Under Grey Lancastrian Skies

Salford City Reds Heritage Walk 2011

2012-01-14T08:26:00.001Z

Salford City Reds Heritage Walk 2011, a set on Flickr.

Walk from the Willows to the new Salford City Stadium in December. I've got more thoughts on the new ground, but I'll share them some other time.

Insanely Bad Elf

2011-12-25T23:37:00.001Z

Insanely Bad Elf, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Insanely Bad Elf - Merry Christmas indeed!

Salford Central Railway Station

2011-12-19T20:31:00.001Z

Salford Central Railway Station, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

I may go back sober and with a proper camera next time...

Northwich Victoria FC

2011-12-19T20:30:00.001Z

Northwich Victoria FC, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

FC United lose out to Northwich Vics by 2 goals to 1, NPL Premier Division, 17th December 2011

Guiseley AFC v FC United, FA Trophy First Round Proper

2011-12-10T19:03:00.001Z

Technicolor

2011-12-08T09:20:00.001Z

Technicolor, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Said print with the flash on. Can't decide which photo shows it best...

Technicolor

2011-12-08T08:50:00.001Z

Technicolor, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Technicolor

Lancashire Reign Pump Clip

2011-11-30T12:18:00.001Z

Lancashire Reign Pump Clip, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Lancashire Reign Pump Clip

Me and the County Championship trophy. Again.

2011-11-21T19:50:00.001Z

Me and the County Championship trophy. Again., originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Me and the County Championship trophy. Again.

Mickleover Sports v FC United

2011-11-13T22:03:00.001Z

Mickleover Sports Ground, 12/11/11

In the Trenches

2011-11-01T21:11:00.001Z

In the Trenches, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

FCUM away at Frickley, NPL Premier Division, 22/10/11

FC United Youth away at Morecambe 'A'

2011-10-23T14:56:00.001+01:00

North West Youth Alliance, 23/10/2011, Lancaster and Morecambe College

Seel Park

2011-10-20T19:02:00.001+01:00

Seel Park, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Seel Park, Mossley

V for Vendetta

2011-10-20T18:52:00.001+01:00

V for Vendetta, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

V for Vendetta

Me, a bow tie and the Championship trophy

2011-10-19T10:47:00.001+01:00

Me, a bow tie and the Championship trophy, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

See, I can scrub up well when I want to. ;-)

I attended Lancashire's Player of the Year dinner on Monday night. A rare excuse to get dressed up to the nines!

It was a superb evening and a pity I had to leave not long after the last award was presented. Full credit to Lancs and The Point for putting a good do on.

Now, about the Championship Celebration Dinner...

Lancs player of year do.

2011-10-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

@LancsCCC

I'll be milking this for months...

2011-10-05T19:02:00.000+01:00

County Championship Trophy

2011-10-05T18:59:00.000+01:00

Thwaites' Lancashire Reign

2011-10-02T16:02:00.001+01:00

Thwaites' Lancashire Reign, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Thwaites' Lancashire Reign - Deffo a Championship ale worth waiting for!

Lancashire are the County Champions

2011-09-22T15:29:00.001+01:00

Subtitle:- Never in my lifetime - Part 2

1934. Adolf Hitler has just become Head of State/Chancellor of Germany as the Nazi Party take a stranglehold over the country. Manchester city have won the FA Cup. Donald Duck makes his debut appearance in "The Wise Little Hen". And on the 28th August, eleven Lancashire county cricketers walk off the pitch at the Oval on a dank, dull afternoon after just winning the County Championship.

It seemed a pretty unremarkable win. It was Lancashire's fifth title in nine years, which has included a hat-trick of titles in 1926, 1927 and 1928 and the Second XI had won the Minor Counties' title in the same season. There was an air of confidence around the club and it seemed certain that Lancs had many more years of County Championship success ahead of them.

And so we move onto the 22nd of September 2007. Once again, Lancashire are playing at the Oval and it is the last day of the season. The club has had plenty of one day successes but, aside from a joint title with Surrey in 1950, the County Championship has eluded them ever since 1934. There have been plenty of times when the side finished second and could feel aggrieved that they had not won the whole thing, however this was the closest they had genuinely been for some time. Going into the game top of the table, a win was all that was necessary to end the wait for the title. Surrey didn't read the script, however, and set Lancashire 489 runs to win. They fell just 25 runs short.

Myself and a few others were there that day. Whilst it was one of the most amazing days' cricket you will ever see and an absolute privilege to have been there, it was a heartbreaking experience and one that left you wondering if we were ever going to win it again. Excuses were trotted out each year, it's the weather, we're improving, we've lost England players and so on. But in reality, we all knew that we just were not good enough. Batting points usually let us down and we had a tendency to lose or draw games that should have been wrapped up.

In 2009 Lancashire recruited Peter Moores as Head Coach. The move was greeted with cautious optimism as Moores had previously won the title at Sussex, who had never previously won the Championship. That season saw Lancashire finish fourth as they then did in 2010, albeit with slightly more points. Moving into 2011 the club was suffering from the prolonged legal battle surrounding the redevelopment of Old Trafford and, with no money to spend, the squad was made up of mainly home-grown players, with the majority of the side coming from Lancashire. The only real superstar in the side was Jimmy Anderson and his appearances were limited due to England duty. As it was, most people were hoping for a similar year to the previous two, with some quarters tipping Lancashire for the drop.

Due to the redevelopment issues at OT and the square being turned most games were to be played at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth with one game at Blackpool CC and the other at Southport. The one game scheduled to take place at OT ended up being at Aigburth, although that did turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Because of these arrangements, the thinking was that, playing on result pitches rather than a flat Old Trafford, this could be the best chance we'd have of winning the Championship.

Halfway through the season and the only defeats had come in both games against Durham who, on paper, looked to be the best side in the country. But Lancs kept winning and, even when they slipped and drew, or even after the loss to Notts at Southport, Durham slipped up as well meaning Lancs were top of the table with three games left. Defeat to Worcestershire away, however, after being bowled out for 80 in the second innings, meant people were ruefully looking back to earlier results. Not finishing off Sussex at Hove. Not beating Warwickshire at home. The loss to Notts. Just missing out on a bonus point here and a bonus point there. It looked like yet another "if only" season.

As the penultimate game of the season at home to Hampshire drew to a close it looked like Warwickshire had been handed the title on the plate. Injuries and other setbacks had pushed Durham near enough out of the race, with Hugh and his Bears making a last gasp charge for the line. As the last day at Aigburth rolled on and Hampshire stubbornly held onto their last remaining wicket, it looked like it was near enough over. Until, with eight balls to go, Simon Kerrigan took his ninth wicket of the match and sent everyone associated with the club into rapture. The dream was still on and we went down to Taunton just three points behind Warwickshire.

It was more hope than anything else. Lancs were playing well, but Warwickshire had put on a huge total. Hampshire batted admirably, but missed out on avoiding the follow-on. At the end of the third day Hampshire were 3 down for not a lot, already relegated and looking doomed. It seemed the only celebration to be had was that of Yorkshire's relegation and the ensuing rant from their Chairman! Once again it was a case of what might have been as everyone attempted to keep their spirits high. It had been a good and eventful trip regardless and it was a season that we could look back on with pride.

On the fourth day we'd been invited up into an executive box by a couple of Somerset fans. A great view of our game and, more importantly for the day itself, the Hampshire v Warwickshire game on the telly. It looked like Lancy would roll Somerset over quite early and we'd be watching events in Southampton for the rest of the day.

It seemed, however, that neither Hampshire nor Somerset had read the script. Whilst Lancashire toiled in the field at Taunton, Hampshire batted resiliently throughout the day. At the end of the first session they were still only three wickets down and looking comfortable. Eventually, wickets did fall, but at 5 o'clock, with 11 overs remaining and with Hampshire leading by 158, Warwickshire gave up and shook hands on the draw. So the destination of the title rested purely on Lancashire's result.

After toiling for quite a while, Somerset were eventually eight wickets down after a frustrating partnership, but that was followed by Trego and Kartik piling on even more runs. Eventually Trego was dismissed before a Keedy run out sparked a huge outpouring of emotion as Lancs prepared to chase down 212 to win the game.

I missed the run out as I'd gone into hiding by this point. A combination of the last three days of excess and the tension/emotion surrounding the day had meant I'd cracked. As Keedy hit the stumps I was looking around the Somerset cricket museum in an attempt to calm my nerves. Eventually I decided I'd better be there watching what was happening and headed off to the box again.

The runs ticked down slowly... In typical Lancs style, despite a great opening partnership, a couple of wickets fell just to leave you with that twitchy feeling. Until Steven Croft hit the winning runs around 15 minutes after Warwickshire had shook hands with Hampshire. What followed was an outpouring of relief, joy and all sorts of other emotions as the monkey was finally lifted from our backs. Lancashire were the County Champions.

I lost myself. One minute I'm jumping around screaming "we've won it, we've won it, we've fucking won it!" and the next I'm doing some strange crying/laughing hybrid, tears streaming down my face. It was a brilliant moment with no words capable of doing it justice. It was, quite frankly, the best day of my life. The celebrations spilled onto the outfield. People met up with friends that had been dotted around the ground, the joy shared amongst young and old. There were people there who have followed Lancashire home, away and even overseas for a number of years. The weight lifted from all us, something that was plainly visible as you looked around the ground.

