Well considering the rumours linking Mr Benitez to the Inter Milan managerial job, it was only a matter of time before a mutual parting of the ways between the Liverpool FC directors and Rafael.
Money (lack of it) is clearly a factor in the decline of this once mighty club but so is ownership issues, which leads to a clear lack of direction.
Imagine being Steven Gerrard or his team-mate Glen Johnson at this moment.
They should be training for England regarding the World Cup but will have the above issue on their mind.
In other words, they have to wonder whether they’ve got a job to come back to after the Cup or should they, as Torres is rumoured, leave for pastures new.
Either way it’s probably for the best Benitez is gone as it does seem that during the 2009/10 season, Liverpool FC ran out of steam and ideas.
Old clubs need new blood in order to keep fresh and relevant in this day and age. But that should serve as a warning to anyone wanting the return of Kenny Daglish.
He’s been out of football management too long to give Liverpool the edge they need to be the leaders they were in the 1980s.
We know, as Manchester City have displayed, nowadays you need to have a manager with vision – that’s what Mark Hughes clearly lacked during his time at City, which is why I’ll be surprised to see him at The Kop.
But you also need owners who are going to stick around. Liverpool FC doesn’t have seem to have this either.
So whoever does become the manager of Liverpool will have to tackle all these issues and lead the team to at least the Championship League again.
Good luck to him as he will certainly need it!
Andria
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
I’m not surprised about Theo Walcott!
If anything, I think Fabio Capello made the right decision to reject Mr Walcott.
The same goes for his decision to say no to Ledley King.
That’s because after seeing the way these two played at Wembley during the friendly of England versus Mexico, I wouldn’t pick them either.
That match, on Monday 24th May, showed their weakness outdid their strengths.
Walcott did have a lot of energy and pace but Arsenal’s injury-prone player was of little threat – then there’s Lennon who has added impact to his speed.
That’s why I’m glad Aaron got the nod from the England manager.
Then there’s Lennon’s Spurs captain Ledley King. Although he scored the first goal during the above friendly, the rust soon settled in and this allowed Mexico to score during the match.
Then he continued to show fatigue thought the game. By the time it finished, Mr King looked as if he was relieved.
I also believe Capello has shown wisdom, strength and maturity in picking a team whose average age is over 28.
But I’m surprised James Milner made it into the England 23 as like Walcott, he did very little to make the nation sit up and take any notice of him during the England friendly at Wembley.
As for Glen Johnson, well after the unimpressive season he’s had at Liverpool (which includes scoring an own goal – ouch!) I’m glad he’s shown the strength of character to prove how important self belief is.
Nevertheless a decision’s been made – so I wish the current 23 all the best as they head off to South Africa.
In the language of the team who provided such strength and skill which enabled Capello to make his decision, Adios Amigos!
Andria
X
The same goes for his decision to say no to Ledley King.
That’s because after seeing the way these two played at Wembley during the friendly of England versus Mexico, I wouldn’t pick them either.
That match, on Monday 24th May, showed their weakness outdid their strengths.
Walcott did have a lot of energy and pace but Arsenal’s injury-prone player was of little threat – then there’s Lennon who has added impact to his speed.
That’s why I’m glad Aaron got the nod from the England manager.
Then there’s Lennon’s Spurs captain Ledley King. Although he scored the first goal during the above friendly, the rust soon settled in and this allowed Mexico to score during the match.
Then he continued to show fatigue thought the game. By the time it finished, Mr King looked as if he was relieved.
I also believe Capello has shown wisdom, strength and maturity in picking a team whose average age is over 28.
But I’m surprised James Milner made it into the England 23 as like Walcott, he did very little to make the nation sit up and take any notice of him during the England friendly at Wembley.
As for Glen Johnson, well after the unimpressive season he’s had at Liverpool (which includes scoring an own goal – ouch!) I’m glad he’s shown the strength of character to prove how important self belief is.
Nevertheless a decision’s been made – so I wish the current 23 all the best as they head off to South Africa.
In the language of the team who provided such strength and skill which enabled Capello to make his decision, Adios Amigos!
