Neighbours 40th Anniversary- My experience

 Neighbours 40th Anniversary My experience

I was one of the lucky ones who received a meet and greet ticket. That for me alone was well worth the price. I went for the London palladium since this was the closest venue to me. I knew it was busy and I wasn’t surprised that the meet and greets went like Goldust (and this was before we knew who would be appearing!!! I decided to make a bit of a day of it in London (turns out that was a very good idea) and booked a hotel at the same Travelodge I had stayed for the celebration tour (Travelodge Covent garden BTW).I also got tickets for the f1 exhibition on the same day to do in the morning anticipating that the meet and greet would be in the afternoon.

When I got the email through from the London Palladium giving me the afternoon visit I was relieved but I did feel bad for the fans who got the morning slot as several had to change plans. Apparently, they had oversold the meet and greets and had to do several groups at a time!! (If I didn’t have tickets for the exhibition, I would have offered to swap but it was a little late in the day sadly).

Went I arrived to argyle street at around 2pm (meet and greet started at 2.30), I thought I would be one of the first. HA. There was already a huge queue. (a few people asked others in front of me what they were queuing for and they were told neighbours so I knew I was in the correct queue). I had a good conversation behind me with several fellow fans who I didn’t catch the names of but they loved neighbours as much as I did (in case anyone is reading it I was the one who happened to know that dates of some big events)

We got in just after 2.30pm and I got to meet the one and only Joe Julians!! One of the Creators of this tour and the celebration tour who was great to meet and had a good conversation with about the tour and how busy it was.

Finally got into the room and it was so weird being within touching distance of the stars. for Context it was Lucinda Cowen (Mel) Majella Davis (Krista) Tim Kano (Leo) and Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese) in one group and Dan Paris (drew) and Kym Valentine (Libby) in another group.

After it felt like an age it was finally my turn and I was greeted like Lucinda like an old friend- She was so friendly towards me and when I mentioned that I loved her character since her first appearance in 1987 she was surprised as she didn’t think I was old enough (I had to explain that it was from the defining moments dvd released in 2003). I was then introduced to Majella and Tim then I have to admit I fan gushed when I met Rebekah because she was such an iconic element of Aussie soap operas (Rebekah had been in home and away as Sophie where he character got pregnant by Guy Pearce) She had Lucinda had a jokingly play fight about who was better which was brilliant then we had the photos which was a dream as well.

Then it was onto meeting Dan and Kym and I have to admit I was gushing the whole time as well. The two of them had been icons of neighbours as well despite dan only doing 4 years on the show (which Kym said I must someone who knows a lot about the show- Which I would like others to judge)- and I got my photos with Kym and Dan.

Then it was off to get the merchandise (we got a free signed poster and a Ramsey street sign) At the celebration tour I was annoyed with myself for not getting everything. Not this time. I was determined to get everything (a programme, fridge magnet, a t-shirt and a tote bag)

Then it was off to the hotel for dinner (very disappointing burger to be honest) and back to the Palladium for the main show and once again the queue was huge again but I think the issue was that the queue for the stalls and the grand circle were in one queue and the royal circle were in another queue on the other side of the Palladium. Anyway, I got in and got into my seat. D13. 4th from the front. There was a good selection of music playing (from neighbours stars past and present – yes Alan fletcher was playing- a great touch there from the team)

Then the show got started and we met them one by one- Hosted By the incredible Leah Boleto- It was great to see such a passionate neighbours fan who knows so much about the show present this brilliant event. The first half seemed to go so quickly (and it was great to see the fans react when the other show was mentioned about when introducing Rebekah)

I have to admit my highlights of the show were the wonderful tribute to Janet Andrewartha and the brilliant news about how Ian Smith was getting on, When Kym took Dan aside (to let him know about Dan Fitzgerald) Kym’s laugh and of course the story of Mel (which for me the highlight was Rebekah bring a carboard Cutout of Toadie and giving it the middle finger. Very well Deserved.)

Sadly it was over far too soon but it still lives long in the memory and it was great to meet so many passionate fans (the show has a huge UK audience still) Like them I am still a little numb about the show being culled from Amazon but like others I am determined to save the show. It deserves to stay on the air.

But if the worst does happened there is still an appetite for events like as the celebration and the 40th anniversary tours that so many fans will be up for!!

Premier League- what is left to play for

Premier League- What is left to play for?

This year has been- well ODD- but we have reached the home straight now with only 5 games left to go- And While my team the might Liverpool have got the title they richly deserved other teams haven't felt so happy. I am going to go through all 20 teams and predict where they will end the season

Liverpool-1st (confirmed)

So Liverpool have won their first premier league title for 30 years. You can't say it was a fluke or they didn't deserve it. However, since they are out of all cup competitions you could be excused for thinking the team can go on holiday and relax (they seemed to be when Man City thumped them 4-0) however there is one more thing to play for. Beating Man City's record points total. With 15 points still to go they could do it. It would be the icing on the cake for a terrific season.

