Baker's Blues

A Grim day for football

2010-05-10T12:25:00.002+01:00

With a rare Saturday off, I decided to progress with my ambition to "do the 92" (attend all Football League & Premier League grounds - I'm currently on 80-odd).

My destination was the Pirelli Stadium for Burton Albion v Grimsby Town, a match that the visitors needed to win to maintain their 99-year Football League status.

I was told that although tickets would be available on the day, security would be tight and you needed identification of a Burton Albion association. Armed with my Premier League & Football League press accreditation, I thought that would be suitable back up to help me out if necessary.

But what happened? I turned up at the turnstile about 2pm, paid my money and walked in. Easy as that.

It was no surprise therefore to see Grimsby fans dotted all the way around the entire ground. Although a large number of these were keen only to ensure the best possible atmosphere, sadly a fair percentage were seemingly there exclusively for trouble.

First, when Greg Pearson had given Burton the lead somewhat against the run of play, one Grimsby "fan" ran on to the pitch and pushed his own keeper Nick Colgan. There were similar attempts from visitors from the away end to encroach during the rest of the half especially after Shaun Harrad's scrappy second which sealed the Mariners' fate.

The second half was even worse. Harrad scored a wonder third from a free kick. He ran to what he thought was his own fans and slid on his knees. One Grimsby fan ran on and attempted to belt him, prompting an incident between Burton players and a Grimsby contingent. No police in sight because they were all at the other end of the ground.

Grimsby fans spent the last five minutes of the game on the pitch from all sides with stewards and police having a difficult job to ensure the match reached its conclusion.

Violence then erupted at the end with Grimsby supporters attempting to attack anyone they could see. They picked up advertising hoardings before police only managed to gain some kind of control with a baton charge.

Fans from the likes of Plymouth Argyle and my own Wycombe Wanderers have taken this season's relegations with great dignity. However the actions of a large number of Grimsby supporters ensure they will certainly not be missed from the Football League.

And I used to have a soft spot for the men from Cleethorpes.

The Santa Clause

2010-04-08T15:51:00.002+01:00

The complexity of football transfers sometimes bears no bounds. Fees can be dependant on appearances, a new club's league position or a percentage of sell ons.

It is the one that specifies a club will be due a certain amount of money if player makes x number of appearances that really gets my goat.

This week Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil did not travel with his side to Plymouth. Why, I hear you ask? Because O'Neil has made 99 appearances for Boro. One more will mean they have to pay another £1 million to Portsmouth as agreed when a transfer was arranged in 2007.

Ridiculously unfair on the player who is now in limbo. And also an insult to the fans that watch the game.

Christmas is for football. Apparently not.

2009-12-04T12:19:00.003Z

Once upon a time Football League clubs scheduled plenty of matches around Christmas, Easter and the Bank Holidays. Peak times for peak attendances.

Now it seems as if the league wants the cash-strapped clubs to play more matches on Tuesday nights in November and December in freezing temperatures.

Many clubs will have just two festive fixtures this season - Boxing Day and Monday, December 28. The FA & Football League have decided to schedule FA Cup 3rd round day for Saturday, Janaury 2 meaning there will be no New Year's fixture for many League 1 & 2 clubs (there is a League 1 & 2 programme scheduled for that day but with a few clubs still in the FA Cup some of these will be cancelled).

The league recently removed the August Bank Holiday as a fixture date while Easter Monday will be without Premier League fixtures.

You have to be a real football obsessive (or a masochist, one of the two) to watch the game on cold wintery evenings when full snowman outfit is required. Southampton had to play a league match at Hartlepool only two weeks ago.

Yet another example of the FA, Football and Premier Leagues shooting themselves in the foot.

Seeds of doubt

2009-12-04T12:13:00.003Z

I can't decide whether I'm looking forward to tonight's World Cup draw or not.

On the one hand, we can discover who everyone is playing, where England fans will scramble for accommodation and look forward to the greatest sporting event there is.

On the other, the draw is over-hyped (especially by Sky Sports who don't even have the rights to show the event) and there should be no great surprises. Once again FIFA's seeding system leaves a lot to be desired. Favouring the big teams (or the ones that give them the most money), all top eight seeds should qualify for the next stage even given the worst case scenario. Two of the eight seeds will have to face the not so mighty France and Portugal. Bless.

