Sunday, June 22, 2008
My English Rose
Just sipping a very fresh glass of English Rose wine from here. I tell you what, it would pass any Pepsi challenge with me. Paradoxically, it was a gift from a Scot. Marvellous.
A short history of racism at Blackburn Rovers
I first encountered the kind of raw, angry and hateful racism that scarred Britain in the 1970s at Ewood Park, Blackburn in 1978. The target was a Crystal Palace player (Vince Hilaire?) who was given a volley of monkey chants and foul abuse coupled with a bit of National Front support to let everyone else know that there was something more sinister going on. In those days pretty much every black player got the same. Alex Williams from Manchester City got the full banana treatment. Chelsea fans trumped everyone with a sustained abuse of Paul Cannoville, their own player, before chasing us all the way back to the station. I have never been so terrified.
You couldn't escape this kind of menace at football in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s, it went with the experience of following football. There has never been much in the way of an organised hooligan presence at Blackburn. Partly it's a numbers thing, does one mob have more than the other and does this therefore increase the chances to bully another comparable mob? There were many occasions when a larger pack of bullies to walk back to town with would have felt quite comforting. Strangely, at Blackburn, the glue that bound together the bullying thugs in the area wasn't football, but the NF. Or rather, they'd follow different teams (Leeds, Man United, West Ham) where the chances to bully were greater, but would beat up Asians when at home. I know who most of them are by name and face and they seemed to gravitate back towards Rovers in the mid 1980s and brought all the unpleasant baggage with them.
Rovers didn't have a black player until Howard Gayle who joined in the summer of 1987. Yes, think about that. 1987. The same time John Barnes broke the mould at Liverpool, a place a journeyman like Howard Gayle was offered no latitude or second chances. I liked Howard and his direct have-a-go attitude. I also liked his 20 goals that season. I once saw him get in the Nuttall Street paddock and offer out someone who said something to him as he was warming up.
I had a cup of tea with then manager Don Mackay in 1988 and he told me the player he most wanted to sign was "a Pakistani boy from this area". Twenty years ago he saw how Rovers needed to reach out. Even now, there are less than 50 Asian season ticket holders at Ewood Park.
After a few squad players dipping in and out - Peter Baah, Jason Beckford - Rovers was a white team throughout the 1990s - the Jack Walker years. I remember writing in Many Miles From Home, a Rovers fanzine, about the monkey chants directed at Carl Leaburn in 1991. You'd hear snippets from people that Jack Walker didn't want "a certain type of player" at the club. And apart from Richard Brown - who was alright - no black players appeared in the Premier League under Kenny Dalglish and Ray Harford. I raised this with the directors in 1998 at a London supporters forum and any notion that this harmed any attempt to increase ethnic support was denied by Bob Coar, the chairman. But Peter White, then the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reporter for Rovers, now deceased, said there was something in it. He clarified by saying Teddy Sheringham was a player Jack Walker blocked as a "wrong sort" and so too was, wait for it, Paul Ince, then at Inter Milan.
Roy Hodgson signed Martin Dahlin (who was rubbish) and there have, happily, been plenty of good quality black players since. Andy Cole, Chris Samba, Benni, Marcus Bent and many more. There's been some crap too, but I don't believe for a moment that any of them has been treated any differently by the fans because of their colour. It certainly isn't like Italy. Dwight Yorke got some stick when he came back with Birmingham, but I don't believe there was much racism in it.
So here we are, on the brink of making history. And do you know what, I don't think any of this will have figured in the minds of the board when offering the job of managing Blackburn Rovers to Paul Ince. Good.
You couldn't escape this kind of menace at football in the late 1970s and early to mid-1980s, it went with the experience of following football. There has never been much in the way of an organised hooligan presence at Blackburn. Partly it's a numbers thing, does one mob have more than the other and does this therefore increase the chances to bully another comparable mob? There were many occasions when a larger pack of bullies to walk back to town with would have felt quite comforting. Strangely, at Blackburn, the glue that bound together the bullying thugs in the area wasn't football, but the NF. Or rather, they'd follow different teams (Leeds, Man United, West Ham) where the chances to bully were greater, but would beat up Asians when at home. I know who most of them are by name and face and they seemed to gravitate back towards Rovers in the mid 1980s and brought all the unpleasant baggage with them.
