those running for charity.
I competed in the 2005 High Wycombe half marathon so I kind of knew how people were feeling post-race. I'm proud of my 2 hours 18 minutes time on what I think was the 3rd hottest day of 2005. And as some of you may know, Wycombe is full of hills!
I said to myself I'd never do a marathon when slumped on the couch the afternoon after that race. I stand by that statement. But I'd love to be fit enough to do a half marathon again!
I competed in the 2005 High Wycombe half marathon so I kind of knew how people were feeling post-race. I'm proud of my 2 hours 18 minutes time on what I think was the 3rd hottest day of 2005. And as some of you may know, Wycombe is full of hills!
I said to myself I'd never do a marathon when slumped on the couch the afternoon after that race. I stand by that statement. But I'd love to be fit enough to do a half marathon again!
Friday 3 October 2008
It's Friday!
So that can only mean one thing: Baker's Bets.
Those of you who backed each of my bets individually last week will be quids in. If you backed them in accumulators like me, the bookies won!
I don't have time to tell you why to get on these this week but here are my selections for the Saturday action:
West Brom
Wigan
Birmingham
Aldershot
Luton (this is the long shot of the week)
Morecambe
Rochdale
Rotherham (nap of the week)
And a punt on Hartlepool tonight.
Happy punting!
Those of you who backed each of my bets individually last week will be quids in. If you backed them in accumulators like me, the bookies won!
I don't have time to tell you why to get on these this week but here are my selections for the Saturday action:
West Brom
Wigan
Birmingham
Aldershot
Luton (this is the long shot of the week)
Morecambe
Rochdale
Rotherham (nap of the week)
And a punt on Hartlepool tonight.
Happy punting!
Thursday 2 October 2008
A brand new gadget
It was home for me last night taking it easy. Sadly so too were Chelsea and Cluj - I had decided to watch the Chelsea game given that I'd watched Liverpool's first Champions League match in full. Big mistake.
Chelsea and Cluj both seemed content with a 0-0. Chelsea dominated the play but just did not look as if they were really that bothered. Cluj had no ambition and were just happy to defend in numbers.
So it was some partial delight that I discovered a new Sky Sports gadget. The alerts function. For those unfamiliar, you can watch any one of eight live Champions League matches and just as a stray John Obi Mikel pass hits the advertisement board again up pops a line: "GOAL! Anorthosis Famagusta 3 Panathinaikos 1. Press red to view."
And so I did - all night. The hope that the likes of Shaktar Dontesk might score any minute was the only thing that kept me awake.
Chelsea and Cluj both seemed content with a 0-0. Chelsea dominated the play but just did not look as if they were really that bothered. Cluj had no ambition and were just happy to defend in numbers.
So it was some partial delight that I discovered a new Sky Sports gadget. The alerts function. For those unfamiliar, you can watch any one of eight live Champions League matches and just as a stray John Obi Mikel pass hits the advertisement board again up pops a line: "GOAL! Anorthosis Famagusta 3 Panathinaikos 1. Press red to view."
And so I did - all night. The hope that the likes of Shaktar Dontesk might score any minute was the only thing that kept me awake.
Wednesday 1 October 2008
Champions League - you're having a laugh!
I don't know about anyone else but whenever the Champions League is on, I just have to get away.
The group stages of that competition just don't excite me at all. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will all go through to the second stages (Liverpool will score some jammy last minute winner in their final match from Stevie G typically).
So on Tuesday night, I decided to do some more research on a league I do a lot of reporting: the Championship. It was my third trip to Turf Moor this season as I saw Burnley v Watford. Real football and in one of the game's most exciting leagues.
I like Turf Moor. An old ground re-built (in part) successfully and the second best football grub in the world (after Kidderminster Harriers of course).
To come away from a 3-2 home win (after the visitors had led 2-1 at half time) and feel disappointed with it is insane but this was not a brilliant match.
But it was still, I'd imagine, a better alternative to watching Manchester United or Arsenal stuff their foreign opponents.
Sadly there is no domestic action today. So the choice is: flick between Liverpool and Chelsea at home or watch Liverpool down the pub?
The group stages of that competition just don't excite me at all. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will all go through to the second stages (Liverpool will score some jammy last minute winner in their final match from Stevie G typically).
So on Tuesday night, I decided to do some more research on a league I do a lot of reporting: the Championship. It was my third trip to Turf Moor this season as I saw Burnley v Watford. Real football and in one of the game's most exciting leagues.
I like Turf Moor. An old ground re-built (in part) successfully and the second best football grub in the world (after Kidderminster Harriers of course).
To come away from a 3-2 home win (after the visitors had led 2-1 at half time) and feel disappointed with it is insane but this was not a brilliant match.
But it was still, I'd imagine, a better alternative to watching Manchester United or Arsenal stuff their foreign opponents.
Sadly there is no domestic action today. So the choice is: flick between Liverpool and Chelsea at home or watch Liverpool down the pub?
