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



Tuesday 1st November 2005
 "I met her in a club down in old Soho. Where you drink champagne and it tastes just like cherry-cola." (Song lyric)
Lola - The Kinks: Correctly answered by kirstymd

Last season, between mid-December and the end of February, Chelsea went ten league games without conceding a goal. Who eventually netted against them to end the remarkable run?
Back to reality after a week in the North West, including a great day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but more of that later this month. For now, it's on with the football, also maintaining a North-West theme..

Hallowe'en Horror: Yes, Aston Villa fell victim to the `old boy returns to haunt former club` curse as Darius Vassell scored two very different goals as his Man City side went fourth after their 3-1 win. The first was as flukey as the second was superb and whilst you can rave about his well controlled volley until the cows come home, the opening goal came courtesy of an almighty balls up between defender and keeper as J.Lloyd Samuel failed to spot that Stuart Taylor had come bombing out of his area and calmly nodded the ball over his head, leaving Vassell with a tap in. City are arguably one of the most improved clubs in the last twelve months, largely due to the arrival of boss Stuart Pearce last season and to make things even better for them, cross-city rivals United are struggling by their standards. Seventh in the league and yet to really catch fire this season (I don't count the 4-1 win against ten man Barnet as a good result!), it certainly is a good time to be a City fan.

Familiar story? Which leads me, rather neatly I thought, to the Red Devils and how they are, once again, in turmoil. Since I last rambled here, United have drawn at home to Spurs and suffered their heaviest defeat in 19 months at the hands of Middlesbrough and even the aforementioned win against Barnet has failed to pacify the doom and gloom merchants. Today's big story is that Roy Keane had a rant about five players on his regular MUTV programme (I don't subscribe I'm afraid) which was then banned from being broadcast by the club! Yes, it's big news because of the players and the club involved and if the same happened at Wigan or Aston Villa, I doubt it would be plastered all across the back pages. Yes, United are going through a rough time by their usual high standards, but we've seen this before and will probably see it again as the next thing to happen is for them to go on an unbeaten run of 20+ games and be right back in the running and it would never surprise me to see them beat Chelsea next Sunday! Not convinced? Okay, how about this? Remember last season when United ended Arsenal's record breaking unbeaten run? Prior to that game, Arsenal were ripping through everyone, whilst United had won three of their first nine games and were sixth! A giant is never more dangerous than when it's wounded.


Wednesday 2nd November 2005
 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone had a different title in the USA with `Philosopher` replaced by which word?
Sorcerer: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Who are the current Olympic football champions?
Real Betis 1 Chelsea 0: They Are Human After All! :Yes, for the first time in six months, Chelsea lost a competitive game as the blue robotic machine came to a juddering halt in Spain. I didn't see the game as I watched Liverpool instead, however by all accounts it was a victory for Betis that was well deserved and partially made up for the hammering Chelsea gave them two weeks ago. Qualification is still within their grasp though, although somewhat ironically, they could do with a favour from Liverpool against Betis next time out where a win for both Prem clubs will put them both through, as it would have done last night. So, is this the start of a `Man United style slump` for Chelsea? I doubt it somehow, although it's likely to make them a little more determined to get a result at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool 3 Anderlecht 0: If ever a game was a home banker, it was this one as Liverpool swept past an Anderlecht side without a goal or point in the CL this season. Yes, this was the European Liverpool at their best rather than the Premiership version that stutters and struggles domestically and they will surely go through with few problems. Whilst it was good to see Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse (he's in my Dream Team!) on the scoresheet, the commentators did seem to be placing a little too much emphasis on Peter Crouch and his lack of goals at Liverpool since joining in the summer. They will come in time I'm sure, but I just had the impression that he may have been trying a little too hard. Still, it's a team game and last night, they certainly showed what they are capable of in European mode.


Thursday 3rd November 2005
 "This ain't a song for the broken-hearted. No silent prayer for the faith-departed. I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd." (Song Lyric)
It's My Life - Bon Jovi: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who is the only manager to have won the Champions League/European Cup three times?
Arsenal `do a Man United`: Arsenal 3 Sparta Prague 0: In recent seasons, Arsenal have stuttering and spluttered their way through the Champions League groups, often leaving things tight. Remember the late Ashley Cole goal a couple of years back that kept them in by the skins of their teeth as an example? This year though, they've followed Man United's usual course and qualified with games to spare after a comfortable win last night. Firstly, I loved Thierry Henry's goal celebration - a mickey take of that penalty miss against Man City, however Robin Van Persie stole the show late on with two goals after coming on as sub. Much like Liverpool, Arsenal cannot quite find form domestically, but in Europe they are a force to be reckoned with. It remains to be seen how they treat their final two group games with qualification guaranteed.

Man United `do an Arsenal`: Lille 1 Man United 0: So much for my prediction that United would come good! I watched the Arsenal game rather than this one, however the reports and the chats with United fans today all point towards the sort of display that would give Roy Keane a severe headache or three. So, rather than strolling into the knock outs, United lie third in the group having failed to score in three of their four games and, for the first time in a while, with a very real possibility of being relegated to the UEFA Cup. In fact, it's not out of the question that they could finish bottom! They've played the `easiest` club both times and failed to score and their only win was courtesy of a very late goal. A home game with Villarreal and a final game in Benfica are not easy at the best of times and you can only imagine the reactions if United fail to qualify. The apparent jeers at the final whistle last night will be paled into insignifiance!