Rovers didn't have a black player until Howard Gayle who joined in the summer of 1987. Yes, think about that. 1987. The same time John Barnes broke the mould at Liverpool, a place a journeyman like Howard Gayle was offered no latitude or second chances. I liked Howard and his direct have-a-go attitude. I also liked his 20 goals that season. I once saw him get in the Nuttall Street paddock and offer out someone who said something to him as he was warming up.
I had a cup of tea with then manager Don Mackay in 1988 and he told me the player he most wanted to sign was "a Pakistani boy from this area". Twenty years ago he saw how Rovers needed to reach out. Even now, there are less than 50 Asian season ticket holders at Ewood Park.
After a few squad players dipping in and out - Peter Baah, Jason Beckford - Rovers was a white team throughout the 1990s - the Jack Walker years. I remember writing in Many Miles From Home, a Rovers fanzine, about the monkey chants directed at Carl Leaburn in 1991. You'd hear snippets from people that Jack Walker didn't want "a certain type of player" at the club. And apart from Richard Brown - who was alright - no black players appeared in the Premier League under Kenny Dalglish and Ray Harford. I raised this with the directors in 1998 at a London supporters forum and any notion that this harmed any attempt to increase ethnic support was denied by Bob Coar, the chairman. But Peter White, then the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reporter for Rovers, now deceased, said there was something in it. He clarified by saying Teddy Sheringham was a player Jack Walker blocked as a "wrong sort" and so too was, wait for it, Paul Ince, then at Inter Milan.
Roy Hodgson signed Martin Dahlin (who was rubbish) and there have, happily, been plenty of good quality black players since. Andy Cole, Chris Samba, Benni, Marcus Bent and many more. There's been some crap too, but I don't believe for a moment that any of them has been treated any differently by the fans because of their colour. It certainly isn't like Italy. Dwight Yorke got some stick when he came back with Birmingham, but I don't believe there was much racism in it.
So here we are, on the brink of making history. And do you know what, I don't think any of this will have figured in the minds of the board when offering the job of managing Blackburn Rovers to Paul Ince. Good.
Talk Tonight
It looks like the Tony Wilson tribute has gone very well at Urbis. It seems like a fitting event to remember someone who had so much to say about so very much.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Manchester restaurants - ten more thoughts
A while back, here, I wrote about ten places to pop into for lunch that I hadn't been to yet. I've pretty much done it now, and here are my ten thoughts, topped up with one from Liverpool, and another observation on the worst plate of food I've had put in front of me in 8 years in Manchester.
Gastro's deli and food hall - it was pleasant enough, a bit dear for what it offered, but has closed down already. Oh dear.
I still haven't been to Katsouri's in Bury. I went to the one in Manchester a few weeks ago and though the food was good, the fried food in the deli made my clothes stink.
Ithaca - well loved by people like this. I thought the interior was tacky but the food was awesome, but expensive.
Grado - Excellent the first time, when I was with the owner, good when I was there a second time and the other owner was in. Very average when I went for a third time.
Vermilion - I went there for lunch and we were the only people there. The fresh and spicy Thai food was awesome though.
If there's a better Chinese banquet for 30 people than Yang Sing I've yet to eat it. Brilliant food, excellent service.
I've long held the view that there's little to seperate certain chain bars and fast food joints except for £50 for a family meal. On a recent outing in Manchester we opted for lunch at Harvey Nicols for me, Rachel and Elliot. Wonderful service, great kids meal for our little boy and ours was lovely too.
Restaurant Bar and Grill used to be THE place for the business lunch. I went on Monday and it's still got something, but it isn't the Thai curry. I could do better myself and proved it to myself on Wednesday night.
Restaurant Bar and Grill in Liverpool is a real goldfish bowl of Liverpool corporate and cultural life. John Barnes was in! And the food is very good too. I had a haddock risotto which was creamy, fresh and delicious, in stark contrast to...
Room. I had a haddock kedgiree. It was basically Bachelors Pot Rice with a
chip shop piece of fried battered haddock on top. Ghastly. The worst meal in living memory.
Gastro's deli and food hall - it was pleasant enough, a bit dear for what it offered, but has closed down already. Oh dear.
I still haven't been to Katsouri's in Bury. I went to the one in Manchester a few weeks ago and though the food was good, the fried food in the deli made my clothes stink.
