"Views From The `Footiemad` Armchair
Diary Of A Season February 2005



Tuesday 1st February 2005
 "Turned away from it all like a blind man. Sat on a fence but it don't work. Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn." (Song)
Under Pressure: Queen and David Bowie: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
In January 1972, which player, later to become manager of Arsenal, moved from Highbury to Man United for �120,000?
George Graham: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Craig Bellamy's loan move to Celtic is an interesting one, notably as Newcastle stated last week that they wanted him to leave permanently and that they didn't want a loan deal for the Welshman. Ultimately, Celtic have an option to buy him in the summer and this next four months will give Martin O'Neill a chance to assess him and see how much of a destructive influence off the pitch he is (or isn't as the case may be!). I think he'll do well in the SPL as it's a considerably weaker league than it's English counterpart and having proved that he can do it at the top level, he should terrorise the defences north of the border. He also knows John Hartson from international duty so this could prove to be a decent move for all concerned...if he keeps his trap firmly closed of course!

At the present time, the government look set to allow pubs to open 24 hours a day if they desire in the hope that it'll end `binge drinking`. After last night, I have my doubts. Alcohol is aleady freely available all day via off licences and supermarkets and it's not overly unusual to see people drunk during the day or early evening and certainly well before the so-called `binge drink up` time when the pubs close. Therefore at 8:30pm last night - two hours after the shop where I work was closed, I had a phone call from the police stating that someone had smashed two windows and that they couldn't get hold of my boss (who was out for the evening, although he did eventually come down and relieve me). Whilst most of our windows are protected by wooden shutters, one section has the shutter on the inside and that's the one that he got, even though he couldn't get into the shop anyway. The policewoman later told me that the guy was drunk and arrested and taken to casualty with cuts (nothing trivial I hope!). So, because he was too pi**ed at 8pm to know what he was actually doing, I had to spend over an hour at the shop, we have two broken windows to replace and the policewoman had an absolute mountain of paperwork to fill in. Indeed it's no surprise that the police are no longer `on the beat`, they're too busy filling in bloody forms! And this was for a minor incident! Goodness knows what it's like when something serious happens. All-day drinking? Give me a break! It's already here and has been for ages!!


Wednesday 2nd February 2005
 "Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in." (Song)
Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins

During the 1999-2000 season, John O'Shea played ten games on loan for which club?
Bournemouth: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
After all the pre-match hype, you felt that anything Arsenal and Man United managed to achieve on the pitch would be a let down. Not a chance! This was Prem football as it was meant to be as goals sailed in, tackles flew in and cards were branded like postman on the pre-Christmas run and, more to the point, the result was in doubt in the final couple of minutes when John O'Shea chipped in a superb fourth goal for United. You knew something special was on the cards when it all started in the tunnel ahead of the game as Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane had a spat and it continued on the pitch as little love was lost between the players. Now, whether as predicted by both managers, the losers are well and truly out of the title race, that remains to be seen. I still maintain that Chelsea can only lose it rather than United or Arsenal win. However, United are now unbeaten in fourteen in the league and if that continues and if Chelsea get the collywobbles, who knows...

Working at the newsagents for as long as I have, you get to hear about former paperboys and girls as they get older. It's not unusual to hear of them becoming parents or getting married or getting some high flying job. Indeed one former deliverer landed a top job at a New York hotel a couple of years back! So, when the father of a former paperboy came in last week with news of his son, it was a massive shock to hear that he'd sadly passed away. He had a serious car accident a few years ago which affected him badly, however none of us had expected this and it hit those of us who knew him for six. At a guess, he was in his late 20's and my abiding memory was of when his bicycle was stolen from outside of the shop whilst he put his papers into order one morning. As he saw the thief ride off on his bike, he belted out of the shop and ran after him. Amazingly, he actually caught him at a roundabout further up the road and shoved him off the bike and brought it back to the shop! In one small way, his legacy lives on as, even now, a decade later, we still tell all of our boys and girls to bring their bikes into the shop and NOT leave them outside. Still very sad to hear of such a young life wasted though.


Thursday 3rd February 2005
 "We're here for the bank's money, not your money. Your money is insured by the federal government, you're not gonna lose a dime. Think of your families, don't risk your life. Don't try and be a hero." (Film)
Heat: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In a Div 2 game on Easter Monday in 1988-89 season, five penalties were awarded in one game, three of which were missed. Which two clubs were involved?
Okay, lets get the obvious out of the way - Chelsea won again, although only a superb penalty save by Petr Cech kept them ahead. And speaking of which, how is/was your day at work? Due to late local papers for the second week in a row (only seven hours late!) ours was pretty bad, however spare a thought for Juan Pablo Angel after last nights remarkable game at Craven Cottage. With his Aston Villa side a goal up and opponents Fulham having already sent a penalty wide, Angel stepped up with thirteen minutes to go to try and double the lead, also from the penalty spot only for his kick to be saved by Edwin van der Sar. No shame there, however just four minutes later, it happened again! Another penalty to Villa and with boss David O'Leary screaming for Gareth Barry to take it, Angel ignored it and stepped up again...same kick, albeit a little higher, same dive from the keeper, same result - a save! The usually mild mannered O'Leary looked as though you could fry eggs on his forehead and to make matters worse, Fulham scored a stoppage time equaliser to earn a point! I'll bet the air turned blue after the game eh! I must admit that I can't recall a Prem game where either three pens were missed or two were missed by the same player. In the 1999 Copa America, Martin Palmeiro missed three for Argentina against Colombia, who themselves missed one and scored one. Hey, Angel is Colombian....I wonder if he was at that game.

