Monday, February 27, 2012
12 months on...
What happened afterwards to Blues could hardly be described as euphoric, but the implosion that followed our relegation hasn't yet happened. The manager and team we have now have done the club proud, and ensured that despite all the tribulations the last 12 months have been a happy one: the Europa League campaign, the push for promotion (despite the 2-1 defeat on Saturday, ending our 15-match unbeaten run in 2012) and the goals scored and quality of football being served up under Chris Hughton.
This is Blues - it will end in tears, we'll lose the FA Cup Fifth Round replay with Chelsea a week tomorrow on ITV1 and our league form will probably disintegrate. But whatever else happens, we'll always have this day, last year, for eternity.
My only regret this morning is that my brother doesn't get to share this feeling. His Cardiff side took Liverpool all the way to penalties in this year's Carling Cup final yesterday before succumbing in the most heartbreaking way. It took me back to 2001 when a certain Championship club close to my heart did exactly the same thing against the same opposition. It seems Liverpool can't beat lower league sides in major cup finals without the help of a penalty shoot-out where they get to both choose the ends and take the first penalty. It's weird, but this weekend I've thought more about 2001 than 2011, presumably because of Cardiff, who also lost the FA Cup Final in 2008, never mind the play-off final last season. I can only hope they deliver some silverware to their fans soon, but you have to fear they've had their chances for the foreseeable future.
It all goes to reinforce how big a shock last year's cup final win was. Since 1995, only one club has beaten a side from the "big four" (Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal) in a major cup final. And it was us.
Friday, December 16, 2011
A farewell to Europe
It was an interesting game to watch, not least because of the mercurial 17 year-old Nathan Redmond. The teenager is a real prospect, and dare I mention the name "Trevor Francis"? No, because the way Redmond played last night the likelihood is he'll be gracing the Premiership sooner rather than later, and it won't be with us. Redmond was a joy to watch, showing maturity to go with his dazzling pace, skill and trickery. He deserved a goal for his efforts, and nearly got it on 87 minutes when his thunderous volley crashed back off the inside of the post from about 25 yards.
I want to dwell on the past 10 months, from the moment we won the Carling Cup through the pain and shock of relegation to our eight-game European adventure where we've won five, drawn two and lost just two (to last season's Europa League finalists no less). I want to moan about the fact Braga had a man sent off last night around the same time they should (but didn't) have a man sent off against us two weeks ago. Our Europa League campaign turned on that moment in all likelihood, but these are the breaks. But I can't dwell on that, because the future is calling.
Going forward
What happens now? There's little doubt we're in a mess financially. There's little doubt too that our cup win and European adventure will be vital in the years ahead, memories we can draw on to hopefully help us get through the lean times to come.
We have a promotion campaign to focus on now, but while we currently sit in a healthy position, seven points outside the play-offs with two games in hand, the fact remains the January transfer window looms large. We'll know more about our precarious financial position then, as it seems obvious we'll be selling off more of the family silver just to survive to the summer, never mind beyond.
With Carson Yeung's trial now put all the way back to November, leaving him and us in limbo, we will need to sell more of our best players. Liam Ridgewell is a given, but it's likely Jean Beausejour and - assuming anyone will take him - Nikola Zigic will be going too. If we offload those three I think - and hope - it'll be enough, with the significant wages saved (Zigic is on 50K/week alone) hopefully enough to not just lets us keep everyone else, but maybe even replace one, two or even all of them.
The fear, though, is that it won't be enough, particularly if Zigic stays on the pay roll. Curtis Davies is the next most saleable asset, and then you start looking at our younger players: Jack Butland, Jordan Mutch and Nathan Redmond. If we end up selling them, then our future really is bleak.
So January will - as the Chinese say - be "interesting times" for Birmingham City. That cup win and European adventure already feel like they're in the distant past, and I miss them already.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
The European adventure - it's nearly over
That may yet come to pass, but the skill in which Chris Hughton has fashioned the phoenix from the ashes meant this mid-table Championship side travelled to last season's Europa League finalists with confidence and a belief that, yes, we could get a result. After all, we've already secured five results in our six Europa League games so far.
Sadly it was not to be. Blues did start brilliantly, and after 15 minutes had contrived to miss a penalty and put the hosts under severe pressure. But then a Braga defender somehow escaped a second yellow card, and the hosts remembered who they were and started to grow into the game.
Even then they didn't exactly create much - and we still threatened on the counter attack. And then the blow: five minutes into the second half, Braga fashioned their first chance - a shot from outside the box that was going well wide until it ricocheted off the heel of a Blues defender and flew in the opposition direction past the despairing dive of our keeper into the net.
