Views From The `Footiemad` Armchair
Diary Of A Season March 2006



Wednesday 1st March 2006
 "Do you have any idea what breakfast cereal is made of? It's those little curly wood shavings you find in pencil sharpeners." (Film Quote)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Correctly answered by kirstymd

What was the name of the diminutive Brazilian striker who starred for Newcastle in the late 1980's?
Mirandinha: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
With little happening in the football world ahead of tonight's friendlies, or more to the point, all that's happening is talk of Lampard's hamstring, player x sat out training whilst player y only did ten minutes before his mobile rang to offer him the latest ringtones, it's worth pointing out that today is Ash Wednesday (did you have pancakes yesterday? We did!) and that means...

The Start of Lent! Yes, it's that time again when many like minded souls give up something that they usually take for granted for the rest of the year and don't use/eat/do it again until Easter Sunday in six weeks time. As I don't drink or smoke, then giving up the booze or fags is not an option, so I usually do without that other vice - chocolate - and this year is not exception. In truth, I do probably eat more choc that I should, although thankfully I put very little weight on despite the Cadburys and Mars fixation, so this is quite a challenge for me and one that I've done now for the last six years. My wife and daughter are yet to follow suit although we've all given up drinking Coke or any of it's offshoots (Pepsi for example) which is something else that we have far too much of normally. The biggest problem for me is usually at work where I'm surrounded by chocolate and although the tempatation rarely gets to me, it's often tricky to find another quick snack instead of the usual Twix or Whole Nut. Therefore for the next six weeks or so, Cadburys and Mars profits will plummet whilst Walkers crisps are likely to find a sudden surge in sales!


Thursday 2nd March 2006
 "Riley likes to be alone. He might take me, because he says being with me is just like being alone." (Film Quote)
Land Of The Dead: Correctly answered by Kirsty

Which two nations won the World Cup on the first two occasions that they qualified for the Finals?
Uruguay 1930 and 1950 - Italy 1934 and 1938: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
England 2 Uruguay 1: Okay, so England left it late to save their face, however I felt that they deserved to win all told and that they looked a pretty good team. At the back, Rio looked like a little boy lost for 20 minutes or so and hardly put a foot right and against a better team in a bigger tourno, he could have been made to pay for schoolboy errors, but that aside, England looked fairly tight. The Uruguay goal was something a bit special and would have found the net against any defence and any goalkeeper. To be fair, it was one of those efforts that usually end up a mile high or going out for a throw in, however it paid off on this occasion and may have been the kick up the rear end that England needed. The two late goals from Peter Crouch and Joe Cole gave the scoreline a more realistic look, however yours truly missed the stoppage time winner as I was locking the front door at the time, as is my thing near the end of any game. Finally, Darren Bent looked a little out of his depth and if it comes down to a toss up between a regular for his club like Bent or a natural finisher like Jermaine Defoe then I reckon the Spurs man will get the nod, despite not playing as much as he'd like. Bent's time may come, but on last night's showing, it probably won't be this summer.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling: Hats off to both Irish nations but for differing reasons. I was delighted to see the Republic beat Sweden 3-0 to kick off a new era under a new manager (Steve Staunton) and new captain (Robbie Keane). Equally I imagine a few England fans and officials would have had a wry smile at seeing one of their WC opponents well and truly beaten. As for Northern Ireland, they've had an awful spell in recent years, however the win over England last autumn may have nudged them into life and although it was `only` Estonia that they beat last night, it will all help build confidence for the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

For Every Up...: There is a down and whilst England and the two Ireland's won, Wales could only draw at home to Paraguay in front of a palrty 12,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium. This only adds to my theory that fans do get fed up with paying out to watch friendlies that are ultimately meaningless to everyone out the circle of players and officials. Still, at least they drew! Unlike my Scotland side who have still not won a home friendly for a decade!! Defeat last night, 3-1 at home to a decent Switzerland team, only emphasised that the hard work under Walter Smith has really only just began.


Friday 3rd March 2006
 "You choose your leaders and place your trust. As their lies wash you down and their promises rust. You'll see kidney machines replaced by rockets and guns." (Song Lyric)
Going Underground - The Jam: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Apart from being played at the same stadium, what happened at the 2002, 2003 and 2006 League Cup Finals and the 2003 FA Cup Final that didn't happen at any other such finals?
A quote today from Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho ahead of the CL second leg against Barcelona and related to the acting antics of Lionel Messi from the first game. "Messi is a good player but he has opened the road for some Chelsea players to do the same thing." Now, whilst he hasn't actually said that Chelsea will dive around like Olympic superstars, it is implied and naturally enough it's been pounced upon by the press. Personally I'm not convinced that he's done the right thing here as, not only could it further inflame tensions between the clubs, but I'm sure that the referee, whoever he is, will be aware of the remarks and will be on the lookout for such antics. Therefore don't be surprised if a few genuine fouls are not given for Chelsea and it could only partially be due to the fact that Barca are at home.

I'm not into politics at all and my interest usually ends after I've put a X in a box every couple of years. I did however catch on the news that the Lib-Dems have voted in a new leader and it's none other than Sir Mingis Campbell. I'll freely admit that I'd not heard of him and that I thought that's how his Christian name was spelt until I saw it in print this morning. Nope, it's pronounced Min-ges put the spelling is Menzies (Men-Zees surely?). Now I don't whether his parents had a warped sense of humour, whether it's one of those words like Dalziel (Dee-El) that is pronounced drastically different to it's spelling or whether the man himself wanted to be different. Whatever the reason, I hope that the policy of the Lib-Dems is NOT to teach children how to spell phonetically!


Saturday 4th March 2006
 "I did not come to medical school to murder my class mates no matter how deranged they might be." (Film quote)
Flatliners: Correctly answered by Kirsty

What did David Batty do to warrant a six match ban in the final game of the 97-98 season?
He pushed referee David Elleray as his Newcastle team faced former club Blackburn: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Chelsea's Spoilt Children: Another good day for Chelsea as they won at West Brom whilst Liverpool only drew at home to Charlton however one incident, or two actually, caught the eye at The Hawthorns. Chelsea were furious at the reaction of the home players after Arjen Robben had fouled Jonathon Greening with a nasty two-footed tackle and felt that it helped get Robben sent off. Rewind to two minutes before half time when West Brom's Ronnie Wallwork caught Claude Makelele late and the Chelsea players surrounding the ref in much the same way as happened later in the game! It seems to be `do as we say, not do as we do` as regards Chelsea who acted like little more than spoilt brats. I've not jumped on the anti-Chelsea bandwagon since the Russian money began rolling in a few years ago, but they just went down a little in my estimation today.