Which brings me onto the shocking expose on the front of the Express today that around 100 swear words were used by the players during Tuesday's game at Highbury, including 20 by Wayne Rooney in one 60 second spell. That it's shocking but only in the respect that it was `only` 100! Twenty-two players in a pressure cooker atmosphere in one of the biggest games of the season, surrounded by 40,000 fans and millions watching on the box. What do people expect when watching football at any level? The days of `Jolly Hockey Sticks` and `Oh Darn` are long gone and confined to Enid Blyton books, so if anyone is seriously offended by bad langauge, then Highbury for the visit of Man United is perhaps not the best idea. I think the main point of the article was to show how bad the current `swearing climate` is in the UK, but's that the way of the world. I know from experience that if you trap your finger in the washing machine door or can't get the remote control working for the TV, then you're hardly likely to utter, "Blast!" ahead of rather more colourful langauge (especially in the case of the washine machine door I can assure you!). So it's best to accept that football stadia are hardly the best places for those who enjoy WI meetings and cream tea with the vicar and if you don't like it, then we'll send Rooney around to try and break his 20 in 60 seconds record!!


Friday 4th February 2005
 "I guess I shoulda known by the way you parked your car sideways that it wouldn't last." (Song)
Little Red Corvette - Prince: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which European league saw the delightfully named club Throttur relegated last season?
Looking ahead to this weekend's set of fixtures, there are a couple that really stand out and, just for a change, they don't involve any of the `Big Three`. Aside from the obvious biggie between Burnley and Leeds (!!), Saturday's big game sees the bottom two go head to head as Norwich and West Brom do battle. Whilst on paper, it looks as exciting as watching dishwater go down the plughole, I have a feeling that it could be a cracker and end up as Game of the Day on football first. It's a vital one for both clubs and although the loser won't be automatically relegated, it'll be one less `could win` game that's passed them by. In many ways, it's Arsenal v Man United for the relegation candidates!

Whilst the above game isn't televised live, Sunday's highlight is, as Southampton host Everton. Two months ago, this would barely have received a raised eyebrow on the fixture list, however due to James Beattie's leaving St Marys for Goodison just after Christmas, it now becomes high profile and will doubtless be subtitled, "Beattie's return." It'll be interesting to see what sort of reception the home fans give him as he did well during his time at the club and clearly felt it was time to move on. That said, football fans are an unforgiving bunch and it's likely that it'll be a frosty welcome back rather than a warm one. What odds on him scoring though?


Saturday 5th February 2005
 "Ten minutes to Wapner. We're definitely locked in this box with no TV." (Film)
Rain Man: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When Chelsea won the title in 1955, which club, not currently in the Prem, finished second?
I'm a great advocate of the fact that if you make enough predictions, the law of averages stats that one must be right eventually! So it proved this afternoon at Carrow Road as relegation candidates Norwich and West Brom threw caution to the wind and went for broke with the home side ultimately clinching a 3-2 win with a late strike having twice been behind. I've not seen the game or the highlights yet but it sounded a cracking match on Soccer Saturday with Chris Kamara getting more excited by the second, although it usually doesn't take a lot to get Mr Kamara going a bit OTT. Whether it'll be enough for Norwich at the end of the season remains to be seen, but it was good to hear of a game where both clubs threw inhibitions to one side and served up some great entertainment.

Speaking of which, both Arsenal and Man United continued their quest to overhaul Chelsea with victories and whilst United were made to battle by former hero Steve Bruce and his Birmingham side, Arsenal looked like the Gunners of old as they slaughter Aston Villa in the first half at Villa Park and although they only ended up with three goals, it could easily have been double and they wouldn't have been flattered. It's hardly an earth-shattering prediction to state that I fully expect Chelsea to clinch three points against Man City tomorrow, however my gut feeling is that whilst they'll win, I reckon City will score and end this amazingly long run of clean sheets for Petr Cech. Two predictions right in one weekend? That would be a record!


Sunday 6th February 2005
 "Feel the rain like an English summer. Hear the notes from a distant song. Stepping out from a back shop poster. Wishing life wouldn't be so long." (Song)
Fade To Grey - Visage: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Roy Keane scored his 50th goal for Man United yesterday. Against which club did he score his first?
Another day and another win for Chelsea....Hang on, the script has suddenly been changed as the only side to beat them in the league this season managed a draw at Stamford Bridge, although their remarkable defence record remains intact. Yes, Man City came to town and did their cross-city rivals a big favour by holding the league leaders, although it has to be said that it needed a combination of luck and a stunningly good save in stoppage time to maintain a point. Chelsea had no Robben and no Drogba and it showed as this wasn't a patch on the free-flowing side that we've been used to seeing in recent weeks and at no point did it look as though they were piling on enough pressure to make City cave in. Whether this is the start of a bad run for Chelsea which will see Man United and/or Arsenal battle their way back remains to be seen, however for the first time in ages, there's a chink in that armour of invincibility that Chelsea have been wearing.

Previously In The Premiership: Prior to that game came Beattie's return and what do you know, he scores within four minutes even though he looked offside. But credit where it's due to Southampton as they battled back and bombarded Everton throughout the game and took a deserved lead against a club looking for a Champions League spot next season. Indeed, for most of the second half it seemed to be a matter of how many Saints would score. Sadly for them, they fell to a last minute sucker punch - albeit a superb shot by Marcus Bent - and although it must have felt like the world had caved in, the only saving grace I can offer is that it would have felt ten times worse had Beattie scored it!


