Webmaster's Ramblings

Just day to day chat from your webmaster, if you want to add a comment just
e-mail the site.   Entries are listed most recent first:


Sunday 22nd November:      I Made It
Finally I got down the park this morning to see my first game of the season and
now I seem to be on the mend I should hopefully make it down there most weeks.
For the first time in a while I am walking without a stick and my weight loss is
up to well over four stone so all in all it's early days but I am doing ok.
As for the football, what a super match I witnessed on the Under 10s,
check the reports out as it is worth it.
The heavens opened just as I had to give in for the day so I hope everyone
caught in it got dry quickly.
All the best.


Saturday 21st November:   Long Break
After a long break we are back. We had to change website hosts due to our 
former hosts closing down and then had lots of trouble with getting re-started
with the new hosts but hopefully that is all behind us now and our new website 
address is a bit easier to remember.
Please be patient as we are looking at way of bringing the site forward and
hope to have new layouts and features soon.
As for me I should soon be back down the park as I am feeling better by the 
day.
Enjoy your football !

Monday 5th October:   A True Star
Every now and then we witness a real amazing sporting moment which makes the hairs
stand up on the back of your neck or makes you realise you are just so lucky to be
watching it.
Moments I can think of off the top of my head are:
Mike Powell breaking the world long jump record beating Carl Lewis along the way in
Tokyo.
Red Rum wearing down and finally passing the gallant Crisp in his first Grand National
victory.
Red Rum's third and record breaking Grand National win from Churchtown Boy.
Chris Akabuzi bringing home the baton when GB beat the 'unbeatable' USA team
in the 4 x 400 metres relay in the World Championship in Tokyo.
Ellie Symonds winning her first swimming gold medal at last year's Paralympics.
Virginia Wade winning the woman's singles at Wimbledon back in 1977.
Usain Bolt streaking to world records and gold at the Olympics.
Cathy Freeman's 400 metres gold medal at the Sydney Olympics.

They are just a few and just as I continue to write I can think of many more
but I do know we witnessed one such moment yesterday when Sea The Stars
romped home to win the Prix De L'arc De Triomphe.
He made it six wins out of six starts this season from one mile through to a mile
and a half. Three classic victories and all the other three were Group One victories.
This is really something very special, people in the know talk about Dancing Brave
as one of the very best and he was but Sea The Stars is truly even better.
He started well and had a good early position but was then shuffled back before
the wily old fox Mick Kinane worked him through to be in a place just behind the
leaders. Just for a moment the possibility of failure crossed my mind but just then
the gap opened and his ears pricked and he went for it. He briefly used the whip
but ultimately it was a steering job and he romped clear to win to the delight it 
seemed of all present.
A final outing in the Breeders Cup in California in November is on the cards and
it would be some send off but I think all true racing fans are hoping that 
connections think long and hard before risking him one more time.
Whatever the future holds we are sure of one thing Sea The Stars in a champ.
I can't finish without mentioning John Oxx who trained his stable star to 
perfection. Turning him out each and every time to perform at the top level,
just imagine the pressure of training such a star. The constant attention from 
the media etc.
The whole team have done a superb job.



Tuesday 28th September:  Up And Running
So we are underway at last after the opening day last Sunday, as usual it 
may have been a bit chaotic but please be patient with managers and committee
members it is a big task in getting things sorted and may take a few weeks 
to bed down. So please give everyone your support, remember all the little
jobs that have to be done to enable the league to keep going like preparing
identity cards for each and every player and doing criminal records checks 
for all helpers and officials and loads more. It can be very stressful for
those in charge too so we all need to be as supportive as we can. I know 
myself that there has been times when I have had website problems and
sat at the computer into the early hours and it can get one down as all
we seem to get are complaints or problems and one can feel a little unappreciated.
That goes for managing and being on the committee too at times and though
we may not always see eye to eye with people I think it is important to 
realise just how much people do to keep this league going. It is so easy
to get caught up in our own troubles and forget others.
Let's try and enjoy the football and create lots of smiles and good memories
for all concerned. As I always say for me Little League is a bit like time travel
cause there is a good chance as a manager or helper that you will help create
some very special memories for youngsters that they will still have as adults
when we may no longer be around so just try to enjoy all you can.
I will take this chance to remind all managers to get their results in as
at this stage we still have had only four results from twelve matches played
on Sunday. 
The fixtures for this coming Sunday are now on the Latest News page but
remember to check all the fixture lists and let me know if you are aware of
any fixture changes.

Thursday 17th September:  Nearly There
We are just three days away from our first day of action for Season 2009/10
which will be a fund raising friendly between managers, ex-managers and a
sprinkling of ex-players. The teams are due to be split into a Juniors
(under 8s/9s/10s) managers and ex-managers and a Seniors (Inters/Mains)
managers, ex-managers and ex-players team. We obviously have more junior
managers so a few younger legs are strengthening up the Seniors side.
Whatever the outcome it should be fun and with a raffle being held too it
hopefully should raise a bit towards our league costs as this season we are
facing a struggle. It is not only financially that we are struggling as we are
very short of players as other leagues are too. We are still hoping to find
extra players from under 9s right through to under 14s level. We have been
trying schools, local press and local radio but if you know someone looking to
play regular football who fits into those age groups please get them to get
in touch via this website or to come down this Sunday morning to Beddington
Park where they will be able to sign on while we play our friendly fun match
which by the way kicks off at 11am.
We were thinking of other ways to raise funds and thoughts went back to 
when we held a most interesting pets competition which was very popular and
in a very exciting conclusion it was won narrowly by a tin of salmon from a
leg of lamb with Maria finishing third. Only joking Maria what I really wanted
to say is this. Please be patient with the committee of which Esther and Maria
are a huge part. They have much to sort out at this time of year so can be
behind with tasks etc and then of course the managers may also end up behind
and parents and players can get a bit annoyed but please just be as patient as
you can. As I have already said lots of work are going on to try and recruit 
new players at this late stage and also a contingency plan of revised teams
and fixtures in some age groups have to be worked out so please help if
you can but just at this stage bear with us and look forward to football 
and fun hopefully.

Friday 4th August:     Starting and Winding Down
As the summer sport programme starts to wind down we are starting pre-season
and the excitement is starting to build especially as our season should be starting
in a few short weeks.
Reminds me of our first season training a side when someone came up with the bright
idea of lining up some dustbins for the players to dribble around before shooting,
great idea but the dustbins won 3-0.
Ok so I was joking but I think it is best to have a light hearted attitude for our
season. Just think for every league champion side this season five will not be lifting
the winners trophy so let's concentrate on enjoying the football and the being 
together.
Sponsorship is looking up with the Inter and Under 9 Maroons picking up a super
sponsor who will also be helping out with trophies, Details of the new sponsorship
by Penta Consulting are now on the Sponsors Page.
Trophies are a good thing for a company to sponsor, just thing for a reasonable 
outlay a company could have a whole cup competition or league season in an age group
named after them so their name could appear on not only appear on the sponsor
page and pages like this but on the results and tables or cup page all season too.
Do you know anyone who could help? If so drop me a line.



