For Girls Who Can't Do Football

Fox In Disguise

2011-04-16T21:41:00.004Z

Hello.

I thought it was about time I reported in again.

Things have been gradually improving in my tempestuous love affair with the beautiful game.

And today I reached new heights.

I became a Fox in disguise.

I went to the Mad Stad to watch the boys live with three Royals fans.

So I found myself amongst the home supporters, surrounded by blue and white hoops.

The Foxes fans tantalisingly visible but not close enough to connect with.

I had prepared myself well, removing all traces of evidence to link me to the Leicester boys.

But I drew the line at jumping up when they scored one.

Two.

Three.

And I sat on me hands and bit my lips when we scored our consolation goal.

Lovely shape and movement and skills on the ball, but not enough pace or 'tiger' in the box.

Steve Howard helped them raise their game when he was subbed on, but it wasn't enough in the end.

I wonder what the Svenmeister will have to say about that?

Make 'Em Laugh!

2011-03-01T22:19:00.005Z

Well done those Chelsea boys!

Yes I know those are not words you would usually expect to see writ large on this blog.

But you see, whilst I was away on my ... erm ... sabbatical, my secret interest in this lot has increased.

Not that I would ever betray my Foxes for them.

When we are playing them in the Prem next season, there is no doubt my loyalties will firmly behind Sven and the boys.

I have started to feel their pain though, which is somewhat worrying.

And excitement, now the ManUre have given them chance to close their lead at the top of the table.

I hope that puts a smile back on my boy's face.

I Ain't No Cinderella

2011-02-21T21:00:00.003Z

I think my post must have gone astray.

Whatever other reason could there be for not having received my invitation to that wedding, when others have clearly received theirs.

'Spect you can look forward to something a bit more up market than pie and mash there David.

Not that I'm bitter you understand.

In fact I will be here .

Watching some of this maybe.

Let Posh go to the ball. I'll be having a groovy time of my own.

Who Banned All The Pies?

2011-02-20T18:49:00.004Z

We're quite green around these parts.

Not green as in wet behind the ears.

But green as in environmentally aware.

So it has not come as a complete surprise that the owner of our local team, Forest Green Rovers, has unilaterally banned red meat from the diets of the players and fans when they are at the ground.

Although I have heard a rumour that Chelsea are considering improving their green credentials with a bit of recycling of their own.

Come On Baby Light My Fire

2011-02-19T11:00:00.005Z

I've been sick girls.

Not in the conventional sense you understand.

Sick in my heart.

It started back in the summer, in June. My lover was kind and sympathetic as you would expect.

And I was in denial for a while. Then just got absorbed in a wave of negativity.

I was left wondering if football and I would ever love each other again.

So I sat. And waited. And hoped.

And eventually it happened.

Like all great love affairs there was a bond too strong to be broken.

And once again I find I have been seduced.

First of all slowly. The odd Foxes win here. A visit to Forest Green Rovers there.

And then this week, like lovers reunited after a long break, football and I finally jumped into bed together again.

Who could resist this? Or indeed this?

It'll All Come To A Sticky End

2010-08-19T20:43:00.004Z

Is it my imagination, or is there an increasing polarisation between clubs in the football league? There are those seeking to grow at a pace in line with their means, such as Blackpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal. Those who have Sugar Daddies and so disconnected from the real world. And teams which see borrowing on the promise of future return as the road to success, such as Manchester United, Portsmouth and Liverpool?

Are the teams working to the more modest approach being over-cautious and risk averse?

What happens when the Sugar Daddies move on?

And are the gamblers simply reckless and heading for a fall?

It makes me think of three people sitting opposite each other.

One is sucking an old fashioned toffee.

One is filling their mouth with sweets.

And the third is blowing a massive bubble gum bubble.

Bigger and bigger and bigger.

Until..................................

Here Come The Boys

2010-08-17T19:15:00.008Z

I'm looking at a bunch of Spurs fans on the screen on my living room wall.

HD certainly shows up every tiny detail of those miserable little faces as their men get a kicking from the Young Boys.

No doubt City's manipulation of the situation with Craig Bellamy to prevent any other Premiership team getting the benefit of his talents, whatever the attitude problems that come with that, feels particularly galling to 'Arry this evening when he could have done with a solid performance from the Boy Wonder.

I have mixed feelings about Manchester City.

I can't warm to Mr Mancini, but there are quite a few players there I really like - Tevez, Wright-Philips, Hart, Adebayor.

And Eastlands was one of the stadiums we visited on our recent travels.

Probably my favourite one. Nice design and I really liked the circular external towers. I felt grand, but not too ostentatious (right photo).

Unlike Old Trafford, which I think reflects the international nature of its following; big, powerful, masculine but lacking something personal somehow.

It didn't feel part of the surrounding environment however.

Other than a row of very tacky shops, all painted red (right photo), just around the corner, the stadium sat alone.

Anyway, back to the trials of 'Arry. His boys are now back in the game with a couple of goals.

Onwards and upwards!

I Don't Believe It!

2010-08-16T20:49:00.008Z

Welcome back for the new term everyone.

I have so much to tell you.

We are just back from a caravan holiday in the North West.

And visits to lots of football grounds.

From the Theatre of Dreams to lowly Chester's ground, rising like a phoenix from the ashes.

Combine that with the season kicking off, I'm like a pig in clover.

So much to think, talk and write about.

But of all the drama and stories of this new season - the departures of Martin O'Neil and Steve Coppell, the change of ownership of Leicester City, the 6 -0 pounding of WBA by Chelsea to name but a few - the best has to be the fairy tale start for Hollow Way's brigade.

We visited Bloomfield Road.

It's ..... erm .... all looking a bit nip and tuck over there at the moment.

Builders crawling all over the place, and the ground exposed to the world due to a gaping hole due to become a new stand. (actual photo from ML's phone-taken about 10 days ago)

On Saturday afternoon, My Lover and I listened with one ear phone each to the Five Live commentary of the Wigan Blackpool match on my mini radio, as we enjoyed a lovely cruise across Lake Windemere.

We can both already perform a creditable imitation of IH in a press interview. The trick is to include at least one reference to his wife and one to his dog to sound authentic.

And a bit of "Oooo Arrrrrr" going on of course.

We cheered when Blackpool scored first, to the amusement of our fellow passengers.

We looked at each other open-mouthed when the second went in.

The third merited a punch in the air.

And the fourth was followed by much chanting and whooping with laughter as we drove back to our campsite.

Top of the Premiership, if only for a few hours.

I bet Mr H is covered in bruises from pinching himself the next day.

It's all about as believable as their ground being finished on time.

Lets See If It's True

2010-07-29T19:46:00.002Z

Is a great line from this song.

And tomorrow is when it all starts.

This time tomorrow I'll be in a field somewhere need Chorley, Lancashire, with My Lover, playing guitars.

We are going to explore the local sights of course.

Bury market.

Old Trafford.

Anfield.

Eastlands.

And maybe even a "Kiss-Me-Quick" in Hollow Way country.

There'll be fish and chips.

Banter, Beer and Busking.

It doesn't get better than that!

Last Chance Saloon?

2010-07-28T19:09:00.004Z

HL again this evening.

In my opinion, one of the recurring themes of this blog seems to suggest the idea that simple, one dimensional solutions to problems do not work. And that football, like many other aspects of modern life, is often victim or martyr to public opinion, public outcry or public condemnation.

Often such open debate is characterised by passion, hatred, biased-opinion, love, gobshitery and outright foolishness.

Never more so than in the current shambles surrounding Marlon King.

Ask yourself, is it OK for a man to attack a woman, be found guilty in a Court of law, go on to show little remorse for his crime, serve 9 months in custody and arrive back in the community to the open arms of the good people at Coventry City?

Me ? I'm not sure.

Let's see what GB thinks...........

..............

GB here.

My view?

Well I have a fundamental belief that anyone can make a change if they really want to and have the right support.

I also know there are some who don't want to.

I don't think there's much doubt about which camp Mr King sits in.

What a crazy world we live in.

So much better in the good ol' days, when people knew how to deal with a problem once and for all.

Silly Season

2010-07-24T19:55:00.005Z

Football has taken a low profile in this house over the last few weeks. A few brief moments of interest for me.

Roy Hodgson's arrival at Anfield, subsequent welcome to Joe Cole too.

It's HL tonight btw.

GB is still alive and kicking, I've not done away with her.

She may have something to say if I prod her hard enough, however. Let's see!

"OK! OK!"

I probably can be coaxed out momentarily.

Not least as I have been shamed by Sandy for my recent poor performance.

"I looked at your blog", he said.

" Oops!", I thought, "I've been rumbled".

"I've just felt a bit disengaged with it all. After the World Cup and everything", I said feebly.

"Never mind", he comforted, "only 3 weeks until it all starts up again. I've had all my telly's serviced ready".

And somehow, I believe him.

My Ding-a-ling

2010-07-15T18:20:00.003Z

"You've fallen out of love with football haven't you?", said My Lover a few days ago.

I was shocked by his question but denied he was right.

It made me think though.

Unable to face posting on my blog for days at a time (first time in the 2 and a half years I have been writing it). Not wanting to even think about it.

Even Sandy has not been able to engage me in discussion.

I felt the end of my blog may well have arrived.

It's been a joyless time.

But as I walked to my train this evening, I made a firm decision to write a post this evening.

Isn't that what true love is all about about?

Fidelity and faith.

I would do nothing less for my lover, my children and my guitar.

And in my heart I know, football too.

So lets get at it girls.

And to kick off, what's the difference between Sepp Blatter and a boy's favourite toy?

Not much it would seem.

It Is Now!

2010-07-04T19:28:00.003Z

It's HL tonight. GB is still reeling from the aftershock of her first failed World Cup campaign, the loss of Fox's manager ( a man in whom she believed) and, worst of all, living with a bloke who believes LFC are going to win the Premiership next season.