Four-midable Arsenal: With Fulham's excellent home record and Arsenal's drab away form, a 4-0 away win for the Gunners looked unlikely today, but that's precisely what happened at Craven Cottage. Arsenal were awesome by all accounts as they played the type of football that saw them go unbeaten for an entire season not so long ago. We can only hope that they've saved some for Madrid in midweek!

A Good Day For The (White) Roses: Or, more to the point, for Leeds! I was shocked, yet thrilled to see Sheffield United falter at home to bottom club Crewe last night but I didn't expect us to get an awful lot away to Palace today. However, an excellent 2-1 win, albeit a but lucky apparently, coupled with another stunner as Watford drew at home to Derby, puts us back into third and just six points adrift of United with a game in hand. Suddenly that clash at Bramhall Lane in April is looking more and more crucial but all told, a superb 24 hours for us.


Sunday 5th March 2006
 "The corridors of discontent that I've been travelling. All alone in search for truth. The world is so frightning." (Song Lyric)
Break The Night With Colour  -  Richard Ashcroft : Correctly answered by kirstymd

Since the Prem started, Spurs have had FOUR non-British managers. Name all four?
Ossie Ardiles, Christian Gross, Jacques Santini, Martin Jol: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
City Cling On: When a team goes 2-0 up after ten minutes at home to the bottom club, you don't expect the result to still be in doubt in stoppage time, however it was as Sunderland battled back at Man City and ultimately had many neutrals on their side as the home side simply failed to wrap the game up. Both City goals were down to basic defensive errors, especially the first as Danny Collins lost possession on the edge of his own area to allow Georgios Samaras to score the first of two in two minutes. To be fair, I wasn't overly impressed with the Greek (?) star and his overall play, although it has to be said, his finishing was top quality and I guess that what City have paid their money for. We also witnessed one of the most pointless sendings off of the season. Not due to poor refereeing as he had no option, however for Gary Breen to do a volleyball type block as David James went to throw the ball was instinctive more than anything else, but having been booked before, he had to go. The battle for Europe remains very tight and City still have a chance to make up for last season's let down.

Spurs Keane On The Champions League: Ten games left and Spurs have a five point buffer in fourth place after beating Blackburn 3-2 in a terrific game today. Robbie Keane's first was brilliantly controlled and finished whereas his second, by his own admission, replied on a handball. It was comical later in the game when he wanted a penalty for almost the same incident as he got away with! I make no secret that I don't like Spurs (goes back to my school days) but I do admire this latest crop hugely, however even the most ardent Spurs fan will surely admit that Rovers deserved something from the game and after coming from two down, I felt they were going to get it until another ex-Leeds man, Aaron Lennon, showed his pace to set up the winner. Spurs have their European fate in their own hands now and will surely never get a better shot at the CL than this season. That said, next week they are at Chelsea...!


Monday 6th March 2006
 "Anything else I can get for you while I am in town? How about a tiny tape recorder, or how about a homemade pair of writing slippers?" (Film Quote)
Misery: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Who was Sunderland's top scorer in their Championship winning year last season?
Marcus Stewart: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Is anyone entirely surprised at the sacking of Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy? Well actually, I was a little as seeing that the Black Cats are almost certainly down, it seemed to me that the time to make mass changes would have been around the turn of the year to at least give the new man a fighting chance of keeping the club up. As it is, Kevin Ball has little to lose as few expect miracles from him and if (when?) they do go down, everyone will say that the damage had been done previously. As a club, Sunderland seem to be too good for the Championship, yet nowhere good enough for the Premiership and you get the feeling that the summer will see a mass exodus of players from the Stadium of Light and an influx of newer arrivals. As for McCarthy? Newcastle are after a new boss...!

Whilst delivering papers near our town centre one day I last week, from a distance, I spotted a figure carrying what appeared to be a blcak bin bag across the road, seemingly into a shop opposite. As I was a fair way away, I didn't take a huge amount of notice, assuming it was due to something perfectly logical, however as I got closer, it happened on two further occasions which got my curiosity going and, as I had to walk down past the shop anyway, it soon became apparent what was happening. In this particular street there are two charity shops opposite each other, both for different charities I should add, and a member of the public had obviously donated various items to one particular shop by leaving them outside the front door ready for the staff in the morning. However, someone from the other charity shop opposite had taken it onto herself to take the aforementioned black bags and use them in her shop instead!! Clearly, charity begins at home!


Tuesday 7th March 2006
 "Then you break a window. Burn the souffl�. Scream the lullaby." (Song Lyric)
Coming Around Again - Carly Simon: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Which European league includes a club called FC Wiltz 71?
It's always gut-wrenching to lose to a last minute goal, however to lose to a late OWN goal is another story altogether, especially when it's in the manner of the one scored by Pascal Chimbonda as Wigan lost a lead at home to Man United last night. In his defence (pun intended) he could do nothing about it as he tracked back and saw the ball hit him after rebounding off of the bar and in and it probably gave him a sleepless night as he ran the incident through his mind over and over again. To their credit, Wigan didn't deserve to lose a game that saw them go ahead only for United to equalise in the 73rd minute with what was their first shot on target! A far cry from Cardiff eight days ago when the game was over by the hour mark. I reckon this could be the result, or the weekend, that clinches United's second place in the league as they are now two points ahead with a game in hand on Liverpool. Finally, I do have some sympathy for Chimbonda as I once scored a superb own goal whilst playing for my school team back in the early 80s! It was a sensational close range volley that was supposed to be a clearance, yet ended up in the back of the net. Mind you, unlike Chimbonda's, mine came before half time and was the third in a 5-0 drubbing.

It seems that hardly a week goes by without someone from Politically Correctness R Us sticks their big noses in and bans something because it `might` offend someone. Usually these range from laughable to `you couldn't make it up` and the latest has seen a Nursery School told that they cannot sing the nursery rhyme "Baa Baa Black Sheep" in case one particular word upsets ethnic minorities. Pardon me but hasn't that song been going for Donkey's Years? Instead, they have to replace the word with `Rainbow`, leaving a batch of young children looking in the countryside and wondering why they cannot see sheep with seven bright colours on them and what happens when they ask their parents what colour that one is? Not the white one, but the other one? I can only assume that those who might be upset by the use of that word are ultra-sensitive to it's usage and cannot tell the difference between it's use in an offensive way and an inoffensive way and I can only feel sorry for them. So, where do we go from here? Will Black Holes not be mentioned any more in science programmes? Will the Black-Eyes Peas have to re-name their band? For that matter, football commentators everywhere must be thrilled that Kingsley Black is no longer playing and I should really apologise for mentioning Sunderland's nickname in yesterday's diary. If anyone was offended by it, get a life!