Monday 7th February 2005
 "Knew the signs wasn't right. I was stupid for a while." (Song)
Out Of Reach - Gabrielle: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

England have played Holland just once in a WC Finals match. In what year and what was the final score?
0-0 in Italia 90: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
It's an international week this midweek which roughly translates to `spend the evenings catching up on things taped from the telly and on DVD's that you've been meaning to watch.` I'll admit that there was a time when I'd have gladly sat in front of Sky Sports and watched Wales Under-21s take on their counterparts from an Eastern European nation that I couldn't find on the map. Now, as there is precious little riding on such encounters, even when their `full` equilivent do their bit, I really cannot be bothered and would rather spend the evenings more productively...especially as all three episodes of series four of `24` so far are waiting to be watched on video! Equally, it doesn't surprise me that so many players pull out of such games, probably will a little encouragement from their managers. Still, that will continue to happen whilst friendies are arranged slap bang in the middle of the season.

Just flicking through yesterday's News Of The World football supplement and the stats for Saturday's Man United v Birmingham game caught my eye. Possession: Man United 61%, Birmingham 31%. Hmmm, maybe the ball boys had more say than usual...!!


Tuesday 8th February 2005
 "And I'm turning to the horoscope and looking for the funnies. When I'm feeling someone watching me and so I raise my head." (Song)
Tom's Diner - Suzanne Vega: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In the 1954 World Cup Finals, which nation netted 17 goals in their two group games, including EIGHT against eventually winners West Germany?
Interesting quote from Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry yesterday regarding Steven Gerrard. He stated that he will not sell his biggest asset, even if bidding reaches the �50m mark. Fair enough I guess, but then added that the club are realistic to know that they cannot make him stay against his will! Well that covers all eventualities really and, should the worst happen, effectively put the decision in Gerrard's hands. It's tricky for him as success at Anfield is not exactly flowing like water and sooner or later, he'll want a chance of regular trophies aside from the Worthington/Carling Cup. After the rumours of last summer, maybe if Chelsea come calling again, then the temptation would be too great and whilst Liverpool fans everywhere would love to believe that he'll remain loyal for life, when the top dogs talk about the possibility of him leaving, then you can read between the lines and wonder what's been said behind the scenes.

It's pancake day today and apart from the fact that I still have no idea how to cook them from scratch, wouldn't you know it but were being warned of the `hidden dangers`. Okay, so the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents only have our best interests at heart, but I'm inclined to think that if anyone needs reminding to use a wooden handled pan or to keep well back when the cooking fat starts spitting, then they only have themselves to blame. Oh, and don't forget to wear oven gloves and to be careful when tossing. Never been a problem for me.


Wednesday 9th February 2005
 "I'll give you a winter prediction - It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life." (Film)
Groundhog Day: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When England beat Holland 4-1 in Euro 96, which player, now based in England, scored the Dutch goal?
Patrick Kluivert: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
What's more important? Tradition and your club winning the FA Cup or England winning the World Cup? Nope, not today's trivia question but this comes from England boss Sven Goran Eriksson who wants to move next season's FA Cup Final to a Wednesday to enable him to have a full month with his squad ahead of the World Cup. Now, aside from the fact that England haven't actually qualified (although I accept that this is almost a foregone conclusion), he is on dangerous ground here. The traditionalists will not be pleased about the season's showcase finale being played on a Wednesday evening (imagine how many `sickies` will be pulled that day!), not to mention the fact that this will be the first final at the `new` Wembley, but equally, he'll put immense pressure on himself to actually do well and even win the World Cup in Germany and if he insists on this temporary change, many will EXPECT success in WC2006 to justify the change. Oh, and as for the question posed by Eriksson, obviously I'd rather have the former easily!

Lent starts today when those who are willing give up something they usually enjoy until Easter Sunday. My wife and daughter are both giving up drinking Coca-Cola (and anything similar, Pepsi etc) so I've joined them, although I don't consume as much of the stuff as they do. Also, for the sixth year in a row, I'm giving up chocolate, although wife and daughter have not followed suit for this one! Whilst I'm not exactly a chocoholic, I do like a munch, especially at work when I'm surrounded by it! So, for the time being, it's goodbye to Bounty, Snickers and Jaffa Cakes and hello to a more healthy option. Maybe I'll even lose a bit of weight as well!


Thursday 10th February 2005
 "But not us, no not us. We are far too young and clever." (Song)
Come On Eileen - Dexys Midnight Runners: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

What was the name of the referee who was famously floored by Paolo di Canio's shove in 1998 during a Sheff Wed v Arsenal game?
Paul Alcock: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
It would seem that my decision to watch a DVD ahead of last night's friendly at Villa Park was a good one as England and Holland battled out a goalless draw. That said, maybe `battled` is overstating matters slightly as, according to the press today, it was a tepid affair with little excitement and only useful for Sven to see how certain tactics failed to work. Indeed, having watched the DVD last night, my wife wanted to watch the latter stages of Wife Swap, so I did manage to see a bit of the `summing up` of the game with Messers Lineker, Jol and Hansen among others and it seemed to me that my decision was totally justified when the second half `highlights` consisted of an England cross which almost found the head of an attacker! And that's why friendlies rarely interest me as I want to be entertained rather than given an insomnia cure.

Glancing at the entertainment section in one of the papers today, the names Keane and Ferdinand caught my eye. Thinking it was obviously something to do with the Man United pair, I read it fully only to discover it was a report on last night's Brit Awards. Oops.