So, it's all over; the big 4 yearly adventure, Fabio's Folly or, as it's become known in our house, the cultural event that must not be talked about.

For it is like a death of many cuts. The TV adverts are still in place. Red and White displays proliferate supermarket shelves and BBQ's have become fashionable again. Every foray outside the house brings one into contact with our national failure. Broken roads and public cut-backs to (now) sporting disaster and broken hearts.

Those in charge (as ever) say lessons need to be learnt. Fresh blood, new structures and a different approach called for.

Frankly, I'm bloody fed-up with it and I have other fish to fry.

Until the next time of course.

HL

Sure As Eggs Is Eggs

2010-07-01T20:34:00.003Z

I feel the need to indulge in a little self flagellation.

That's better.

Meanwhile, back with Laurel and Hardy.

What's that?

Time to move on?

You're right of course.

Time to start thinking about My Lover's simmering excitement at the appointed of his royal Hodgsonness to his beloved Liverpool.

He hasn't yet said the immortal words "I think this will be their season. Georgina, prepare to witness the renaissance of the Liverpool football team".

But he will.

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted?

2010-06-30T20:42:00.005Z

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.", Martin Luther King, 1963

"The ultimate measure of a football blogger is not whether she posts in times of triumph, but the quality and frequency of her writing in times of trouble", Georgina Best, 2010

One of us managed to live up to our ideals......................

To be fair though, (as they say in footballing circles), I do have good reason to be miserable.

Like English fans everywhere, I am left feeling cheated and somewhat bewildered by our dismal performance. Which we watched here.

Which reminds me;

Q. What's the difference between a tea bag and the English football team?

A. A tea bag stays in the cup for longer

Boom Boom!

Then, woe is me!

Our beloved Nigel has deserted us.

It's all enough to break a girl's heart.

We Thought It Was All Over............................

2010-06-24T19:02:00.005Z

Apologies for being absent for a few days.

For the first couple of days this week I found I just couldn't bear to dwell too long on our World Cup prospects.

I had to work yesterday afternoon so was not able to watch the match live. The truth is, though, I wasn't that sorry. I watched the match when I got home, in the safe knowledge that we won. I think the anxiety of watching it live would have been just too much!

My friend Sandy, despite being Scottish, has been very understanding and supportive of my pain.

Every day we discuss the recent matches, the England gossip and forthcoming ties.

He rang me immediately after yesterday's win.

"I think England will go on to win the World Cup now", he said.

Who am I to argue?

How Very Dare They

2010-06-20T20:23:00.005Z

As I write this, I am somewhat distracted by the sight of Adebayor on my 42", looking very hot.

Surrounded by a very much less hot - indeed positively luke warm, Alan Shearer and Alan Hanson.

Talk about a rose between two thorns.

Emmanuel, the man who managed to do well at Manchester City, no less.

Unlike Robinho, who is clearly performing much better at international level.

And spare a thought for Kaka. Victim of an outrageous disgrace.

Talking of outrageous disgraces, how did Graham Taylor ever get to be manager of the England football team?

I heard him on the radio today.

The best he had to offer was a one-dimensional analysis of the England team's performance to date in the World Cup.

And then I hear the English FA have announced that they expect Capello to resign if we get knocked out at this first stage.

How very dare they?

Keeping Up Appearances

2010-06-19T20:46:00.002Z

Is what GB and I have been doing since last night.

Regular readers will be aware GB has, at times of worry and stress, the capacity to think about other things. An almost obsessive compulsion to be cheerful, bury her head in other issues and to carry on. Very English indeed I'd say.

England, by common consent, were bloody awful? Off the pace, lacklustre and seemingly out of kilter with playing a team game. The consensus in this house? A team frightened to express itself and be creative. A team not willing to take risks, yet creating risk situations by very clunky football indeed.

After the match, GB and I just sat on the sofa a bit stunned. After a while she said to me, "I'm going upstairs to read my book.

Sat here, Saturday evening, watching the footy again, she's sat beside me, still ensconced with Stephanie. A radio show behind us this afternoon on Stroud FM has not dented her distraction.

The girl is not happy, dreading the next match, but (as always) keeping up appearances.

I feel the same. Sometimes, it's hard being an England football fan.

HL

Feeling Lucky?

2010-06-18T18:20:00.006Z

I have a good feeling about the match tonight.

Why?

Well it all started this morning, when I went to the dentist.

I received a letter a few weeks ago, informing me the dentist I have been to for the last 25 years, has retired, and I would be seeing his replacement.

Anyway, I was very impressed when a very handsome man called me into his room.

I entered to find another man, equally handsome. And looking quite similar.

I was handed a pair of goggles, and put on a rather undignified blue plastic bib.

Then they worked together to give me a nice little polish.

And a tissue to wipe away the spit.

Not forgetting the mirror so I could see to wipe away the little bit of polish on my lips.

I think its going to feel a long six months until my next visit.

So, now you can see why today feels lucky.

I wonder why I'm still feeling scared too?

Out Foxed

2010-06-17T20:52:00.005Z

Tonight, girls and boys, I have been taking part in a football tournament.
.
At an event entitled 'Nosh and Becks'.

An evening of lager, nibbles and a round robin table football competition.

My Lover and I only managed 1 win out of 5.

We were encouraged to wear our home strips.

Surprisingly, I was the only Leicester City fan there.

Anyway, there was a photographer there, and she gathered all those wearing footy shirts together for a photo.

A mass of red descended - two Liverpool fans and a Manure loving girl. Plus a Cheltenham Town fan, a Hereford supporter, and a man wearing a shirt with a picture of a rowing boat, suggesting he supported Crewe Alexandra (??).

"Leicester City?", said one of the Liverpool fans. "What have you ever won?".

He then proceeded to reel off a long list of trophies and championships won.

"When did they last win something?", I asked, quietly.

"5 years ago", he responded, apparently expecting me to be impressed.

"Time for some Fox action", I thought.

The photographer gathered us together.

They decided I should go in the middle, being the only one in blue, and because I had a scarf.

And that's when Foxy struck.

I gave each end of the scarf to the two Liverpool fans, and they were forced to hold it in front of us stretched out.

And smile.

Leicester City 1 Liverpool 0

Game over.

This 'N' That

2010-06-15T18:48:00.005Z

Someone sent me a great email today.

This is how it goes;

Ladies….Imagine you are in Primark, queuing in single file ,the girl in front of you doesn’t have her purse. To your dismay you then realise that you don’t have your’s either.

A solution is that your friend towards the back of the queue is offering to throw her purse to you. You can’t queue jump until the purse has been thrown to you….once the purse has been thrown, you can quickly dodge the lass in front then confront the assistant on the desk.

That’s right Girls……that’s THE OFFSIDE RULE in a language you understand….

Good huh?

I've got Brazil vs North Korea going on in front of me.

My lover by my side.

Oh and I'm pleased to report my tinnitus is better.

Drowned out by the vuvuzelas.

World Cup Fever!

2010-06-14T19:27:00.004Z

My interest in football goes back to the late fifties. Liverpool were on the telly a lot and so I supported them. 1966 came and went. I was thrilled we won, but I was just a boy.

(it's HL tonight btw-She's out doing good works promoting young talent ? in the community)

Anyway, a boy who had a crippled Father. A crippled Father who, before his physical abilities left him, was a County standard footballer and cricketer.

So my attempts at joining in with other boys, were not always successful. Confidence in myself was not always high. My eyesight was poor. Measles caused it.

I joined the military, still supporting the reds. Lots of men played football but didn't really talk about it to me that much. My life was taken up by one of these for a while.

And, for nearly 15 years, my head was turned by blokes who did this.

Then

I left the boys in Airforce Blue behind and became a.........Probation Officer

Gradually, through being a bit cerebral now, I got to thinking about the idea that football is actually a really important sociological thing.

A way for people to come together in conflict (with rules) without killing each other.

About 4 years ago. GB and I, fell in love. She didn't know very much about football but a chance conversation about Theo Walcot confirmed she was interested in the soap opera side of it.

I filled in a some of the early gaps and now, 48 months on, she's made herself a reluctant expert on the modern game.

As I've said before on here. I'm glad now to proclaim Girl's can do football. I was wrong. GB has proved this so.

Meanwhile, and a few years on, I'm retired now. I'm basking is a new-found freedom from tyranny,and have enjoyed most of the games on our media system whilst GB slaves away being a CEO.

At half-time in one match, I changed channels and was fascinated to see this guy teaching people how to sell personal treasures for the most money they could get.

My personal treasure is the fact I have a girl who loves football, plays guitar like this and understands the importance of a well-cooked meal.

I wouldn't sell that for the world.

She's gonna be linked to a big site soon. Watch out for further news.

HL

The Many Heads Of A Football Fan

2010-06-13T20:30:00.004Z

I've had a day wearing a number of heads.

This morning, donning overalls with My Lover, to take building rubble to the local reycling centre.

Then back home for beard-trimming, showers, plaiting hair with ribbons (My Lover's), and putting on makeup (mine).

Afternoon tea here, with the odd Knight and Dame of the realm.

Home to water the garden and sing a few tunes.

Moules and frites with our fingers at the dining room table.

And watching the Algeria Slovenia match we had the foresight to record earlier.

My favourite role?

Football fan, of course.

Letting Off Steam

2010-06-12T20:26:00.004Z

It's a melange of emotions in our front room this evening.

Delight at My Lover's return.

Laughter at the ridiculous bunting and flags adorning our house.

Frustration and amazement that ITV managed to miss a second critical goal - this being the first.

Horror and compassion for Rob Green.

Pride in the way our team performed.

Stunned that their great display did not result in a win, which in my view they deserved.

Yes I know there were mistakes.

And I heaved a sign of relief when Heskey went off for Crouchy.