Ithaca - well loved by people like this. I thought the interior was tacky but the food was awesome, but expensive.
Grado - Excellent the first time, when I was with the owner, good when I was there a second time and the other owner was in. Very average when I went for a third time.
Vermilion - I went there for lunch and we were the only people there. The fresh and spicy Thai food was awesome though.
If there's a better Chinese banquet for 30 people than Yang Sing I've yet to eat it. Brilliant food, excellent service.
I've long held the view that there's little to seperate certain chain bars and fast food joints except for £50 for a family meal. On a recent outing in Manchester we opted for lunch at Harvey Nicols for me, Rachel and Elliot. Wonderful service, great kids meal for our little boy and ours was lovely too.
Restaurant Bar and Grill used to be THE place for the business lunch. I went on Monday and it's still got something, but it isn't the Thai curry. I could do better myself and proved it to myself on Wednesday night.
Restaurant Bar and Grill in Liverpool is a real goldfish bowl of Liverpool corporate and cultural life. John Barnes was in! And the food is very good too. I had a haddock risotto which was creamy, fresh and delicious, in stark contrast to...
Room. I had a haddock kedgiree. It was basically Bachelors Pot Rice with a
chip shop piece of fried battered haddock on top. Ghastly. The worst meal in living memory.
Ince becomes Nice
I'm quite excited about Paul Ince joining Rovers as manager. I absolutely loathed him when he was at Man United and we beat them to the title in 1995. I ironically used to refer to him as Paul Nice. As I always thought he probably wasn't. The Guvnor, remember that. Oh dear. He was young then, and so was I. :-)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Over my dead body
A trustee of the Walker Family Trust has told a friend of mine that Sam Alladyce will be appointed manager of Blackburn Rovers "over my dead body". Given the trustees own the club on behalf of, er, the deceased Jack Walker. I think that has to be taken as a no.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wilson footage unearthed
Previously unseen video footage of the late Manchester icon and music impresario Anthony H Wilson has been unearthed at The University of Manchester.
The video, which shows the former record label boss and journalist in forthright and animated mood, was shot in 1998 as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the birth of ‘The Baby’ – the first computer capable of storing a program.
You can see the full interview where Wilson claims digital music in pop music started with his band New Order, which is true, obviously. Remember, when faced with the choice of the truth, or legend, always pick the legend.
At one point in the entertaining and illuminating clip, he breaks off to take a phone call on a large mobile phone. He goes on to argue that the Baby was THE first computer – and dismisses the views of “fussing” academics as “b*ll*cks”.
The footage came to light while Web designers at The University of Manchester were building the official web site for Digital 60 Day, which will take place on this Friday.
(Hat tip: Alex Waddington, University of Manchester)
The video, which shows the former record label boss and journalist in forthright and animated mood, was shot in 1998 as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the birth of ‘The Baby’ – the first computer capable of storing a program.
You can see the full interview where Wilson claims digital music in pop music started with his band New Order, which is true, obviously. Remember, when faced with the choice of the truth, or legend, always pick the legend.
At one point in the entertaining and illuminating clip, he breaks off to take a phone call on a large mobile phone. He goes on to argue that the Baby was THE first computer – and dismisses the views of “fussing” academics as “b*ll*cks”.
The footage came to light while Web designers at The University of Manchester were building the official web site for Digital 60 Day, which will take place on this Friday.
(Hat tip: Alex Waddington, University of Manchester)
Friday, June 13, 2008
Silverback goes to Mongolia
This is from Popbitch:
Apprentice silverback goes to Mongolia
Now The Apprentice is over, Suralan's sidekick Nick Hewer is off to Ulan Bator in a 20 year old
Renault to take part in the Mongol Rally. The hard-nosed taskmaster has a softer side - he's raising money to reunite institutionalised children in Eastern Europe with their families. Sugar has coughed up a grand. The cream of Britain's TV business world (Jacqueline Gold, Karren Brady, Margaret Mountford etc) have also sponsored Nick.
See how cheap/generous the celebrity sponsors have been here. (Gold - 200 quid, Brady 20 quid etc)
Apprentice silverback goes to Mongolia
Now The Apprentice is over, Suralan's sidekick Nick Hewer is off to Ulan Bator in a 20 year old
Renault to take part in the Mongol Rally. The hard-nosed taskmaster has a softer side - he's raising money to reunite institutionalised children in Eastern Europe with their families. Sugar has coughed up a grand. The cream of Britain's TV business world (Jacqueline Gold, Karren Brady, Margaret Mountford etc) have also sponsored Nick.