Friday 4th November 2005
 "I spent the last 12 years of my life building rooms like this specifically to keep out people like us." (Film Quote)
Panic Room: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which club, currently NOT in the Prem, have represented England the most times in the Fairs/UEFA Cup?
Bolton and Boro March On: UEFA Cup newcomers Bolton have taken to the competition like a duck to water and are in a strong position to qualify after beating Zenit 1-0 last night. I didn't see the game so have no idea how well or poorly they played, but they do seem to have adapted to the competition well and could be dark horses for the latter stages come next Spring. By Bolton's standards, Middlesbrough are experienced in Europe having done well last season to reach the knock outs and are contining this campaign after walloping Dnipro 3-0. In many ways it was hard watching this as a Leeds fan, partly due to our exploits in Europe not so long ago and partly due to seeing the likes of JFH and, more to the point, Mark Viduka on top form. Still, that's all in the past and it's good to see the Prem clubs doing well against Europe's rejects.

Just over a week ago, we spent the day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach which is the UK's largest FREE theme park. By `free`, I mean that to go in is free, obviously you pay for the rides once inside, either individually or as a daily wristband. We did the latter and having promised my daughter in advance that we'd go on the Irn-Bru Revolution, I could hardly back down. This was one of the world's first ever 360 degree loop rollercoasters and although it only lasts a few seconds, I was somewhat aprehensive as, although coaters fascinate me, riding them is another story. So, having literally been lifted out of my seat as it drops somewhat severely toward the loop, I then struggled with the G-Force involved before doing it all again, but backwards! However, we survived, although I don't know what was worse, the four flights of stairs to get up to the start (I HATE heights so that was no fun!), or the fact that I kept my eyes closed on the ride until I thought the loop was done, only to open them and find myself at the top of the loop staring at the sky!


Saturday 5th November 2005
 "To be brutally honest, I think you have a morbid desire to burn in hell." (Film Quote)
Along Came A Spider: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which FA Cup winning captain of the 70s was briefly manager of Colchester in 1990?
Mick Mills (Ipswich 78): Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Chim, Chimeri: Portsmouth 0 Wigan 2: Okay, who had heard of Pascal Chimbonda before this season? Nope, neither had I, however the Wigan fans had taken to him even before his late winner last week against Fulham and now he did it again today with an opening goal at Portsmouth and then a big assist in the second! Remarkably, Wigan have now won each of their last six league games and remai Chelsea's nearest challengers. Not bad for a club who weren't even in the league 30 years ago. They have an awful run coming up with many of the top clubs playing them over the next five games, however when their confidence is as high as it clearly is, who knows what could happen?

Harry Cool?: Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 2: Aside from Liverpool leaving it late to see off Aston Villa, the main thing that caught my eye was Harry Kewell. No, not his ridiculous hairstyle, although that is quite apparent, but more how he is a pale shadow of the player that we saw at Leeds. Fair enough, he was inconsistant for us, but when he was good, he was special, but a combination of injuries and lack of match fitness has left him, at best, as someone very average. Such a shame.

FA Cup Stories: FA Cup First Round today and the stand out performances came from non-leaguers Burscough who knocked out Gillingham with a 3-2 win, including two late goals as they came from 2-1 down. Equally worthy of a mention are Tamworth who beat Bournemouth 2-1. Close to home are Weymouth - a seaside town around an hour and a bit from us - who went to Nottm Forest (or `dual European Cup Winners Nottm Forest` as Sky's Jeff Stelling kept calling them) and came from behind to draw 1-1. What odds on the replay being live on Sky I wonder? Final mention goes to Colchester who recorded the top score of the day with a 9-1 demolition of Leamington. The rout saw seven different goalscorers for Colchester!


Sunday 6th November 2005
 In 2002, some cinemas in the USA put free `cursed` video tapes on the seats prior to the showing of which film?
The Ring: Correctly answered by Heidi D

When Chelsea lost 1-0 at Man City last season, which player, not now at the club, started up front for them?
Mateja Kezman: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
It would never surprise me to see them beat Chelsea next Sunday! Those were my very words last Tuesday and so it came to pass that, for once, I was right. Billed as the Game Of The Season, it will never be regarded as a classic, however for the final 10-15 minutes or so, it was nailbitingly tense, even for a neutral such as myself who was split between wanting to see United falter again and wanting to see Chelsea slip to open up the league, albeit slightly. The goal was one of those crosses that looked impossible to score from, however Darren Fletcher, who arguably has had to put up with the brunt of the flak being thrown around lately, made the unlikely happen and his looping header dropped in. Apart from a 15-20 minute spell midway through the second half, Chelsea rarely looked like scoring and even late on, there were few United defenders making last ditch tackles or blocks, despite the possession for the visitors. So where now? Well United will be peeved that there's an international break as they'll want to continue the momentum and for different reasons, Chelsea will also rue the WC KO upcoming as they'll want to put matters right. United have perhaps raised the expectation level of the fans again and will know that they'll need a run of decent results to put this game into perspective and that's the hard bit because, as Sir Alex often said, it's also easier to raise your game against the big clubs!


Monday 7th November 2005
 "I know it's gone and there's gonna be violence. I've taken as much as I'm willing to take. But why do you think we should suffer in silence?" (Song Lyric)
Trippin - Robbie Williams: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who are the current FA Youth Cup holders?
Job Security: Interesting stat on one website this morning that stated that this season is the best for ten years as regards top flight managers being sacked or leaving their clubs. So far, all clubs have the same boss that they did back in August - currently 87 days since the start of the season and that's the best record since 95-96 and the third best since the Prem started. It must have been close for a few though. Graeme Souness was on borrowed time but has won his last four now, whilst David Moyes may have been on dicey ground, especially with their early exit from Europe, only for his club to turn things around and are now out of the bottom three. There is a morale to this story. Something about change not always being for the best!

