OK, i'm signed in, it's late, am a little bit pissed from a trip round a few Conwy public houses (more stories attached, i'll divulge them shortly!), but... I had to log on and tap in about Wrexhams new boss, Brian Little.
I was fortunate enough to get into Wrexham FCs Centenary Club last night to hear the open-forum/discussion with the new manager. This is a regular, 2/3 times a season opportunity,the fans get to chat and question the manager of the club; this was Little's 1st. He spoke at great length about his background as a player and as a manager, this guy is seriously experienced in the football world - and seriously could talk all night long about it! It seems almost fate that he and Brian Carey are working together at Wrexham: Little bought and managed Carey at Leicester, the two seem to be a good match-up. He seemed to have genuine ambition with Wrexham FC, I hope he's not just putting himself in the shop window at Wrexham - but his talk persuaded me he isn't!
What I did find very interesting was his method of team selection prior to his first game, and this wasn't just any old 1st game, but notorious fierce derby, and current high-up-the-table: Chester City FC. His selection and management process was thus: "I will not look at previous team sheets (a stressed no no! and I believe he didnt!), I will watch the lads all week in training, watch the international call-ups "who clearly must have something about them" (Steve Evans, Neil Taylor and Marc Williams) on their return in training and select a team based on training efforts and abilities in the 10 days between taking charge and the 1st game".
This resulted in a fantastic team selection against Chester. As a fan of defensive systems and players myself; seeing Steve Evans, Richie Hope, Shaun Pejic, Neil Taylor and Wes Baynes run out I was delighted... except for my question of, who's he? (Wes Baynes). I'd seen a few pre-season reserve games, and hadn't noted Wes Baynes! But, he was a player who had obviously impressed Little. This was a player from the youth system and a reserve regular, he was given his debut in the 1st team under Littles 1st game in perhaps the biggest derby, he'd not even figured as a sub previous to last Sunday! Testament to Little's selection process.
A question from the floor of "What do you make of the drinking culture amongst players around the town?" - a question which definitely took Little by surprise (thankfully!), and one he said he would ask the question about and "get to the bottom of, if there is any truth in the allegation".
Can I just say too - Neil Taylor, who i do seem to go on about far too much, was fantastic last Sunday running the left-back position, and out-pacing any winger/striker and putting in his now (for me) trademark "hard sliding tackle".
Will I regret this post of bigging up Brian Little and the seemingly re-juvinated Wrexham FC, after an away defeat tomorrow afternoon to Rochdale, probably not! Little came across as, and I beleive is, a genuine bloke with a genuine ambition with Wrexham at heart. Please prove me right, and again, mid-table anonymity this season = great strives forward!
Singing off, bit pissed.
30 November, 2007
27 November, 2007
Long Weekend Part I - (A New) Hope
I woke up last Saturday, about 8am, knowing it would be around 36 hours before I get back into a bed. An action-packed weekend was planned. First, to Mold market to pickup a few 'classic' market buys, you know; cheap size D batteries, a Thermos, a torch which might last a night and a beanie hat and some cheap probably out of date crisps and snacks and what-not, all in preparation for the night ahead.
But it was still only early afternoon, so how would I wile away the hours before dark? Check the local football action in the Flintshire Chronicle in WHSmith of course. The nearest action to my location was at Hope Sports Centre, where Castell Alun Colts FC (Hope) were in a top of the table clash with Mold Alexandra. I'd not seen "The Alex" in my time in the locality, and as this league is a feeder league to the Cymru Alliance (Conwy's league), that was my game of choice. I park up at Hope Sports/Leisure Centre, also twinned with the high school in Hope, Ysgol Castell Alun, I amble over to the pitch with the activity of players and a few spectators. I presume the school and football club is in someway named after the looming ruins of Caergwrle castle overlooking the village.
Whilst making this amble over to pitchside, dodging puddles and trying not to slide on the mud, an old man with moustache, hearing aid, wearing a light brown trenchcoat and donning a trilby hat and carrying a stack of perhaps 100 paper cups, caught me up in the mud (I was wearing slippy shoes, he was in boots, ok). I asked "Is this where The Alex are playing today?" as he passed me, "Yes" he replied slightly excited, and immediately suspected 'I wasn't from around here' by asking "Where have you come from today?"... we quickly descended into a full-on football conversation.
Turns out he is the founder of Castell Alun Colts FC, "I set this club up in 1972" he exclaims as we approach the 'roped off' pitch. Imagine your old school football pitch with a lame rope around it propped up by iron pegs... "We have to be called Castell Alun, as the school demanded it - if we are to use their pitch and facilities, we were to use their name also". Fairly harsh. "We have to put this pathetic rope around the pitch too, we're not allowed to put fixed railings around the pitch, because of health and safety!".
Within 1 minute of chatting to him about the Clwyd / Flintshire / Wrexham lower league setup (of which his team was flying high in the areas Premier League), he told me how Castell Alun have won this league twice in the last 10 years, but on both occassions had to forfeit promotion because the schools refusal to line the pitch with railings (a basic requirement of Cymru Alliance clubs). If they win the league again this season, he said that he'll be moving the club away from the school. From a distance he proudly introduced me to the coaching staff and players, pointing out the manager used to be a member of the Wrexham FC coaching staff until recently, and a few of his teenage 'stars' he asked me to keep an eye on. He disappeared into the gaggle of coaches players and avid (perhaps 40) fans; he was something of a local character, that was obvious.
