"Views From The `Footiemad` Armchair
Diary Of A Season December 2004



Wednesday 1st December 2004
 " We're your worst nightmare. Elves with attitude." (Film)
Santa Clause 2: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Chelsea lost in the QF stages of the Carling Cup last season. Who beat them?
Aston Villa: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
Chelsea's 2-1 win over Fulham last night kept them on track for the Carling Cup and what would be an unprecendented quadruple haul of trophies. In truth, it's unlikely to happen, but we said that in 1999 as regards Man United and the treble, so you never really know. Fans and the media tend to suffer from short term memory loss as just a month or so ago, Arsenal were totally invincible and on the verge of being the greatest team ever...then they travelled to Old Trafford and suddenly after another defeat at Anfield, they are in `crisis`. Now it's Chelsea's turn to be flavour of the month after a fine spell that's seen them top the league and storm through the Champions League group stages. However, a couple of poor results would see all this forgotten and over with, leaving the likes of Man United to take their place as `in form club`. Chelsea should enjoy the adulation while it lasts.

Although the youth of today often get a bad rap, it's usually down to the mindless minority who hang around in large groups with their mates who cause problems. We have 30+ paper boys and girls into the shop each morning and in general, they're all great kids who work hard to earn some extra cash for themselves. However today, we were very close to major rebellion among the deliverers. Why? Well, the papers weren't unduly heavy and they were all here on time. The weather was nippy, but not excessively cold or icy and it was dry, so all should have been rosy and normal for the deliverers, but it wasn't. So why the problems among the normal placid early morning brigade? It was all down to the Beano magazine which arrived today, as it does each Wednesday, and is usually slyly read by the lads or lasses who have one on their rounds. This week though, it is all wrapped in plastic together with an Incredibles sticker album, making it unreadable without tearing the plastic off! Disaster!!


Thursday 2nd December 2004
 "I'm on a ride and I want to get off, but they won't slow down the round-about. I sold the radio and T.V. set. Don't want to be around when this gets out." (Song)
The Reflex - Duran Duran: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When Arsenal beat Man United 4-0 in the 2001-02 Worthington Cup, who scored a hat trick for the Gunners?
Sylvain Wiltord: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
Much like three years ago when the two clubs met in the league cup, last night's clash between Man United and Arsenal will go down in the record books as just that, however effectively it was Man United reserves taking on Arsenal youth. So, as the United big guns watched from the crowd and yours truly here did the usual evening bout of physio upstairs, David Bellion kindly scored within 19 seconds of kick off, leaving us with 89 minutes of, well not much actually. Yes, I managed to miss the only goal of the game as I missed the open twenty minutes or so, but after that, the whole experience was largely flat and unexciting. Okay, Robin van Persie got a bee in his bonnet and did his best to upset any United player in the near vicinity, but goalmouth action and attempts at goal were few and far between. I can recall Kieran Richardson having a stinging shot saved by unpronounceable in the Arsenal goal, but little else in truth, even late on when Arsenal should have been pushing for an equaliser. So credit to United for reaching the semi's where they'll face Chelsea (that should make for interesting starting line ups!) but much like three years ago, the whole event will be largely forgotten sooner rather than later.

I'm one of those people who likes looking in the football section of the local papers to see the reports, many of which are on matches where the number of goals outnumber the sum of spectators watching, leaving the reporter to make the game sound stunningly exciting! I'm not mocking here as I did it myself for a while for our local paper, the highlight being a Sunday league cup final which was so one-sided it was unreal. It ended up 8-2 and was memorable for me as I only discovered halfway through the first half that the team lists I'd been given bore no resemblance at all to the numbered shirts being worn on the pitch! But I digress here. Today's local caught my eye with the mini-headline on the back page which simply read, "Coleford United in 21-goal thriller! See page `x`" So, during a quiet five minutes, I had a peek, expecting to see a report on a remarkable 11-10 or 12-9 match, only to find that the final score was...21-0!! So much for a thriller! `Walkover` or `rout` may have been a better headline methinks.


