Well, the old photos that Ready had of certain people in the market have done the trick. Watch out underwriters because Ready is back in the London market as from next Monday (28th). He becomes Group Technical Broking Manager at Layton Blackham based in Holborn. The job is mainly working with mid-sized UK companies and will be half broking and half development of their network side.
This is truly great news and means he can carry on in the lifestyle he has become accustomed to, i.e. fags, beer, gambling and frequent trips back to Thailand.
Ready, congratulations mate. Am well chuffed for you.
I will post his contact details on here once known so he can start re-appearing on your expense reports!
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The Magic Roundabout
Ok for our American friends, an advert for Britain's film of the year - you can stick Ray and Million Dollar Babe - The Magic Roundabout.
It has already hit the big screen at home and I am championing for it's release in the Windy City.
I quote from the website, "Pathe UK, the distribution company behind the monumental animation hit Chicken Run have resurrected the 1960’s cult TV show ‘The Magic Roundabout’ for the big screen. With an incredible all star British line up including Robbie Williams, Joanna Lumley, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ian McKellen , Ray Winstone, Tom Baker and pop sensation Kylie Minogue, this all time children’s classic, is due for national release as a full length, CGI animated feature on February 11th 2005."
I didn't know Kylie was British but we will take her anyway.
This is how the cast lines up:
DOUGAL - ROBBIE WILLIAMS
FLORENCE - KYLIE MINOGUE
ERMINTRUDE - JOANNA LUMLEY
BRIAN - JIM BROADBENT
DYLAN - BILL NIGHY
ZEBEDEE - IAN McKELLAN
SOLDIER SAM - RAY WINSTONE
ZEEBAD - TOM BAKER
Clearly Brian Dougal, Suzie Syrett, Rob Beere, John McGowan, Giles Crowley, Tony Hepburn and James Bird were unavailable.
Has anyone seen it yet? Come on, don't be shy, next time I'm back me and my mates have it booked in.... sorry did I say my mates? I meant my son, obviously!
It has already hit the big screen at home and I am championing for it's release in the Windy City.
I quote from the website, "Pathe UK, the distribution company behind the monumental animation hit Chicken Run have resurrected the 1960’s cult TV show ‘The Magic Roundabout’ for the big screen. With an incredible all star British line up including Robbie Williams, Joanna Lumley, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ian McKellen , Ray Winstone, Tom Baker and pop sensation Kylie Minogue, this all time children’s classic, is due for national release as a full length, CGI animated feature on February 11th 2005."
I didn't know Kylie was British but we will take her anyway.
This is how the cast lines up:
DOUGAL - ROBBIE WILLIAMS
FLORENCE - KYLIE MINOGUE
ERMINTRUDE - JOANNA LUMLEY
BRIAN - JIM BROADBENT
DYLAN - BILL NIGHY
ZEBEDEE - IAN McKELLAN
SOLDIER SAM - RAY WINSTONE
ZEEBAD - TOM BAKER
Clearly Brian Dougal, Suzie Syrett, Rob Beere, John McGowan, Giles Crowley, Tony Hepburn and James Bird were unavailable.
Has anyone seen it yet? Come on, don't be shy, next time I'm back me and my mates have it booked in.... sorry did I say my mates? I meant my son, obviously!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Road to Cardiff - QF draw
The Geordies were given another home tie today for the Quarter Finals. The Yids or Forest. Not bad.
Full sixth-round draw:
Newcastle v Tottenham or Nottingham Forest
Southampton or Brentford v Manchester United
Bolton v Arsenal or Sheffield United
Burnley or Blackburn v Leicester
Full sixth-round draw:
Newcastle v Tottenham or Nottingham Forest
Southampton or Brentford v Manchester United
Bolton v Arsenal or Sheffield United
Burnley or Blackburn v Leicester
The 'Real Thing'
N&R's regular look at the Coca-Cola leagues. Those are the 3 divisions below the Premiership for those of you that think English football ends after 4th in the Premiership! Palace fans may find this of interest....
Joe Royle's Ipswich are looking like they are heading back to the Premiership after an absence of 3 season's. Their home form is magnificent and they are the divisions top goalscorers with 61 goals. It is Wigan though who have the firepower. Nathan 'the Duke' Ellington has scored 19 goals and Jason Roberts has 16 as Paul Jewell looks to lead the small Cheshire side to automatic promotion. Small but considerably richer than most in the Championship with benefactor Dave Whelan splashing money around in order to achieve his dream of Premiership football in Wigan. Don't knock it!
Sunderland have been in 3rd for most of the season but it is the resurgence of Derby and the form of Preston that has been most noticable over the past few months. Reading haven't won in the league for 11 games and are going backwards whilst old play-off and Cup experts Sheffield United are still in the frame with games in hand. You have to give it to Neil Warnock who has done a wonderful job at Brammall Lane.
West Ham are so frustrating, they were awful against Sheff Utd and then turned it on against Plymouth on Saturday but I think only a play-off spot is achievable. Beyond them sides are much of a much-ness. Millwall, Burnley, Leeds, Stoke - all average. If I would put money on a team making a run for a play-off spot? Leicester City.
At the bottom, Ronnie Moore-less Rotherham are surely gone. Who is Alan Knill? A very unfortunate surname for a football manager!
The big question at the bottom is if Gary Megson can keep Forest in the division, a slip to Div 1 would be a killer blow and old Cloughie will be turning in his grave! Its about time the Gills and their twat of a chairman Paul Scally go back to where they belong and promoted Plymouth also look in danger despite a good start. My tip for the drop? Cardiff City.
Into League One, Luton and Hull have made it a two-horse race and look uncatchable. Mike Newell was chosen following a vote but he has proved an excellent choice with just 4 defeats in 33 games. Hull are the billy big bollocks in the division and in Peter Taylor they have an admittadly crap top flight manager but a clever and knowledgable lower league one.
The play-off battle could involve upwards of 10 teams with Tranmere, Sheff Wed and Hartlepool looking the most obvious. My tip for the 4th spot? Swindon or Mad Dog Martin Allen's Brentford.
Stockport County struggling in front of small crowds look likely relegation fodder under manager Chris Turner. I bet he wishes he never left Hartlepool for that wonder job at Sheff Wed! Barry Fry's Peterborough are in big trouble too but Wrexham who were deducted 10 points may still be too good to go down if they can rally under the experienced Dennis Smith.
New MK Dons manager Danny Wilson has started a mini revival at the Hockey Stadium - 3 games without a loss - but Franchise FC will get no support from me. The team going backwards in League One? Oldham Athletic. Brian Talbot has really struggled at Boundary Park, particularly since they beat Man City in the FA Cup 3rd round.
League Two or the old 4th Division as I know it. Yeovil are a very impressive outfit and look more than set for a higher level. And it's great to see Scunthorpe and Macclesfield do so well after avoiding relegation last season by the skin of their teeth.
Lincoln look strong play-off contenders and Northampton were everyone's pre-season favourites. Swansea have come back from the brink of bankruptcy and Southend (sorry, Sarfend) are having their best season for ever under Steve Tilson. Outside tip? On their day Darlington are a match for anyone, keep an eye on them.
At the scary foot of the table where relegation is considered to be doom - just ask York, Halifax, Exeter, Carlisle, Scarborough and Southport - Cambridge United and Kidderminster are currently in the two relegation spots. Cambridge are in a mess and ex Addick Steve Thompson has been brought into produce nothing less than a miracle.