Wednesday 8th March 2006
For which Eddie Murphy film did the makers originally want Mickey Rourke or Sylvester Stallone for the main lead?
Beverly Hills Cop: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Who is the oldest player to score in the European Cup/Champions League Final?
Barcelona 1 Chelsea 1 - Agg 3-2 I may have been in the minority, but as I wanted Chelsea to go through, this was not the result that I'd hoped for. For that matter, it was not the sort of game that I was expecting either and it reminded me very much of the opening hour in the first leg when, apart from the red card, there was little of note to write home about. Equally, I'd have trouble agreeing with Jose Mourinho that the best team went out as Chelsea rarely threatened to any great degree, even with time running out and knowing that they needed to score at least twice. Ronaldinho's individual goal effectively ended the game, even though it still meant that Chelsea needed two goals and when they did score, thanks to a late penalty, I must admit that it didn't look like a spot kick to me. Thankfully none of the pre-match animosity off the pitch transferred to the players on the pitch and it's a credit to both sets of players for that as it was a game that only needed one incident to occur - as in the first game - and the tinder box ignites. But maybe that's what the match needed as, in truth, it was largely forgettable.

German Generosity: If Pascal Chimbonda felt bad on Monday night, how did Werder Bremen keeper Tim Wiese feel after providing the mother of all howlers last night against Juventus. I was channel hopping between all three of last night's games for the final few minutes and with Juve losing on aggregate, but knowing that one goal would put them through on away goals, they piled forward and after one cross (or maybe a corner?), Wiese caught the ball cleanly and then dropped to the ground and rolled over to waste some valuable seconds. Sadly for him, the ball bobbled out of his hands under no pressure at all and Emerson slotted the ball into the gaping net to put Juve through. It's the sort of error that will haunt him and cannot be blamed on anything or anyone, expect simple bad luck. There's always next year I suppose for Werder, but with that sort of luck on their side, Juve should be worth a bet now.


Thursday 9th March 2006
"I was doing people a service really, by shooting them. There's kangaroos all over the place - like tourists." (Film Quote)
Wolf Creek: Correctly answered by Kirsty

What is the more common name for the European Stadium Giuseppe Meazza?
San Siro: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
And Then There Was One: Yes, after starting the week with four Brit clubs in the Champions League, we now are down to just Arsenal after they dumped Real Madrid out last night. Don't be fooled by the scoreline as this was one of the most exciting goalless draws that I've seen in a while. Helped hugely by two teams who wanted to attack, you knew that one goal for either club would change the direction of the game completely and it really was on a knife edge until the last seconds when Robinho shot at Lens Lehmann whilst a minute before, Robert Pires tried to do an Alonso and score from his own half only to not put enough power on it! Add to that numerous near misses and decent saves and both clubs hitting the woodwork and you had a cracking game. Indeed I thought Raul's shot was in when he hit the post and felt similar with the rebound only for Lehmann to produce an incredible stop.I'm delighted that Arsenal are though and would love to see them go all the way now. What odds on drawing Barca next I wonder?

Where Are The Strikers? From a club that used to boast the likes of Keegan, Toshack, Dalglish, Rush, Beardsley, Aldridge, Owen and Fowler, Liverpool's lack of goals are astonishing and can be blamed largely for crashing out of Europe last night. With only a 1-0 deficit to pull back at home, they apparently missed a host of chances (I didnt see the game as I watched the Arsenal match) and were shown how to do it by Benfica who won 2-0 on the night. With a place in Europe just about guaranteed next season, Liverpool should be okay, but if they want to challenge for the biggest and best honours, boy to they need to find a 20-goal a season man and quick.


Friday 10th March 2006
"You're weird, in tears, too near and too far away. He said, "Saw red," went home stayed in bed all day." (Song Lyric)
Ready to Go - Republica: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Despite their name, which Scottish club (apart from Falkirk obviously!) actually play at Firs Park in Falkirk?
East Stirlingshire: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Middlesbrough 1 Roma 0: Hats off to Middlesbrough who overcame Italians giants Roma last night. Some might find my use of the words `giants` a little generous, however it's worth remembering that they recently broke the Serie A ALL TIME record for the most successive top flight victories and whilst they may not have the current clout that Milan or Juve have, they are still a decent side. Not that it was all that obvious last night as Boro thoroughly deserved their win and having not conceded a goal either, surely stand a good chance of getting through, especially if they snatch an away goal next week. But what of the penalty? Calmly converted by Yakubu, but was it a penalty in the first place? The commentators praised Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for delaying his run until the last millisecond prior to the keeper touching him, but to me it look as though he fell over the keeper as he came out. Clever yes, but a foul...? Don't get me wrong, I was delighted with the result, however it the same incident would have occured at the other end, would we have felt that it was still a clear cut spot kick?

So Wayne Rooney is to start his autobiography this summer, after the World Cup. At just 20, it should make interesting, if not fairly compact, reading. Much like Roy Keane's a few years ago, doubtless it will be serialised in one of the nationals and most of the juicy and interesting sections will be readable for all. As for the book itself, it will probably do the same as Keane's, be bought by devoted United fans and by the rest of us from Waterstone's bargain bin a year later.


Saturday 11th March 2006
As regards films, what uniquely links Jodie Foster and Masha Skorobogatov?
Both both played Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs (as adult and child!): Correctly answered by ColinS

Which Premiership club played at a ground called Northumberland Park prior to moving to their current stadium in 1899?
Chelsea Late Show: The Champions once again showed their fighting spirit with a late winner against Spurs, but did they deserve it? For all my anti-Spurs feelings, I reckon they were hard done by and deserved at least a point from the game. They started strongly and largely dominated before Chelsea went ahead - thanks to a Spurs error in fact - and although the hosts had the better of the rest of the half, Spurs crafted an equaliser before the break. The second half was fairly even and again credit to Spurs for going for the win and almost getting it when Jermaine Jenas broke clear and finished with all the conviction of a limp cauliflower! It was almost written in the stars that Chelsea's 16-year jinx over Spurs would continue, but what a way to win when William Gallas of all people smashed a stoppage time goal into the net that Thierry Henry would have been proud of! Spurs have come a long way this season and they'll surely make Europe in one way shape or form, despite today's set back.

