How to stop Leeds Front Men Scoring

Well so far this season Leeds have been brilliant and our Front Men Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol have been almost unstoppable scoring goals for fun. We have made a mockery of the fifteen points we were docked at the start winning our opening 7 matches to equal the Clubs best ever start to a season.

Well the run had to end somewhere but today was sickening the way it happend. Away at Gillingham we started really well taking the lead through winger Seb Carole (pictured below) and were cruising. But this is Leeds United and the referee decided he would even the Match up a bit by sending off Kandol. We still kept playing well and controlling the game so he decided to send off Beckford as well, but not before he had two goals disallowed, we played the last 30 minutes two men short and with the referee helping them it was a bit like the Alamo.

The players played brilliantly fighting for everything again with fantastic vocal support from our army of travelling fans but disaster struck in the final minutes of the game with Gillingham equalising, we did hang on for the draw wish is a great result in such circumstances. Even reporters on the TV said the referee was diabolical and they don't normally stick up for Leeds.

The above fans view short clip gives an incite to what our travelling fans thought first they cheer off our heroes then let the ref know there feelings as he leaves the field under a police escort for his own protection.

At least we still haven't been beaten, we will still win this league. At present we are 20th in the table but after only 8 matches and giving 15 points start its amazing we are off the bottom and out of the relegation zone. Without the penalty we would be three points clear at the top, thats the real league table.

This week Leeds appeal against the 15 points to the FA was ignored, they will not interfere with a Football League management decision, its never bothered them before. Leeds Coach Gus Poyet was this week charged by the same FA over comments he made about a previous referee. Is all this just a conspiracy, something smells about everything that is going on.

On another note I've a Table Tennis Match tomorrow afternoon its my first match following my vacation and I need the exercise, I haven't weighed but I feel fat, I'm sure I've put a fair bit on.
I'll be representing York against Wakefield in the Yorkshire League so I could have some hard games.
I've two matches in the York league coming up this week Tuesday is our scheduled fixture and I think we will have a rearranged match Thursday.

Last night following work I went out for a few drinks with some of the people who left yesterday, they were the remaining ones from the previous redundancies. We maybe off out for a meal on Wednesday but not sure it definate yet.

In my last post I mentioned blog friend Rachel and I'll just say that she has been in touch, we've exchanged a number of emails and everything is ok between us. She has had a very tough time and reached rock bottom in her life but a few things are now starting to look brighter, for one she should be starting a new job Monday which she really needs.
She will be back blogging eventually with a new blog but at present she does not have internet access at home, she is walking to the local library to email. Wish her luck cos she is rebuilding her life from scratch, I'll be supporting her as much as I can.

Is today the first day of the rest of my life

Today when I got to work I found out that I was going to be made redundant, my place of work is closing, it wasn't totally unexpected. I've actually worked at the same factory for 33 years I went there straight from school at 16 so it is a big part of me.

During the time I've worked at the plant I've moved from Apprentice Electrician through various promotions to "Site Electrical & Utilities Manager". I've also worked for six different companies that have owned the place.

Some people are leaving at the end of this week (I've got a leaving do to attend Friday), while others will go throughout October with a few staying to the end of November which is the planned date to have everything finished. In my job I'll probably be one of the last out the gate, hell someone has to flick the light switch.

With my service I'm luckier than most that I will get a very good redundancy payment so that is quite pleasing.

Another glimmer of light on the horizon is that somebody is trying to buy the site to make different products, I will know for sure this Friday I believe. If this happens they will want some of the workforce back but we'll have to wait and see what their contract offers.

Obviously I'm sad after spending so much of my life there but I'm also happy with the payment I'll recieve it will create opportunities to do new things in my life, possibly even more travelling.
I've a lot of thought process to go through before I decide what I want to do with the rest of my life, I've a few loose ideas but now I need a real plan.


Another thing I'm very upset about is that I've appeared to have upset and lost a very good blog friend, I think most of you will have worked out its Rachel and I'm gutted about it. I really hope she has a change of heart she is going through such a hard time in her life and I just want to be supportive.