Looking over their shoulders are Rushden & Diamonds. Brian Talbot left them in a right mess, Ernie Tippett took them down and now the unknown Barry Hunter is left picking up the pieces and to try and keep them up.
Chester under the great Ian Rush are 13 points clear of the bottom two.
A quick look into the Conference. Barnet are pissing it, they are 13 points clear but did surprisingly get stuffed by 2nd placed Accrington Stanley 4-1 on Saturday, the Bees 2nd defeat on the trot, so no fat ladies singing yet at Underhill (probably the worst ground I have ever been too, just pipping Selhurst!). Any one from 12 teams are in with a shout of the play-off's.
Spare a thought for Leigh RMI fans. One win all season and with only 8 points on the board for the Railwaymen from Cheshire.
Joe Royle's Ipswich are looking like they are heading back to the Premiership after an absence of 3 season's. Their home form is magnificent and they are the divisions top goalscorers with 61 goals. It is Wigan though who have the firepower. Nathan 'the Duke' Ellington has scored 19 goals and Jason Roberts has 16 as Paul Jewell looks to lead the small Cheshire side to automatic promotion. Small but considerably richer than most in the Championship with benefactor Dave Whelan splashing money around in order to achieve his dream of Premiership football in Wigan. Don't knock it!
Sunderland have been in 3rd for most of the season but it is the resurgence of Derby and the form of Preston that has been most noticable over the past few months. Reading haven't won in the league for 11 games and are going backwards whilst old play-off and Cup experts Sheffield United are still in the frame with games in hand. You have to give it to Neil Warnock who has done a wonderful job at Brammall Lane.
West Ham are so frustrating, they were awful against Sheff Utd and then turned it on against Plymouth on Saturday but I think only a play-off spot is achievable. Beyond them sides are much of a much-ness. Millwall, Burnley, Leeds, Stoke - all average. If I would put money on a team making a run for a play-off spot? Leicester City.
At the bottom, Ronnie Moore-less Rotherham are surely gone. Who is Alan Knill? A very unfortunate surname for a football manager!
The big question at the bottom is if Gary Megson can keep Forest in the division, a slip to Div 1 would be a killer blow and old Cloughie will be turning in his grave! Its about time the Gills and their twat of a chairman Paul Scally go back to where they belong and promoted Plymouth also look in danger despite a good start. My tip for the drop? Cardiff City.
Into League One, Luton and Hull have made it a two-horse race and look uncatchable. Mike Newell was chosen following a vote but he has proved an excellent choice with just 4 defeats in 33 games. Hull are the billy big bollocks in the division and in Peter Taylor they have an admittadly crap top flight manager but a clever and knowledgable lower league one.
The play-off battle could involve upwards of 10 teams with Tranmere, Sheff Wed and Hartlepool looking the most obvious. My tip for the 4th spot? Swindon or Mad Dog Martin Allen's Brentford.
Stockport County struggling in front of small crowds look likely relegation fodder under manager Chris Turner. I bet he wishes he never left Hartlepool for that wonder job at Sheff Wed! Barry Fry's Peterborough are in big trouble too but Wrexham who were deducted 10 points may still be too good to go down if they can rally under the experienced Dennis Smith.
New MK Dons manager Danny Wilson has started a mini revival at the Hockey Stadium - 3 games without a loss - but Franchise FC will get no support from me. The team going backwards in League One? Oldham Athletic. Brian Talbot has really struggled at Boundary Park, particularly since they beat Man City in the FA Cup 3rd round.
League Two or the old 4th Division as I know it. Yeovil are a very impressive outfit and look more than set for a higher level. And it's great to see Scunthorpe and Macclesfield do so well after avoiding relegation last season by the skin of their teeth.
Lincoln look strong play-off contenders and Northampton were everyone's pre-season favourites. Swansea have come back from the brink of bankruptcy and Southend (sorry, Sarfend) are having their best season for ever under Steve Tilson. Outside tip? On their day Darlington are a match for anyone, keep an eye on them.
At the scary foot of the table where relegation is considered to be doom - just ask York, Halifax, Exeter, Carlisle, Scarborough and Southport - Cambridge United and Kidderminster are currently in the two relegation spots. Cambridge are in a mess and ex Addick Steve Thompson has been brought into produce nothing less than a miracle.
Looking over their shoulders are Rushden & Diamonds. Brian Talbot left them in a right mess, Ernie Tippett took them down and now the unknown Barry Hunter is left picking up the pieces and to try and keep them up.
Chester under the great Ian Rush are 13 points clear of the bottom two.
A quick look into the Conference. Barnet are pissing it, they are 13 points clear but did surprisingly get stuffed by 2nd placed Accrington Stanley 4-1 on Saturday, the Bees 2nd defeat on the trot, so no fat ladies singing yet at Underhill (probably the worst ground I have ever been too, just pipping Selhurst!). Any one from 12 teams are in with a shout of the play-off's.
Spare a thought for Leigh RMI fans. One win all season and with only 8 points on the board for the Railwaymen from Cheshire.
Team Challenge - RSA after top two
It's pretty much as you are in the Team Challenge Trophy table. Holders Marsh are still ahead of 2nd placed XLRe but new RSA boys Harris and Day are up into 3rd with Aon Fac R/I and Aon Casualty slipping down the table.
Shamefully, thanks to the Yanks (there is no i in team here), Aon in Chicago are still rooted to the bottom but the current up-turn in form from Dougs and Tim means that we are a lot closer to rivals JLT.
The Team Challenge table will be sent out with week 27.
Shamefully, thanks to the Yanks (there is no i in team here), Aon in Chicago are still rooted to the bottom but the current up-turn in form from Dougs and Tim means that we are a lot closer to rivals JLT.
The Team Challenge table will be sent out with week 27.
The N&R Form Guide
Just who are the form teams in the league and who are in a rut? Here are the top 6 best and worst form teams going back over the last month:
Best
1. 2Infinity & beyond, Barry Plummer. 243 points
2. You got more toes, Lee Day, 231 points
3. Blessed are the cheesemakers, Ian Kennett, 230 points
4. West Ham 4 West Germany 2, Ben Graves, 225 points
5. Galacticos FC, Carl Dillaway, 224 points
6. Tatters top tips, Nigel Tatlock, 220 points
Worst
1. Woody's Warriors, Baxter / Barrett, 82 points
2=. The Elephant (man)ager, Giles Crowley, 107 points
2=. Happy Hammers, Alan Waters, 107 points
4. Super Eagles, John Tiernan, 116 points
5. Only one 'f' in Forest, James Bird, 122 points
6. Herecomethewildebeests, Tony Hepburn, 126 points
So, what amazing statistical information does this tell us? Well none of the top 4 managers appear in the best form list and two are outside of the top 10.
The worst form is from the worst team, but then the next 3 teams in the table are all improving and three teams currently outside of the re-election scrap are heading their fast!
Best
1. 2Infinity & beyond, Barry Plummer. 243 points
2. You got more toes, Lee Day, 231 points
3. Blessed are the cheesemakers, Ian Kennett, 230 points
4. West Ham 4 West Germany 2, Ben Graves, 225 points
5. Galacticos FC, Carl Dillaway, 224 points
6. Tatters top tips, Nigel Tatlock, 220 points
Worst
1. Woody's Warriors, Baxter / Barrett, 82 points
2=. The Elephant (man)ager, Giles Crowley, 107 points
2=. Happy Hammers, Alan Waters, 107 points
4. Super Eagles, John Tiernan, 116 points
5. Only one 'f' in Forest, James Bird, 122 points
6. Herecomethewildebeests, Tony Hepburn, 126 points
So, what amazing statistical information does this tell us? Well none of the top 4 managers appear in the best form list and two are outside of the top 10.