After the ridiculous seeding system for the play-offs, surely FIFA need to have a re-think. Everyone has qualified for the World Cup on merit. Surely they should have equal chance in the competition proper?

Raking it in

2009-11-25T16:01:00.002Z

If ever football can be confirmed as being out of touch with the masses, now is it.

The FA, on behalf of FIFA, have released World Cup ticket prices to the Englandfans members (to become a member fans pay £85 every two years). To see the World Cup Final, members can apply for cheapest priced tickets @ £265 rising to £592 for the most expensive. Even quarter-final matches will set you back over £100.

This in a country where you can get a bottle of beer for £1 and comfortably get a three-course meal in a restaurant for less than a tenner.

And to put things into perspective, ticket prices for the test matches in South Africa over the next two months can be bought for merely £2.50 a day (rising to £7 a day for the most expensive seats).

So the next time you hear one of those Sepp Blatter speeches on what FIFA are doing for familes, the game, the community, the masses, ignore it. He'll only be talking claptrap.

arrogance.com @ St James' Park

2009-11-04T13:32:00.002Z

Yes, Newcastle fans and observers are right to be up in arms over the decision to rename St James' Park, sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park Stadium. But the fact that Toon disgust has reached the Commons only sums up just how arrogant supporters connected to that club are.

Why are Newcastle so special? Why has the issue of stadium naming rights being sold off in the name of sponsorship only come into fruition now?

Bradford City's famous Valley Parade ground is sponsored. So too is Bournemouth's Dean Court, Dagenham's Victoria Road, Shrewsbury's New Meadow, Walsall's Bescot Stadium, Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road. All of these names are no longer - certainly according to their official titles.

The situation is just as bad in non-league football. Even UniBond North Division One side Bamber Bridge's famous Irongate ground has been renamed in favour of a few extra pounds.

Bradford once warned all media that their ground must be referred to by its sponsored name - or journalists would face the consequences.

My own team, Wycombe Wanderers renamed their Adams Park ground (named after the gentleman that donated the old Loakes Park ground to the club for free) to the Causeway Stadium earlier this century for a fee of just £10,000 per annum before coming to their senses.

All this is wrong, wrong, wrong. It crosses the line between a viable business revenue and something that is sacrosanct. It upsets the fans who matter the most.

But Newcastle are definitely not a special case.

Law 18 anyone?

2009-10-21T11:33:00.002+01:00

I defended referees yesterday and said they need to make the most of their positions: "they are always right."

They were absolutely right again yesterday when it comes to the 17 laws of football. But perhaps the biggest rule in the game is Law 18: the rule of common sense.

Step forward Mr Hall and Mr Miller.

Hall refereed the QPR v Reading game and sent off Ben Watson in the first-half for taking a free-kick too quickly. Watson, the QPR player, had indeed taken it too quickly, was on a booking so should have been carded. But people are human.

Similary Miller sent-off Guy Moussi of Nottingham Forest after the French midfielder netted a winner in the dying seconds against Barnsley. Second booking, red card. Human emotion does not seem to come into it.

Mr Hall and Mr Miller should maintain their public stance that they were right (indeed they were by the rule book). But at the same time they should review their only performances and think about law 18 (a rule explained to trainee referees on training courses).

Loyalty?

2009-10-21T11:25:00.002+01:00

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has been rightly praised for his loyalty to managers. He has kept faith with Bryan Robson, Steve McClaren and Gareth Southgate during the hard times. Most other chairmen would have sacked Southgate when Boro were relegated to the Championship in May. But not Gibson. Which makes the decision to sack Southgate now all the more staggering.

The former England defender (famous for that miss against Germany in the Euro 96 semis and the subsequent Pizza Hut commercials) was given his P45 AFTER Boro had comprehensively beaten Derby 2-0 at home to put them up to 4th in the Championship, just ONE point off top spot. In any other industry, it would be unbelievable. But to take a well-worn manager's cliche, "that's football."

Already we have seen Ian McParland sacked as Notts County manager despite being four points off the lead, Wycombe manager Peter Taylor fired the day before the game and Darlington boss Colin Todd sacked just four months into his reign.

It's time for a bit of loyalty in football. Just look at the managers who have stayed around the longest. Manchester United and Arsenal were not doing too badly the last time I looked.

Respect the ref? They should respect themselves

2009-10-20T13:33:00.002+01:00

The FA's respect campaign has long been derided as a complete waste of time. And the situation with referees this season is getting even more ridiculous.