Saturday 15th August:   The Big Kick Off
It's nice to be able to add to the site at last, it's been so frustrating not being
able to access the site and emails sent in but finally we are up and running again.
Got to know the chap from BT so well we were thinking of inviting him round for
Christmas.
The Premiership starts today and first on the starting blocks are Chelsea and
Hull City. Just been reading how the bookies have had a flood of money for
Chelsea to win the Premiership this season and consequently they have now 
replaced Manchester United as favourites on many lists.
Everyone will be keen to see how free spending Manchester City do this season
and they kick off this afternoon against Blackburn Rovers and many be interested
on how that one turns out especially with all the articles about City's hunting down
of Everton's Lescott in today's papers.
Our local sides, Sutton United, Carshalton Athletic and Tooting And Mitcham all
start their campaigns today too. We will keep an eye on all those as the season
progresses.
Elsewhere in sport the World Athletics Championships start today from Germany
and that should be great viewing over the coming week. Whatever your Country
you can't fail to be excited by the Jamaican sprinters led by Bolt and his rivalry
with Tyson Gay of the USA should be interesting too but surely nobody can live
with the bullet from Jamaica and what a personality too.

Tuesday 30th June:   Great Vision For The Players But Not For The Fans
It was a very exciting evening at Wimbledon last night with the Andy Murray
match going to five sets under the roof and lights and the result coming out
well for the supporters of the Brit.
Though when the match went into a fifth set and the BBC showed the
spectators on the hill it did strike me that although the All England Club were
set up for playing in the rain they maybe were not ready for night time play
as their did seem to be a lack of lights on the outside of the stadium. It looked
like there could be worries when the thousands on the hill got up to leave together
in the dark and all those plus the fifteen thousand in Centre Court went looking
for their cars etc. From what was said on television today that was true and there
were some interesting stories of many blundering around in the dark.
Hopefully more planning will take place for future events if this is a problem.
Big Quarter Finals Day tomorrow for the men with everyone expecting Federer
and Murray to progress towards a final meeting but I have been impressed 
with lower seed Karlovic and Djorkavic is still there too. Chuck in old favourite
Leighton Hewett and tomorrow could be a good day of tennis, today the top
four seeds progressed through in the Women's event and the Williams sisters
keep marching on.
Shame to see the England Under 21s go down to the Germans in the European
Under 21s Final last night but they did do brilliantly reaching the final and had
a terrible time with players missing for the big final.




Friday 26th June: A Lovely Gesture
I just had to write a piece in thanks to Autoglass for their generous sponsorship
of The Nationals Squad which will enable us to purchase a new kit for next season.
This is such a lovely gesture as Autoglass already sponsor two teams in our league
and we all know how tight it is financially for individuals and businesses alike so 
for them to do this is wonderful and really appreciated.  A big thank you goes to
Inters Manager Roy Crabbe who worked hard to get this for us and we really owe
him so much too. Roy has been a breath of fresh air to the Nationals Squad and
this just shows how much he cares, thanks Roy.
As for Autoglass, we all know that they sponsor professional sport and teams but
it is great to see how much they care about the grass roots level and the kids.
This has put a big smile on many faces, thank you so much Autoglass.

Thursday 18th June: What A Performance
I have just watched the Gold Cup from Royal Ascot and what a performance from
the Aidan O'Brien trained Yeats to win this race for the fourth consecutive year.
This is something never done in the history of the meeting which has been going
for over two hundred years.
It is extremely hard to ready a horse for a particular race at any time but to
do so for four years and win each of them is an amazing feat. I am a big
traditionalist so it has been great for this old race to be popular once again
and hopefully that trend will continue as it was not so long ago that there was
talk of reducing it from a Group One event as a race of so long a distance is
just not popular these days where speed has become more dominant and staying
has not been deemed as sexy anymore.
Johnny Murtagh rode a super race and went for home at just the right time and
said catch me if you can and nobody could.
As for the other side of the Royal meeting, is it just me or are these so called
fashion experts barking made, I just don't get it but then again anyone who
sees what I where will not be surprised by that, ha ha. Some of this so called
amazing hats on show looked more like sattelite dishes on ladies heads, oh well.



Tuesday 16th June:  Summer's Here
We know we have entered summer now as we are only a few days away from
the start of Wimbledon Tennis and this year we have a Brit at second favourite
to win the event. To have a player with a realistic chance is something I always
dreamed of. I remember as a lad cheering on the great British players like
Buster Mottram and Roger Taylor etc, ok they may not have been great but
I always dreamed that they had a chance but now we truly do have a real 
chance with Andy Murray. Let's hope he just has a quiet and uneventful
first week and slips into the later stages without being noticed too much.
As for football we do have the Confederations Cup being shown via the Red Button
on the BBC and on BBC3 too at the moment. That has started off well with
the Brazil v Egypt match yesterday developing into a seven goal thriller which
Brazil just edged with a penalty. The USA gave Italy a bit of a fright last 
night too before going down but they did so very gallantly having played a large
part of the match with just ten players.
As for Little League the last two trials are still to take place but we do seem
to be struggling for numbers so I am appealing to all of you to tell as many as
you can about our trials and our league as we need to get the numbers up.



Tuesday 9th June:    Bits And Pieces
Let's start with a laugh or an attempted one, 'How do you make a one armed
monkey fall out of a tree ?'   Answer: ' Wave at him'
Oh well, worth a try.
The trials are underway and will continue each Sunday through June, as usual
it was a slow start last Sunday but it usually picks up as word gets around
among the kids.
On the professional front it was a super win for England on Saturday against
the mighty footballing nation of Azerbaijan. Tomorrow night we take on
Andorra at Wembley and the tube strike has made it very hard for supporters
to make it to the game perhaps a couple of the players won't make it, well
we can hope, ha ha.
As for the website it will be a quiet period for a while as I start to tidy up things
for the new season. I will be clearing down the results, tables and reports pages.
Don't forget to keep your birthday greetings coming though as we have not had
many lately.
We had the annual general meeting just last week and it looks like we have
said goodbye to a few faces who will be sadly missed but as ever we have many
new faces too. Best wishes go to all those who have left including the players
who have left either by choice or who have had to due to their age. Hopefully
many of them will keep in touch with us.


Sunday 31st May:    Never Ending Football Season
It does seem like the football season does not really end as we had the 
FA Cup Final yesterday, which was a very fair final for a change with
both teams giving it a go considering both league meetings had been without
a goal this season and next week we start trials for our Little League Season
2009/10. Add to that the ongoing international matches over the next few weeks
then it will be picking night for us and some teams will be starting pre-season
training so it is go go go.
Britain's Got Talent
The other big final yesterday was the B.G.T Final and it did not disappoint
too much. I was so pleased to see Diversity win as they have been and can be
an inspiration to so many. We could not only see them going on to success as a
dance troop but also encouraging dance and entertainment in youngsters across
the country with maybe classes and clubs etc. To hear of youngsters putting in
so much work practising for months and years to get to this standard is really
uplifting and their originality is wonderful. Susan Boyle will have much success and
I am sure finishing runner-up will not harm her one bit. Many of the finalists will
have much success in the future and I can see Stavros Flatley being booked for
Greek weddings forever. It has been an uplifting and entertaining show all round.
I am practising my singing in the bath constantly now to get my talent fully on
the top line so I can take the nation by storm in next year's competition.