The worst form is from the worst team, but then the next 3 teams in the table are all improving and three teams currently outside of the re-election scrap are heading their fast!
Nice Plumms
Breaking News 8888 Week 27 scores 8888 Breaking News
Barry Plummer is the man on form in the N&R FL. 60 points in week 27 won the MoW fiver and he keeps up his challenge of the top four. 2Infinity & Beyond are now 16 points behind Back home, who in turn are 17 points behind Wenners Wannabe's.
There is then a gap of 24 between Mark and Doyley's Ginger (not so) Athletic with leaders West Ham 4 West Germany 2 23 points out in front.
The top 7 remain unaltered after week 27 - which brings me up to date with the scores. Expect a lower scoring week next time due to the FA Cup.
Tatters top tips are back in the top 10 after scoring 47 last week, whilst Lamb to the slaughter (52), Galacticos FC (51) and Blessed are the cheeemakers (52) all pushed on just outside of the pink zone.
Robbos on top had an excellent week 27 hitting 57 points. They climb to 19th. Sweaty shagged a shemale scored the weeks 3rd best of 55, a point more than Better than 2nd, You got more toes and West Ham 4 West Germany 2.
Barry Plummer is the man on form in the N&R FL. 60 points in week 27 won the MoW fiver and he keeps up his challenge of the top four. 2Infinity & Beyond are now 16 points behind Back home, who in turn are 17 points behind Wenners Wannabe's.
There is then a gap of 24 between Mark and Doyley's Ginger (not so) Athletic with leaders West Ham 4 West Germany 2 23 points out in front.
The top 7 remain unaltered after week 27 - which brings me up to date with the scores. Expect a lower scoring week next time due to the FA Cup.
Tatters top tips are back in the top 10 after scoring 47 last week, whilst Lamb to the slaughter (52), Galacticos FC (51) and Blessed are the cheeemakers (52) all pushed on just outside of the pink zone.
Robbos on top had an excellent week 27 hitting 57 points. They climb to 19th. Sweaty shagged a shemale scored the weeks 3rd best of 55, a point more than Better than 2nd, You got more toes and West Ham 4 West Germany 2.
Whose the Idiot now, huh?
Breaking News 8888 Week 27 scores 8888 Breaking News
Fuck mine, following hard on the heels of Tim Feldbruegge, fellow cheese-head Brian Dougal leapt off the bottom of the N&R FL after 24 weeks stuck to it by hammering 36 points in week 27.
Brian - who courtesy of me now has a fluffy Dougal toy on his desk, you know you love it Dougs? - has Tim in his sights after he slipped back to 45th after a 26-point week. Idiots guide are 41 points short of Cheeky American's.
Now if I can find one, I will be buying Alex Baxter and Dom Barrett a fluffy doughnut (sorry donut) because Woody's Warriors now prop up the league table after hitting rock bottom in week 27. The deadly duo scored 19 last week, still 2 more than Only one 'f' in Forest whose leader James Bird was last seen giving Alex Boswell lessons in the art of fantasy football management! Err, hello.
Goonersmoan's weekly score of 48 might have put a smile on the face of Brian Rutter - well maybe not, but he climbed a place as did Super Eagles after squeezing in 32 points. Herecomethewildebeestes drop to 41st.
Fuck mine, following hard on the heels of Tim Feldbruegge, fellow cheese-head Brian Dougal leapt off the bottom of the N&R FL after 24 weeks stuck to it by hammering 36 points in week 27.
Brian - who courtesy of me now has a fluffy Dougal toy on his desk, you know you love it Dougs? - has Tim in his sights after he slipped back to 45th after a 26-point week. Idiots guide are 41 points short of Cheeky American's.
Now if I can find one, I will be buying Alex Baxter and Dom Barrett a fluffy doughnut (sorry donut) because Woody's Warriors now prop up the league table after hitting rock bottom in week 27. The deadly duo scored 19 last week, still 2 more than Only one 'f' in Forest whose leader James Bird was last seen giving Alex Boswell lessons in the art of fantasy football management! Err, hello.
Goonersmoan's weekly score of 48 might have put a smile on the face of Brian Rutter - well maybe not, but he climbed a place as did Super Eagles after squeezing in 32 points. Herecomethewildebeestes drop to 41st.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Just a thought....
I doesn't make it any easier for me knowing that the Addicks weren't the only Prem side to suffer a shock over the weekend, although at least Arsenal, Spurs, Blackburn and Southampton get to have another go. I think next season Charlton should refuse to enter the Cups just like Man U did the other year because we are truly rubbish in them.
Sitting here this afternoon catching up on the news and sport back at home a few footie related items caught my eye....
Firstly ex Spuds manager Jacques Santini has finally let it out of the bag why he left White Hart Lane. "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours," (more). Clearly he had never been to Tottenham before.
Those nice people on the board at Newcastle are doing their best for public relations again. Despite Sir Bobby Robson now happily ensconced at home with his pipe and slippers, deputy chairman Douglas Hall still feels the need to have a go. "We had to get rid of him, he would have got us relegated, there's nothing more certain, we were going down," (more). I bow to Mr Hall's superior knowledge of football that relegation is a certainty after 4 games.
Football trouble reared it's ugly this weekend with 33 arrests after the Everton v Man U game yesterday. The BBC are getting blamed because they insisted that the game kick off at 5.30pm whilst there were different excuses at the Old Firm derby today. The game kicked off before the pubs opened but it still led to 30 arrests, 12 for "religious prejudice," (more). Maybe a couple of pints may have helped cool that situation?
And finally the Beckham's are nearer to their own little 5-a-side team, which clearly won't be sponsored by Mensa or Durex. Baby Cruz was born in Madrid today weighing in at 7lb. It was a nice touch by Vics & Becks to call their 3rd son something Spanish but maybe one of his teammates should have told them that it is a girls name!
Sitting here this afternoon catching up on the news and sport back at home a few footie related items caught my eye....
Firstly ex Spuds manager Jacques Santini has finally let it out of the bag why he left White Hart Lane. "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours," (more). Clearly he had never been to Tottenham before.
Those nice people on the board at Newcastle are doing their best for public relations again. Despite Sir Bobby Robson now happily ensconced at home with his pipe and slippers, deputy chairman Douglas Hall still feels the need to have a go. "We had to get rid of him, he would have got us relegated, there's nothing more certain, we were going down," (more). I bow to Mr Hall's superior knowledge of football that relegation is a certainty after 4 games.
Football trouble reared it's ugly this weekend with 33 arrests after the Everton v Man U game yesterday. The BBC are getting blamed because they insisted that the game kick off at 5.30pm whilst there were different excuses at the Old Firm derby today. The game kicked off before the pubs opened but it still led to 30 arrests, 12 for "religious prejudice," (more). Maybe a couple of pints may have helped cool that situation?
And finally the Beckham's are nearer to their own little 5-a-side team, which clearly won't be sponsored by Mensa or Durex. Baby Cruz was born in Madrid today weighing in at 7lb. It was a nice touch by Vics & Becks to call their 3rd son something Spanish but maybe one of his teammates should have told them that it is a girls name!