Man City Almost certainly 2nd

This year has been tough for Man City. Their luck had completely run out with injuries etc. And to top it all off they are facing a ban from the champions league from Next season which for the owners is the holy grail of success. However, there is a ray of hope- Foden could be a worthy successor to David Silva and they are the favourites for the champions league. And in my opinion, they could do it this time. With Liverpool already out and Chelsea basically out as well (yes I know Spurs are out too but they don't really count in this matter) they don't have any worries via the domestic competition and as for other European neighbours only Bayern and PSG could pose problems (when the season was halted they were beating Real Madrid 2-1 with 2 away goals in the first leg so I would assume they would get though that last 16 tie.) However, Bayern are not perfect as Liverpool beat them comfortably last season and PSG will not be sharp as their domestic season was completely called off. As for the elephant in the room Barcelona- They are not the powerhouse they were even two years ago and their season is falling off the tracks. Man City will never have a better opportunity to win the champions league as they will not have to bother with domestic issues.

The Race for Europe (Leicester, Chelsea, Man United, Wolves, Arsenal, Sheffield United and Spurs)

Man City's ban (unless it gets overturned) from the champions league means that 5th place may be enough to get into the champions league. Before Lockdown Sheffield United looked to be that team who could reach it (god help us). However, since the restart, Chris Wilder's side haven't looked great and are falling down the table hard. However Man United have had the opposite response though. Barring an interesting draw with Spurs, they have looked very sharp upfront and with Pogba fit and interested again Man united may get a spot in the champions league. Chelsea and Leicester have had mixed fortunes since the restart but Leicester in particular need to pick up some points soon because unlike United and Wolves (and Chelsea I suppose but they are only in the champions league still by default since they are losing 3-1 to Bayern and won't beat them in the return leg) they don't have insurance just in case they miss out on a champions league place. What Wolves (who did start brightly in the restart but will be hoping that the loss to Arsenal is just a blip) and United have is the Europa league where the winners get through to the champions league. Man United are the favourites to win it (and I personally think they will). Wolves are the second favourites as well. They won't want to rely on winning the competition to get in though and one of those teams will miss out. Out of Leicester, Chelsea, Man United and Wolves I think Wolves will just miss out.

As for the two North London clubs, this season has been a disaster for them both but they could still get Europa league places. I don't think either of them wants it though as the Europa league can sometimes be an unwelcome burden. Arsenal did return dreadfully but have started to pick up results while Spurs remain an ageing team that no manager could work wonders with. I think that Spurs will miss out completely and St Totteringham day will be happening again soon.

Pride and Top Ten if Nothing else (Burnley, Everton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Southampton)

I know Burnley are currently above Spurs but I highly doubt they are thinking about the Europa League. Most of these teams have restarted fairly well (with the exception of Palace who are looking like 14th maybe their home)- I have to say that Prior to December that I wouldn't have said that Everton or Southampton had a chance of finishing in the top 10. Well, they could still do it. But Newcastle have been the real stars of the restart. okay, they haven't had too many hard tests (saying that they have City next. Gulp) Maybe the fans not being there has been a blessing for them for once. With the unknown about the takeover (Talk about a Sophie's choice moment Picking either Mike Ashley or Saudi Arabia) they have done a good job and Steve Bruce deserves a lot of credit this season. My gut instinct says that Burnley may hang on to their top 10 place.

Relegation (Brighton, West Ham, Watford, Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Norwich)

Okay, let's face facts. Norwich are down. They can't defend and can't score. And they are SEVEN points adrift with only 15 left to play for. They are down. While the table looks kinder to Bournemouth the results haven't. They have been shocking and have conceded 12 goals. in only four games. and they have Spurs, City (god help them) and Leicester for their next 3 games. They are down. Villa have kinder fixtures ahead and their final game against West Ham could be a major game. quite Frankly barring Brighton (who have saved themselves And I think are now safe) they bottom 5 have been shocking, and fully deserve to be where they are. Personally, since West ham got the win against Chelsea (the only time they have looked decent) it looks like the bottom 3 at this current time (Norwich, Bournemouth and Aston Villa) will be the 3 that go down. However, the Watford vs West Ham game and the Final fixture of west Ham vs Villa could be a real treat.  

So that's my ramblings over with. Let's see if any of the above happens or Chelsea can stunt us all and win the Champions League again.

  

Jill Dando- A Murder never forgotten

Jill Dando- A Murder Never Forgotten

The 26th of April is a date rooted in a lot of peoples mind. It may be your birthday or wedding anniversary. Or it may be a date when you lost a loved one. Well, this date in 1999 became a date etched into the own fabric of the BBC. It was the date where they lost one of their 'Golden Girls' Jill Dando. Not through Cancer or another illness. Not through a car crash or a tragic accident. No. She was murdered on her doorstep in Fulham at about 11.30am.