But overall I thought they did us proud.

What to do with all that emotion?

I need to think of a way to let of steam.

I'll see if My Lover has any ideas.

Faith, Hope And Hearing Clarity

2010-06-11T18:19:00.005Z

I am bedecked!

The house is suitably festooned.

Our front room bears its own decorations.

We have flags. We have bunting. We have badges. I have my shirt (My Lover does not consider himself to be a football shirt wearer!).

I am ready.

Plans in place to have my hair done tomorrow morning, then collect My Lover from the airport, visit my father for his 70th birthday, then home to beer, bubbly and a night of passion.

Football passion I mean, of course.

Oh and I have been back to see my hearing clinician, whose equipment, I am pleased to report, is now working.

So I now have nicely balanced, (if slightly pointed), ears to listen to all that wonderful commentary.

And the Match of the Day team.

Which means I have all the time in the world now to concentrate on the only thing that matters for the next few days or weeks.

It's like I said to a work colleague today; I am so excited - so looking forward to it. Even though I know it is almost certain my heart is going to get broken sometime in the next 4 weeks.

Just imagine that pain lying ahead.

Where does the pain come ?

It's a bereavement of course.

A death.

The death of Hope.

A test of Faith.

But we are not there yet.

We are watching those two seedlings grow and flourish.

Every game won will be food to their roots.

So I think it's time to water those plants with a couple of beers.

And put me feet up to watch France struggle against Uruguay.

Have a nice evening!

Don't Look Ethel

2010-06-10T20:57:00.005Z

Something odd and unexpected has happened since the installation of our super duper, encased cables, up the wall, big screen and Sky affair.

As expected, watching football and all things associated forms a large portion of our viewing.

But that is closely followed by a surprising number of cooking programmes.

Not really your Gordon Ramsays and your Jamie Olivers.

More your Master Chef and Come Dine With Me.

Both hideous in their own ways.

Both utterly compelling.

With Master Chef, its like living a ground hog day every time the judges taste the food.

Not content with offering their wisdom within a limited vocabulary, resulting in the same or similar phrases being repeated ad nauseam, the most revolting sight imaginable has to be them tasting the food.

And yet I can't take my eyes off them .

Come Dine With Me, on the other hand, never ceases to amaze me.

I mean, I can understand the first few contestants getting involved without realising how ridiculous they would end up looking.

And yet, we all know now what it is about and it seems to be on all the time.

Celebrities. The weird and wacky. The faux-posh and the sadly deluded.

And tonight, a bunch of ex-England football players.

Frank Worthington. Someone called Razza, who walked around wearing only an apron, Fashanu and Carlton Parker (who won).

I won't go into detail - but glamorous it was not, ladies and gentlemen.

Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go

2010-06-07T20:43:00.004Z

I've been away for a couple of days.

Although you already know that of course, having had a visit from My Lover in my absence.

Thanks to him then for keeping the show on the road.

A class act - like Billy Elliott, which I would thoroughly recommend by the way.

And talking of class - lets get back to the matter in hand.

The serious business of learning about football.

I heard a helpful discussion on Talk Sport today.

In amongst the dross and Alan Brazil's irritating, anti-social views.

They were making the point that although we have injury-related difficulties, which have reduced the quality of the raw materials we are starting with, other teams are facing set backs too.

They are even talking about the French being surprise fallers in the first round.

I feel as if Saturday is galloping towards me.

I can't wait.

And Saturday will be wonderful for another reason.

My Lover returns to the warmth of my bosom.

Here we go! Here we go! Here we go!

Hasta La Vista Baby

2010-06-05T23:33:00.002Z

Is a phrase used over here of course. Over here, being Tarifa.

GB is in London with Mum. She's gone to see this little thing. So I've hi-jacked her blog tonight and just want to say the following.

1 Happy about Rafa
2 Think Rio's departure is a blessing in disguise
3 Think Frank will do a great job as Vice Capt

Finally...... I liked this.........not a lot....good old Guardian....always there ready to put the boot in.

Luton Andy. That ones for you.

Normal service resumed shortly. I'll see ya!

HL

Reach For The Stars

2010-06-04T18:30:00.003Z

......and another one bites the dust!

Or several actually if you look wider than the England team.

I feel sorry for Ferdinand himself of course.

And we will feel his absence at the back, even though I don't believe he is in particularly good form.

But I do think Gerrard will make a better Captain.

As long as his heart is in it.

And who to select as Vice-Captain?

Tricky.

It won't be Terry for sure.

King perhaps? James, if he is the favoured goalkeeper, although I think that may prove to be Joe Hart?

It's like the most wonderful drama unfolding before our eyes.

And nobody yet knows the script.

I feel as if my heads are going through the clouds to gaze at the stars beyond.

Something To Tickle His Fancy

2010-06-02T19:56:00.003Z

I'm home alone.

The Bear is travelling.

Well, he's gone to Teriffa for 11 days.

And nights.

I am delighted he is going to have a lovely holiday.

Although I hope he does not neglect his studies whilst away.

This would be of interest to him, for example.

And knowing how much we both experience the jaded Match of the Day format as tortuous, I'm confident this will draw a nod of approval.

His reward for such diligence?

A gift from his daughter.

Crank It Up

2010-05-30T18:26:00.002Z

What did you make of this afternoon's performance then?

Don't worry - I am holding my nerve.

I do realise Capello had set them clear tasks and ways of playing and was assessing their ability to deliver against that.

And particularly for those fighting for the final three places in the England World Cup squad, the challenge of not just demonstrating their ability as individuals, but that they can create a positive influence on the performance of the team.

So who would I leave behind?

Walcott
Heskey
Huddlestone
Bent
Dawson
Upson
Baines

Tuesday morning we will know for sure.

Time to crank up the preparations.

Which is why the flags are now adorning My Lover's car.

We Shall Go To The Ball

2010-05-26T17:53:00.005Z

So we rank 8th in the latest FIFA rankings for the World Cup.

That means Capello's contractual target of reaching the quarter finals is a stretch but achievable, based upon performance to date and assessment of potential.

So anything less will mean they have under achieved and failed expectations.

But how to achieve more?

How to exceed not just expectations, but to create a performance greater than the sum of its component parts?

Some special, additional ingredients required, methinks.

For one, there have to be no critical injuries in the first team players and no key players seriously impacted.

Secondly, they need to get the rub of the grass when it comes to refereeing decisions.

The third positive influence will be found amongst the various personal agendas, driving people to perform with belief and desire for their own reasons. The Gerrards, Ferdinands and Terrys who have the prospect of this potentially being their last world cup. The Walcotts (if he goes), Wright Phillips' and Cashleys who manage to rise above the criticism of their performances and play to their strengths. The team of goalkeepers, who could surpass expectations and provide us with a generation of talented and consistent ultimate defenders.

Fourthly, the team spirit, sense of common purpose and understanding, and ability to predict and respond to each others play and act cohesively, is critical.

And finally, a sprinkling of Fairy Godmother Capello's magic dust.

And then, dear readers, we shall go to the ball!

Distracted

2010-05-24T19:57:00.004Z

I need some distraction.

It's half time.

We've had 45 minutes of lamentable defending, a lack of planning and lack of possession.

One well taken goal, one decidedly dodgy one.

And one conceded.

Gerrard is running around like some character out of Dad's Army.

Walcott is proving to be England's version of premature ejaculation.

I'm not unduly worried.

Capello has a track record of experimenting in the first half of friendlies, and even some of the qualifiers. I fully expect him to change things around in the second half.

He may bring on Hart, although Green has had a reasonable game.

I don't get a sense of Rio leading.

And Gerrard seems somewhat absent.

Mind elsewhere maybe?

Vroom Vroom!

2010-05-23T17:09:00.004Z

My engine is gradually moving from gentle idling to revving up.

In terms of the World Cup I mean.

My pistons are starting to fire after reading the Four Four Two supplement, profiling the teams.

I've checked my indicators, and the dates of all the matches have been transferred to the calender.

My protective kit is planned, with a T-Shirt sporting the "Ingerland" logo.

I'm warmed up and ready to ride.

Bring it on!

Football Saves The Day

2010-05-21T16:47:00.004Z

We sat amongst the wires and flashing lights, my hearing consultant and I.

He was trying to connect my Phonaks to the computer to balance them to my prescription with special software.

"Computer says 'no'", was the response.

"Do you like football?", I ventured, to fill the space.

"Yes I do", he responded.

"Looking forward to the World Cup".

His response to the affirmative was followed by ten minutes of the life and times of Tranmere Rovers and Leicester City. John Alderton and Gary Linnekar. Flasks of tea and how it feels to lose when you are actually at the match. The highs and lows of striving for promotion or struggling against relegation. How so many people you ask who say they like football support the big four. What they miss. And how they can only exist because of all the lower tiers and their supporters.

Upshot is, I've got to go back because the software let us down.

But I left feeling I'd had a good experience.

Good job you can depend upon football to save a situation.

Top Secret

2010-05-19T21:46:00.003Z

Ssshhh! Over here.

I have to keep my voice down because what I have to tell you is dynamite.

Well not tell you exactly.

It's all too sensitive you see.

I'll just give you a few clues and you will have to go off and do your research.

So - the clues.

Well, take a member of the Liverpool squad and his wife, a sixteen year old girl, a Derby County player.

Put them together and you have a rumour.

A very widespread rumour it would see.

Whether there is any veracity to any of it, only time will tell.

But if it does turn out to be true, remember..............

You heard it here first!

A Right Kettle of Fish

2010-05-18T19:02:00.005Z

Tonight, GB is out with her Mum watching The Yeoman of The Guard.

The old boy is at home looking after stuff and watching Millwall and Huddersfield in the Div 1 play off semi's.

Currently, at a very heavily policed New Den, the home team are two up. This means they'll meet my mate P's side in the final.