I was wanting Castell Alun FC to turn Mold over before the game had begun following the conversation with their founder. It took 2 minutes for Mold to get ahead. Full match report here (which confirms an attendance of "38", nice!). It was seriously windy, seriously cold pitchside, and no refreshments in miles... But half-time brought up a slightly embaressing situation, the raffle. The founder, who i'd spoke to at length was the one walking around selling the raffle tickets at half-time, i'm sure he banked on my contribution, i had 45p in my pocket, and knew it wouldn't be enough, so I slipped and slid back over to the car park and re-emerged for the second half - well, it was cold! The game finished 1-2 to Mold, good stuff, i'd be back somewhen (and will buy two raffle tickets next time).
Night was drawing in. I leave the village of Hope and head towards Wrexham...
But it was still only early afternoon, so how would I wile away the hours before dark? Check the local football action in the Flintshire Chronicle in WHSmith of course. The nearest action to my location was at Hope Sports Centre, where Castell Alun Colts FC (Hope) were in a top of the table clash with Mold Alexandra. I'd not seen "The Alex" in my time in the locality, and as this league is a feeder league to the Cymru Alliance (Conwy's league), that was my game of choice. I park up at Hope Sports/Leisure Centre, also twinned with the high school in Hope, Ysgol Castell Alun, I amble over to the pitch with the activity of players and a few spectators. I presume the school and football club is in someway named after the looming ruins of Caergwrle castle overlooking the village.Whilst making this amble over to pitchside, dodging puddles and trying not to slide on the mud, an old man with moustache, hearing aid, wearing a light brown trenchcoat and donning a trilby hat and carrying a stack of perhaps 100 paper cups, caught me up in the mud (I was wearing slippy shoes, he was in boots, ok). I asked "Is this where The Alex are playing today?" as he passed me, "Yes" he replied slightly excited, and immediately suspected 'I wasn't from around here' by asking "Where have you come from today?"... we quickly descended into a full-on football conversation.
Turns out he is the founder of Castell Alun Colts FC, "I set this club up in 1972" he exclaims as we approach the 'roped off' pitch. Imagine your old school football pitch with a lame rope around it propped up by iron pegs... "We have to be called Castell Alun, as the school demanded it - if we are to use their pitch and facilities, we were to use their name also". Fairly harsh. "We have to put this pathetic rope around the pitch too, we're not allowed to put fixed railings around the pitch, because of health and safety!".
Within 1 minute of chatting to him about the Clwyd / Flintshire / Wrexham lower league setup (of which his team was flying high in the areas Premier League), he told me how Castell Alun have won this league twice in the last 10 years, but on both occassions had to forfeit promotion because the schools refusal to line the pitch with railings (a basic requirement of Cymru Alliance clubs). If they win the league again this season, he said that he'll be moving the club away from the school. From a distance he proudly introduced me to the coaching staff and players, pointing out the manager used to be a member of the Wrexham FC coaching staff until recently, and a few of his teenage 'stars' he asked me to keep an eye on. He disappeared into the gaggle of coaches players and avid (perhaps 40) fans; he was something of a local character, that was obvious.
I was wanting Castell Alun FC to turn Mold over before the game had begun following the conversation with their founder. It took 2 minutes for Mold to get ahead. Full match report here (which confirms an attendance of "38", nice!). It was seriously windy, seriously cold pitchside, and no refreshments in miles... But half-time brought up a slightly embaressing situation, the raffle. The founder, who i'd spoke to at length was the one walking around selling the raffle tickets at half-time, i'm sure he banked on my contribution, i had 45p in my pocket, and knew it wouldn't be enough, so I slipped and slid back over to the car park and re-emerged for the second half - well, it was cold! The game finished 1-2 to Mold, good stuff, i'd be back somewhen (and will buy two raffle tickets next time).
Night was drawing in. I leave the village of Hope and head towards Wrexham...
22 November, 2007
Wales didn't qualify, but!
Positive about the future. Last night, Wales get a 0-0 draw, away, against "football superpower" Germany, in an international qualifier. Made all the more remarkable with the players fit and available to Wales: Hennessey, Ricketts, Gabbidon, Collins, Nyatanga, Gunter, Fletcher, Davies, Edwards, Ledley, Earnshaw (Easter 55). 6 eligible for the Wales U21team - who in the last week have beaten France (a country with a youth policy second to none) 4-2 in Cardiff, and Bosnia 4-0 in Wrexham and on course for qualifying for the U21 Euros - weldone Brian Flynn and the Welsh FA. This 'was' a match the Germans wanted to win, fielding a strong side to finish their group topping campaign with a win (Miroslav Klose, World Cup golden boot winner anybody?), the boo's from the stands testament to Wales' performance. So I thought i'd tune into BBC Five Lives 606 phone-in...