Andria
X
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
I have demylenation disease.
You are entitled to ask: “What is that?” I did to my doctor when she told me in mid-March last year.
At first, she asked me if I was sitting down – that’s when I realised the painful headaches and bruises I kept getting down my right leg weren’t going to go away by taking a few paracetamols.
When the doctor had said what I was experiencing, I wrote down the name of this disease and typed it in Google after my conversation with Dr Kapoor ended.
When I saw what it meant on Wikipedia, I at first refused to accept it was me – I drank healthy green liquids, lots of water and exercised regularly, so I felt my GP must be wrong.
I also noticed no black people were stated as having this illness. We do but the majority of us just don't want to mention it to other people, including friends and family.
But I had all the symptoms, from bumping into things to losing balance for no reason. I was seeing double vision and had problems in focusing on objects in front of me.
It’s been decided that I’ve got a clinically isolated syndrome, which is the first isolated attack. The current diagnosis criteria for MS does not allow doctors to give a MS diagnosis until a second attack takes place.
I can't touch type anymore and have to resort to one finger typing. I also use a walking stick to get by but that doesn’t stop unkind people from telling my parents they saw me drunk when really it’s my sense of balance and co-ordination that’s gone awry.
It’s not been easy. I recently had to have speech therapy and physical therapy but its all helped me and I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve had.
That’s another reason I’m glad not to be working for one magazine whose owner was cheating the Inland Revenue at my expense – thank goodness I kept one of the few payslips I was handed which showed he did claim to be paying me under PAYE (pay as you earn) which also meant I wasn’t knowingly involved in any fraudulent behaviour.
As far as I’m concerned, there are some lines no-one should cross. Cheating the tax man (or woman) is one of them.
I don’t officially back any political party but Lord Ashcroft, shame on you!
It’s thanks to the NHS I’ve been able to get the relevant treatment necessary for my condition.
I’m so glad I can speak again and at least do one-finger typing.
That’s why I’m so glad the USA accepts change needs to happen for the better regarding their healthcare. At the moment, nobody will give me insurance to work in this great country.
That’s also why I haven’t been able to fill my blog like I did last year but that will change for the better – I like having the right to speak and be heard!
I realised the power of blogs many years ago regarding the coverage of Hurricane Katrina – they told me the news regarding the treatment of the people in New Orleans, not the BBC or ITN, which left a lot to be desired of the U.S authorities and President George W Bush.
Regardless of one’s political views, the handling of the aftermath was one of Dubaya’s worst moments as head of the world’s most powerful country.
No wonder the now disgraced music artist KanYe West accused the then president of not caring about black people.
BBC news has learnt its lesson. Their coverage of the earthquake in Haiti a few months ago, especially for the ten o’clock news, was magnificent and showed what journalism is all about – life and people.
So I’m proud to announce my health problems online while not giving up my commitment to good standards of journalism.
I’m determined I will get up to high standards again shortly as I don’t want to spend the rest of my life on benefit.
Then again I’ve experienced prospective employers who find ways of making me miss interviews or registration by giving me times that are well after the relevant appointment, so don’t be fooled that discrimination doesn’t exist anymore for disabled people.
I so wanted to talk about the football match on Monday 19th April between Liverpool and West Ham but that was two days ago.
What I can still say from that match is, who needs Torres? – the Kop don’t! Although I don’t think Liverpool will finish fourth – the people behind Manchester City clearly want that place, that’s why they spent so much money on players like Tevez and Bridge and got rid of Mark Hughes last year.
At the same time, looking at the external problems of Liverpool FC, including the American owners decision to sell the club - as we’ve seen with Portsmouth - what goes on outside the pitch DOES affect the performance of the team.
That’s what football is about, team ability and how they operate with each other. Even if the rest of the team just care about the next pay cheque, if one person has deeper concerns, it will affect the performance of the club.
*******
The Ferguson rumours begin once more.
Yes he’s going to retire – again!
Please read the book titled, Married to a man of two halves, the story of Agnes Docherty, the original Footballers Wife, by their son Tom Docherty.