The trophy was lifted. Karl Brown had a good go at breaking the base. We ended up on the wicket where it had all happened. I even got my hands on the bloody trophy! The rest of the night is a touch blurry, as you could imagine. Players were spotted around town and some even ended up in a nightclub with them. The next morning I shook hands with Kyle Hogg and Glen Chapple - you could see exactly what it meant to him, too. This was our United in 1993 moment and Glen Chapple was our Bryan Robson.

It was a wonderful experience that topped off a fantastic trip. Can we now go on and win it more often? That remains to be seen, there is still room for improvement, but we do have a young side hungry for success. Something tells me there'll be no complacency with them.

Once again - Lancashire CCC are the County Champions.

Some photographs from the day.

The most beautiful thing I've ever seen

2011-09-15T18:41:00.001+01:00

Champions at Last

2011-09-15T17:34:00.001+01:00

View from the Mendip Suite Exec Box in the Ian Botham Stand.

2011-09-15T10:42:00.000+01:00

Yes I am in here legitimately.

View from the Ian Botham Stand

2011-09-12T11:06:00.000+01:00

County Ground, Taunton, Somerset.

Saying goodbye to the old girl..

2011-09-11T12:38:00.000+01:00

Building up to the Willow's last hurrah, Salford.

Lancashire County Cricket Club 1934

2011-08-02T09:19:00.001+01:00

Lancashire County Cricket Club 1934, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

The last Lancashire side to win the County Championship outright, all those years ago. And such a pity it is that it no longer seems likely that this year's side will end the long wait. Still, perchance to dream and all that...

A proper update to appear on here shortly. I've been slacking, I know.

On Top of the Hill - – Colwyn Bay v FC United, Evo Stick Premier Division Playoff Final

2011-05-14T11:36:00.002+01:00

This was written with the intention of it appearing elsewhere, but as it never did, it's making a belated appearance on here.

In the years I spent watching Manchester United home, away and abroad I never thought I’d be looking forward to a trip to Wales, let alone Colwyn Bay. But I’d never considered the thought that I’d be giving up grounds such as the San Siro to go to grounds such as Llanelian Road, either, so there I was on Monday morning bounding out of bed and headed for a train to the Welsh town.

Although the journey itself was less than easy. I was travelling from Preston, which required changing at Warrington and meeting the train from Manchester headed down to the Bay. Only the points somewhere north of Warrington had failed meaning we were crawling into Warrington with the Manchester train still scheduled to get in before us. Plans were being made to kill an hour in Warrington until we pulled up alongside another train just before the two lines merged. A quick phone call and a wave through the window confirmed it was the train I was meant to be meeting and, thankfully, we set off first and pulled into Warrington before it.

The rest of the journey was a lot more pleasant with a lot of expectant FCers enjoying the scenery and the glorious sunshine. The mood was good and that continued in the pub before the match and in the streets around the ground. Eventually the 2,000 people with tickets drifted inside with a few hundred people without plotting up on the overlooking hill. Eventually 3pm rolled around and the biggest game of FC United’s existence was off and running.

There was a strange feeling around once inside the ground, though, mainly amongst the FC supporters. The atmosphere, whilst still loud and continuous, felt a bit nervous and more flat than usual. The match itself didn’t help as it was a scrappy affair which had ‘one goal win’ written all over it from the start. Sam Ashton sliced an attempted clearance early on with a Colwyn Bay player closing him down and David Chadwick almost headed the ball into his own goal instead of directing it straight back to Sam. Thankfully, for us, the ball went past the post.

FC had their own chances, Roca having the best of them, failing to connect properly with a Wolfenden cross, but just couldn’t apply that finishing touch. When moving the ball around on the deck and attacking down the right wing, United looked dangerous. However, the final ball and other long balls towards Deegan were invariably dealt with comfortably by the two imposing Colwyn Bay centre-halves. As the game went on, you began to get the feeling whoever scored first would just nick it.

On 69 minutes, Colwyn Bay broke forward with a ball over the top of the defence. Jon Newby calmly put the ball past Sam Ashton into the goal leaving people with a resigned feeling of “that’s that.” Aside from one shot into the side netting, I struggle to recall any real chance being created. Colwyn Bay went close to adding a second on a couple of occasions but the game ended 1-0 and Bay were promoted to the Conference North. There’s no complaints on my behalf, they deserved to go up and I feel it would have been too early for FC United as a club anyway. I just hope we’re not looking back in ten years’ time thinking “that was our moment.”

The pub was a bit more subdued after the match, as was our part of the train home. However, people were not too disheartened as there’s much more to this club than the football. Hopefully before too long we will have our own ground built whilst continuing to build greater links with Manchester’s communities. As long as we carry on as we are, we’ll still be upbeat about the club regardless of results like today’s.

Playoff Bound

2011-04-29T20:39:00.002+01:00

I typed this out as a post on a United forum I go on, decided it'd also do as a blog post - save me re-typing things!

Well, this season just continues to get more and more surreal as each week goes on.

A 1-0 win to Northwich at Gigg Lane followed by a 4-1 thumping of Frickley at Stalybridge saw FC creeping into the playoff positions. The win against Northwich deserves a special mention as Sam Ashton was sent off at 0-0 for an 'elbow' on the opposition striker. Centre forward Ben Deegan came off the bench, went in goal... and saved the penalty. Fifteen minutes later Mike Norton scored the only goal of the game to push FC up to third in the table.

McManus also received marching orders in the game against Frickley. The record continued in a shocking 2-0 defeat away at Chasetown which saw Mike Norton and Jerome Wright sent off. Just to add further misery onto the result later in the day down at Wembley. A day to forget all round.

The lads then came back from a goal down against Marine at Stalybridge to win 2-1 before one of the strangest football matches anyone had ever seen.

Away at Matlock, Sam Ashton's ban had started and reserve keeper Grant Shenton was at a wedding. Both Youth Team keepers are registered with other Evo-Stick clubs, so... Ben Deegan was in goal from the start. The defence was magnificent, leaving him very little to do and when the final whistle went we'd somehow managed to win 2-1. A win which guaranteed a play-off place for FC United. From second bottom in January, we'd crept up into second place and just needed to win two games to get promotion. Crazy.

Kendal came to Gigg Lane and won 2-1 in the final league game of the season, meaning we finished in 4th. Colwyn Bay finished 2nd behind Champions Halifax, Bradford Park Avenue were 3rd and North Ferriby in 5th. So came a cold Thursday night in Bradford where optimism wasn't exactly in abundance. Still, 2,758 people saw FC United win at the Horsfall Stadium for the first time and book a place in the playoff final on Monday May 2nd. Unbelievable. From a season that was written off a few months ago to being 90 minutes away from the Conference North.

The opponents will be Colwyn Bay, who won 2-0 against North Ferriby United. The game will take place at Bay's Llanelian Road ground, kick off 3pm. It's all ticket, with FC receiving 1,000 tickets which will go on sale tomorrow from the office at 10.30am to Members who also have Season Tickets before being opened up to both Members and ST holders.

Whatever happens, it's been one hell of a season.

Site of the Royal Hotel, Manchester, where the Football League was founded.

2011-04-15T14:45:00.002+01:00

Site of the Royal Hotel, Manchester, where the Football League was founded., originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

This plaque is situated in Manchester City Centre, directly across from Piccadilly Gardens on the corner of Mosley Street and Market Street. Yet you can guarantee most people will walk past it without even realising that it is there.

The League was founded at a meeting at the Royal Hotel on the 17th April 1888. The hotel is long since gone and a Santander branch now stands in it's place. This plaque stands as a reminder that, even then, Manchester was at the heart of football.

Gigg Lane, FCUM v Hucknall Town, 22.1.2011

2011-01-30T19:38:00.001Z

Gigg Lane, FCUM v Hucknall Town, 22.1.2011, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Jupiter

2011-01-06T21:39:00.002Z

Jupiter, originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

The planet Jupiter taken from our street. Took me ages to get a photo I was happy with, glad I persisted.

Always used to be into the planets and that when I was a kid, but I lost touch with it all. BBC Stargazing over the past few nights has awakened something in me - so when the skies finally cleared over Preston (this blog didn't get it's name for nothing, y'know) I took the time to get this little snap.

To think that little bright dot is the biggest planet in our solar system... Makes you realise how insignificant we really are in the grand scheme of things.

2010-12-29T01:13:00.002Z

Now that's an icicle...

2010-12-25T21:37:00.001Z

Snow Madonna and Child

2010-12-24T21:26:00.000Z

Outside St. Walburge's Catholic Church, Preston. Merry Christmas all!

Colwyn Bay FC

2010-11-27T15:48:00.000Z

Rochdale 2 - 3 FC United of Manchester

2010-11-07T20:44:00.004Z

It's almost two days since FC United knocked Rochdale out of the FA Cup in the First Round Proper and I still can't find the words to describe it.