Friday 3rd December 2004
 "Baby look at me and tell me what you see. You ain't seen the best of me yet." (Song)
Fame - Irene Cara: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

The city of Rome has hosted the Champions League (European Cup) Final on three occasions. Liverpool won the first two finals, but which Italian club won the third?
Juventus: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
Football wise, Rome must currently be a city in total shock. It wasn't long ago that Roma were forced to play Champions League games behind closed doors after the ref was hit by a coin thrown by fans. Then they crashed out of the CL, but also missed out on getting the `trap door` into the UEFA Cup. Cue much merriment by fans of cross-city rivals Lazio. Until last night... Yes, despite three clubs qualifying from each five-club group in the new UEFA Cup group round, Lazio finished their quota of games yesterday with a 2-2 draw against mighty Egaleo, leaving them fourth in the table with one round of games left, but that round doesn't actually involve the Italians! There was a time where Italian clubs were feared throughout Europe, but in recent years there have been signs that the bubble has burst. Okay, the likes of Milan and Juventus are still a match for anyone, but once, any club in the top half of Serie A was a force to be reckoned with. Clearly that's no longer the case.

Whilst out and about delivering papers earlier in the pitch black and freezing cold, I was pleased to get one round finished as I'd walked it as it was fairly near the shop. As I made my way down a steep hill, a silver car pulled up just behind me with his indicator on. Now, my boss has a silver car and it's not unusual for him to come and pick me up at the tail end of a round, so I made a perfectly natural assumption in the twilight and assumed that it was him. However, as I turned around and thought about opening the passenger door, I happened to glance in through the windscreen to see the shillouette of a lady with her hair in a bun! Having realised my mistake, I then wondered why she had stopped at the kerb, only to find out that she wanted to pull into her driveway...which I was stood slap bang in the middle of!


Saturday 4th December 2004
 "Tap on my window knock on my door. I want to make you feel beautiful." (Song)
She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5: Correctly answered by Uri Shapira

Thierry Henry's first ever goal for Arsenal came against the same opponents as his 100th goal. Which club were on the receiving end?
Southampton: Correctly answered by Uri Shapira
Some interesting results in the Prem today and the most obvious thing is that the `Big Three` all showed what a force they are to be reckoned with and that they'll all be there or thereabouts come May. Chelsea began with a less than comfortable 4-0 win against Newcastle. I say that because for over an hour they stuttered and spluttered to make an impact on the game and on occasions it looked as though they just might slip up. Ultimately they came good with Frank Lampard in patricular playing a blinder and it was all capped off by a cheeky chipped penalty which many will say is easy to do when you are three goals up in stoppage time, but it bear in mind that this was Mateja Kezman who had yet to score for the blues.

Ultimately that result put pressure on Arsenal and Man United, both of whom won 3-0 at home to Birmingham and Southampton respectively, and also Everton who remain third with a late 3-2 win against Bolton, albeit under controversy over a twice taken free kick which led to an equaliser for David Moyes' team. To be fair to them, they continue to be the surprise package in and around the Champions League zone and with the halfway stage approaching, you wonder if they can indeed keep the pressure on the Big Three and maybe even steal a CL spot. All clubs around them seem to be stuttering with Middlesbrough losing last week, Villa and Liverpool drawing today (nice to see Harry Kewell get on the scoresheet though) whilst Newcastle's leaky defence is costing them badly.

And finally to Leeds who, after scoring eight times in our previous two home matches, found time to re-address the average marks and lose 2-0 to Leicester. The Foxes are rapidly becoming one of our bogey teams as they destroyed us 4-0 last season at the Walkers and in previous years had knocked us out of the league cup firstly with two stoppage time goals when we were 1-0 up and a season or two later, they did it again on penalties. Rio Ferdinand also made his debut for us away at Leicester and was part of a defence which had conceded three goals in 30 minutes! Thank goodness we only have to play them twice a season!