The one golden rule of football I grew up with was "the referee is always right, even when he's wrong." But sadly that adage is no longer true as the referees and the authorities are setting precedents.

Referees have been apologising to managers for making mistakes this season. How very noble. The referee's chief Keith Hackett has been calling club's up to apologise. How very polite. Referees are getting dropped for minor mistakes. These are referees for goodness sake. How can they earn respect if their bosses are blaiming them for every single thing they get wrong?

Sir Alex Ferguson has jumped on the bandwagon with his disgraceful outburst about Alan Wiley's fitness. The authorities should throw the book at him but managers can get away with any criticism of referees they like - because referees are not prepared to stand up for themselves.

Darren Bent's beach-ball goal at the weekend takes the biscuit. Who really knows the football law concerning beach balls? The attention seeking Jeff Winter and Dermot Gallagher should know all about respecting match officials. Their criticism of Mike Jones is appalling.

Football players make mistakes. Managers make mistakes. Aren't referees allowed them without fear of retribution? Stand up for yourselves guys please (and that goes for your bosses and former colleagues) ... or you'll make things worse.

The problem with blogs...

2009-10-20T13:31:00.002+01:00

is you can just get bogged down with work commitments and get out of the habit of updating them. I have been met by a fiercely busy start to the football season, combined with an exciting end to the cricket season. But I'm back, with abject apologies.

Super Fred - no other word to describe him

2009-07-15T15:05:00.002+01:00

Super.

–adjective
1.
of the highest degree, power, etc.
2.
of an extreme or excessive degree.
3.
Informal. very good; first-rate; excellent.

You can only use that word to describe the very top sportsmen and Freddie Flintoff fits that bill completely.

So the news this morning that he will quit cricket after the Ashes series, comes as an awful shock.

Flintoff may not have the best statistics for an England player (76 tests, batting average 31.69 and bowling average 32.51) but there are times when stats do not tell the whole story.

Flintoff was the talisman, the man the captained always turned to get a wicket - and invariably he did.

He excited crowds and was the man his team mates loved, always willing to put in the hard yards.

At just 31, he is way too young to retire, but his body seems to have gone because of his total effort and commitment to the cause.

He will be sorely missed on the test stage. Supermen don't grow on trees.

Pont calling kettle black

2009-07-15T14:55:00.003+01:00

After such a fantastic 1st test with the dramatic, gritty conclusion, it seems a shame that the focus has been on Australian captain Ricky Ponting moaning again.

Ponting's argument that England bringing on the physio and 12th man to waste time between overs was against the spirit of the game was probably a valid one. But it did it make any difference to the result? No. The final over needed to be started before 6.40pm. The final over finished at 6.43pm. The physio and 12th man were not on the field for longer than three minutes and therefore made not a jot of difference.

This is the very same Ricky Ponting that was warned for time wasting by Steve Bucknor in the 3rd Ashes test in 2005 at Old Trafford on the 4th day. You will remember that Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee hung on on the final day with Australia nine down. No England moans then.

Ponting has also been in trouble with the ICC for various misdemeanours in his time and along with his refusal to "walk" and excessive appealing, he is proving himself to be very hypocritical indeed by making such comments.

Ponting's rant also seems to further undermine his ability to captain under pressure. It's not difficult to captain when you have Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne in your side, but Ponting is now discovering that captaining a test side is not so easy.

It was about time that a situation like Sunday went in in England's favour. They should have won the Boxing Day test at Durban 2004 (when South Africa went off for bad light after Makhaya Ntini had hit 16 off the last over with the home side eight down). They should have won that Old Trafford test in 2005. And they should have won in both Antigua and Trinidad only last winter with West Indies holding on (with even more obvious time wasting tactics employed).

No, it was entirely just that something like that went in England's favour. And Ponting should realise, what goes around, comes around.

"All we need is Ravi Bopara...

2009-07-07T16:10:00.003+01:00

better than Lara, and Sangakkara."

That's what England fans sing about their new No 3. And you cannot blame them because Ravi Bopara certainly looks the part.

Three consecutive tons have cemented his place in the team and he seems a much more confident and composed character than either Ian Bell or Owais Shah.

Which makes Shane Warne's comments in the Guardian last month surprising: "Bopara is a good first-class cricketer, but he is not an international cricketer. I think he's got all the talent in the world, but I just don't think he's got the temperament. He can be put off his game too easily and he's too worried about how he looks. Let's hope England aren't relying on Bopara [for the Ashes] because they could be in trouble."