P is a bloke I met before I retired from fully active service. He's a police dude and knows a thing or two about keeping trouble away from footy.

Millwall have a bit of previous of course and, presumably, have a local Police Service well used to the rigours of Bermondsey. I think Danny Baker is a fan.

Hopefully (from my perspective) Robins win the Final although they may then go on to Championship Oblivion unless the Country Ground gets a much needed re-vamp.

Because I used to work in the Swndon Community, I feel strongly for the town who has a great and proud tradition, strong and enduring footballing culture and a burning desire to play hardball with the big boys again. As always, money needs to be found.

They could though, with finance, follow their bitter enemy's example and become more successful?

Good Luck to them anyway.

To end, I don't think GB is aware of this kettle of fish yet.

I wonder what she'll make of it all?

HL

The Dark Forces At Work

2010-05-17T20:37:00.001Z

They say evesdroppers seldom hear good of themselves.

But sometimes, it seems, it is the 'evesdroppee' who ends up worse off.

Like this.

There is an argument for saying that when the private becomes public there is always going to be trouble.

And I believe there are strong moral imperatives for respecting people's privacy.

The question is, where do you draw the line?

At what point does it become in the public interest for someone's privacy to be breached?

Not that I feel sorry for Mr Triesman.

Irrespective of the validity of his comments, they were inappropriate by any standards.

What I do question, however, is the motive behind they way the story has been handled.

The incident could, for example, have been reported to a higher authority. The Committee to whom Mr T was responsible for example?

And then, some way agreed, privately, for him to resign without this becoming a very public issue.

Not because I care about him.

But I fear for the damage this may do to our World Cup 2018 bid.

Which brings me back to my point about motivation.

There are dark forces at work methinks.

Disgrace

2010-05-15T21:40:00.003Z

I never thought the day would come, when I would find myself agreeing with John Terry.

When you see it in HD, you realise the depth of the disgrace that is our national pitch.

It's like a mouldy shreddie.

The players must dread playing there.

How awful is that?

Sad to see Portsmouth have to face the almost inevitable outcome of a Chel$ea double.

The first in the Club's history.

Highlight of the match for me?

David James, (looking pretty in pink!).

It's All Gone Quiet Over There.

2010-05-14T20:56:00.003Z

GB that is.

14 hour days coupled with a very hurtful defeat in the Play-offs has rendered the girl reflective and without football inspiration seemingly.

So it's me tonight. HL (Her Lover)

Anyway, Wednesday evening presented the Best household with a dilemma. With family and friends coming round to watch football and eat pizza, should we not present them with a choice of viewing and, by democracy, decide whether we watched the UAFA Cup, or The Foxes try to gain entry into the Prem?

Everone through the turnstile of our front door voted and, thankfully for GB, we watched Leicester and "Sky-Plussed" the Fulham game.

Midweek saw us with 6 seats arranged in two rows staring at disaster. Half way through the match, GB's step-son (Chel$ea fan) said to her rather archly, "I think it'll go to penalties, it'll be good, it'll allow you to feel the tension"

Anyway.........as I say, it's all gone a bit quiet over there. I think she may be building up her strength in getting ready to further her lingering love of the FA Cup, indulgence of Portsmouth and respect of Avram Grant.

Through the gloom, I did note, however, a certain frisson in her manner this evening (over tea) when the topic of David Beckham's presentation to Sepp Blatter was being discussed on C4 News.

Lot going on there, I'd say.

HL

Sweet Sensations

2010-05-11T19:05:00.004Z

So how many of my 23 did not make the 30?

Wes Brown isn't there. As My Lover predicted.

But I was right to stick to my guns about Leighton Baines.

Got the goalies right too.

Not bad for a girl who three years ago knew nothing about football.

I can feel the juices starting to flow.

My taste buds are tingling to savour the sweet sensations of the World Cup.

And I have my first world cup event in the diary.

A table football tournament against local solicitors, with a prize golden trophy to compete for.

Replica shirts actively encouraged.

Hope that extends to the scarf, mug and LCFC cushion I plan to take with me.

The Last Straw.

2010-05-10T19:28:00.003Z

Is a metaphorical expression often heard in the English language suggesting a breaking place in a person. A point of no return. It's also the name of this little band.

That point was reached in myself this morning as I heard Beeky discussing the latest drama to beset my beloved Liverpool FC. (Obviously, its the old man tonight-GB is out making Stroud a groovier place)

I know, I know, I know. I'm always on about Rafa. But please, he has to go soon.

I fear, however (as I've said before) it'll need to get worse-quite a lot worse, before it starts to get even the smallest bit better.

And then Prem.....you'd better watch out, because the reds will return to glory. Won't they?

Just to say btw, really good luck to The Foxes on Wednesday Night.

As GB said last night, we've got a tribe coming around and I'm on Pizza. I believe with the amazing Steve Howard back, you will prevail. Then it'll be you lot V's Hollow-Way

From what I saw of the Walkers match on Sunday, it's far from over.

World Cup soon too. Fab !

HL

Reasons To Be Cheerful

2010-05-09T19:25:00.005Z

There's a somewhat subdued air in the Best household this evening.

It's not miserable. It's not despondent.

Just a bit flat.

After watching Blackpool ride high in the first leg of the first semi-final Championship playoff yesterday, I was hoping we might secure at least a one or two goal home win to take us to Cardiff on Wednesday.

Now we will have our work cut out, against a team with a good home record.

It's not over yet of course. Unlike the Premiership.

And whilst at an intellectual level I think Chel$ea deserved the title, I can't feel pleased about it.

They are Chel$ea after all.

Like I say though, it's not all over.

And Gooner Junior, my Chel$ea loving stepson, and one or two other friends are coming over for beer and pizza on Wednesday whilst our fate is determined.

Do know, I'm already feeling more chirpy!

I Vote For Football

2010-05-07T17:08:00.004Z

Did you vote?

I did. I'm a great believer in the democratic process, cumbersome and imperfect as it is.

I even spent a few hours delivering leaflets for the local Labour and Co-operative candidate, who has served as the local MP for a number of years, and is genuinely respected for his achievements by all sections of the community - young, old and of all political persuasions.

It's a great reminder of how the big is created by the small, and that true power, if we can recognise it, always lies with the local.

For me, it reinforces what I observe in the sociology of football.

What makes football so wonderful - so universal - is that anyone can do it.

Babies. Women. Street kids.

And it's that passion that permeates upwards to create the global phenomenon that is our beautiful game.

So, of these two worlds in which I have an interest, politics and football, which is the one that is going to stir Georgina's local passion do you think?

The colour of our next prime minister?

Guess again.

How Did You Celebrate?

2010-05-06T20:34:00.003Z

In The Guardian, Spurs' enjoyed their success.

The Telegraph declared English managers are as good as any.

The Sun chose to run with the headline "Harry's in the Damp-ion's League".

Talk Sport?

They auctioned the suit!

As for Georgina - well, what else for a rock and roll chick?

Nice One 'Arry!

2010-05-05T22:13:00.005Z

Spurs in the Champions League then.

Seems their manager must bring a little something more to the party than non-alcoholic beverages.

Just over a season in post and he's already a Tottenham legend.

And to top it all, an iconic television moment.

Nice one 'Arry!

Stairway To Heaven

2010-05-04T19:19:00.005Z

I've just returned from a wonderful 4 days with My Lover on an isolated caravan site in Dorset, in our little portable love shack.

Apart from the invigorating effects of the clear fresh air, and the joy of playing and singing together outdoors, one of the greatest parts was having more time to indulge in our shared passion.

No, not that sort of passion.

Listening to the scores as they happened on the radio en route to the site.

Yelling at our little tranny (no, not that sort of tranny) in response to the ever- ridiculous pontifications of the Talk Sport crew on football, life and everything in between.

And as we sat at our plastic table, adorned with an eggcup filled with daisies, celandines, ragged robins and apple blossom, we talked for hours of playoffs and relegations, sacked managers and ones we would like to see the back of.

Now tell me that's not the stairway to heaven ? No, well maybe this one then.

Mission Of Mercy

2010-04-30T19:05:00.005Z

Is what GB is on tonight. Taking her Mum to the Hospital to visit her dad. Who has been....er.... re-wired. Long story and GB will explain if she feels able, I'm sure.

I'm sitting in front of the media centre at home, waiting for Fish and Chips to be brought in by GB at 9.30pm.

Anyway, we're off to Dorset tomorrow. The Premiership being settled, whilst GB and I sample the delights of this place.

As a Liverpool fan, I'm a bit sick about last night. Loyal readers will be aware I have posted many times on here saying "I've had it with Rafa"

The tipping point reached, when he ruined Robbie Keane's career because of his silly ego.

Over the years Rafa has been in charge I've been reminded of a little man with high ambition, little talent tbh and an amazing self-belief in something or other. His deeply-seated emotions (the emotions of a man blagging it badly) drive him to make stupid, irreconcilable and ego- driven decisions. A man who I will be glad to see go.

Please the Lord we get someone a bit better.

A man who recognises the history and tradition of LFC. A man who is a great tactician. A man who can make ordinary footballers into real team players and get them believe in an idea, a sociology, a tradition.

Like a lot of armchair pundits, I have rejected quite a few.

José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho being the first candidate........because it would be about him and, whilst he's a great guy, I want more down to earth.

Martin O'Neil is the next one on the death list. He's magic, but I think the pressure would be too much for him.

My hope is Roy Hodgson will be asked to have a go. Is he the man for this job ? Is he the man who can perfom a Mission Of Mercy?

I think he might be. Particularly, if it encourages more of this sort of thing.

HL

The F Factor

2010-04-29T21:01:00.002Z

Don't you just love a little " Feelgood Factor" now and again?

An evening at this restaurant, where Mr F himself recently sent a film crew. The meal was outstanding - I would highly recommend it.