We all thought Barrow would be a challenge too much in the Fourth Qualifying Round and beating them was the greatest day we've had since this club started back in 2005. No one thought it would get any better. We didn't expect anything against Rochdale, we just hoped we'd played well. Scoring a goal would be a fantastic bonus. Well, when we did score, courtesy of Nicky Platt, we were happy. "It doesn't matter what happens now" someone said to me. Then we went 2-0 up courtesy of an absolute screamer from Jake Cottrell and well, we all started to wonder...

Of course, Rochdale pulled both goals back and started to look like the only team who were going to win it. We were all praying that we'd hold on for a replay and that would've brought a joyous enough reaction. And then Michael Norton chased a rather innocuous looking ball into the Rochdale penalty area. Cue bedlam.

I've not been reduced to tears like that by any sporting event since the 26th of May 1999. It was a wonderful, magical moment that no one really dared believe was possible. Since a group of people decided to form their own football club in a Manchester curry house back in 2005 everyone connected with it have never ceased to amaze me with what we can achieve. This Thing Of Ours is truly special.

Brighton and Hove Albion or Woking await in the next round. I wonder if the Red Cardigans have another surprise up their sleeve for us?

http://www.vimeo.com/16559247

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8580799@N06/sets/72157625333692136/

FCUM

2010-11-05T23:21:00.000Z

FCUM

Joy Diversion

2010-10-01T23:37:00.000+01:00

Joy Diversion

England v Bangladesh Test 2010, Old Trafford, Day 1

2010-06-04T11:16:00.000+01:00

England v Bangladesh Test 2010, Old Trafford, Day 1

Welcome to the Darkside...

2010-05-31T19:55:00.003+01:00

Well, once again it's the first real update in f****** ages so I've missed a hell of a lot in that time. Meh.

So, we've got a new Government. Forgive me for being completely underwhelmed at the prospect of the Tories and Lib Dems cuddling up together. Cuts galore already and the Lib Dems swiftly moving away from many of their promises and the views of many of their members and supporters. And with the Coalition already being rocked by David Laws' resignation and the scandal around it, you could well be forgiven for wondering just how long this new Coalition is going to last. Then again, knowing the Tories, it could well be a case of how long before they find an excuse to get rid of all the Lib Dems holding Cabinet positions?

I'm sure I only need to touch on the vileness of Cameron. How anyone could trust him to run the country is beyond me. Smarmy and out of touch. As for the Tories overall... Thatcher. The '80s. Parts of the country run down and broken because of their policies. And if you really believe the bastards have changed and I'm just living in the past... Look up what's happened to those living under the jurisdiction of Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Working class? No money? Tough. Middle class or higher? Plenty of money? Come on over, we'll close off the public park every summer so you can watch polo matches.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-welcome-to-cameron-land-1962318.html

As for the Lib Dems... Well, Clegg clearly wanted a position of power regardless of how he got it, nor the principles surrounding his supposed politics. He had the chance to form a progressive coalition with Labour but in the end, decided to jump onboard with his fellow Eton boy to get himself any kind of influence. He's already managed to piss off the more left-wing element of the Party, with many already defecting to Labour. If the Coalition rocks anymore then he could well have destroyed any credibility that they had in terms of being a genuine alternative vote for those wanting a progressive, left-wing Britain. Now I know how the citizens of the Galactic Republic felt as the Emporer swept in under a wave of promises and established the Empire. David Cameron = Senator Palpatine? Works for me - although I think Palpatine had more credibility.

So where does this leave Labour? Well, big changes are needed. But they didn't do that badly - most people are focusing on the last eighteen months, when in reality many good things were put in place (quite a few of which are now due to be taken away again) and the country was quite healthy. It took a global recession to bring things tumbling down in the end. However, it's a good opportunity for the Party to take a long, hard look at itself and move back towards the left in attempt to re-attract lost voters. The alliance with the Co-operative Party can itself only be a good thing for this. The Coalition and any semblance of Tory rule will eventually crack and leave people disillusioned once more. In that situation, Labour need to be ready and able to truly take Britain forward to a prosperous, progressive future for all.

The Green and Gold Campaign at Old Trafford seems to have reached it's natural end point. Now, however, is the time for direct action. The only way to rid MUFC of the Glazers is to starve them of money - don't renew. If OT is still full of people waving green and gold scarves and singing anti-Glazer songs next season then it's all been a big waste of time. The Red Knights aren't going to come galloping to the rescue - and are they really to be trusted? Doubtful. Just stop giving them your cash - although I'm sure those who say supporting the team is more important than the long term future of the club will no doubt side with David Gill's sickening comments and see that most people just keep turning up to watch. Thank the Lord for FC United of Manchester. Co-operative, supporter-owned football. It's the future.

Lancashire have surprised me this season, although the struggle to beat Warwickshire followed by the struggle against Essex have brought everyone back down to Earth. Sitting in third with not a lot separating us, Yorkshire and Notts is bloody marvellous - as is being the only Championship side unbeaten in both divisions. Marvellous. Just a pity the rain seems set to direct the first Roses match this year to a draw, as Lancs are well and truly in the driving seat. Let's just hope there's a few more wins to come yet.

England made fairly heavy weather of the first test against Bangladesh - although full credit must go to the touring side for their efforts, particularly with the bat. It's great to see two Bangladeshis on the honours board at Lord's. I've got a ticket for the first day at OT - should be a good day's play in prospect.

Well, that about wraps things up. I should do this more often!

The Point, Lancashire v Warwickshire, County Championship

2010-04-15T11:54:00.000+01:00

The Point, Lancashire v Warwickshire, County Championship

Lancashire v Warwickshire, County Championship

2010-04-15T11:51:00.000+01:00

Gormley's Another Place

2010-04-02T13:59:00.000+01:00

Gormley's Another Place

FC United of Newton Heath

2010-03-28T15:34:00.004+01:00

So, news broke this week that the site for FC United's own ground will be on Ten Acres Lane (pronounced Ten Acre Lane, I believe), Newton Heath. Back in Manchester, back in the district where it all began.

The emotion surrounding this is, of course, extremely high. It means so much to all involved at the club to be taking such an important step forward whilst, at the same time, taking a few steps back as well. The significance of taking root in Newton Heath is the final nod of where FC United came from in the first place - if the ties with MUFC do fade over time, then at least we will always have this one magnificent link with the past.

Of course, the hard work is still to be done. We need to raise around £250,000 ASAP to get things moving. With that in place we will be significantly closer to making this dream a reality.

There's so much more that could be said, but I'm still struggling to find the words. It's something beautiful, This Thing Of Ours, and we're all going home.

I'm just showing off now...

2010-02-11T14:31:00.002Z

But I've won something! Well, I don't get a prize, but any of you lucky sods going to Salford RLFC's game against Celtic Crusaders on Friday will hear three tunes picked by my good self. Oh yes.

"This Friday also sees the first of our Playlist Winners. We’ve been asking our fans on Facebook to choose some of the music they’d like to hear pre-match and we asked you to come up with three local tunes to bring the team out.

This week’s winner is Michael Holdsworth with James – Sometimes, The Courteeners – Not Nineteen Forever and New Order – True Faith.

Michael’s playlist will get its airing before the game and half time.
Watch out for the Playlist competition ahead of the Bulls game on the 26th."

http://reds.originalreddevils.com/2010/02/10/super-league-party-dont-miss-it/

Fandabbydozy!

Harbinger

2010-02-09T15:23:00.006Z

Well, updating this thing on a regular basis kinda went out of the window, didn't it? Ho hum. Although you have had some photo updates, if you've been paying attention.

So, the Glazer debt is finally in black and white and there for all to see, even if you've been burying your head in the sand for the past five years. It's a pity things have had to get this far for the majority to sit up and take notice, but better late than never and you won't get any self-righteousness or "I told you so" style posts from me. Solidarity is the order of the day (as shown by the flag below) and we all need to stick together on this one, with no more infighting. This may have been predicted in 2005 and we may now have people saying "oh, you were right after all" but now's the time for pointing fingers and being smug.

Which is why I'm all in favour of the green and gold campaign. The sight of people across OT and Manchester in general wearing green and gold/yellow (why are people nit-picking at what colour it should actually be, who cares?) should warm the heart of even the most hardened United fan from any side of the 'divide'. Whilst boycotting season tickets is the only real solution to hurt the Glazers where it counts and drive them out, this is, at least, a start. Something for people to galvanise and get behind. A way for everyone in the ground to show their distaste for the current ownership and see that they aren't really on their own.

There's been plenty of green and gold on display at FC United's past couple of matches as well, which really does warm the cockles of my heart. One in the eye for the "you're not real United fans" bridgade, although I believe plenty are still sniping. FCUM, as they say. Two Uniteds, one soul, one aim. Glazer out.

A brief mention, too, of the Test Series in South Africa (is it really that long since I wrote something?!) Whilst it was disappointing to lose the last game, if someone had said beforehand we'd win the one day series and draw the Test series, I'd have bitten their hand off. Marvellous stuff, although it does seem to still be papering over some cracks. Bring on the Bangladeshis!

The image above is Copyright Michael Regan/Getty Images. I know it was naughty of me to use it, but I'm skint and I'm hardly profiting from it, am I?

Nantwich Town

2010-02-07T10:55:00.001Z

Apparently there was a game on yesterday... Somewhere.