It seemed another game was melting the 606 phonelines... I saw the last 25 minutes of this England game, i saw Crouch's goal to bring them level, and my first thought was "Fuck! The summer brigade of quasi-England fans with St George flags wedged in their car windows will be in a North Wales town near me" - you know, the ones which look like an ambassador is visiting, except when on a mid-range family saloon. So when sub Petric wrapped his left peg round the Croatian 3rd, the relief was immense... I then began to look closer at everything, McClaren continued to be silent, supping mainly on a bottle of water wedged into the dug-out with "Big Tel", it then cuts to Bilic stomping every inch of the Wembley technical area screaming orders, hand gesturing orders to every player, he was still on the attack - in a 'doesnt matter' game for them, they could have rolled over and lit up an Havana cigar. Where was England's "we'll shed blood for a point, what ever it takes" attitude from the players? It had all but gone, and only Motson was on hand to gee up the England fans watching on TV with a 91st minute corner "PLEASE let Beckham take it, please!", sounding as pathetic as his comment less than 60 seconds later informing us "Andorra still only trail by a goal to nil against Russia"... final whistle, cut to Ian Wright, who definitely wasn't feelin' like chicken tonight. Simply brilliant TV!
The 606 phone-in consisted mainly of: McClaren out, ban all foreigners ever from the Premier League, where was the passion?, re-vamp football in school PE lessons, and of course McClaren out some more. Download the podcast and frankly, have a bloody good gut-laugh! Wales barely got a mention, but it just didn't matter, with the future of talent I saw at the U21 match at the Racecourse last Saturday night, Tuesdays U21 win over France, and last nights full international v Germany - our time will come. Cadwch y fydd!
It seemed another game was melting the 606 phonelines... I saw the last 25 minutes of this England game, i saw Crouch's goal to bring them level, and my first thought was "Fuck! The summer brigade of quasi-England fans with St George flags wedged in their car windows will be in a North Wales town near me" - you know, the ones which look like an ambassador is visiting, except when on a mid-range family saloon. So when sub Petric wrapped his left peg round the Croatian 3rd, the relief was immense... I then began to look closer at everything, McClaren continued to be silent, supping mainly on a bottle of water wedged into the dug-out with "Big Tel", it then cuts to Bilic stomping every inch of the Wembley technical area screaming orders, hand gesturing orders to every player, he was still on the attack - in a 'doesnt matter' game for them, they could have rolled over and lit up an Havana cigar. Where was England's "we'll shed blood for a point, what ever it takes" attitude from the players? It had all but gone, and only Motson was on hand to gee up the England fans watching on TV with a 91st minute corner "PLEASE let Beckham take it, please!", sounding as pathetic as his comment less than 60 seconds later informing us "Andorra still only trail by a goal to nil against Russia"... final whistle, cut to Ian Wright, who definitely wasn't feelin' like chicken tonight. Simply brilliant TV!
The 606 phone-in consisted mainly of: McClaren out, ban all foreigners ever from the Premier League, where was the passion?, re-vamp football in school PE lessons, and of course McClaren out some more. Download the podcast and frankly, have a bloody good gut-laugh! Wales barely got a mention, but it just didn't matter, with the future of talent I saw at the U21 match at the Racecourse last Saturday night, Tuesdays U21 win over France, and last nights full international v Germany - our time will come. Cadwch y fydd!
21 November, 2007
Stereophonics - Cardiff International Arena 20.11.07
I've somehow managed to see Stereophonics play live four times. Not bad for a band I'm not that bothered about. It's quite sad really when you consider there are probably fanatical Stereophonic fans out there who haven't seen them as many times as me. I'm not sure where my indifference stems from. It's not that I dislike them, I've just never felt like buying one of their albums. When they first arrived on the scene I was pretty interested in them. I saw them at V97 in Leeds, bottom of the bill but newly signed to the V2 record label. Off the back of the performance I bought 'More Life in a Tramps Vest' and then 'Traffic' on CD single. I didn't go on to buy anything else, I think the reason purely being because there was so much else going on in music at the time. Heavyweight releases like 'Urban Hymns', 'The Fat of the Land' and 'OK Computer' all came out within a couple of months of their debut album 'Word Gets Around'. You also need to remember they released it the week after the monstrously over hyped but lovably flawed Oasis album 'Be Here Now'. Anyone who can remember the coverage of that album release will understand how the Stereophonics could have been overlooked by myself during the summer of 97. It was crazy, everyone bought a copy of 'Be Here Now'. Had Princess Di died a week earlier it would have been the second story on the news after the release of 'Be Here Now'. It was HUGE!!!
Anyway I'm wandering off the subject. I think they're a far better band since getting rid of drummer Stuart Cable. It was a cruel thing to do to the guy but a shrewd move nonetheless. I'm sure Cable is a good guy, I'm positive he is, but when he started doing the presenting on BBC 2W the band undeniably lost credibility. You could imagine lead singer Kelly Jones sat at home watching Stuart Cable interviewing Max Boyce and thinking "He's got to go". Replacement Javier Weyler has done a good job since coming in. He seems a better drummer and he gives the band a different sexed up image. During the gig last night he whipped off his top much to the approval of the female members of the audience. Compare that to the curly mop hair do and googly eyes combo of Cable.