Wednesday 27th May:     Who Would Have Thought ?
I am a bit surprised at what is gripping me right now on the radio. Like most
people I love lots of the easy stuff on television like the American and British
crime dramas and even been watching the latest 'Britain's Got Talent' but the
programme that has me really on the edge of my seat at the moment is a
real classic that I always thought would be beyond me. I am a big fan of
digital radio station BBC 7 with all the drama and comedy from recently and
yester-year and just at the moment I am really in to the Tolstoy classic
'War And Peace' which is coming to an end this week. For a radio play the 
action and staging is magnificent and it is so moving and just urges me to want
to find out more about those times. I have been introduced to lots of the 
classic Dickens stuff via BBC 7 which led me to pick up the books but I would
never have thought I would get into this one.
As for 'Britain's Got Talent' who is your money on?
As the semi-finals started it looked like Susan Boyle was an odds on certainty
but the show and the press are trying to say that this is not the case though
the bookies still have her top of their list. There has been a few contenders
so far and it was a big surprise to me to see 'Stavros Flatley' win last night's
show even though like most I loved their first appearance. I think the only 
way they could have gone through was to win as the judges may have ruled 
against them and they did win and the crowd loved it. 
There has been lots of good feeling stuff around too, the two dance acts
that have qualified for the final, Diversity and Flawless were superb and really
show young people up well for a change because the work and dedication they
have shown to get that good must be massive. Think of all those hours rehearsing
not knowing what the future holds, so they really deserve their success.
The dance act from Liverpool who did not qualify last night were fantastic too,
their outlook, belief, hard work and dignity is very inspiring.
The only worry I have is that after the big coverage of George Sampson's
dancing last year there has been an explosion of dance acts this year so 
does that mean after the 'Human Saxaphone' we are going to have a
tidal wave of other human instruments next year, please no, ha ha.


Monday 25th May:   All Settled
So it's Liverpool second, Chelsea third and Middlesbrough and Newcastle to 
accompany West Brom down to the Championship. Add to that Burnley being
promoted to the Premiership and it looks like exciting times next season.
I remember the last time Burnley were in the top division but that only shows
my age.

Sunday 24th May:    What A Good Day
Well done to the Wallington Nationals Squad on becoming runners-up in
the Anglo Dutch Plate which is held every two years and hosted by
West Sutton Little League.
It was a great day and every member of the squad and management and
the support of course deserves a mention, well done everyone.

Last Day Of League Action
I am writing this as the last day of English Premier League action is taking 
place and there are lots of issues to be decided.
Second place is still up for grabs and is between favourites Liverpool and Chelsea.
Relegation is  being fought against by a few very nervous clubs and the Golden Boot
could go to Anelka from Chelsea if he scores today or will be shared by him and
United's Ronaldo if he does not.
I should be able to write about who did what tomorrow when is has all been decided.


Wednesday 20th May:   Nearly Over And Time To Start Again
This Saturday is the day of our last tournament of Season 2008/09 for
the Nationals Squad and then the season is over, but two weeks later we
start trials for Season 2009/10, so we have a two week break, ha ha.
The tournament is down at Cheam Rec and is a nice day normally with teams
from Holland taking part with many of our local rivals too. This season's
Nationals Champions Clapham will be playing too so it should be a good day.
We have made lots of changes to our squad to give as many as we can
a chance to represent their league so we just hope they all have a good
day. As many of you know it has been a struggle for me lately and I would
never have managed without my son Lewis and the support of fellow 
managers Lee and Roy too. Roy has been a star and I don't think he
realises just how much he is appreciated, he has been a real friend and
a great lift to have around too.
On the professional front this Sunday is the last day of Premier League
action and there are lots of relegation issues to be decided which should be
exciting. 
In other sport we have the Monte Carlo Grand Prix this weekend, Wimbledon
Tennis is just about a month away and the Epsom Derby is only about three 
weeks away, so it must be nearly summer.


Sunday 17th May:    Don't Either Of Them Want To Win
What an amazing time it is in the Scottish Premier League with both 
Rangers and Celtic slipping up against Hibernian this week but well done
Hibernian for giving both of the big boys plenty to worry about.
It looks like Rangers are back in the box seat but who knows?
As for our Premiership, well done to Manchester United who are deserved
champions for this season and still have the Champions League Final to
look forward to.
At the other end it will be a very exciting day next Sunday when the 
when the final relegation places are decided, it is a nervous time for all
Newcastle supporters though.

All over
As expected Norway triumphed and didn't they did it by a mile, pleased for
Azerbaijan doing so well finishing third, the big news though was UK flying 
high in fifth place and the poor showing of Malta, Greece and a few others
but on the whole a super night and you will all be pleased to see the back
of it though not all of you judging by the hits on the site in the last week.

Saturday 16th May:    It's Here
The big day has arrived and it's time to get those vol-au-vents out once 
again tonight is the big Eurovision Final.
As promised here is a quick run through:
First up we have:
Lithuania: Nice little ballad but should not threaten the front runners.
Israel: Message song asking for peace at home which is a nice sentiment
but the song does not really do the subject justice, two girls, one jewish the
other Arab try hard and the feel good factor is there but not a winner,
repetitive and lacking a punch.
France: Super strong sultry ballad which builds and builds and has the biggest
singing star in the line up belting it out but it has been a while since a French
win and that combined with the early draw makes me think this is not a winner.
Sweden: This will pick up points but again drawn very early and maybe will be
just one of the also rans. It is a brave attempt at combining Pop and Opera.
She can sing and is a very imposing looking lady and will give it a good shot.
Croatia: Did well to get through the semi-final and surely will not do much
in the final, mid-table finish is surely the best they can hope for.
Portugal: Charming little ditty that may surprise a few, should not be among
the top few but could do better than most think.
Iceland: Lovely song sung by an young look alike of Amanda Holden and is
in with a shout, great use of the stage and at just eighteen she does
brilliantly.
Greece: First of the big contenders and Sakis does a super job with the
help of his elevating conveyer belt. Must surely go close but for me maybe
just falling short but I may be wrong.
Armenia: Catchy song but surely not good enough to win, great for a work out
video though.
Russia: They seem to be playing safe and trying their best not to win for
a second year running.
Azerbaijan: My dark horse to win this, it is catchy and presented well and
is a real good effort, go Azza!
Bosnia: This reminds me a bit of the Serbian winner from a couple of years
ago as it builds slowly and just sends shivers down your spine. This is an
outsider that could go very close, great peformance.
Moldova: What more can I say about Nelly who gives this a real go, and for
an outsider really has a squeak of doing well. I did say that this 200/1 outsider
would qualify and was so chuffed to see them get through, I love this 
traditional effort but sadly I expect she will not win but go girl!
Malta: Our fave girl Chiara steps up and she will give this a real go. This is
a super singer who could just wow the audiences tonight. This may not be 
quite as good as her previous entries that finished third then second but it
is a lovely song and she commands the stage all on her own, a real singer 
singing a real song. Good luck to Chiara you have the backing of many but
I expect she will just fall short as this year it is a much more quality event
I believe she would have walked it last year with this song but expect that
this year will not be the year she gets the win that Malta so richly deserve
but it would make my year if I was wrong and she won.
Estonia: Nice song with classical overtones performed well and should be top
half of the table come the end of the night at least.
Denmark: The only proper band to qualify and what a song, co-written
by Ronan Keating this is another that I would love to see triumph and I hope
it does well.
Germany: A decent effort from the Germans and they are bringing out the
cavalry to give it a good go but can't see this as a winner.
Turkey: One of the faves and a really good entry but it is typical Turkey and
I kind of hope it does not win as they just seem to enter with similar songs
every year but it is a decent entry and could go close.
Albania: Bizarre staging of a song with a funny man in a latex suit dancing
behind the vocalist, he looks like one of the aliens from the film Signs.
Nice song though and possible the best ever entry from Albania and 
should do well.
Norway: This has long been the bookies favourite and must go very close.
Alexander does a fine job but looked very nervous in the semi-final and if
he can recapture his composure and charm this could well be the winner.
A very talented lad who you just can't help but like, great entry which
will strike many chords with lots of the eastern countries as well as 
those in their own area.
Ukraine: Song with a real sexy feel and a brilliant set for which Svetlana
the singer mortgaged her home to pay for. This has a real chance at a 
big price, I love it. Brilliant risky dancing too.
Romania: Catchy and charming entry from Romania which should see them
finish in the top half at least.
United Kingdom: With Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber expected to be on stage 
playing the piano for the excellent and charming Jade this is the first UK
entry for years to have a chance at honours. It has grown on me and my 
initial opinions may be very wide of the mark and I am now expecting this to
finish in the top half and maybe even threaten the front runners but my 
head tells me it is not a winner but wouldn't it be great?
Finland: A real fave in the Tanner household and a super dance track with
a nice sentiment to it. Good luck to the very popular Waldo's People,
probably not a winner or even top six finisher but it is a super song 
whatever happens.
Spain: The final song and Spain's best entry ever for me and if she gets
the performance and balance right she may just do very well with this song
but being drawn last is not always a good thing but a good entry whatever
happens.
Verdict:
That is it then, who is gonna win? I really am not sure, my head says
Norway and I expect Greece to push them close but my heart says 
differently as I would love Malta to triumph and would also be pleased
to see Denmark do well but for the winner I am gonna take a big chance
and say that three dark horses from Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Bosnia will
push the big two all the way and for an each way flyer I will plump for
Ukraine but any of those mentioned could win and many others that I have
not mentioned too. Don't forget Jade and the UK and Sir Andrew on stage
with her and even the great Diane Warren will be present as we bring out
the cavalry but let's just hope for a night of fun as ever and some
terrific entertainment. 
I did amazingly well in predicting sixteen out of the twenty to qualify but
picking the winner is beyond me I think but despite my preferences I do
kind of expect to see Alexander from Norway lifting the trophy.
Enjoy?