Due to my boss being away, I've been driving around in a hired van for the last week for work purposes, as well as driving my own, considerable smaller car, and I was quite glad to drop it back at the hire premises today. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with it that should make any difference, although the brakes had a tendancy not to work if you pressed it too softly and if you put too much power on the pedal, you were glad for the seat belt to stop you from sailing into the windscreen, but I guess you can say that about most vehicles. Nope, the biggest problem for me was the size. I'm used to driving a smallish car and this van, whilst not the size of a transit, was certainly bigger and parking was often tricky, especially in our road where if you see a space that you MIGHT fit into, then you go for it! Subsequently, last Saturday I managed to squeeze into a gap that my car would sail into, however the van was touch and go and I ended up with the back wheel on the pavement and the front end sticking out into the narrow road! Thankfully the wipers and indictors were on the same sides as my car which ended the possibility of turning the wipers on when you meant to indicate right.


Tuesday 8th November 2005
 "Come away from the fridge. If it falls it'll crush you flat?" (Film Quote)
Lemony Snicket's Series Of Unfortunate Events: Correctly answered by Heidi D

In which European league is there a club named KooTeePee?
Finland: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Footballing Hotbed: It's been quite a good weekend for the North West clubs in the Prem. Obviously Man United beating Chelsea took pride of place, one of the rare occasions that people wanted United to win! Add to that an away win for Wigan that kept them second, a rare away win for Liverpool at Aston Villa and Everton moving out of the bottom three with victory against Middlesbrough and you have a fine collect of results. Last night, Bolton added to the impressive list by going third with a win against Spurs. In fairness, the opening half an hour was purely for insomniacs, but once Kevin Nolan scored an absolute blinder, things got better. Spurs were unlucky with a goal incorrectly disallowed and hitting the woodwork twice, although Bolton also hit the post in the first half. So, is the North West hitting back after a fairly crummy start you wonder? I wouldn't bet against it.

According to the Daily Star today, one of the latest trends among young, `trendy` parents is to name their somewhat unfortunate offspring after brand names! Now, whilst you can understand a boy being called Ryan after his Mum flew with Ryanair, some are not quite as lucky. Some recent boys names include Rivers, Rocky and Moet, whilst the unlucky girls are saddled with Caramel, Bambi, Skylark and Sunshine! I sometimes wonder if these dopy parents stop to think about their kids AFTER they are out of nappies and into school and the potential teasing aspect of it all. That said, it won't stop here as parents try and get their little sprogs to `stand out from the crowd` with more and more unusual names, so how long before a new bouncing baby girl is christened (do they believe in christening I wonder?) Icbinb - I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!!


Wednesday 9th November 2005
 "My declaration of independence. There's no way I'm trading places. Right now a stars in the ascendant." (Song Lyric)
Single - Natasha Bedingfield: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In the 1990 WC Finals, the Republic of Ireland got to the QF's without winning a game! Who then knocked them out?
Italy: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Interesting that Terry Venables has been strongly linked (as opposed to just linked) with the vacant job as boss of the Republic of Ireland. Whether it's correct or not remains to be seen, however I have my doubts that he'll set the world alight if he does take charge. Okay, he led England to the verge of their first final for 30 years during Euro 96, however it has to be said that the group of players there were top quality and England were at home and that any manager worth his salt could have done well with the likes of Shearer and Sheringham in their prime. No, I would look at his record whilst in charge at Elland Road. He spent just nine months at Leeds which started our gradual decline into relegation and whilst he may have been unlucky to take over from David O'Leary, who'd led us to the verge of great things, it still amazes me how a club could turn around so drastically ON and OFF the pitch in such a short space of time. I hope I'm wrong, but if El Tel gets the job for the Irish, they'll be longing for Brian Kerr back. We were spoilt under O'Leary, the Irish were spoilt under Jack Charlton. Neither have seen such great days since.


Thursday 10th November 2005
 Which 80s horror film had one very famous tagline, but had others which included "It Knows What Scares You!" and "The First Real Ghost Story!"
Poltergeist: Correctly answered by Heidi D

Who was the last Scot to manage Rangers before Alex McLeish took the reigns?
Walter Smith: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
I watched the Old Firm CIS cup game on BBC Scotland last night, partly as I'm a bit of a Celtic fan and partly as Celtic v Rangers is always good entertainment and whilst I enjoyed it, especially the result, there just seemed to be something missing. It wasn't to do with the crowd as the atmosphere seemed to be as white hot as ever when the two Glaswegian giants meet, but on the pitch, the crunching tackles and desperate will to win seemed to be lacking, or at least until late on when Rangers began getting frustrated. Maybe it is down to the high number of `outsiders` in both teams or to put another way, the low number of born and bred Scots. Maybe it was down to the pressure on Rangers boss Alex McLeish whose position now looks decidedly dodgy (George Burley for Rangers maybe?). I really don't know, but this didn't seem as energentic and fast as they usually are. Maybe I'm simply getting too picky!