The gig was really enjoyable. The didn't shy away from playing their singles like some more pretentious act do. There isn't really anything pretentious about them at all and this accessibility attracts a wide audience. There were people of all ages, shapes and sizes in the crowd last night. Noticeably a lot of children which is great for them. This is one of the perks of living in a city. Growing up in North Wales meant we'd have to go off to Manchester or Liverpool if we wanted to see a gig and then we'd have to sleep in Manchester Piccadilly or Lime Street after missing the last train home. It was the third night in a row at the CIA so I was impressed to see the amount of effort the band put into the gig. Highlight of the night for me was 'Roll Up and Shine', my favourite track from 'Performance and Cocktails'. In fact I was quite surprised at how many albums tracks I recognised. With CDs being so cheap at the moment maybe it's time I bought their albums.
The only downside of last night was the £3.70 fee for a can of Carlsberg and the fact I missed the Under 21s game between Wales and France at Ninian Park. A magnificent 4-2 victory puts Wales on course for qualifying for the tournament in Sweden in 2009. Fair play lads, keep it up and I might be heading to Scandinavia in the summer of 2009!
Anyway I'm wandering off the subject. I think they're a far better band since getting rid of drummer Stuart Cable. It was a cruel thing to do to the guy but a shrewd move nonetheless. I'm sure Cable is a good guy, I'm positive he is, but when he started doing the presenting on BBC 2W the band undeniably lost credibility. You could imagine lead singer Kelly Jones sat at home watching Stuart Cable interviewing Max Boyce and thinking "He's got to go". Replacement Javier Weyler has done a good job since coming in. He seems a better drummer and he gives the band a different sexed up image. During the gig last night he whipped off his top much to the approval of the female members of the audience. Compare that to the curly mop hair do and googly eyes combo of Cable.
The gig was really enjoyable. The didn't shy away from playing their singles like some more pretentious act do. There isn't really anything pretentious about them at all and this accessibility attracts a wide audience. There were people of all ages, shapes and sizes in the crowd last night. Noticeably a lot of children which is great for them. This is one of the perks of living in a city. Growing up in North Wales meant we'd have to go off to Manchester or Liverpool if we wanted to see a gig and then we'd have to sleep in Manchester Piccadilly or Lime Street after missing the last train home. It was the third night in a row at the CIA so I was impressed to see the amount of effort the band put into the gig. Highlight of the night for me was 'Roll Up and Shine', my favourite track from 'Performance and Cocktails'. In fact I was quite surprised at how many albums tracks I recognised. With CDs being so cheap at the moment maybe it's time I bought their albums.
The only downside of last night was the £3.70 fee for a can of Carlsberg and the fact I missed the Under 21s game between Wales and France at Ninian Park. A magnificent 4-2 victory puts Wales on course for qualifying for the tournament in Sweden in 2009. Fair play lads, keep it up and I might be heading to Scandinavia in the summer of 2009!
19 November, 2007
Luck of the Irish - Wales v Republic of Ireland 17.11.07
As the final Euro 2008 qualifier in Cardiff came to an end on Saturday evening the sense of relief provided by Jason Koumas and his dramatic late penalty obscured the usual feeling of disappointment that comes at the end of a campaign. The Irish fans, who were fantastic throughout, were finally silenced and for around five minutes the Millennium Stadium held the sort of atmosphere I would love to see at all of our home games. I sat in the North Stand for a change and it was miles better than where I usually buy tickets for. It was mostly made up of adults who were up for a sing song but all very good natured. And best of all it's the cheapest seating area! Had a great night in Cardiff afterwards. Got talking to some top Irish fans about the match in Hard Rock Cafe, I went round each one asking who they wanted as their next manager and why like I was interviewing them for Football Focus!!!
Under circumstances I don't think Wales could have done much better on Saturday. The loss of Bellamy and Bale were hard enough to cover but to lose Earnshaw and Nyatanga so close to kick off would have given Toshack a headache. Starting with both Earley and Gunter could have blown up in his face but they pulled it off. I thought tactically things went well enough and we took the forced substitution of Carl Robinson in our stride. In fact one of the main plus points for me was the introduction of Dave Edwards. He made a few mistakes, which is to be expect on his first cap, but he looked hungry. I know I'm getting well ahead of myself here but after ten minutes I was thinking we have to start with him against Germany! We're amazingly short on midfielders and with the promising batch in the Under 21s far off maturity you have to at least consider giving Edwards a chance in the friendly against Norway in February. Chris Gunter also looked confident in both the left and right back positions and wasn't scared of going forward when needed. You could perhaps criticise Toshack for bringing on Easter before Cotterill. I couldn't really understand that one, Easter obviously had a great season last year but he's hardly kicked a ball this one. Problem is as well he's never really looked like scoring in the games he's played for Wales. Hopefully he can prove himself at a higher level while on loan at Plymouth and keep his place as the fourth choice striker.
Jason Koumas showed why he will always be in the starting eleven for Wales. He can at times seem so disinterested during a game but then pop up just when you need him. His header of Saturday was a peach and it showed his versatility when it comes to goal scoring. He was a constant threat against Ireland forcing a couple of good saves from long distance. As many Welsh fans predicted he picked up another yellow card which stops him from playing in Germany. Koumas has a poor attendance record for Wales away games and this has led to rumours beginning to circulate about him having a Dennis Bergkamp style fear of flying. This would explain a lot about his international career but I believe if he came out and admitted to having a phobia most Welsh fans would be sympathetic and get off his back. Best working something out with him than losing him completely. That said it could be a load of rubbish and Koumas just might prefer spending the odd international break at home with his missus.