Back safe & sound

Just a quick post to say I'm back home from my trip, I'm a little tired but not too bad. I've sort of unpacked my bags and started to download some photos. I need to tidy up a few of them so hopfully I'll be able to post in the next few days.

Again I enjoyed many aspects of my trip but maybe I'll report a bit more later when I've looked at the photos (I'm getting old tha knows and the memory is not what it was, lol).

The journey home was a bit of a killer, the flight from Atlanta to Philadelphia was bang on time which was good, I actually fell asleep and even missed my free drink.

The Philadelphia to Manchester Flight was delayed about 1.5hours which was bad cos I already had a 8 hour stopover. Let me tell you there is only so much you can do in Philadelphia Airport in 9.5hours. I got a meal had a few beers, checked out all the shops then got totally bored.

Luckily on the 7 hour flight to Manchester I managed to sleep for a good part of it, but was awake at meal times so I got fed. I was sat with a bloke that was a bit of a pain all he did was complain to the flight attendants, they were doing there best and I couldn't fault them. Anyway I just ignored him, put my Mp3 player on and eventually nodded off.

With the flight delay I missed my normal train home and only just caught the next one by two minutes, I was lucky cos when I went through customs the person in front of me was selected to have his bags searched, if it had been me I don't know what time I would get home.

On another note I'm expecting some news at work, I'll find out the facts when I return tomorrow and maybe post later.

Rebecca, Me & Great Sax

I'm now nearing the end of my vacation in fact its my last night and I've actually a long day ahead of me tomorrow, I'm first flying from Atlanta to Philadelphia where I've over 7 hours to kill before the long flight home. I won't actually be back in England until 9am Tuesday. I've just booked into my 5th hotel in 13 days close to the airport so I can get a good start in the morning. To be honest this hotel looks the best of the lot, nice swimming pool (with two lovely ladies in it wen I went past) and a cooked breakfast in the morning. My room is right next to the fitness centre, don't know if they are trying to tell me something ?

Anyway on to what as been happening, well as you may have accessed by this posts headline I've met another online friend and had a great time. Friday evening Rebecca drove up from Columbus, she arrived at my hotel just after 7pm, I met her in the lobby recognised her straight away she is a pretty girl. We gave each other a welcome hug then we got her booked into her room.

We agreed to meet in the hotel bar when we'd got scrubbed up and our glad rags on at about 8.30pm, Following a drink and information from the hotel staff we went to a Jazz Club called Sambuca. It was very busy when we arrived and had to wait by the bar for a table, we took the opportunity to phone another online friend Rachel who was supposed to join us, but due to circumstances at home was not able to come. To be honest she's a good friend and we were both bitterly dissapointed for her, I'm sure a weekend away from lifes pressures would have done her the world of good. Plus today is her birthday so "Happy Birthday Lady".

Anyway back to the Jazz Club we were eventually seated in one of the best seats not too close but directly facing the stage, The group were awesome led by a Saxophone player (hence the title of this post for those that thought I'd made a spelling mistake). even Rebecca was impressed and that say's a lot for a lass from New Orleans and Jazz expert, in fact she got a signed CD later and I took a photo of her with the main man.

While we were watching we had a meal at the Club which was really nice, I had steak while Rebecca opted for a Pasta dish, we enjoyed that place.

The Club eventually got us a Taxi back to our hotel just after midnight, we were going to have a nightcap but the bar was shut. Like a true Gentleman I tried to escort Rebecca back to her room, took her up in the lift, said our goodbyes then realised I'd pressed the wrong button in the lift like a total plonker and we were on the wrong floor. Eventually we found the correct floor said our goodnights and both went for some shut eye.

In the morning Rebecca phoned me and we arranged to meet in the lobby at 10am where she insisted it was now the time to do one of her favorite hobbies, yes the dreaded "S", I just knew thats what she would want to do, but as a gentleman its only right to oblige the lady, she was my guest. As a single bloke its not a thing I spend a lot of time doing.