Friday 15th May:     In Form
Once again I came out with eight out of ten correct to go through the
semi final and I am well chuffed with that from such a tough looking heat.
Now we move on to the final tomorrow and I really think it is very hard
to predict. My head still says it will be between Greece and Norway and
could go either way but my heart would love a win for the never giving up
country of Malta, plucky as ever and with our fave Chiara once again doing
a super job. My heart would also love to see the UK back in the mix and
with the news that it seems likely that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber will be
playing the piano on stage with Jade that can only add to their chances.
I was so pessimistic about that song originally but it seems Europe loves
it so I would love to be proved wrong and see it do well. Others I love
include Azerbaijan in with a real chance and the super entry from Waldo's
People for Finland and the charming Nelly from Moldova but I have a 
couple I would not like to see win who are very fancied. Israel is a message
song about their home troubles sung by an Arab girl and Jewish girl but 
just seems hurriedly put together and relying on the heart strings for 
votes although of course it would be better than any win in Eurovision to
see the troubles end for good for everyone there. Also the Turkey entry
is very fancied and is very catchy and translated means Boom-Bang-Bang
bringing memories of Lulu flooding back but it is just so very same same 
for Turkey. So many of their entries have had a similar sound and I would
just would not like to see it win but we will see.
So keep checking and I will have a run through of tomorrow's final on
here soon, can't believe how popular it has proved to be, amazing.
Nearly forgot Go Denmark! Great to seem them go through as it has
been a bad time for bands so far this year and this co-written song by
Ronan Keating of Boyzone fame is superb.

Thursday 14th May: Second Semi-Final Tonight
I have to start by saying we have had record hits on the site this week,
could it be I am not the only Eurovision fan in Wallington, ha ha.
Not bad for a charity run kids football website, I promise we only have a
few more days of Eurovision left and we will be back to normal, let's hope
the new site viewers stay with us.
I think it may be a good idea to admit defeat before I start on tonight's
semi final as it could be a real tough one to predict with nineteen hopefuls and
I would be amazed if I get five out of ten right but I will give it a go.
My ten to progress are:
Norway
Greece
Cyprus
Denmark
Netherlands
Estonia
Ukraine
Moldova
Azerbaijan
Lithuania
It is a tough task to come up with the ten as there are many in with a chance
of going through, others who could easily go through include Slovenia, Slovakia,
Ireland etc
The dress rehearsal was held on Wednesday and there was plenty of drama.
It has long been seen as a battle for top honours between Norway and Greece
and there were rumours of animosity between the two camps but at the rehearsal
there was actually booing to be heard after the performance of Alexander from
Norway which was a bit of a surprise, whether that is something to do with the
intense rivalry between Norway and Greece or whether something else is the 
reason I do not know but it could be interesting to see what happens tonight.
In my mind Norway were certainties originally for the top position on Saturday
but this could be a spanner in the works. 
Sakis for Greece was in brilliant form and I am starting to wonder whether
'Mr Eurovision' can pull this off and I would not be surprised if he did. He ticks
all the boxes being well known to Eurovision fans with a previous placing in the
competition and being a previous presenter too. Alexander has the World at his
feet with his first movie due out this year as well as being a well know tv presenter
all over Europe and the writer of the entry he performs, all that and only 23
yesterday, don't it make you jealous? ha ha.
I have a big soft spot for Nelly from Moldova and her song all about a dance
from her country called 'The Hora' it is real traditional stuff and if she sticks
to some verses in English it could surprise considering it is 200/1 at the bookies,
it may even qualify for the final. Ukraine have the 'sexy' entry but it is so
involved with all the movements between singer and dancers that one slip and
it could be tears at bedtime but it is a cracking entry and one to watch whether
you want to see it done well or see her dropped during the routine cause she puts
a lot of trust in those boys.
All the bands went out in Tuesday's semi final so maybe the omens are not good
for Denmark but I love the song and really hope it makes it through. It is 
co-written by Ronan Keating and the lead singer has a similar sound to Ronan
too. It really is a classy song but probably not a winner but who knows?
Everyone knows that I have a lot of time for the entry from Azerbaijaan
which I am listening to right at this moment spookily as I write this.
It's a real good song with lots of great dancing between the two singers
who really have a great chemistry between them and to my knowledge it
is the first time Azerbaijan have put an act together solely for the contest.
The guy is an accomplished singer and performer and the girl has been studying
in the USA and has won medals for her choir singing which may be a bit different
from this but shows she can sing. I love this entry and at 20/1 could be a live
outsider. Repetitive but not too repetitive and  a great performance,
once heard you are singing it all day.
The end performers of the second semi final come from Holland or should I say
The Netherlands and  they could be a surprise package. I wrote these off early
but they are massive in their own country and popular throughout Europe.
They were three solo singers who came together to become 'The Toppers' and
they are real gay icons and loved by many and there performance with the 
use of lights in their palms is pretty good but coming last many may have
given up watching by then but I stuck them in my list as the last of my ten
with more hope than confidence.
So don't forget it will be on tonight at 8pm on BBC3, enjoy!