Road to Cardiff - 9 man Chelsea seen off
Wonderful result for the Geordies today - lets get the apologies out of the way to our Blues fans first, right that's done with but as I said before and was saying last night to two mates in town for a couple of days, if anyone can halt the Mourinho machine then it is Newcastle playing on their own patch.
It was enigma PATRICK KLUIVERT who ended Chelsea's dream of an unprecedented quadruple as his header after 4 minutes was enough to propel his team into the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup. It was only the second goal Chelsea had conceded in 12 games, a fact not lost on the delirious home fans.
Never scared to make a substitution, Mourinho made three half-time changes but the move backfired as Wayne Bridge was stretchered off and Damien Duff was forced to play through injury. Then late on Carlo Cudicini was sent off in a crazy finish as Chelsea's dream crumbled.
Despite this Chelsea went all out for an equaliser in the 2nd half but Newcastle expolited to gaps on the pitch and Carr nearly got a second.
In a pulsating climax, Glen Johnson almost put the ball into his own net. Still the drama was not over as Cudicini was red-carded for fouling Kluivert as Newcastle pressed - yet stand-in stopper Johnson produced a superb save from Robert's free-kick.
Up the Blaydon Races.
Newcastle: Given, Carr, Boumsong, Bramble, Babayaro, Dyer (Milner 68), Jenas, Butt, Robert, Shearer (Ameobi 64), Kluivert.
Subs Not Used: Caig, N'Zogbia, Hughes.
Attendence: 45,740
MoM: Stephen Carr
It was enigma PATRICK KLUIVERT who ended Chelsea's dream of an unprecedented quadruple as his header after 4 minutes was enough to propel his team into the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup. It was only the second goal Chelsea had conceded in 12 games, a fact not lost on the delirious home fans.
Never scared to make a substitution, Mourinho made three half-time changes but the move backfired as Wayne Bridge was stretchered off and Damien Duff was forced to play through injury. Then late on Carlo Cudicini was sent off in a crazy finish as Chelsea's dream crumbled.
Despite this Chelsea went all out for an equaliser in the 2nd half but Newcastle expolited to gaps on the pitch and Carr nearly got a second.
In a pulsating climax, Glen Johnson almost put the ball into his own net. Still the drama was not over as Cudicini was red-carded for fouling Kluivert as Newcastle pressed - yet stand-in stopper Johnson produced a superb save from Robert's free-kick.
Up the Blaydon Races.
Newcastle: Given, Carr, Boumsong, Bramble, Babayaro, Dyer (Milner 68), Jenas, Butt, Robert, Shearer (Ameobi 64), Kluivert.
Subs Not Used: Caig, N'Zogbia, Hughes.
Attendence: 45,740
MoM: Stephen Carr
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Road to Cardiff - Can the Geordies stop Chelsea?
Well Rodney Marsh may be gonzo but the Toon are still in the FA Cup and this weekend play the all conquering Chelsea in the 5th Round. So far this season Chelsea have put 6 goals past Newcastle in 2 games without reply but this is the Cup and at 3/1 to win the Geordies have got to be worth a flutter, especially after a fine win tonight in the UEFA Cup.
Newcastle have appeared in the FA Cup Final 13 times, only Man U and Arsenal have been to the final more times. The game is live on Sky at 4pm Sunday so slap the missus, get a nice warm can of Newcastle Brown Ale and a bag of chips and sit down and cheer them on.
Howay the lads.
My kinda town
Why is it that car dealers in the US insist on doing their own television commercials? Why would some dodgy looking bloke sweating like a rapist telling me that his Dodge Vipers are so great that I must own one make me go and buy a Dodge Viper?
At home, if I remember rightly the car commercials are some of the most original and snazzy we have. Maybe they want you to look them in the eye, know who you're dealing with? Bollocks to that I'd rather look at some bird draped over a mini metro anyday.
Television adverts beyond the mega companies like Pepsi and Anheuser Busch are so bad in this country. Rudi's Pizza's - the best in the world, Randy's auto's - the fastest in the world, Cialis - 36 hours of continual erection - the hardest in the world. Fuck that, what I'm supposed to do for the remaining 35 hours and 50 minutes, eh?
At home, if I remember rightly the car commercials are some of the most original and snazzy we have. Maybe they want you to look them in the eye, know who you're dealing with? Bollocks to that I'd rather look at some bird draped over a mini metro anyday.
Television adverts beyond the mega companies like Pepsi and Anheuser Busch are so bad in this country. Rudi's Pizza's - the best in the world, Randy's auto's - the fastest in the world, Cialis - 36 hours of continual erection - the hardest in the world. Fuck that, what I'm supposed to do for the remaining 35 hours and 50 minutes, eh?
Champion in the making?
Breaking News 8888 Week 26 scores 8888 Breaking News
Ben Graves showed true champion form in week 26 following last weeks rise to the summit. West Ham 4 West Germany 2 whalloped a fantastic 94 points - the joint 3rd best score of the season - to move 17 points clear at the top of the table.
Week 26 consisted of a league programme and some Cup replays for which fantasy points count and therefore we had a very high scoring week with 11 teams scoring more than 80 points. Doyley was one of them, Ginger (not so) Athletic scoring 84 but he needs to re-group as the N&R FL has a new fantasy darling.
Another manager with high hopes for the last 15 weeks of the season is Ian Kennett. Blessed are the cheesemakers scorched 93 points and jumped into 15th place, 57 points shy of 7th. And Ian's mirror image, just 20 years younger Lee Day is also right back in the mix. You got more toes who dominated in the early months of the season whacked 91 points to climb into 6th, Lee's highest place since November.
Next up are two other title contenders. 2Infinity & beyond collected their 145th point in a month to move closer to Back home in 4th, although Bazza didn't do too scabby himself scoring 84. Lets all beat the Gooners hit a season best of 89 to stay 7th, whilst Wenners Wannabe's stay 3rd after knocking in 78.
Other teams who perked up in week 26 were Galacticos FC who move to 13th after scoring 84 and Keep the faith who nicked 82.
Big ups also to Better than 2nd who hit 88, Moulster's molesters (79), Jonny on my shoulder (77), Glasgow kiss (77), Roffey Rejects (74), Someone other than Arse or Man U (71), Californication (68) and Hannah & Megs Bears (67) who all achieved season best scores.
Ben Graves showed true champion form in week 26 following last weeks rise to the summit. West Ham 4 West Germany 2 whalloped a fantastic 94 points - the joint 3rd best score of the season - to move 17 points clear at the top of the table.
Week 26 consisted of a league programme and some Cup replays for which fantasy points count and therefore we had a very high scoring week with 11 teams scoring more than 80 points. Doyley was one of them, Ginger (not so) Athletic scoring 84 but he needs to re-group as the N&R FL has a new fantasy darling.
Another manager with high hopes for the last 15 weeks of the season is Ian Kennett. Blessed are the cheesemakers scorched 93 points and jumped into 15th place, 57 points shy of 7th. And Ian's mirror image, just 20 years younger Lee Day is also right back in the mix. You got more toes who dominated in the early months of the season whacked 91 points to climb into 6th, Lee's highest place since November.