Yes you've all got it we went Shopping the Lenox Square Mall was opposite the hotel and it had a few upmarket shops. Anyway shopping to me is the weeks groceries, maybe some CD's or look in a sports store, tend not to look at much else unless really necessary.

Now first if I remember correctly it was furniture stores and we went through everything that would maybe suit Rebeccas spare room, after a couple of these type store we then moved onto her favorites, first it was a specialist soap store where we spent the next half hour smelling different soaps to see if there was one she liked. I think she bought some in the end.

We then grabbed a Coffee when Rebecca said I'll just pop in that Perfume store, 30 minutes later with me stood outside with loads of husbands and boyfriends of others in the store I decided to venture in. I found trying everthing, I mean everthing. She pointed out the Mens perfumes so to fill in time I had a look but 1o minutes later I joined her again. Now she was actually spraying stuff on her arms and asking what I thought, in fact there was some nice stuff believe me, I will add here even without this Rebecca smells good enough to eat believe me.
Anyway she settled for a new perfume when the shop assistant pointed out to me that they do it in Mens also, the assistant & Rebecca insisted I tried it, so again I did. She sprayed a sample on my arm and they both had a sniff, Hell big smiles appeared on their faces, their eyes started to bulge and they moved towards me, I was frightened and backed off slightly, then bought some.

Anyway after Rebecca had bought most of this shop we eventually went to lunch which was nice, and then made our way back to the hotel as she had to make for home. As we said our goodbyes I must admit I was a little sad to see her go.

I really enjoyed my time with Rebecca she is fantastic company, very intelligent but caring, kind, considerate, she also likes a good laugh, I reckon she is a person I could trust and that is so important to me. She made me feel comfortable with her which is also important for a shy small town boy like myself. I really enjoyed the night out and to be honest I found the shopping fun it was a novelty for me, yeh I enjoyed been with Rebecca, hope we can do it again one day in the future.

Yet another Update from Atlanta

Another day gone and I'm certainly starting to feel the pace of a lot of walking up and down these mountains, I am tired. I think the Food & Drink maybe playing a part also.

This morning I walked to Piedmont Park and spent a couple of hours there walking around, it is a very nice area. Got talking to a nice lady who originated from Boston she was asking me how I enjoy the US.

This afternoon I visited Underground Atlanta which has loads of shops restaurants and nightclubs, apparently its one of the places to visit downtown. I'm actually staying in Midtown which is a nice area with plenty of decent nightspots itself.

Saying that I was dissapointed with the bar I visited last night it wasn't to the standards of previous nights. The staff I would consider unfriendly it seemed a effort to serve people, the food was not great either in size and quality, won't visit again.
Anyway because I was tired and not enjoying the bar I was in I decided to leave at 9.30pm to have a early night, I am tired so thought maybe that was best. When I got back to my hotel I thought I'd have a nightcap as the hotel bar stays open till 10pm only.
I stook my head in the bar and there was one bloke and the girl serving, the bloke looked like he had downed a few, in fact it turned out he'd booked in 3 hours earlier gone straight to the bar and his luggage was still in his car.
The girl serving was called "Precious" and we got chatting about allsorts, I knew that was her name because she had it tatooed on her neck. After a while I commented on the Tatoo as you do and she cracked a few jokes about it. She then asked if I'd like to she her other tatoo, not been rude I said "yes" to which she suddenly undid her top to reveal the tatoo on her back, sexy bra also I may add.
Did I mention this was even funnier because she is about six months+ pregnant so had a bit of a bulge.
Believe it or not next she started th massage my upper body and asked if I thought it felt good, hell this is the 2nd women to do this in Atlanta, I'm considering moving here, lol. It turned out her other job was a massage therapist, hell I was getting a freebie and not complaining.
Anyway I had a couple more drinks before she suddenly for no reason started mixing cocktails and asking me and the other bloke to try them. She was giving them to us free hell the bar was supposed to be shut ages ago.
Eventually we left just before midnight but she wouldn't let me go until I gave her a hug and kiss, so anything to oblige. I will add it was all in good fun, I tink !

