Saints ended Charlton's 100% league record yesterday with an entertaining 1-1 draw at The Valley.
The away team, whose 3,000 traveling fans created a great atmosphere, took the lead towards the end of the first half when Adam Lallana converted a low Wayne Thomas cross. But Charlton rallied in the second half when Deon Burton capitalised on a defensive mix up to equalise from close range within 5 minutes of the restart. Southampton then rode their luck a bit, with the home team having plenty of opportunities to kill the game, but were denied by the woodwork. In reflection, a draw seems a fair result, Saints played better in the first half, whereas Charlton looked stronger in the second half.
One concern for Saints fans after today would be the team's lack of confidence in front of goal. Plenty of opportunities were created in the first half, but there was no composure in the penalty area. The 4-5-1 tactic adopted by Pardew for this game suggests a priority was avoiding defeat, rather than taking all three points, as Lambert didn't get much support from the midfield.
Southampton are the first team to take any points from table topping Charlton, so this is a positive and something to build on in the next few games, as they look for their first league win of the season.
Saints player ratings-
Kelvin Davis - 6 - Didn't take the cross that led to Charlton's goal, but redeemed himself later with a good near post save.
Wayne Thomas - 6 - Played a good ball into the box for Lallana to score, but was lacking defensively.
Chris Perry - 8 - Dominant in the air, outstanding considering his limited height.
Neal Trotman - 8 - Another encouraging performance from the Preston loanee, like Perry he won most of the balls in the air.
Dan Harding - 7 - Showed grit and determination, not afraid to get stuck in.
Adam Lallana - 7 - Took his goal well, was a constant attacking threat.
Dean Hammond 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Was always involved in the action, covered a lot of ground in protecting defence and setting up attack.
Morgan Schneiderlin - 7 - Played some good long balls and had a few shots on goal from a distance.
Lloyd James - 6 - Was solid, but didn't offer much in attack, would've preferred to have seen another striker instead of packing the midfield with him.
Joseph Mills - 6 - Struggled to cope with Charlton's physical approach and took a few knocks, but tried hard to be involved in the game.
Rickie Lambert - 6 - Looked isolated up front on his own, always outnumbered by the Charlton defence.
Subs-
Radhi Jaidi (on for Perry) - 6 - The debutant gave confidence to defence when brought on, wasn't afraid to get forward.
Jacob Mellis (on for Mills) - 6 - Best used as an impact sub, unlucky not to win a penalty late on.
Papa Waigo N'diaye (on for Lallana) - 6 - His very brief appearance delighted the away crowd, made a good tackle in stoppage time to prevent a Charlton counter.
I can't complain too much about an away point against the promotion contenders, it was an enjoyable day out, but Saints are still looking for their first league win, which we all hope will come at home to Yeovil next Saturday.
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A special thank you to Martin Barrett for sorting out the website and linking my old page to this blog. If anyone needs a professional website created then visit http://www.mediapictures.co.uk/ for more information.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Tuesday 8th September 2009
Tory MP Alan Duncan has been demoted from shadow leader of the Commons after the comments he made last month whilst being secretly filmed. Duncan caused a stir in the wake of the expenses scandal by claiming MPs were expected to live off "rations". He will now take on the role of shadow prisons minister, while former transport secretary Sir George Young replaces him as shadow leader of the Commons.
I'm sure Tory leader David Cameron was reluctant to demote Duncan, who is seen as part of the modern and liberal wing of the party. He is the first openly gay Conservative MP, which means he has a big following in the gay community, so plays a big part in helping the party appeal to that area of the electorate. However, this whole "MPs living off rations" business was one gaff too many for Duncan, who has been heavily implicated in the expenses scandal. He has a big public profile thanks to his regular appearances on Have I Got News For You, a show which has seen him been ridiculed on due to his role in the scandal.
This is the second time this year Alan Duncan has attracted negative media attention after opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing. In April he made some questionable comments about Miss California USA 2009 publicly opposing same sex marriages on Have I Got News For You.
This expenses scandal is no doubt the political story of the year and refuses to go away. Cameron has pledged to cut costs by ending subsidised food and alcohol for MPs and cutting ministerial salaries if he becomes Prime Minister. This continues to ask the question are Members of Parliament paid too much or too little for the amount of work they do? Ministers, who have many more responsibilities than the average MP, can earn between £92,000 and £139,000 a year, a nice amount to take home, but not as much as investment bankers, footballers Chief Executives of some firms.
A political expert I spoke to recently about the matter of politicians pay said that MPs are poorly paid and he was not surprised that they had been abusing the system by claiming expenses on ridiculous purchases. However, I'm sure the general public will feel it should be an honour and a privilege to serve the UK in Westminster and the amount MPs get paid should not be an issue.