Next up are two other title contenders. 2Infinity & beyond collected their 145th point in a month to move closer to Back home in 4th, although Bazza didn't do too scabby himself scoring 84. Lets all beat the Gooners hit a season best of 89 to stay 7th, whilst Wenners Wannabe's stay 3rd after knocking in 78.
Other teams who perked up in week 26 were Galacticos FC who move to 13th after scoring 84 and Keep the faith who nicked 82.
Big ups also to Better than 2nd who hit 88, Moulster's molesters (79), Jonny on my shoulder (77), Glasgow kiss (77), Roffey Rejects (74), Someone other than Arse or Man U (71), Californication (68) and Hannah & Megs Bears (67) who all achieved season best scores.
The latest season's best weekly scores
Despite the excellent scores in week 26, Rob Beere still leads the way in the best weekly score prize. He scored 99 in week 3. Here is the revised list of the best weekly scores:
1. Rob Beere, week 3, 99 points
2. Barry Paull, week 21, 95 points
3. Peter Doyle, week 3, 94 points
3. Ben Graves, week 26, 94 points
5. Ian Kennett, week 26, 93 points
6. Lee Day, week 26, 91 points
7. Brian Rutter, week 3, 89 points
7. Barry Plummer, week 26, 89 points
7. Mark Simmons, week 26, 89 points
10. Alan Oakley, week 26, 88 points
11. Glenn Francis, week 3, 86 points
11. Nigel Tatlock, week 3, 86 points
13. Barry Paull, week 26, 84 points
14. Carl Dillaway, week 26, 83 points
14. Carl Dillaway, week 3, 83 points
14. Mark Dewberry, week 26, 83 points
17. Liz Keiller, week 3, 82 points
17. Ian Kennett, week 3, 82 points
17. Danny Rose, week 3, 82 points
17. Rob Munden, week 21, 82 points
17. Neil Cryer, week 21, 82 points
17. Ian France, week 26, 82 points
1. Rob Beere, week 3, 99 points
2. Barry Paull, week 21, 95 points
3. Peter Doyle, week 3, 94 points
3. Ben Graves, week 26, 94 points
5. Ian Kennett, week 26, 93 points
6. Lee Day, week 26, 91 points
7. Brian Rutter, week 3, 89 points
7. Barry Plummer, week 26, 89 points
7. Mark Simmons, week 26, 89 points
10. Alan Oakley, week 26, 88 points
11. Glenn Francis, week 3, 86 points
11. Nigel Tatlock, week 3, 86 points
13. Barry Paull, week 26, 84 points
14. Carl Dillaway, week 26, 83 points
14. Carl Dillaway, week 3, 83 points
14. Mark Dewberry, week 26, 83 points
17. Liz Keiller, week 3, 82 points
17. Ian Kennett, week 3, 82 points
17. Danny Rose, week 3, 82 points
17. Rob Munden, week 21, 82 points
17. Neil Cryer, week 21, 82 points
17. Ian France, week 26, 82 points
Feldbruegge making a run for the title?
Breaking News 8888 Week 26 scores 8888 Breaking News
Another British scalp has been claimed by Tim Feldbruegge as he hopped over the hardly breathing Goonersmoan in week 26. Cheeky Americans hit a half century and are now chasing down Only one 'f' in Forest who are the place above 14 points ahead. If Tim avoids re-election it will be a wonderful achievement.
His countryman's form has given Brian Dougal a little lift as Idiots guide to soccer claimed their biggest week of the season, also 50 points. Brian has closed the gap on Woody's Warriors to 12 who for the 2nd consecutive week came last in the scoring stakes.
Manager's in danger of falling into the re-election zone as others find form are John Tiernan, Tony Murray and Chris Waterman. Chris' Californication and Tony's Hammers like coke actually scored okay in week 26 hitting 68 and 67 respectively but the fact is others around them are performing better.
Tiernan mind you has the look of Crystal Palace about him. The Super Eagles (sic) are trying their best but they are starting to get found out and maybe mixing it with the big boys is starting to take its toll? John still has a little breathing space between him and the bottom 6 though.
Mark Dewberry deserves a mention. Defoes's golden XI struggled early on in their first N&R FL season but a magnificient 83 points in week 26 has propelled them up to 39th place and created a gap between them and Herecomethewildebeestes.
Another British scalp has been claimed by Tim Feldbruegge as he hopped over the hardly breathing Goonersmoan in week 26. Cheeky Americans hit a half century and are now chasing down Only one 'f' in Forest who are the place above 14 points ahead. If Tim avoids re-election it will be a wonderful achievement.
His countryman's form has given Brian Dougal a little lift as Idiots guide to soccer claimed their biggest week of the season, also 50 points. Brian has closed the gap on Woody's Warriors to 12 who for the 2nd consecutive week came last in the scoring stakes.
Manager's in danger of falling into the re-election zone as others find form are John Tiernan, Tony Murray and Chris Waterman. Chris' Californication and Tony's Hammers like coke actually scored okay in week 26 hitting 68 and 67 respectively but the fact is others around them are performing better.
Tiernan mind you has the look of Crystal Palace about him. The Super Eagles (sic) are trying their best but they are starting to get found out and maybe mixing it with the big boys is starting to take its toll? John still has a little breathing space between him and the bottom 6 though.
Mark Dewberry deserves a mention. Defoes's golden XI struggled early on in their first N&R FL season but a magnificient 83 points in week 26 has propelled them up to 39th place and created a gap between them and Herecomethewildebeestes.
My kinda town
A few weeks ago I started playing 5-a-side. A mate of mine entered a team into an indoor league and we play every Sunday morning.
It's fun and gets my heart racing. I've never been one for the gym, although I've tried but I get so much more out of running around a pitch playing a team sport.
I used to play every Monday at home and up until the other week I had not played since October 2003 so I was a bit rusty but I've still got it, if you know what I mean!
But, in American 5-a-side (at least the one we play anyway) there are differences. Firstly the league is co-ed, i.e. mixed. I found that a bit weird at first until some fucking bird took me out late in the 2nd week and bloody damaged my elbow. She was a sort though so I was probably looking for a bit of bodily contact!
Then the goalkeepers can't handle the ball, which after playing and watching for 30-odd years is kind of hard. It's a natural reaction to put your hands up when you are in between the sticks. In my first spell in goal I gave away two penalties - I did save both though!
Then the goals are hockey goals and are tiny and lastly we play 3 halfs, or thirds I suppose you call it, of 15 minutes each.
Our team is called the Chicago Caretakers (don't ask me why, cos I don't know) and we have played 5 games and won 3 and lost 2 (one of which I missed). We are currently 4th in the table out of 8 and play the league leaders on Sunday. The season ends in good American style with 2 weeks of play-offs.
We have a proper ref and in fact there is a website with written reports of each game. Now this is the funny bit. This was last week's write up. If you watch Soccer AM, then you will realise that the 'Pilgrims' features are cringingly accurate.
"Hello Sports Monsters, It is time for the weekly review. The Sunday morning started of with Degenerates taking over Team Thor by 7-1. The Degenerates never left a doubt about their victory and remain on the third seat.
When everybody thought the game will end in a tied Red Devils scored the winning goal in the match against McKinsey and got the three points to their account. The Chicagoland Caretakers scored seven times and Atzteca just three in the third match this day. With the third lose in the third game Atzteca stays at the end of the standings.
With a three games winning streak and 40 scored goals team ZS-FC remain on the peak position. The Caregivers never really had a chance in this game."
I will keep you updated of our progress.