Friday 11th February 2005
 "Everybody's looking for that something. One thing that makes it all complete. You'll find it in the strangest places. Places you never knew it could be." (Song)
Flying Without Wings - Westlife : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which current Prem striker once scored in ten successive Division Two league games during season 2000-01?
Jermain Defoe (Bournemouth): Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
When I was a kid, my mother and some friends would often take me along to jumble sales, which for the uneducated, are a sort of indoor version of a car boot sale. It always used to amaze me as to how many people would get there ridiculously early and then make a sudden surge when the doors finally opened - all to get a woolly jumper for 25p. It would seem that some of their ancestors are now upgrading to Ikea Stores after a sale at their flagship Edmonton brance sparked a riot and a stabbing as around 6,000 customers battled for bargains as they opened up. I'm all in favour of saving a few quid here and there, but not at the expence of being trampled on, caught in a stampede or having a knife rammed in the back. Who'd have thought that the day would come when you needed a police pressence when a shop opens up!

Today is our daughter's eleventh birthday and apart from wondering, yet again, where the time has gone, it's strange to see her edge another year towards leaving school, getting employed, learning to drive and so on and so forth. Anyone with kids will probably appreciate this, but childhood seems to be here and gone in the blink of an eye and whilst it only seems like yesterday that she was getting `one word per page` books that were almost unbreakable for her birthday (A is for Apple!), now she's getting X-Box games and printers for her PC. Makes you feel old eh! Happy Birthday kiddo.


Saturday 12th February 2005
 "Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea. To the open arms of the sea." (Song)
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who are the current holders of the FA Vase?
A mud caked pitch. Howling wind which tore across an exposed ground. Two heavy rain showers which had parts of the crowd rushing for cover and food and drink prices which will NOT break the bank. Nope, not a nostalgic look back to the 70s, but an afternoon at Badgers Hill as my home town club of Frome Town hosted Brook House in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Along with my daughter and step-dad, we made our way up in plenty of time as a large crowd was expected and so it transpired as 732 fans packed in (average crowd around 170) to see Brook kick off and dominate the opening 30 seconds or so! After that, it was like Slaughter of the Innocents as Frome took the lead within five minutes when the unmarked Matt Peters finished off a flowing move. The lead was doubled when Dean Griffiths fired home from the edge of the area with a deflected shot and shortly afterwards, Peters added a third with a thumping header from a corner. The second half was a matter of going through the motions but we rarely looked in danger and entered the last eight of the Vase with ease. The home fans were as vocal as ever with renditions of `The Great Escape` and even `You'll Never Walk Alone` making their way into the repetoire. By the final whistle, we were wet and cold having resisted the temptation to run for cover when the rain came down and I must admit that both my daughter and I were shivered, but we loved every minute and I'll be there again if we're at home in the QF's (away games are tricky as I have to be back to work by 5:15pm!). Oh, and those prices - we bought two hot dogs, a cone of chips, a tea, a hot chocolate and an oxo drink, all for �3.40! We queued up just before half time to avoid the rush, but even then the pair of lady servers, in what was little more than an average sized kitchen, were so hassled that they forgot to put a sausage in one of our hot dogs! Non-league entertainment at it's very best.


Sunday 13th February 2005
 "Half the men with Elias, half with Barnes. There's a lot of suspicion and hate. I can't believe we're fighting each other, when we should be fighting them." (Film)
Platoon : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Richard Dunne has scored more own goals this season than he's scored in the right end during his career, but against which now Prem club did he score his only career goal during season 2001-2?
Birmingham: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Due to a pre-arrange afternoon trip to Bristol, I didnt catch any of the Manchester derby and my plan to video it and watch it when I got home took a slight knock when, not only did I catch the half time score on the radio, I also stupidly switched from CD to radio just before we got home (about an hour after the game would have finished) to hear the tail end of the news and, "United won the big derby game today thanks to two second half goals....". After that, it was all a blur! That aside, you have to give United full credit for not letting Chelsea cruise to the title. Like a dog with a bone (to pinch a cliche), they simply refuse to give it up, despite never having really been in the race all season. This unlike Arsenal who, considering their start to the season, could well look back and wonder where it all went wrong. It's still very much in Chelsea's hands, but they're going to have to keep glancing over their shoulders between now and May.

I missed the James Beattie headbutting incident yesterday, however having now seen it I cannot believe what all the fuss is about. What's the use of debating whether he should have been sent off, it was a headbutt - indeed a somewhat cowardly one into the BACK of William Gallas's head - and that carries an automatic red card! Was it Lee Hendrie who was dismissed earlier this season for AIMING a butt at an opponent? Well, Beattie connected with his and whether it's in the eighth or the eighty-eighth minute, he deserved to go. I said back in January that I didnt feel he was worth the transfer fee. Maybe there's more `baggage` to him than meets the eye.


Monday 14th February 2005
 "Is it right or wrong? Try to find a place we can all belong? Be as one. Try to get on by if we unify. We should really try." (Song)
Sweet Harmony - The Beloved: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Surprisingly, Man United and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, scored just one league hat trick last season. Against which club?
If Chelsea needed any further reminders that the run-in is not going to be all sweetness and light, we have news today that Ruud van Nistelrooy is set for a return for Man United! He's not played since the end of November, yet during that time, United have played nineteen games in all comps and have drawn four and lost just two of those, winning the other thirteen! The Dutchman's return will surely help improve those already impressive stats and keep the pressure on Chelsea, but that's the point of having such a large and comprehensive squad. Each position should have top back up and any player out of action should be replaced with one of similar quality. Chelsea have that luxury (I feel that too much is being made of Robben being out) and so do United, I'm not convinced that Arsenal have.

Apparently, EastEnders is twenty years old this month! Doesn't seem like it does it? I'd have said at least thirty!!