Anyway onto to Germany for the last one minus most of our first choice team. You would have to say a thrashing is on the cards but don't worry Welsh fans check out this conspiracy about Wednesdays match put forward on the Sporting Life website-
Germany, it has been suggested, might not want to win the group now because it would make them one of the four top seeds. That would see them alongside hosts Austria, Switzerland and holders Greece.
If Germany contrive to finish second on Wednesday, they would then give themselves the chance of meeting one of those three decidedly weak sides in next summer's finals, rather than being forced to avoid them by the seeding.
First the JFK assassination and now this! I just don't know who to trust anymore!
Under circumstances I don't think Wales could have done much better on Saturday. The loss of Bellamy and Bale were hard enough to cover but to lose Earnshaw and Nyatanga so close to kick off would have given Toshack a headache. Starting with both Earley and Gunter could have blown up in his face but they pulled it off. I thought tactically things went well enough and we took the forced substitution of Carl Robinson in our stride. In fact one of the main plus points for me was the introduction of Dave Edwards. He made a few mistakes, which is to be expect on his first cap, but he looked hungry. I know I'm getting well ahead of myself here but after ten minutes I was thinking we have to start with him against Germany! We're amazingly short on midfielders and with the promising batch in the Under 21s far off maturity you have to at least consider giving Edwards a chance in the friendly against Norway in February. Chris Gunter also looked confident in both the left and right back positions and wasn't scared of going forward when needed. You could perhaps criticise Toshack for bringing on Easter before Cotterill. I couldn't really understand that one, Easter obviously had a great season last year but he's hardly kicked a ball this one. Problem is as well he's never really looked like scoring in the games he's played for Wales. Hopefully he can prove himself at a higher level while on loan at Plymouth and keep his place as the fourth choice striker.
Jason Koumas showed why he will always be in the starting eleven for Wales. He can at times seem so disinterested during a game but then pop up just when you need him. His header of Saturday was a peach and it showed his versatility when it comes to goal scoring. He was a constant threat against Ireland forcing a couple of good saves from long distance. As many Welsh fans predicted he picked up another yellow card which stops him from playing in Germany. Koumas has a poor attendance record for Wales away games and this has led to rumours beginning to circulate about him having a Dennis Bergkamp style fear of flying. This would explain a lot about his international career but I believe if he came out and admitted to having a phobia most Welsh fans would be sympathetic and get off his back. Best working something out with him than losing him completely. That said it could be a load of rubbish and Koumas just might prefer spending the odd international break at home with his missus.
Anyway onto to Germany for the last one minus most of our first choice team. You would have to say a thrashing is on the cards but don't worry Welsh fans check out this conspiracy about Wednesdays match put forward on the Sporting Life website-
Germany, it has been suggested, might not want to win the group now because it would make them one of the four top seeds. That would see them alongside hosts Austria, Switzerland and holders Greece.
If Germany contrive to finish second on Wednesday, they would then give themselves the chance of meeting one of those three decidedly weak sides in next summer's finals, rather than being forced to avoid them by the seeding.
First the JFK assassination and now this! I just don't know who to trust anymore!
15 November, 2007
A Little Mid-Table Anonymity Please
So, it's official, Brian Little is appointed Wrexham FC's new manager. Back to yesterdays post, i just hope we get something of an act together and begin to climb steadily up towards mid-table anonymity, and not be the laughing stock propping up League 2 again.
I drove past the Racecourse just over an hour ago, the floodlights we're on, and flags along the kop were at half-mast - is this a traditional symbol of a change in manager in residence? Or perhaps the marking of a passing of an ex-Wrexham FC player or long standing fan? Great gesture either way.
Anyhow, new manager, brighter times ahead, surely!
At last nights "Wednesday night football", I learnt one of the lads who plays with us, lives next door to Neil Taylor (the young left-back i've been raving about for the past 6 months). Apparently "he's a cock", on enquiring further he is said to also be "a fuckin' chav". What I think is... Neil is becoming Wrexhams 1st choice left-back, he represents Wales U19's as captain, has Wales U21 experience and may even one day break through to gain his first international cap... whereas his neighbour... might be jealous of just playing on Wednesday nights with us lot kickin' lumps out of each other for an hour and a half! Gilly, if you're reading this, fair play you're a nippy little bastard on the pitch, and sorry for any shin damage you may be experiencing today.
I drove past the Racecourse just over an hour ago, the floodlights we're on, and flags along the kop were at half-mast - is this a traditional symbol of a change in manager in residence? Or perhaps the marking of a passing of an ex-Wrexham FC player or long standing fan? Great gesture either way.
Anyhow, new manager, brighter times ahead, surely!