Friday 26 September 2008
Baker's Bets of the Week
Anyone who knows me knows that I like a good football bet. To save myself the effort of sending out hundreds of texts with betting advice like I usually do, I will publish them here every Friday. So without further or do, here are my tips for this week:
Wolves were outstanding last week at Deepdale, beating Preston North End 3-1 and seem a good bet to beat another high flying side in Bristol City. 8/11 (Tote, Bet 365, Sky Bet)
I will be making my first trip to the Keepmoat Stadium for the Doncaster v Southampton match. Both teams are on dreadful runs but I fancy Doncaster to overcome their recent poor form against Southampton who were beaten at Rotherham in the Carling Cup in the week. Doncaster like to play football so expect a few goals. 11/10 (Tote, Sky Bet, Stan James, Ladbrokes)
There are some good bets in League 2. Bournemouth have an excellent midfield and now have a couple more strikers with the recent additions of Trevor Benjamin and Blair Sturrock. A bet on them to beat Darlington, who have a 500 mile + round trip is one of my tips of the weekend. 6/4 (Bet 365, Ladbrokes)
Chester have put their poor start to the season behind them but Luton are formidable opposition at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters have few injury worries and are a reasonable punt. 4/5 (Tote, Sporting Bet, Sky Bet, Ladbrokes)
Notts County have incredibly drawn their last six matches but have played some good football of late. With the mentality of "winning it for Jimmy", I expect them to do just that against Aldershot Town. 11/8 (Sky Bet, Ladbrokes)
Macclesfield have incredibly turned around their season after looking certainties for the drop. Keith Alexander has kept faith in his youngsters and they will look for a fourth straight win when Exeter City visit. 5/4 (Sky Bet)
I get the impression that Lincoln City have turned a corner after a slow start to the season and in Adrian Patulea they have one of the best strikers in the division. They should continue their revival against a Morecambe side who have disappointed so far. 11/10 (Ladbrokes)
And my longshot of the weekend is Barnet to win for the first time this season at Grimsby Town. Both sides have been poor this season but Barnet have John O'Flynn fit up-front and with a few others returning, can add to Grimsby's misery. 14/5 (Bet 365)
And there's a tasty League 1 double tonight. Southend (17/20, Sporting Bet) are always a decent shout at home. They face Leyton Orient. Tranmere (10/11, Bet 365, Sky Bet) always seem to win on Friday nights and given they face Colchester United, backing the home side should prove profitable.
Wolves were outstanding last week at Deepdale, beating Preston North End 3-1 and seem a good bet to beat another high flying side in Bristol City. 8/11 (Tote, Bet 365, Sky Bet)
I will be making my first trip to the Keepmoat Stadium for the Doncaster v Southampton match. Both teams are on dreadful runs but I fancy Doncaster to overcome their recent poor form against Southampton who were beaten at Rotherham in the Carling Cup in the week. Doncaster like to play football so expect a few goals. 11/10 (Tote, Sky Bet, Stan James, Ladbrokes)
There are some good bets in League 2. Bournemouth have an excellent midfield and now have a couple more strikers with the recent additions of Trevor Benjamin and Blair Sturrock. A bet on them to beat Darlington, who have a 500 mile + round trip is one of my tips of the weekend. 6/4 (Bet 365, Ladbrokes)
Chester have put their poor start to the season behind them but Luton are formidable opposition at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters have few injury worries and are a reasonable punt. 4/5 (Tote, Sporting Bet, Sky Bet, Ladbrokes)
Notts County have incredibly drawn their last six matches but have played some good football of late. With the mentality of "winning it for Jimmy", I expect them to do just that against Aldershot Town. 11/8 (Sky Bet, Ladbrokes)
Macclesfield have incredibly turned around their season after looking certainties for the drop. Keith Alexander has kept faith in his youngsters and they will look for a fourth straight win when Exeter City visit. 5/4 (Sky Bet)
I get the impression that Lincoln City have turned a corner after a slow start to the season and in Adrian Patulea they have one of the best strikers in the division. They should continue their revival against a Morecambe side who have disappointed so far. 11/10 (Ladbrokes)
And my longshot of the weekend is Barnet to win for the first time this season at Grimsby Town. Both sides have been poor this season but Barnet have John O'Flynn fit up-front and with a few others returning, can add to Grimsby's misery. 14/5 (Bet 365)
And there's a tasty League 1 double tonight. Southend (17/20, Sporting Bet) are always a decent shout at home. They face Leyton Orient. Tranmere (10/11, Bet 365, Sky Bet) always seem to win on Friday nights and given they face Colchester United, backing the home side should prove profitable.
Thursday 25 September 2008
RIP Jimmy Sirrel
I can't confess to knowing a massive amount about Notts County legend Jimmy Sirrel who died today aged 86 (a bit of research has helped me with this). But what I do know is that his breed of players and managers are decreasing rapidly by the day.
Sirrel managed Notts County in three spells in the sixties, seventies and eighties. He was a character, a man loyal to his football club. He carried on visiting Meadow Lane until only weeks ago. He valued the community and the fans of his football club.