The Doc, as the former Manchester United manager was called, dealt firmly with three heroes of the Red Devils, George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton and all the time his first wife Agnes stood by him.
The way he treated Agnes and his jobs as a player and manager, before and after leaving her for the Man united physiotherapist’s wife in 1977, left me awe inspired about what really goes on in and around this sport and made me realise no one’s life is complete without someone to share it with.
It’s also very interesting to read what she thinks of her husband regarding Sir Alex Ferguson.
Looking at what the Doc took on, its not surprising that many view him as the best manager of Manchester United between Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
But my favourite is still Ron Atkinson!
Take care
Light and Love
Andria
X
At first, she asked me if I was sitting down – that’s when I realised the painful headaches and bruises I kept getting down my right leg weren’t going to go away by taking a few paracetamols.
When the doctor had said what I was experiencing, I wrote down the name of this disease and typed it in Google after my conversation with Dr Kapoor ended.
When I saw what it meant on Wikipedia, I at first refused to accept it was me – I drank healthy green liquids, lots of water and exercised regularly, so I felt my GP must be wrong.
I also noticed no black people were stated as having this illness. We do but the majority of us just don't want to mention it to other people, including friends and family.
But I had all the symptoms, from bumping into things to losing balance for no reason. I was seeing double vision and had problems in focusing on objects in front of me.
It’s been decided that I’ve got a clinically isolated syndrome, which is the first isolated attack. The current diagnosis criteria for MS does not allow doctors to give a MS diagnosis until a second attack takes place.
I can't touch type anymore and have to resort to one finger typing. I also use a walking stick to get by but that doesn’t stop unkind people from telling my parents they saw me drunk when really it’s my sense of balance and co-ordination that’s gone awry.
It’s not been easy. I recently had to have speech therapy and physical therapy but its all helped me and I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve had.
That’s another reason I’m glad not to be working for one magazine whose owner was cheating the Inland Revenue at my expense – thank goodness I kept one of the few payslips I was handed which showed he did claim to be paying me under PAYE (pay as you earn) which also meant I wasn’t knowingly involved in any fraudulent behaviour.
As far as I’m concerned, there are some lines no-one should cross. Cheating the tax man (or woman) is one of them.
I don’t officially back any political party but Lord Ashcroft, shame on you!
It’s thanks to the NHS I’ve been able to get the relevant treatment necessary for my condition.
I’m so glad I can speak again and at least do one-finger typing.
That’s why I’m so glad the USA accepts change needs to happen for the better regarding their healthcare. At the moment, nobody will give me insurance to work in this great country.
That’s also why I haven’t been able to fill my blog like I did last year but that will change for the better – I like having the right to speak and be heard!
I realised the power of blogs many years ago regarding the coverage of Hurricane Katrina – they told me the news regarding the treatment of the people in New Orleans, not the BBC or ITN, which left a lot to be desired of the U.S authorities and President George W Bush.
Regardless of one’s political views, the handling of the aftermath was one of Dubaya’s worst moments as head of the world’s most powerful country.
No wonder the now disgraced music artist KanYe West accused the then president of not caring about black people.
BBC news has learnt its lesson. Their coverage of the earthquake in Haiti a few months ago, especially for the ten o’clock news, was magnificent and showed what journalism is all about – life and people.
So I’m proud to announce my health problems online while not giving up my commitment to good standards of journalism.
I’m determined I will get up to high standards again shortly as I don’t want to spend the rest of my life on benefit.
Then again I’ve experienced prospective employers who find ways of making me miss interviews or registration by giving me times that are well after the relevant appointment, so don’t be fooled that discrimination doesn’t exist anymore for disabled people.
I so wanted to talk about the football match on Monday 19th April between Liverpool and West Ham but that was two days ago.
What I can still say from that match is, who needs Torres? – the Kop don’t! Although I don’t think Liverpool will finish fourth – the people behind Manchester City clearly want that place, that’s why they spent so much money on players like Tevez and Bridge and got rid of Mark Hughes last year.
At the same time, looking at the external problems of Liverpool FC, including the American owners decision to sell the club - as we’ve seen with Portsmouth - what goes on outside the pitch DOES affect the performance of the team.
