Simon Says

The strangest thing has happened; the country has gone to war but only on a Saturday and Sunday evening from about 8pm, for an hour or two. Either that or the X Factor has taken over. Only during historic moments in TV history have I known such quiet on the streets. Royal weddings, big world cup matches and when someone shot JR (it wasn't me, my gun of choice then was essentially my thumb and forefinger). The streets are deserted, curtains are drawn and TVs blaze from living rooms but what's the big deal?

Poll Result - What's the best TV sport?

Football won with almost half of the votes; boxing, cricket, golf, rugby union and other (MMA?) shared the other votes equally. My favourite sport is football but for me, boxing is the best TV sport.

Poll Result - Who should be the next England manager?

The Special One was the winner - for a change. 'Arry took second from Big Sam and was top Englishman. A quarter of voters didn't care, highlighting the growing disillusionment with the national side.

Rhetorical Question #2

Access aside, did you prefer football coverage before Sky took it on? Sunday's Big Match Live, Saint and Greavsie, listening to big away games on the radio, teletext (delayed) updates etc?

Are you a Corporate Dad?

Surely that’s a daft question but is it? Personally I have met many parents, both male and female for whom the question is relevant. Yes, we all have to and often choose to work late occasionally but for some this is the rule rather than the exception. Over the years I have worked with people whose sole reason for starting early or indeed staying late in the office is to impress their manager with their commitment to the company. Many have little or nothing to do in this extra time yet seem comfortable killing time on the internet or playing desktop games. Their one objective is to impress their boss with a well-timed "good morning" or "good night" but at what cost?

Poll Result - Who has been England's best player over recent years?

Stevie G gets the nod with 40% of the vote, Ashley Cole got my vote and came second with 25%. Interestingly, the recently 'retired' David Beckham had some backing with 10% of the vote.

Fickle Fans are the Future...

Ready for the big kick-off?
Have you got the new shirt? No, you are so last year.
Heard the latest about your teams’ top player ‘agreeing’ to extend his contract for another year? He’s ‘accepted’ a contract which bumps him up to £80,000 a week, immediately replacing his existing £60,000 a week deal that had only three more years to run. That’s loyalty, what a legend.

World Cup Review

Pass, move, show… Pass, move, show… Pass, move, show.
To some it’s mesmerising, others find it monotonous but it's certainly effective. So Spain, deservedly for me, won the World Cup without blowing anyone away.

WC Weekly - Part 2

“Jeez, you’re home early”
Four years ago, Italy and France contested the final. Now, already both teams are out of the competition and looking at major rebuilding jobs over the next few years. After losing on penalties last time around, at least France can say they beat Italy to a title this time, easily winning the award for ‘most embarrassing exit’. It’s not a surprise that two of the ‘big boys’ have been knocked out so early, it’s the chaotic nature of their exits that has shocked football.

WC Weekly - Part 1

"It's just waiting for a spark"
The TV pundits loved that one during the early group games.
Sure we've had some dull games but we've had 'upsets' and some massive performances, not least from the lesser nations such as Switzerland and North Korea. Indeed, North Korea's enthusiastic yet organised approach made Brazil look pedestrian rather than casual.

Number 1 Priority

"England's Number 1... England, England's Number 1"
Go on then, who is it?
Green? James? Hart? Shilton?? Banks???

The England A Team

Having looked at the 30 man squad for the World Cup, I have come up with an alternative England team. Some strange selections perhaps but I feel they all bring something to the party and I have made a case for each of them - go take a look at my light-hearted selection.

Where has everybody gone?

Has anyone else noticed the lack of people out and about on foot? Granted, I venture out mainly in the local area and the surrounding hills could well be full of enthusiastic ramblers. However, there’s definitely a dwindling number of people out on the streets.

Special or Lucky?

In the immediate media coverage of Inter's 'greatest defeat' against Barcelona, most are saluting the defensive masterclass orchestrated by Jose Mourinho. I agree, for the most part at least but was it a deserved result?

Rhetorical Question #1

Emergencies aside, would you prefer life without mobile phones?

Snooker loopy or football crazy?

Recently there has been much debate on whether snooker should follow darts' lead to modernise the sport. Undoubtedly, there are things the WSPBA could do to improve its appeal but it is also clear that snooker already has much to admire.

Addicted to text?

Lately, I find myself keeping an eye on the tabloid headlines and the front pages of the glossy magazines. My interest lies in the potential rise of what I believe could well become the new fashionable illness… Who will be the first celebrity to check into rehab with 'text addiction'?