You may ask why I am doing a blog about this subject. Well, my reasoning is clear. 18 months previous to Jill's murder, the Death of Princess Diana occurred. The whole country was swamped with grief. Elton John sang a nice song and the accusations went flying about from Prince Phillip and MI5 to the whole Shacked up with Elvis in South America. ( I personally love that idea. But my viewpoint was that a very fast car went into a tunnel at a dangerous speed which the former was known for crashes). However, the point of this was for me as a Six-year-old at the time I have no memory of any of this. The only memory I have is watching the tv and seeing news coverage of Diana's body being brought back.

However, by 1999 I was now Eight. Okay, I might not have seen the initial news coverage but I remember the impact of it. I remember the Nice lady from the Holiday programme no longer presenting the show (okay a moot point since Jill had quit the show anyway but still...). Her Murder (Note the word Murder here. I will not use the word death.) stunned the UK. I remember seeing the newspapers with her all over them. I remember the trial in 2001. Okay, I was old enough to see Barry George released in 2007 (after he was WRONGFULLY convicted of her murder) but still, this case has fascinated me since. 

Jill Dando may not be a Familiar name to you though. You might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well at the time she was the Fiona Bruce of her day. She was the BBC's golden girl who presented Crimewatch, The Six O Clock news and the Holiday programme to add Three feathers to her cap. She was due to co-host the TV Baftas in may 1999 and front the BBC's millennium coverage. The woman was everywhere. What's more, she was bright, Bubbly and very easy to warm too. I have no doubt that has she lived she would be the presenter of Antiques Roadshow now. She was due to be Married in September to Alan Farthing a gynaecologist.

So her Murder. This came completely out of the Blue. Jill was confronted by a man on her doorstep in quiet Fulham in London (so there were no witnesses at all) at about 11.30am on the 26th Of April 1999. He simply put a gun to her head and shot her killing her Probably instantly. Her body was discovered by a neighbour Ten minutes later and by 12.30 despite all efforts by hospital staff, there was nothing anyone could do.

The police started an instant murder investigation but there were Four major issues. Firstly and this is the biggest issue they had. They did not have a single witness who saw the event take place. Some neighbours saw a man briskly walking or running away. However there were conflicting stories about different men seen, land Rovers see in the areas which the different men were seen getting into and another man seen sweating at a bus stop. Secondly, they had no Murder weapon. Obviously, this was a gun but no gun no fingerprints, therefore, no evidence. Thirdly and this was a major obstacle was the public interest in this case. Jill's murder was the first real high profile murder of a British celebrity to happen in the UK for as long as people could remember. Even Diana's death took place in France. So the public interest in the case was extremely high and the police were put under pressure to find the Killers. Probably too much pressure which lead to Barry George being convicted (after the evidence of a fragment of a bullet was found in his pocket.that was it.  no just no) 

The Fourth and Final issue was Motive. I have a list of motives that the police had at the time and will give my verdict on each of them

• A jealous ex-boyfriend or an unknown lover had killed Dando.  The Police after questioning all of her Boyfriends ruled it out.
• That somebody had hired an assassin to murder Dando as revenge for their being convicted as a result of evidence garnered by Crimewatch viewers. Very Unlikely. Personally, Nick Ross (Her co-presenter) would have been more at Risk than Jill
• The possibility that a deranged fan may have killed Dando after she had rejected his approaches. Dando’s brother, Nigel, informed detectives that she had become concerned by “some guy pestering her” in the few days before her death, but this was ruled out by detectives. I actually agree with that seeing that her Murder was very professional.
• A case of mistaken identity. No. they knew that was Jill Dando.
• A theory that Dando had investigated a paedophile ring at the BBC during the mid-1990s and had handed a dossier containing her findings to BBC management, purportedly prompting a revenge attack. Again very Unlikely.

So quite a few theories there. However, the one I now favour is this one

• Various theories relating to Bosnian-Serb or Yugoslav groups in retaliation for NATO actions against media outlets and her appeals for aid during the Yugoslav Wars.

This seems now highly likely for three reasons. One- Jill did a Kosovo appeal that Raised nearly £6 million pounds. That may have angered a Yugoslav group. Two. A few days before her death the main tv Studios in Serbia were bombed by Nato Forces. This killed 16 people and may have prompted retaliation like this. Thirdly and this is the most damming evidence. A well-known Journalist was murdered outside his home in Belgrade in exactly the same way Jill was. This was a professional killing. No question about it.

Barry George a man with mental illness was tried and convicted for Jill's Murder but after an appeal was freed. To this day Jill's Murder has still not been solved and I doubt twenty years on it ever will. her Murder was the first High profile death I remember and it is a crying shame that she never got to fulfill her life.   

BBC VS ITV- world cup/Euro intros intros

In the history of UK football, Many people (including me) have been fascinated about how the BBC and ITV present football tournaments. So I have decided to take a look from 1978 onwards to judge who is better overall.


1978- World Cup Argentina
BBC

A very nice South American meets jewellery box theme that sounds about right for 1978. Some nice shots of the fans but little clips of the previous world cups or famous moments (maybe there weren't enough at the time in colour.)

ITV

ITV didn't seem to do proper opening titles in but just put some cheap music over clips of the tournament. Very poor because apart from that ITV at the time would provide the better coverage.