Another Night & Day enjoyed

I'm still having a good time in Atlanta today I actually visited the Aquarium, I know in Philly I said I wasn't really into Fishy things but apparently the Georgia Aquarium is the biggest in the world so I thought why not while I'm here.
I also went up to the observation deck (72nd floor) of one if not the tallest building and took some photo's of the City and surrounding areas. Apparently Atlanta has the tallest buildings in the US outside Chicago & New York, I was surprised didn't know that until I read up about the place.

Last night I went to a bar advertised in my hotel called "Front Page News" its apparently supposed to have a New Orleans type atmosphere. To be fair it was quiet (it was tuesday) just a few people dinning. I got sat at the bar with some locals and we got talking for ages had a few beers. I had a meal (Steak) which was superb I really enjoyed it and it was filling, I was in the bar about 3 hours so downed a few pints couldn't believe it my bill for food & drink only came to $40, I expected the drinks to be around that without the food, awesome.
I did have a slight accident, I was leaving the restroom when I walked staraight into a glass partition which looked just like a opening, the locals were quite amused and apparently a few people have done the same, no damage though so at least I gave people a laugh.

On my way back to my hotel I heard signing from another bar, thought it must be kareoke cas somebody was slaughtering "Killing me softly". I thought it may be fun so I popped my head around the door and it was a proper singer, by he was terrible.

Gonna get some rest cos I'm tired after all my walking about the city, nobody mentioned the place was on a mountain, believe me is tough on the legs. I'll try another bar tonight after the hotel free beer hour but i'm sure it'll be friendly and a good night.

Take care everyone.

Hello from Atlanta

Had my first night in Atlanta and I'm already impressed with the City it looks an awesome place. Went to the Olympic Park this morning and what a lovely area, I spent the rest of the day walking around the place it is a very clean & nice City believe me, Philly was scruffy in comparison. Even the Subway system is imaculate the cleanest I've ever been on, totally safe, security people everywhere, the trains are even carpeted.

Last night I found a Spanish restaurant/bar close to my hotel, I had a mixed grill it was unbelievable, the lady behind the bar called Diane was extreamly friendly kept calling me honey, babe & darling, she even started massaging my sholders at one stage, I was trying to eat at the time. To be fair I think it was just her friendly nature she was really nice and would try make everyone feel welcome, all the people here are a bit like that, really nice. She spent ages chatting with me as the bar was quiet (I said chatting) and I drunk a lot of beer but it was only $3 per pint so I was virtually making a profit. To be honest I was planning to have an early night cos I was tired but didn't leave the bar until 11.30pm, I enjoyed the place and the people, even the manager came over for a chat and shook my hand when I left (probably due to me increasing his profit). I'd started drinking early cos from 5pm to 6pm its free drinks in the hotel I'm staying at and it would be rude to refuse.

The hotel is great you even get a free cooked breakfast, hell I made myself bacon sarnies this morning.

Gotta go, the free beer for tonight as just started, but I'm not out till later cos I've just got back to the hotel so I'll have a couple of drinks before getting showered.

I'll update more later and try get round a few blogs.

Last Night in Philly

Well tonight is my last night here before moving on to Atlanta in the morning. I usually find Sundays are quiet in American Cities but you never know. Philly is a strange place I haven't really found a music scene and the nightlife seems to be a mix of posh restaurants and quite rough bars with not a lot in between. Saying that the food is good but I do miss live music.
I reckon five days is about the right amount of time to see most of what you want, I don't think I've missed much of importance. The City has a few rough areas and you have to keep your wits about you, a young lady and her boyfriend that were staying at my hotel were robbed at knife point just two blocks away, the lady had the straps of her handbag cut. Saying that its a matter of turning right outside the hotel and it seems safe, turn left and it seems to have a few shady charactors about.
I did mention there is no live music and I'm maybe a bit unfair there was a music festival near the river at Pens Landing yesterday playing the areas traditional style, you know Chicago & New Orleans has Blues or Jazz, Nashville has Country, Detroit has Motown and of course Philly has "DooWop", yes I attended my first DooWop festival.
Today s a big Mexican day at the same spot with a lot of traditional entertainers, I've just been and to be honest found a lot of it a bit boring, at least they were giving out some free food samples.
Hopfully I can get on linein Atlanta to keep everyone up to date, I'll see. I'll be staying in Midtown Atlanta until Friday then moving to Buckhead, I'm looking forward to exploring another new city.