That’s what football is about, team ability and how they operate with each other. Even if the rest of the team just care about the next pay cheque, if one person has deeper concerns, it will affect the performance of the club.
*******
The Ferguson rumours begin once more.
Yes he’s going to retire – again!
Please read the book titled, Married to a man of two halves, the story of Agnes Docherty, the original Footballers Wife, by their son Tom Docherty.
The Doc, as the former Manchester United manager was called, dealt firmly with three heroes of the Red Devils, George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton and all the time his first wife Agnes stood by him.
The way he treated Agnes and his jobs as a player and manager, before and after leaving her for the Man united physiotherapist’s wife in 1977, left me awe inspired about what really goes on in and around this sport and made me realise no one’s life is complete without someone to share it with.
It’s also very interesting to read what she thinks of her husband regarding Sir Alex Ferguson.
Looking at what the Doc took on, its not surprising that many view him as the best manager of Manchester United between Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
But my favourite is still Ron Atkinson!
Take care
Light and Love
Andria
X
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Jonathon Dibb, 1974 - 2010, rest in peace
I'm sorry to report that yesterday was the funeral service of my first cousin's husband, held in Yorkshire.
Jennifer Dibb and her partner had a happy life together but he had some personal issues that only Johnathon could deal with.
When he committed suicide, it was a shock for all of us.
I still have a picture of them on my wall at their wedding day, held in south-west London.
It was at a registry office eight years ago and it was a happy day, proving you don't have to go to extraordinary lengths, such as employing a harpist, or ride on an animal, to mark such an important day.
It was John who also helped me focus on sports journalism and told me of his passion for football - soccer to you from the USA.
At least now, like the legendary performer Michael Jackson and the brilliant clothes designer Steve McQueen, I hope he's now finally free from the upheaval and misery in his life.
My condolences to his wife Jennifer and the rest of his immediate family.
£££££££
Producers of the film The Dammed United, about Brian Clough's ill fated tenure as manager at Leeds United, have apologised to a former football player and have paid him compensation over the way he was portrayed.
Defender Dave Mackay was viewed in the film as breaking a players revolt that was mounted at Derby County in 1973 in an attempt to get Clough reinstated following his resignation in an argument with chairman Sam Longson.
But Mackay was a player manager of Swindon Town at that time and had been since 1971.
This is by no means the first time a film has wrongly portrayed people and important situations.
William Wallace, aka Braveheart, was a lowlander, not a highlander.
The shoes worn by Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz were silver - Hollywood made them ruby red to show off it had finally mastered using colour - or as my American spellchecker keeps telling me, color.
I know this entry is short but I hope to be in contact with you soon.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
Jennifer Dibb and her partner had a happy life together but he had some personal issues that only Johnathon could deal with.
When he committed suicide, it was a shock for all of us.
I still have a picture of them on my wall at their wedding day, held in south-west London.
It was at a registry office eight years ago and it was a happy day, proving you don't have to go to extraordinary lengths, such as employing a harpist, or ride on an animal, to mark such an important day.
It was John who also helped me focus on sports journalism and told me of his passion for football - soccer to you from the USA.
At least now, like the legendary performer Michael Jackson and the brilliant clothes designer Steve McQueen, I hope he's now finally free from the upheaval and misery in his life.
My condolences to his wife Jennifer and the rest of his immediate family.
£££££££
Producers of the film The Dammed United, about Brian Clough's ill fated tenure as manager at Leeds United, have apologised to a former football player and have paid him compensation over the way he was portrayed.
Defender Dave Mackay was viewed in the film as breaking a players revolt that was mounted at Derby County in 1973 in an attempt to get Clough reinstated following his resignation in an argument with chairman Sam Longson.
But Mackay was a player manager of Swindon Town at that time and had been since 1971.
This is by no means the first time a film has wrongly portrayed people and important situations.
William Wallace, aka Braveheart, was a lowlander, not a highlander.
The shoes worn by Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz were silver - Hollywood made them ruby red to show off it had finally mastered using colour - or as my American spellchecker keeps telling me, color.