Winner- BBC. they made an effort.

1980 European championships
BBC vs ITV
it was such a popular tournament (not) that there seem to be no actual video clips of the intros. Could be a recurring theme of the 1980s

1982- world cup Spain
BBC

So would you ever associate Andrew Lloyd Webber with the World Cup? Well the BBC clearly thought that the time that the Jellicle Ball theme from cats would suit it. And god help us but it worked well. Nice use of limited special effects and focus on the flags of England and Scotland (but little mention of Northern Ireland being there as well. Shame)

ITV

ITV went back to basics for this world cup by just showing a bunch of random men playing football with the Spanish flag being cut in as well. The music was terrific though by Jeff Wayne (who had produced the big match theme as well) Called matador it began a tradition that ITV would get a theme produced exclusively for a football tournament.

Winner - BBC (Just) ITV had the better music but BBC was more polished

1984 European championships
BBC vs ITV
this is going really well. Not a single clip at this tournament either.

1986
BBC

Kudos for showing clips of previous tournaments but apart from that it just felt very cheap. The music is the main culprit of this and sounds like a 1980s USA cop show theme. It sounds vaguely Mexican but that is about it really.

ITV

ITV knock it out the park again with a fantastic intro that really does set the tone of the world cup. The music Axtec gold was so popular that it was used again (see below) and used for their popular football programme Saint and Greavsie. The clips shown are great as well.

Winner - ITV by a mile. The clips and music wins it every time.

1988 European championships

BBC- I cannot find it online but knowing the BBC it was probably rubbish

ITV

Hmmm... Maybe Aztec Gold doesn't work this time around but since it was used for Saint and Greavsie as well it was fine for the time

Winner- No score- (No clip for BBC)

1990 World cup- Italy
ITV

Declining to use Aztec Gold this time around and going with a little ditty called Tutti al Mondo by Rod Argent of the Zombies this was slightly ahead of its time and the graphics looked good. Usually this would be enough to win this, however, the BBC did something no-one on earth expected...

BBC

Whoever thought of using opera at the world cup is genius. It was perfect for Italia 90 and Nessun Dorma by Pavarotti proved to be a smash hit in the UK reaching number 2 in the charts. Okay, it might have something to do with England reaching the Semi-Finals of the world cup plus the fact that Italia 90 would be better remembered for glorious moments rather than great games (my highlight- Platt's goal against Belgium). The clips were stunning and Rossi's famous celebration captured the titles brilliantly. It didn't show Italy off as a country but by god, you knew it was Italian. Possibly the best world cup intro ever.

Winner- BBC- in a year where ITV did okay but BBC smashed them to pieces.

1992 European championships
BBC

The BBC decided to be Optimistic and use the European union theme Ode to Joy as the theme song. Well, how were they supposed to know how rubbish Euro 92 was going to be. and then the opening titles focused on retiring Captain Gary Lineker who didn't look sharp until his final game and then Graham Taylor hauled him off. And then England lost.

ITV

Oh, I absolutely love this theme. Again too Optimistic (unless you are Danish or Swedish) but the clips and the music work so well together as do the graphics. ITV got Union to compose the Song 'You Are The Number One' (Possibly aimed at Gary Lineker who they expected to beat Bobby Charlton's goal record. Graham Taylor had other ideas).

Winner- ITV. I love the music too much,

1994 World cup- USA

Strangely enough, without the home nations competing at the world cup this time around, (I blame Ronald Koeman) both the BBC and ITV declined to make much effort with the opening titles. BBC nicked the tune from West Side Story and just showed clips of the USA plus some of the teams who unlike England and Scotland had made an effort. (Wales Almost made it and did look like a good team until it all went wrong when the BBC chose to show the last 10 minutes of their game instead of England's hopeless task against San Marino - England had to beat them by SEVEN clear goals and hope Poland beat Holland. neither Happened. God help us we let San Marino score but England won  7-1. But Poland lost to Holland 3-1)

ITV

ITV declined to have an original song for this world cup (knowing how much smaller the audience was going to be) and decided to use the official world cup song Gloryland by Daryl Hall & Sound Of Blackness. I love the song but the clips are crap. Just showing people celebrating goals (and no-one I even recognize cut between random flags is frankly cheap and crap.

Winner- BBC- While I prefer ITV's music, it isn't even their own and everything else is terrible.

1996 European championships
BBC

Very good by the BBC. I love the music and showing clips using the stadiums that would be hosting the championships plus the focus on England and Scotland helps. It felt like it was coming home.
ITV

About the Same as the BBC's really. I do like Jerusalem theme and ITV would continue with the theme for a while after. However, I prefer the BBC's graphics and I found it to be a little dull.

Winner- BBC. Overall had the better package.

1998 World cup- France
BBC

I can see the idea behind it. The world's best players feasting at the French table with the world cup reflecting on them. however, in truth, it was very dull and didn't feel French or Epic. The real start of a Downward Spiral for the BBC.

ITV

Now, this is more like it. Showing France off with the highlights of previous world cups plus music which was perfect for 1998. ITV once again after 2 dodgy world cups that they really do opening titles well.