Wednesday 13th May: Eight Of Ten Was Not Bad
I said yesterday that I would be happy with picking five out of the ten to
get through but I was pretty chuffed with getting eight right. Considering
among my choices I said Montenegro would struggle from the number one 
position and my other country to miss out Switzerland were my last choice
so all in all it was not a bad effort of selecting. Trouble is we now have the
much harder to choose from second semi final which should see Saturday's
winners come from, unless Jade does if for us on Saturday of course.
I was very pessimistic about our chances but Europe loves Jade and seem 
very influenced by the fact that we have Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber as
composer along with Diane Warren as  lyricist.
Jade seems to be having a super time and has previewed the song in loads
of countries to good reactions, I would love to be wrong and see us win again
as 1997 seems a distant memory. Paddy O'Connell was in fine form on BBC 3
last night and provided a few laughs and as for the male co-presenter I imagine
he is lying down in a darkened room recovering as he must be exhausted being
such an excitable fellow. 
Best performances on the night probably were Portugal who put their hearts
into it and finished in tears, Finland who finally got it nearly right after two
weeks of rehearsals and the Tanner family sitting with crossed fingers for them,
Bosnia at the end of the night with a very polished performance  and Iceland
who at eighteen put in a very accomplished performance. Ciara did her usual 
professional job but I still think has a bit more in the locker for Saturday
but what an effort all out there alone.
All in all a good night and more to look forward to tomorrow with the first of
the big head to heads between Greece and Norway to look forward to and
the very exciting Ukraine to view to, steady fellas, ha ha. Denmark has
the co-written by Ronan Keating song to belt out and the lads does not sound
a million miles away from Ronan either. All in all, it's roll on thursday.



Tuesday 12th May: The First Semi Final and News Of A Charity Match
Ok we all know the important news today is it is the first semi final of the
Eurovision Song Contest for 2009 (well it's big news for me,ha ha) but I
start with news of a Charity Football Match to be played next Wednesday
20th May at Sutton United's Ground in Gander Green Lane Sutton.
Details are below:

Friday 8th May:  Not To Be
A grand effort by Chelsea on Wednesday was not enough and Barcelona went
through to face Manchester United in the final. I will not go on about the
refereeing decisions but it was a shame for the London club to go out like that.
Some big games coming up in the premier league with Hull now looking over their
shoulders nervously and needing something from this weekend's match and the
game after the weekend between Newcastle and Middlesbrough looking very
important too. Rangers and Celtic face up to each other on Saturday too and
a win for either will put them in the box seat with just three more games left
to play after this one.

Wednesday 6th May:   Big Night At The Bridge
There should be a super atmosphere at Stamford Bridge tonight as Chelsea take
on Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
A goalless draw in the first leg in Spain means that there is all to play for tonight
and it is balanced on a knife edge. An away goal for Barcelona will make things
very difficult for the home side so that is bound to influence the team selection
of the Chelsea boss but whatever team he chooses it should be a super night
of excitement and maybe if the result goes the right way for the home side
the best night ever for them at home. It is going to be tough but for everyone
who holds a ticket surely a night to remember and enjoy.
Last night we saw Manchester do a super job away from home at the Emirates
Stadium to knock out Arsenal and they are sitting relaxed just awaiting their
opponents right now.


Sunday 3rd May:     End Of The Little League Season, Well, Almost
Today we had the end of season five a sides for the Inters and Mains and all
went smoothly. Well done to all the teams for making it a successful day, the
winners and runners-up can be viewed on the Honours Page.
A few of us found ourselves in the bar at the end of the day winding down and
putting the world to rights, I still can't get used to seeing my youngest son
ordering a pint, he looks so young he had to show identification to buy a bottle
of Lucozade in the supermarket recently, ha ha.
It was a good day but although the season seems over it is not quite finished
as we have the Anglo Dutch Tournament on 23rd May for the National Squad
and then it will be a week off before we start trials for next season.
It never seems to stop, but we love it.
Elsewhere the pro and semi-pro seasons are ending too. Commiserations to
local side Carshalton Athletic who went down to Staines Town in the play off 
final of the Ryman Premier League. They battled bravely only to be edged out
in extra time. Relegation and promotion issues have been made clearer in the
Football League and Championship though we still have the play-offs to go
there. In the Premiership the relegation drama goes on and a few teams 
are feeling very nervous right now. At the top end it looks like Manchester United
are within touching distance of another Title and Liverpool are still hanging on
for second place ahead of Chelsea.
This week we have two very exciting Champions League Semi-Finals to look forward
to, more about those soon.
A final word, it was sad to think that we were seeing the last of our older 
Mains players today who now leave us and we wish them all well and hope many
will keep in touch. Thank you for the very nice words from some of the leaving
parents today.


Thursday 30th April:   Eurovision A-Z
Who would have thought it, my piece about the Eurovision Song Contest has proved
very popular so just to punish you all some more here is my A-Z review of this
year's entries:

Albania: Olta Boka represents Albania this year and she is their youngest ever
performer at just sixteen years old. Although one of the outsiders it does stand
a chance of making it through Semi-Final 2 but although catchy is a bit of a long shot.

Andorra: Suzanne Georgi represents Andorra this time around and has come up with
a real step forward in my opinion for her country as it is a nice catchy pop song 
but not likely to trouble the top ten should it come through the second Semi-Final
but I do like it alot. She has been part of a successful duo on the European pop
circuit and is a decent performer and my son thinks she is hot, ha ha. Just a  nice 
entry but probably forgettable among all the others. Hope it does ok though.

Armenia: This entry is not unfancied and has a big eastern influence which is
usually a point winner in Eurovision. Eighth in the betting for Semi Final 2 it 
obviously has a few followers but for me when I first heard it I thought it was
a bit messy but as it went on it did start to grow on me and I do expect it to
make the final. It is performed by two energetic young ladies who look like they
are hosting a keep fit session, one to do your workout to, move over Jane Fonda.

Azerbaijan: Aysel and Arash bring us the Azerbaijan entry and for them this is
definitely a big step forward. As I have said previously they have formed a duo
just for the contest and come up with a very catch song which is a  bit of a 
favourite in our house though probably another of the songs which may be just
bubbling under those fighting it out for top honours but I do like it. This song
is fourth in line for the second semi-final so should make the big night itself.

Belarus: This year Belarus have gone for the pretty boy in front of a metal band
routine and it does not really work. Pleasant enough but forgettable. Vague
hints of Europe's hit from the eighties 'The Final Countdown'.

Belgium: Patrick Ouchene is Copycat and represents his country and boy he is a 
brave man. It's Rockabilly time and just watch Patrick's knees go.
Cheerful but nowhere near good enough or bad enough to trouble the judges.

Bosnia: This is one of those countries who always pick up points and are always in
the top ten of the betting. This is another sultry sounding ballad done very
well and sure to be among the top half of the finishers and could even 
surprise and be near the top half dozen by the end of the night.

Bulgaria: In an above average year this is a below average entry, found myself
nearly falling asleep, sorry.

Croatia: After listening to the Bulgarian entry this one was not worth waking up
for.

