Thursday 3rd September 2009

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything political on this blog, so here goes…

Sky are trying to sort out a live televised debate between the leaders of the three big parties in the lead up to the next general election, which I think is a good idea and would add an extra dimension.
One of the most interesting parts of the US Presidential election is the live televised debate, as seen last year when Obama and McCain went head to head and attracted large audiences. Many will agree that seeing Brown and Cameron clash at Prime Minister’s Questions on a Wednesday afternoon is as entertaining as British politics gets and that we need this entertainment to engage more potential voters.
Both David Cameron and Nick Clegg have stated they are keen for televised leader’s debate so the pressure is now on Gordon Brown to accept their challenge. Ever since he failed to call an autumn election almost two years ago Brown has been seen as a bottler so this is the perfect opportunity for him to prove his doubters wrong. I’m sure Tony Blair would’ve relished taking part in a televised debate with his opponents, but as we know, his successor prides himself on substance over style.
Brown’s party will be behind him and will want him to take on the leaders of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. On his twitter account, former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott claims “Gordon can beat Cameron any day of the week. Doesn’t need to go on Sky to prove it.”
And my friend Sam Elliott, a member of the Labour Party, thinks Brown should “accept the debate and show Cameron to be the same old tax-cuts-for-the-rich Tory that he is.”
Prescott also argues that if the debate takes place, it should take place on BBC television and not on Sky and I agree with him. I think Jeremy Paxman would be the perfect candidate to chair the debate between Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, as we all know Paxman would not let any of them off the hook and make sure all three answer the question being asked.
We’re just waiting now for Gordon Brown to accept the challenge laid down before him, a televised debate could really get the public’s interest before the general election, so watch this space…

Wednesday 2nd September 2009

The transfer window closed yesterday and, as expected, there were no huge surprises on the scale we witnessed on last year's deadline day.
The biggest deal of the day was Niko Kranjcar's move from Portsmouth to Tottenham, Harry Redknapp raiding his old club for yet another player, not that I'm complaining though!
Saints have made one addition to their squad, finally announcing the signing of Tunisian centre back Radhi Jaidi this morning, subject to work permit clearance. At 6'4", he should plug the hole at the back and will go some way towards solving the defending set pieces problems. If only he had been signed earlier in the summer.
It would have been nice to have signed a striker and winger as well, but if Marek Saganowski starts to show a bit more commitment and Pardew uses Lee Holmes effectively on the left then these issues will be resolved.
Pardew hasn't brought in a replacement for the injured Greame Murty at right back, but the loan window for League One clubs reopens in a week and Wayne Thomas can be played there until Murty returns.

If it was up to me, here's the strongest team I would put out:

In Goal------------------ Davis -----------------------

Defence --- Thomas -- Jaidi --- Trotman ----- Harding

Midfield -- Mellis -----Hammond --- Lallana ---- Holmes

Up front------------ Lambert------ Saganowski --------

I imagine Pardew would opt for something similar, but based on his team selection so far this season he seems to prefer playing Adam Lallana on the left wing and partnering Dean Hammond with either Lloyd James, Paul Wotton or Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield. However, I think Lallana is more effective playing through the middle and Holmes will give the team the width that is needed.
Saints are at home to Colchester on Saturday and really need to pick up their first league win of the season soon.

Monday 31st August 2009

In just under 18 hours the transfer window slams shut and English clubs will no longer be able to buy players. Managers up and down the country will be looking to make a few last minute deals before 5pm on Tuesday, but I think there will be an anti climax.
It will take a lot to beat last season's summer transfer deadline day, when Manchester City were taken over by billionaires and just hours later smashed the British transfer record by signing Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea. They also made an audacious attempt to sign Dimitar Berbatov, but the Bulgarian striker eventually completed his move to Manchester United after months of speculation.
So I can't imagine any huge transfers on the scale we witnessed last year happening tomorrow, but lets hope I'm proved wrong. Most important for me is that Southampton boost their squad, as they're still looking for their first league win of the season. I think a right back (possibly on loan to replace the injured Greame Murty), centre back, winger and striker are all needed, but I can't see four players signing tomorrow, once again I hope I'm proved wrong though.