Tuesday 15th February 2005
 "I touch you once I touch you twice, I won't let go at any price. I need you now like I needed you then, you always said we'd still be friends someday." (Song)
If You Leave - OMD: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which member of the Crystal Palace starting line up in the 1990 FA Cup Final is still played Premiership football today (albeit not for Palace)?
Nigel Martyn: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
For over half an hour last night, Arsenal v Crystal Palace looked anything but a top v bottom clash as the visitors more than held their own and had Dougie Freedman had his shooting boots on, could well have gone ahead. Even Jens Lehman tried to help with an Enckleman-style cock up, however his speed of thoughts saved him from hundreds of bloopers DVDs. Then the quality told and Arsenal took over with a blistering display of football and finishing which would have destroyed most defences, never mind a weak one like Palace's. When you see that sort of style - and the kind which we saw away at Villa - then you can only wonder where they'd be if their own defence had been a little more water tight this season. Probably up there with Chelsea. Equally it was good to see the Gunners NOT holding back after the break and going for more goals, which ultimately they got. It is probably too late to be mounting a serious title challenge now, however you get the feeling the Arsenal, like Man United, are not throwing in the towel quite yet.

Apparently, quite a lot of life sized David Beckham cardboard cut outs have been going missing from various shops. The Madrid star is being used in an ad campaign for Gillette and that includes the aforementioned cutouts. So, I have two queries here. Firstly, how does anyone sneak out a six foot lump of cardboard from Boots or Superdrug without being spotted? And secondly, if anyone reading is one of the culprits, please get one for me as I'm running low on firewood!


Wednesday 16th February 2005
 "Three years ago, three of my colleagues were investigating what happened in that house. Two died mysteriously. The third was never found." (Film)
The Grudge (US Version): Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which former England international lasted just 48 days as coach of Sampdoria in 1999?
David Platt: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
A couple of interesting things to note today. Firstly, Bolton Tal Ben Haim has been cleared of all charged relating to his `dying fly` act having been palmed off by Wayne Rooney. Whilst I don't advocate seeing players get into trouble, play-acting needs to be clamped down on and the wrong message is coming across here. Secondly, Fulham pair Zat Knight and Collins John are in the fertiliser for celebrations following a late Papa Bouba Diop winner against Birmingham. Again, I'm not sure what they did or said, however I assume it's something to do with gestures or remarks to opposing fans? If that's the case, then Rooney's `ears` celebrations against Liverpool should also be looked at...


Thursday 17th February 2005
 "Forget the myths the media's created about the White House. The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand." (Film)
All The Presidents Men : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

During the 70s, Preston could boast of THREE managers fron England's 1966 World Cup winning team. Which three?
Mr Sod and his law was out in force last night, notably due to the Scots Cup replay between Kilmarnock and Hearts. Due to my mis-reading the kick off time, I missed the first two Hearts goals. I did manage to catch the third strike just after half time, however with time almost up and me trying desperately hard to stay awake, I gave up and went onto bed only to find this morning that I'd also missed a late Killie penalty! It's remarkable how often that happens though, whether it's nipping out to the kitchen for a cup of tea or even to the loo, you return to find a goal or red card that you've missed. I reckon there's some snazzy piece of technoology somewhere that tells the players when an abnoraml number of people are away from the screens! Hey, if they can send a man to the moon, then why not?

With the UEFA Cup up and running again, I love the way that the governing body have overcome their latest screw up (also known as the last `group` round) and found a way of re-naming the rounds. So, whilst the current round is the fourth as regards clubs left in, but could actually be as high as they sixth or seventh for some clubs, they've called it, "The Round of 32". Hmmm...


Friday 18th February 2005
 "Hey where did we go, days when the rains came. Down in the hollow, playing a new game." (Song)
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Didier Drogba scored twice in the UEFA Cup SF's against Newcastle last season, but which striker, now also based in the Prem, scored in each leg of the Quarter-finals against Sir Bobby Robson's side?
Mateja Kezman: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
A good evening for our two UEFA Cup reps yesterday with Middlesbrough drawing 2-2 away (a game that I missed as the early kick off caught me out!) and Newcastle coming from behind to beat Heerenveen 2-1. Both games had ad oddity in common with a goalscorer being sent off shortly after scoring with Newcastle's claim to fame coming from Lee Bowyer. Whilst the midfielder left Leeds under a black, billowing cloud, I still like the guy after he really worked wonders for us and I felt a little sorry for him being red carded for a handball. It was in midfield, it was not threatening a goalscoring opportunity and no-one ended up being seriously injured. Sadly now, officials are given no space for common sense and deliberate handball is a booking - Bowyer's second of the game. It's a shame as there is some discretion allowed as regards bad fouls where refs don't have to show a mandatory yellow for certain tackles, a warning is often enough. Subsequently now, Bowyer will have to sit out at least one game for what was little more than an instinctive reaction.

There are things in life that you only do when strictly necessary. Driving on the M25 for example or watching a Woody Allen film. Also included would be `letting your daughter invite two friends for a sleepover...` but yesterday, as part of her birthday, it happened as the house was filled with the laughter of three girls instead of the usual one. We took them all to the cinema first (Spongebob Squarepants - absolute tripe, although the kids enjoyed it!) followed by McDonalds and then home for them to do whatever they liked. To be fair, we saw very little of them although we heard plenty of screaming, shouting and laughing and although we settled them down after 10pm, they didn't get to sleep apparently until between 1am and 2am! That said, we survived it and lived to tell the tale. Now all we have to prepare for is Sunday's party....!