The game was up - it fizzled out from there, with Braga going close again to finish off 1-0 winners, despite not deserving of the win. Yet on 74 minutes, it didn't matter - news filtered through that the group's whipping boys Maribor were 3-0 up against FC Bruges. A Maribor win meant the result wouldn't matter, we'd have things in our own hands going into our final group game, a home tie with said whipping boys.
But this is Blues, and yesterday was my birthday, so not only did my team end up losing undeservedly, Maribor contrived to concede four goals in the last 16 minutes (evoking horrific memories of a day in April 1993 when Blues blew a 4-1 lead over Swindon Town in the last 25 minutes to lose 6-4).
Now Blues can only progress if Braga win in Bruges and we beat Maribor. We can beat Maribor, and I really hope we stuff them good and proper for what they did last night, but while Braga need to win to top the group to make themselves seeded for the first knockout phase, there's no guarantee they will.
My head tells me this is where the road should end - we've done ourselves proud so far. We first qualified for the group stage, and we avoided finishing bottom of our group. We need to concentrate on the league, where we're handily placed for a play-off push. But my heart whispers all the same: it was 50 years since we last played in Europe, and it could be 50 years - if ever - before we play again. This Europa League adventure - shunned by so many - is the stuff of dreams for us, and we don't want it to end. Not yet.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Roundup
Europa League Blues - better than it sounds
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Blues in Europe
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
You couldn't make it up
Monday, August 15, 2011
Beer
Or, more precisely, local beer (and cider, and wine, what the hell). We're blessed in this part of Essex with some glorious micro-breweries serving wonderful real ale. I have the beard, I'm certainly old enough to no longer care about 'cool' (not that cool and I were ever even remotely acquainted), and so in no particular order I shall share some of my local favourites with this blog for the hell of it.
1. Umbel Ale (Nethergate)
Brewed on the Suffolk/Essex border near Clare, Umbel Ale is the perfect accompanient to spicy foods, particularly curries. It is this citrus ale with its coriander that has inspired this post, simply because I'm buying a couple of bottles to give to my friends for their 15th wedding anniversary this weekend. If you're suitably inspired, you can even buy yourself a case online here.
2. Malt Shovel Mild (Sticklegs)
This gorgeous mild is the first thing I look for at any beer festival, and has won numerous awards to boot. The biggest disappointment is that it's the only Sticklegs beer not currently available in a bottle. Colcestrians looking to try Sticklegs other beers can do so through Guntons and The Food Company.
3. Island Oyster (Mersea Brewery)
This dark beer is one for singing sea shanties to, brewed as it is just six miles down the road on the coast on Mersea Island. The oysters give it a rich flavour and again it's available in most local shops, including the Co-op.
4. Perronelle's Blush (Aspalls)
This gorgeous cider (or "cyder" as Aspalls would have it) is one of four produced by Aspalls in Suffolk. It's difficult to tell the others apart - all subtle variations, and all quaffable. But Perronelle's Blush stands out for the fact it mixes in blackberry liquer to great effect. It shouldn't work, but it does.
Oh, and you can order it online too at some great prices (shame about the delivery charge).
5. Blackwater Mild (Crouch Vale)
My second favourite mild after Malt Shovel Mild, and again not available in bottles. Tasted this for the first time on Mersea Island over the Easter weekend. Lovely.
6. Augustinian Ale (Nethergate)
If I could get this in a bottle I'd be very happy, but while the website claims to sell it as a bottle-conditioned beer I got short shrift when I attempted to order 18 months ago. Instead I have to make so with the odd half every year or so at the Clare Priory Craft Fair.
7. King Coel (Carter's Vineyard)
You'd think English wine would be rubbish, but this red is very drinkable. Perhaps a little lacking in body, but enjoyable nonetheless. Pick it up from Guntons, the Stanway Co-op or online. They sell other wines and a tolerable cider too.
I'm only just starting on this tour of local beers. I clearly have a taste for darker beers, although the odd pale ale is enjoyed too. I'm hoping to sample Harwich Brewery's Penny Mild, for example, while I've merely scratched the surface with local breweries with this roundup: Mighty Oak in Maldon, Red Fox of Coggeshall, Mauldon's of Sudbury, the list goes on.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Football (again)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Late May observations
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Relegation
So there you are. For the first 45 minutes and for about nine minutes near the end we were safe. But other results and our own meekness conspired against us. For all my support of Alex McLeish, a parting of the ways is inevitable, and the club needs to appoint someone with attacking intent to breathe new life into a stable club. That is all.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Relegation or not, Blues fans need to be realistic
Friday, May 06, 2011
Proud to be British
Monday, April 11, 2011
Obverse Book of Ghosts review
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The dam has finally burst...
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Now I believe...