Durham City

2010-01-30T16:28:00.001Z

Durham in the sun... And snow.

Snow, snow, snow...

2009-12-22T10:25:00.003Z

Snow, snow, snow..., originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

We were only saying the other day, after I'd been out in a five minute blizzard, that we don't get snow like we used to around here anymore. You get five minutes of strong snow that sticks and then... Well, it stops snowing and before you know it everything's gone.

Hmm. So much for that idea. No one in our street is going to work today as you can't get out of the driveway. Good on one hand, shite on the other. Oh well.

At least it was nice and sunny in South Africa as England managed to scrape a draw in the first test. I'll do a full, proper post on that later, but for now, let me just say that things don't look that bad if a) Bell finds some form b) Bell gets told to go home or c) Pietersen realises he's not the big "I am" and pays attention to his team mates. Kevin, if you're reading this (yeah, right), the non-striker makes the calls about running. Not you after you've just played the shot. If he shouts no, stay there, don't be a dick and get yourself out. I'm just glad Trott got his bat down.

Full marks to Colly once again for an heroic performance.

Right, I'm off for some pavement skating, if I don't post before (and I probably won't) then have a good Christmas everyone. Eat, drink and get rat-arsed.

Happy Lancashire Day to you all

2009-11-27T11:08:00.007Z

A brief post this time (just to let you know I'm still alive...) to celebrate Lancashire Day.

TO: THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY AND COUNTY PALATINE OF LANCASTER

GREETINGS!

Know ye that this day, November 27th in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and nine, the 58th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Lancaster, is Lancashire Day.

Know ye also, and rejoice, that by virtue of Her Majesty's County Palatine of Lancaster, the citizens of the Hundreds of Lonsdale, North and South of the Sands, Amounderness, Leyland, Blackburn, Salford and West Derby are forever entitled to style themselves Lancastrians.

Throughout the County Palatine, from the Furness Fells to the River Mersey, from the Irish Sea to the Pennines, this day shall ever mark the peoples' pleasure in that excellent distinction - true Lancastrians, proud of the Red Rose and loyal to our Sovereign Duke.

GOD BLESS LANCASHIRE AND

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN,

DUKE OF LANCASTER.

As I've said before, I'm not the Queen's biggest fan, nor the biggest fan of the Royal Family in general, but that's not the point. The point is that today is a day to celebrate this wonderful County and it's people, it's culture, it's history and it's landmarks. A true land of beauty stretching from the River Duddon to the River Mersey, from the Irish Sea to the Pennines. Don't believe what many tell you about the County now being smaller - Cumbria (parts of), Cheshire (parts of), Merseyside and Greater Manchester were all created as administration areas, nothing more. It's about time people realised that.

Still, many do and it's a day to wear your Red Rose with pride. Squeeze in a pint of Wainwright if you can, as well! And I'll leave you all with the following 'tale'...

An American decided to write a book about famous churches around the world. So he bought a plane ticket and took a trip to Orlando, thinking that he would start by working his way across the USA from South to North. On his first day he was inside a church taking photographs when he
noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read "$10,000 per call".

The American, being intrigued, asked a priest who was strolling by what the telephone was used for. The priest replied that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 you could talk to God.

The American thanked the priest and went along his way.

His next stop was in Atlanta. There, at a very large cathedral, he saw the same golden telephone with the same sign under it. He wondered if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in Orlando and he asked a nearby nun what its purpose was. She told him that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 he could talk to God.

"O.K., thank you," said the American.

He then travelled to Indianapolis, Washington DC, Philadelphia,Boston and New York. In every church he saw the same golden telephone with the same "$10,000 per call" sign under it.

The American, upon leaving Vermont decided to travel to England to see if they had the same phone. He arrived in Lancashire, and again, in the first church he entered, there was the same golden telephone, but this time the sign under it read "40pence per call."

The American was surprised so he asked the priest about the sign.

"Father, I've travelled all over America and I've seen this same golden telephone in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to Heaven, but in the US the price was $10,000 per call. Why is it so cheap here?"

The priest smiled and answered, "You're in Lancashire now, son - it's a local call".

Malaise

2009-09-30T21:12:00.013+01:00

Well, it's been a while since I last did one of these. Over a month, in fact. Seeing as I've had grief off a few (well, one person. Cheers Damo) about it, I decided to stop being so lazy and write.

Well, it's been a strange month. Still no job and, would you believe, my Jobseeker's Allowance is due to run out because I've been claiming for 6 months. Fucking wonderful. It's nice to know that, after a few years of putting your money into the system you're entitled to only a minute percentage of it back. I'd love to know how those who live off it manage to make their way around the system. But hey ho. I suppose I really, really need to get off my arse and get anything I possibly can, now... Hmm.

The cricket season is at an end. Lancashire managed to somehow scrape a respectable fourth place. However, it masks a mediocre year of unachievement once again and something needs to be done. It does seem that Moores is taking steps to ensure things are going to change from next season and new blood seems to be the order of the day. We just need to see if he actually acts on it. Or, more to the point, if the committee will allow him to act on it. Could look to blood some of the seconds, too, their performance in the two finals shows that they're ready to step up to first team standard. They certainly played like the first team, anyway...

England's performance in the ODIs against Australia is best forgotten, although unbelivably they've managed to secure a semi-final spot. How? Who knows. England have been crap at one-dayers for years now and refuse to change their style of play to adapt. And I fully expect that to show up once again in the semi-final. Oh well, at least we're not South Africa. The best ranked ODI side in the world choke again. Heh.

Football's best avoided at the moment, too. United have played this evening and, not only have I not watched it, I've no intention of watching highlights and I don't even know the score. I'll find out tomorrow. Or when I next look on Facebook. I just can't get excited this season, although when I do watch a game I enjoy it. I guess the past 4 years are catching up with me... And Michael fucking Owen in the number 7 shirt doesn't help either. What a fuck up that is.

FC United are still going strong, though. Although with a patchy start to the season we've seen an increase in spoilt brats wanting changes in management, playing staff and the way the club's structured because we're not getting instant success. Fucking idiots. It's a shame people just can't grasp the ethos of the club, even though they've been following it since the start. Still, I guess some people were just born to be pricks.

My life has seen an ever-present take a major step back into prominence recently, too. Something that's always been there, always been big, but taken a back seat over recent years. Video games. I know, you either love 'em or loathe 'em, but I bloody love 'em. And bugger me, aren't they taking over my existence again. Mind you, Sony's trophy system doesn't help. For the unitiated, trophies are awarded for various achievements in games. There's bronze, silver and gold trophies, depending on how hard the achievement is judged to be. Retail games (i.e. ones you buy in a shop, not downloadable games) have a platinum trophy, awarded for getting all other trophies in the game. These all add up to your gaming level and you can use it to compete against, compare with and taunt other people.

And that's exactly what's happened. Myself and Alan have managed to turn it into a, still fairly friendly, contest. I keep bragging about my platinum trophy, whilst reminding him that he hasn't got any. Yet. In order to keep the bragging rights, I'm playing games constantly and looking at ways at trying to get another platinum. And then another. Christ, I've even considered playing the Hannah Montana game it's that bad! Addicted? Oh aye. And bloody good it is too!

I have to mention the fact that it's my friend Nicole's third wedding anniversary today. Three years, Jesus. Three years since I was in Canada for the first time. Three years since I saw my favourite person in the world finally get the day she'd waited so long for. I was as happy as I possibly could be about something happening to someone else and I'm just glad that, with a little help, her and Steve have managed to make it this far. Here's hoping there's many, many, many more of these to come.

This is going to sound like it's related to the above, but it isn't... Well, maybe a small percentage... There's been a lot of things going on recently that have constantly made me think about still being single. And not necessarily in a good way. It's all well and good being able to do what you want, when you want but it'd be nice to have someone else there to do stuff with. I always thought I'd be settled by now. Should've known. Although I've vowed not to dive head-first into feelings for anyone from here on in. When you spend around two years getting to know someone, get it in your head that things are going perfectly and she can't say 'no' when you ask her out only to find out she's got a boyfriend... Well, it kinda knocks you back a little bit. Don't get carried away and you can't get hurt. Simple, in theory.

On a lighter note, I've re-found another little hobby recently. Comics. Mainly online ones, but I've started thumbing through others as well. It started mainly with Kevin Smith's films and stuff (Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy... There's three, go and have a look and them and the others if you've not already) and was accelerated by Star Wars and Watchmen, the latter being utterly superb, I have to say. And the online stuff's always ace, especially when you find a new one to read. Suddenly, you find you've gone through 9 years of comic strips in less than 48 hours...

http://www.mistythemouse.com/ - Superbly written stuff, although it's not been updated regularly for a while.

http://www.sabrina-online.com/ - Hillarious. Read it from the beginning and enjoy. Oh - and the Amiga computers are at the heart of the strip and project. What more do you want?

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/index.php - My latest find. Brilliantly written, very funny indeed and sums up gaming and gamers really well indeed. Might not mean much to those who don't play video games, but it's worth a look.

And so, the sun sets on another evening. I won't leave it as long before I blog again. I promise.

"Is that the Ashes? Yes, England have won the Ashes."