Sunday 5th December 2004
 "Sometimes I get to feeling I was back in the old days - long ago. When we were kids when we were young, things seemed so perfect - you know." (Song)
These Were The Days Of Our Lives - Queen: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which non-league club took Newcastle to a replay in the 1997-8 FA Cup fourth round?
Remember last Sunday and the finale of the Liverpool v Arsenal game? Well, it happened again today as a winning goal found the net in the final seconds of injury time. However, unlike last week when Neil Mellor's strike decided a decent encounter, this time around, Dennis Rommedahl's goal was the highlight of what was a poor encounter against Crystal Palace, proving that sometimes a book and it's cover DOES reflect on the contents! Overall, it wasn't a game to entertain the neutrals and I found myself groaning when Andy Johnson's penalty was pushed wide as I'd hoped it would open up the match. The new formation putting five into midfield and one up front may be favoured by some, including both of today's managers, however it's hardly good for flowing footvball unless you have players who can play wide, as Chelsea have in Robben and Duff. Still, for every `Spurs 4 Arsenal 5`, there are dozens of games like today's, so perhaps I shouldn't be too harsh. After all, it could almost become the norm.

We always seems to be visiting the in-laws on FA Cup 2nd Round Sunday, thereby missing the third round draw, however this time around we were invited on a 120-mile round trip to one of the country's biggest markets (and it was enormous!) and were bnack in time to see the draw which always seems to through up some talking points. For example, no all-Prem ties which could well be a first! Two non-league clubs meet Prem opposition (Man Utd v Exeter and Yeading v Newcastle) and many big clubs face tricky away games (Liverpool at Burnley, Everton at Plymouth). As for Leeds, a tricky one at Birmingham which will likely leave us to concentrate on the league come January 9th.


Monday 6th December 2004
 "Sir, I'm the president of the electronics club, the mathematics club, and the chess club. If there is a bigger nerd in here, please point him out." (Film)
The Day After Tomorrow: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who, when appointed Lincoln manager in 1972, was just 28 years of age?
Graham Taylor: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
It was nice to hear that Yeading are hoping to play their FA Cup clash against Newcastle at home, despite the capacity being just 3,500. A switch to St James would increase that figure by at least ten times and the subsequent cash that goes with it would obviously set the club up nicely, however just for a change they are taking the romance of the cup ahead of financial gains and hopefully we'll get to see a match with totally epitomises the glamour and uniqueness of the competition. Okay, if the police or council or whoever maintains that for safety reasons the game needs to be switched, either to Newcastle or to a local stadium to Yeading (Loftus Rd or Craven Cottage maybe?), then so be it, but for now, it's great to see the possibility of an FA Cup game in the true tradition of the competition.

Having spent most of yesterday sat in the back of a bar while someone else (my stetfather) did the driving, I have now come to the conclusion that I am an awful back seat driver, although in truth I already knew that anyway. Yesterday simply confirmed it. I'm not one of those that is openly critical of each and every manoever made by the driver as we all drive vehicles differently anyway, however I found myself peering through the gap in the seats whilst on the motorway thinking, "I'd have overtaken him then." or "If it were me, I'd be slowing down by now." But the problem behind all of this was the simply fact that, sat it the back, I don't have a decent all round view of what's ahead, behind and around and it has to be said that I missed that! I tried reading a book and couldn't concentrate, not so much because of the others talking, but simply due to not being used to it. Yes, I think I can safely state that sitting in the back seat of a car is not for me.


Tuesday 7th December 2004
 "Does your granny always tell you that the old ones are the best? Then she's up and rock 'n' rollin' with the rest." (Song)
Merry Xmas Everyone - Slade: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which larger than life character was boss of Man City in the late 70s and later took charge of Middlesbrough from 1982 to 1984?
Malcolm Allison: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
Whilst Middlesbrough's 3-2 win against Man City last night was an enjoyable game to watch for us neutrals, it brought back a few old memories for us Leeds fans. There were four former Leeds players in the starting line ups and to rub salt into the wounds, three of them scored! Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink left us before all the financial problems started, although it was for financial reasons that he jumped ship admittedly, however Danny Mills, Robbie Fowler and Mark Viduka were all sold purely for money reasons and the latter pair both got on the scoresheet, with the Australian scoring twice. It emphasises `what might have been` had circumstances worked differently for us off the pitch and when you add certain others into the equation (Bowyer, Batty, Woodgate, Ferdinand, Robinson etc), you wonder where we might have been in the footballing world had things been a bit more stable at the club as a whole. Not languising sixth from bottom in the second tier of the league I'll bet.