An Aussie stirring things on the eve of the Ashes? Where have I heard that before?

From what I've seen, Ravi Bopara has the perfect temperament for international cricket. His 52 off 53 balls led England so close to victory against Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup, his quick-as-a-flash ton in Barbados should have put England in with a chance of victory, and his reaction to his unfathomable dropping in Trinidad first class.

If these comments are likely to continue from Warne, I'll have to turn the sound down during what promises to be another exciting Ashes series.

Wimble-done

2009-07-07T16:06:00.002+01:00

Wimbledon was a great but tiring two weeks. 150 hours graft in a two-week period is not many peoples' ideas of fun but I enjoyed every minute of it. No real shocks in the tennis - with Federer and S Williams triumphing - but some wonderful matches. I cannot wait until next year's action upon the lawns of the All England Club.

True Brits?

2009-06-19T11:15:00.003+01:00

So far, it has been a quiet summer for major sport and our British teams have not really had too much chance to impress.

But this weekend starts an extended period of major competition for our people which will culminate in the Ashes. It is British Grand Prix weekend and Jenson Button must have a fantastic chance of success. The British & Irish Lions also face the first of three matches against South Africa. Their chances of victory are low.

England's under 21 football side are through to the semi-finals of the European Championship and can fancy their chances following a terrific 2-0 win over Spain.

But the main event for this time of the year is Wimbledon. Whilst Andy Murray has his best ever chance of claiming the title at SW19, there is, as ever, interest throughout the draw. The men have a difficult time with Dan Evans facing Nicolay Davydenko, James Ward facing Fernando Verdasco, Alex Bogdanovic playing Tomas Berdych and Josh Goodall taking on Michael Llodra in the first round.

Last year's junior superstar Laura Robson makes her senior Wimbledon bow. She is not expected to beat Danielle Hantuchova. But her fellow Brit ladies all have a chance - Melanie South is up against Mathilde Johansson, Katie O'Brien plays Iveta Benesova, Georgie Stoop takes on Vera Zvonareva, and Elena Baltacha will challenge Alona Bondarenko.

As much as I'd love Murray to win Wimbledon, I would be similarly delighted if our lower-ranked Brits could put up a show (and that means winning matches!).

My favourite time of the year

2009-06-18T14:13:00.002+01:00

Today I start a period of 18 consecutive days of work, 12 hours a day. But I cannot complain. Why? From Saturday, I will be working at SW19.

I am honoured once again to be at Wimbledon for the next fortnight. It is a place with so much tradition and prestige.

Wimbledon has perhaps even more drama than football but is is watched and played in a for more relaxed manner.

I am looking forward to catching up with colleagues on the Official Wimbledon website and it promises to be another exciting fortnight. It is arguably my favourite time of the year.

Licence to make money

2009-06-16T23:27:00.002+01:00

It's once again that time of year when football fixtures are released - and also when DataCo work their magic.

DataCo are employed by the Football & Premier League to protect "their" copyright of football fixtures. Originally designed to stop betting companies making a mint out of the "brands," these bizarre copyright rules means that fans are unable to publicise their club's fixtures.

The likes of Tony Kempster, who sadly passed away this week, were also unable to publish Football & Premier League fixtures on their unpaid websites. A licence fee costs hundreds or even thousands depending on how many clubs' fixtures you wish to publish. Tony claimed on his site that publishing fixtures of all teams would cost £9,000.

It would be a fitting tribute to Tony and his great work if common sense can finally prevail on this matter.

RIP Tony Kempster

2009-06-15T13:05:00.002+01:00

I was very sad to hear the news of Tony Kempster's death last night.

Tony was founder and author of online football bible, www.tonykempster.co.uk. This site had the lot - statistical information for all the leagues in British football right the way down to county leagues.

It was an unpaid labour of love that Tony, a fan of football particular in the non-league maintained regularly. Tony had many friends in football (sadly I never got to know the guy) and underwent an incredible battle against cancer right to the end. His dignified accounts at http://health.tonykempster.co.uk/ are quite heartbreaking.

From all fans of football: thank you Tony, may you rest in peace.

We're not dead without Fred

2009-05-25T11:44:00.003+01:00

I read in amazement that so many respected pundits and journalists suggested that England had no chance of regaining the Ashes without Andrew Flintoff.