At last nights "Wednesday night football", I learnt one of the lads who plays with us, lives next door to Neil Taylor (the young left-back i've been raving about for the past 6 months). Apparently "he's a cock", on enquiring further he is said to also be "a fuckin' chav". What I think is... Neil is becoming Wrexhams 1st choice left-back, he represents Wales U19's as captain, has Wales U21 experience and may even one day break through to gain his first international cap... whereas his neighbour... might be jealous of just playing on Wednesday nights with us lot kickin' lumps out of each other for an hour and a half! Gilly, if you're reading this, fair play you're a nippy little bastard on the pitch, and sorry for any shin damage you may be experiencing today.
14 November, 2007
The Joke Continues
Wrexham FC. Ive got to write about it. OK, "quick capsule review" of recent 2007 events:
June - Carey offered a "2 year managerial contract", following keeping Wrexham in the Football League on the final Saturday, he accepts.
July/August: Pre-Season doesnt go well. Results begin "OK", good home win v Morecambe, beat Port Vale in the League Cup, and get to face Aston Villa...
Last 3 months: "Everything" deteriorates, rapidly, worse than i've ever seen on the pitch.
And so here we are, mid November; Wrexham have scored "3" goals at the Racecourse all season. Chesterfield scored 3 at the Racecourse in just 15 minutes... it's bad.. The chairmen announced almost 2 weeks ago now on the "official" website that Carey will be asked to step down (sacked?) and perhaps "assist" a more experienced manager - "an announcement will be made on Thursday" . On BBC Sport we had headlines such as "Brians Exit Speech". Rumours abound to Careys successor... though when no announcement was made. Confusion and speculation and conspiracy theories abound... the next day the board then comment to the press about potential names taking over and who they have "been in conversation with": "Aldridge, Mark Wright, Stan Ternant" etc etc.
Yet, Carey is manager for the FA Cup game at Peterborough. Wrexham lose 4-1... our defensive gaffs are later laughed at by Lawrenson, Hanson and Lineker on Match of the Day, the Hope & Williams howler being the last scene of the closing credits, great...
The chairmen announce 'this week' in the press "We have not spoken to anybody about the vacancy, and have not received an application"... Carey is in the press as "manager" and saying things like "There's no point sulking, we must carry on". What a mess... and YESTERDAY, an announcment of Wrexham maybe closing a deal with Brian Little... Just how shambolic does the club sound?
Whatever happens, whoever they announce in the next 24 hours, all I ask for is mid-table anonymity - anything above 20th to be honest! I couldn't stand a survival Saturday again. And you know, it wouldn't surprise me if they deny 'again' any talks with anybody, and nobody is appointed.
On a finishing note to this whole debacle, I really hope Steve Evans sorts his act out, or the club help him overcome his demons. For the past 12 months he's been an alleged drunk, seen most nights round Wrexham, turning up for training drunk, dropped from the team on various occassions for alleged heavy Friday nights round Wrexham (spotted last Friday night in Wrexham, and surprise surprise isnt even on the team bus for the FA Cup tie last weekend). I've refused to believe a lot of the rumours surrounding Steve, but i'm reading far too often "Steve spotted pissed again in"... Come on Steve, you're a role model, national representative, and on his day the best no-nonsense DFA centre-back i've seen in a Wrexham shirt as a supporter.
June - Carey offered a "2 year managerial contract", following keeping Wrexham in the Football League on the final Saturday, he accepts.
July/August: Pre-Season doesnt go well. Results begin "OK", good home win v Morecambe, beat Port Vale in the League Cup, and get to face Aston Villa...
Last 3 months: "Everything" deteriorates, rapidly, worse than i've ever seen on the pitch.
And so here we are, mid November; Wrexham have scored "3" goals at the Racecourse all season. Chesterfield scored 3 at the Racecourse in just 15 minutes... it's bad.. The chairmen announced almost 2 weeks ago now on the "official" website that Carey will be asked to step down (sacked?) and perhaps "assist" a more experienced manager - "an announcement will be made on Thursday" . On BBC Sport we had headlines such as "Brians Exit Speech". Rumours abound to Careys successor... though when no announcement was made. Confusion and speculation and conspiracy theories abound... the next day the board then comment to the press about potential names taking over and who they have "been in conversation with": "Aldridge, Mark Wright, Stan Ternant" etc etc.
Yet, Carey is manager for the FA Cup game at Peterborough. Wrexham lose 4-1... our defensive gaffs are later laughed at by Lawrenson, Hanson and Lineker on Match of the Day, the Hope & Williams howler being the last scene of the closing credits, great...
The chairmen announce 'this week' in the press "We have not spoken to anybody about the vacancy, and have not received an application"... Carey is in the press as "manager" and saying things like "There's no point sulking, we must carry on". What a mess... and YESTERDAY, an announcment of Wrexham maybe closing a deal with Brian Little... Just how shambolic does the club sound?
Whatever happens, whoever they announce in the next 24 hours, all I ask for is mid-table anonymity - anything above 20th to be honest! I couldn't stand a survival Saturday again. And you know, it wouldn't surprise me if they deny 'again' any talks with anybody, and nobody is appointed.