When I was younger, I'd be the first to admit that whilst I loved playing football, the highest level I reached was the school team. It wasn't that I wasn't any good, more a matter of not being good enough for any kind of part-time league position, however like countless others, I whiled away the weekends, evenings and school hols by playing in the local fields where we were lucky enough to have proper goalposts and whilst we all had minor bruises and the odd cut and bashed head, the worst injury I ever got was a broken nose when I clattered into a goalpost at full speed on a slippery surface. Spare a thought then for Swiss league star Paulo Diogo who scored in Servette's 4-1 win against Schafthausen recently and then leapt onto the fence surrounding the pitch in celebration. Unfortunately for him, his wedding ring got caught at the top of the fence and he didn't realise until he jumped back down, severing the top two joints of his finger! Worse followed as doctors were unable to re-attached the severed pieces and the remaining piece of his digit had to be amputated. Just when you think it cannot get worse...he was shown a yellow card for excessive celebrations!! Presumably this was before the ref realised just how badly he was hurt.


Wednesday 8th December 2004
 "My god I thought you were someone to rely on. Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on." (Song)
Last Christmas - Wham!: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Arsenal scored five goals in one game against which opponent in the Champions League last season (03-04)?
It could have been one of those frustrating European nights for Arsenal, although ultimately it turned into something close to a walkover. Needing to win as assure qualification, the Gunners began with the likes of Jens Lehmann dropped and Patrick Vieira suspended, but still ripped into a 4-1 half time lead against Rosenborg, who were just the sort of opponents that they needed in truth. After that, it was time to showboat a little and relax, although perhaps they overdid it a little and for moments in the second half, Rosenborg did look like scoring, especially with an Arsenal goalkeeper short on experience and confidence. Hopefully this won't be their downfall when it all starts up again in February and they'll hope that this could finally be the year that they make a proper impact on the competition.

Chelsea of course were already through, however football does have a habit of kicking you in the gonads when you least expect it, so I wonder if their second half collapse against Porto will come back to haunt them. Jose Mourinho's former club stole second place with a 2-1 win against his current club, despite Damien Duff's first half goal giving Chelsea the lead and there is always the possibility that the clubs could meet again from the quarter-final stage onwards. It would be the ultimately irony if the Portuguese were responsible for knocking out the very club which allowed them to sneak through.

Shame to see Celtic miss out on a UEFA Cup spot. Sadly, once again they and Rangers have been exposed in Europe for exactly what they are - average clubs in a poor league.


Thursday 9th December 2004
 "How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad. Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad." (Song)
One Week - Bare Naked Ladies: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Florent Sinema-Pongolle joined Liverpool from which French side?
During the course of a season, there might be three or four games that you sit through, either live or on the box, that have that `Wow` factor added to them. It might be a dramatic finale to a cup tie or a game that has being to-ing and fro-ing throughout. Last season, Man City's 4-3 win at Spurs would be the obvious one and the first game this season to be included must surely be Liverpool's win over Olympiakos last night. With Monaco running away with their game in Spain, the remaining qualification spot was between the two clubs at Anfield and with Liverpool a goal down at half time, they knew they needed THREE second half goals without reply. They managed one early and then another with ten minutes to go, both from subs, and when a Neil Mellor knock down dropped to Steven Gerrard 25 yards out, surely I wasn't the only one to shout `Hit It!` at the TV screen. Ultimately that's precisely what he did and it ripped into the bottom corner with one of the best struck shots you'll see all season, resulting in me leaping off the sofa like some sort of deranged Jack-In-The-Box! The dramatic comeback meant that it was the footballing equivalent of the twist ending of Sixth Sense or Usual Suspects and it meant that all four Prem clubs are in the last sixteen, a feat unmatched by any other nation. Could this be the year that the Prem reigns in Europe?