See how cheap/generous the celebrity sponsors have been here. (Gold - 200 quid, Brady 20 quid etc)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Soft as sugar
Right, back to reality. I no longer have to justify to anyone why I watched a programme as ridiculous as The Apprentice. I sped home from a job in Warrington last night to see the final episode. Why? What have I turned into?
The fact that Suralan hired Lee instead of Clare told me one thing: he's soft. In the previous episode Karren Brady said she'd give Clare a job if Suralan didn't. He knew she was the better apprentice and was more likely to be a success for him, but he chose the path of least resistance. He picked Lee because he thought Clare would be OK. If he didn't pick Lee then what might happen to the poor lad who was exposed on national TV for lying on his CV?
Remember too that he bottled it when he should have fired the good little Jewish boy who didn't know what kosher was.
The fact that Suralan hired Lee instead of Clare told me one thing: he's soft. In the previous episode Karren Brady said she'd give Clare a job if Suralan didn't. He knew she was the better apprentice and was more likely to be a success for him, but he chose the path of least resistance. He picked Lee because he thought Clare would be OK. If he didn't pick Lee then what might happen to the poor lad who was exposed on national TV for lying on his CV?
Remember too that he bottled it when he should have fired the good little Jewish boy who didn't know what kosher was.
Was never going to happen
What was it that first attracted Blackburn Rovers fans to the idea of Alan Shearer being manager? He was our greatest ever player? He might make a good manager one day? The prospect of Mike Newell pitching up alongside him? The return of Tim Flowers as goalkeeping coach?
All of the above, but more than anything it was a desire of the heart, not of the head. I know, I'm guilty as charged. But when you look at the evidence, he's a coward. He's too comfortable and doesn't have the hunger he had as a player. He's happy on the Match of the Day sofa trotting out his boring opinions with those other smug gits Lineker, Lawro and Hansen.
And do you know what? One day people will stop talking about him becoming a manager. He'll stop popping up on shortlists in the tabloids and there'll be a new generation of successful players keen for a slot on the sofa. And where will that leave him and the rest the smug squad? A bunch of has beens wondering what might have been.
Not bitter or anything. Oh no. Here's bitter: Simon Hattenstone on Manchester City.
All of the above, but more than anything it was a desire of the heart, not of the head. I know, I'm guilty as charged. But when you look at the evidence, he's a coward. He's too comfortable and doesn't have the hunger he had as a player. He's happy on the Match of the Day sofa trotting out his boring opinions with those other smug gits Lineker, Lawro and Hansen.
And do you know what? One day people will stop talking about him becoming a manager. He'll stop popping up on shortlists in the tabloids and there'll be a new generation of successful players keen for a slot on the sofa. And where will that leave him and the rest the smug squad? A bunch of has beens wondering what might have been.
Not bitter or anything. Oh no. Here's bitter: Simon Hattenstone on Manchester City.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The question to Ask
Property developer Asklife, which is partly owned by Marple Bridge man Ken Knott, has bought Compstall Mills and plans to convert the property into 122 luxury apartments. There's a public consultation that starts this week.
A few years ago I mentioned the possible uses for this building to former councillor Mark Hunter, now an MP. He was adamant it would never get through planning as a residential scheme because of the traffic problems that would ensue.
Ask Life is holding a public consultation to encourage local residents to get involved and have their say on the re-development of Compstall Mills into a luxury, residentially led scheme.
Taking place at the Church Hall in Compstall on Wednesday 11, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June, Ask Life are inviting locals to view the proposals for 122 high specification, high quality family homes and apartments. The units will be a mix of both new build apartments and houses within the refurbished mills, along with c25,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space.
Planning for the proposed units will be submitted following the community consultation in late July / early August.
Jonathon Weston, Project Manager at Ask Life, says: “We’re really looking forward to the public’s response to the scheme and we are confident that it will be well received.”
Times for the consultation are as follows: Wednesday 11 June 3pm-7pm, Friday 13 June 6:30pm – 8:30pm and Saturday 14 June 10am-2pm.