It's fun and gets my heart racing. I've never been one for the gym, although I've tried but I get so much more out of running around a pitch playing a team sport.
I used to play every Monday at home and up until the other week I had not played since October 2003 so I was a bit rusty but I've still got it, if you know what I mean!
But, in American 5-a-side (at least the one we play anyway) there are differences. Firstly the league is co-ed, i.e. mixed. I found that a bit weird at first until some fucking bird took me out late in the 2nd week and bloody damaged my elbow. She was a sort though so I was probably looking for a bit of bodily contact!
Then the goalkeepers can't handle the ball, which after playing and watching for 30-odd years is kind of hard. It's a natural reaction to put your hands up when you are in between the sticks. In my first spell in goal I gave away two penalties - I did save both though!
Then the goals are hockey goals and are tiny and lastly we play 3 halfs, or thirds I suppose you call it, of 15 minutes each.
Our team is called the Chicago Caretakers (don't ask me why, cos I don't know) and we have played 5 games and won 3 and lost 2 (one of which I missed). We are currently 4th in the table out of 8 and play the league leaders on Sunday. The season ends in good American style with 2 weeks of play-offs.
We have a proper ref and in fact there is a website with written reports of each game. Now this is the funny bit. This was last week's write up. If you watch Soccer AM, then you will realise that the 'Pilgrims' features are cringingly accurate.
"Hello Sports Monsters, It is time for the weekly review. The Sunday morning started of with Degenerates taking over Team Thor by 7-1. The Degenerates never left a doubt about their victory and remain on the third seat.
When everybody thought the game will end in a tied Red Devils scored the winning goal in the match against McKinsey and got the three points to their account. The Chicagoland Caretakers scored seven times and Atzteca just three in the third match this day. With the third lose in the third game Atzteca stays at the end of the standings.
With a three games winning streak and 40 scored goals team ZS-FC remain on the peak position. The Caregivers never really had a chance in this game."
I will keep you updated of our progress.
Ready's Benfleet Bet - Late Results
You may remember that way back me & Ready asked you to scribble your 3rd Round FA Cup predictions on an email and send them to us. Well 29 of you did and many apologies for the delay in giving you the results. I really don't know how you have been sleeping at nights?
So here we go, here are the final placings with points scored (with additional comments from Ready)
1. Soozie 40
2. Barry Paull 35
3. Nigel Tatlock 34
4. Lee Day (Shrek) 33
5. Doyley 31
5. John McGowan 31
7. Carl Dillaway 30
7. Bondy 30
7. Rob Munden 30
10. Oakers 28
10. Nobster 28
12. Lupo 27
13. Dan Matthews 26
13. Ged (guest) 26
15. Chris Waterman 25
15. Rob Beere 25
15. Giles Crowley 25
18. Mark Dewberry 23
19. Dan Rose 22
19. Dom Barrett 22
21. Godders 21
21. Kennett (Shrek's little brother) 21
23. Singleton 19
23. Rutter 19
23. Robbo 19
26. Plummer 18
27. Francey 17
28. Ready 15
28. Ben Graves 15
So Sooz takes the title and 25 quid is hers. Congratulations young lady.
I know it was a long time ago so here were the 3rd Round scores.
Ready's comments: Can you believe Soozie won it? After all these years of trying? And just to prove I don't cheat I came equal last with Ben!
Martin Singleton had some very strange scores - Leicester to beat Blackpool 10-0 (Preston not caring much for Blackpool may have had something to do with his judgement) but he also had Tottenham and Chelsea to win 6-0 and 8-0, Liverpool to win 8-0 (close but no cigar) and Luton and Brentford to draw 9-9 (what the fcuk was that all about?). He still managed to beat me by 4 points though! I spent literally hours studying the form coz I had nothing better to do and came stone last. Better stick with the gee-gee's.
There doesn't appear to have been any breaches in rules either which is unusual bearing in mind the intelligence of the lot that entered. I didn't check that closely though, only the ones in with a shout of winning.
As a special bonus prize to Sooz I'm prepared to lick a lite carton of Haagen Daz Raspberry Ripple ice cream of her raspberry rips!! She knows my number!
So here we go, here are the final placings with points scored (with additional comments from Ready)
1. Soozie 40
2. Barry Paull 35
3. Nigel Tatlock 34
4. Lee Day (Shrek) 33
5. Doyley 31
5. John McGowan 31
7. Carl Dillaway 30
7. Bondy 30
7. Rob Munden 30
10. Oakers 28
10. Nobster 28
12. Lupo 27
13. Dan Matthews 26
13. Ged (guest) 26
15. Chris Waterman 25
15. Rob Beere 25
15. Giles Crowley 25
18. Mark Dewberry 23
19. Dan Rose 22
19. Dom Barrett 22
21. Godders 21
21. Kennett (Shrek's little brother) 21
23. Singleton 19
23. Rutter 19
23. Robbo 19
26. Plummer 18
27. Francey 17
28. Ready 15
28. Ben Graves 15
So Sooz takes the title and 25 quid is hers. Congratulations young lady.
I know it was a long time ago so here were the 3rd Round scores.
Ready's comments: Can you believe Soozie won it? After all these years of trying? And just to prove I don't cheat I came equal last with Ben!
Martin Singleton had some very strange scores - Leicester to beat Blackpool 10-0 (Preston not caring much for Blackpool may have had something to do with his judgement) but he also had Tottenham and Chelsea to win 6-0 and 8-0, Liverpool to win 8-0 (close but no cigar) and Luton and Brentford to draw 9-9 (what the fcuk was that all about?). He still managed to beat me by 4 points though! I spent literally hours studying the form coz I had nothing better to do and came stone last. Better stick with the gee-gee's.
There doesn't appear to have been any breaches in rules either which is unusual bearing in mind the intelligence of the lot that entered. I didn't check that closely though, only the ones in with a shout of winning.
As a special bonus prize to Sooz I'm prepared to lick a lite carton of Haagen Daz Raspberry Ripple ice cream of her raspberry rips!! She knows my number!
My kinda town
I spend a lot of time at airports. Not because I have become a plane spotter you understand just because I get a lot of planes. In fact I have just come back from O'Hare airport today because I have been in St Louis and I felt compelled to ask this question: "Why do people dress for plane journeys like they surely would never dress anywhere else?"
Men, women, kids, they all dress terribly. Shorts, cut-downs, flip-flops, big stupid hats, t-shirts with far-flung holiday destinations on them (normally Hawaii), tracksuits, oversized basketball tops, flowery shirts, big fuck off trainers, ridiculous sunglasses.... I saw them all today and the weather in Chicago is -2F.
People used to dress up for airplane journeys didn't they? Now they look like they are taking the rubbish down to the tip or they preparing for Halloween or something.
And this is not just an American thing, oh no. At Heathrow the other week I'd never seen so many fat arses tucked into tracksuit bottoms (not since I was being shown Gumbsy's holiday snaps anyway).
What are these people thinking when they open their wardrobes in the morning? "Right, I have a flight to catch, so let me wear this old faded Hard Rock, Jamaica t-shirt I bought in 1982! That will look the part."
No more, I am going to recommend that the immigration authorities make a new rule. In the future anyone dressing up like Timmy Mallet will not be allowed on an airplane.
Men, women, kids, they all dress terribly. Shorts, cut-downs, flip-flops, big stupid hats, t-shirts with far-flung holiday destinations on them (normally Hawaii), tracksuits, oversized basketball tops, flowery shirts, big fuck off trainers, ridiculous sunglasses.... I saw them all today and the weather in Chicago is -2F.