Saturday 19th February 2005
 "Other people go on vacation and spend their days just laying around. We have a story we're going to be telling for the rest of our lives." (Film)
Open Water: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Brentford reaced the QF of the FA Cup in 1988-89 but which top flight club knocked them out?
For a game which had `home banker` written all over it, Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Sheffield United turned into a cracking, controversial clash. The sending off of Dennis Bergkamp was a little harsh unless you feel that grabbing an opponent by the throat is a red card offence. Aside from that, he pushed Danny Cullip in the chest and waved a finger at him, so whilst it may be deemed unlucky, I can understand why. So, whilst fielding a weaker side is a risk, losing the captain and one of the most experienced players at the club doesn't help and when United had a goal ruled out for erm, something, then the headlines were ready to be written! That said, as the game went on, you could sense that Arsenal would score and so it happened when Robert Pires netted a rebound. However the late, and justified, penalty gave United at least what they deserved and a replay. Now, I wonder what the Arsenal starting line up will be at Bramhall Lane?

Prior to the Rooney's Return game at Goodison, I felt that there were only two ways that the game would grab the major headlines above the achievements of Sheffield United and then later on, those of Leicester (winning at Charlton) and Brentford (came from 2-0 down to draw at Southampton). Firstly would be an Everton win and second would be a goal from the Shrekman himself. Ultimately neither occurred, however the fact that Roy Carroll was hit by an object, probably a coin, thrown from the crowd and that there appeared to be a mobile phone thrown as well, that could also make the back pages with ease. Maybe it's a knee jerk reaction, but surely it's time for the FA or someone in authority to make a scapegoat of a club and impose a severe fine or points reduction for such incidents? Sooner or later a player will be seriously injured due to the stupidity and mentality of a `supporter` and it would be good to stop such incidents before they happen, indeed if you look at the replay as Carroll is struck, you can clearly see another fan standing up and throwing something with his face easily identifiable. As for the game, United totally dominated and I can only recall Carroll making one save, just before half time. Rooney had a couple of chances only to be denied by Nigel Martyn and that provided the best entertainment for those of us watching on the box as commentator John Motson went orgasmic every time Rooney had the ball anywhere near the penalty area. I wonder what he'd have done had he scored??


Sunday 20th February 2005
 "You killed him?" - "No, I shot him. Bullets and the fall killed him!" - (Film)
Collateral: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who did Burnley beat in the final for their only FA Cup Final success?
Due to my daughter's birthday party today which we kept 100% traditional with party games, bingo, quizzes, balloons and a final half an hour of `do what you like` type mayhem, I taped both games and watched them later having managed to avoid the scores and was glad that I did. Okay, the first half of the East Lancs derby between Burnley and Blackburn was all huff and puff, very disorganised and not that interesting, making me wonder if the Fast Forward button would be a good idea. But I stuck with it and although it remained goalless, the second half was far better than the first although fans on the pitch confronting players left an uneasy taste in the mouth. For a start, what if he had been carrying a weapon or knife of any kind? Whilst such incidents remain rare, I still have this nagging feeling that a player will be seriously injured on the field of play by a fan.

And so to St James Park where I watched a remake of `A Series Of Unfortunate Events` unfold. With Newcastle ahead at half time thanks to a brilliant Kluivert header, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho used all of his subs at half time to try and change the game. Ultimately it did as within two minutes, Wayne Bridge was carried off with a shin injury and, as the game progressed, both William Gallas and Damien Duff also collected bad knocks as the ten men were reduced further, even if both players did stay on. This unlike keeper Carlo Cudicini who was red carded in stoppage time reducing the team to nine men for the final minutes (including two passengers!) although with a defender behind him and Shola Ameobi falling before he was touched, the Italian keeper was very unlucky, especially as he'll miss the Carling Cup Final next weekend unless an appeal is launched. With all subs used, enter Glen Johnson to go in goal and make a terrific save from Laurent Robert's blockbuster of a free kick. I'll admit it, I'd loved to have seen Chelsea win all four tourno's, however now that's down to three and with all those injuries and Barcelona away looming on Wednesday, they'll hope to be able to keep the Spanish leaders in sight for the second leg.

And as for the party - It all went fine, although one was taken ill and couldn't come. Everyone went home with at least three prizes, due to raffles and bingo and the late game of Hide and Seek seemed to go down well when yours truly volunteered to be the `Seeker`, resulting in most of them locking themselves into the toilet!


Monday 21st February 2005
 "It wasn't my intention to mislead you. It never should have been this way. What can I say?" (Song)
Toy Soldiers - Martika: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

During the 90s, one player played in four FA Cup Finals (including replays) for two different clubs. He scored four goals in those finals but didnt play the entire match in any of them! Who is he?
Ian Wright (came on as sub in both 1990 Finals and was substituted in both 1993 Finals): Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
With their being four replays from the weekend's FA Cup action, it's somewhat ironic that the quarter-final draw was drawn by Mr Sod and his law, making each last eight game involve an `or`. Until next week's replays are sorted out, all four QF matches involve an element of ifs, buts and maybe's and a lot of speculation. Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United are all kept apart and no particular game stands out, although if Arsenal win their replay then an away game at the Reebok should be a cracker, especially considering Bolton's decent record against the Gunners. Newcastle will fancy their chances of beating either Spurs or Forest at home and equally Man United will not lose too much sleep over whether they travel to Southampton or Brentford, although if it's the latter, then the old romance of the cup will doubtless be wheeled out again. Most wide open clash could be in form Leicester travelling to either Blackburn or Burnley and is also the game will is likely to provide the outsider in the semi-final. What odds on Arsenal and Man U meeting in the semi's again I wonder?