Over the weekend I watch The Damned United on DVD, a brilliant film which tells the story of Brian Clough's ill fated spell as manager of Leeds United in 1974. Michael Sheen plays Cloughie perfectly and gets all his mannerisms down to a tee. Interestingly, some of the best scenes are the deleted ones that come as a bonus with the DVD, my favourite one being when Clough burns his predecessor Don Revie's desk in the club car park to get rid of his legacy.
Brian Clough's family were upset with the film as well as David Peace's novel which the film is based on, but I think Sheen gives credit to the great man. After watching this film Its certainly clear that there are very few larger than life characters like Clough left in the game today.

Friday 28th August 2009

With it being nearly a year since I did work experience at Channel Four News (see work experience diary), I thought I would add my brief television appearance to this blog. Also, I'm hoping to change the website hosting the clip, samdolton.co.uk, so by uploading it onto here it stays alive online. Enjoy!

Thursday 27th August 2009

Tory MEP Daniel Hannan has put his foot in it once again and embarrassed his party by claiming his political hero is the racist Enoch Powell.
Following on from his comments earlier this month which criticised the NHS (see August 14th entry of this blog), I can't help but feel that Hannan is pushing his luck with Conservative leader David Cameron, who is trying to modernise the party. It seems to me that Hannan is testing Cameron and seeing how far he can take things before being disciplined and possibly expelled from the Conservative party. He is making a more outrageous right wing statement every week that if he carries on at this rate he'll soon be praising the work of the BNP.
Hannan attracts such bad publicity for his party that it makes people such as myself who are still undecided about who to vote for in the next General Election very skeptical about voting Tory. Its a great shame that as an MEP for South-East England he is representing me in the European Parliament, its individuals such as him that persuaded me to vote for the Green party in June's election. The more David Cameron dissociates himself with this egotistical, attention seeking, right-wing idiot the better chance he has of becoming Prime Minister after the next General Election.

Since the start of the football season, I've been giving Saints players a rating out of 10 for every game I've seen them play. Since I won't be travelling to Stockport on Saturday, Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat to Birmngham was my last Saints game this month. Here are my top three rated players for August:

1. Dan Harding - average rating 7.75, from 4 games
2. Kelvin Davis - average rating 7.5, from 4 games
3. Greame Murty - average rating 7.0, from 2 games

So, based on the games I've seen, Dan Harding is my Saints player of the month. The left back appears to be Saints most effective summer signing so far, lets hope he can keep up this form. Last year's player of the season Kelvin Davis has had another good month, but at this level its slightly concerning he's still being kept busy in goal, hopefully the defence will improve to give him more protection.
Greame Murty has looked really solid at right back from the games I've seen him play for Saints, but it looks like the knee ligament injury he suffered on Tuesday will keep him out for a while. Pardew needs to sign another right back, as I'm not convinced Lloyd James's best position is in defence.

Murty was scheduled to meet fans at West Quay this afternoon, but his injury meant Matt Patterson took his place alongside Rickie Lambert to sign autographs. I went to meet the two strikers earlier (see picture below), nice lads, felt a bit sorry for Patterson as everyone wanted to chat to Rickie Lambert and weren't too interested in talking to him.

Above: Me posing with strikers Rickie Lambert and Matt Patterson at the Saints West Quay store earlier today.

Wednesday 26th August 2009

Last night's Carling Cup game between West Ham and Millwall was marred by violent scenes between fans both inside and outside the ground.
A lot has already been said about the actions of the supporters, but I think the situation should have been handled better by the police.
When the draw for the Carling Cup 2nd round was made a couple of weeks ago, I remember watching it in the pub and straight away we all said there would be trouble in this game. Surely if we could have predicted riots then the Metropolitan police could have worked it out.
There was a police presence around Upton Park last night, but the fact that back up had to be called shows that not enough police were on the scene to begin with. When Millwall came to St Marys earlier this month (see video at bottom of this post) Southampton city centre was packed with police (it was just like watching The Bill!) and apart from the incident outside Yates on that day, the operation was a success.
After watching footage of last night's game, I was surprised there weren't more stewards in Upton Park to prevent the pitch invasion when West Ham equalised. I would've expected stewards to form a wall between the stands and the pitch, but there were gaps which allowed fans to get onto the pitch. If necessary, the cost of extra policing and stewarding could be charged to both clubs. This was done last season at Southampton when Rupert Lowe spent £60,000 extra on policing at games until the end of the season after protests during Saint's home defeat to Doncaster in January.
Both West Ham and Millwall have very passionate sets of supporters and this is probably the fiercest off field rivalry in British football. Just look back to the clashes between West Ham's Inter City Firm and Millwall's Bushwackers in the 1980s for further evidence.
Lets just hope last night's scenes don't effect England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.