Harry Redknapp's appointment as Southampton boss was no great surprise, except apparently to the chairman at his former club, Milan Mandaric at Portsmouth. With the clubs being bitter local rivals, Mandaric is a bit peeved at Redknapp who supposed assured him that he wouldn't join the Saints. In truth, it has little to do with him now! His decision to bring in others to `aid` Redknapp and Jim Smith effectively forced the former out of his position, so in many ways, he's brought it onto himself, but there's little point in griping about it with the damage done. One thing is for sure, when the clubs meet at Fratton Park in late April, it should add that extra `zing` to what will already be a heated occasion!


Friday 10th December 2004
 "Most parents believe their children are the most beautiful creatures ever to grace the planet. Others take a less emotional approach." (Film)
Matilda: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Arsenal and Chelsea met in the 2002 FA Cup Final, but which two clubs did the beat in the semi-finals?
This weekend is a cracking one as regards televised football, the highlight of course being West Ham v Leeds tonight! Joking aside though, you've probably already seen Sky Sports ripping off Terminator 2 and taglining Sunday's Arsenal-Chelsea clash as `Judgement Day`, completely with messrs Wenger and Mourinho in `Arnie mode`. So, with the cliche button firmly switched to `On`, I thought I'd try and predict some of the questions that the presenters with throw at the managers/players/studio experts on Sunday. The obvious one will be `Is this a must win for Arsenal?` (Answer: No. They are still 66 points to play for afterwards and Chelsea are just as likely to have a blip as Arsenal have had. Remember that the Gunners were labelled as `unbeatable` before that game at Old Trafford.) Next; "If Chelsea win, is the title race all over?" (Answer: No, for the same reasons as above). Finally, "Do Arsenal have a goalkeeping problem?" (Answer: Yes, of course they do. However confidence and form dips happen to all players at all levels and Wenger is too shrewd not to have something up his sleeve)

A regular customer came into the shop today and joked that this would be the last time he would be in as the Christmas decorations were offensive to him! It was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the seemingly daily barrage of normal, everyday things that could offend some foreigner or certain religions, not to mention items that have been safe for years, but could now harm us! For example, today the Mail state that mistletoe could be dangerous and that the ordinary balloon is being blamed for certain allergies! The aforementioned Christmas decorations are said to offend some cultures whilst the same is being said for the actual nativity scene, especially those of non-Christian descent. I'm sorry, but is this not England? Primarily inhabited by Christians if I'm not mistaken? Would we get our own way in a foreign land if something offended us? I doubt it, so why should the tables be turned over here? If something offends but is within the law of the land, LOOK AWAY, and let others enjoy centuries of tradition.


Saturday 11th December 2004
 "Hey, Mr. Churchill comes over here to say we're doing splendidly. But it's very cold out here in the snow, marching to win from the enemy." (Song)
Stop The Cavalry - Jona Lewie: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When Liverpool and Everton met in the 1986 FA Cup Final, which two players both scored twice?
Okay, I admit it! Dvaid Healy certainly made a meal of that stoppage time challenge that earned Leeds a point saving penalty against West Ham last night. What contact there was on his back or shoulder was very minimal and he went down like a sack of spuds, but ultimately the referee had been poor all game as he missed two blatant penalties that we should have had, once when Danny Pugh was tripped and then a handball just before Healy's dying-fly act. It was probably a far result all told as we looked the better side before half time, however once West Ham scored, they were dominatant and I simply couldn't see us getting a leveller. That said, I'd have settled for a draw beforehand, so no complaints from me!

I do enjoy watching Liverpool on PPV as invariably the commentator is diehard Liverpool fan Alan Parry who, to be fair, does his utmost to remain unbaised. It couldn't have been easy today in the Merseyside derby, especially after Everton - already well ahead of their city rivals in the league - took a match winning lead. You could almost hear him willing the ball into the net with each Liverpool attack and when the ball fell to Steven Gerrard on the edge of the area, you could just see a repeat of Wednesday evening occurring, however as Parry sreamed, "GERRRAAAARRRDDDDD!!!!", the ball fizzed wide and you could hear the deflation in his voice. Fair play to Everton though who continue to prove all critics wrong.