Then home to the closing stages of a historic victory for Fulham.

That's Roy Hodgson for you.

When The Levee Breaks!

2010-04-28T19:35:00.003Z

Tells of a time in America when, instead of the dust bowl, rains fell causing the Mississippi Levee to falter and break, causing death and destruction across a huge area. Unless you believe this couple.

Anyway, as with famine or feast, boom or bust, instead of the dearth/poverty/shortage of football experienced last night with only Bayern v's Lyon on, tonight we have GB's favorite Manager playing up to the Camera in way, only he can. What about that Barcelona Stadium !

Sounds of fighting and a man's voice whining.
Georgina here.

I can see I'm going to have to change my password.

So, a match with plenty of drama.

A soft red card, a plethora of yellows, and histrionics enough to fill half a season - and all in 90 minutes.

And centre stage, of course, looking more like a filmstar than any filmstar known to woman, The Special One.

Breaking the rules by coming out of his technical area and talking pitchside to his players.

Pulling faces and making gestures.

Taking on the world and afraid of noone.

(With one exception).

10 minutes to go, and Barcelona are like an army battering a beseiged castle, whose inhabitants successfully repel them each time.

And Mourhino cannot lose.

If his team are defeated they will have put up a brave fight against impossible odds in the face of terrible injustice.

And if they win, he becomes an even greater legend.

It's 90 minutes now and into injury time.

Barca pushing forward yet again.

Inter defending, working as a team.

Barca even have their keeper up.

Oh no!

Oh yes - disallowed.

I'm a neutral. How come my stomach feels so tight?

One and a half minutes left.

Barca throw in.

Ball's out. Barca corner with just seconds to play.

It over!!!!!!!

Dustbowl Ballads

2010-04-27T20:44:00.004Z

Are a collection of songs by Woody Guthrie. These heartfelt ballads depict a time in Middle America when things were tough. The 30's. A dearth of rain across many of the mid-western states. People starved and died.

It's HL tonight BTW. GB has been catching up on paperwork.

In our house, we're well-fed fortunately. The only sense of emptiness felt, at the loss of English representatives in the Champions League. Tonight, only Lyon and Bayern Munich to keep our hearts lifted.

Hey ho, better things on the horizon.

HL

Cymru Am Byth

2010-04-26T19:28:00.003Z

Gareth Bale, it would seem, has the makings of a Spurs legend.

Although he has only scored 2 goals in 15 starts, he has shown increasing poise and flair in recent matches.

Sadly he is not in the running to form part of the 'dream team' I have to come up with who will be playing Brazil in the final of the World Cup.

A challenge set by My Lover a few minutes ago.

So here's my team.

Rob Green in goal.

Glyn Johnson, Wes Brown, Matthew Upson and Ashley Cole at the back from right to left.

David Bentley, Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole in the midfield.

Shaun Wright-Philips, Wayne Rooney and Bobby Zamora up front.

On the bench, Crouch, Walcott, Lampard, J. Hart, James, Terry, Bent, Ferdinand, Baines, King, Neville and Barry.

Like I say - shame we can't find a way to slip Mr Bale into that line-up.

Cymru am byth.

A Moment Of Passion With Luton Andy

2010-04-25T19:04:00.009Z

"I'll look at the blog to see what Georgina thought of it", said Luton Andy, in his email to My Lover today.

So I'll tell you.

Firstly, it was a radically different experience to the one I was anticipating.

In many ways.

For one thing the crowd was completely different to one you would see at a football match.

I am struggling to put my finger on quite what the different features of the two demographics are, but my new environment reminded me of my days doing this.

And then there was the pitch. There was so much extra turf around it. And whilst the game was going on, people are playing on the sides, doing warm ups and I don't know what.

There were people loafing at the edges. People running about in daps. Cameramen (or camera operators as the PC police would have it) here, there and everywhere.

They even had people running on with drinks bottles whilst play was going on.

I half expected one of the players to answer a mobile phonecall at some point.

The other thing that astonished me, having only ever seen rugby on the television, with screenshots usually no more than a few men wide, I had not appreciated that for much of the time, most of the pitch is empty, and all the play is happening in a line.

My highlights?

Soldiers abseiling from the top of the stands with Cross of St George flags
Meeting up with Luton Andy, family and friends beforehand for sausage and mash, arranged to resemble a rugby goalpost, complete with chocolate egg
Pre-match and half time entertainment (a step up from The Walkers where people trying to kick a ball through the window of a Wicks shed passed for half-time entertainment)
The lush pizza I had on the way home.
Seeing Gareth Malone crossing the street

But the weirdest thing of all, the thing I really couldn't get my head around, was that lots of the crowd spent much of the match chatting. About all sorts.

That is what shocked me most.

And when I was talking to Luton Andy at the end, we agreed that Rugby was nice to watch.

But Football is where our passion burns.

A poingnant moment.

We both understood without having to explain.

It's Life Jim, But Not As We Know It!

2010-04-23T20:41:00.003Z

Tonight sees the old bear starting off as the warm up act but GB following quickly up the rear.

Turns out, whilst we're trolling through our newish media system this evening, on a channel called CBS Action, old re-runs of Star Trek are being run. GB to my (very recent) knowledge, is (it seems) a huge fan. So much so, she recognised Spock's Mum in a heartbeat, and then proceeded to tell me the plot of the episode that was on the screen.

GB then let it slip she was in love with Cap't James T Kirk. Groovy huh?

Suddenly then, I'm in love with a fan of serious telly.

Anyway, She's here now.

.....................................

He's getting far to fond of posting on here that old bear.

Anyway, I've a surprise for you.

Well more of a shock really.

Tomorrow, when my boys are playing Preston North End, I will be at Twickenham.

Watching this lot and this lot chase the egg shaped ball.

It's Luton Andy's birthday.

It's a ball game Jim - but not as we know it.

Life In The Fast Lane

2010-04-22T19:24:00.003Z

Is a song by the Eagles. And a very under-stated description of my day.

Its the bear again tonight. I asked GB (because I have a short story to tell) if I could have a go and she said yes (somewhat reluctantly I felt)

Anyway....... we're all here at home........Athletico Madrid on the telly V's the reds. Most of you will know I'm a fan. With the lads one nil down in the first 10 minutes, things aren't going well.

Despite having recently retired from mainstream work, today found me learning more about the Government's new initiative in trying to make sense of the nightmare that has become England's regulated Child Maintenance Payments system.

It's dry stuff readers. The guy doing the training did really well to make arid subject matter light and bright.

This northern guy from Sheffield turns out to be a bang at it Utd supporter. A serious season ticket holder. I asked him what he thought of Kevin Blackwell?

He took the view, and I quote " it's all lump it....and hope. The through-ball, the big centre- forward, elbows in the box"

Kick-Run-Fight. Classic English Footy.

I'm sat here watching GB fall asleep in front of LFC (my team) and thinking much the same thing about Raffa's army.

We'll see ......................... £600 Million indeed !

HL

The Fooball Loving Girl's Guide To The Art Of Conversation

2010-04-20T18:50:00.004Z

Sitting next to me on the settee, watching Inter Milan vs Barcelona, My Lover said;

"Course, you know that Fergie and Mourhino are like that. It's in Fergie's gift to choose who should follow him. They are close friends. Everyone's talking about it"

"That would be everyone on Talk Sport would it?", I asked, raising an eyebrow. "That would be Mike Parry and the gang - The Sun on the radio".

"Not just them - I heard some dude pundit say it", retorted My Lover.

Then quickly changing the subject, he started a discussion about the scandal that is our national stadium.

We talked about how the business model was flawed, not taking sufficient account of the quality issues in relation to the pitch. We agreed that it is an embarrassment that may seriously threaten our reputation as a footballing nation capable of hosting a World Cup.

And all within a 10 minute window.

Who said the art of conversation is dead?

Blowing His Top

2010-04-19T20:24:00.005Z

Every now and then, life gives you a little reminder of how small and inconsequential we are.

A dramatic act of nature, thousands of miles away, has touched our lives.

And once again we are rendered helpless - like the floods, and the snow.

Even the mightiest are having to make other arrangements.

Talking of volcanoes ..................

Shame he couldn't find a way to stoke the fire in the bellies of his players.

Wordsworth knew a thing or two.

2010-04-18T20:19:00.003Z

This is HL.

Today was another time out with GB and I, juggling football with the other life. In this case, snaffling wood for the stove and prettifying the Patio. Whilst out wooding, we followed a track road in the car, going back along the route where we saw a large hare yesterday. We went under a narrow bridge (an A road above) full of holiday cars and bikes. As we cleared the bridge, we saw an embankment full of wild flowers fully in bloom. Reds, Pinks, Yellows. A rash of radiance in bright sunlight. We stopped and just looked. Brilliant pickings in a wood followed. (we always argue over which bits to cut with saws, bought from Aldi) Today, a broad mix of various fallen wood. Dry mostly, and easily cut to size in our shed. Back home, GB, a model of sexual modesty played Charlie Dymock on the patio, potting up marigolds for our own, home grown, bit of nature.

In our living room, I watched Arsenal lose any hope they had of winning the Prem this year.

Horses for Courses so to speak. Anyway, another lovely day in the Cotswold's today although I do feel for the girl. So close, and yet so far in getting to play-off success.

A Proper Lovely Day

2010-04-17T20:22:00.005Z

Tonight readers, HL and GB are posting together. HL (Her Lover) is going first and GB (Georgina Best) will respond.

HL's bit

Today saw GB and I, having a time here. GB played glamour model outside new corporate premises whilst I took snaps for the local newspaper. We live on the edge, I can tell you. Anyway, with the radio on in the car, a shared personal device whilst walking around, we kept up to date with, probably, the most remarkable day's football I've witnessed this season. The only thing missing for me, a Liverpool win to make the moment perfect. Our chance on Monday v's The Hammers though.