Sunday, February 27, 2011
48 years of hurt...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Extinquish the spark, please!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
RIP, Nicholas Courtney
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Keeping my head down
Thursday, January 27, 2011
We're going to Wembley!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Stuck in a rut
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Happy New Year
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Tuition fees
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Embarrassment taints night of joy
At the eighth time of asking, Blues finally beat Villa 2-1 last night to progress to the Carling Cup semi-final for the first time in nine years (and only the third time in the 30 years I’ve supported them). What should have been a joyous occasion – particularly seeing how Nikola Zigic’s winner was a late one in the same vein as Villa have enjoyed on three or four occasions in recent years – was marred by the scenes after the final whistle.
Blues fans piled onto the pitch, and sadly a minority of them went down to the Villa end to start taunting the losers. A minority of their fans responded by ripping up seats and even lighting a flare to chuck back, which then – in full view of the TV cameras – was returned in kind. The scenes were a return to the “Dark Ages” according to Blues boss Alex McLeish and it frankly ruined what should have been a great evening.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of it all is the attempts by some Blues fans to defend the behaviour of those involved in the violence last night. It sadly helps to confirm the stereotypical view other fans have of us as a bunch of Neanderthal thugs. I couldn’t care less what the Villa fans did – our lot should have known better, particularly just 24 hours before the vital FIFA vote on whether or not England will get to host the 2018 World Cup.
What makes me laugh is that we’ve waited seven years for the chance to enjoy a late night derby atmosphere – had the fans controlled themselves, perhaps there might have been a chance in future that our league clashes would kick off at a more sociable hour. But no, apparently football is all about smashing up your own stadium and paying scant attention to what actually happens during the game.
Monday, November 29, 2010
End of an era
a-ha is no more – in the UK at least. We were fortunate to be present at Wembley on Saturday evening to witness their last-ever gig and despite the appalling seats (I guess you get what you pay for), I think our party enjoyed hearing all the hits roll out one more time.
The band’s final gig was definitely an improvement on the Analogue tour we saw around five years ago, but if I’m honest it wasn’t up there with the Lifelines tour of late 2002, which thankfully was immortalised on their only live album to date. It was nevertheless good to hear all the old hits again, although I feel a pang of disappointment on not seeing them last year when they toured to promote their last album – ho hum, at least they played a couple of tracks from it.
Elsewhere life rolls on – work is hectic these days, with my having to chase up lots of smaller commissions to make up the missing work from PC Answers. We survive, however, which is the main thing. Amelia has two front (bottom) teeth, chattering away and gearing up to crawling properly; Harri turned three earlier this month and continues to astound and delight in equal measure. And I turn 38 tomorrow. What a ghastly thought – like everyone else I don’t feel my age, and it’s slightly perturbing to find time marching on around me. At least it’s the same for all of my contemporaries – helps to prevent the old mid-life crisis from setting in, although I understand these days it starts at 35, which means I’ve already missed the boat. Almost certainly for the best…
Friday, October 29, 2010
Boycotting companies who support the cuts
But if it's any comfort, I already do my best to boycott several of those companies for other reasons: Alliance Boots and GlaxoSmithKline are just two. I boycott these companies for ethical reasons, for the fact many of their products are brought to market having been tested on animals.
I personally recommend the Co-operative and Body Shop for providing products that haven't been tested on animals. It's also why I only buy my cats Applaws food, because the parent company (MPM Products) has been recommended by PETA. Bet you didn't realise your pet food is tested on animals in laboratory conditions, did you?
I boycott many companies based on their ethical standards - or lack of it. I don't buy petrol from Esso, I only purchase fair-trade chocolate having seen the environmental destruction wrought in the name of growing cocoa in the National Geographic, the list goes on and will grow as I become more aware of other ethical issues with products I consume. But I'm not pretending to be perfect - far from it, I'm sure there are many products I should be boycotting and turn a sub-conscious blind eye to.
My attitude is, if people want to boycott, all well and good, but perhaps it's time we looked a little harder at the companies we give our money to in good times as well as bad. If you boycott because of the cuts, also try to take more ethical choices with other products and companies too.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Look, I'm all for making cuts and sacrifices to try and get rid of this almighty financial mess. I'll even bite my tongue at some of those decisions that are obviously taken from a party political point of view, but this is ridiculous. For starters it grossly undervalues the natural world (but should I be surprised when the UN puts a price tag on insects at a paltry £120bn?), but it's also another example of selling the family silver.
Thatcher made an art of it in the 80s (I still can't understand why governments couldn't run these services at a profit, which could be reinvested in the country as opposed to being handed over to the rich to make them even richer than before), and New Labour did its bit when selling off half our gold reserves for a fraction of their current value, but at what point do we start demanding real change at the top? Who am I kidding? This is the UK, where our best skill is in the art of jerking our knees...