Sunday 12th December 2004
 "OK, I have an idea. We draw straws and the loser runs across the lot with a ham sandwich." (Film)
Dawn Of The Dead (remake): Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
When Chelsea knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League last season (03-04), who scored the two Chelsea goals at Highbury?
Frank Lampard & Wayne Bridge: Correctly answered by Marr Robbins
It always make me smile when I hear people say, "I can't see what you find entertaining in football!" For the same reasons as I can't see the point in stamp collecting or model railways, it's purely a matter of each to their own, although one of my reasons is undoubtedly the sheer unpredictablility of football which was never more obvious than at Villa Park today. The home side, currently unbeaten on their own ground and with only three defeats all season, played host to their local rivals of Birmingham who had only won twice all campaign and were staring relegation in the face. Had you have fed the info into a computer, it would have churned out a home win and all logical signs pointed to the same outcome. Eighteen minutes in and Birmingham led 2-0 and were on their way to a famous victory! By then, the damage had been done and Villa struggled to break down a resolute defence, although it truth, the score could have easily been four by half time! But that's the beauty of football and whilst there are things about the game that I don't like, the simply fact that you never quite know what's coming next is entertainment enough for me.

Speaking of which, who would have put money on Thierry Henry blazing over a gaping goal with a hat trick at stake? Yes, it happened today late on in the top of the table clash against Chelsea with the scores level at 2-2. Due to a previously arranged (and poorly timed!) meal out at a local pub, I missed the game `live` but did manage to tape it AND avoid the score and watch it `as live` later in the evening and was thoroughly entertained throughout. Henry's late miss was certainly a howler and one that he and his club might live to regret, however you could argue that his second goal - the quickly taken free kick - should not have been allowed. Surely now it's time for there to be some kind of rule about not taking these until the referee blows his whistle as different officials seem to read this situation in differing ways. It would cut out the confusion and controversy then... although do we really want the latter eradicated from the game I wonder? It wouldn't be quite the same would it?


Monday 13th December 2004
 "From the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen. Now there's a way, and I know, that I have to go away ." (Song)

Real Madrid have won the European Cup/Champions League Final in Glasgow on two occasions. Both times their opponents were from Germany, but which two clubs did they beat?
In recent years, I can recall waterlogged pitches, fog and even in the summer, an electrical storm that have all caused games to be abandoned, however last night was a new one on me. I didn't watch the Spanish game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, however with two minutes of play remaining, plus stoppage time, the game was called off due to a bomb threat in Madrid. Ultimately, it's to the immense credit of everyone involved, from the authories down to the fans, that there was very little panic and no injuries as the players were taken off the pitch and the ground cleared. Indeed, it could have been far worse. Thankfully no devices were found and no explosions of any kind were forthcoming, but it goes to show how things can happen and how vulnerable players, and fans, are when they are in the confined spaces of a football stadium. Lets hope that nothing similar happens in this, or any other country.

Tuesday 14th December 2004
 "We bury our sins here, Dave. We wash them clean." (Film)
Mystic River: Correctly answered by Kirstymd

In 1977, which Manchester United legend came out of retirement to play a handful a matches for Fulham, scoring twice in season 77-78?
I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the Man United dressing room following last night's draw at Fulham. At half time, the only surprise was that they weren't more than a goal up after dominating the game, hitting the post twice and eventually scoring through Alab Smith. The second half saw Fulham get back into it and finally score with three minutes to go with a scorcher from Papa Bouba Diop whose shot was the kind that usually ends up in Row Z or nearer the corner flag than the goal! Fergie must have been furious as this was undoubtedly two points lost than one won. On second thoughts, maybe being that fly on the wall may have been a little risky, especially if things were being thrown around which I guess is a possibility.