The question to Ask, is what public realm improvements and traffic control will have to be introduced to ensure that this scheme doesn't utterly screw up the traffic. Bear in mind that Dan Bank in Marple is being rebuilt next year, this horrendous bottleneck will then be the only route out of Marple towards Romiley and beyond.
Maybe Marple should have applied under the Transport Innovation Fund for a new public transport system in return for a peak time congestion charging scheme.
A few years ago I mentioned the possible uses for this building to former councillor Mark Hunter, now an MP. He was adamant it would never get through planning as a residential scheme because of the traffic problems that would ensue.
Ask Life is holding a public consultation to encourage local residents to get involved and have their say on the re-development of Compstall Mills into a luxury, residentially led scheme.
Taking place at the Church Hall in Compstall on Wednesday 11, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June, Ask Life are inviting locals to view the proposals for 122 high specification, high quality family homes and apartments. The units will be a mix of both new build apartments and houses within the refurbished mills, along with c25,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space.
Planning for the proposed units will be submitted following the community consultation in late July / early August.
Jonathon Weston, Project Manager at Ask Life, says: “We’re really looking forward to the public’s response to the scheme and we are confident that it will be well received.”
Times for the consultation are as follows: Wednesday 11 June 3pm-7pm, Friday 13 June 6:30pm – 8:30pm and Saturday 14 June 10am-2pm.
The question to Ask, is what public realm improvements and traffic control will have to be introduced to ensure that this scheme doesn't utterly screw up the traffic. Bear in mind that Dan Bank in Marple is being rebuilt next year, this horrendous bottleneck will then be the only route out of Marple towards Romiley and beyond.
Maybe Marple should have applied under the Transport Innovation Fund for a new public transport system in return for a peak time congestion charging scheme.
Monday, June 09, 2008
The haughty forty
Apart from the specious one from me, there have been 40 applications for the vacant manager's job at Blackburn Rovers.
The Sunday People's Alan Nixon - who has been lurking on the BRFC Supporters Messageboard tantalising bored call centre workers with hints about who it might be - went to press on Sunday with the news that Alan Shearer is going to talk to John Williams about the job.
To be fair, he writes with much less certainty than the Daily Mirror, which reported that Paul Ince is to be offered the job, or the Daily Mirror on a different day, which reported that Sam Alladyce has been given a three year contract.
We've also had Tony Parkes piping up that Shearer is the man for the job, but he needs an assistant to do all the work. Any suggestions, Tony?
The Sunday People's Alan Nixon - who has been lurking on the BRFC Supporters Messageboard tantalising bored call centre workers with hints about who it might be - went to press on Sunday with the news that Alan Shearer is going to talk to John Williams about the job.
To be fair, he writes with much less certainty than the Daily Mirror, which reported that Paul Ince is to be offered the job, or the Daily Mirror on a different day, which reported that Sam Alladyce has been given a three year contract.
We've also had Tony Parkes piping up that Shearer is the man for the job, but he needs an assistant to do all the work. Any suggestions, Tony?
Tiff over TIF
Today's the day that the Greater Manchester local authorities are to be told they will be able to proceed with a bid to unlock £1bn worth of funding to improve the public transport system. The catch? the introduction of a peak time congestion charge in 2013.
There's a good summary of the issues here. The BBC coverage is very good, here, and this backgrounder is also useful.
As the editor of a business magazine I get asked at Insider to "come off the fence" and join the opposing campaigns, the Greater Manchester Momentum Group and United City. It brings into focus what we are here to do and where the media should stand. I actually think it's such an important issue that the least we can do is provide a forum for informed and grown up debate. Taking sides is futile.
I don't think Manchester has done very well out of this government. The track record on delivering on promises has been very poor. As this is a project built upon a deal, I feel uneasy about it.
Public transport should be much better. England's second city is important to the development of the economy of the nation and NEEDS a tram system and a train network that people would want to travel on. Whether this is the best way to unlock the finance to do that is the key issue now. The bid would NOT be happening if it was just a means to charge motorists. The prize should be a better train system.
One of the lines that would get better trains under the plan is one to and from Marple. There is also a very ambiguous commitment to do a study into whether the Marple line should be converted into a Metrolink type operation. Detail on this is quite hard to come by.
And here's a savage irony. Due to a power failure today, trains into Manchester Piccadilly have been severely delayed. One of my guys has taken 4 hours to get to work today - a new record. Appalling.