Daylight Robbery: Has they ever been such a result that so drastically fails to reflect the game as witnessed at Ewood Park? Aston Villa dominated. They missed some sitters, especially through Milan Baros who should have had a hat trick, and were denied by some excellent and occasionally desperate defending, only to lose to two scrappy goals that could have been avoided. Don't get me wrong, I wanted Blackburn to win prior to the game and was glad that they did but you had to feel sorry for Villa. Much like Liverpool of late, they failed to convert chances to goals and whilst it can be put down to bad luck, it could also be attributed to poor finishing. Rovers were lucky, Villa were unlucky, but that's football.

A Wasted Opportunity?: Last weekend my Leeds team won at Palace when I didn't expect it whilst all around us slipped up. Today, Watford drew (admittedly away at Reading) and Sheffield United lost, whilst we were ahead at half time against Norwich and all looked bright until a disaster of a half an hour when we went 2-1 behind. Okay, we snatched a late point and stay third and gained on the Blades, however it feels like an afternoon when things should have gone better. But never mind, lets be thankful for small mercies, after all, I could be a Spurs or Villa fan and feel worse today!


Sunday 12th March 2006
"Slight of hand and twist of fate. On a bed of nails she makes me wait." (Song Lyric)
With Or Without You - U2: Correctly answered by ColinS

Against which club did Wayne Rooney make his league debut for Man United?
2-0 Thrashing: Man United v Newcastle is usually a home banker and so it proved again in a game that was over by the 12th minute. Two fantastic pieces of finishing from the youngster gave Man United all three points, so can anyone tell me just how he failed to complete his hat trick with the goal gaping in the 68th minute? It's not as though he was trying to be clever and do a Ronaldo-style six stepovers before putting the ball in, it was a simple finish into an empty net that he somehow managed to do the seemingly impossible and hit the post. The biggest irony in all this is that despite two excellent goals, the game will be remembered for that miss.

Thierry's All Gold: What more can be said about Mr Henry? One superb goal today against Liverpool and one that was gifted to him in a game that emphasised how football can change in an instant. Arsenal dominated for the best part of 75 minutes before Liverpool equalised and then they looked like the side more likely to win, until one of the more unlucky red cards of the season reduced them to ten men! If ever a ref was influenced by the fans and Arsenal players, this was it as I don't think he even saw the incident which was only a slip from Alonso rather than a tackle. Then an awful back pass by Steven Gerrard of all people set up the winner and that image of Gerrard with his head in his hands, milliseconds after his mis-placed back pass was probably as memorable as Henry's finish. Even the best players can commit footballing hari kari sometimes.


Monday 13th March 2006
"Wildly charismatic. Impossibly brilliant. Totally rebellious." (Film Tagline)
Good Will Hunting: Correctly answered by Kirsty

In 1999, Gary Croft became the first player to wear what during a league match?
An Electronic Tag: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Pearce Plays Down England Rumours, Curbishley Cool On England Link. More will follow I daresat between now and the summer as everyman and his dog wants to distance himself from the England job, or they do if currently employed, without actually ruling themselves out of the running completely! If Sky Sports are correctly, then the list of people to be interviewed is twice as long as the one printed in one of the Sunday's yesterday, meaning that every man and his dog could yet be in the running! But in fairness, there will be a lot of this speculation between now and the actual appointment and anyone's who is anyone will know that they'll need to choose each word carefully to avoid it being taken out of context. This sort of thing always reminds me of the Yes Minister episode when the Minister has been pursuaded to run for the soon-to-be-vacant Prime Minister's position, yet when one of his colleagues asks him if he's going for it, he replies, "I have no interest in that position whatsoever!", to which his colleague states, "So you ARE interested!!"


Wednesday 15th March 2006
"Because fire is the devil's only friend and as I watched him on the stage, my hands were clenched in fists of rage. No angel born in Hell could break that Satan's spell." (Song Lyric)
American Pie - Don McLean: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins

Man City's last FA Cup QF was in 1993 where they lost at home to Spurs, but who scored a hat trick for the London side in a game marred by a 13 minute pitch invasion?
Nayim: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
No diary entry yesterday as I was out all day and didn't get near the PC until late. Back to normal now though...

Old Boys Network: How often does it happen? Former player returns to haunt ex-club and score against them. Last night, Darius Vassell did it to great effect as he netted Man City's second goal against Aston Villa as City go through to the FA Cup Quarter Finals. I'm glad for City, not that I have anything against Villa, as after their display in the first game they thoroughly deserved to go through, although in truth they had the better of things last night as well, but this time took full advantage by scoring, something that they failed to do at Villa Park until the final seconds. So, can City make the final? No reason why not as they have a home QF against Bolton or West Ham which is winable and thereafter it's a one off on neutral ground, so yes, they could just do it.

Just seen the BBC headline stare out at me - English Fans Stabbed In Rome - and went cold. Shades of Istanbul 2001 where two Leeds fans were stabbed to death, although thankfully none of the three Middlesbrough supporters in the Eternal City are in a life-threatening position. But either way, it makes you wonder how some of these so-called fans can sleep at night. These Roma Ultras allegedly attacking Boro fans whilst they were in family groups eating in a cafe! Note the bit about FAMILY GROUPS! It speaks volumes about the mentality of the attackers doesn't it? This is not Iraq where everyone seems intent of fighting everyone else, this is Rome prior to a football match! I dunno, the sheer stupidity of it all defies logic.


Thursday 16th March 2006
For which 1992 shocker did director Paul Verhoeven need to make 14 cuts to the final edit before it would be accepted by the American censors for an R rating?

Before leaving for Leeds in 2001, Robbie Fowler's last Liverpool goals were a hat trick away to which club?
When In Rome... What a sensational result for Middlesbrough! Despite losing 2-1 to Roma, they go through on away goals and I for one am absolutely delighted for them. I didn't see a lot of the match as I concentrated mainly on the West Ham - Bolton game on the Beeb, however from the reports, Boro were up against it for long spells yet held firm and last the final 20-odd minutes without conceding a further goal. I did see the last few minutes when the traditional latin temper took over and Roma were reduced to ten men, but that's normal. I remember when we beat them 1-0 at Elland Road (A Kewell belter!) and I think they had two players sent off late on. But I digress. Brilliant for Middlesbrough and who's to say that they cannot go all the way now with one of the favourites out of the way (don't forget they recently broke the all-time Serie A record for successive wins!). Doesn't football have a habit of turning emotions around though? It wasn't that long ago that season tickets were being thrown at Steve McLaren after losing 4-0 against Villa!