Did I mention I enjoyed having a Philly Cheesesteak, lovely it was.

Quick Update

Thought I'd give you all a quick update as I've just come online to check the Leeds result (can't forget the Football). Yes its party time tonight the Beckford & Kandol show marches on two goals from Jermaine and one for Tresor we now have a positive points tally. The result Bristol Rovers "0" Leeds "3". Six matches six wins off the bottom, overtaking four teams out of the relegation zone (ok maybe only until the others play tomorrow). My message to Lord Mahwinney and your 57 old farts on the Football league committee you docked us 15 points it isn't enough to kill us and with forty more matches to go "We will win this league MOT".



Good news at my hotel the Austrians have all left and even better a I write this a group of about twenty ladies (aged from early thirties to mid fifties) are booking in.


Today I got the ferry across the river and had a bit of a tour, there is a aquarium but I didn't bother going in, not really fascinated by fish.


Last night I went out and again had a steak but this time in a proper steak house, just had a 12oz Fillet it was cooked to perfection really enjoyed it. They were quiet so the girl behind the bar talked with me for a while, called her Dara and she was from New Jersey.


I moved on to a couple of other bars before eventually calling it a night at about 11.30pm, was a little tired. To be honest it was not the busiest of nights but I expect tonight it will be heaving, spotted the bar I'm planning to eat at tonight it looks really trendy so I better put my glad rags on.


Well off to my room now to do what us men must do when we haven't got a good women to do it for us. Yes as you've guessed I'm off to iron my shirt for tonight.

Hello from Philly

Just a note to let all my friends know I'm here safe in Philadelphia, the weather is sunny and just under 80F I've walked a fair distance today inding my way around. Got my photo took in front of a statue of the most famous American ever, yes I found the "Rocky" satue, even ran up them steps he does in the film.

My hotel is good, nice room, comfy bed, free breakfast and a happy 2 hours from 5pm to 7pm where draft beer is only $2 per pint. A couple of problems its full of a bus load of Austrians and a more arrogant & ignorant bunch you would find hard to meet, I can see me fall out with them soon, they just push in front of you at breakfast, dive into the lifts, hut doors in your face, expect to be served first at the bar, don't think the've heard of taking your turn. I suppose it is just south Germany so what would you expect.

Another problem is my hotel is slap bang between two main roads, to get anywhere you have to cross 6 lanes to Pens landing then over a footbridge across the roads so its a bit of a trek. The hotel does offer a courtesy bus to any sites within two mile but I've not used it yet.

I think I've been doing my diet no good at all, it started in my hotel at Manchester Airport, ok I'd had a meal and a few pints and was just thinking about bed when a Scottish bloke and his Girlfriend asked if they could sit at my table, well we got talking and one thing led to another and we drank a lot of beer.
As I was on my way back to my room I saw a pretty lady at the hotel vending machine, well I'll have to admit I couldn't resist soI did, yes I got a bar of chocolate from the vending machine (two actually beer makes me hungry).

I was a bit delicate in the morning but it was a buffet breakfast so I had the full monty, baccon, sausages, black pudding, beans, and a grilled tomato (so it was virtually vegetarian), I didn't hold back with the portions either.

I had a bit of a incident in the baggage queue at the airport, some women behind me was really impatient and kept pushing her trolley into my legs, I kept quiet for a while but in the end I turned around and told her a few choice words about not getting there any faster by ramming me with her trolley.

The flight was good, on time and I got sat next to a normal bloke so we had a bit of a chat which helped it pass, I always hope for a leggy blonde but usually get a nutter so I was quite happy. As far as airoplane food goes it was good, US Airways seem ok to me. I got my own telly with a choice of movies, I watched one but fell asleep it was that good, didn't recognise any of the actors so maybe it wasn't a good choice.