On a finishing note to this whole debacle, I really hope Steve Evans sorts his act out, or the club help him overcome his demons. For the past 12 months he's been an alleged drunk, seen most nights round Wrexham, turning up for training drunk, dropped from the team on various occassions for alleged heavy Friday nights round Wrexham (spotted last Friday night in Wrexham, and surprise surprise isnt even on the team bus for the FA Cup tie last weekend). I've refused to believe a lot of the rumours surrounding Steve, but i'm reading far too often "Steve spotted pissed again in
08 November, 2007
Everton March On
Just a quick post following Everton's second win in Group A of the UEFA Cup. It was generally a comfortable game for them with another strong finish to put them at the top of the table. It should be enough to progress to the knock out stage which is a mouth watering prospect when you consider all the Champions League drop outs plop into the mix. A lot of Everton's success so far in the competition has come from Moyes bringing on Victor Anichebe as a one match wrecking machine late on in the game. The way he took his goal tonight was a brilliant display of power, speed and deadly finishing. I felt a bit for FC Nurnburg midfielder Jawhar Mnari who was made to look like a weakling when Anichebe bumped him aside before calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. And best of all he's only 19!
I didn't know much about FC Nurnberg going into the match tonight. I was amused to hear the name of their stadium is The Easy Credit Stadion and the fact their shirt sponsor read Mister*Lady only complimented my ridicule. I wasn't expecting to recognised any of their players but then I was alarmed to see one name on the team-sheet I knew... Marek "Scourge of the Welsh" Mintal. This swine has scored four goals in two games for Slovakia against Wales and part of me was anticipating him to be a goal scorer tonight. Luckily he was kept under control tonight but I reckon I haven't seen the last of him. All in all plenty to be pleased about if you're an Everton fan.
RANDOM MOAN - Ian Wright is currently appearing in adverts for Wii, Asda, Kelloggs and Ladbrokes. Every time it went to an ad break tonight his face popped up trying to convince me to buy something. Throw in those bad memories of him flapping his arms in those Chicken Tonite adverts in the 90s and you can safely say this man has no integrity. Maybe he can sense his punditry work is coming to an end so he's making as much money as possible. He is after all the worst football pundit ever. To say he is impartial would be an understatement. When England lose he just sits there slumped in his chair mumbling one word answers like a moody child. And the way he says "we" instead of "England" really annoys me, he's meant to be a journalist. I don't know why the BBC just doesn't let him dress up as a Beefeater and have done with it.
I didn't know much about FC Nurnberg going into the match tonight. I was amused to hear the name of their stadium is The Easy Credit Stadion and the fact their shirt sponsor read Mister*Lady only complimented my ridicule. I wasn't expecting to recognised any of their players but then I was alarmed to see one name on the team-sheet I knew... Marek "Scourge of the Welsh" Mintal. This swine has scored four goals in two games for Slovakia against Wales and part of me was anticipating him to be a goal scorer tonight. Luckily he was kept under control tonight but I reckon I haven't seen the last of him. All in all plenty to be pleased about if you're an Everton fan.
RANDOM MOAN - Ian Wright is currently appearing in adverts for Wii, Asda, Kelloggs and Ladbrokes. Every time it went to an ad break tonight his face popped up trying to convince me to buy something. Throw in those bad memories of him flapping his arms in those Chicken Tonite adverts in the 90s and you can safely say this man has no integrity. Maybe he can sense his punditry work is coming to an end so he's making as much money as possible. He is after all the worst football pundit ever. To say he is impartial would be an understatement. When England lose he just sits there slumped in his chair mumbling one word answers like a moody child. And the way he says "we" instead of "England" really annoys me, he's meant to be a journalist. I don't know why the BBC just doesn't let him dress up as a Beefeater and have done with it.
04 November, 2007
Porter Wagoner 1927-2007
While scanning through Ceefax on Monday morning I came across the news that country music legend Porter Wagoner had passed away.
If you’re not a fan of country music you can be excused for not knowing anything about Porter Wagoner. Until recently I hardly knew anything about him either. He’s briefly mentioned in Johnny Cash’s autobiography ‘Cash’ as being one of the first artists he toured with. Cash goes on to say he’s a fan of Wagoner and reveals how well liked he is in the industry. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I properly began to learn more about Porter Wagoner and it came purely from the fact I‘d bought tickets to see ‘The White Stripes’ at Madison Square Garden.
I was thinking a band the size of ‘The White Stripes’ playing an arena the size of Madison Square Garden would demand some formidable support acts. When I found out the two supporting artists were Nick Cave’s new band Grinderman and some country act called Porter Wagoner I’ve got to admit I was initially disappointed. Despite this I thought I might as well find out a bit about him and maybe download some of his music as a taster. The more I read the more I could see how highly regarded he was in country music and why he was suitable choice for a support act. He had enjoyed a long solo career but was perhaps better known for his duets with Dolly Parton which spanned three decades. Parton has said in past interviews that her universally recognised song ‘I Will Always Love You’ was written for Wagoner. Away from music he hosted his own TV show in the sixties and seventies, the imaginatively titled ‘The Porter Wagoner Show. He had recently undergone a Johnny Cash/Rick Rubin style makeover with his acclaimed album ‘Wagonmaster’ introducing him to a new market and younger audience. This renaissance combined with the ‘The White Stripes’ support slot created a genuine excitement around him at such a late stage in his career.