Above: A heavy police presence prevented trouble when Millwall played Southampton earlier this month.

Tuesday 25th August 2009

Saints played well tonight and were unfortunate to get knocked out of the FA Cup, losing 2-1 at home to Birmingham.
Southampton outplayed their Premier league counterparts and heavy pressure paid off just after half time when Adam Lallana curled a well struck shot into the top right corner. The home side looked like doubling their lead, but the Blues equalised against the run of play through Lee Bowyer on 76 minutes. Lee Carsley grabbed a late winner from close range for Birmingham and after that Saint's heads dropped and there was no way back into the game.
Most worringly for Saints is the injury to right back Greame Murty, who faces a long spell on the sidelines with what looks like knee ligament damage. Murty was stretchered off the pitch with oxygen in the second half.
The result wasn't right, but I didn't have high expectations for tonight so I'm pleased Saints managed to outplay a Premier league side.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Made some good saves, two particularly good ones from free kicks.

Greame Murty - 7 - Was coping well with Birmingham attack until horrific looking injury, result may have been different if he stayed on the pitch.

Chris Perry - 7 - Was usually in the right place at the right time to clear most danger.

Wayne Thomas - 6 - Did OK, but not as competent in the air as Trotman was on Saturday.

Dan Harding - 8 - A real threat going forward and didn't neglect his defensive responsibilities.

Jacob Mellis - 6 - Showed some creative spark, but slightly lightweight.

Lloyd James - 6 - Looked much more comfortable in midfield before he was moved to right back.

Paul Wotton - 6 - Much better than last week's performance at Swindon, worked hard in midfield.

Adam Lallana - 7 - Great goal, but perhaps not as effective on the wing as he would be in central midfield.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Often out of position, drifted into midfield when he should be playing more forward.

Marek Saganowski - 7 - Worked hard, but is that because he's looking to move before the transfer window closes?

Subs-

Simon Gillett (on for Murty) - 6 - Saw little of the ball and didn't get characteristically stuck in.

Morgan Schneiderlin (on for Wotton) - 6 - Didn't provide the attacking threat that was needed after going 2-1 down.

Matt Patterson (on for Saganowski) - 6 - Made little impact when brought on late.

Saints travel to Stockport on Saturday and I'm sure if they play as well as they did tonight then they will finally get their first league win of the season.

Monday 24th August 2009

I finished reading Matt Le Tissier's autobiography Taking Le Tiss yesterday and as expected, its a great read. Le Tiss spent his whole career at Southampton Football Club at a time when they had numerous managers and an arrogant, pompous Chairman in Rupert Lowe. We find out that the late Alan Ball was Matt's favourite manager to play under, while Ian Branfoot, Greame Souness and Glenn Hoddle were not so popular with "Le God". We also great a great insight into Matt's team mates over the years, with amusing anecdotes about the likes of Jimmy Case, David Speedie and Richard Dryden.
Its clear from reading this book that Matt Le Tissier is as big a fan of Saints as any one else and has been hurt by the club's recent downfall. The harshest words in his book are reserved for Rupert Lowe and I'm sure most fans will agree 100% with what he says about the pompous, egotistical toff.
This book is a must read for every Saints fan, who can relive the glory days by reading about Le Tiss reflecting on his best moments and favourite goals.