Hammers Revenge: Having been walloped at the Reebok at the weekend, West Ham gained revenge over Bolton with a 2-1 extra time win to take them into the QFs of the FA Cup. I didn't see the extra half an hour as I was suffering with heavy eyelid syndrome, however normal time was quite entertaining from a neutral point of view and we were treated to one of the more comical own goals of the season as Nicky Hunt, under no pressure, cleared the ball against his own keeper and into the net! Jussi Jaaskelainen must be gutted as he knew nothing about it yet will be creditted with the og in the record books.

Anfield Blitz: When your strikers are misfiring, the one thing you need is a home game against Fulham who have the worst away record in the universe this season. And so it came to pass as Liverpool's striker took full advantage and much like London cabs and spiders in the bath, you see none for ages and then three come along at once! Yes I know they won 5-1, but Fowler, Crouch and Morientes all netted to end their own personal droughts. Fowler's must have been particularly pleasing for him after those that he's had disallowed recently, but I imagine that the other pair were equally delighted. Also good to see was another freak own goal, not unlike the one in the game above either! Oh, and speaking of spiders in the bath, did anyone else see Supernatural this week (ITV2 Sunday, ITV1 Monday!). My wife couldn't watch the shower scene and I struggled!!


Friday 17th March 2006
"They took the credit for your second symphony. Rewritten by machine on new technology and now I understand the problems you can see." (Song Lyric)
Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins

For which club did Elton John's Uncle play, score and break his leg in an FA Cup Final?
FIFA are about to take a `tough stance` on racism according to various sources this morning. Good for them and about time too! Apparently, clubs will face points deductions, fines and potential bans for the appropriate national team if things are not brought up to scratch. This is all well and good if it's implemented and so long as the clubs and indeed the fans are clear on what constitutes a racist incident. My main gripe is to why it's taken so long to get some kind of law passed by FIFA as regards racism as something really should have been done after that Spain v England game when England's black players faced an awful experience from the home fans. It would seem that the recent incident with Samuel Eto'o when he came very close to walking off the pitch during a Barcelona game at Zaragoza has sparked FIFA into life and it's shocking that it should take something so drastic to really get the governing body to do something. Spain seems to have one of the biggest problems with racism and with the World Cup rapidly approaching, FIFA now have an obligation to put their money where their mouth's are and implement the punishments as and when and I don't mean the platry �6,000 fine handed out to Zaragoza!


Saturday 18th March 2006
"Your aim's as bad as your cooking sweetheart and that's saying something!" (Film Quote)
Mr And Mrs Smith: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Whilst at Leeds, Aaron Lennon was briefly the Prem's youngest ever player when he faced which club?
Does No-one Want To Reach The Premiership? For the second week in a row, Sheffield United lose, yet Leeds also fail to take any decent advantage as we again needed a late equaliser to grab a point when all three would have been ideal (obviously!). In fact, none of the top seven won in the Championship, begging the question at the start, although admittedly Reading are practically there. I could dwell on two opportunities lost to get level with Sheffield Utd, yet instead should look at the glass-half-full scenario in that we've at least gained ground. Watford play on Monday and will be rubbing their collective hands together as they have a glorious chance to gain ground themselves. Then comes our game in hand against Palace! By Tuesday night, the top six of the table should be a little more clear cut.

Everyone Wants Europe! Quite a remarkable day at the top in the Prem as whilst it's widely regarded that Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool will be top three and probably in that order, the battle for the fourth CL spot hotted up with a vengance as Arsenal went fourth temporarily with a win against Charlton, however wins for Blackburn, Bolton and Wigan put a huge boulder of pressure on Spurs who played in the late game. Credit to them though as they battled a 2-0 win at Birmingham to leave things as they were at the start of the day as ex-Leeds duo Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane grabbed the goals.

Hammer Blow? West Ham made a vast numbers of changes to their team today as they faced Portsmouth at home and paid big time as the relegation haunted visitors collected a stunning 4-2 win to put themselves within three points of safety. I can see the reasoning of boss Alan Pardew with an FA Cup QF coming up quickly on Monday, however should they lose that as well, would the gamble have been worth it? Of course not. It could also be argued that they had an obligation to the other clubs in relegation trouble to play their strongest possible side today, but then how do you define what is the strongest side when you take form and knocks into consideration? Two wins in two games now though for Portsmouth who might just produce a Harry Houdini-Redknapp escape!


Sunday 19th March 2006
"Who wants to go down the creepy tunnel inside the tomb first?" (Film Quote)
National Treasure: Correctly answered by Kirsty

Fulham can boast two England managers in their own list of bosses. Which two?
Well, well, well! What an afternoon eh! Lets go chronological I think.

Public Enemy No 1 - Cisse? Ok, Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-1, we all know that now, but having made a note on a scrap of paper straight after Cisse slotted in the penalty for my mini-reports on a mailing list, I missed what was written on his shirt that outraged the Toon fans. The BBC message boards clarified it. Apparently it was a dedicated to his wife and new baby. Now, aside from the fact that he's allegedly beat his wife up and I in no way want to lessen that fact, I thought it would have been something more personal aimed at the home fans judging by their reactions. That said, his blatant goading of them minutes later was uncalled for and if he's brought up in front of the FA (a la Gary Neville), then it's his own bloody fault. The other main topic was of Jean-Alain Boumsong who managed to lose more brownie points with his own fans by losing possesion on the edge of his area, conceding a penalty and getting sent off all in 30 seconds of each other!

Chelsea Slip Again: After witnessing the Chelsea harrasment of officials at West Brom, it should have been no surprise when they did the same in the final seconds after William Gallas was sent off. But what were they trying to prove? Were they hoping to defend Gallas and say that his potential leg breaking tackle was harmless? If so, then they need to make a mass booking to the opticians pronto. Add to that the waving of the imaginary card during the game from, not one, but two players (Drogba and Makelele) over different incidents, then the World v Chelsea mentality is not likely to change. Nor will it from the blatant handball from Drogba prior to putting the ball into the net in the second half. In truth, I reckon the ref and linesman reacted as much to the Fulham players (also harrassment??) as anything else as they surely couldn't have seen the incident themselves and should have booked Drogba anyway for a more blatant handball than Robbie Savage was sent off for yesterday! Oh yes, the result. Great performance and win for Fulham and well deserved in my book.