2009-08-25T14:16:00.003+01:00

Well bugger me with a fish fork. Did anyone really think we'd not only win back the Ashes, but do so in such an emphatic manner? After the depression of Headingley it's been unbelievable to come back up to such glorious highs. So much so that it's all quite surreal. None of it seems to have sunk in just yet.

That last-gasp survival in Cardiff seems a long, long time ago now. No one that day thought we'd win the bloody series and it looked like we were just delaying the inevitable. With hindsight, that seemed to be the moment that gave England the belief that they could win back that little urn.

Everything just seemed to click at the Oval. Strauss, Bell, Trott and Swann getting some good scores - excellent in Trott's case, a hell of a debut. Broad getting a Michelle, Flintoff's brilliant run-out of Ponting... Everything fell into place.

Of course, there's now questions of just where do we go from here? Flintoff will be missed greatly and, of course, there's still huge question marks over many in the side. South Africa will be a much harder ask for our players. Will they be up to it? Who knows? But for know, it's just time to sit back and bask in the glory.

Have that you Aussie bastards.

Cricket, bloody cricket

2009-08-11T21:46:00.006+01:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted about the Ashes, so I may as well stick my nose in considering the way things are currently balanced.

I've already commented on the first win at Lord's since 1934, but I'll touch on it again. It was a fantastic moment and I don't think anyone really thought it would come as emphatically as it did. Flintoff was majestic once more - we're going to miss him hugely after this series, something that was all too clear at the Oval, but I'm getting ahead of myself. I did wonder, briefly, if another cricketing related event that hasn't occurred since 1934 would now take place this year... It didn't last long.

So then we moved to Edgbaston, at a time when Birmingham was struggling with the weather. And this time it worked in Australia's favour - England surely would have won that game had it not been for the bloody rain. But, the Aussies can say the same about Cardiff, so I guess we're even on that front.

And then... Headingley. What can you say? An utter, fucking disgrace. A complete debacle from start to finish. When a second innings partnership between Broad and Swann puts on more runs than the entire team did in the first innings... Well, it's beyond belief, isn't it? Bopara and Bell should never wear the shirt again and the rest of England's middle order need a long, hard look at themselves. Bring in Key? Trott, maybe? Neither of them could do any worse. Also, and I never thought I'd say this, but we do miss the South African Twat as well.

At least it looks as if Flintoff's back for the Oval. The problem, of course, being that it's a notorious batting track. It'd be easy for Australia to bat England out of the game in the first innings. Mind you, 200 runs would probably do that! It's not over, obviously, and in two weeks time I could be posting on here celebrating a marvellous victory. But I'm certainly not getting my hopes up.

As for Lancs... Well, we've made maximum batting points for two Championship games in a row! Unprecedented in recent times. It's just a shame that we couldn't get a win in either game, although the tie at Hampshire was rain affected. We seem to be in a good position after the first day against Durham, so who knows? It won't end up being our year - in fact, it'll all go the way of Twenty20 bowl outs, probably - but it's nice to see that we're finding some form again. Fingers crossed it'll carry on into next season.

As for my own career, still not played properly since the Mudhutters Cricket Club's (that's the MCC to you) first ever victory, in the third year of existence. There's only been two games, I couldn't make one due to being in Cardiff. The rest of gone down the pan thanks to the weather, including tonight's scheduled game. Ah well, at least you've got a blog post out of it, right? Had plenty of net sessions though and am collecting the bruises. Who says it's an easy game to play?

A brief mention on other sports: The rugby season is going on far too long, let's get it over with, I've had enough of watching Salford now. And the football season has started again too bloody quickly. I can't be arsed with it yet.

A brief mention on the job situation: It's shit.

A brief mention on life in general: Meh. "I want the one I can't have and it's driving me mad" is the lyric of the moment.

A thin line part 2...

2009-08-03T21:23:00.005+01:00

It had been a lovely day once again and, so far, everything was going well. The usual weekly evening ritual was about to take place yet again and, as he walked up to his spot, he noticed that she was here again. But this time there were less people around to get in the way and he was sober. Not to mention that there were a few others around who had been missing last time. They always spoke to him, and seeing as they were stood talking to his intended target, getting into a conversation with her would be much easier.

And so it was.

Early on in the evening the conversation was sporadic, but shared with others. Common ground was touched upon numerous times which brightened his evening up no end. There was plenty of laughing and joking with light-hearted mickey-taking breaking down conversational barriers further. And so, later on, when the opportunity arose to talk to her on her own, he waited for the right moment... And stepped in.

Suddenly, all the heartache from the previous encounter was forgotten. They talked about many things, they laughed, they shared a few serious moments and his heart was buoyed by it all. She looked magnificent, not that she ever looked otherwise, and the sight of her smile coupled with the odd comforting word during the conversation made him feel so much better about life. For once, the world and all of its problems seemed much, much brighter.

This time, parting was easier. A hell of a lot easier. And he did not make a mess of anything. He knew he would be seeing her again next week, which also made him glad. On the way home and in the days after he thought about her, as he usually did. Only this time there was no pain, no anguish, no thoughts of 'if only'. Just a gladness that they had talked and talked well. That their friendship, albeit occasional, felt much stronger than after the last debacle.

And, because of that, his heart was gladdened, filled with joy no less, and there was a bounce to his step.

He knew he could now move on.

Le Fin

And did those feet...

2009-07-20T17:56:00.002+01:00

When Ivo goes back with the urn, the urn;
Studds, Steel, Read and Tylecote return, return;
The welkin will ring loud,
The great crowd will feel proud,
Seeing Barlow and Bates with the urn, the urn;
And the rest coming home with the urn.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm not the most patriotic person. There's plenty about the modern Englishman that I hate - the 'little ingerlunder' syndrome and the distinct lack of respect for other cultures that pervades many these days. I don't follow the English football team and I only mildly follow the England/Great Britain RL side. I don't follow the Union team, either, but that's mainly because I can't stand the sport anyway. However, there is one team and one event inparticular that brings out the Englishman in me.

And here we are, two games into the biggest sporting event of the summer, year, century, millenium and so on. Well, since the last Ashes series and until the next one, that is. The hype before this series has been phenomenal. The "Spirit of 2005" and so on. Funny how nobody's mentioned the last series in Australia though, isn't it? And there was people hyping England up beyond imagination, whereas most of us weren't giving us a chance in hell.

So we moved onto Cardiff. And thought we had a reasonable first innings score. Until the Aussies looked like they could bat on to a 1000 runs. Heroics from Collingwood, Panesar and Anderson saved the day and pushed Ponting into a hell of a wobbly at the end of the game. Now if there's anyone out there who's the last person to babble on about the "Spirit of Cricket" then it's that tosser. And I'm privileged to be able to say I was there for the last day. Although, those of you who actually read this thing regularly will already know that from the last photo entry. A marvellous day's entertainment.

And so we moved onto Lord's. The ground where we hadn't beaten Australia since 1934. Again, we got a good total in the first innings, but was it going to be enough? One fantastic spell of bowling later and another decent knock to put the game seemingly beyond Australia (I never doubted the follow-on decision, honest...) and everyone said yes, it was. Until the fourth day finished with them 313-5 and everyone getting a wee bit twitchy. Thank God Flintoff and Swann did the business this morning, then. The hoodoo broken and a stranglehold on the series. Marvellous.

So, where does that leave us? Well, who knows. Brett Lee threatens to come back at some point, which will turn the Aussies into a different animal. But, if we can keep a fit side together and keep the momentum going, then... Well, we've got a good chance. I'd quite happily have it piss down for the next few weeks instead, mind.

Come on the England.

The Ashes

2009-07-12T12:22:00.001+01:00

Fine day in Cardiff...

Build me up, Buttercup...

2009-07-08T12:13:00.004+01:00

The teams I support have a nasty tendency to build me up before bringing me back down to Earth with an almighty crash. This weekend has provided a perfect example of that with Salford RLFC putting in a fantastic performance and beating St. Helens and Lancashire CCC crashing and burning in the Friends Provident Trophy Semi Final.

Salford don't seem to know what kind of a team they are. We've beaten Leeds away, Hull away in the Cup, Huddersfield away before capitulating to them at home, Bradford at home, Saints at home after doing poorly in the away game, Warrington at home... Yet we've put in some poor performances elsewhere when you'd think we should've stood a chance. This weekend has built everyone up and people are getting a little carried away in some sections. Yet you know we'll probably struggle away at Celtic this weekend. Ah well, it promises to be a good weekend away, but more of that later.

Lancashire. Such a wonderful start to the season. A start that promised so much and now? Well, poor form in the Championship was no real surprise I guess but Sunday's meek surrender to Hampshire was just horrible. Putting them into bat in glorious sunshine was the first mistake. Batting poorly and not looking urgent in the run chase was the second. Dreadful. Still, Worcestershire at OT this week in a Championship game starting Friday. If we can't beat them then we are in trouble. Hopefully we'll have a points-fest to get a bit of confidence back in the camp.

And I finish with a mention of the Ashes and the weekend ahead. I'm currently watching England struggle through against the Aussies in the hope that they can drag this game out as long as possible. Not just to save the game, but also that after the Celtic Crusaders game on Saturday I'll be stopping over in Cardiff and going to the fifth day on Sunday. Promises to be a marvellous time, I just hope I see some cricket and something good for England.