His appearance at Madison Square Garden was great fun with the alcohol fuelled New Yorkers whooping “Yee Haw” at every opportunity. It perhaps wasn’t the sort of music your average East Coast American would listen to but the entire audience went with it. The set included his version of ‘The Green Green Grass of Home’ and his emotive last single ‘Committed to Parkview’ (Check out the video on Youtube if you get the chance). The one thing that struck me about his performance was how good his voice still sounded at 79 years of age. He had to be assisted on to and then off the stage but in front of the microphone his age wasn’t an issue. The following night he appeared on 'The David Letterman Show’. We queued up to apply for tickets at the Ed Sullivan Theatre the next morning but sadly we were unsuccessful. Despite his age you really got the sense that there was more to come from Porter Wagoner.
Ironically on Monday, the day I heard of Porter Wagoner’s passing, I was meant to see ‘The White Stripes’ in Cardiff, a date cancelled due to Meg White’s health problems. I imagine had the concert gone ahead we’d have witnessed some sort of tribute from the band, something I’d have loved to have seen.
If you’re not a fan of country music you can be excused for not knowing anything about Porter Wagoner. Until recently I hardly knew anything about him either. He’s briefly mentioned in Johnny Cash’s autobiography ‘Cash’ as being one of the first artists he toured with. Cash goes on to say he’s a fan of Wagoner and reveals how well liked he is in the industry. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I properly began to learn more about Porter Wagoner and it came purely from the fact I‘d bought tickets to see ‘The White Stripes’ at Madison Square Garden.
I was thinking a band the size of ‘The White Stripes’ playing an arena the size of Madison Square Garden would demand some formidable support acts. When I found out the two supporting artists were Nick Cave’s new band Grinderman and some country act called Porter Wagoner I’ve got to admit I was initially disappointed. Despite this I thought I might as well find out a bit about him and maybe download some of his music as a taster. The more I read the more I could see how highly regarded he was in country music and why he was suitable choice for a support act. He had enjoyed a long solo career but was perhaps better known for his duets with Dolly Parton which spanned three decades. Parton has said in past interviews that her universally recognised song ‘I Will Always Love You’ was written for Wagoner. Away from music he hosted his own TV show in the sixties and seventies, the imaginatively titled ‘The Porter Wagoner Show. He had recently undergone a Johnny Cash/Rick Rubin style makeover with his acclaimed album ‘Wagonmaster’ introducing him to a new market and younger audience. This renaissance combined with the ‘The White Stripes’ support slot created a genuine excitement around him at such a late stage in his career.
His appearance at Madison Square Garden was great fun with the alcohol fuelled New Yorkers whooping “Yee Haw” at every opportunity. It perhaps wasn’t the sort of music your average East Coast American would listen to but the entire audience went with it. The set included his version of ‘The Green Green Grass of Home’ and his emotive last single ‘Committed to Parkview’ (Check out the video on Youtube if you get the chance). The one thing that struck me about his performance was how good his voice still sounded at 79 years of age. He had to be assisted on to and then off the stage but in front of the microphone his age wasn’t an issue. The following night he appeared on 'The David Letterman Show’. We queued up to apply for tickets at the Ed Sullivan Theatre the next morning but sadly we were unsuccessful. Despite his age you really got the sense that there was more to come from Porter Wagoner.
Ironically on Monday, the day I heard of Porter Wagoner’s passing, I was meant to see ‘The White Stripes’ in Cardiff, a date cancelled due to Meg White’s health problems. I imagine had the concert gone ahead we’d have witnessed some sort of tribute from the band, something I’d have loved to have seen.
02 November, 2007
Pea Green Boat
Just wanting to post that the both of us are going to see a bonefide comedy genius (and anti-hero) tomorrow night in Cardiffs Millennium Centre, which sounds grand, but he's playing something of a side-bar at the venue as i understand it. He is of course, many times mentioned here, stand-up comedian, stage and screen writer, satirist, sage, free-thinker; Stewart Lee.Looking forward to this, he's recently had to re-adjust his stand-up routine; Something to do with his routine revolving around the BBC who had not granted him his pilot TV show this year, but mid-way through his current tour, have changed their mind, and filming begins mid-November, intreaguing - the pilot/series is described by him as "Hopefully, it’ll be a stand-up show with some sketches in it. I want to do something like the old Dave Allen shows. I’d love to get the series because I’d love to see if you could make proper stand-up work on telly, and also because I’ve just had a baby and it’d be really nice to get paid and then we could get an bigger flat with an extra room for him to sleep in". Lee is also said to be writing a sit-com about the Norse God Thor!
For those unfamiliar with Lee, take time-out to view the following YouTube clips and envy me and my mates going to see the man himself tomorrow night:
This next clip is a great coming together as Stewart Lee appeared on Charlie Brookers "Screenwipe" earlier this year, speaking his mind about "Skins":
A recent 2 minute audio clip here of Lee's outburst at the studio audience on a Radio 4 programme, putting politial correctness into context:
He has promised to continue this tour after filming is complete for his TV show, and will tour extensively again in 2008! If you've watched the above and still reading, book to see the man. In the meantime go find more Stewart Lee clips on YouTube here.
Pea Green Boat is also a great listen written by Stewart Lee, i've got the limited edition 10" vinyl, but it has recently been released as a CD by those wonderful Cardiffians at Go Faster Stripe, of whom i'm sure will be in attendance tomorrow night.
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