On his first day as County manager he came out with the following: "Ask any kid what he knows about Notts County and he'll tell you they're the oldest football team in the world. By the time I've finished he'll know a lot more."
Contrast that with the prima donna Premier League managers of today. They have their flash cars and their £50,000 a week wages. But they don't have the love of all football fans, in the game in general or even at their own clubs.
Sirrel's legacy lives on - County have a stand named after him at Meadow Lane - I hope his values live on too. RIP.
Sirrel managed Notts County in three spells in the sixties, seventies and eighties. He was a character, a man loyal to his football club. He carried on visiting Meadow Lane until only weeks ago. He valued the community and the fans of his football club.
On his first day as County manager he came out with the following: "Ask any kid what he knows about Notts County and he'll tell you they're the oldest football team in the world. By the time I've finished he'll know a lot more."
Contrast that with the prima donna Premier League managers of today. They have their flash cars and their £50,000 a week wages. But they don't have the love of all football fans, in the game in general or even at their own clubs.
Sirrel's legacy lives on - County have a stand named after him at Meadow Lane - I hope his values live on too. RIP.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Welcome to the Jungle!
I did start blogging about a year ago, until some funny soul decided to use the info on my blog against me.
Aware of the risks of posting intimate details about my life, I am back (bigger - certainly, better - maybe).
Sports journalism is entering such an uncertain phase. My love of sport has afraid got the better of me. I believe I'm a good writer and sporting enthuasist, that working as a sports journalist is the ideal job for me. But it certainly has its limitations.
And since graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in sports journalism in May, I'm one of the lucky ones.
I've been fortunate enough to have casual shifts on the Daily Star sports desk and also work for the Daily Star Sunday and Sunday Express at games on a Saturday.
Working primarily a Thursday-Sunday working week means pretty much zero social life and a very slow early part to the week when not much is happening.
Whilst the pay of a freelance is pretty good, my future is far from certain. Shifts can be cut or even cancelled all together. That's why it is so important to stay ahead of the game and look for as many opportunities as possible.
I certainly cannot see into the future but it appears as if the number of sports journalism students are increasing, yet the number of sports journalism jobs are decreasing. Work that one out.
Gavin Strachan, the Notts County midfielder, has started his blog on the BBC. Strachan is studying to be a sports journalist at Stafford University. Strachan will be fine - he's a footballer - and the likes of Sky Sports love footballers of all sorts of abilities. But I can't help but feel his course mates will suffer due to the ex-footballer surge. What opportunities exist for non-ex-pro-footballers-turned-journalists? Sadly not many.
I believe just five out of 40 people, who completed the same Sports Journalism course as me in May, have secured full time or near full time work in the industry.
Extremely sad that many good people are missing out on jobs. And further belief that the industry is so competitive.
Students of sports journalism really have to be something special judging by my statistic. They have to have done far more than just a course and really know everything inside out.
I don't fancy the chances of "Will" who posted on Strachan's blog: "im interested in football journalism, so how would i go about getting involved?". If you don't know by now, I'm afraid there is not much hope for you.
Aware of the risks of posting intimate details about my life, I am back (bigger - certainly, better - maybe).
Sports journalism is entering such an uncertain phase. My love of sport has afraid got the better of me. I believe I'm a good writer and sporting enthuasist, that working as a sports journalist is the ideal job for me. But it certainly has its limitations.
And since graduating from the University of Central Lancashire with a degree in sports journalism in May, I'm one of the lucky ones.
I've been fortunate enough to have casual shifts on the Daily Star sports desk and also work for the Daily Star Sunday and Sunday Express at games on a Saturday.
Working primarily a Thursday-Sunday working week means pretty much zero social life and a very slow early part to the week when not much is happening.
Whilst the pay of a freelance is pretty good, my future is far from certain. Shifts can be cut or even cancelled all together. That's why it is so important to stay ahead of the game and look for as many opportunities as possible.
I certainly cannot see into the future but it appears as if the number of sports journalism students are increasing, yet the number of sports journalism jobs are decreasing. Work that one out.
Gavin Strachan, the Notts County midfielder, has started his blog on the BBC. Strachan is studying to be a sports journalist at Stafford University. Strachan will be fine - he's a footballer - and the likes of Sky Sports love footballers of all sorts of abilities. But I can't help but feel his course mates will suffer due to the ex-footballer surge. What opportunities exist for non-ex-pro-footballers-turned-journalists? Sadly not many.
I believe just five out of 40 people, who completed the same Sports Journalism course as me in May, have secured full time or near full time work in the industry.
Extremely sad that many good people are missing out on jobs. And further belief that the industry is so competitive.
Students of sports journalism really have to be something special judging by my statistic. They have to have done far more than just a course and really know everything inside out.
I don't fancy the chances of "Will" who posted on Strachan's blog: "im interested in football journalism, so how would i go about getting involved?". If you don't know by now, I'm afraid there is not much hope for you.
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