But, once again, it's them hopes being built up. Don't break my heart...

A thin line between reality and fantasy...

2009-06-27T21:18:00.005+01:00

The sun shone brightly as a beautiful day did not look like ending even at this stage of the evening. It had been a glorious day so far and the sunshine had put him in a good mood as he wandered up the steps, pint in hand, to take his spot. Not even the thought of what was going to happen on the pitch was enough to knock him off his stride, so what else could?

Then, suddenly, he realised. She was here. For the first time in months.

'Oh for fuck's sake', he thought. This was not what he needed right now. But there she was, summer dress on, looking radiant. And there he was, half cut, sweating like a proverbial pig in the sweltering heat and with a large group of his mates inbetween himself and her.

What to do? How to approach this delicate situation? He could not just go striding off to talk, he would never hear the end of it. Not to mention the fact that she would probably find it a little unnerving. Time to play it cool, other people would move around, you both would need to move out of the way of anyone coming past, so rely on that to get close and it will be easy to look across, say hello and start a conversation.

Some hope.

She stayed talking to her friends. He could hear her speak over the chatter of everyone else. The sound of her beguiling voice was some comfort, albeit a slim one. He strained to listen, but it was no good. Conversation was flowing far too well amongst his own group to pay any real attention. Although, that did work favourably for him in some instances. The odd louder joke or comment did draw her attention towards their direction. But then their eyes would meet briefly, a smile would be shared and then their gazes would be directed back towards the pitch.

"Jesus Christ, I'm making a right mess of this. How the fucking hell am I at least going to say hello?"

It didn't get easier. The eye contact and shared laughs got a little more frequent, but the latter was more of a communal happening throughout everyone nearby. It was not enough.

"Bollocks to this, I'll collar her on the way out, even if it's just a quick 'alright, how you doing?' That'll do, it's conversation."

So, he waited. Patiently. Until, finally, his chance came as she moved past him and looked up with an expression that summed up everything they'd just seen.

"See you next year," she said.

He smiled. And laughed. He watched her walk away, resplendent in her flowery dress. Pining. And then, she was gone. For who knows how long. He stood there and pondered the situation, the moment, the missed opportunities. Then he had a sudden realisation.

'Did I just fucking laugh? Oh wonderful, I've just made a right cunt of myself and it'll be too fucking late to try and explain my way out of that one next time I see her. If I see her. If I could explain it. Bollocks.'

And so, he left. And wondered. He knows full well that she will never, ever be his. There is still a faint hope that things might change eventually, but in reality friendship was all he asked. But making a fool of himself like that on the increasingly rare occasions he saw her was going to do him no favours at all.

And he knew it.

Heroes in a half shell...

2009-06-23T14:37:00.001+01:00

Heroes in a half shell..., originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

I've been undergoing a bit of a regression lately. Retro is definitely in.

I'm too early for a midlife crisis, surely?!

I know this is late...

2009-06-16T15:04:00.003+01:00

But I've been a bit busy lately.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that, if you voted for the BNP, you're a c*nt.

This country's problems can not be solved by kicking out anyone who's black.

The BNP have no other realistic policies in place that would make a positive impact on the country.

Think on next time. If you voted for them, be ashamed and next time vote for someone who can make a difference. If you didn't vote at all... Get off your arse next time.

I don't like cricket...

2009-06-15T19:11:00.001+01:00

I don't like cricket..., originally uploaded by MichaelGT.

Riverside Stadium, Chester-le-Street, Durham. Durham CCC v. Lancashire CCC

Cup Fever

2009-06-03T14:39:00.003+01:00

I've left this a few days after a week of Cup Fixtures captured my, and a few others', imaginations in order to let it all sink in.

It started off full of hope and optimism as we took our seats on the Saturday to watch Lancashire in the Quarter Final of the Friends Provident Trophy against Essex. We'd been beaten twice already in the group stages by the southern gits, so surely this had to be our time? Right. A superb victory meaning we've got a home draw against Hampshire in the semi-finals. Lord's beckoning? I hope so, no trophy (I'm not counting second division titles as trophies, not for anyone) for ten years means you start to get a little desperate for success. It's been a great start to the season on all fronts, here's hoping something comes off in one competition. Although if we win the Twenty20 I hope there's also a more meaningful trophy to go with it...

Then we got to Wednesday... The final of the European Cup, Champions League, Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens, whatever you want to call it. Manchester United's fourth final, the chance to win our fourth European Cup. To join an elite list of clubs at the top of European football. Only someone didn't seem to tell United this. Outplayed and outclassed by a superb Barcelona side who deserved their win. Nothing more to say. Funnily enough, it didn't hurt as much as it was clearly going to when we on the cusp of losing in Barcelona and Moscow. Maybe because we've now got a respectable number of European Cups. Hah. How arrogant does that sound, considering most people will never see their side play in Europe? Oh well, you know what I mean. Either way, Cup Fever was a little dampened at this point...

And so, Friday. Salford's Challenge Cup Quarter Final tie away at Wigan. The giddy-o-meter was off the scale amongst Salford's support and we took a following of around 1,500. Typically, though, we came up against a good, in-form Wigan side who took us apart. Wembley? It's the shittest ground in London that we'll never get to see, as the song goes. The club as a whole met the ground below them again with a fucker of a bump. Still, concentrating on league form improvement isn't a bad thing, I just hope we can kick on from the good few weeks we've had.

So - after all of that, the only club left that's giving me any hope is Lancashire. Makes a change. Let's just hope I'm not back on here in a few months bemoaning the way it's all gone tits up...

Never in my lifetime...

2009-05-16T16:30:00.005+01:00

Sunday 26th April 1992. I was settling in front of the tele at my Grandma Holdsworth's house. I was still only eight years of age and the Football League was coming to the end of the first season that I really, truly, properly remembered. Others had been a blur, a mish-mash of random memories. I knew I was a United fan, but this was the year when it finally took hold. Things really started to matter. And, even by then, even at this tender age, I knew what winning the Championship meant. I knew how big a 25 year wait was for the title. Jesus, 25 years, that was a lifetime to my childhood mind! And so, I knew how important it was to win at Anfield and keep the title chase alive.

One thing that hadn't sank in at this point was the hatred for Liverpool Football Club and everything around it. The significance of eighteen titles hadn't hit home. Just winning the damn thing once was all that mattered at this moment in time. All that, however, was about to change. Two hours and two goals from Ian Rush and Mark Walters later and I felt sick, I was dizzy... And my hatred for Liverpool FC had been cemented. Forget any other aspect of the history between the two clubs, my feelings for those down the other end of the East Lancs can be traced firmly back to that day.

Twelve months later and I'm back at my Grandma's house watching an Ice Hockey game, I believe, on the BBC using small portable tele in her bedroom. Nerves are, again, taking hold and it was mainly an exercise in keeping my mind clear. And then - it appeared at the bottom of the screen. "Aston Villa 0 - 1 Oldham Athletic 1. Manchester United are the Premier League Champions."

We'd done it. 26 years of waiting over. Fantastic, wonderful, let's go to Anfield and crow about it. And crow we did, apart from one banner sticking in everyone's throats.

It'd gone from "fucking hell, we'll never win the league" to "fucking hell, we'll never catch those scouse twats up." Catching up and overtaking them seemed a long way away. Add that to 4 European Cups to our paltry one and... Well, it makes you sick just thinking about it, doesn't it?

Fast forward to the 16th of May 2009. Lots of things have happened. Liverpool have added one European Cup to their total, but haven't won the Championship since 1990. Manchester United, on the other hand, have not only won an unprecedented treble, and added another European Cup on top of that, and have the chance to defend that title in Rome and win it for a fourth time and have won two World Club Championships, but also, more importantly... Have just won their eigtheenth English Football Championship.

18 times. It's something that I've heard so many times growing up. It's a day I've long since looked forward to and prayed for. I've felt sick when we've not won it and looked back thinking "well, if we'd won it then we'd be level... And if we'd done it there we'd be ahead." It's a day I thought would never come, that seemed so many, many years away. And now we're there. Equal on Championships with Liverpool and, domestically, the most successful English side ever. You could argue that, with the two World titles in there, we ARE the most successful English side ever. But that won't be accepted until we're at least level on European titles.

That, in itself, is another post altogether. Growing up with 4-1, then 4-2 and then 5-2 being thrown at you was sickening. Suddenly, though, 3 seems a lot closer to that second magic number and with a 50/50 chance of one more... Well, sense prevents me from getting carried away. The most important thing to remember and enjoy at this moment in time is the fact that, after many years of suffering, abuse and crowing from all at Liverpool FC... Manchester United Football Club are Champions of England for the eighteenth time. And that is a fact.

That joke isn't funny anymore...

2009-03-30T19:55:00.005+01:00

Life has one uncanny knack of biting you on the arse when you least expect it. And when you've not really got much of chance to bite the bastard back, an'all. So it was when the words "you're getting made redundant" filtered through my ample ears...

Well, alright, for the pedants amongst you that wasn't the exact phrase used at the time, as there was more than one of us. But that was the general gist of it. And so, a few weeks later after a load of stress, tension and a much-needed week off... And I'm now stuck with the harsh reality of being out of work and needing to find something sharpish.