Winner- ITV. By a mile

2000 European championships
BBC

Its okay by the BBC and after a few bad efforts these opening titles feel modern and Fresh. Kudos to the MOTD logo at the end

ITV

Lack of Effort by ITV with this one. However, there wasn't any real point getting optimistic about Euro 2000 by a British broadcaster due to how rubbish England was when they were qualifying and throughout their brief time at euro 2000.
Winner- BBC- at least they tried.

2002 World cup- Japan/South Korea
BBC

Like 1998 I can see the idea behind it. Try to get the best out of both hosts and try to encompass the feeling of high speed towards the world cup final with showing previous clips and possible heroes, it actually does nothing for me and just seems, well BLAH!!!

ITV

However, this is the opposite. Using music from Japanese opera and showing the class of both nations this for me is possibly up there for the best ITV world cup intros

Winner- ITV. By a mile. AGAIN!!!!

Coming soon- Euro 2004 and 2006 world cup intros.

world cup 2018 review

With The Greatest Show on earth come to a close (and what a Great world cup it was)  I am reviewing all 32 teams.

Group A-

Russia -Quater Finals

Review- Before the world cup began the whole country was preparing for huge disappointment at the world cup with few expecting them to get out the group. Even the neutrals were expecting Russia to come third in the group behind Uruguay and a Salah inspired led Egypt. Even the first game against Saudi Arabia was expected to be a 0-0 bore feast. However, sometimes The hosts can surprise you (While South Korea got A LOT of help in 2002 they still did well). Russia scored FIVE against Saudi Arabia then three against Egypt (more on them later) and took the country on a huge ride of joy and optimism. Beating Spain on Penalties in the last 16 after losing to Uruguay was the clear highlight and while they nearly got past Croatia but lost on penalties, I highly doubt the country and those players will look back with hardly any disappointment. Well done Russia

Best Player- Denis Cheryshev

Saudi Arabia- 3rd in group stage

Didn't have the best start to the tournament but did improve after the 5-0 mauling from Russia. Only conceded one to Uruguay which was a huge achievement and then beat Egypt in their final game which was a fantastic result for them. Will go home with that joy at least.

Best Player- Mohannad Aseri

Egypt- 4th in group stage.

The so-called 'dark horses' of the tournament proved to be nothing but headless chickens. Okay, that is harsh but baring Salah there wasn't really anyone else who could score or play well (Okay Essam El Hadary did play okay but he is 45 for crying out loud). Egypt wanted Salah to perform like he did at Liverpool. Two issues. 1. He was NEVER fully fit for this world cup and shouldn't have played against Russia. 2. Hard to believe this but Liverpool do have other players who are quite good and score goals. Yes, Salah was the main man last season but still... They went home with their tales between their legs.

Best Player- Mohamed Salah-(Despite being 5% fit he was still their best player by a Mile)

Uruguay- Quater Finals

Sometimes teams can surprise you. I didn't have any reason to expect anything from Uruguay this time around despite, to be honest having a good squad. However, they proved to be the best South American team - no the best team OUTSIDE of Europe this time around. Okay, Suarez and Cavani didn't rip teams apart but that didn't matter because their defence this time was fantastic. The Athletico Madrid partnership of Giménez and Godín worked wonders and looked like getting Uruguay to the final. Pity they met their old friend Griezmann in the quarters though... (Bonus Points for Suarez not doing anything hugely controversial this time around)

Best Player- Diego Godín

Group b

Iran- 3rd in group stage

Just beat a plucky Morroco in what many thought to be the Useless match in the group (well it was TBH) then just lost to the Spanish in a poor game then managed to get a draw against Portugal which they could have won. Not bad considering no-one gave them a chance and they had to cope with losing their boot sponsors thanks to the USA Sanctions.

best player Karim Ansarifard

Morrocco 4th in group.

Very Unlucky in the competition. Deserved a point against Iran then played well against Portugal despite losing and nearly beat Spain. Which sent the Spanish on a downward spiral after that.

Best player-Khalid Boutaïb

Portugal Last 16

Ronaldo shone in the first two games but faded as the world cup went on. Portugal is a team in transition and must prepare for life without their best player. Should have lost to Iran and in defence looked very weak. Deservedly lost to Uruguay.

Best player- Cristiano Ronaldo

Spain Last 16

Looked okay in the first game despite David de Gea making a howler against Portugal. However, that was the highlight of their competition. Costa was getting the goals and looked a real menace but the rest of Spain never got out of second gear and underestimated the Russians and Lost on penalties. pathetic.

Best player- Diego Costa

Group C

France- Winners

France who fell at the last hurdle two years ago at the Euro's went a step up this time around and the golden generation came good. Only Giroud disappointed (Maybe his wife was watching his every move...). They have the next big superstar in Mbappé and they have a huge pool of players to pick from for the 2020 euros. Pity most of the squad have to play abroad thanks to PSG ruining the French league.