Friday 11th November 2005
 "Time goes by so slowly for those who wait. No time to hesitate. Those who run seem to have all the fun." (Song Lyric)
Hung Up - Madonna: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In the penalty shoot out between England and Argentina during the 1998 World Cup, who was the only Argentine player to miss?
So, it's the big one tomorrow as England take on Argentina in a game that has got history written all over it. Beckham's winner in 2002 that beat the South American's and `erased the memory` (copyright DB7) of 1998 when he was sent off during that epic second round encounter. Going back further, you have Maradona's `hand of God` goal followed five minutes later by one of the best goals of all time and for those old enough, the `1966 clash when Argentina captain Rattin was sent off for continually arguing with the ref, not to mention Sir Alf Ramsey refering to them as `animals`. With all that history, I wonder if that's why everyone seems to think tomorrow's game, ironically to be played in Geneva, will be a classic? I don't think it will be personally. Firstly, it's a friendly with little at stake apart from pride, although granted players on both sides will be looking to make an impression for the respective managers, but it's also on neutral turf and although there probably will be a sizable crowd there, it may not live up to the sort of atmosphere if it were played in either competing nation, or indeed a WC Finals. That said, maybe it's wishful thinking on my part as I'm going to miss most of the game!


Weekend of Sat 12th & Sun 13th November 2005
 "Milking a yak is no picnic, but once you pick out all the hairs it's very nutritious." (Film Quote)
Monsters Inc: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

During the 1978 WC, won on home soil by Argentina, they did actually lose a game early in the tournament, but who beat them?
Argentina 2 England 3: Well, I could hardly have been more wrong could I? Although I only saw the final half an hour, it was a hugely entertaining game and all the more remarkable that it was `only a friendly`. Indeed, even poor old Motty got himself confused when he thought that Michael Owen's equaliser gave him a new record for competitive England goals, before realising that it was not such an encounter. Full credit to England, they never gave up, even when Peter Crouch came on (!!) and from what I saw, full deserved at least an equaliser, with a last minute winner simply rubbing salt into South American wounds. So, the critics will put their knives away for now and start on the `we can win the World Cup` routine, which can work in a negative way as well as a positive one. For now though, England fans can enjoy a considerable scalp and perhaps dream of ending 40 years of nothingness next July.

Scotland 1 USA 1: Okay, I'll be honest. I hardly saw any of this game, partly as the second half clashed with me going back to work, but mainly as the first half clashed with the Weber Cup which I started watching last night. "What's the Weber Cup?" I hear you ask. Well, it's the equivilent of the Ryder Cup but for Ten-Pin Bowling! Yes, the Americans have converged on Barnsley to take on Europe in a game that I've tried myself a few times in the past and am lucky to get as much as a strike in all ten frames. What really struck me though was the friendliness between the two teams with constant congrats and handslapping between rival players on a regular basis which was nice to see. Ironically, we'd arranged to go bowling tomorrow having gone a couple of times on holiday, so I'll prepare myself for aching limbs!


Monday 14th November 2005
 "Beautiful dawn. I'm just chasing time again. Thought I would die a lonely man, in endless night." (Song Lyric)
High - James Blunt: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

What record was set on August 9th 2003 at the games between Luton and Rushden & Diamonds and Bradford v Norwich?
Are Liverpool about to become the next Man United or Chelsea? It's possible after an American billionaire admitted an interest in the club having met with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry. Apparently, Robert Kraft and his company already own clubs in the NFL and MLS and could add Liverpool to the list. Football is now more of a business than a game and with money flooding in from all angles, you wonder how Liverpool would deal with it and whether it would be along the lines of the Glazer take over at Old Trafford or the Russian invasion at Stamford Bridge, where a bottomless pit of cash has been available to try (and succeed) and buy trophies. Will there help toward funding of the new stadium (The Anfield Kraft Stadium!!) and will there be the sort of backlash that Man United fans hurtled towards the Glazer deal? As always, there are more questions than answers.

Whilst in Woolworths in Bristol today, I overheard part of a conversation between a well-spoken elderly lady and her middle-aged niece as they discussed what to buy a young male member of the family for Christmas. The niece mentioned that she believed the lad in question `liked football` and although it seemed obvious that her Aunt would not touch anything football related with a ten-foot barge pole, she picked up a book and mentioned, "In that case, he should enjoy this." Clearly the niece knew better than to disagree and as they walked past us, I happened to spot the book in question in their basket. Yes, little Johnny will receive, from his great Aunt for Christmas....A 2006 Man United annual!! Should be nice if he supports them!


Tuesday 15th November 2005
 "You're about to become a permanent addition to this archaeological find. Who knows? In a thousand years, even you may be worth something." (Film Quote)
Raiders Of The Lost Ark : Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who are the only club to win the FA Cup AND get promoted to the top division in the same season?
You have to hand it to Everton. Not content with being knocked out of Europe twice in one season before we have the first frost of the winter, they've now issued a `hands off` warning to Rangers over any approach for boss David Moyes. Now maybe I've missed something here, but when did Rangers actually sack Alex McLeish? Clearly Everton are covering their bases just in case, but what next you wonder? Are Chelsea ready to do the same with Jose Mourinho if Sir Alex Ferguson finally hangs up his stopwatch? If so, they'd better hurry in case he leaves in the next year or so. I'm awaiting the press conference from Elland Road where the world's media are told that Kevin Blackwell is not leaving, especially for the soon-to-be-vacant post at Arsenal! Okay, so I'm going a bit OTT, but then so are Everton. A classic example of bolting the stable door before the horse has even considered leaving!


Wednesday 16th November 2005
 "I knew I had my mind made up from the very beginning. Catch this opportunity so you and me could feel it. Cos..." (Song Lyric)
Push The Button - Sugababes: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In which country is the 150,000 capacity Rungnado stadium?
North Korea: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
England Out! Losing to a late goal is always tough and more so when the opponents have come from behind. It's worse when the result means something big like qualification to a tournament and when it's to a disputed penalty, then salt is being rubbed into the wounds. Sadly, the whole lot befell England's kids aka the Under 21s last night as they lost to an 86th minute dive, sorry penalty, against their French counterparts, who won 3-2 on aggregate and will play in the Under 21s final tournament next summer. Even as someone who usually doesn't care whether England win or lose, I felt sorry for them last night as they had at least an equal of the game and created a number of great chances. The dive, preceeded by Kieron Richardson going to tackle and then take his foot away, was one to be proud of and I strongly suggest that the French guy involved looks towards Olympic high boards for a second career. But then, these sort of games are all part and parcel of football and hopefully what goes around, comes around. For all the recent talk of England winning the World Cup, it's worth knowing that the up and coming stars are pretty good as well.