* There will be a special Manchester Business programme on BBC Radio Manchester tonight from 6pm to 7pm, with a debate between leading opponent of the congestion charge, Andrew Simpson from Peel and Chris Oglesby from Bruntwood, who is in favour. The show will be presented by Steve Saul and me.
There's a good summary of the issues here. The BBC coverage is very good, here, and this backgrounder is also useful.
As the editor of a business magazine I get asked at Insider to "come off the fence" and join the opposing campaigns, the Greater Manchester Momentum Group and United City. It brings into focus what we are here to do and where the media should stand. I actually think it's such an important issue that the least we can do is provide a forum for informed and grown up debate. Taking sides is futile.
I don't think Manchester has done very well out of this government. The track record on delivering on promises has been very poor. As this is a project built upon a deal, I feel uneasy about it.
Public transport should be much better. England's second city is important to the development of the economy of the nation and NEEDS a tram system and a train network that people would want to travel on. Whether this is the best way to unlock the finance to do that is the key issue now. The bid would NOT be happening if it was just a means to charge motorists. The prize should be a better train system.
One of the lines that would get better trains under the plan is one to and from Marple. There is also a very ambiguous commitment to do a study into whether the Marple line should be converted into a Metrolink type operation. Detail on this is quite hard to come by.
And here's a savage irony. Due to a power failure today, trains into Manchester Piccadilly have been severely delayed. One of my guys has taken 4 hours to get to work today - a new record. Appalling.
* There will be a special Manchester Business programme on BBC Radio Manchester tonight from 6pm to 7pm, with a debate between leading opponent of the congestion charge, Andrew Simpson from Peel and Chris Oglesby from Bruntwood, who is in favour. The show will be presented by Steve Saul and me.
Friday, June 06, 2008
When Saturday Comes
At one point I used to have the full collection of When Saturday Comes magazines. I continued to subscribe thinking I was building a historical legacy. When I saw the lot advertised for £100 I realised those unread articles about Mansfield weren't adding to any valuable heirlooms. I still like it whenever I do buy it.
They've had a bit of a push on their website, there's a daily blog and a weekly email - plus this, the best book review ever.
Someone on there also said: “The biggest problem of England not being at Euro 2008 is that without regular reminders I might forget myself and surrender to the IRA.”
Hat tip: Taguey
They've had a bit of a push on their website, there's a daily blog and a weekly email - plus this, the best book review ever.
Someone on there also said: “The biggest problem of England not being at Euro 2008 is that without regular reminders I might forget myself and surrender to the IRA.”
Hat tip: Taguey
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Manchester Business on BBC Radio
I've been on the radio tonight and I've got my own sting now. It's very different being a "guest presenter" to being a guest. You realise how hard the guy in the middle has to work. I enjoyed it though. Got some good interviews with Mark Garner from Man Con and Steve Smith from Ear to the Ground.
You can listen again by clicking here. Then find your way to Manchester Now with Steve Saul. We're in the second hour, coming in just after Al Green's Let's Stay Together.
You can listen again by clicking here. Then find your way to Manchester Now with Steve Saul. We're in the second hour, coming in just after Al Green's Let's Stay Together.
The rumour mill grinds on
I've been sniffing around the dark recesses of the Rovers fans messageboard and discovered some gems about the search for a new manager.
* "Ronnie Claytons son works with my mates mum and from a close source within rovers alan shearer is at brockhall today holding talks over the managers job!"
* "Mate of mine with family in Blackpool said they spoke with Colin Hendry in a pub in Lytham last night and he said from what he's heard the job is Shearer's if he wants it."
* "Candidate B is a manager not from England that has Premier experiance, Mr Nicko is unable to mention the name at this time."
* John Williams is in London today.
* Mike Newell and Alan Shearer dream ticket with Kenny Dalglish as director of football.
* Tony Parkes and Simon Grayson from Blackpool
* Didier Descamps, David Ginola, Denis Bergkamp, blah di blah.
* I've also tried to get my head around the odds on Betfair, here, which seem to show the price on Shearer collapsing.
* "Ronnie Claytons son works with my mates mum and from a close source within rovers alan shearer is at brockhall today holding talks over the managers job!"
* "Mate of mine with family in Blackpool said they spoke with Colin Hendry in a pub in Lytham last night and he said from what he's heard the job is Shearer's if he wants it."