It's been a proper lovely day.

GB's Bit

It's been a proper lovely day.

I nearly had some new shoes. They were a lush dark pink with a wedge heel. They proved to be faulty, though, so, leaving my lover in the car, I returned them.

When I returned to the car my lover asked me if I wanted the good news or the bad news first.

My disappointment over the shoes did not leave me at my most gracious.

I told him neither.

Characteristically, he told me anyway.

He said Leicester City played a large proportion of their match against Watford with 10 men.

I hoped that was the bad news.

He said the good news was they were 4-1 up.

One more win and we are in the playoffs.

We're going to Wemberley!!

Like we said - it's been a proper lovely day!

You're Never Far From A Foxes Fan

2010-04-16T19:15:00.004Z

Being something of a very, very minor local celebrity, I was invited to particpate in a panel debate on the radio today.

We were there to discuss last night's television debate between the three main party leaders.

It was a new presenter.

As I entered the studio with my two fellow panelists (a man of the cloth and a hynotherpist), I found myself behind a yellow microphone.

Our host introduced himself and mentioned he had come from BBC Leicester.

My ears pricked up as you can imagine.

"Are you a Leicester City fan?", I asked.

He reached to his right and lifted a...................Leicester City mug.

Lovely !

Hurry up 'Arry....come on!

2010-04-15T21:20:00.003Z

Is a song by this lot.

It's HL again this evening. I'm standing in because we've got family (GB's little girl-22 and my little boy-28 round atm.

I wondered what to write about tonight and then I thought about my day. A busy and productive round of keeping house. A task I've always adored.

Today I washed, cooked and listened to more serious commentators than Mr Parry talk about a rare event for Spurs. A fabulous victory over the bloody Arse, their sworn enemy and GB and Junior-Gooner's favorite Prem Side. People are saying it was the Match of the Season. I tend to agree.

100mph football with White Hart Lane claiming 87% of the possession over the last 10 minutes.

Quite rightly, GB and JG are sad about this event but listening to the amazing atmosphere in a certain North London Stadium last night, I feel that maybe, just maybe, Harry might be back next season looking at winning trophies. That'll be two years in a row for southern teams then, if things don't fall apart for Chelsea this weekend.

HL

PS

When I was thinking up stuff for tonight's blog, I looked for inspiration on You Tube. Nothing
suggested itself but I thought this was quite heartwarming as a most watched video ?

Happy Retirement

2010-04-13T19:17:00.004Z

Is what the card said as I left work last week. Mixed feelings about the whole issue for the old bear, for it is he tonight.

GB's still ensconced with this stuff.

Mixed feelings because having worked every day of my life since I was 16, stopping doing it is quite a change of circumstance.

Today found me doing the following things

Clean House

Do washing

Field Emails

All, whilst listening to this silly ass.

Walk a mile to the local supermarket, buy ingredients to make this and this and this.

Make said items after walking a mile back home.

And find out this, which, despite what this bloke says, is a public scandal.

It's probably Ken Bates' fault!

HL

Sweet Dreams

2010-04-12T20:15:00.003Z

What position do you sleep in in bed?

I favour lying on my right hand side, with my knees bent and legs curled up a bit.

Sometimes I lie flat on my back.

Other times I cuddle up to My Lover.

And I sleep well pretty much.

Bed is a haven. Somewhere to feel safe.

It's also the place where your head is alone with itself.

So I guess sleeping peacefully is a consequence of having a pretty clear conscience.

I wonder if certain others can say the same.

Or for that matter, lie straight in bed.

The "WOW" Factor

2010-04-11T18:33:00.003Z

I've experienced the "WOW!!" factor today.

Not in any frivolous way.

But in an "I'm not worthy" sort of way.

A moment when I stood back and looked in admiration at none other than Avram Grant.

There is the fantastic FA Cup Semi-final win today for a start.

A battle in which, as we all know, the adversaries have been far more than simply another football team.

Staring in the face of financial ruin.

The loss of players and management staff.

And through the blizzard Avram Grant has led his troops, like a military hero.

It was an article in The Telegraph, however, with an account of where he draws his inspiration, that particularly moved me.

I anyone ever asked me to name the top 3 people in football I would like to meet, he would definitely be one of them.

He is an inspiration.

Never Mind The B******s Here Comes Steve McClaren

2010-04-08T20:29:00.004Z

"McClaren" seems to be the name on everyone's lips today.

One, the erstwhile controversial music impresario Malcolm McClaren.

Now amongst friends at the great rock concert in the sky.

The other, Steve McClaren, whom, it seems, we all misjudged.

Could it be another transformation on the scale Beckham managed?

What separates them, of course, is that if David Beckham had been standing beneath that umbrella, he would have managed to look gorgeous.

Whereas somehow you can't imagine the same would be said if Steve McClaren had replaced Becks in as the "face" of Armani.

And if you did imagine that, you would almost certainly wish that image was not in your head.

Wouldn't you?

Heading For A Sticky End?

2010-04-06T20:38:00.004Z

They're good aren't they?

The Barcelona boys.

You can't fail to be impressed by their skills and the talent of Mr Messi.

Although, without wishing to be accused of sour grapes, I do wonder how someone who wears suits at least 2 sizes too small for him can avoid coming to anything other than a sticky end.

Spooks And Spirits

2010-04-04T21:37:00.002Z

It's wall to wall football here these days.

Everton v West Ham today.

A good match, although at times you feel as if West Ham is a team with it's head hanging.

Confidence is an issue I would say.

And my interpretation of Zola's body language is that he is part of that.

He doesn't look convinced.

And if he isn't sure, how can be expect his team to believe in themselves?

Time to seek out that elusive team spirit and exorcise those spooks.

A girl in the Crowd

2010-04-03T20:21:00.004Z

Its the old bear tonight. GB's ensconced here. My boy is still staying with us in the cave.

Me and him have been having cook-offs; GB in culinary heaven.

Today, we've been here with my Mum. However. on the way to Bath in the car (quite bizarrely I thought) GB suggested we sang hymns, to see if we remembered any of the words from Easter times gone past.

First kick of the match saw GB singing " there is a green hill far away" to which (because I was both a choir-boy and a member of the Armed Forces) I sang the entire refrain........including the "for he's a jolly good fellow" retort at the end.

Surprisingly perhaps, GB finished the sacred piece with me and we laughed like only daft lovers can.

It was then I realised why she's become so taken with football.

Its because She likes a crowd who sings. She's a joiner-in. She knows all the dirty words. She's a fan

Me, I usually only observe. My sense of self hood threatened by intense displays of emotion, so I watch and make comment.

I envy her the joy of being involved.

We've had a real god day then..............unlike this lot. Probably the decider ?

HL

Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back

2010-04-02T17:43:00.003Z

"Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back"..........

.......was the title I finally settled on for this post.

Alternative suggestions offered by My Lover in creative mode were;

"Howard's Way."

and;

"Howard's No Coward."

Steven Howard, out since January with an injury, back and in courageous form.

West Bromwich Albion are a good team, in form, and played well.

Leicester played with shape and tenacity.

But they weren't able to capitalise on opportunities and turn effort into goals.

At times they simply did not have enough pace and fizz.

And they are missing their star striker.

We've had a bad run recently, but despite tonight's defeat, I still think we have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

Finger's crossed eh?

A Nightmare Come True

2010-03-31T21:21:00.003Z

I woke up this morning with the memory of a terrible nightmare etched on my mind.

Wayne Rooney injured.

Please don't let it be true.

But it is.

And we can only pray it is minor and doesn't dent our sweet dreams of world cup success.

Warming Your Cockles

2010-03-30T20:21:00.003Z

Do you fancy a heartwarming story tonight girls?

Well how about the journey of one Mark Halsey?

A journey that started here.

Took him here.

And has brought him here.

Cockles of your hearts suitably warmed I hope.

Pizza In Paradise

2010-03-29T20:12:00.004Z

Wednesday evening is going to be fun.

Pizza made by my lover.

Lager.

Woodburner crackling in the background.

Ecofan churning away.

Gooner Junior and his friend Seedy (Liverpool fan), my stepson (Chel$ea fan), Steve (Watford fan), the rock god (Reading fan), my lover and I, all snuggled together in our bijou front room.

All watching the big screen - Arsenal. v Barcelona.

And if that isn't enough......................

West Brom v Leicester City on Friday evening.

In my own house!!

I'm in heaven!!

Big Time Charlie

2010-03-27T22:38:00.003Z

Is what the old bear feels like.

GB is otherwise engaged tonight.

BTC.....because, against all odds and the quiet expression of huge reservation, GB is (very much actually) "on message" with the big screen heaven that is the living room in our bijou house.

To explain, I've just spent a little under two grand of my retirement grant on a multi-media centre for (what my Mum would rather call) "the lounge".

So, with wood to heat us, a second-hand sofa to sit on, my rock-star son staying over (after cooking us a terrific supper )we are all being enchanted by 42 inch multi-media MOTD and.........wall-to-wall Alan Shearer in a (too-tight and awful) co-respondent collar shirt.

You win some, you lose some I guess!

Anyway, up-close and personal on the Samsung 42 inch, as we look on at the Chel$ea bench it becomes suddenly very clear to the viewing public in (what I like to call) our front room, that Didier Drogba and this person are one and the same, give or take the odd lump and bump.

What a great picture and I'm lovin' it.

She'll be back soon thankfully.

Take Care

HL

A Carlsberg Moment

2010-03-24T20:32:00.002Z

And so it came to pass.

It's a miracle.

In my front room.

I'm watching Tottenham play Fulham.

And it's like I could lick the sweat off their faces (should I be so inclined).

It is truly, truly amazing.

Probably life changing.

A definite Carlsberg moment.

When The Grown-Ups Can't Agree

2010-03-22T22:11:00.004Z

Well well well.