Monday 20th March 2006
"Something nasty in your garden's waiting patiently till it can have your heart. Try to go but it won't let you." (Song Lyric)
Land Of Make Believe - Bucks Fizz: Correctly answered by Heidi D

In 1996, which Chelsea player became the youngest (at the time) to play in the Premier League when he came on as sub against Middlesbrough?
Jody Morris: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Having switched straight off after the final whistle between Fulham and Chelsea yesterday, I wasn't aware of the pitch invasion afterwards or the `altercations` between rivals fans on the pitch until I saw MOTD2 last night. It was like a throwback 20 yards to the bad old days of the 70s and 80s when such sights were an unwelcome common one and when English football and hooliganism always ran in the same paragraph and often the same sentance. Maybe I'm too naive, but I thought we'd seen the last of these kind of sights on our shores and whilst it may have started as enjoyable celebration, it soon turned to goading and the uglyness that followed. Whether Fulham will face any sanctions remain to be seen but at worst it's likely to be a fine, maybe even suspended. One final thing though, why digitally obscure the face of one of the fighters on the pitch? I'm sure that Sky Sports News showed the same clip with no interference, although I might have been wrong. To my way of thinking, he should be shown to the nation and let his friends, family and colleagues see him in his true light, along with all the others caught on camera yesterday.


Tuesday 21st March 2006
"The same government that trained me to kill, trained you to protect. And now you're trying to kill me while up on that rooftop I protected you." (Film quote)
In The Line Of Fire: Correctly answered by Kirsty

West Ham's last FA Cup SF appearance was in 1991, however which member of the Nottm Forest side that beat them that day also played in the Premiership this past weekend?
Mark Crossley: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Both Man City boss Stuart Pearce and West Ham counterpart Alan Pardew played weakened teams at the weekend ahead of last night's FA Cup clash and with both losing on Saturday, the pressure was on a little more than usual. Ultimately, it was the Hammers who came up trumps, although I must admit that I expected City to go through. It wasn't long ago that eyebrows were raised when West Ham paid �7m for Dean Ashton, however on last night's show, he's more than paying back chunks of that fee. His first goal was superbly worked and finish, although question marks again over City keeper David James who was beaten at his near post. The second was the sort that he shouldn't have missed after being presented with an open goal, ironically scored whilst team mate Christian Dailly was down injured and awaiting attention! I thought the red card for Sun Jihai was a little harsh, although I suppose it could be argued that his arms were raised and did make contact with an opponent. City did have the distinction of netting the best goal of the game, but that be little consolation when going out of the cup at this latter stage.


Wednesday 22nd March 2006
"But they couldn't escape from you. Couldn't be free of you and now they know there's no way out." (Song Lyric)
Wise Men - James Blunt: Correctly answered by kirstymd

The last time Liverpool scored seven (or more) was in the Worthington Cup, but away to which other Midlands team?
Stoke (2000-1) 8-0: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
One sided game of the season? If ever a game was all over by the first minute, or the fifth at a push, then Liverpool's demolition of Birmingham would be it. Ahead after 54 seconds and two up five minutes later, there was never going to be any comeback, only a simply matter of how many would Liverpool score. I missed the first half, but considering I did manage to catch the home sides first shot on target in the second, I assume that it was pretty much one way traffic. It's remarkable to think that this time last week Liverpool and their forwards were under pressure due to LACK of goals, and now they've walloped 15 in just three games and two of those away from home. This was quite simply what Liverpool are capable of when in the mood and when faced with unorganised opponents with a distinct lack of confidence and if they could do it a little more consistantly, then Chelsea might have a rival in the league.

One final thing, I think that Rob Hawthorne is an excellent commentator, second only to Martin Tyler, however quite how he mixed up Stephen Clemence and Olivier Tebily for the own goal is beyond me!

Have we blown it? In the last few weeks as we've been gradually making up ground on Sheffield United, we've been mentioning the elusive `game in hand` that would bring us to within touching distance of the Blades. Last night we finally got around to playing it and blew it! I'd actually have been happy to grab a draw at home to Palace and stay within one game of United, however the 1-0 defeat puts us four points adrift having now played the same number of games and whilst it's hardly the end of the world, there is a slight air of dejection among Leeds fans this morning especially as you look below us and Palace themselves are within four points as well. It will probably still go down to the final couple of games, however for now at least, the top battle is between United and Watford.


Thursday 23rd March 2006
"Once you see the darkness, I think you hold onto it the rest of your life." (Film Quote)
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Who scored both goals when Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-1 in the 2000 FA Cup Semi Final?
Gus Poyet: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
(S)crappy Chelsea Ease Through: For every game that epitomises the magic of the cup, there are half a dozen that are decidedly average or even yawn inducing. This was the case for last night's encounter as Chelsea saw off Newcastle thanks to an early John Terry goal that took a couple of deflections before finding the net. Due to watching a DVD (yes, the anticipated excitement of the game was obvious even before kick off) meant that I missed the first half an hour and the goal, however when the 15 minute half time break is largely taken up with highlights of Liverpool's game the night before, then you know that things aren't good! The second half was little better, summed up by one of the commentators mentioning that one goalkeeper (I forget which one!) didn't have a shot to save in the second half. The sending off could have livened matters up had it have occured earlier but all told, a game to forget as Alan Shearer's trophy winning dream ends.

One last musing, wasn't it hilarious to see Scott Parker jumping up and down like a school kid who couldn't get his own way? In fairness to him, you could fully understand his annoyance after Del Horno had blatantly dived and won a free kick. Replays showed Parker clearly making no contact him the Spaniard at all so whilst the Jack-In-The-Box impression was funny, you could also have full sympathy.


Friday 24th March 2006
"Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart, be acceptable in thy sight here tonight." (Song Lyric)
Rivers Of Babylon - Bomey M: Correctly answered by kirstymd & Heidi D

As regards the FA Cup, what `first` did Chris Clearly achieve in October 2004?
Charlton 0 Middlesbrough 0 So how was it for you? We had a difference of opinion in the shop today as one of the early morning collegues felt that it was a poor game, whilst later on a customer (Arsenal fan) told me that he quiet enjoyed it despite the lack of goals. Personally, I watched the first half and found it dull and didn't bother with the second and was glad to see that I'd apparently not missed much. Although they've got a draw and are still in the cup, I imagine a replay is the last thing Middlesbrouggh wanted what with league games to be played and at least two more in the UEFA Cup. Fixture congestion anyone? On home soil, I think they'll get through as Charlton's away record is little more than average, but ironically still BETTER than Arsenal!