I signed on today for the first time. Strange experience, although I'm looking forward to going to the upstairs office even less so. And the fact that I've got to cease claiming whilst I'm in France for a few days is a bit strange as well. "You won't be available at 24 hours notice for an interview." I'm going away for a fucking weekend. Ah well, at least watching Salford RLFC will take my mind off it.

Ah. Salford. I'm not sure there's too much I can say on here without making every other word a swear word. Although, admittedly, that'd be normal for myself. All I will say is this - we're going backwards rapidly. Nothing's changed since McRae came in and unless something changes soon we're snookered. It's going to be a long three years until the next franchise announcement.

Moving on. England in the West Indies... Hmm, again, not really something that's going to cheer me up! The Test Series was a facinating thing to watch, with England suffering from a mixture of bad luck and dodgy captaincy decisions. Strauss needs to learn when to declare, something which would've saved us the series. But never mind. The one-dayers seem to be more of a concern. The South African Ego being my main bugbear... I'm sorry, but drop him. His scores in this series have been woeful (12 in the first ODI,17 in the second ODI, 12 in the Twenty20, 3 in the third ODI) and he's being carried in the team on the off chance that he might pull off something brilliant to win us a match. When did that happen in any form of the game? Anyone else with that record would've been 'rested'. That bellend seems to have immunity. It's no wonder we struggle at times.

Anyway, I'm getting myself wound up, so before I leave, a word on FC United of Manchester. Some superb performances, including a 3-2 win away at Marine on Saturday (you scouse bastards!) have put us firmly in with a chance of getting into the play offs. The financial consequences of going up are another story for another time, but the fact that we've pulled our season out from nowhere to be in this position is a thing of wonder. Not bad for a bunch of Judas twats who'd have packed it in within 6 months.

Right, I'm off to squander my giro...

Chirpy Chirpy Tweet Tweet...

2009-02-17T15:26:00.003Z

Twitter. This time yesterday I didn't have a fucking clue what it was. A few hours later I'd signed up even though it looked / sounded boring. Another few hours later and I'm looking at which celebrities I can stalk, how to link it to my Facebook and wondering what updates I can post that will make me sound interesting. Yeah, I know, not a lot!

It's amazing how something so simple can be so addictive and interesting. The fact there's a host of celebrities that you can follow on there is an obvious contributing factor. Whether you just want to follow someone famous because you find them interesting or just because you fancy the pants off them, then it's all there for you to take advantage of. So to speak. And yes, I am doing both!

On a more serious note, the dreaded 'R' word that's been doing the rounds during this recession came to the fore last week. A bit of a blow, but not too unexpected. Just currently trying to drag myself back up and decide whether I'm going for work or education. I doubt I'm going to get a large enough pay off to bugger off around the world for a few months, which is a shame. But still, got to make the most of a bad situation - and it's an overall situation that looks like it'll be affecting the world for a long while yet.

Ho hum. Time to go home... If you're a Twitter person yourself, look us up. Ginger_Mike. I'm not promising anything interesting, but still, massage my ego, would you? I like to feel wanted.

Adios.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes...

2009-01-20T21:05:00.002Z

They said it would never happen. Some people have spent their lives trying to stop it from happen. Others never dared to even dream that it might. But, yesterday afternoon, watched by millions of people worldwide, it happened. A black man was sworn in as President of the United States of America.

Whilst the world is still not a perfect place and there are still those who see white as the superior race (and, indeed, other ways around, too. Racism doesn't just work one way, let's remember that) yesterday was a huge step forward for the human race and one of the most historic moments that's ever come to pass. In years to come, as well as "where were you when JFK got shot?" people will be asking "where were you when Barak Obama became President?"

Considering events in 1955 when Rosa Parks sparked a bit of a hoo-haa by refusing to let a white passenger have her seat on a bus, Martin Luther King's struggles in the Civil Rights Movement and countless other things you could also mention, to now have a black man as the most powerful man in the world... Well, it was, at times, unthinkable.

But what does it mean to the wider world? Well, it sends out a great message of hope. A man who's been through so much, a man who has been, in the past, shunned for the colour of his skin is now in charge of the most powerful country in the world. A man who wants to change America, and the world, for the better. A man who wants to see an end to the occupation of Iraq, rather than continue to stay there and hunt for oil or carry out some revenge mission on behalf of his dad. A man who's ideals and policies can, indeed, turn the world around from the current climate of mistrust, crisis and terror.

But, as a man who's not too politicised (is that even a word?!), that's a discussion that should be expanded on elsewhere, at another time, by someone else. ;-)

Personally, I'm just glad to see that there is, for once, hope in the world. And it goes to show, nothing is impossible. I wonder if Rosa Parks believe this could happen that day she stayed in her seat?

Obla Di, Obla Da, Man. United, Champions of Planet Earth

2008-12-22T20:49:00.004Z

Some say it was a poxy, mickey mouse tournament. But that's only because they're either dicks or jealous that their own team wasn't there. Manchester United were, though.

Champions of England. Champions of Europe. Champions of the World.

A pinnacle already reached in 1999, now it's been done in a tournament which truly separates the Champion of each continent instead of just those of from Europe and South America. Manchester United Football Club are officially the Greatest Club side in the World. Marvellous.

Once again United lead the way, the first English side to win this new edition of the tournament, nay, first British side to win it. And not only that, we will forever stand as the only British side who ever won the Intercontinental Cup version of the tournament.

World Champions twice. That's one more than England. Proving once and for all that United > England.

Worthless? Poxy? I don't fucking think so.

Manchester United - Champions of Planet of Earth.

Voyage to India

2008-12-14T21:06:00.003Z

England's current Test Series out in India is a funny one. Did anyone really think they'd go back out there after the attacks in Mumbai? Does anyone really think they should be out there? Well, all those questions are academic, because as you're all aware, England are 4 days into the first test.

So the question now is will the current situation affect England's performance? Well, it seems to be having some effect on the team, after such a great start suddenly India go into tomorrow as the favourites. Captain Marvel's led from the front, Flintoff's batted as well as ever... If it wasn't for Strauss finding form, Cook and Prior having a couple of decent knocks and Collingwood making up for his shocker in the first innings we'd be staring down the barrel.

As it is, the bowling's done that job for us. Only England's attack could knacker up such a good position. Well, maybe Lancashire's, I guess. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. Another good spell from Swann and a bit of Monty Magic and we're in. Then again, I could end up in a threesome with Cameron Diaz and Mila Kunis.

Lancashire. Well, it seems they've done half a decent job and told Watkinson to fuck off. Well, OK, so it's not even half a decent job as they've only moved him upstairs. Director of Cricket? Hmm, I'm not convinced. Still, hopefully we'll get in a decent first team coach who's willing to make his own decisions and not be bullied by those above him. And hopefully he'll be given a chance to do that... Getting Laxman back in the squad is a step in the right direction, but we still need a bit more in the batting department. One or two more good signings and things are looking up. Until we get two or three games in and the usual "this is our year" optimism is well and truly blown away.

I guess following Lancashire and England are pretty similar in most aspects...

Money, money, money...

2008-11-26T11:05:00.001Z

First off, this is being updated on my phone via email. So blame spelling and grammar errors on predictive text!

So, then. The credit crunch. Sorry, but it's bollocks. As far as I'm concerned we've been in a recession for 25 fucking years. I've never had money to plough back into the economy, I've always been screwed over by the tax man and... Well, you get the picture.

But the main beef I have is the man who told everyone we need to stop borrowing so much and get out of the loan culture for the good of the country (my words, not his). Gordon fucking Brown. The man who, as Chancellor, borrowed like fuck and increased our country's national debt. Yeah, you're in such a fucking great position to preach about frivolities with money, aren't you?!

So where does the new budget leave us? Well, I'm no financial expert, but I can't see it making much difference to me. We're likely to pay through the nose for it in the future, too. That doesn't mean I trust the Tories, either. I'd rather have the Monster Raving Loonies in charge, to be frank.

We'll just have to see how it all goes, I guess. Just pray this record national debt we're heading into doesn't turn us into a third world country. Sponsor a British child charities, coming to a wealthy country near you.

I don't like cricket...

2008-11-17T19:03:00.006Z

This post comes on the back of watching highlights (snigger) of England's latest failure in India. Well, latest failure would've been just as apt. What is it that makes them so bloody useless? Once again the top order fail to make a big score and the middle order... Well, I don't need to say anything, do I?

It says it all when you're left watching the bowlers throw the bat about in a much better attempt to get the total looking somewhere near respectable. Although I'd rather see Samit Patel get a chance further up the order, but them that pick the team and that know more than I do. Apparently. Broad made a decent effort with the bat, too. I'm not going to pick on the bowling, as rough as some of it was at times, except to say one thing. Harmison. Useless Geordie tosser.