Anyway back to Philly I went out to a couple of Bars and got a meal in one, a lot of nightlife is close by so thats good, I'll try a few more tonight. I got a steak for my dinner it was tasty but not particular big to normal American standards and they skimped on the veg a bit plus only one onion ring (thats scandelous).

Tomorrow I'm planning to get the ferry across the Delaware River there are a few things to see over there, Saturday I think there are a few events on the river side at Pens Landing close to my hotel, they are setting up in preparation.

Take Care everyone I'll try update again before I leave Philly for Atlanta on Monday.

Goodbye and Thanks

Sorry no time to do a Music Monday Post tonight as I've a few chores to do, so just a short post.

First I'd like to thank everyone for their kind comments on my recent posts and just to update you on things :-
My Mother has recovered from her virus and is in good health so that worry as gone. I was quite worried thought I may have to cancel my US trip but all is well.

Work - I'm hoping to find out something before I leave tomorrow, whether we are shutting or been taken over, I'm ready for away to be honest the place is no fun anymore. I can usually get internet access at my airport hotel so I'll let you know if I find anything out before I leave.

My Knee - Came through the weekends matches better than expected, in fact today it feels 100% so I'm pleased. I did however feel a bit of tennis elbow while playing, it wasn't too bad but I wouldn't have wanted any more games. Ok today though after a bit of rest.

So I'm off to pack my bags know as I'm leaving straight from work tomorrow but hopfully I can get some internet access while away, if not I'll look forward to catching up with you all on my return. So its goodbye for now my friends.

Take Care xx

Good Day

To follow on from last nights post we played our other two British League matches today and I've just got home.
I thought they were harder matches today but we managed to beat both Barrow & Grimsby 5-3 to give us six points out of eight. Everyone was dropping points it looks a real tough division but I think we maybe equal top which is amazing as we have only just gone up to this division.
Personally I again won three out of my four matches so I'm happy with a 75% return over the weekend. I shared "Player of the Match" against Barrow.
To be honest playing eight matches at this level is tough and I am really knackered, think I'll sleep well tonight.

Today = Zero

Five Matches, Five Wins, 15 points Lord Mawhinney and your Footbal League Committee you can stick your 15 points deduction up your backside.

Result Leeds United "2" Hartlepool "0" with goals from our super strikers Kandol & Beckford.

Ok we are still bottom but now we've only given everyone Five Matches start and none of the others have a maximum.
To me reckoning we are 13 points off top, 9 points behind a play off spot, 3 points out of relegation & 2 points off the bottom. As we play first next week at Bristol on Friday night a win will lift us off the bottom, unbelievable I know but we will do it. Ok it'll maybe only for 24 hours until the others play but hell they must all be looking over their shoulders and Shitting Bricks.

Another big Crowd actally the biggest in the country not bad for a third flight team.

Moving on today I've been in Accrington set off at 6.45am this morning to play British League Table Tennis, just got home about a hour ago at 7pm. Well today won our first match 7-1 against Ormesby, I comfortably won both my Matches and got the "Player of the Match Award" from the Umpire. Ok we was on a high winning out first match after gaining promotion last season but we were firmly put in our place in the afternoon with Sheffield hammering us 7-1. I actually won our solitary set which was pleasing after my opponent told me how he was gonna give me a wupping at lunch time, all in fun you understand.
Well we are back tomorrow for two more matches but I am setting off a little later 7.20am cos I'm getting picked up. Today I was driving and had to go via York to pick up a team mate but its his turn in the morning.
Hopfully I'll get time to post tomorrow night when I get home.

This and That

The Work saga continues all we seem to here is rumours and couter rumours. I am not enjoying working there I just wish it was sorted I'm gonna get angry quite soon.

Leeds Utd hope to continue their winning start that is making a mockery of the Football leagues 15 point penalty, they are running scared. But this is Leeds United and today the other Football Committee as the FA has refused to sanction Leeds as a full member becauseof some financial politics. Apparently we've robbed the Tax man (who I had as dropped his case cos we've done nothing wrong just exploited the rules). They certainly have it in for us but at 5pm tomorrow we will hopfully be at zero points. Apparently the sanction means we can't vote and won't get any FA Cup Final tickets, hell whose bothered lets just show them they can't destroy us.