Best player- Kylian Mbappé

Denmark- Last 16

Most of the talk before the world cup was about Eriksen and how he would perform. To be honest I didn't see that much of him because it was Poulson and Schmeichel who impressed me the most. I doubt Kasper will have many trophies at international level but he did perform magnificently as he kept Denmark in the competition and saved a penalty against Luka Modric against Croatia. Denmark went out on penalties but at a good enough tournament for them.

Best player- Kasper Schmeichel

Australia- 4th in Group

Considering that they had very little in the way of players to call up Australia did okay. Pity Cahill didn't score but that's life, isn't it? Were there to make up the numbers and showed it. At least they don't have to go through Oceania qualifying anymore. All credit for getting a point.

Best Player- Mile Jedinak (well he knows how to take a penalty)

Peru- 3rd in Group

Very unlucky this time around. Kept the French quiet and should have got a point at least against Denmark. Played well in a tough group but did get a famous win over a poor Australia.

Best Player André Carrillo

Group D

Argentina- Last 16

For a team that scraped through to the world cup, Messi and co were a huge disappointment. Poor in defending and attacking with no real midfield they looked poor against Iceland, appalling against Croatia and just about pulled themselves together and beat Nigeria. But they faced the French in the last 16 and despite scoring three goals looked a complete shambles in defence and were knocked out. No-one was sorry to see them go. Still cannot believe that  Mascherano not only got picked but started every game. Shocking.

Best Player- Sergio Agüero. (well there wasn't much choice)

Croatia- Runners-up

The REAL dark Horses of this world cup (Wave at Egypt). Croatia bettered the heroes of 98 and took one step further. They were a fantastic attacking threat throughout the competition with Modric, Rakitić, and Mandžukić proving how amazing they are. Croatia made hard work getting through to the final winning two penalty shootouts and getting a deserved extra-time winner against England (I am so not biased at all). Modric was simply incredible at this world cup and fully deserved the golden ball. Pity, it ended in defeat but the French were that bit stronger.

Best Player Luka Modrić 

Nigeria- 3rd in group

The super eagles were terrific when played in their famous lime green shirts. Sadly they were only allowed to play one game in their home kits. Against Iceland. They were very disappointing against Argentina in particular. Very annoying as they were my pick in the sweepstake at work

Best Player- Victor Moses

Iceland- 4th in group

The smallest team at the world cup stunned Argentina to grab an unexpected point against them and we were all thinking that they were on their way to the last 16 aka euro 2016. However, Croatia and Nigeria proved to be much stronger and Iceland could not repeat their heroics of 2016. Kudos to the fans for those incredible thunderclaps and Rúrik Gíslason for becoming a social media icon.

Best Player- Alfreð Finnbogason

Group E

Brazil - Quater finals

My pick to win the world cup ultimately disappointed in Russia. They never got out of second gear and while they looked defensively a lot more solid the team's reliance on Neymar and Jesus proved to be a flawed task. Neymar became the laughing stock of the world due to his stupid hair and even worse theatrics with the diving and bad acting when he got tackled. Though to be fair he did show some glimpses of Magic it is clear that his time at PSG has done him no favours and he needs to get out of Paris. As for Jesus, he made no impact at the world cup and Tite seemed reluctant to drop him. Brazil was far better with Bobby Firmino playing but in the end, Belgium knocked them out with a stronger performance all around.

Best Player- Philippe Coutinho

Costa Rica- 4th in group

The signs were there when they played England just before the world cup. Costa Rica's time in the sun has set. Yes, they still have Navas but he is certain to just be the Real Madrid number 2 keeper by August. Costa Rica was outplayed in the competition mostly (though they kept Brazil out for most of the game) but did show some of the character from 2014 and Navas was incredible.

Best Player- Keylor Navas

Serbia- 3rd in group

The stats will not be kind to Serbia as they lost 2 out of 3 games. However, on the field, they were okay to watch and played alright football. Unlucky to lose to Switzerland but could not keep Brazil out. Should be better at euro 2020.

Best Player- Aleksandar Kolarov

Switzerland- Last 16

A surprise package from this world cup the Swiss did rather well at the world cup. Maybe in all fairness, they should have lost to Brazil but they looked strong attacking wise. Maybe it was because Shaqiri knew he had to perform well to get back into the top flight (and he has). Maybe it was because Xhaka knew he had to impress his new boss at arsenal otherwise he would be out the door. And he did that as well. In defence, they didn't look that great but in attack wise, they were quite good.

Best Player- Xherdan Shaqiri

Group F

Germany- 4th in group

So the curse of the holders goes on. To be fair though Germany only have themselves to blame for this disaster. Starting from Neuer playing in goal when he spent the whole season injured and not giving Marc-André ter Stegen a chance. That was harsh. What was even worse was the fact that he didn't take Sane who just had the season of his life at Man City. Yes, Brandt did well (and was Germany's best player by a mile). Joachim Löw said he didn't think Sane was ready. Well, it could not have been much worse. Ozil was awful and when he didn't play against Sweden they looked a bit better (only a bit). Then he got recalled to play against South Korea and they lost!! Hummels didn't take his chances and Werner looked out of his depth (but he is young and will come good I believe) Utter Shambles. And do not get me started on Boateng.