A very interesting resignation today.

Even more intriguingly, it would seem it was a matter of principle.

It smacks of some sort of power struggle behind the scenes if you ask me.

In contrast, the conflict within Fifa is very public.

With a decisive end to the battle for potency.

And whilst the "grown-ups" play their games, whose looking after the naughty children?

Things Ain't Always What They Seem

2010-03-21T18:34:00.003Z

I don't see myself as someone averse to change.

I think I am reasonably modern in my outlook and prepared to move with the times.

But I really do struggle in situations where things seem to be changed for change's sake.

For example, after a hard day sorting around the house, my lover and I prepared to take as much as we could to the local recycling centre, which is about 7 miles away.

Sensibly, we decided to look up what time it shut.

After considerable searching on the local district council website however we drew a blank.

Eventually, almost by accident, we eventually found what we were looking for.

Not under recycling as you might expect.

For apparently, recycling centres are not that at all - they are "Civic Amenity Centres".

A useful lesson if you are considering searching for information about football managers too.

Certainly in the Kingston Upon Hull area where, it would seem, the Manager doesn't actually manage the team any more. And, strangely, they don't have a manager working at the club at all.

No, they employ a "Football Management Consultant".

Am I just making a fuss about nothing? Should I consider applying similar principles to my own life and call this blog , "For Female Humans Who Are Unable To Appreciate The Finer Points Of The Game Of Two Halves".

Cue Fanfare

2010-03-19T22:07:00.007Z

Ladies and Gentleman.

I give you................

..........the one and only..............

..........the legend that is............

Mr.......Roy .........Hodgson!

All You Need To Know

2010-03-17T19:45:00.007Z

If Iain Dowie is the answer, what is the question?

His was certainly not the first name that sprang to my mind. Not sure Hull's Board thought so either.

Still, he might surprise us.

His stats (according to Wikipedia) are probably more impressive as a manger than his predecessor;

Phil Brown;

Team	Nat	From	To	Record
Team	Nat	From	To	G	W	D	L	Win %
Bolton Wanderers (caretaker)		22 September 1999	19 October 1999	&0000000000000005.0000005	&0000000000000004.0000004	0	&0000000000000001.0000001	&0000000000000080.00000080.00
Derby County		24 June 2005	30 January 2006	&0000000000000033.00000033	&0000000000000007.0000007	&0000000000000014.00000014	&0000000000000012.00000012	&0000000000000021.21000021.21
Hull City		4 December 2006	15 March 2010	&0000000000000157.000000157	&0000000000000052.00000052	&0000000000000040.00000040	&0000000000000065.00000065	&0000000000000033.12000033.12
Total				&0000000000000195.000000195	&0000000000000063.00000063	&0000000000000054.00000054	&0000000000000078.00000078	&0000000000000032.31000032.31

Iain Dowie;

Team	Nation	From	To	Matches	Won	Drawn	Lost	Win %
Queens Park Rangers (caretaker)	England	01998-09-2828 September 1998	01998-10-1616 October 1998	&0000000000000002.0000002	&0000000000000001.0000001	0	&0000000000000001.0000001	&0000000000000050.00000050.00
Oldham Athletic	England	02002-05-3131 May 2002	02003-12-1919 December 2003	&0000000000000082.00000082	&0000000000000031.00000031	&0000000000000028.00000028	&0000000000000023.00000023	&0000000000000037.80000037.80
Crystal Palace	England	02003-12-2222 December 2003	02006-05-2222 May 2006	&0000000000000123.000000123	&0000000000000050.00000050	&0000000000000029.00000029	&0000000000000044.00000044	&0000000000000040.65000040.65
Charlton Athletic	England	02006-05-3030 May 2006	02006-11-1313 November 2006	&0000000000000015.00000015	&0000000000000004.0000004	&0000000000000003.0000003	&0000000000000008.0000008	&0000000000000026.67000026.67
Coventry City	England	02007-02-1919 February 2007	02008-02-1111 February 2008	&0000000000000049.00000049	&0000000000000020.00000020	&0000000000000008.0000008	&0000000000000021.00000021	&0000000000000040.82000040.82
Queens Park Rangers	England	02008-05-1414 May 2008	02008-10-2424 October 2008	&0000000000000015.00000015	&0000000000000008.0000008	&0000000000000003.0000003	&0000000000000004.0000004	&0000000000000053.33000053.33
Hull City	England	02010-03-1717 March 2010	Present	0	0	0	0	!—

And if you remain unconvinced, don't forget he had the privilege of being assistant to the great Alan Shearer at Newcastle recently.

That probably tells you all you need to know.

1001 Tales

2010-03-16T19:46:00.008Z

Can you believe it?

My Lover posted the 1000th post on this blog yesterday.

Honestlea-ah...! Talk about poacher goals.

I've been watching the counter go around heading for the magical figure.

I knew I was very close.

But in a moment of weakness last night, I took pity on My Lover's entreaties to be allowed to write on my blog and allowed him said privilege. And he ended up with a cameo role.

Of course, he will tell you I gratefully accepted his offer to stand in, enabling me to go to a meeting and have some time for myself at the end of the day.

I'll leave you to decide who you believe.

In other, more important news, it seems David Beckham is to go to the World Cup after all, St Stevie of Me demonstrates his Teflon qualities again and, there are rumours a certain Israeli has been spotted eyeing up the talent on local industrial estates in Hull.

Like a bat out of Hull !

2010-03-15T20:20:00.007Z

Is almost a song by Meatloaf; mangled here by a well groovy dude.

Phil Brown (for it is he), dodgy perma-tan and half-time talks, is no more. He's gone.

Oh, and btw.....It's the old bear tonight. She's out.

And, as usual, Liverpool are on 5Live. They are combating a broken Portsmouth.

Currently the home side are 3 -nil up. The downside is that the buffoon Alan Green is giving us all the huge benefit of his magnificent yet maligned opinions on everything!

Anyway, back to Phil.

Interestingly, if listen to most of the people with whom he has been associated over the last few year, no one will say a bad word. This guy is an exception.

I do believe there have been several incidents leading to the guy's departure. I would suggest this, this and this, did not help.

The weekend's performance against the Arse, whilst lionised in the press as a gutty ten-man performance, was characterised by aggressive "career-ending" tackling of a vicious sort.

I imagine Phil might have said to his men, "get your foot in-give um a hard time" rather in the way Cpl Jones might have said many years ago.

No, Phil's departure has been a long time coming, People are saying Alan Curbishley may be the man for the job.

Frankly, I'm not sure and, rather in the way Newcastle and indeed, Middlesborough, may be realising, sticking with the familiar may be better in the long-term than getting another person in to change it all around.

At the beginning of the season, I said to GB, Portsmouth,Hull and Wolves are the teams who will not survive this season. She wanted Bolton to be in the mix.

We'll see huh ?

HL

The Party's Over

2010-03-14T22:40:00.003Z

He thought it might be all over.

It is now.

There's Only One Alan Shearer

2010-03-12T19:29:00.004Z

I became of fan of Paul Doyle today.

He writes for The Guardian, for a series called "Small Talk", and his article today was an interview with none other than that Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer.

What was interesting was that it gave me some new insights into the man.

Firstly, I have had confirmed my deepest, darkest suspicion that he has no sense of humour.

Secondly, I have discovered the reason behind his one-dimensional personality.

Apparently, it is because he had no interest in childish things.

He just played football.

So lets recap.

Limited personality. No sense of humour.

What's he got going for him?

Well, I suppose he can play football.

Caving in

2010-03-11T21:22:00.000Z

Is what my boys did tonight.

I know GB's posted already but, as she has said, The bear is home alone.

They were beaten, fair and square, by a better side. Lille, are one of those teams in Europe who have form for this sort of behaviour. Strangely enough, they don't respect The Premiership. They're French of course.

I listened to Beeky, a devotee of all things Liverpool, undertake a match commentary, suffused with "why aren't the Reds sorting this" and "What the hell is Raffa doing?"

This is a team who, amazingly, lost only two games in the Premiership last year.

This is a team, a few short years ago, who were feared all over Europe.

This is a team who, it would seem, have lost confidence, lost direction and are (if I'm any judge) on the slide. Badly on the bloody slide.

Things need to happen fast.

Firstly, Raffa is not (in any way) the person who should manage this very English club.

Secondly, Hicks and Gillett are not (in any way) the appropriate people to hold Liverpool Football Club's purse strings.

Thirdly, please do not (under any circumstances) talk to this guy about taking over.

Rather, take my tip, go to one of the few people who will quicky restore a sense of dignity, pride and honour to the club.

Let's hope in bringing back a sense of the British Bulldog and............for goodness sake.......Liverpool Football Club to the fans, we can build into a team of which our little country can be justly proud.

BTW.......pay him what he requires.

HL

I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

2010-03-11T18:47:00.003Z

I'm away this evening. In Costa del Torquay.

A work event.

Nice trip down on the train, including several miles right next to the sea. Apparently when the sea is rough they have to close the line.

Time to reflect on last night's game between The ManUre and Inter.

Great performance it has to be said.

And what about Becks and that scarf? That's put the cat amongst the pigeons.............

It means My Lover is home alone of course.

Which is fine as he is pretty self sufficient, and anyway, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Fingers crossed that Liverpool do OK tonight though.

Otherwise who will mop his tears?

Would You Buy A Mortgage From A Man United Fan?

2010-03-10T20:08:00.003Z

I've been to see my mortgage advisor today.

Yes, that's life in the fast lane for you readers.

Anyway, we did the sums and decided now is not the time to make a change.

We got to talking about other stuff. And in the conversation I used the short time most football managers stay in their job as an example of short term thinking.

"Do you like football?", I asked.

"Yes I do", he said, looking slightly worried.

"Who do you support? I'm a Leicester City fan."