This week I've been re watching the brilliant BBC sitcom The Office on DVD and had forgot how genius the show is. At the time, the fly on the wall format of the show was unique and groundbreaking and has been copied on many other shows internationally. Ricky Gervais has since gone on to make it big in America, but he'll do well to write anything better again than The Office. There are some truly cringe worthy moments when you watch David Brent's antics through your fingers and think "what the hell is he doing?!?" and everyone knows a Gareth Keenan. In fact, just the other day my friend was telling me he works with a "Gareth" at Somerfields and from what he tells me there are many similarities between the fictional office worker and the supermarket checkout assistant. The Office was first shown on our screens in 2001 and I believe that since then the only sitcom that has come close to the genius and brilliance of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's work is The Thick Of It, which also goes with the fly on the wall style, but set in a government department. If you liked The Office then chances are you'll love The Thick Of It as well.
I'm sure Tory leader David Cameron was reluctant to demote Duncan, who is seen as part of the modern and liberal wing of the party. He is the first openly gay Conservative MP, which means he has a big following in the gay community, so plays a big part in helping the party appeal to that area of the electorate. However, this whole "MPs living off rations" business was one gaff too many for Duncan, who has been heavily implicated in the expenses scandal. He has a big public profile thanks to his regular appearances on Have I Got News For You, a show which has seen him been ridiculed on due to his role in the scandal.
This is the second time this year Alan Duncan has attracted negative media attention after opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing. In April he made some questionable comments about Miss California USA 2009 publicly opposing same sex marriages on Have I Got News For You.
This expenses scandal is no doubt the political story of the year and refuses to go away. Cameron has pledged to cut costs by ending subsidised food and alcohol for MPs and cutting ministerial salaries if he becomes Prime Minister. This continues to ask the question are Members of Parliament paid too much or too little for the amount of work they do? Ministers, who have many more responsibilities than the average MP, can earn between £92,000 and £139,000 a year, a nice amount to take home, but not as much as investment bankers, footballers Chief Executives of some firms.
A political expert I spoke to recently about the matter of politicians pay said that MPs are poorly paid and he was not surprised that they had been abusing the system by claiming expenses on ridiculous purchases. However, I'm sure the general public will feel it should be an honour and a privilege to serve the UK in Westminster and the amount MPs get paid should not be an issue.
This week I've been re watching the brilliant BBC sitcom The Office on DVD and had forgot how genius the show is. At the time, the fly on the wall format of the show was unique and groundbreaking and has been copied on many other shows internationally. Ricky Gervais has since gone on to make it big in America, but he'll do well to write anything better again than The Office. There are some truly cringe worthy moments when you watch David Brent's antics through your fingers and think "what the hell is he doing?!?" and everyone knows a Gareth Keenan. In fact, just the other day my friend was telling me he works with a "Gareth" at Somerfields and from what he tells me there are many similarities between the fictional office worker and the supermarket checkout assistant. The Office was first shown on our screens in 2001 and I believe that since then the only sitcom that has come close to the genius and brilliance of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's work is The Thick Of It, which also goes with the fly on the wall style, but set in a government department. If you liked The Office then chances are you'll love The Thick Of It as well.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Monday 7th September 2009
The British National Party have made the headlines again after it was revealed the BBC may invite their leader Nick Griffin to appear as a panellist on Question Time.
This has caused a bit of an uproar and many feel the BNP shouldn't be allowed to have their views represented on one of the BBC's most watched political shows. Griffin is bound to get a hostile reception from the audience, maybe similar to what we saw when he was pelted with eggs at Westminster after being elected to the European Parliament (see June 9th post on here).
But perhaps the best way to approach this character is to give him an opportunity to debate so he can be showed up as a lightweight politician whose party only get so much media attention because of their far right beliefs. What we need are a few senior MPs and one or two other political experts to appear on Question Time with Griffin to engage in debate with him and show that his ideas won't work in a modern Britain without causing a small civil war. Add a few intelligent members of the audience to ask questions and a decent chair in David Dimbleby and we have all the ingredients for demonstrating to everyone that Nick Griffin is not a politician, but an idiot whose ideas will simply not work.
I have nothing against the anti fascist protesters who threw eggs at Griffin back in June, but I think that if he does appear on Question Time they should let him speak and hopefully get then he will be shown up as the lightweight that he is who only gets more attention than other small parties because of his controversial opinions.
This has caused a bit of an uproar and many feel the BNP shouldn't be allowed to have their views represented on one of the BBC's most watched political shows. Griffin is bound to get a hostile reception from the audience, maybe similar to what we saw when he was pelted with eggs at Westminster after being elected to the European Parliament (see June 9th post on here).
But perhaps the best way to approach this character is to give him an opportunity to debate so he can be showed up as a lightweight politician whose party only get so much media attention because of their far right beliefs. What we need are a few senior MPs and one or two other political experts to appear on Question Time with Griffin to engage in debate with him and show that his ideas won't work in a modern Britain without causing a small civil war. Add a few intelligent members of the audience to ask questions and a decent chair in David Dimbleby and we have all the ingredients for demonstrating to everyone that Nick Griffin is not a politician, but an idiot whose ideas will simply not work.
I have nothing against the anti fascist protesters who threw eggs at Griffin back in June, but I think that if he does appear on Question Time they should let him speak and hopefully get then he will be shown up as the lightweight that he is who only gets more attention than other small parties because of his controversial opinions.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Sunday 6th September 2009
Saints are still looking for their first league win of the season after drawing 0-0 at home to Colchester yesterday in a very boring game.