Best Player- Julian Brandt (Well there wasn't much choice)

Mexico- Last 16 (what a Surprise)

The Mexicans stunned the world by beating a terrible Germany in their first game then getting past a brave but ultimately poor South Korean side. Then looking like they could win the group and probably face a beatable Swiss side they stuff it up against Sweden and come second. And face Brazil in the last 16 instead. Just goes to show that Mexico cannot get that monkey off their backs.

Best Player- Guillermo Ochoa

South Korea- 3rd in Group

The South Koreans were brake but ultimately not good enough at the world cup. Were poor against Sweden, Okay but fell short against Mexico then proved to be good against a terrible German side. Son Heung-min proved to be the star man again but Jo Hyeon-woo became a goalkeeping hero after his saves against Germany.

Best Player- Son Heung-min

Sweden- Quater finals

Who needs Zlatan hey? Sweden looked a better side without their star man and team performances carried them to the last 8 where they lost to England. Very good against Mexico in particular where they let the Mexicans press the self-destruct button. With Alexander Isak coming through at Borussia Dortmund for Sweden their future is looking bright. (thank god for football manager)

Best Player- Andreas Granqvist 

Group G

Belgium- 3rd Overall (Semi-Finals)

The golden generation almost came good. They played so well leading up to the semi-finals barring that odd win over Japan where they scored in the last minute to win 3-2 after being two goals down. But they had enough in the tank and on the bench unlike other teams to get a plan B together and succeed. De Bryne, Hazard, and Lukaku all carried their Premier league form into the world cup with Fellaini and Chadli surprising everyone with good performances and Courtois winning the golden glove. Will have another chance at Euro 2020 and I wouldn't bet against them.

Best Player- Eden Hazard

Tunisia- 3rd in Group

There isn't a lot to say about Tunisia. They were a better side than Panama but nowhere near England or Belguim. Nearly got a point against England but it would not have been deserved. Belguim thrashed them then they managed to beat Panama. They were okay. Not much more to say really.

Best Player- Wahbi Khazri

Panama- 4th in Group

How the hell did they qualify? Seriously. yes, they were the so-called plucky underdogs but the way they played made them 0% likable as well. wrestling Harry Kane and John Stones to the ground while trying to defend in the box. Bad tactics. Get angry about every foul that was given against them just made them sore losers. They did score two goals though and their fans and commentators were fantastic. However. How rubbish is the USA not to get past this team to qualify...

Best Player-Felipe Baloy

England- 4th Overall (Semi-Finals)

Who would have thought it hey? England finally does well at a world cup and equal their best ever result outside of their home stadium in a competition. Gareth Southgate put several demons of himself and the team to bed in the competition. Our Captain and main man Harry Kane got the golden boot. We won a knockout game our first since 2006. we made national heroes of several players (Pickford, Maguire, and Trippier) and most importantly we actually won a penalty shootout at a world cup!!! the fact that we were disappointed about losing the semi-final to Croatia says it all. Gareth Southgate and his team took an England squad on a journey that will never be forgotten.

Best Player- Kieran Trippier

Group G

Columbia- Last 16

Columbia's world cup started in total disaster against Japan after THREE minutes when Carlos Sánchez handled the ball in the box and conceded a penalty. And got sent off. Great start. Columbia lost that game but recovered to beat Poland and Senegal to reach the last 16. Then it got odd. Columbia played dirty against England. Now I am not saying England were completely blameless but when they conceded the penalty they argued for about five minutes with the referee and while he was distracted with the 3 or 4 players shouting at him, a couple of other Columbia players Scuffed up the spot kick area to try and make Kane miss. When you have Maradona supporting you it says a lot about your team.

Best Player- James Rodríguez

Poland- 4th In group.

Before the world cup started Poland was ranked 8th in the world and were seeded for the world cup. Well, they won't be 8th in the world now. They were total rubbish at the world cup and looked very weak in both attack and defense. Lewandowski was total rubbish and was totally ineffective. The only reason that they got any points at all was the fact that Japan decided not to play football and risk getting any yellow cards. Poor all round

Best Player- Jan Bednarek

Japan- Last 16

One of the surprises of the world cup did have a lot of luck in the group stage. Columbia gifted them a win and Senegal gifted them two goals. Then it dawned on the team that it was going to be the number of Yellow cards in their final game against Poland would get them through even if they lost to a pathetic Polish side. Was it allowed? Yes. Was it fair? Not really. But they surprised the world with a great 70-minute performance against Belguim where they were 2-0 up. However they tired towards the end and let Beguim win 3-2.

Best Player- Takashi Inui

Senegal- 3rd in Group.

Very Unlucky not to get through but Senegal were the best African side by a mile at this world cup. With a manager full of Meme's and THAT goal to beat Poland (Pure Genius) the only reason they did not get through was due to the number of yellow cards (They attempted to beat Columbia while Japan could not be bothered and it showed in the end) However the rules are the rules and they should have beaten Japan.