* "Candidate B is a manager not from England that has Premier experiance, Mr Nicko is unable to mention the name at this time."
* John Williams is in London today.
* Mike Newell and Alan Shearer dream ticket with Kenny Dalglish as director of football.
* Tony Parkes and Simon Grayson from Blackpool
* Didier Descamps, David Ginola, Denis Bergkamp, blah di blah.
* I've also tried to get my head around the odds on Betfair, here, which seem to show the price on Shearer collapsing.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
All I need right now
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Is Sam the man?
You have to be impressed with the quick feet of the Rovers board in lining up Sam Alladyce as a replacement for Mark Hughes, even before he's agreed to join Manchester City. I contacted a mate of Sam's tonight he confirmed it is looking likely that he is going to join Rovers. Sky News are reporting that The Wally With The Brolly fancies it. No thanks.
There is a reason for this haste. The club is still for sale, finishing 7th was good, but not good enough. Having no manager through the summer is not going to help build for the future.
Inevitably (some) Rovers fans are unhappy about this. I think Allardyce got Bolton to punch way above their weight. He's what we need.
As for Mark Hughes, I think he's barking mad to go to City. Richard Williams in the Graun today is very good on this. Link is here. Any visiting City supporters may also like to check out this blog which doesn't like Thaksin very much.
All of this sounds very plausible, of course. What none of it does is give me any clearer idea of how I can explain any of it to a couple of heartbroken small boys who can't see why anyone would want to desert the world's greatest football club.
There is a reason for this haste. The club is still for sale, finishing 7th was good, but not good enough. Having no manager through the summer is not going to help build for the future.
Inevitably (some) Rovers fans are unhappy about this. I think Allardyce got Bolton to punch way above their weight. He's what we need.
As for Mark Hughes, I think he's barking mad to go to City. Richard Williams in the Graun today is very good on this. Link is here. Any visiting City supporters may also like to check out this blog which doesn't like Thaksin very much.
All of this sounds very plausible, of course. What none of it does is give me any clearer idea of how I can explain any of it to a couple of heartbroken small boys who can't see why anyone would want to desert the world's greatest football club.
The seaside town they forgot to close down
When property developers Urban Splash bought the Midland Hotel on Morecambe promenade I said at the time we would host the first business event there. We just have. We held a smashing lunch in the Marion Dorn function room attended by a few friends, local business people and the former owners of the hotel.
The hotel is a regional treasure. Built in 1933 it has spectacular views over Morecambe Bay to the Lake District in the distance. The building itself is art deco with a splendid collection of Eric Gill fascias. The modernisation in its current form is an absolute triumph; it's amazing what you can do with a bit of bravery, vision and £4m from the NWDA. Just joking. It's so beautiful.
But to really understand the appeal of the place you just have to sit, as I am right now, in the reception area and see the steady stream of visitors who are walking around mesmerised by the transformation. I've just spoken to a lady who used to work in the reception. There are people checking in who are telling tales about how they came here on their honeymoon 50 years ago. Truly, I never thought it would come back to life so beautifully and so successfully. I can't wait to come back.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Hughes, to Shearer
I've always known that Mark Hughes has helped Blackburn Rovers to over achieve. For a young manager who wants to compete at the top level it just isn't enough to finish 7th and to miss out on Europe. I've always been comfortable with the thought that he would win things for Rovers, setting up the Manchester United job for himself. I think he's had a benign board at Rovers. So benign in fact that they're prepared to let him talk to another Premier League Club while he's still got two years left on his contract. If he does join the mad house that is Manchester City, he will soon see what football has become - working for a human rights abusing dictator will be very different from answering to some kindly men in suits administering a dead man's estate.
It also really angers me that whenever Rovers get anywhere our best players and managers are auctioned off by the national press and the smug gits on Match of the Day.
But here's a thought. He bottled the Newcastle job, but he could do a job at Rovers. Alan Shearer for manager. He's been offered it before, now should be the time to give it a go.
It also really angers me that whenever Rovers get anywhere our best players and managers are auctioned off by the national press and the smug gits on Match of the Day.
But here's a thought. He bottled the Newcastle job, but he could do a job at Rovers. Alan Shearer for manager. He's been offered it before, now should be the time to give it a go.
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