Last night I watched Armando Iannucci's political comedy In The Loop on DVD, the funniest film I have seen this year. Having already watched the film at the cinema a few months ago I knew what to expect, but I loved it just as much as watching it first time.
In The Loop is about the diplomatic relations between the UK and America in the lead up to a war not too dissimilar to the Iraq conflict. In England, the plot follows the hapless Minister of International Development Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), who is made to support the war by the Prime Minister's brutal enforcer Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi). Across the Atlantic, US Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomacy Karen Clarke (Mimi Kennedy) and Major General Miller (James Gandolfini AKA Tony Soprano) try to avoid going to war.
The script is excellent and takes swearing to a whole new level, particularly the lines of Malcolm Tucker and his "attack dog" Jamie MacDonald (Paul Higgins), who takes his anger over a leaked document out on a fax machine in one particularly funny scene.
In The Loop is a great parody on the diplomacy over the Iraq war, which involved the infamous "dodgy dossier". This situation can be likened to that one and it shows that politicians will spin intelligence to support their actions which otherwise would have little evidence to back up.
Like The Thick Of It, the TV programme its based on, In The Loop is a must see film for any one with even the slightest interest in politics, diplomacy or international relations.

Saturday 22nd August 2009

I think the word average best describes Saint's performance in the 1-1 draw at home to Brentford this afternoon. There was some good play, but not enough was done to secure the three points.
Saints dominated the first half, but failed to get many shots on target. The second half looked to be the same story, but Dan Harding broke the deadlock for the home side on 73 minutes, scoring his first goal for the club. The left back controlled a Rickie Lambert header and fired in from three yards out, much to the relief of the majority of St Marys.
17 minutes were left to hold out for victory, but this is Southampton we're taling about and after scoring I couldn't help but feel our celebrations would be short lived. Brentford restarted looking for the equaliser which they deservedly got eight minutes later. Ryan Dickson was given a ridiculously easy passage down the left flank and he crossed for Cleveland Taylor to score from a diving header. Both teams had chances to win the game late on, but the game finished even with the away side by far the happier.

Saints player ratings-

Kelvin Davis - 7 - Steadied the ship when Brentford threatened to nick a winner in the final minutes.

Lloyd James - 5 - Has to take the blame for Brentford's goal, looked too scared to tackle Dickson.

Chris Perry - 6 - Read the game well as always, which made up for his lack of pace, but still a liability in the air.

Neal Trotman - 6 - At last Saints have that ball winner in the air they so desperately need, but he really should have headed home from a corner in the first half.

Dan Harding - 9 - MAN OF THE MATCH - Great tackling, good crossing into the box and capped another impressive performance with his first goal for Saints.

Jacob Mellis - 6 - Full of energy again, but perhaps burnt himself out too soon and was subbed at half time.

Dean Hammond - 6 - The debutant didn't make a huge impact on the game, but was a lot more effective in central midfield than Wotton was against Swindon on Tuesday night.

Morgan Schneiderlin - 6 - His chances were limited to long range efforts.

Adam Lallana - 6 - Often made the wrong pass when he should have gone for a better option.

Matt Patterson - 5 - Showed a total lack of composure in front of goal and was rightly subbed at half time.

Rickie Lambert - 6 - Had a few opportunities, but didn't chase the ball enough.

Subs-

Jake Thomson (on for Mellis) - 5 - Made a few good runs, but gave away possession in dangerous areas and was humiliated by being nutmegged late on.

Marek Saganowski (on for Patterson) - 5 - Had little impact on the game when brought on at half time.

Gregorz Rasiak (on for Lambert) - 6 - Didn't have time to effect the outcome of the match.

Very worryingly, that's just 2 points from Saints first 4 games, still on -8. I hate to say this, but if the team don't put more points on the board soon then we could have another relegation battle on our hands, its obvious Pardew needs to add to the side further with another centre back, a natural winger and a strike partner to bring the best of out Lambert.

Friday 21st August 2009

The big news story this week has been Scottish Government's decision to release Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer.
The Libyan man, who was convicted of killing of murdering 270 people when Pan Am flight 103 exploded in 1988, was freed by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill yesterday. This decision has provoked an angry reaction, most notably from US President Barack Obama.
But an issue here is should Scottish Government be given the power to release convicted terrorists? Since New Labour devolved power from Westminster and Whitehall, Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament have been given more responsibility in legislature that previously would've been made in London. Perhaps this whole incident suggests that devolution is not a good idea and sensitive cases such as this one should be handled by Whitehall.

Sorry to keep it so short today, must get back to reading my book!