I know this entry is short but I hope to be in contact with you soon.
Light and Peace
Andria
X
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
It's no longer Posh!
That's the case regarding cash-strapped Portsmouth, as they've got the permission to sell players outside the transfer window.
Sadly it's what the Pompey board must to in order to ease their financial troubles, as the Premier League managers who have let the sale go through clearly realise.
There already having to deal with a 9-point penalty for going into administration, but there are a few rules, as noted in the Premier League statement:
1) Players may be sold to other Premier League clubs but may not play first-team football for the new club before the end of the season.
2) Players may be sold to a Football League or foreign club, subject to FIFA's approval.
3) Portsmouth may enter into an agreement with another Premier League, Football League or foreign club that a player will be transferred to that other club in the summer.
Sadly we all realise it's for certain 'The Posh' will be relegated but West Ham United, Burnley, Hull City, Wolves, Bolton and Wigan are all still in danger.
To make things worse, looking at the defeat they suffered at home to fellow strugglers Wolves 1-3, it's time to realise passing football doesn't cut it when you're facing a survival dog-fight.
I'm sure they don't want to end up like fellow London FC Millwall - they were booted out of top-flight football just when the Premier League started in 1991 and haven't been back since!
£££££££
I don't talk much about cricket and I hope this entry changes that.
Well done for England winning their match against Bangladesh.
Alastair Cook has ended his stint as captain with a full track record and two Test centuries.
At the same time, I do admire his honesty and his willingness to learn more and improve as a leader - something I wish we all could realise.
Mr Cook said after his victory: "...the captaincy had its moments. I now know how I need to get better as a captain, especially with my leadership in the dressing room."
I follow and keep internet articles from Rene Carayol, a man I interviewed for Pride magazine - he runs workshops on leadership which I find very fulfilling.
I still remember the words said by one of his guests, the Managing Director of Asda: "You can't change a culture overnight."
For years I kept beating myself up over why things have fallen apart in two placements where I worked my fingers to the bone - I regularly worked 18 hours a day for both, at a radio station and magazine simultaneously, especially since it was clear other members of their staff didn't know the law regarding journalism, that included a women who had trained with me more than five years before!
It was also clear that some, including the editors and the last staff writer, couldn't even spell.
But as the MD mentioned above said, if a certain culture exists, it's going to take time to remove it. If that behaviour benefits the owner and selected people, it's fair to say they will do everything to keep it that way.
I find it's best to just take a deep breath and go, knowing that you've done your duty - let the rest of them deal with the consequences of their own actions, whether they admit to it or not.
As demonstrated in the book, called the Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold (I won't mention the film version) justice finds its own way of dealing with people - call it God, Jesus or Karma.
So three cheers to Mr Cook for having the honesty and frankness to realise constant self-improvement is what we need to do, not just to be a better person but to really have a substance to give to the world.
Changing you name and location won't help if you're not prepared to change yourself, so if anyone wants to know more about Mr Rene Carayol, click here.
Until next time!
Andria
Sadly it's what the Pompey board must to in order to ease their financial troubles, as the Premier League managers who have let the sale go through clearly realise.
There already having to deal with a 9-point penalty for going into administration, but there are a few rules, as noted in the Premier League statement:
1) Players may be sold to other Premier League clubs but may not play first-team football for the new club before the end of the season.
2) Players may be sold to a Football League or foreign club, subject to FIFA's approval.
3) Portsmouth may enter into an agreement with another Premier League, Football League or foreign club that a player will be transferred to that other club in the summer.
Sadly we all realise it's for certain 'The Posh' will be relegated but West Ham United, Burnley, Hull City, Wolves, Bolton and Wigan are all still in danger.
To make things worse, looking at the defeat they suffered at home to fellow strugglers Wolves 1-3, it's time to realise passing football doesn't cut it when you're facing a survival dog-fight.
I'm sure they don't want to end up like fellow London FC Millwall - they were booted out of top-flight football just when the Premier League started in 1991 and haven't been back since!
£££££££
I don't talk much about cricket and I hope this entry changes that.