Cyprus: With Cyprus and Greece in the same semi final we are surely set for
another exchange of the top twelve points score. You have to admire the way
these two stick together but it is annoying, oh well. As for the song it is a
nice enough little ballad which builds but is not good enough and may not even make
the final but if they do they are sure to get another twelve points there from
Greece too.

Cech Republic: This is a rank outsider and surely when this one comes on it is
time to go make a cup of tea. Being it's called Gypsy maybe it's time to break 
out the Gypsy Creams.

Denmark: Now this one is interesting, it is by a band named Brinck and called
Believe Again but the big fact here is that it is written by Boyzone's Ronan Keating.
It is a nice pop song, the singer is doing is best to sound like Ronan too or so it
seems. It could be a surprise qualifier from the second semi final but I just think
it may just get lost among the others but it is a nice song which I do like.
You have to go back to the Olsen Brothers to find the last time Denmark won
Eurovision and I don't think Brink will be joining them as winners.

Estonia: For me this is the first of the big guns, this is a country who can put in
a good entry and this year they have done so in style. It is by Urban Symphony
who are six beautiful and talented young ladies who bring us 'Randajad' which is
a classy little number which reminds me lots of Enya. Should make the final
and could be among the front runners.

Finland: Ok so this song might not be a winner and may not even make the final
but I love it. The video is superb and hopefully if they can do as well in live
performance they might just make the big night. It is classic euro pop and
come from the very successful Waldo's People. It's called Lose Control and
reminds me of lots of stuff from the nineties but I love it. I am sitting here
singing along to it as I am writing, cracking stuff but probably not a winner.
I do have to say Bravo Finland for always giving it a go and not worrying whether
they have a song which is different from the rest, who can forget Lordi.

France: Well, it has been a long time since France won this and for me it will
still be a while before they do it again but this is very fancied and they have
gone back to their favourite combination of strong female singer and sultry ballad.
It is among the front runners in the betting but I will stick my neck out and say
this is not a winner for me but it is a classy and moving song. In recent years
song like this just seem to sink but this is very very classy.

FYR Macedonia: 'Fyrom' as we like to call them come to Moscow this year with
a bit of a rock number which for them is a step forward but surely this one will
be out with the washing.

Germany: Well, what can I say about Germany, they are very plucky and always
give it a go and have had some very brave entries in the past but they just never
seem to threaten the top ten. They like the UK put oudles of cash into Eurovision
but also like UK get very little success these days and this year looks like being 
no different. Miss Kiss Kiss Bang is a catchy swing number from Alex Christenson
but not a winner.

Greece: This is a country that is more often than not in the running for honours
at Eurovision. Sakis Rouvas brings us This Is Our Night and is among the favourites
for outright victory. For me though I do find it likeable but I do think there are
better entries but I would not be surprised to be wrong and see it do well, it's
just not for me.

Hungary: Forgettable Dance track, yawn.

Iceland: Another of the very fancied entries and it should do well. It is one of
those songs that you think you have heard before and has touches of a few 
different songs. I can't see it winning but it is a nice song and comes from
Yohanna and is called Is It True, sweet little song and quite classy.

Ireland: Ireland goes with an all-girl pop-rock band Black Daisy and the young female singer Sinéad Mulvey. According to them they will 'rock Russia' with their song Et Cetera. It is catchy and a little different for Ireland and is a lot of fun.
Very likeable and as our nearest neighbours I wish them well but I worry about#
their performance on the night.

Israel: This entry is called There Must Be Another Way but maybe should have 
been called There Must Be A Better Song. Nice enough but again forgettable.

Latvia: This is one of the countries that I really look forward to hearing their
entry each year as in their short Eurovision career they have put in some super
songs and acts but this year it is not a classic. Brave but not good enough.
Can't see this one getting through it's semi final.

Lithuania: This another country who can put in a very decent entry and this year's
is no exception, it is a bit slow but nice but saying all that I can't see this 
threatening the front runners.

Malta: Well here she is the Tanner's favourite Eurovision singer Chiara who 
really does deserve to win this contest and once again she has put in a super entry.
Her previous entries 'The One That I Love' from 1998 when she was just sixteen
and 'Angel' in 2005 which she wrote herself could have both won but both finished
in second position. This year it is ' What If We' which is a lovely building ballad
with a big sound behind the big voice. I think if this had been last year she#
would have walked it but I just fear that the competition this year is just too 
strong but it would make my day if she was to conquer Eurovision at the third
attempt. She is now a young mum and recently lost her father who was a big 
force behind her career and she is not going to go down without a fight.
Hopefully here efforts will be rewarded with a decent finishing position at least.

Moldova: This is a country that has surprised on a couple of occasions and 
this year's entry is full of energy and enjoyable but again it should not be a
winner but for a song which is among the rank outsiders it may surprise a few 
people and do a bit better than expected. A rank outsider with no chance on
the book but I like it.

Montenegro: Andrea Demirovic was born on 17th June, 1985. in Podgorica,
 Montenegro and brings us a very likeable pop song which is very catchy and
is hard not to start singing along to and tapping your feet to. It is among the
front runners and could do very well, bound to pick up votes from neighbouring
countries and a very good entry.

Netherlands: The Toppers are a sort of boy band though more of a middle aged
men band. They were formed by three successful solo singers from Holland and
they bring us 'Shine' which is a bit weak but you can't help but like these guys
who often do melodies of Eurovision Songs in their concerts as they are big 
fans of the contest so they are sure to enjoy participating but can't see them
making the final.

Norway: This is the bookies favourite and should do very well as it is so catchy.
Alexander Rybak, representing Norway with his Fairytale, is a true wonder kid. He's written his own song, will be starring in a movie this summer and got the record amount of votes in the national selection!
It is a sing along and dance along and if you can play the violin then join in with that
too. He has true presence and composure for one so young, sure to go close.

Poland: Sadly we have no Ich Troje to represent Poland this year but instead we
have a strong female singer called Lidia Kopania. Her last record was written by people who're responsible for stars like Phil Collins, Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera.
It's a nice ballad but nowhere near good enough to threaten the front runners.
She is a very accomplished singer though with a lovely voice.

Portugal: The Portuguese entry is brought to us by Flor-de-lis but is not a winner
I am afraid and just a bit raw for me.

Romania: Elena brings us 'The Balkan Girls' which is one of the outsiders but is
nice enough.

Russia: Anastasia sings for the country who won last year but this is nowhere
near as good as Bilan's effort and is unlikely to do very well but of course will
pick up it's share of votes from the neighbouring countries.

Serbia: The accordion makes a welcome or not so welcome come back for this one
 which is very quirky and unlikely to do that well but it is a bit of fun.
The lead singer looks like an escapee from 'The Hair Bear Bunch' or is it
Dave Lee Travis making a comeback?

Slovakia: This is the rank outsider of the whole contest and that is not a surprise,
time for sleep, snore, snore, snore.

Slovenia: Another chance to make a cup of tea here

Spain: Much the best entry from Spain for many a year, the dancing has had
as many comments as the song, those boys certainly earn their money.
Should do ok, just it's been a long time since Spain have figured among the
front runners and probably it will be the same this year but it is a good effort
and who knows? On the night it just might surprise and push the front runners.

Sweden: A change of style for Sweden who this year bring us a mixture of 
pop and classical and it is not too bad and the lead singer has a real operatic
voice which is a joy. Can't see this being a front runner but it is likeable and
could surprise.