Anyhoo, my main gripe is with Flintoff, Collingwood and Pietersen. I'll leave Bell out of it, because we all know he's fucking shite. But the other three really should be doing much, much better. Collingwood's dismissal was weak and Freddie and KP (Copyright the media and everyone else stuck up their arses...) still haven't learnt to bat properly. It says a lot when their best innings have come when they've played defensive shots when needed, taken their time and built and innings. And the big shots have been effortless, unforced and done without too much thinking (arf...) and planning. Yet 95% of the time they think they can win games on their own, don't have to play proper shots and can fuck around to their hearts content. It might work against Bangladesh but it doesn't work against a team that's just recently made Australia look shite.

5 ODI's left before the Tests? It's going to be a long series...

On a lighter cricketing note... Robert Key and Suresh Raina... Surely separated at Birth? The Keys must've had an Indian milkman, I'm telling you!

Finally, a brief footballing interlude. FC United played Guiseley yesterday in the Unibond Premier Division, sorry, Northern Premier League Premier Division, in Guiseley. It seemed a nice little town, just a shame about the Leeds Service Crew nuggets who decided to show up and kick off with a non-league family club. Funny how they only turn up when they know the odds are in their favour? Thankfully the police were well on top of it all and it got no further than a lot of shouting and arm waving.

On the pitch a hard-fought 2-2 draw was an excellent result, although we should've won really. But you can't complain. We'd have lost that game a few months ago!

And this really is the final point... I'm now a qualified First Aider. Scary or what?!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to get my bat and do a bit of practicing. If that shower can represent their country...

You Spent Too Much Time Sat In Your Bedroom, On Your PC...

2008-10-28T19:36:00.003Z

It's Sunday afternoon. Around midday. I've just returned home from a footballing weekend away that included a day trip to Whitby (I'll come back to that madness later!) and am in need of food and clean clothes. So what do I do?

Head straight to the laptop.

Around 10 years ago I never used the Internet. I only ever used the home computer to do school work. Yeah, alright, I used my trusted Amiga 600 (and later an Amiga 1200) night and day playing Worms, Syndicate and Sensible World of Soccer, but I got out of the house as well. I spent just as much time outside kicking a ball around or playing cricket, because that was the only way of keeping in touch with friends.

How things have changed. Now I spend most of my time at home connected to a computer. When I'm out, my mobile is constantly tune to Facebook and a couple of forums. Why? Because suddenly the only way to keep in touch with people, find out what's going on and what everyone's up to. Life is organised on the Internet, spend 6 days a week sat at a computer/peering at a phone organising things and then spend 1 day out with said friends.

Why has it come to this? Why is it so hard to just pick up the phone and talk to someone, to go around to their house and see them? Jesus, sometimes it's hard work to even text someone. An entire life contained on a computer and a phone - dates, addresses, phone numbers, organised events and so on. With no access to any of that, the world collapses, everything grinds to a halt. I find myself staying in the house and turning down the chance to go out just to speak to someone. Even purely on the off chance that the person I want to speak to comes online.

Not so much why, but how? How have I turned so reliant on technology? How has life become so hard to live away from a computer? Why am I asking all these questions when it's probably obvious? And it's not just me, thousands, nay millions of us lay slave to these machines. Facebook, MySpace (not for me, but there you go), Message Boards, Forums - people spend a lifetime on these things. And there's no need. Let's get out there, people, and start living away from machines. Otherwise we're all going to continue to be sad bastards spending too much time in our bedrooms...

Whitby. Lovely place, if a bit windy. And a bugger to get to. Two trains and a bus across the moors to get there, the same bus and thankfully only one train home. Not too sure about this Magpie Cafe's reputation, though, it was no different to any other chippy I've ever been to. Chips were crap, an'all. Shame the football was a tad on the poor side, but it was a good day out with a very early start to the drinking. You don't want to know - my excuse was it was Hursty's birthday. Blame it on him.

So between football and being a sad fucker it's no wonder I'm single. Mind you, not being able to get someone out of my head doesn't help... But that's another story for another time.

Time to leave t'internet behind, swallow my pride and admit my jealousy... To be predictable!

Tell Me Why I Don't Like Mondays...

2008-10-19T20:32:00.002+01:00

Why does the weekend always seem like a waste of time? Well, on a Sunday, anyway.

Today has been the usual weekend. Football yesterday, with a piss up afterwards that took in a gig (more on that later), but then today starts just after midday when I finally crawl out of bed and before I know it, it's 20 past 9. I've eaten, pissed about on the 'net and put a film on. That's it. A day wasted, admittedly mainly down to the fact that I was seriously hungover, but still, all I've done is sit here and do fuck all.

It gets to the early evening on a Sunday and all I can do at the moment is sit here and think about how many hours it'll be before I'm back in work. That's wrong. How can I stop it? Well, short of not getting wankered on a Saturday and getting out of bed before 12 o'clock I guess not a lot. I'll just have to stick to ranting about it on the Internet.

The football wasn't even worth talking about yesterday. United's game only became worth watching after I was no longer able to watch/listen to it. And as for the FC game... Fuck me. The dullest 90 minutes I've had the misfortune to encounter for 3 years. Yeah, great, we won, but when you have to wait to the last attack of the game for a winner (which I missed due to taking the banners down anyway) after such a dull, painful game and atmosphere you wonder why you bother. But I guess I know why I do...

The music, however, was superb. My mate Simon's band The Cities (http://www.myspace.com/thecities) played the Mad Ferret in Preston alongside The Strangeways (http://www.myspace.com/strangewaysmusic), Coco Shackle (http://www.myspace.com/cocoshackle) and main act Boomhauer (http://www.myspace.com/boomhauermusic) all the way from Finland. All the bands were superb, The Cities are a top band and worth keeping an eye on over the coming months. And no, Simon didn't pay me to say that...

The Strangeways were top, Coco Shackle were a nice relaxing change to the rest of the night and they're worth checking out for the lass who sings for them. I'm in love! And Boomhauer... Well, no words can do the crazy Finnish bastards justice. They're superb, funny as fuck and completely and utterly on another planet. Check them out.

Hey ho. The film's finished, time to turn it off and go to bed. Before I know it it'll be 7 o'clock Monday morning again. Fucking woo.

We fought the Law and the Law, erm, lost...

2008-10-13T20:43:00.001+01:00

That's what the Committee of Lancashire County Cricket Club will probably be thinking at the moment. After speaking out against the dismissal of Dominic Cork and his comments about the "G & T culture" of the Committee, the rumour was that he'd been given two choices. Stay but relinquish the Captaincy, or fuck off. The announcement today that he was not being given a contract for 2009 and Glen Chapple was taking over as Captain seems to show the shorter answer was the one given.

So, the question is, was it the right decision? After coming within 25 runs of a historic first outright County Championship since 1934 in a heroic fightback at the Oval in the last game of last season, this season has been, well... One to forget. Ignore the third place finish: poor batting; unrest amongst the members; unrest in the dressing room (apparently...) - it's been a bit of a downturn this season. Law himself hasn't been in the best of form - his batting has been in decline since he took the Captaincy on (for Law read Chilton...) and a string of erratic decisions have littered his time at 'the top'. (Erm, again, for Law read Chilton. And Hegg...) At the age of 40, it's fair to say he's past his peak.

Lancashire haven't exactly gone for the youthful approach in recent years. With the signings we've been making the dressing room's resembled a retirement home more than anything else. Which points the finger squarely at Mike Watkinson. Coming up to 7 years in the job and he's taken us backwards, he's dull, no personality, a right miserable get according to people who see him often - plus he's completely unaware of the feeling amongst the members towards him. Apparently he reckons he's popular! Well I've got news for you pal, your dismissal would lead to street parties across the Red Rose County. Do one.

Admittedly, the Committee probably have their fair share of the blame to shoulder an'all. Bobby Simpson wanted to do his own thing with Crawley and rejuvante the youth policy - funny how they both left under a cloud, eh? Watkinson could just be a 'Yes Man' - in which case, and I think this is pretty clear anyway considering some of the other idiotic decisions made by the idiots in charge (I'd be here all night if I started on them!) that we need a change in the club from top to bottom, in the way things are run and who's in charge. But that's another debate for another time - plus there's people in a far better position than me who are discussing it in other places.

So, Glen Chapple comes in as Captain. Not exactly a youthful choice, but he's the most experience Lancashire player on the books. If anyone knows the County, it's him. Plus, he's not got a batting talent to fuck up, so that counts for something. Hopefully his bowling won't suffer, he's been one of the few shining lights this season. His second innings performance against Kent at Aigburth was from another planet and I'm privelliged to say I was there to see it. We say this every year, but let's hope this is what we need to finally bring the Championship back to Old Trafford. It'll be 75 years in 2009 since the Red Rose stood at the top of English cricket. For a club of this size, it's far too long.

Well, thanks for everything Stuart, you've been a superb player for the club. But now we've got to look to the future. And hopefully, it's a future filled with success.

Welcome to the Jungle...

2008-10-11T18:46:00.000+01:00

Evening all.

It's been a while since I've written anything on the world wide web. I did have a blog on my MSN, but I haven't posted on it for ages (http://mufcum.spaces.live.com/ - it might as well stand as an archive of what's gone before...) so I reckoned it was time to start again.

Once up and running fully it'll be the ramblings of a 20-something Lancastrian who's a bit too obsessed with live sport for his own good. Of course, it won't all be sport related, it's intended to be a record of life growing up in the working-class North of England.

We shall see how it goes.