People used to dress up for airplane journeys didn't they? Now they look like they are taking the rubbish down to the tip or they preparing for Halloween or something.
And this is not just an American thing, oh no. At Heathrow the other week I'd never seen so many fat arses tucked into tracksuit bottoms (not since I was being shown Gumbsy's holiday snaps anyway).
What are these people thinking when they open their wardrobes in the morning? "Right, I have a flight to catch, so let me wear this old faded Hard Rock, Jamaica t-shirt I bought in 1982! That will look the part."
No more, I am going to recommend that the immigration authorities make a new rule. In the future anyone dressing up like Timmy Mallet will not be allowed on an airplane.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Graves is digging it
Breaking News 8888 Week 25 scores 8888 Breaking News
For only the 3rd time in 14 weeks the lead of the 2004 /05 title race changed hands. After 2 weeks with West Ham 4 West Germany 2 being just a point behind Ginger (not so) Athletic FC, Ben Graves' team finally leapfrogged Doyley in week 25.
Ben scored 32 points, 7 more than Pete and becomes only the 6th league leader of the season (others are Wenners, Ready, John McGowan and Lee Day). This ends a terrific run by Ben who will be hoping to emulate Barry Plummer by winning the title in his first N&R season.
Wenners Wannabe's and Back home stay 3rd and 4th but the new threat is coming from 2Infinity & beyond. Barry Plummer, the champion in 2003 smacked 38 points in week 25 and rose 2 places. Barry is still 39 points behind namesake Paull in 4th though but has his mate in his sights.
Lets all beat the Gooners are upto 7th after also scoring 38 points. Both Jonny on my shoulder and Keep the faith lost ground.
For only the 3rd time in 14 weeks the lead of the 2004 /05 title race changed hands. After 2 weeks with West Ham 4 West Germany 2 being just a point behind Ginger (not so) Athletic FC, Ben Graves' team finally leapfrogged Doyley in week 25.
Ben scored 32 points, 7 more than Pete and becomes only the 6th league leader of the season (others are Wenners, Ready, John McGowan and Lee Day). This ends a terrific run by Ben who will be hoping to emulate Barry Plummer by winning the title in his first N&R season.
Wenners Wannabe's and Back home stay 3rd and 4th but the new threat is coming from 2Infinity & beyond. Barry Plummer, the champion in 2003 smacked 38 points in week 25 and rose 2 places. Barry is still 39 points behind namesake Paull in 4th though but has his mate in his sights.
Lets all beat the Gooners are upto 7th after also scoring 38 points. Both Jonny on my shoulder and Keep the faith lost ground.
Tip top
Breaking News 8888 Week 25 scores 8888 Breaking News
Nigel Tatlock wins his first ever N&R prize money after walking off with Week 25's MoW award. Tatters top tips scored 45 points and move back into the pink top 10 zone. 42 points was the total achieved by Blessed are the cheesemakers. Kennett, who has being doing a bit of team surgery as he plans an assault on the prize money, was the weeks biggest climber moving up 5 places in the table.
Tom Finney's splash proved again what a different side they are compared to earlier in the season. Martin hit 39 points and the weeks 3rd best score to jump into the top half of the table.
The week's worse score was by Woody's Warriors. The Barrett / Baxter combo managed a feeble 11 points to keep them in the penultimate place.
In fact in a very low scoring week only 2 sides changed places in the whole of the lower 17 positions. They were Can I get a waistcoat and Roffey Rejects who swapped places.
Nigel Tatlock wins his first ever N&R prize money after walking off with Week 25's MoW award. Tatters top tips scored 45 points and move back into the pink top 10 zone. 42 points was the total achieved by Blessed are the cheesemakers. Kennett, who has being doing a bit of team surgery as he plans an assault on the prize money, was the weeks biggest climber moving up 5 places in the table.
Tom Finney's splash proved again what a different side they are compared to earlier in the season. Martin hit 39 points and the weeks 3rd best score to jump into the top half of the table.
The week's worse score was by Woody's Warriors. The Barrett / Baxter combo managed a feeble 11 points to keep them in the penultimate place.
In fact in a very low scoring week only 2 sides changed places in the whole of the lower 17 positions. They were Can I get a waistcoat and Roffey Rejects who swapped places.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
My Kinda town
The Americans love pretzels. They are everywhere and before I arrived I was a bit partial myself but only as part of a calorie controlled diet that also included pork scratchings, Walkers crisps, KP roasted peanuts, chipsticks and Bombay mix.
But here you will not find Walkers or KP roasted peanuts or pork scratchings and as for bombay mix.... pah, no fcuking chance. It's just pretzels or pecans and normally smothered in chocolate or deep fried and as big as the Isle of Man!
All you get on a plane are pretzels, all sandwich shops sell alongside sandwiches are pretzels, oh and poxy doritos - cheese, oh and cheesier flavour. Cinema's sell pretzels, sports stadiums sell pretzels. No salt & vinegar, cheese & onion, smokey bacon, roast chicken, nothing. Pretzels or Doritos. You would have thought that in the land of opportunity there would be untold choice in the snack stakes wouldn't you? But no, pretzels it is, boring pretzels.
And I see from the Walkers website that there are now Greek kebab flavour. Heaven in a bag. There is now obviously no need to ever leave the pub.
Get Gary Lineker and his big ears over here now because there is a gap in the market. The Yanks would love Walkers. Huge flaming steak with fries flavour. Just the job.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
The Road to Cardiff - Shearer starts victory cruise
Newcastle United eased through to the 5th Round of the FA Cup after beating Coventry 3-1 at St James' Park. They then pulled the short straw out of the hat and drew champions elect Chelsea. But they are at home and it is the Cup, so you never know....
Back to the Cov match, it was Geordie legend ALAN SHEARER opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a low shot. SHOLA AMEOBI doubled the lead with a superb run and shot that beat keeper Luke Steele at his near post.
A DELE ADEBOLA header made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time but ex Chelsea left-back CELESTINE BABAYARO made sure of the win with a fierce strike straight after the break to kill of any hopes of a shock.
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness, who the day before sent Craig Bellamy off packing to Glasgow said after the game, "We controlled it from start to finish. We had a sloppy five minutes before half-time, but we looked tight, compact and we knew what we were doing."
Team: Harper, Carr, Bramble, Andrew O'Brien, Babayaro, Dyer, Faye (Hughes 81), Jenas, Kluivert, Shearer, Ameobi.
Subs Not Used: Given, Milner, Taylor, Robert.
Attendance: 44,044
MoM: Shola Ameobi
Back to the Cov match, it was Geordie legend ALAN SHEARER opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a low shot. SHOLA AMEOBI doubled the lead with a superb run and shot that beat keeper Luke Steele at his near post.
A DELE ADEBOLA header made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time but ex Chelsea left-back CELESTINE BABAYARO made sure of the win with a fierce strike straight after the break to kill of any hopes of a shock.
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness, who the day before sent Craig Bellamy off packing to Glasgow said after the game, "We controlled it from start to finish. We had a sloppy five minutes before half-time, but we looked tight, compact and we knew what we were doing."
Team: Harper, Carr, Bramble, Andrew O'Brien, Babayaro, Dyer, Faye (Hughes 81), Jenas, Kluivert, Shearer, Ameobi.