So, the new Beckham baby has followed the tradition of the first two with a slightly unusual name. Yes, Brooklyn and Romeo's new brother is called...Cruz! Different, out of the ordinary and even a little strange, especially as it's apparently fairly well know as a GIRL'S christian name in Spain!!


Tuesday 22nd February 2005
 "You don't have to put up a fight. You don't have to always be right. Let me take some of the punches for you tonight." (Song)
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Aside from Real Madrid, who were the first club to win the European Cup in their own nation?
So, the guy who ran onto the Turf Moor pitch on Sunday and confronted Robbie Savage has been jailed for five months, although this is probably more due to his 24 previous convictions that anything else! Interestingly, he was also serving a three year banning order from all grounds, yet managed to get into Burnley with no apparent problems and has probably done so in the past - and here lies the problem. It's all very well to ban fans for a period of time or for life, but how is it enforced? Does every steward at every gate or turnstile at every stadium in the land have to have a list of faces to be checked against every fan going through? That would be the only way to be sure but is obviously extremely impractical. So there you have it. A banning order which is impossible to enforce is the only real deterrent against object throwers and pitch invaders. And they wonder why the problems don't go away....

England is currently at the start of a week long cold snap, which generally means some snow, some ice and temps around freezing point. Admittedly for many around the world, this is nothing out of the ordinary, however for us Brits, it's standstill time. So far, here in the West Country, we've had nothing more than a very thin covering of snow last night which wasn't even enough to pitch on the roads, but even that was enough to totally throw a few people. Chatting to customers in the shop today, I've heard many stating that it's, "Bloody cold out!" - Erm, yes - and a few even rushing because they are late for work as their windscreen was frozen - again, watching the forecast or the news the evening before should have given a few clues. When you see the extent of the snow in Yorkshire and the North-East, I suppose we should really be grateful...for now.


Wednesday 23rd February 2005
 "It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead." (Film)
The Terminator : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which three clubs were founder members of the Football League in 1888 and also in the top division for the first ever Prem season in 1992-93?
Aston Villa, Blackburn and Everton: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
The Champions League is back with it's good old knockout formula and with it came the usual dilemma of which game to watch. Last night I plumped for Liverpool's game at home to Leverkusen and was glad that I did. For a change, Liverpool were pretty good and outplayed the Germans for an hour, by which time they had a deserved two goal lead. The defence looked fairly solid although Jerzy Dudek still never fails to unimpress and it remains to be seen how costly his part in Franca's late, late away goal will be. Equally, Steve Finnan can be grateful that Berbatov didn't have his shooting boots on, but these were isolated incidents. Igor Biscan was a revelation in the Gerrard role and when Dietmar Hamann netted deep into stoppage time, the quarter finals were all but beckoning. That fumble from Dudek though keeps the game open and the doubts there, especially with Liverpool's poor away form and I sincerely hope that they don't regret those last few seconds at Anfield.

In contrast, Arsenal were grateful for a late goal against German opposition as Kolo Toure's effort gives them the same straw to clutch at as Leverkusen snatched. I only saw brief snippets of the game and the goals, but the Gunners again flattered to deceive and, according to one non-Arsenal supporting chap that I spoke to earlier, it was painful to watch. Of course, they are more than capable of scoring twice at home without reply, but equally capable of committing hari-kari at the back which would of course counteract that vital away goal. Ultimately, both games are still open and on a knife edge, but only thanks to late away goals.


Thursday 24th February 2005
 "You acting kind of shady. Ain't callin me baby. Why the sudden change?" (Song)
Say My Name - Destiny's Child: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Against which club did Hernan Crespo score his first two league goals for Chelsea last season?
I wonder how many associated with Chelsea would have accepted a 2-1 defeat at Barcelona had they been offered it before the game? Quite a few I suspect. So, with the benefit of hindsight, I wonder how many are happy with it now having been a goal up before a half time break which included the Barca boss Frank Rijkaard apparently having words in the tunnel with the ref. Cue a second half revival, including a red card to Chelsea's Didier Drogba (which I didn't see, so can't comment on) and ultimately a victory for Barca. Now, it doesn't take a genius to know that Mourinho's side are more than capable of beating anyone and that a 1-0 home win in easily within their grasp, however under the circumstances, I'll bet there are a few disappointed Blues fans out there this morning.

So what do we make of Man United? Their 1-0 home defeat against Milan last night was a terrific game considering it ultimately took a mistake to generate a goal, however to say the Red Devils are up against it is an understatement. Co-commentator Niall Quinn was a little generous to keeper Roy Carroll when he stated that the shot that the United stopper spilled was `moving in the air.` Well, yes it was, but not in the way that Quinn implied, In fact, it was a bread and butter shot which had plenty of power but barely swerved and that, nine times out of ten, Carroll would have saved with ease. So, as United steamroller everyone in the Prem, they again falter in Europe as soon as they come up against quality - and this a `quality` side missing both Jaap Stam and Andrei Shevenchenko! That said, United need to score at least twice in Milan and are quite capable considering that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be another two weeks sharper and if they create the sort of chance that Paul Scholes had last night, then it surely won't be wasted again. Quinton Fortune also had a good opportunity, however I felt that he did exceptionally well to go as close as he did considering he was off balance and with a little more match sharpness, Van Nistelrooy would probably have buried his late header. Can United do it then? Well yes they can, but whilst scoring twice is a necessity (unless they want to go through a penalties lottery), stopping Milan from scoring is equally important - and that won't be easy!