Switzerland: This comes from 'Love Bugs' who seem to be a bit of a Swiss
version of 'Big Country', who remembers them? Likeable and a mid table kind
of entry I would say. They are one of the leading Rock Bands in their 
Country and are very good performers but this is not the song to do well I believe.

Turkey: This is another one of the very fancied entries from a country that 
always seems to do well and is a very tried and tested formula. Should do well
and is very catchy and with a good performance should threaten the top songs.

Ukraine: Svetlana sings 'Be My Valentine' and is a very catchy and dare I say
sexy song. She is a very talented artist and she gives this all she has and if
she can put in a good performance on the night this should be among the front
runners. Loud and likeable, great stuff.

United Kingdom: Ok, here we are again and after all the effort that was put in
this year I really expected something special but alas it was not to be.
Instead of the usual selection process we had a special series of BBC shows
where a group of new talent were whittled down to find out who was going to
perform a specially written song by Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
Jade Ewen was chosen and that looked pretty obvious from the very first show
when she was suddenly brought in late on from nowhere as she had not been among
those who auditioned. This song was co-written by Diane Warren who among the
best song writers in the world for me but I just can't see this cutting the mustard.
It is a nice show tune quite of song and maybe will just get lost on the night among
all the others but I would dearly love the UK to do well. It is a lovely ballad but
maybe just will not stand out and could even completely bomb but I hope not.
It is one of those songs that the more you listen to it the more you will like it
but we will just have to see how it does. It could surprise and make the top ten
but I do have that kind of sinking feeling again. 

Well that is the runners and riders and I will not bother you with any more
Eurovision, unless you ask me to of course, ha ha.

  Football Round-Up
A fine defensive display by Chelsea on Tuesday made sure that they take 
Barcelona back to Stamford Bridge next Wednesday with the teams level at nil-nil.
Like many Chelsea fans I had dreams of them going there and coming away with 
a similar result to the first leg in the quarter-final against Liverpool but anybody
who knows their football realised that this was never going to be an easy fixture 
and to stop the home team scoring was a super effort. Drogba could have 
even put the Blues one up but with everything to play for it is going to be a very
exciting night next Wednesday.
Last night it was the turn of Manchester United and Arsenal to do battle and it
was United who came out 1-0 winners with O'Shea the unlikely goal scoring hero.
I say unlikely but I did hear a funny thing on a football phone in last night.
A United fan phoned in to say that they were talking to an Arsenal supporter
on the way into the ground who said to them that Arsenal always feared O'Shea
scoring against them and the United fans all had a laugh but they turned out to
be very prophetic words.
With just the one goal between them the second leg next Tuesday should be a
cracker back at the Emirates Stadium.
Locally it was sad news for Sutton United supporters as their team went out to
Staines Town on Tuesday in the Ryman Premier League Play-Off. It was not a
surprise as Staines were the team finishing higher in the League and had home
advantage. In the other Play-Off Carshalton Athletic did a brilliant job by 
digging deep for a 3-2 win over Tonbridge Angels away from home.
They now face a trip to Staines on Saturday for the final and they should take
plenty of support with them as the club are providing free transport for 
supporters club members and club employees and those who attend their training
camps, see their website for details.

Sunday 27th April:   Seven A Side and A Welcome Lift
Today was Seven-A-Side Day for the Juniors and all went well and I thoroughly 
enjoyed being there and doing the scores and tables etc.
The winners were the Yellows in all three age groups which is unusual with the
runners-up being the Light Blues in the Under 8s, Scarlet Reds in the Under 9s 
and the Emerald Greens in the Under 10s. Well done to all who took part and
thanks to all the managers who refereed games on the day too. Even my son
Lewis got roped in to refereeing the final of the Under 10s but he enjoyed it.
Whilst there a young lad who played for us in the Nationals over the last two
seasons came up to say hello and it was lovely to see him and find out how well
he is doing. The lad I am talking about is Daniel Perren who many will remember
was a super goalkeeper for the Inters and Mains Emerald Greens but left at the
end of  last season. He has been getting some very good coaching and is now on
the books of Fulham at the tender age of fourteen. He was telling me how he is
playing next Friday against Brighton and he seems to be enjoying his football
and learning all the time. We really wish him well and hopefully he will keep in 
touch as he has offered to help coach our goalkeepers with some of the techniques
he has been learning. He is a lovely lad and it gave me a huge lift to see him and
his family today.

Getting Sorted Out
All the promotion and relegation issues are gradually getting sorted out in the
football league and beyond right now. 
I wrote earlier in the week of the exciting finish in the Blue Square Premiership
and that was decided today with Burton Albion becoming Champions and progressing
to the Football League for next season despite a loss at Torquay who are now in 
the Play-Offs.
Locally it was a good day for both Sutton United and Carshalton Athletic yesterday
as both got the victories they needed to go into the Play-Offs in the Ryman Premier
League. Sutton got a hard fought win over fellow Play-Off aspirants AFC Hornchurch
at Gander Green Lane and Carshalton put in a super second half display to get the
full three points away at Hendon. Although unlikely it would be something if both
were to progress and play each other in the Play-Off Final.

Friday 25th April:    'Freddie' Injured Again
In cricket more trouble for poor old Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff who is on his way back home 
from a very brief spell in the Indian Premier League due to injury which requires
surgery. It looks possible he will be back in time for the big 20/20 World Tournament
but with the big Ashes Series against Australia coming up this summer there will be
many English Cricket fans with their fingers crossed that Freddie not only recovers 
but is able to stay fit. He is one of those players like Botham was who just has that
bit of magic and really gives the support a big lift.

Tuesday 21st April:    Another Eight Goal Thriller
For the second successive Tuesday Liverpool shared eight goals tonight, their opponents
this time were Arsenal who bounced back well from their Cup- Semi-Final defeat.
The star for Arsenal was Arshevin who scored all four goals for his team.
Probable this was a good result for Manchester United and even gives Chelsea a boost
of the Runners-Up spot too, though they have a potential banana skin to get past
tomorrow against Everton.

Down To The Wire
It was not that long ago that Burton Albion were looking home and dry and ready to
welcome Football League action for the first time in their history but they have suffered
a very tough run in and now it is down to the final game this Sunday when they need to
avoid defeat to be certain of promotion when they face Torquay United away from home.
Nigel Clough did a brilliant job in his long reign with 'The Brewers' but the man in
charge now is old timer Roy McFarland and he has seen his team twice be the live game
on television with the expectancy of promotion and once again this Sunday they will
have the Setanta cameras on them as they reach the last chance saloon. Even if Burton
were to lose and their only danger Cambridge United win they could still go up depending
on goal difference. As it stands Burton have a superior goal difference of four.
Cambridge United finish their league campaign with a home fixture to Altrincham.

Nip And Tuck In The Local Battle
This Saturday is a big day for our two local teams Sutton United and Carshalton Athletic
as both are bidding for a place in the end of season Ryman League Premier Play-Offs.
Sutton did have their noses in front of their local rivals until Carshalton dug deep for
a draw at Gander Green Lane and the advantage started to swing their way as their
run in did look a little bit more inviting and so it has proven. Sutton lost 2-0 to
Margate while Carshalton won 3-1 at home to Harlow Town slipping Athletic one
point above their rivals.
So with one match left and a top five place needed to be in the play-offs Carshlton
sit on 65 points in fifth place while Sutton have 64 points in sixth position.
Carshalton play Hendon away but Hendon are safely away from the relegation zone
with little to play for but Sutton have the tough home fixture against AFC Hornchurch
who also need to avoid defeat as they sit in fourth place. If both teams win then
both will go into the play-offs which would be brilliant but it will be a day of
chewed finger nails for many local supporters this Saturday.