I caught Sky Sports News this morning as I was changing the bedsheets in the bedroom (we have a roto system and it was my turn, but thanks to How Clean Is Your House, my duvet changing technique has improved drastically!) and what do I hear almost straight away? Match halted in Spain due to crowd trouble! In a week when the Prem partially returned to the bad old days of the 80s, it's good to get a reminder that the likes of Spain and Italy have never actually moved out of the decade of hooliganism! This time it was down to Athletico Madrid fans who were angered by a decisions and delayed the defeat against Seville by 40 MINUTES by throwing objects, including a glass whiskey bottle, onto the pitch. However, it's worth noting also that the home side had THREE players sent off so you wonder whether the players tempers affected the crowd or vice versa. As I've said before, imagine the reaction had it happened on English soil!


Saturday 25th March 2006
Denzel Washington has won two Oscars, 12 years apart, but for which two films?

Reading's only taste of silverware to date was winning the Simon Cup in 1988, but who did they beat in the final?
Merseyside Madness! One thing is for sure. When watching the Merseyside derby as a neutral, you usually finish viewing having been entertained one way or another. Four goals (3-1 to Liverpool), nine yellow cards and two reds in a game that was rarely nasty and at best, petty. That said, great entertainment. The sendings off? Well, Steven Gerrard should have known better than to kick the ball away and then, 35 seconds later, to launch into a tackle on Kevin Kilbane, who to his credit was straight back on his feet, although it wasn't enough to save the Liverpool captain. Andy Van Der Meyde became one of the Prem's quickest red cards as he went six minutes after coming on as sub for elbowing Xabi Alonso and whilst they were going for a high ball, his arm was somewhat higher than need be. Liverpool deserved the win to be fair, however for me the highlight was from commentator Alan Parry, himself a Liverpool fan, who seemed to momentarily lose his impartiality when Phil Neville headed into his own net as he screamed, "Oh what# a brilliant goal!!" Rarely is an own goal called brilliant from a commentator!

Reading Top Dogs. Congrats to Reading who clinched promotion to the Premiership today courtesy of a draw at Leicester and the abject failure of everyone else to win! Okay, of all the clubs that I didn't need to win, Sheffield United sadly did, making us pay for the last three (or four now) games where we simply haven't got the result. Our goalless draw today at home to Stoke leaves us six points behind the Blades and things once again back out of our hands. As before, it seems that those in the play off places are happy to do the gentlemanly thing and help others out as our home draw was the BEST from any play off club! Watford lost at home to Millwall and Palace conceded a late winner at Derby. Preston and Cardiff both `did a Leeds` and drew 0-0 at home whislt Wolves lost at home to Sheffield Wednesday. It leaves this Leeds fan wondering what a win would have done for us, but I guess fans of all the others from places 3 to 8 would be feeling the same.


Sunday 26th March 2006
"I lose my way and it�s not too long before you point it out. I cannot cry because I know that�s weakness in your eyes." (Song Lyric)
Because of You - Kelly Clarkson: Correctly answered by kirstymd

On the opening day of the 77-78 season, Man United won 4-1 at Birmingham, but which future Blues manager scored a hat trick for United that day?
Seven Goal Thriller: Now this was more like Premiership football at it's best! Seven goals, both clubs ahead and then drawn back level and a late, late winner. Yes, Middlesbrough and Bolton did us proud in a game that I almost didn't watch, indeed had it not have been raining in deepest, darkest Somerset, we'd probably have ended up going out somewhere. As it was, the reward was great with two early goals to set the game up, two penalties, one scored (just) and one missed and a little feud near the end that was worth watching aside from the game itself. I had some sympathy for Kevin Davies who didn't seem to realise that Emanuel Pogatetz was as badly injured as he was from his flayling arm and then proceeded to play on when an intended ball out of play fell to his feet! With blood streaming down his face, Pogatetz then lost his rag with the Bolton man and even at the final whistle, a good 8-9 minutes later, had to be restrained from confronting Davies. As a neutral who likes a bit of fire on the field of play, it capped a fine game and the only downside was that I'd have like to have seen Bolton collected the win to keep up theit European battle. Great entertainment though.

500 Up For Neville: On the same weekend as his brother scored a classic own goal, Gary Neville racked up 500 appearances for Man United. Fair play to him. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not his biggest fan but his love and dedication to his club cannot be ingored and to play that many games for one club in this day and age is some achievement. As for the game, it was all over by 4:15pm by which time United were 2-0 up and the only question was to whether they'd top Liverpool's seven in midweek. Ultimately they kept it to three, although I had to smile at the United fans with their "Brucie, Brucie Give us a wave!" chants after the trouble it caused the Birmingham boss at St Andrews. Maybe son Alex should have done as they asked!

In all seriousness and without a word of a lie, I told my wife earlier that I was putting some drying in the machine for an hour. "No, too long," she told me, "Sixty minutes should be fine!" Words failed me...


Monday 27th March 2006
"Isn't it funny how some people go out of their way to help others, when others just fire them?" (Film quote)
Erin Brokovich: Correctly answered by Kirsty

Who are the only two English managers to win one of the three domestic trophies since 92-93?
Brian Little (1996) and Steve McLaren (2004) League Cup winners: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Boss of the weekend, if there was such an award, should surely go to Grimsby chief Russell Slade. Having watching his players put in a nightmare first half display at Lincoln on Saturday, he refused to let them into the dressing room at half time, prefering to give his words of wisdom to his players - 4-0 down at the time - on the pitch! Although they eventually lost 5-0, you can only admire him for being brave enough to do what I'm sure many managers have been tempted to do in the past. He deserves credit simply because if Jose Mourinho had done it, he would be called all the `special ones` under the sun for breaking the mould and being different. Mind you, with some of today's overpaid prima donnas in the Premiership, they'd probably be claiming for an infringement on their human rights if it were done to them!