Thursday 17th November 2005
 Which ficticious film serial killer was said to be based on three real-life serial killers - Ed Gein, Ted Bundy and Gary Heidnick?
Buffalo Bill (Silence of The Lambs): Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In WC 2002, three nations failed to score any goals. France were one, who were the other pair?
So the 32 finalists for next years World Cup are now confirmed after yesterday saw the final five play off places sorted. Two things pleased me in particular. Firstly Australia going through on penalties at the expence of Uruguay and it will be especially interesting to see how that perennial under-achiever, Harry Kewell, does on the world stage, and secondly, Turkey going out on away goals against Switzerland. Nothing against Turkey really apart from how their fans try and intimidate opponents into surrendering by hurling anything not nailed down onto the pitch - and that's before the game starts - and of course we were again treated to how good losers they are after violence flared among the players following the above game. Isn't it about bloody time UEFA or FIFA dealt with this?? Anyway, with Scotland not qualifying again, I'll `adopt` one of the more unlikely nations as I did four years ago. Back then, I `supported` Senegal and as you may recall, they did pretty well with a win over France (although everyone did that in 2002!) and then getting through to the QFs where they lost on Golden Goals. So, this time around, I'm putting the magic spell on another first timer in the shape of...Ghana!! Why? Well back in the mid 90s, remember Tony Yeboah at Leeds and his constant one man Goal Of The Season contenders? He was Ghanian, so by twisted logic, that's my outside hope for a shock next June.

`Twas a cold one today. Okay, not quite as bad as a Canadian winter or a week in the Arctic Circle, but still chilly enough to freeze car windscreens and warrant the first arrival of the winter of the trademark thermal gloves and Leeds United woolly hat. After a quick ten minute walk to work at 4am, it occurred to me that the traditional LUFC scarf should really have been used as well, but then we learn by mistakes. Thereafter, it's the British way for the world and his wife to tell everyone how cold it is and true to form, a high number of customers took great delight in explaining about the cold with some even telling us the exact temperature! How did they know? Well, it was on the dashboard of the nice, warm, heated car that they've just driven up in! Try walking, then you can explain how cold it is to me!!


Friday 18th November 2005
 Which actor has played the following characters in films. AJ Frost, Jack Ryan, Capt. Rafe McCawley and Matt Murdock?
Ben Affleck: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

After England had hosted Euro 96, which nation paid for an ad in the Times praising the host nation and it's wonderful hospitality?
So it would appear that the bid for England to host the 2018 World Cup is about to take it's first steps with the Government announcing that it will undertake a `feasability study` to find out erm, whether the nation are capable of hosting it I assume. I'm not into politics at all, apart from watching Yes (Prime) Minister on DVD, however whenever they get involved in anything sporting related, I always feel that it'll take four times longer than it should and this isn't a moan at the Labour party in particular, it's a moan at politicians in general. To me, it's simple. We have the stadia, we would surely have the support of the public or at least the football fans anyway, and the infrastucture is good enough for Manchester to host the 2002 Commenwealth Games and for the 2012 Olympics, so it should be good enough for 2018 surely. It's a great opportunity and a once in a lifetime chance for most fans to see the World Cup in their own nation. It would be a shame to see any bid scuppered by red tape.

Whilst waiting for Little Britain last night, we stumbled across a programme on Sky One called The Secret Life Of Suburbia, which concentrated on strange obsessions from members of the public. Some were reasonable enough as regards collecting buses of all shapes and sizes - he was in Guiness as having over 9,000 of them, including at least one which had a road licence, although most were models. Two people did stick out though, one of which was fascinated by roundabouts (as in traffic islands as opposed to fairground types) and had a website on them where people could email and suggest which ones to visit. He also organised an annual pilgrimage for like minded folk where they'd visit a town and look at, and go onto, all the roundabouts! "We did Milton Keynes and Swindon in the past. This year it's Basingstoke!" Great stuff. My favourite though was the chap who surely had something mentally wrong as he lived his life by the clock (yes, don't we all, but not to this extent) and never wasted any of his energy. For example, he always got up at 6:25am and left for work exactly an hour later. If his getting dressed routine took longer than it should, he's have Weetabix for breakfast instead of his usual as it didn't take as long to eat. It gets better! He knows exactly where to stand on the platform for his train so that he is in front of the door and doesn't need to take any steps to the left or right to align hismelf and on the tubes, he has the ticket gates off to a fine art and walks at the exact pace through them so that he doesn't need to stop, speed up, or break his stride in order to put the ticket in and take it out the other side! I guess it takes all sorts.