Best Player- Sadio Mané

2017 in football- who will be happy to see the back of it.

2017 in football- 

who will be happy to see the back of it?

So another year over and in football terms some clubs and players will be over the moon to see the back of it. See below...

Sunderland FC

Down, Down deeper and Down.

Well, the Black Cats drowned this season, didn't they? Premier League relegation was inevitable and their first season in the championship has been a disaster with only ONE win and 22 points they are out the relegation zone by goal difference. And baring Jermaine Defoe there wasn't even a mass exodus from the club of players. League one beckons?

Blackburn Rovers

Chicken Tonight.

Its been SEVEN very long years for Blackburn who have gone from Upper Midtable Premier league side to a league one side. All thanks to some idiot chicken owners. hopefully, 2018 will see the side OUT of league one and be pushing to go up to the premier league. With some nice rich NEW owners. Surely there is some rich Americans willing to take over the club?

Manchester United

Never good enough...

Okay, this is harsh but let's be honest. Man Utd did not have THAT good of 2017. Yes they won two trophies (the league cup which they nearly lost to a toothless Southampton and the Europa league which was pathetically weak that season) however their league form leaves much to be desired, and add to the fact that their so-called lesser neighbours are flying away from them at a record pace and you can see the problem. Plus Jose needs to grow up.

Arsenal

The year when they FINALLY came 5th.

Arsenal had it coming. Another thrashing in the last 16 in the champions league (they lost 10-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich) and a much deserved 5th place in the league means 2017 will not be the most welcome year to Arsenal Fans. Yes, they won the FA cup but Arsene always wins that. plus no-one is interested in the Europa league (Since Atletico Madrid are going to win it)

Chris Coleman/Wales

Oh Dear Chris

Chris Coleman had a great 2016. He has a shocker of a 2017. Wales didn't even reach the playoffs of the world cup qualifying in a group which was a winnable group. Bale looked a shadow of his former self as did Aaron Ramsey and Ashely Williams. Actually, it's not been a great year for wales as a whole has it. Coleman preferred Sunderland(???) to the national job, they have no manager and Swansea the only Welsh team in the Premier team look like they are going down. Let's hope for better in 2018

English in year 9

English in year 9

I seem to be on a bit of a journey into my school days recently. I can remember a lot of my lessons and what happened from year 10 onwards. Years 7-9 seem to blur together somewhat. Most of them seemed crap these days and not really relevant. However, there is one exception to this. That was English in year 9 where I learnt absolutely nothing thanks to the stupidity of the school and recruiting teachers who could not cope with 13-14-year-olds.

But let's start in September. My first English lesson of the year and it was Mr. Rowley who was teaching us. Oh yes, the assistant principal that students complained about being too aggressive but managed to get away with it every-time. Oh, incidentally I was put in the set with loads of cool kids. Yes, it was one of those classes.

Everything was going okay until we had the first English lesson that was LAST period on a Friday. Mr. Rowley was clearly tired and fed up and when someone did something slightly bad (not on the really bad scale) he would lose it and we would all suffer. I don't really think we learnt anything on a Friday except how bad Him/Her (whoever got shouted at) were and how they were crap and they would be heading out to loserville etc...

He really needed to calm down.

Anyway, after Christmas, we got a new teacher (Rowley was still in the school he probably had enough of the class). And for the life of me, I cannot think of his name. I know he was Welsh but that's it. Anyway... He didn't scream or shout but he couldn't really control the class. He did okay but I don't think I really got anywhere. He lasted until Easter (then quit. Probably because of the class). Then the real fun begins.

They decided to give us two teachers instead. One was South African called Miss Van .... (once again the name escapes me) and Mrs. Golding. Who was either Russian or Italian? Can't remember. But let's start with Miss Van. She took us for all but last period on a Friday. And by god was she bad. She could not control the class and would just try to plow through without success. I remember one incident when she was persuaded to take the class onto the field by the cool kids (very stupid idea) and then half the class buggered off to have a smoke... where they were caught by Mr. Rowley. Of course.

And then there was Mrs. Golding who I actually had for two lessons. There was history where she just covered the same topics we had done earlier in the year. oh and the class was total chaos as well. Now to be fair My tutor group was not known as the bad one. So when the class got fire extinguishers out and no-one would do any work you know when you are beaten. And once again there was English Period 5 on a Friday where we had to resort to beg our spanish teacher not to let us go because we knew how bad it would be. It was the worst chaos ever. And she would just sit there and let it all happen. Well at the beginning she would try and teach but by 2pm (the lesson started at 1.55pm) she knew it was over. Occasionally there would be a member of senior management who would come in but for the most part, the music and the shouting would take over.

And I would just sit there bored and wondering if I had learnt anything this year. Maybe not in the subject but maybe I grew up. I saw how boring it was. And also I decided I never wanted to be a teacher. Never ever.

(On a final note Miss Van and Mrs Golding were gone by the time I started year 10. Pity really)