I'm away playing British League Table Tennis over the weekend, saturday we have matches against Ormesby (Middlesbrough) & Sheffield while on Sunday we have Barrow & Market Rasen wish us luck cos it'll be tough as we got promoted last season.

As you know I'm off on holiday on Tuesday visiting Philadelphia & Atlanta, I'm hoping to meet up with two blog friends in Atlanta both have problems and may not make it, we'll see. I'm very dissapointed though I was so looking forward to it.

Take Care everyone.

Worried

I've a few things on my mind at present :-

1. The Drama at work is continuing we are in the middle of site closure redundancy situation and are in the process of a 30 day consultation. Apparently there as been a eleventh hour bid to buy the place as a production site. We know very little of the people trying to buy apart from their financial backing is from Eastern Europe. I'm worried because I've a lot to lose, if these people turn out to be short term profiteers. There are so many unknowns at the moment, the next meeting is Tuesday before I go on vacation so I may find out more then. I could get really stitched up here.

2. My Mother was taken ill earlier this week, she is elderly, disabled and quite frail, she looked really bad and I've been so worried. It turns to be a virus and lukily she is improving but I've been so concerned.

3. All summer training ok, British League starts this weekend and I get a tweak in my knee training last night. Although a touch sore I'm training again tonight but I'll take it easy if I feel anything. I'm worried cos we've 4 critical matches and I'm scheduled in the team for all four, I don't want to miss these games.

4. I'm worried about my blog friend Rachel she is going through a tough time in her life and those close to her that should be supporting her are not. She has always been a good friend to me since I started blogging so please pay her a visit and send some love her way.

A True Yorkshire Great

Today Leeds lass Jane Tomlinson sadly passed away following her fight with cancer, after been diagnosed several years ago Jane became an inspiration to everyone, she raised thousands of pounds for charity's, she was a true Yorkshire Great. I have copied a obituary from the BBC for everyone to read.

RIP Jane.

Obituary: Jane Tomlinson
Though terminally-ill with cancer, Jane Tomlinson raised more than £1.5 million for charity by running in three London Marathons, several triathlons and The Great North Run.
Together with her brother she also cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End and from Rome to Leeds.
Jane Tomlinson's life changed forever when, in 1991, she was first diagnosed as having breast cancer.
Though she underwent a mastectomy, the cancer returned and in 2000 she was told that it was terminal.
Even though her cancer was incurable, Jane Tomlinson refused to give in, preferring instead to undertake a series of challenges which would normally tax even the most physically fit person.
Gruelling bike ride
2002 saw the mother of three, from Rothwell near Leeds, complete three major sporting events.
Even though she was in great pain - especially in her bones, neck, hips, back and shoulders - she took part in the London Marathon in April, a triathlon in August and, along with her husband, the Great North Run in October.
After the Great North Run, Jane Tomlinson announced that she would not be running any more races.
She said that she would be concentrating on her medical treatment, and spending time with her husband Mike and children Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven.
But, in March 2003, she set out, together with her brother Luke, on a 1060 mile bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End, stopping twice en route to receive chemotherapy.
Arriving at the finish, Jane Tomlinson could not contain her delight. It has been brilliant, " she said.
"I am absolutely thrilled. I can't believe we are actually here. There have been some tricky moments on the way but we have just enjoyed it all."
Her own laboratory
And, almost unbelievably, days after finishing the journey, she completed a second London Marathon before returning to work as a paediatric radiographer.
But more was to come. She completed the gruelling UK Half Ironman triathlon competition in the autumn before collecting her MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace in October.
All in all, she raised more than £1.5 million for Cancer Research UK and other charities.
In recognition of her efforts, the laboratory at Cancer Research UK's Clinical Centre at St James's Hospital in Leeds, was re-named the Jane Tomlinson Laboratory in May 2003.
Speaking at the time, Jane Tomlinson said, "I know that my situation means that there is little to benefit me from research, but I thought if I could raise some money, I could help other people in the future.
"It's great to know that all this research is taking place in my home city and I am especially pleased to be associated with this particular lab."
Mrs Tomlinson also won a number of high profile awards, including The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year's Helen Rollason Award.
She was also voted the UK's most inspirational woman in 2003.
In November 2004, she became the only cancer patient to complete a full Ironman triathlon, a daunting feat comprising a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle ride followed by a 26 mile marathon.
And in the summer of 2006, she crossed the United States, from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
On finishing the ride, she admitted, "I thought it was going to be a bit of an adventure but it turned out to be a bit of an ordeal."
But, despite her smiles at the end of her journey, the mammoth feat - 63 days on a bike, covering 3,700 miles - had left her seriously ill.
She was also disappointed that a lack of interest from the US media meant she only raised £100,000, well short of her expectations.
Early in 2007 it was announced that Jane was now too ill to undertake any further challenges but she did organise and wave off a 10km road race in Leeds.
She was awarded the CBE in the Queen's Birthday honours in June 2007.
Jane Tomlinson always looked upon herself as just an ordinary woman with cancer but her extraordinary tenacity touched the lives of people around the world.