Well done for England winning their match against Bangladesh.
Alastair Cook has ended his stint as captain with a full track record and two Test centuries.
At the same time, I do admire his honesty and his willingness to learn more and improve as a leader - something I wish we all could realise.
Mr Cook said after his victory: "...the captaincy had its moments. I now know how I need to get better as a captain, especially with my leadership in the dressing room."
I follow and keep internet articles from Rene Carayol, a man I interviewed for Pride magazine - he runs workshops on leadership which I find very fulfilling.
I still remember the words said by one of his guests, the Managing Director of Asda: "You can't change a culture overnight."
For years I kept beating myself up over why things have fallen apart in two placements where I worked my fingers to the bone - I regularly worked 18 hours a day for both, at a radio station and magazine simultaneously, especially since it was clear other members of their staff didn't know the law regarding journalism, that included a women who had trained with me more than five years before!
It was also clear that some, including the editors and the last staff writer, couldn't even spell.
But as the MD mentioned above said, if a certain culture exists, it's going to take time to remove it. If that behaviour benefits the owner and selected people, it's fair to say they will do everything to keep it that way.
I find it's best to just take a deep breath and go, knowing that you've done your duty - let the rest of them deal with the consequences of their own actions, whether they admit to it or not.
As demonstrated in the book, called the Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold (I won't mention the film version) justice finds its own way of dealing with people - call it God, Jesus or Karma.
So three cheers to Mr Cook for having the honesty and frankness to realise constant self-improvement is what we need to do, not just to be a better person but to really have a substance to give to the world.
Changing you name and location won't help if you're not prepared to change yourself, so if anyone wants to know more about Mr Rene Carayol, click here.
Until next time!
Andria
Monday, 15 February 2010
Dick Francis, rest in peace
These are me just having fun with a camera!
£££££££
I’m sure you have already heard but the jockey turned author Dick Francis, has died, aged 89.
He rode 345 winners and competed in 2.305 races.
In the 1956 Grand National he was riding Devon Lock to what seemed like certain victory, when the horse collapsed within 50 yards of the finishing line.
He gave up racing months later, due to a nasty fall.
It was his son who encouraged him to write an autobiography about his experiences during the Grand National – which also showed his natural talent of writing.
Here’s a good link, by The Taipei Times. To see it for yourself, click here.
£££££££
It seems that Ashley Cole can’t stay out of trouble!
I think you have read the stories about him sending pictures of himself by mobile phone, so what else is there for me to add?
£££££££
The pictures of Danielle Bux in today’s Daily Mirror newspaper are stunning!
A further congratulations to her for holding onto her original surname, instead of taking on her husband – Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker.
Don’t take my word for it, to see them for yourself, click here.
£££££££
I like reading the column by Paul Ince in the News of the World newspaper.
He may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s hard to ignore him.
Check him out for yourself by clicking here.
£££££££
Don’t hesitate to visit my other internet site!
To view it, click here.
£££££££
Be good!
Andria
X
Thursday, 11 February 2010
What a week!
So much has happened both on and off the pitch, it’s hard to fit everything in!
So I will say to my bro hard luck for Liverpool over their loss against Arsenal.
Yes it was handball against Steven Gerrard’s free kick - Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas even admitted it afterwards.
**
I’m saddened to hear Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs is out of action with an injured arm.
He sustained the injury during the match against Aston Villa, which resulted in a 1-1 draw.
This match is more remembered for the tackle that saw Nani get a red card – that kind of attack would have been accepted ten years ago but not nowadays!
**
Twit of the week goes to Fifa president Sepp Blatter who has claimed that in some countries, John Terry would have been applauded rather than sacked as national team captain for having an alleged affair.
I think the majority of England supporters back the England manager Fabio Capello for taking such a disciplined line rather than let it drag on and on and on.
Perhaps he should read what was said in he book Married to a man of two halves, the story of the original footballer’s wife by Agness Docherty with Tom Docherty – she too had to put up with more than one infidelity by her husband – many still view Tom senior as the best Manchester United manager between Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Here’s some more pictures - one includes my dad, another my mum!
Light and Peace
Andria
X
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