"Ah, a Fox. I don't usually tell people who I support. They stop wanting to do business with me."

"Who is it then", I asked, hoping against hope he wouldn't say Leeds.

"They are playing tonight", he said.

"Ah, Manchester United. They're OK", I said, relieved.

Then a conversation about our surprise anyone would loathe Manchester United when there is the infinitely more hateable Che$ea. And how much we are looking forward to the world cup, our hopes and fears for England, and the pros and cons of Crouch and Heskey.

We've arranged to meet again in 6 months.

Well there will be who won the Prem, the Champions League and the World Cup to talk about.

If we get time, we may even check my mortgage again.

Rock And Roll Retirement

2010-03-09T20:22:00.002Z

My Lover is starting to prepare for his retirement, which begins at the end of this month.

He is off work this week, and in addition to cleaning the oven and all the kitchen cupboards, folding his t-shirts in neat bundles showing the motifs "so he can see the full selection", vacuuming through the house, getting his motorbike ready for the road, refurbishing the freezer and making delicious meals, he has......

....joined the library.

Apparently it is a "little bit on the shabby side", but with one redeeming feature.

A copy of this poem on the wall.

"You know the story for tonight don't you?", he said, sticking two fingers up.

"What about the bugging?", I said.

How to choose?

Not an experience My Lover said he had at the library.

It's not all jam today being retired you know.

I expect he'll make the most of it though.

Don't you?

Don't Quit

2010-03-08T19:57:00.002Z

Yesterday was my birthday.

Not my real birthday of course.

My blog birthday.

3 years, 993 posts (including this one), 181533 hits and 4 hit counters later and I'm still here.

It's been a fascinating journey so far.

Sometimes I have had to be really disciplined to post almost every day.

But the truth of it is that most of the time it is largely a positive experience.

On occasions it has been a great place to express myself.

Other times the learning vehicle I originally intended.

A place to explore some of life's mysteries.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Here's to the next 3 years!

Not very nice

2010-03-07T21:43:00.002Z

GB's away being a bit busy. Last night, however, saw us over in Reading for a night out here

The reason being GB has devloped an almost OCD- like interest in music like this and a dude was playing these sort of tunes at the pub.

The dude's wife is a hippy chick. The living embodyment of stuff like this.

After chatting at the bar, before the gig, the chick says to me she doesn't really do football. She (apparently) does not get the idea you can be a Liverpool fan and come from here.

Anyway, after explaining the rules to her. She looked at me gently and told the following story.

Raffa, walks into a local Liverpool Superstore. He spots an older lady wrestling with an errant shopping trolley. The gentleman in Benetiz goes over to the lady and says "can you manage?"

Obviously, we've all heard the joke before....etc etc Yadda Yadda Yadda.

Shows though, that hippified, left-wing, 60's chicks can love football if given the opportunity.

As Jimmy Greaves says, It's a funny old game

HL

Where Do You Draw The Line?

2010-03-04T21:05:00.004Z

Someone of my distant acquaintance who now heads up an organisation in another county, regularly plays five-a-side football.

He preaches love and peace during the day, but turns into something of an aggressive monster on the pitch.

It's a tough game, football.

A man's game, My Lover says.

In a game that can be brutal at times, there has always been the opportunity to covertly include behaviours that on the street would be crimes.

So never mind the post mortems of England's glory last night.

Or the latest escapades of The White Pig.

This is the top story of the day.

I predict it is the first of many.

Sooner or later the situation will escalate, with a prosecution in the football league.

And then the impact will, in my view, be significant.

It poses a real threat to the way the game is played. It's very essence.

And the risk of career-ending miscarriages of justice.

And yet we can't keep protecting vicious, even life-threatening, behaviour.

Tricky!

You Win Some You Lose Some

2010-03-03T22:05:00.005Z

Gooner Junior is at Wembley.

He got tickets to see tonight's match.

Lucky to have witnessed such an exciting game and a very creditable English performance.

He predicted 3-1to England.

Hope you put a bet on that.

Meantime as we celebrate our win, lets not forget that Football has suffered a couple of losses today.

A Plymouth Argyle fan.

And a football dude who will be remembered with great fondness by many.

I Want A P

2010-03-02T20:55:00.003Z

I've been using some 'P' words around the house recently.

Much to My Lover's disgust.

"It's far to early to be talking about Playoffs or Promotion", he said.

I'm sure he would say it is for my own good.

That the higher I raise my asPirations and exPectations, the harder they will come crashing down.

I guess he speaks from years of exPerience.

But it's hard to completely ignore the Possibilty when others are whisPering about it too.

So I will try to retain some objectivity and manage my excitement as we triumph in the Playoffs.

I'll have a 'P' please Bob.

Premiership, here we come.

ABE?

2010-03-01T21:28:00.005Z

I've said before that I struggle to make sense of the deep-seated animosity between the Scottish and the English (apart from all the bad behaviour, mostly by the English, across the centuries).

Interesting, then, to see the issue raise it's head again, with a row about a t-shirt.

"ABE" - Anyone But England. I understand Trevor Phillips has commented on the matter.

There is even a facebook group dedicated to the cause.

Unless of course things have been misreported.

Timed To Perfection

2010-02-28T22:22:00.003Z

The Roon is in the ascendancy.

Sir Alex has moulded a world class player from the raw materials of passion, talent and ambition.

The hours of target practice have paid off.

The ugly duckling has turned into a swan.

Living proof that in the right hands, it is possible to create something both technically brilliant and beautiful.

Fiddling While Rome Burns

2010-02-27T18:44:00.003Z

It strikes me that the more you try to regulate and control people, the more problems you create for everyone.

Take football for example.

Tribal. Passionate. Where battles are fought, won and lost.

Yet it would seem that the Fat Controllers have some deluded belief that they can micro manage behaviour within football's vast sociology.

It will be interesting to see how they deal with Wayne Bridge's refusal to shake hands with Terry, which is, of course, against one of their many, many rules.

And what are they going to do if the likes of Ferguson refuse to be interviewed?

Talk about fiddling while Rome burns.

If they spent even half as much time concentrating on the bigger strategic picture, on rectifying a system that allows clubs to get into ridiculous debt and unsustainable financial positions, they could find themselves heading up a highly successful industry.

Meantime, they will no doubt continue not to notice what's creeping up on them.

A Pale Imitation

2010-02-25T18:04:00.003Z

A compelling fixture last night between Inter and Chel$ea, which lived up to all expectations.

It's weird how when you watch a great match like that, enhanced by the fantastic atmosphere created by the crowd, you get completely caught up in that world.

It all seems so big, so important.

And then suddenly you are facing one of life's important moments.

When your character is tested and you have to place your trust in others.

A minor operation for a loved one, not life threatening, but nonetheless an intense experience.

Wanting to do the right thing to help him through it.

Coming through the other side and knowing it's going to be OK.

Within 24 hours, somehow the drama of a Champion's League drama, starring Jose Mourhino, seems a pale imitation of real life.

Special Meaning

2010-02-23T22:15:00.003Z

They say Jose was mocking the ref.
They say he showed him disrespect.
But I know what his meaning much better than them.
Jose likes a bit of the old S and M.

That Monday Feeling

2010-02-22T21:18:00.002Z

What can you say about Mondays?

I manage that "Monday Morning Feeling" by keeping my expectations very low.

Then I won't be disappointed.

But every now and then life deals me a pleasant surprise.

Like today.

An email from Mr Charlton Athletic.

Who remembered me saying I would love to get tickets to an Arsenal game.

And has come up trumps!

Gooner Junior and I are off to The Emirates.

I'm so excited.

For my son.

I, of course, will be singing "Leicester 'til I die" inside.

But who knows, if I manage my expectations, I may enjoy myself a little bit.

Still Learning

2010-02-20T20:26:00.002Z

I think I have told you before I now travel to work by train.

Which is proving very helpful to my football studies.

My lover regularly buys me FourFourTwo magazine.

And with the extra time my new transport gives me, I am taking the trouble to read it cover to cover.

You'd be amazed what I have learnt.

I now know, for example, about a character called Jimmy Jump.

That England won a football world cup this year.

But most excitingly of all, I have found out that there is a major debate going on about what Mancini's scarf says about him.

Some say it makes him a style icon.

Others that it shows he is loyal.

It is even suggested that it shows he is a vulnerable as the fans.

And there was me thinking he just looked a bit of a muppet .

It just shows you, I still have so much to learn.

Consult The Oracle

2010-02-18T21:11:00.003Z

I know why you are visiting this site today.

Ever since you watched the Arsenal match against Porto last night, you have been thinking " I wonder what Georgina Best thinks about that second goal?", haven't you?

I'm right aren't I?

Well I will tell you.

I think that had Sol Campbell and his team mates been on the ball, they would have realised what was happening and responded quickly.

They did not react. Too busy being distracted by their own protestations.

Had they responded quickly, however, then I do think the referee would have been obstructing Campbell.

So I think on balance it was probably the right decision by the referee.

That's what Georgina Best thinks.

So now you know.

Eeyore Rocks

2010-02-17T20:59:00.004Z

I can't remember if I told you but my stepson and his family have moved back to England from America.

He is a bang-at-it Chel$ea fan.

Other than an occasional phonecall, I haven't had a real conversation with him about football yet.

So I thought I would impress him by wishing his team good luck this evening (I mistakenly thought they would be playing).

Georgina's text: Good luck against Mourhino's lot

Stepson's text: Ty. Don't think we play until next week. Round Gooner Junior's watching Arsenal atm

"B****r!". I thought. "How did that happen?"

"I know. This will impress him"

Georgina's text: "Don't tell Gooner Junior, but I fear Sol Campbell is a donkey"

Within 30 seconds, Campbell scores.

"Now what do I say?", I thought.

Only one thing to say.

Georgina's text: "Eeyore rocks!"