Saturday 19th November 2005
 "Gold watch, diamond ring, I ain't missing not a single thing. Cufflinks, stick pin, when I step out I'm gonna do you in." (Song Lyric)
Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When Man United came from 3-0 down to win 5-3 at Spurs in September 2001, which one of the 22 starting players also played in the Southampton-Leeds game today?
Neil Sullivan: Correctly answered by Matt Robbins
Comeback of the Season? Lets forget the Prem for a minute and delve into the lower reaches of the leagues, notably where Leeds came from 3-0 down after 70 minutes to win 4-3! There is a Saints season ticket holder that comes into the shop where I work most days and he mentioned today that he was going down to see the game. Jokingly I said that we never do well at Southampton and we'd be three down at half time! How bloody right that turned out to be. Ironically, by the time 4:30pm came around and we were still being well beaten, I'd resigned myself to a heavy defeat and accepted it - and then we scored which was followed by a minute of, "Oh well it's a consolation." Then we scored again with 13 minutes left, "Hey, maybe just maybe..." Six minutes later a penalty pus level and my emotions were totally screwed up with a combination of sheer delight that we were level, sheer optimism that the impossible could happen and sheer dread that after such a comeback, we could still lose it! Within two minutes, I was bouncing around the room like something deranged and as the cat flew out of the catflap, perfering the freezing cold outside to the company of the lunatic inside, both dogs rocketed upstairs with similar feelings! But animals can sense these things can't they!! It's hard to describe those feeling unless you've been there, indeed it happened before with us as we were the first club to come from 3-0 down to win in a Prem game against Derby, although then it was 3-2 at half time. So, all told, very happy tonight and I'll forward to seeing that Saints fan during the week!!

The Prem was fairly routine today with Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool all winning and all scoring three goals. Of them, only Liverpool looked comfortable as Chelsea were level with Newcastle for over half the game and despite taking the lead, United were initially pegged back by Charlton. Arsenal won 3-2 at Wigan in a game that saw all five goals in a remarkable first half and speaking of remarkable, how about West Brom who I've just seen wallop relegation rivals Everton 4-0. For all this, a look at the table shows one very obvious thing at the bottom and that's how Birmingham and Sunderland are suddenly getting adrift of the rest of the clubs. Okay, so Birmingham play on Monday, but as of now, they are four points from safety with Sunderland a further point back and that cannot be good for morale.


Sunday 20th November 2005
 For which 1984 film did Haing S.Ngor become the first Asian actor to win an Oscar for an acting role?
The Killing Fields: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

What record was set - and still stands today - in the game between Crystal Palace and Brighton, played on Easter Monday 1989?
Brighton 2 Crystal Palace 3: This always looked to be a decent game on paper as, although the clubs are almost 50 miles apart, it's classified as a local derby (about as local as Leeds v Middlesbrough really!) and so it proved with Palace twice coming from behind to win in the final minute. It was a shame though as I like Brighton, probably dating back to the 80s when the likes of Peter Ward and Co gave them some great times and memories. They desperately need the move to the new stadium, which has thankfully now been granted and the two and a half years inbetween really cannot pass quickly enough and I only hope that they'll still be in the second tier of the league when they finally move. Of course, the result also brings Palace closer to Leeds so that's another down side!

Middlesbrough 3 Fulham 2: Much like the above game, Boro twice came from behind to beat Fulham in a game that certainly wasn't a local derby and, on paper, hardly jumped out and bit you. However, never judge a book by it's cover and all that as the clubs put on a terrific display of finishing and poor defending! Two incidents stood out though. Firstly, the opening goal from Collins John which they kept comparing to Marco Van Basten v Russia in 1988. Fair enough, but a better comparison was Mark Viduka's strike for Boro at Birmingham earlier this season. Whatever though, it remains a stunning strike from John. Then of course, the second Boro goal and was it/wasn't it offside? I have to agree with the commentators and say that it was offside as, with the keeper out of goal, there was only one defender between Yakubu and the goalline when Hasselbaink shot against him and you can add to the argument that Yakubu was ahead of JFH AND the pass was forward, therefore offside on all counts! But the decision was made and the goal counts and will be debated long and hard, but that's why we love the game so much I guess. Oh, and finally, is it just me who thinks that Fabio Rochemback has been a total waste of money so far?


Monday 21st November 2005
 "What I was thinking was I was going to ask him if he could make me a bit lame in one leg during the middle of the week. You know, something beggable, but not leprosy, which is a pain in the ass to be blunt and excuse my French, sir." (Film Quote)
Life Of Brian: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

In January 2004, which Prem club scored all five of their goals at Leicester in a crazy 18 minutes, second half spell?
With Roy Keane now well and truly out of Old Trafford (the news broke after I'd done the diary on Friday and I didn't hear until late!), the rumour mill is now spinning about where he'll end up. Apparently, half of the Premiership clubs are looking into buying him and this morning, a couple of Italian sides were linked, although both Roma and Juventus have now officially ruled themselves out. My guess would be Celtic as he's always maintained that he would like to play for the Glasgow side, however as boss Gordon Strachan mentioned, he would have to take a pay cut to go to Parkhead. To be fair, this is likely to be the case wherever he ends up as few clubs will pay top wages for a 34-year midfielder whose best days are behind him, although I'll be the first to admit that he's still a class act. If not Celtic, then I wonder if Wigan would be an option? Plenty of money and ambition and, at the moment, flying high in the Prem. And Keane would probably not have to move his family from their current area either. Who knows?


Tuesday 22nd November 2005
 "Life is fine every time, thoughts of you leave my head. I was wrong, now I find just one thing makes me forget." (Song Lyric)
Red Red Wine - UB40: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Who was Birmingham manager before Trevor Francis took over in 1996?
Birmingham F... For some strange reason, once I'd heard that last night's Birmingham v Bolton game had been fogged off, all I could think about was that Likely Lads episode when they try and avoid the score of the England game before watching the highlights, only for one of them to spot a headline that read "England F". They then wonder what the `F` stood for - Flop, Five etc etc. Of course, it was fog in the end! It's a shame though as I was really looking forward to the game for reasons that I cannot put my finger on, yet ultimately we were left which endless shots of silloutes in the mist and a re-run of how the Prem was won last season. But hey, that's football and the great British weather. Imagine the fuss if it had been Portsmouth v Newcastle and the travelling Toon fans were turned away after being on the road for hours!!

So FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested scrapping the playing of National Anthems before internationals to avoid opposing fans jeering through them. I'm sorry, but I don't agree. Yes, the booing is unsavourvey and is something we can do without, however it's far too traditional to scrap them because of that and I daresay it would severly knock the pride of certain (most?) nations should that be the case. Sadly, he makes it sound as though it's a new thing - it's not! Indeed the cynic in me wonders if it's anything to do with the Turkish fans booing the Swiss anthem last week (Blatter is of course Swiss!). Think himself lucky that it's all they did! No, lets keep the anthems and try not to over-react when it happens to your nation, especially when it's been happening to others for yonks!


Wednesday 23rd November 2005
 Which recent animated film had the pre-preduction code title of "Tights"?

Which player - currently not at the club - scored twice for Man United in the Champions League last season?
United Fire Blanks Again - Man United 0 Villarreal 0: No goals in four out of five group games, or if you extent back to last season, no goals in seven out of eight games in Europe! With those stats staring us in the face, Man United can count themselves a little lucky to even be in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. In fairness, they didn't look their usual flowing selves last night and there was never really a time when you felt that the breakthrough was coming. Chances were rare and not clear cut and the only plus point was that the Spaniards look even less like scoring, otherwise their situation could have been worse. So, they need a result in Benfica in two weeks where the scenario is actually quite simple. Win and they go through. Lose and they go out. Draw and they rely on other results. I think they'll pull out all the stops and grab the win they need, but imagine the total uproar if they lose!

Thun 0 Arsenal 1: As they did at Highbury, Arsenal left it late to beat the Swiss outsiders, even with the home side down to ten men for almost an hour. Yes, they rode their luck. Yes the penalty was dodgy and yes, they could have left with their tails between their legs, however the bottom line remains that the Gunners were through even before last night's game and that there are probably a few United fans green with envy over their 100% European record this season.


Thursday 24th November 2005
 "Out on the wiley, windy moors, we'd roll and fall in green. You had a temper, like my jealousy, too hot, too greedy." (Song Lyric)
Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Which is the only city to stage two Champions League/European Cup Final penalty shoot outs?
Double Qualification: Chelsea's win at goalless and pointless Anderlecht coupled with Liverpool 0-0 draw at home to Real Betis gave both Prem clubs a route into the knock out stages, leaving Man United as the sole English club who are yet to go through. I watched the Liverpool game (you'd bet on that as it ended goalless!) and it again became a little too obvious that the players were almost going out of their way to set up Peter Crouch to open his Anfield account. Again, he was a little unlucky on a few occasions, yet at least once he should scored. It's sods law really that chances are faling to him and, more to the point, they are not being taken, however he can take solice in the fact that his overall performance was terrific and that he had a standing ovation when he was subbed. So, the final group game between Chelsea and lIverpool is for pride and position only, however with the likes of Barcelona certain to wintheir group, whilst Real Madrid look likely to finish second in theirs, the knock out stages are sure to serve up some potentially cracking encounters.


Friday 25th November 2005
 "Sometimes the most real things in this world are the things we can't see." (Film Quote)
The Polar Express: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Following the change of name from Fairs Cup to UEFA Cup, English sides won the trophy for the first two years. Which was the first non-English club to win it, beating Spurs in 1974?
Boro Qualify, Bolton Nearly There: If some of the CL groups take a lot of working out, then they are childs play compared to the UEFA Cup group stages which remain a hellish concoction of a warped mind. Subsequently, Middlesbrough are through with two more matchdays (but only one more game!) to go, even though they could quite easily drop to third by the time every club has played their quota. Bolton need a win I believe in their final game to confirm a route into the very straight-forward knock out stages, but again, but the time the next set of games are resolved, they could be third with one match still to go. The problem is the uneven spread of games with one club having a `free week` in each matchday. So whereas usually in the CL you can see at a glance how many maximum points each team could get, with this you also need to check games played! And to think a few years ago there was talk of some European or World Superleague! If it happens, doubtless there will be seven or nine clubs in each `division`!


Saturday 26th November 2005
 "Well here we go again, living in a world that others cannot share. Yea here we go again, we are moving from a spark to a flame." (Song Lyric)
High On Emotion - Chris De Burgh: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Portsmouth's record transfer fee received was �4.5m and came in 2002, but for which player?
Peter Crouch (since beaten by Yakuku) With thanks for info and answer to Matt Robbins
Business As Usual: A rather uneventful day in the top flight toady with things going pretty much to plan. Arsenal beating Blackburn 3-0 at Highbury was par for the course and bottom club Sunderland losing at home, albeit to second bottom Birmingham, probably didn't surprise many people either. Charlton lost again, this time at Villa, as they once again falter after a start to be proud of and whilst Man City hosting Liverpool was a tricky one to call, the visitors recent good form continued with a 1-0 win. Wigan are beginning to be grateful for their early accumulation of points with a second successive home defeat against North London clubs, Spurs winning 2-1 this time, whilst finally Chelsea shocked no-one with another steady display, beating managerless Portsmouth comfortable at Fratton Park. The fans gave Joe Cole some stick for `diving`, however the penalty was correctly awarded as Stefanovic caught his standing foot. No shocks, no surprises and no dramatic recoveries. Maybe tomorrow's games will be different.