Sunday, October 24, 2010
£120m a day...
All these savage cuts do is eliminate the deficit, so this debt stops growing. They won't actually do anything to bring the debt back down to a manageable level - say £1trn lower than they'll eventually total by the end of this parliament.
But just to reiterate: £120m a day. It's why all these emotive arguments about the cuts that are currently going around miss the point entirely: we are up to our necks in debt having lived beyond our means. There are other hidden debts to be paid for in the years ahead too, thanks largely to the last government's inept PPI schemes (and never mind the pension deficit), and still people are making a case against any kinds of cuts.
My view is this: yes, in times of recession you normally hope the government of the day will step forward and increase public spending - and take on more debt by running a deficit for a few years. That approach works - if said government spent the good years paying off the last debt and running a budget surplus for tough times ahead. The last Labour government didn't do that, running big deficits during the "good" years with no thought to the future. They left a mess that - however unpalatable, however unfair and however tough - must now be dealt with.
I loathe debt - I have sat through the last decade shaking my head at the staggering sums of personal and public debt that have been racked up, as people stick their head in the sands and think they can have their cake, eat it and get away without paying for it - certainly not now, and maybe even ever, judging by the rise of those ads telling people they could write off 95% of their debts thanks to "little-known" government legislation. We attack the banks for plunging us into crisis, but we turned a blind eye while times were good and happily snaffled up cheap debt while it was available. Now we seem to have adopted the view that it's someone else's fault, where in reality we're all responsible.
I hope our generation pays it all back, so my children can hopefully enjoy a future where governments finally learn the lesson of debt. If I could enact one piece of legislation in the wake of this debt crisis, it would be this: governments would no longer be able to run up deficits without a thought for the future. They would be forced to balance the books over the term of a parliament, so a deficit one year would need to be recouped the next. If it meant the last year of parliament left them so strait-jacketed they had to face up to savage cuts in order to balance the books, then let them, and let the electorate judge them on it.
I consider myself left-leaning in most respects: I loathed New Labour for many things, but one of the most unpalatable things to swallow was their right-wing economic policies, allowing the gap between rich and poor to widen, encouraging tax avoidance (and blocking attempts within the Treasury to close those loopholes on at least one occasion), wasting huge sums of money on PPI schemes instead of spending the money more sensibly, the list goes on. How ironic, then, that their past reputation for mismanaging the country's finances should once again rear its head, and if anyone cares to look closely enough, it was there from the very beginning: it's just that Brown was able to sell off gold, raid people's pensions and enjoy the benefits of a recovering economy before he turned to running up huge debts.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Harri's hips
Harri's hip dysplasia is well documented on this blog, so you'll know how serious the operation was: it was bilateral (most counts of dysplasia affect just one hip - Amelia's potential dysplasia only affects her left hip, for example), which meant the chances of success were much less, because there wasn't a stable hip for one to lean on.
The news isn't definite, and not bad when you view it from one perspective. Both hip sockets continue to form, but the degrees at which they're forming differ, which is understandable as the left hip was worse than the right. The consultant would ideally want to see a hip socket of less than 30 degrees - the right hip is 26 degrees, so no problems there, but the left is borderline: anything from 28 to 31 depending on where it's measured. He's probably erred on the side of caution by saying it's 31, but better to be safe than sorry, obviously. As both hips have developed at the same rate since last year's scan (when they were 31 and 36/38 respectively), you have to hope that a second operation won't be needed. But the thought poor Harri might be in the clear has obviously gone for now. We'll have another checkup in a year's time, which will give us a better idea of whether that second op will be needed. It'll mean more time in plaster, which will be a lot harder on Harri and Toni this time round, and it may even disrupt her first term at school too.
I'm not looking for sympathy - I still harbour hopes the hips are doing well, all things considered - but Toni has been hit hard by this news, and we won't make the mistake of thinking things will be okay after this...
Monday, September 13, 2010
End of an area
It's obvious the PC magazine market is contracting - so I need to diversify into other areas if I possibly can. It would be nice to replace Answers' income with two or three alternatives to spread the risk. One of these is in place - and its online, so hopefully more robust, but I still need more.
The professional aspect dealt with, this just leaves the personal side of things. I joined PC Answers in 1998 as Production Editor as the magazine, fresh from having saved itself from closure, was on an upward curve. After 18 months and a promotion to Deputy Editor, I moved to my first editing job on another title, but returned a year later. The mag was in the doldrums slightly, but we've revived it again and made Future an awful lot of money during the course of my two years in charge.
I then went freelance, but PCA has always been a part of my freelance portfolio, and it's safe to say I'll shed a few tears at its passing. It's been on the cards for a while, but it's the loss of an old friend that has been incredibly good to me, and I for one will never forget it.
To PC Answers.