Monday 20th April:   Cup Finalists Decided
Neither FA Cup semi-final was a classic over the weekend but there was good wins for
Chelsea over Arsenal with Drogba once again being the thorn in the side of the Gunners.
On Sunday it went to penalties before Everton were victorious over Manchester United
who pushed them close despite a line up well away from a first choice eleven.
So this year we will have an all blue final.

Saturday 18th April:   Just A Few Weeks To Go Until My Big Night
Of course you all know me for my time with Wallington Little League but anyone who
knows me well will realise that a certain evening in May is always the highlight of my year.
That night of course is Eurovision Night and I love it.
The whole family have been bullied into loving it too over the years but my daughter
Megan is the big fan alongside me.
I just love the whole fun side of it and have such a laugh that week and it is even better
these days with semi-finals as well as the big final itself.
Of course it is not only the watching as the serious followers like myself have been
viewing the entries on line for ages now and will all soon have the official cd to go
through too. 
These days it is not about the best song or even best performance, though a good 
song and someone who can command the stage does help enormously of course,
it matters equally where the entry is from as we get some unbelievable voting for
neighbouring countries. So many areas of Europe all seem to stick together and
vote for each other. Of course we like to see our own country do well but once
again I just can not see our song doing well at all this year. They brought in
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to write the entry but for me it just does nothing and
I reckon we will be nearer last than first once again but we live in hope.
The country that we support in our family each year is Malta as they have tried so
hard in the past and really should have at least three wins to their name in the last
twenty years. The artist who has come closest for them is a young lady by the name
of Chiara who has competed twice and finished second twice. The first of these
occasions was back in 1998 in Birmingham where she was just 16 but did a brilliant job.
That was a lovely song as was her 'I'll Be Your Angel' which was also runner-up a few
years later. This year she is back again with another lovely effort 'What If We '
and I would love her and Malta to be victorious but they are up against it with the
way voting goes these days but it is a lovely song to enjoy at least. On being so happy to see Chiara back I have to say I would love to see my favourite Eurovision entrants 'Ich Troje' from Poland have a third go too, they are real performers. Sweden as ever have a decent if different entry this year, far removed from the days of Abba and Charlotte Nielson.
The one they all have to beat though is Norway who have chosen a very talented and 
camera friendly young man called Alexander to sing a real crowd pleasing song called
'Fairytale', it is a cute, old fashioned and very catchy ditty that could go all the way
but the bookies already have it firmly at the top of the betting list. Alexander is an
accomplished actor and presenter despite being so young and could take over the stage
on the night with his enthusiasm, talent and cheeky grin. The entries closest to the Norway song at this moment are Turkey and Greece who are always well supported and get plenty of votes whatever they enter but these are two very good pop songs and the Turkey entry really mixes trusted Eurovision winning formula with current pop and could go close. Unusually though Russia are at a massive price considering they won last year but their song does not seem as strong this time around. It just seems a very exciting contest this year
with many of the lesser lights looking to give a good show for a change with countries like
Azerbaijan for instance capable of getting their best ever finish in the competition. 
They have really taken it seriously this year and constructed a duo purely for Eurovision
and come up with a catchy pop song which should do ok for them. I could go on forever
but it is early days.
As I said at this early stage I still love the Malta entry but the Norway song is a real happy and clap along ditty that could walk away with it, but there are serious pop song dangers from Turkey and others to keep it interesting and that Sweden pop/classic effort may do well too but Estonia have  gone down the same route and that too is likeable as ever my opinion is bound to change as the contest gets nearer, I will keep you informed, ha ha. One more country I
would like to mention though is Finland, they brought us Lordi straight out of left field and
this year have gone back to classic euro-pop straight out of the nineties and toe tappingly
good stuff it is. Waldo's People are probably the top Euro Pop act in Europe at the moment
so to get them to perform this year is quite a big feather in the cap of Finland and they
could do well.
For me it is a year with many decent entries and could be hard to call but whatever
way it goes I know the Tanner family will enjoy it,  I can already hear you laughing
 also I can hear the chorus of sad,sad, sad  from here, ha ha. 
There will be so many people scoffing at us Eurovision fans
but the viewing figures will as ever be enormous. It is just a bit of fun, tune in and have
a laugh.

Friday 17th April:  The Top League In Europe ?
So we are down to the final four in the Champions League and once again English Teams
dominate.
We have three of the final four and are guaranteed at least one of the finalists with
Manchester United taking on Arsenal in one of the semi-finals.
Of course the Chelsea v Liverpool second leg was a classic though a nightmare for
supporters with heart trouble.
Then on Wednesday Arsenal comfortably progressed against Villareal having done a
very profesional job over two legs.
On the same night Manchester United did brilliantly to go through against a Porto side
with an amazing home record. Many non-united followers were expecting United to go
out here but once again they dug deep for a super result in a season which could turn
out to be very special for them. Love them or hate them you have to respect Sir Alex
and his super team.


Thursday 16th April:    Remembering The 96
Last Saturday there was a special edition of Football Focus on BBC1 which concentrated on
the upcoming 20th Anniversary of the Hillsborough Tragedy. It was well presented and
the story narrated by Sue Johnstone was especially well done and the whole thing was 
very moving. It did not matter what team one supports it was the fact that these were
individuals who just went to a football match and were never to return home. 
Those pictures of the crowding outside the turnstiles before the gates were open brought
back memories to me of being stuck in that small courtyard shoulder to shoulder with
too many in a small space and still there was policemen on horseback amongst us. This
was when I was supporting Chelsea playing Sheffield Wednesday but it was scary and although
it may seem easy to say this after the event but trouble always seemed possible there.
Liverpool did their fans proud on Saturday with a big home win then they prepared for
what turned out to be an epic Champions League encounter with Chelsea on Tuesday. 
What a fantastic game that was with 8 goals and action and thrills galore, at times it
really looked like the Reds were going to do what seemed impossible at times but it was
Chelsea who prevailed. 
Then it was the Remembrance Service on Wednesday for Liverpool and their supporters
and this was a well attended and very moving occasion. Several speakers said their piece
and it was great to see some legends there such as 'King' Kenny Dalgleish etc.
I did pick up on what seemed to be a bit of unrest among the families of the bereaved
and having checked the supporters groups out on the internet it does seem there has been
falling outs due to different reasons but surely they are still all together in still wanting
answers. As has been pointed out by many this week those 96 lost lives did ensure we now
have all seater and safer stadiums though there are those who still long for the return to
standing terraces. We do tend to look back with rose tinted spectacles at times on
some things and I too have some great memories of standing and enjoying super matches
but for me it is safer and better the way things are at the moment, what do you think?
I watch the highlights each week of the German Bundesliga Football and they seem to love
standing still but I can't see it changing here.
Then on Wednesday night I watched the Docu-drama by Phil Redmond on Hillsborough
for the first time and it was very moving and once again I was choking back the tears.
It was tough viewing but I think it was worth it, a terrific cast and a tragedy we can't
afford to forget.

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