Leeds Late Show - Again: Another Saturday, another late win for Leeds. After last weekend's drama when we netted four in 15 minutes to win 4-3, it was left to a Millwall defender to do the work for us this time around with a stoppage time own goal, which was ultimately the only goal of the game. Okay, it could be called lucky, but at 0-0 in added on time, you'll take anything, especially away to the bottom club, and wouldn't complain if it went in off of the goalkeepers rear end. I wonder if it's time to even consider promotion or the play offs, or maybe that would put the kiss of death on things.


Sunday 27th November 2005
 Which 70s horror movie was filmed almost entirely inside the Monroeville Mall in America?
Dawn Of The Dead: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Man United managed to score more than four goals in just one league match last season. Which club were on the receiving end?
Due to working all morning and being in Bristol all afternoon, I only caught the closing seconds of the West Ham v Man United game and missed all the others, so I can't really comment on the matches themselves. Indeed, my original plan to tape both the above game and thge previous Everton-Newcastle clash and then watch `as live` when I got home took a slight knock when it occured to me that I'd forgotten to record them on Sky Plus...just as I was stuck in traffic on the outskirts of Bristol! So, in short...

The crisis at Man United continues as they won again, this time having been a goal down, and moved into second place. If things are really that bad, then most clubs would welcome such a crisis. It's a classic example of when the going get tough and we've seen it time and time again under Sir Fergie's reign that United are seldom harder to beat when the weight of the world is on their collective shoulders. That said, it'll all count for nothing if they lose in Benfica.

Apart from United going second, the most notable move was Everton leaving the bottom three and dumping managerless Portsmouth in there. Their win over Newcastle was only their fourth of the season and saw them score their fifth goal in 13 games! However, the way that Portsmouth are going at present then even Sunderland would believe they still have a chance.


Monday 28th November 2005
 "How can it be that we can say so much without words? Bless you and bless me. Bless the bees and the birds." (Song Lyric)
It Must Be Love - Madness: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

Rangers won the league in the final minutes of last season, however which team did Celtic concede two late goals to and allow Rangers to capitalize?
With it being a fairly quiet day as regards news from the football world, it's worth a quick delve into Scotland where things are not going quite to plan. The top four places are occupied by the big four from Glasgow and Edinburgh, however whilst Celtic are top, it's only in the last couple of weeks that they've taken over from Hearts, who seem to be struggling to cope with ex-boss George Burley parting company with the club and way down in fourth, a massive 15 points behind Celtic, are current Champions Rangers! I was amazed to hear on the news today that their recent run of no wins in eight league games is the worst since the Scottish league began in 1890-91 - a full 115 years!! I would hazard a guess that it's only the chance of qualifying from the CL that has kept boss Alex McLeish in a job, although as he says, any new boss would also struggle to get results given the squad and injuries currently at the club. So, is this the end of the Celtic-Rangers monopoly in Scotland? I somehow doubt it, however if the above stat isn't eye-opening enough, how about this. As I mentioned, the difference between Rangers and top spot is 15 points. Exactly the same as the difference between them and BOTTOM CLUB Livingston!


Tuesday 29th November 2005
 Which actor has played characters called John Smith, Joe Black and Rusty Ryan?
Brad Pitt: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

George Best played his last game for Northern Ireland in 1978, but against which European nation?
It's a nice move from Man United to consider `retiring` the number seven shirt in memory of George Best. It's in a couple of today's papers so it must be true, yet it's not a move that is done very often in football. I believe that West Ham did the same with Bobby Moore's number six shirt when he died in 1993, yet I cannot recall it being done much besides, especially from a top flight club. It seems to be more on an American tradition as I've heard of it happening in baseball and American Football (the one with the Joan Collins shoulder pads) so just for once, maybe we should follow the example of those over the pond.

They don't mess around in rugby union do they? I don't follow the game that closely, however at the weekend, Lewis Moody became the first England player ever to be sent off at Twickenham for having a punch up with a Samoan opponent. In football, they'd get an automatic x-match ban and that would probably be it, however in rugby, just two days later, Moody receives a NINE WEEK ban from all rugby! Wow! Having seen the incident, it was a bit OTT, however no worse than I've seen before on odd occasions, yet the punishment is swift, decisive and extreme enough to make players think before losing their rags in the future. I wonder if this sort of justice would work in football? Somehow I doubt it and even if we did, there would be appeals and sub-appeals and so on and so forth and reductions in the original sentance etc etc. Oh, and the human rights brigade would probably have their say on the subject as well!


Wednesday 30th November 2005
 "Her face is a map of the world, is a map of the world. You can see she's a beautiful girl, she's a beautiful girl." (Song Lyric)
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd

When the league cup final was played over two legs, Aston Villa lost their first leg 2-0, before clinching the trophy with a 3-0 second leg win, but who did they beat on aggregate?
Rotherham: Correctly answered by Helen Lloyd
These days, shock results in either league or cup come around quite regularly and whilst they may not be two-a-penny, the quality between the clubs is being reduced when you take the big few out of the equation. Therefore it was no great surprise to see Aston Villa dumped out of the Carling Cup by Doncaster last night. The real surprise came from how comprehensive the victory was! 3-0 looks pretty emphatic on paper and that's exactly what it was. I can't recall a Villa shot on target and although they had a few close efforts at goal and plenty of possession, for the most part Doncaster didn't look two leagues below their Premiership counterparts. Okay, the penalty could have gone either way in so much that some officials would have given it whilst others wouldn't, but that's football and it's the way the proverbial cookie crumbles. So, having got shot of Man City and Aston Villa, who will be next in the Donny firing line. The chairman wanted Man United last night and assuming they beat West Brom tonight, they've as good a chance of meeting them as any others.


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