Amazed largely because of how dramatically England's bowling attack has improved without Freddie, since he pulled up in Antigua during the winter.

In Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graham Onions, England have three genuine match winning fast bowlers. Add Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar, England have two spinners who are both considering more threatening than Nathan Hauritz, Australia's only real spin option.

And Tim Bresnan cannot be written off either. He showed at Chester-le-Street what he can do.

Clearly a fit Flintoff is a fantastic weapon. But to say we have no chance without him is absurd indeed.

Ollie ole ole ole

2009-05-25T10:53:00.003+01:00

While gutted for Tony Parkes, the journalist in me is delighted that the new Blackpool manager is Ian Holloway. A dream of a person to interview and a man who adds so much colour to football.

The first time I ever covered a match from the press box was Holloway's QPR at Leeds a few years ago for London paper, The Ealing Times.

QPR had lost 2-0 but included six loanees. When asked for his opinion of his side's performance, Holloway replied "I'm proud of my Queens Park Strangers".

Welcome back Ollie!

Shear lunacy

2009-05-25T10:44:00.002+01:00

I won't say much about Newcastle other than to point out how ridiculous it proved appointing Alan Shearer as caretaker manager.

Shearer may well have been regarded as a "Messiah" (just like Keegan, and Ant and Dec according to a banner at Villa Park yesterday) but on a reported £250,000 a game he represented hopeless value for money. Mike Ashley is known for blowing money - he has lost millions on trips to casinos. But he will have lost even more, thanks to his biggest gamble of them all.

It takes years for people to be top class managers. Martin O'Neill, whose Villa side ultimately relegated Newcastle, spent eight years managing Grantham Town, Shepshed Charterhouse and Wycombe Wanderers before getting his first "big" job at Norwich City in 1995.

You can't stick in an unknown at such a crucial change. Ashley and Newcastle have paid a massive price for living in a fairytale world.

Ful marks

2009-05-21T13:01:00.002+01:00

14 months ago Fulham seemed certainties for the drop down to the Championship. Roy "Woy" Hodgson had come in but made little difference to the West London club's fortunes.

Hodgson was so desperate that he even cried at a press conference. But then things clicked. A fantastic win at Reading kick-started their season, and wins against Man City, Birmingham and Portsmouth gave Fulham an unlikely escape.

Now, Fulham only need to beat Everton at Craven Cottage on Sunday to guarantee a spot in the new Europa League.

Hodgson has re-built Fulham with a strong emphasis on defence. And you get the impression (with his international pedigree), he will treat Europe seriously.

I may sound mad saying this but I believe Hodgson would make a fantastic future manager of England.

Special K

2009-05-21T12:56:00.003+01:00

Well done to Anne Keothavong who has become the first British woman since Jo Durie in 1983 (the year of my birth!) to reach a WTA clay court semi-final.

For years an also ran, Keothavong's improvement has been dramatic over the last 18 months. She ended 2007, as the world no 122 but has made a massive jump. She will return to the World's top 50 after this success.

Suddenly things are starting to look more rosy for British tennis.

No place like Rome

2009-05-20T19:48:00.002+01:00

English football fans seem to always experience problems when travelling to Rome.

I can remember back to 1997 when England played Italy in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Trouble in the ground, attacks by police. Problems have continued throughout the years of Champions League football, particularly involving Manchester United and Arsenal.

It has prompted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to issue warnings and suggest "no-go" areas for United fans when they visit Rome for the Champions League final with Barcelona next Wednesday.

Just a thought but if a Western-city like Rome is so unsafe, what on earth are Uefa doing holding the final there?

Born Lew-sor

2009-05-20T14:52:00.003+01:00

As former cricketer Chris Lewis starts a 13-year jail sentence today for smuggling cocaine, the IPL is about to come to close for another year and the Twenty20 World Cup about to start in England.

Lewis' style of bowling and batting would have been ideal for Twenty20. By today's standards the rewards Lewis got financially during his career were limited. One possible (inexcusable) reason for turning to crime.

With cricketers earning £100,000 a week in some circumstances, I bet Lewis wishes he was born 10 or 15 years later.

A sad state of affairs.

Jim fixes it

2009-05-19T10:58:00.002+01:00

I was at Chester-le-Street for the final day of the second test with the West Indies yesterday and despite the match being over in a flash (just 22 overs), I thoroughly enjoyed some absorbing cricket.