Friday 25th February 2005
 "Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies"? (Film)
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When Newcastle won the Fairs Cup in 1969, which British club did they knock out in the semi-finals?
Decision time again last night with Newcastle and Middlesbrough's home UEFA Cup games clashing with each other, so to begin with, I chose the former who were holding a 2-1 from the away leg. By half time, an own goal and an Alan Shearer free kick had put the result beyond doubt, so I plumped for the second half of the Boro game having seen that it was level and that the home side hadn't played that well. The second half was more of the same as they stuttered and spluttered before scoring just after the hour through JFH. Even after that, they didn't look settled, especially knowing that one goal from Graz would send the game into extra time and ultimately were probably as glad to hear the final whistle as I was (I'd never have lasted another half an hour!). So, good news that both clubs are through but the one thing that really struck me was the size of the crowds at each stadium. Boro enticed 20,000 and Newcastle 26,000 - both well down on capacity. Yes, I know both games were on the box and the weather was not exactly welcoming, but for a European clash, it's a shame, especially for Boro on their first ever European campaign.


Saturday 26th February 2005
 "He's gotta a grade in economics, maths - physics and bionics. He thinks that I'm a cabbage, cos I hate university challenge." (Song)
My Perfect Cousin - The Undertones: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who was the only Everton player to score a hat trick last season?
Steve Watson v Leeds: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
It must have been a choker to be a Southampton fan today. A rollercoaster ride against Arsenal including going a goal and a man down only to gain parity on both in the second half, before apparently conceding a stoppage time winner. That was ruled out for offside and the Saints could celebrate a superb point against the Gunners. However, two hours later, Crystal Palace beat Birmingham to increase the gap at the bottom and to leave the Saints four points from safety! Much like when Leeds drew at Old Trafford last season, yet went bottom due to other results, it's a hollow victory (or draw in this case) and goes to show how fickle the game is. One final point. What on earth did David Prutton hope to gain by his reaction after being sent off? There can be no arguments as to the decision, yet he manhandled the red to try and get to the assistant and we've surely not heard the last of it. As for Van Persie's red card - equally silly and handed the inititive back to the home side.

Elsewhere, Man United left it late to beat Portsmouth in the tea time clash whilst Spurs celebrated a rare London derby win as Fulham were also beaten late on. As Liverpool prepare to face Chelsea in Cardiff tomorrow, they can only have been downhearted by the result from Villa Park as Everton consolidated fourth place with a comfortable win against Aston Villa. Despite everyone waiting and expecting them to falter, they still haven't and if they manage to hold onto that Champions League place, few will surely begrudge what will have been one of the most remarkable achievements and turnarounds in the last year. Next month they face local rivals Liverpool...what a game that should be!


Sunday 27th February 2005
 "Spare a little candle, save some light for me. Figures up ahead moving in the trees." (Song)
These Dreams - Heart : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Prior to today, who were the last club to win the league cup with the help of extra time but NOT penalties?
A chap said to me this morning that he wasn't going to watch the Carling Cup Final as it would be `boring`. I disagreed and although I couldn't watch the game due to being invited out for the afternoon, I did get home in time to catch the start of extra time, by which time we'd had a goal inside the opening minute, an own goal by Steven Gerrard, which is a massive irony as he's an apparent target for Chelsea this summer (as he was last summer it should be added!) and then Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho being sent from the touchine for a `Sshh` gesture to the Liverpool fans after the equaliser. Hardly boring! The first period of extra time seemed to involve two clubs playing for penalties or, to put it another way, two very tired sets of players. They it all happened again with Drogba scoring after a defensive balls up and Mateja Kezman doing the same and you could see what his goal meant to him! Within a minute Liverpool pulled one back thanks to more tired defending, but that was that and Chelsea lifted the cup, deservedly from what I saw.

So what of Mourinho and his gesture? I've seen it on video now and whilst I don't agree with such gestures, I can't see the difference between that and the similar gestures made by players on numerous occasions in the past, none of which has resulted in a sending off. Most recently, Wayne Rooney did his ears celebration in front of Liverpool fans and even the FA stated that no action would be taken. Maybe a manager has to set an example, but my first thought when I saw it was that Mourinho sees himself as a wanabee player and reacted in the same way as most of his team would have wanted to and indeed many fans. I like the guy hugely and whilst he perhaps shouldn't have done what he did, I reckon it should stay at that now with no further action. That said, I fully expect a touchine ban and hefty fine from the FA within a few days...

And finally, full credit to Steven Gerrard for (a) doing an on pitch interview seconds after Chelsea were presented with the cup and (b) for being brutally honest about his own goal and how Chelsea were the better team. Most people in his shoes would have wanted to get off and start erasing the pain in the santuary of the dressing room so fair play to the guy.


Monday 28th February 2005
 "Rise and shine, Adam. You're probably wondering where you are. I'll tell you where you might be. You might be in the room that you die in." (Film)
Saw: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In 1994, which current Championship manager was banned for 10 games for fighting with a team-mate?
Okay, two quotes to begin with. "I cannot stand here and defend him, he committed an act of stupidity that cost us dearly." and then, "If anyone had to behave, it was him." Both came from manager's when talking about their own players as regards incidents over the weekend. Now, normally bosses are quick to do all the dirty work behind closed doors and leave the media to draw their own conclusions. In short, players are rarely criticised in public by their manager's, however Southampton boss Harry Redknapp - his was the first quote as regards David Prutton - and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger - his the second regarding Robin Van Persie - have `broken rank` and spoken out against their own. Personally, whilst I can see the point and logic in keeping certain things under wraps, I find it refreshing that some incidents are so blatantly obvious that they have almost felt it pointless to try and publicaly defend the players involved. Whether it pays off long term remains to be seen and may indicate whether other bosses use the same tact in the future.

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