Music Monday - The "O's"

Well reached the "O's" today and again a little variation in my choices :-

1. Will You "Hazel O'Connor" - A nice ballad from a great female vocalist, very underated I think. For the record this reached No8 in the UK chart in 19881.


2. Pretty Woman "Roy Orbison" - The big O with his 1964 classic a UK No1. Obviously with a title like this I dedicat this song to all my lady blog friends.


3. Don't Look Back in Anger "Oasis" - Don't normally put people from Manchester on my blog but at least they support the Blues, this was No1 back in 1996 for the brothers Gallagher.

Yet another New No1

Well another good month of blogging is passed and I've done my usual check to see who is my most prolific blog friend. Once again I'm pleased with the results with seven people in double figures once again. Its pleasing when people respond to your posts makes it feel worthwhile, on top of that I reckon I'm making some good friends through the internet.

Anyway Rebecca last months winner put in yet another good effort but is relegated to 2nd spot, she was pushed hard by Airliebird both had 16 comments. These were closely followed by Jenny and Spidey both with 14 comments.

But although these numbers are fantastic they haven't come close to this months winner who is Sandii with a fantastic 25 comments, well I reckon she deserves a big hug so its a pity she lives at the other side of the World.

Well done and Thanks to all of you couldn't pick a better bunch.

F**K Off to the Football League

Only one team in the entire English league have a 100% record 4 matches 4 wins twelve points, yes you've got the mighty whites are now on minus three and the rest are now looking over their shoulders, they thought they had killed us but we are reeling them all in.

Todays result a hard fought 1-0 victory over a good Luton Town side, I was there and Elland Road is really bouncing the atmosphere is electric. The players and fans are pulling together this Us against the World mentality is really working. The Fans even gave their rendition of their new anthem "F**k Off to the Football League" I bet thats popular at head office.

Todays winner was scored by Mr Magic "Tresor Kandol" one of our new heroes, to be honest he was outstanding all afternoon. You gotta watch his video.



I must say congratulations to our Manager Dennis "the menace" Wise who won the Division One August Manager of the Month for August, reckon he'll get the September award as well. He even managed a bit of a punch up with Lutons Coaching staff today I think we are loving his spirit.


I must also say I thought his speech after been told of the award was great in the circumstances, he could have simplified it though and just said "F**k Off to the Football League".

Here is the Speech :-

"It's very nice, but it means not too much to me to be honest," he told the club's official website.
"The Football League? After what they've done to us this is like a little tap on the back saying 'we do apologise, here's manager of the month.'
"It's laughable isn't it when we're bottom of the league? I'd rather have my 15 points back than manager of the month.
"Nothing from the Football League this year will be going near my mantelpiece after what they've done to us.
"I just can't accept what they've done to us this year, but I don't want to harp on about it."