A report today in the Mirror says that Spurs are set to make a transfer window swoop for Joe Cole. The midfielder was one of many signed by Chelsea after the Abramovich takeover and now finds himself totally out of favour at the Bridge, although I guess that it was inevitable that this would be the case for a couple of `big names`. Anyway, back to Spurs who at this rate are opening themselves up for chants of `are you West Ham in disguise?` If they get Cole (and bear in mind that this could well be a media spacefiller), they he'll join other ex-Hammers in the shape of Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Fredi Kanoute at White Hart Lane. Is this the time to mention that they were all part of a West Ham squad that got relegated....?


Due to circumstances beyond my control, the diary is taking an enforced break until after Christmas. All other pages on site will be updated as per usual.

Monday 27th December 2004
 "I know a girl from a lonely street. Cold as ice cream but still as sweet." (Song)

Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has won international caps for which nation?
I must admit that I didn't plan on such a long diary break over the festive season, however a combination of hospital visits, including an all day one to London, in-law visits (another all-day job) and pre-arranged trips to shopping centres and cinema's all took their toll. This of course was as well as the usual pre-Christmas panic and work, so all told it was best to concentrate on the jobs at hand. However, we're back to something close to normality and of course we had football on Boxing Day...

...Where things remained normal as Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal all won at home, whilst Everton also came up victorious to continue their unlikely quest to grab a Champions League place. However, as happens all too often, the headlines are made for the wrong reasons as yet another storm in a teacup in blown out of all proportion. I refer to the Rooney-Ben Haim incident at Old Trafford as the youngster pushed the Bolton man in the face. Firstly, it has to be said that Ben Haim reacted as though someone had shoved a red hot poker into his eye sockets rather than a palm of the hand into the face, but it's often stated that you cannot raise your hands and hope to get away with it and whilst I can fully understand the frustration of Sir Alex Ferguson, young Mr Rooney continues to show moments of petulance which invariably will be magnified by anyone and everyone. I suspect a ban will be forthcoming, but anything higher than two games will be too much.


Tuesday 28th December 2004
 "I'm sorry. I don't speak monkey." (Film)
Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events: Correctly answered by Kirstymd

Whose league goalscoring record did Thierry Henry equal on Boxing Day with his goal against Fulham?
We used to joke that the only reason we knew that Christmas was over was when we had the Cadbury's Creme Eggs into the shop, and whilst it remains true that these mini Easter eggs will doubtless arrive soon, there is now another surefire way of knowing that the festive season is over - the Sales Ads! A few years back, the January sales began in January, now you cannot turn on the telly without hearing wall to wall ads for anything from Courts to PC World and Currys to Homebase, all of whom began their sales on Boxing Day at (fill in time here!). In fact, more than once yesterday, I thought we'd mistakenly tuned into the Ads Channel For Post-Christmas Sales.

Take four games with ten minutes to go, all of which were finely balanced, and you end up wuth four differing outcomes which may ultimately give us some pointers for the remainder of the campaign. Chelsea for example were goalless at Portsmouth until two late strikes gave them all three points, however whilst Liverpool were a goal up against struggling Southampton, their inability to kill their opponents off was obvious and although it didn't matter today, it would make a difference against a better quality of team. Charlton and Everton were also goalless, however two goals and a red card in three frantic minutes decided the game, all went against Everton as their quest for a Champions League place took a dent and finally what do we make of Man City? A goal up and a man up against bottom club West Brom and they concede a freakish own goal with five minutes to go! Typical City many would say.


Wednesday 29th December 2004
 "Walking like a man, hitting like a hammer, she's a juvenile scam. Never was a quitter." (Song)

Which former Man United manager once guided Aston Villa to domestic cup success AGAINST United?
Ron Atkinson (1994 League Cup): Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
If Man United's Boxing Day win over Bolton was a classic example of a result going to recent form, then their victory at Aston Villa last night was like watching Groundhog Day, with the exception of an after-match controversy involving Wayne Rooney's excursion into rugby. Even without the goalpower of Ruud van Nistelrooy, United look comfortable at present and it's a testament to the start made by Arsenal and Chelsea that United remain three victories away from the latter. Ryan Giggs is having one of his best ever season's and they look pretty solid at the back which bodes well for the second half of the campaign, both domestically and in Europe. With the London pair also battling for trophies on most fronts, we should be set for something special in 2005!