With all the talk about how Twenty20 cricket would take over, I witnessed some fantastic test match swing bowling, particularly from Jimmy Anderson. The Burnley Express has really come on of late, swinging the ball both ways, and he is part of a much improved bowling attack that gives England every chance in the Ashes.

And another thought. Many of my Sunday press colleagues talked about how test cricket is dying. I cannot see that happening.

One of the joys of cricket is the battle between bat and ball. Twenty20 cricket is purely about scoring runs, not taking wickets. And sooner or later, the novelty will wear off.

Gutted for Tony

2009-05-19T10:51:00.003+01:00

Tony Parkes became a caretaker manager for the seventh time in his career when he took charge at Blackpool in December. After leading the Seasiders to safety, he seemed sure to at last get full time responsibility for the first time.

But Parkes, six times caretaker boss at his beloved Blackburn Rovers, has left Bloomfield Road to spend more time with his family. One feels there may be more to it than that with reported disagreements with his board.

I am genuinely disappointed that Parkes is not staying on. It has been a pleasure interviewing him this season - he is one of the nicest men in the game and football deserves more people like him.

The real manager of the year

2009-05-13T15:46:00.002+01:00

On 16 August 2008, Burnley were soundly beaten 3-0 at home by Ipswich Town. It was only the second Saturday of the season and already the Clarets were in freefall (unlike the parachutist who caused that game to be delayed by an hour after he landed on the away end roof delivering the matchball).

Burnley were an accident waiting to happen that day. Lacking ideas in attack and looking schoolboy at times at the back, Owen Coyle's side seemed certainties in my mind for a long season of struggle.

But quite incredibly, Burnley are one game away from the Premier League after one of the greatest seasons in the their history.

The comprehensive 3-0 aggregate win over Reading in the Championship play-off semi-final was fully deserved. It followed a devastatingly late moment of anguish against Tottenham in the Carling Cup after Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal had been beaten in earlier rounds (Arsenal were to get their revenge in the FA Cup ending another heroic cup run).

Most significantly, Coyle has shown a trust in his side. He has used just 23 players all season. It is a side full of team players. There are no real standout men, but a set of lads determined to do well for themselves with the resources at their disposal.

Interestingly, 10 of the 11 Burnley players who started against Ipswich, featured in the second leg with Reading. Only the injured Stephen Jordan missed out.

While Manager of the Year contenders Sir Alex Ferguson, Rafa Benitez and Guus Hiddink enjoy the rotation policy, it is clear that a settled side has worked wonders for Coyle, who has arguably achieved far more.

These Premier League managers will wax lyrical about how too many games is damaging for their sides. Yet, the play-off final against Sheffield United will be Burnley's 61st match of the campaign.

And what fitting reward it would be, if Coyle's hard-working side can get their chance to take on Fergie, Rafa et al in the Premier League next season.

What a plonker

2009-05-12T10:51:00.002+01:00

Given they hail from Only Fools and Horses country, it seems fitting that Millwall Football Club are behaving like a right bunch of wallies.

Saturday's match between their great friends Leeds United was a recipe for trouble. And trouble was exactly what they got.

The press coverage seemed fair enough from the snippets and TV footage I saw. Monday's Daily Express even had a picture of a Millwall fan on the pitch throwing a cigarette lighter. As you do.

So it amused me no end to see this press release on the Millwall Official Website. It was a rant at "the highly sensationalised reportage of Saturday's game" from sections of the media. The final line reminding us "journalists and the media have a duty to play their part by reporting factually and responsibily" actually made me laugh out loud.

Why? Because the plonker that had written it had said earlier: "There was no pitch invasion, as has been reported in some newspapers."

Coverage on YouTube begs to differ. They really don't help themselves at times.

There's more to life than the Premier League

2009-05-11T12:51:00.002+01:00

Those of you who know me will realise I'm a bit of a traditionalist. I also care very much about the way football is portrayed.

And I am sick and tired with the Premier League dominance over the rest. The Premier League was formed in 1992 as a breakaway from the old traditional Football League structure. Greedy clubs wanted more money. They have certainly got that - at the expense of the rest.

Things have really come to a head now. Sky and Setanta's petty rivalry has also become a Football League v Premier League war. Sky screen Football League matches at the same time as Setanta's coverage of Premier League matches. To most neutral fans, there really is no choice over which game to watch - and once again the Football League becomes marginalised.