The visitors had Kemel Izzet sent off in the first half, but Saints failed to make the numerical advantage count and were reduced mainly to long shots.
This has been a very disappointing start to the season, no wins, four draws and two defeats, a win is desperately needed soon to build confidence at St Marys. New loan signing Papa Waigo was unveiled to the crowd before the game and most of us are hoping he can inspire his under performing team mates to victory. There was a real lack of creatively yesterday and the final ball into the box was always poor for Saints. On the plus side, things look to be improving defensively, with Neal Trotman playing well at centre back and new signing Radhi Jaidi will add steel to the back four.
Saints player ratings-
Kelvin Davis - 7 - Didn't have much to do, but as captain was constantly giving instructions to team mates trying to motivate them.
Wayne Thomas - 7 - Much better at right back than at centre back, looked a threat going forward.
Chris Perry - 7 - Dealt with rare Colchester attacks effectively, always in the right place at the right time at the back.
Neal Trotman - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Strong in the air and competent on the ground, hardly put a foot wrong.
Dan Harding - 6 - Did OK, but nearly gifted Colchester a goal with a poor clearance in the first half, resulting in them hitting the bar, which was their best chance.
Jacob Mellis - 5 - Hardly saw the ball, had little effect on the game before being subbed at half time.
Dean Hammond - 7 - Solid as the holding midfielder, limited his former side's opportunities in the final third of the pitch.
Lloyd James - 6 - Looked much more comfortable in midfielf rather than at right back, passing was hit and miss.
Adam Lallana - 7 - Energetic on the left wing in the first half, has less impact on the game in the second half when moved.
Rickie Lambert - 6 - I expected better from him, didn't connect often with crosses into the box.
Matt Paterson - 4 - Missed two great first half chances and was caught offside far too often.
Subs-
Joseph Mills (on for Mellis) - 5 - Made some good runs, but terrible at crossing.
Jake Thomson (on for Paterson) - 5 - Played some dreadful passes, very ineffectual.
Morgan Scheiderlin (on for Perry) - 6 - Solid defensively, but offered very little threat in attack.
Worrying times at St Marys, most of us were expected Saints to be out of minus points by now, but they still sit firmly at the foot of the League One table on -6. Next Saturday we travel to London to watch Saints take on Charlton, who are top of the league and have won all six of their games so far this season. If there's a time to turn around this dismal form its now, I'll be going to the game to support the team, but I suppose if we don't expect much we won't be too disappointed!
The visitors had Kemel Izzet sent off in the first half, but Saints failed to make the numerical advantage count and were reduced mainly to long shots.
This has been a very disappointing start to the season, no wins, four draws and two defeats, a win is desperately needed soon to build confidence at St Marys. New loan signing Papa Waigo was unveiled to the crowd before the game and most of us are hoping he can inspire his under performing team mates to victory. There was a real lack of creatively yesterday and the final ball into the box was always poor for Saints. On the plus side, things look to be improving defensively, with Neal Trotman playing well at centre back and new signing Radhi Jaidi will add steel to the back four.
Saints player ratings-
Kelvin Davis - 7 - Didn't have much to do, but as captain was constantly giving instructions to team mates trying to motivate them.
Wayne Thomas - 7 - Much better at right back than at centre back, looked a threat going forward.
Chris Perry - 7 - Dealt with rare Colchester attacks effectively, always in the right place at the right time at the back.
Neal Trotman - 8 - SAINTS MAN OF THE MATCH - Strong in the air and competent on the ground, hardly put a foot wrong.
Dan Harding - 6 - Did OK, but nearly gifted Colchester a goal with a poor clearance in the first half, resulting in them hitting the bar, which was their best chance.
Jacob Mellis - 5 - Hardly saw the ball, had little effect on the game before being subbed at half time.
Dean Hammond - 7 - Solid as the holding midfielder, limited his former side's opportunities in the final third of the pitch.
Lloyd James - 6 - Looked much more comfortable in midfielf rather than at right back, passing was hit and miss.
Adam Lallana - 7 - Energetic on the left wing in the first half, has less impact on the game in the second half when moved.
Rickie Lambert - 6 - I expected better from him, didn't connect often with crosses into the box.
Matt Paterson - 4 - Missed two great first half chances and was caught offside far too often.
Subs-
Joseph Mills (on for Mellis) - 5 - Made some good runs, but terrible at crossing.
Jake Thomson (on for Paterson) - 5 - Played some dreadful passes, very ineffectual.
Morgan Scheiderlin (on for Perry) - 6 - Solid defensively, but offered very little threat in attack.
Worrying times at St Marys, most of us were expected Saints to be out of minus points by now, but they still sit firmly at the foot of the League One table on -6. Next Saturday we travel to London to watch Saints take on Charlton, who are top of the league and have won all six of their games so far this season. If there's a time to turn around this dismal form its now, I'll be going to the game to support the team, but I suppose if we don't expect much we won't be too disappointed!
Thursday, 3 September 2009
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…
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, 2 September 2009
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.
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, 31 August 2009
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.
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, 28 August 2009
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, 27 August 2009
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.
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, 26 August 2009
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.
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.
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