Subs Not Used: Given, Milner, Taylor, Robert.
Attendance: 44,044
MoM: Shola Ameobi
Monday, February 07, 2005
The cheek of it! Tim moves above Dom & Alex
Breaking News 8888 Week 24 scores 8888 Breaking News
Well it was only a matter of time wasn't it? There will be a lot of egg on faces around the Woody's Warriors camp after Tim Feldbruegge's Cheeky Americans climbed above them and into 45th place after week 24's scores.
Remember the bottom two places have been occupied by the Americans (and they have done a darn sight better job of it than they have in Iraq, let me tell you!) since the beginning of the season but Dominic & Alex have breached their defences and slump to 46th place 62 places above the stranded Idiots guide to soccer.
Congratulations to Tim on a fine score in week 23 of 53 points - a season high and the start of good things to come as he now looks up at the downward spiralling Goonersmoan who are only 10 points ahead in 44th.
Elsewhere in the bottom 6, Happy Hammers (29) rejoined the re-election party as Defoes Golden XI (48) move out of the mire.
And above them it looks dodgy for Hammers like coke (30), Super Eagles (34) and Herecomethewildebeests (42) who all drop nearer to the re-election battle zone.
Well it was only a matter of time wasn't it? There will be a lot of egg on faces around the Woody's Warriors camp after Tim Feldbruegge's Cheeky Americans climbed above them and into 45th place after week 24's scores.
Remember the bottom two places have been occupied by the Americans (and they have done a darn sight better job of it than they have in Iraq, let me tell you!) since the beginning of the season but Dominic & Alex have breached their defences and slump to 46th place 62 places above the stranded Idiots guide to soccer.
Congratulations to Tim on a fine score in week 23 of 53 points - a season high and the start of good things to come as he now looks up at the downward spiralling Goonersmoan who are only 10 points ahead in 44th.
Elsewhere in the bottom 6, Happy Hammers (29) rejoined the re-election party as Defoes Golden XI (48) move out of the mire.
And above them it looks dodgy for Hammers like coke (30), Super Eagles (34) and Herecomethewildebeests (42) who all drop nearer to the re-election battle zone.
Toe's jammin'
Breaking News 8888 Week 24 scores 8888 Breaking News
You got more toes sailed to Week 24's best score of 67 - it was also Lee Day's best since August. This excellent effort meant that one time leader Lee soared back into the top 10 after an absence of 8 weeks.
Galacticos FC also hit their best score since August, whacking in 65 points to move upto 15th. Jonny on my shoulder kept up the pressure on the top 4 with a 62 point gain, which meant they pulled Keep the faith back into 5th.
The Oakers had a good one too with Al's Better than 2nd easing their re-election worries by scoring 61 as did Californication who climbed a place after notching 61.
2Infinity & beyond moved a place nearer the top after hitting 56 points but the top 4 remain in this order Ginger (not so) Athletic 938 pts, West Ham 4 West Germany 2 937 points, Wenners Wannabe's 923 pts and Back home 902 pts.
You got more toes sailed to Week 24's best score of 67 - it was also Lee Day's best since August. This excellent effort meant that one time leader Lee soared back into the top 10 after an absence of 8 weeks.
Galacticos FC also hit their best score since August, whacking in 65 points to move upto 15th. Jonny on my shoulder kept up the pressure on the top 4 with a 62 point gain, which meant they pulled Keep the faith back into 5th.
The Oakers had a good one too with Al's Better than 2nd easing their re-election worries by scoring 61 as did Californication who climbed a place after notching 61.
2Infinity & beyond moved a place nearer the top after hitting 56 points but the top 4 remain in this order Ginger (not so) Athletic 938 pts, West Ham 4 West Germany 2 937 points, Wenners Wannabe's 923 pts and Back home 902 pts.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
An AIG sandwich
Breaking News 8888 Week 23 scores 8888 Breaking News
The thought of Barry Paull being sandwiched in between Catherine Barwick and Karen du Toit doesn't do an awful lot for me and I bet it does even less for the girls but the three AIG folks shared week 23's Manager of the Week award after both sides hit 49 points.
It was Back Home's 3rd win and Flighty Feet's 2nd, which they also had to share and as there is two of them managing the team these fivers are not exactly going to change their lifestyles! Congratulations anyway.
West Ham 4 West Germany 2 continued their chase for glory be hitting 48 points and Ben is now only a point behind leaders Ginger (not so) Athletic.
Two sides looking for a bit of bounce-back-ability are Hannoi Utd and Meg & Hannah's Bears. Well both did well in week 23 with Alex stroking in 47 points and Ready slipping in 46.
The weeks lowest score was 19, scored by Goonersmoan.
The thought of Barry Paull being sandwiched in between Catherine Barwick and Karen du Toit doesn't do an awful lot for me and I bet it does even less for the girls but the three AIG folks shared week 23's Manager of the Week award after both sides hit 49 points.
It was Back Home's 3rd win and Flighty Feet's 2nd, which they also had to share and as there is two of them managing the team these fivers are not exactly going to change their lifestyles! Congratulations anyway.
West Ham 4 West Germany 2 continued their chase for glory be hitting 48 points and Ben is now only a point behind leaders Ginger (not so) Athletic.
Two sides looking for a bit of bounce-back-ability are Hannoi Utd and Meg & Hannah's Bears. Well both did well in week 23 with Alex stroking in 47 points and Ready slipping in 46.
The weeks lowest score was 19, scored by Goonersmoan.
Francey être dans une forme éclatante
Breaking News 8888 Week 23 scores 8888 Breaking News
Keep the faith moved into 5th place after week 23. Francey's 43 points means he leads the chasing pack of the top 4, whose positions remain unchanged.
Both Jonny on my shoulder and Let's all beat the Gooners slip a place as does Lamb to the slaughter further down the top 10.
The weeks biggest climber was Pete Godfrey who woke from his slumber to score 40 points, which saw Pull your finger out Molly to 17th.
Down at the bottom Goonersmoan continued their awful spell as they fell to 44th, a drop of 3 places. Only one 'f' in Forest climb above Rutts and Happy Hammers escape the drop zone for only the 2nd week since November.
Keep the faith moved into 5th place after week 23. Francey's 43 points means he leads the chasing pack of the top 4, whose positions remain unchanged.
Both Jonny on my shoulder and Let's all beat the Gooners slip a place as does Lamb to the slaughter further down the top 10.
The weeks biggest climber was Pete Godfrey who woke from his slumber to score 40 points, which saw Pull your finger out Molly to 17th.
Down at the bottom Goonersmoan continued their awful spell as they fell to 44th, a drop of 3 places. Only one 'f' in Forest climb above Rutts and Happy Hammers escape the drop zone for only the 2nd week since November.
Just a thought....
I'm back! I don't know where I've been or what I've been doing recently but I am a bit behind with the ol' N&R FL so it is catch up time.
Weeks 23, 24 and the current week 25 will be posted and emailed out soon. I will also announce the winner of Ready's Benfleet Bet and talk about Newcastle's Cup progress.
There will also be a plethora of My Kinda Town's as I have got a lot building up inside me so watch out!
Weeks 23, 24 and the current week 25 will be posted and emailed out soon. I will also announce the winner of Ready's Benfleet Bet and talk about Newcastle's Cup progress.
There will also be a plethora of My Kinda Town's as I have got a lot building up inside me so watch out!
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