The sheer scale of the death toll in the Far East after Boxing Day's earthquake/tidal wave/tsunami is beyond the comprehension of most of us and as I type, the current confirmed figure is over 68,000! To put this into some kind of perspective, that's TWICE the population of the town that I live in and roughly the same as an average home crowd at Old Trafford. Many families in the UK have been affected and more are probably going through hell by simply not knowing the situation regarding friends and family. There's little I can say that hasn't already been said, but as we look forward to the New Year and festivities that many of us will enjoy this weekend, it's worth counting our blessings.


Thursday 30th December 2004
 "All right, wise guy, I got another game for ya. It's called the "My Claw In Your Butt" game. Now let me out!" (Film)
Garfield The Movie: Correctly answered by KirstyMD

Who were the only Prem club not to win an away league game last season (03-04)?
Wolves: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Whether it was a superb moment of opportunism or one of those freak efforts that usually end up in Row X, Patrick Vieira's goal was enough for Arsenal to secure victory at Newcastle and move to within five points of leaders Chelsea. Of course, the flip side is that it leaves Newcastle with their heads only just above water and sinking slowly towards the relegation zone. At present, they can point to the fact that boss Graeme Souness has inherited the current squad and that along with Southampton boss Harry Redknapp, is likely to be super-busy during the transfer window next month and with that in mind, it's probably best to judge Souness come May rather than now. I have little doubt that he'll turn things around, although to begin with, probably through hard work and graft rather than pretty football, however it doesn't alter the position that unless they perform miracles in the FA or UEFA Cup's, then not only it is another trophyless season for them, but that a place in Europe next season is also going to be a struggle.

As we expected, Wayne Rooney has been charged for that incident against Bolton on Monday, although if a push in the face is considered violent conduct, then any future two-footed tackles are likely to be a jailable offence! However, the FA have actually done something right for a change and also charged Bolton's Tal Ben Haim with improper conduct, although again, a place on the Oscar's list for Best Actor would have been equally worthy. Maybe this will be the start of a precedent where players who clearly try and con officials are brought to justice and if so, it should partially eliminated the priceless over-acting and diving that has gradually seeped into the game in recent months. It's rather ironic then that on the same day, South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs was fined 40% of his match fee for a "deliberate attempt to mislead an umpire." For a game that takes five days to finish and comes to a halt when it rains, they seem to have their priorities right.


Friday 31st December 2004
 "Did I disappoint you? Or leave a bad taste in your mouth? You act like you never had love and you want me to go without." (Song)

Why is February 9th 1963 written into the British football record books?
The most games postponed in one day (57 of 64 called off): Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Like him or loathe him, I'm sure I'm not the only non-Man United fan to have a little sympathy for Sir Alex Ferguson over the violent conduct charge (and subsequent three match ban) for Wayne Rooney in relation to his push in the face on Tal Ben Haim. I could fully understand his mini-outburst towards the FA and their rules, however once again it was felt nessesary to push the proverbial boat into `the world is against Man United` terrotory. Personally, I think that this is simply another way to motivate the players and give the fans more ammunition towards their club being almost universally disliked outside of their own circle and if anyone at the club firmly believes that there is one set of rules for one and another for the rest, then maybe they should do something about it.

With 2005 less than twenty-four hours away, you wonder what's ahead in the footballing world? January will doubtless bring various activities in the transfer window with, as previously mentioned, the likes of Graeme Souness and Harry Redknapp at the forefront of things. The league is beginning to shape into the usual three horse race as Everton show signs of slumping, whilst the Champions League is as open a competition as it's ever been, especially with four Prem clubs still in. Leeds are unbeaten in four and we've won our last two, so maybe things are starting to turn around after a 2004 that saw us relegated, however as Leeds never predictable, I'll not be counting any chickens quite yet. Of course, there is no big tournament this summer for us to enjoy and get worried about, although whether that's a blessing or not remains to be seen. Happy New Year!


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