We had a youngish couple come into the shop early today, aged probably late teens or early 20s and I would guess that they'd either been on the booze all night or popping a few illegal pills! Maybe both. However, the girl came to the counter and asked my collegue if the prawns in our ready made bagettes were edible or if they had to be cooked first. We explained that they were safe to eat as was and that they'd already been cooked. They paid for their stuff and then the chap mentioned that his girlfriend had suffered food poisoning in the past and was wary of food and that she was frightened of getting bird flu from prawns!! It's very rare that we laugh at customers to their faces but the thought of getting bird flu from prawns simply cracked us up!


Tuesday 28th March 2006
"Oh, thinking about all our younger years. There was only you and me, we were young and wild and free." (Song Lyric)
Heaven - Bryan Adams: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Tomasz Kuszczak joined West Brom from which German club, despite not having played a league game for them?
It must be something about the last few minutes of Monday night games. It wasn't long ago that Wigan's Pascal Chimbonda conceded one of the unluckiest own goals of the season to give Man United a narrow win and then last night, poor West Brom keeper, the almost unspellable Tomasz Kuszczak had a nightmare moment as a slighty heavy touch on the ball led to Jermain Defoe charging down his clearance and if that weren't bad enough, the Pole then brought the Spurs man down to concede a late match-losing penalty. It was harsh on the keeper, apart from the fact that he was lucky not to be sent off, and equally harsh on his team who'd matched Spurs throughout and looked likely to hold out for a draw having actually led for over half the game. But that's football I guess and it leaves the relegation dog fight wide open with two from West Brom, Birmingham and Portsmouth looking likely to join Sunderland in the abyss and with the latter pair three points behind the Baggies with a game in hand, it couldn't be much closer.

Wednesday 29th March 2006
"If I hadn't just been sitting in it, I would say that you'd lost your mind!" (Film Quote)
Corpse Bride: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Excluding penalty shot outs, against which team did Patrick Vieira score his last Arsenal goal?
Many Happy Returns Patrick In truth, it could hardly have gone worse for the returning Patrick Vieira as former club Arsenal deservedly beat new club Juventus 2-0 at Highbury. It's worth reminding ourselves that this is the same Juve side that are `doing a Chelsea` in Serie A and leading the table by a mile, yet Arsenal contained them, restricted them to ZERO shots on target and to say that Ibrahimovic and Trezeguet were ineffective up front would be an understatement. Arsenal then produced two excellent goals of their own at the other end whilst not conceding an away goal, which itself is a bonus at any stage of a European two-legged tie. This was Arsenal at their European best as shades of the season when they went unbeaten domestically shone through against a Juve team that didn't know what had hit them after the first goal went in and then, as is traditional with the Latin temperment, lost their heads totally when defeat was inevitable. Two red cards in as many minutes near the end, added to the one for Vieira earlier, means that the Gunners will face a weakened team in Turin next week and will surely go through to the semi's. I know, that's tempting fate, but I can see Arsenal scoring over there, but cannot see Juve netting four which they'll need if the Gunners do score. In fact, on last night's display, you'd be hard pushed to see Juve even winning at home.

Apparently the official England World Cup song will be written and performed by Embrace. Admission hat on to say that I've never heard of them and that their name is probably spelt M*bRaCe or something equally hip, however at the risk of judging something before it's even been heard or released, two burning questions spring to mind. Firstly, anyone would be hard pushed to find something as catchy and memorable as Three Lions and secondly, why do most nations even bother with an `official World Cup song` anyway?


Thursday 30th March 2006
Which comic actor is occasionally credited under the name of Pig Eye Jackson?

Against which nation did Peter Shilton play his last game for England?
Is The Title Race Over? Is it just me that thinks there might still be life in the title race? Man United's 1-0 win over West Ham last night was their seventh on the bounce, leaving them nine points behind Chelsea with a game against the Blues at Stamford Bridge still to come. United are in their best form for donkey's years and it would only need a couple of slips from Chelsea - still in the FA Cup remember - to put things back open again. By my reckoning, Chelsea need another 13 points to guarantee the title and eliminating goal difference as an option and whilst they should get them, there remains a couple of potential slip up games to come. Away at Bolton won't be easy and the aforementioned game at home to Man United will surely be a cracker, although they could have it sewn up by then of course. No, maybe I have my Worzel Gummidge style optimism head on today, but I reckon there is still a few odd twists and turns to come.

The latest two arrivals in our household are a pair of budgies that my wife bought earlier in the week. Ironically we'd only gone to Pets At Home to top up on dog food and walked out with two chirping feather machines. Then came the hard part - naming the creatures - and whilst we came up with a few suggestions between us, none was quite to my wife's high standards, although as an Ian Rankin fan, I thought my idea of Rankin and Rebus was pretty good! Eventually, and completely by accident, I mentioned a couple of names in a seperate conversation and she was hooked. So, with more than a passing nod to Little Britain, we now have two budgies called Lou and Andy!! "Now, are you thsure you want that piece of cuttlefish? Would you rather not look in your little mirror because you like looking in the mirror don't you?" Mind you, they get in a right kerfuffle when they flap!


Friday 31st March 2006
"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 Lyric)
One - U2: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Basel played Liverpool twice in the 2002-3 Champions League, but which other Prem club did the Swiss side face in the second phase?
Three Minute Disaster. Just days after hailing Arsenal's 2-0 win over Juventus, the boot was on the other foot last night as Middlesbrough flopped to a similar defeat away in Switzerland against Basil, well Basel actually but that's how it seems to be pronounced. Although I missed the last twenty minutes due to heavy eyelid syndrome, the match seemed fairly even throughout with the exception of that three minute spell before half time when Basel scored twice, leaving Boro without an away goal and in need of something special in the second leg. Even the first goal was a bit of a freak as the long range shot took a wierd bounce in front of the keeper and leapt about four feet higher than it should have done given the laws of physics. So, can they recover? I think they can, as long as that away goal doesn't go in against them.

Wembley Delay - Again: Another week, another horror story of the new Wembley as today it's announced that no games will be played there until 2007 (at least probably!). Considering that the FA Cup Final this year was due to kick off the new ground, someone somewhere has an awful lot to answer for. I don't follow the behind the scenes battles and politics within the building of the place, but there seems to be faults from all sides, ultimately resulting in something that whilst we will eventually be proud of, at the moment is making us a laughing stock. But the `stadium to be proud of` spiel can only cut the ice for so long surely. I was listening to the news earlier this week and it was mentioned that Beijing is on target for all 31 of their new arenas ready for 2008 and 11 of them have been told to SLOW DOWN work as they'll be ready too early and will need to be staffed ahead of schedule! Chalk and cheese eh.


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