Things got worse this week. Sky's coverage of the "title race" (even thought it was already won in February, Paddy Power told me) meant that they clashed the Manchester derby and Bury v Shrewsbury in the League Two play-off semi-final. It would be interesting to note the viewing figures.

Tonight sees Newcastle v Middlesbrough in a pivotal Premier League relegation battle on Setanta, while Sheffield United v Preston on Sky is of similar importance at the top of the Championship (or Football League Division Two in old money). Living in Preston, I expect most pubs to show the Tyne-Tees derbv ahead of coverage of their local team. Which just about sums up the way the Premier League has completely changed the football landscape.

The ludicrous talk about forming a second Premier League, muted by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, is also utterly bizarre. Why not have a four division Football League, splitting TV money more fairly and more organised?

And as pointed out by my former lecturer Charlie Lambert, historical records about players are being forgotten about. Charlie says: "Before last Saturday's match between Everton and Tottenham we were all informed that if the current Everton keeper, Tim Howard, kept a clean sheet he would set a new Premier League record of 16 shut-outs in one season for the
club."

Like Charlie, I couldn't care less about that statistic. Football existed long before Sky and the Premier League and will continue long after Premier League fans get bored with their matches every week (I can count the number of genuinely exciting PL matches I've seen this season on one hand).

The best league in the world? Do me a favour.

What a shocker

2009-05-06T13:06:00.003+01:00

I rarely defend any of the big four but it is a total disgrace that Darren Fletcher will miss the Champions League final.

Uefa have confirmed that teams cannot appeal against sending offs so Fletcher's red card for winning the ball off Cesc Fabregas in last night's match against Arsenal stands.

So a ludicrous decision has been made worse by the failure of the authorities to admit a mistake has been made and rectify it accordingly?

Darren Fletcher must be absolutely gutted.

Roll on the summer

2009-05-05T13:29:00.002+01:00

When I was a kid, I used to hate the first week in May. It meant no more proper football for three months and a summer of wondering what to do with myself.

But having attended close to 100 matches again this season (most in a working capacity), I feel the end of the season has come at just the right time.

Yes, football is pretty much the be all and end all of the UK sports media. But too much = overkill. And just as I was this time last year, I'm drained by the very mention of it.

So what will I be doing over the summer? I will be at Wimbledon again for the Official Wimbledon Website and pitching for other work on cricket and tennis.

And maybe getting a little bit of rest. Because the pre-season friendlies start second week in July!

Islands of Dreams

2009-03-24T13:21:00.002Z

The first overseas cricket tour I ever watched on television was West Indies v England from 1998. Sabina Park, Jamaica - where Mike Atherton, Alec Stewart, Mark Butcher and Graham Thorpe all received some sickening blows.

That series I saw some fantastic cricket on Sky Sports, friendly atmosphere in the crowd and some beautiful beaches when Sky did the island snap-shot. It had been a big ambition of mine to watch cricket in the West Indies ever since.

And my two-week trip to see the Barbados and Trinidad tests certainly did not disappoint - even if the cricket was less than riveting.

Barbados was particularly good - a stunning island that has just too many superlatives. Beautiful beaches, incredibly friendly people and a real passion for cricket. Oh, and drinking rum...

Trinidad may have been a little disappointing (less touristy, people less friendly and less to do) but at least the Queen's Park Oval was a lovely ground. The Queen's Park Oval is just how cricket grounds should be. Modernised but still kept their old facades. It was great to be able to sit on the grass bank behind the bowler's arm all day.

I will certainly be going back to the West Indies. Even if it is not in a working capacity, there are few better places to watch cricket.

Swanning around

2009-02-24T14:28:00.001Z

Graeme Swann triumphantly declared to BBC Sport today: "I have an 85% chance of being fit for Thursday."

What I want to know is what formula Swann used to calculate that probability.

The right response

2009-02-13T23:50:00.004Z

Saturday's press no doubt will be high on condemnation of the Antiguan Cricket authorities. Let's get one thing straight: today's farce of a "test match" at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was totally unacceptable. It was a problem that could have been totally avoided.

But I have to look at the positives. I am very impressed with the swift response to a nightmare situation. To re-stage the test at the quaint Antigua Recreation Ground just 48 hours later is a terrific move.

The ARG ground staff, match-day staff, broadcasting authorities and everyone else involved should all be applauded. It saves the day for thousands of England fans who have spent thousands on the dream holiday.

Let's hope an under-prepared wicket can create a result instead of the usual flat-track draw.

Anti-dote

2009-02-10T16:32:00.005Z

If England's batsmen could select a country to recapture their form, I'm pretty certain Antigua would be pretty high up their list.

Out of 22 tests matches in the Leeward Island, 12 matches have been draws. You have to go back until 2003 for the last time any test playing team won in Antigua.

True, Antigua's Recreation Ground has been replaced by the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium but judging by last year's draw between the Windies and Australia there is little difference between the pitches.

The Recreation Ground was where one Brian Charles Lara twice broke the world record for runs in an innings and despite a change of grounds a run-fest continued at the SVR Stadium last year (where Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan all recorded tons).

England's second innings batting display in Jamaica was embarrasing and humilating (along with certain other words), but on reflection I would pick an unchanged side for Friday's second test.

Why? First of all, Kevin Pietersen aside, all four of England's other frontline batsmen are in a position to be dropped.

Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood all know their positions are under threat. And yes, it would be harsh for Owais Shah to miss out again. But by naming an unchanged side, it should be a risk-free way of restoring confidence, form and pride.

Fixture chaos

2009-01-26T10:54:00.002Z

Well done to the FA and Football League.

FA Cup 4th round replays will take place Tuesday week - yes, the same day that the Football League have scheduled a full fixture programme for the Championship, League One and League Two.

As a result, league fixtures have been postponed to accommodate the replays causing unnecessary problems for club secretaries and journalists alike.

Did no-one actually think that there may be a good chance of Football League clubs being involved with replays?

But then again the Football League did decide not to schedule fixtures on August Bank Holiday Monday and New Year's Day - likely to be two of the biggest gates of the season for lower division clubs.

A freelancer's worst nightmare

2009-01-10T18:08:00.002Z

Generally freelancers get paid reasonably well but today summed up all the bad points of going freelance rather than being on a staff contract.

I was up at 9am (which is really early for me these days considering my usual working pattern especially after I left the office last night at 1am), showered, dressed and thought I'd just check which matches had been called off.

I was about to leave for Doncaster v Bristol City, when I saw OFF against the fixture on BBC. I thought there must have been some kind of mistake given how certain Donny where that the fixture would be on yesterday. But no, Doncaster's official website confirmed the bad news: "An incredibly heavy overnight frost was of such strength, that the cold has gone below the heavy duty plastic covers and solidified the Keepmoat Stadium's playing surface."

A match off means no money for a freelancer and it also meant that for the first football Saturday since April, I had no game to go to. That and three quarters of the League Two programme being called off (a league I work on for another company and subsequently don't get paid for previews if matches are postponed or abandoned) meant it was a pretty bad day.

So what did I do with my Saturday off? My house got a well deserved clean and I watched Soccer Saturday while working out on the treadmill at the gym.

Now I know how those managers sent on "gardening leave" feel!

No honour

2008-12-31T12:53:00.002Z

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.

Suspension bridge

2008-12-30T18:36:00.003Z

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!

A New Year's resolution for the football law makers

2008-12-29T19:06:00.003Z

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 old and the new

2008-12-16T13:27:00.002Z

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.

A monumental man

2008-12-16T10:54:00.004Z

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.

The good, the bad and the ugly

2008-12-12T15:45:00.002Z

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.

1-0 to the Wanderers - or is it?

2008-11-02T11:56:00.003Z

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.

UEFA in plot loss shock

2008-10-14T10:48:00.003+01:00

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?

Is there any better feeling...

2008-10-12T23:23:00.002+01:00

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.

Were England fans right to boo Ashley Cole?

2008-10-12T23:08:00.002+01:00

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.

Something for the weekend

2008-10-09T12:04:00.002+01:00

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!

The Great North Heroes

2008-10-06T18:05:00.003+01:00

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!

It's Friday!

2008-10-03T15:21:00.002+01:00

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!

A brand new gadget

2008-10-02T11:37:00.002+01:00

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.

Champions League - you're having a laugh!

2008-10-01T16:16:00.002+01:00

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?

Baker's Bets of the Week

2008-09-26T13:03:00.002+01:00

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.

RIP Jimmy Sirrel

2008-09-25T14:59:00.002+01:00

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.

Welcome to the Jungle!

2008-09-24T14:34:00.001+01:00

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.