Three weeks ago, Dovey J slipped to their first defeat of the campaign versus bogey-side, Whoever Athletic. The most Dovey J has ever taken from this encounter is a point.

 

Dovey K kicked off in a determined and confident fashion. Playing a slightly higher defensive-line than usual, they dominated early possession and swarmed all over a beleaguered and dis-jointed opposition. A neat through ball from Ian A allowed fellow-defender Chris C to lash home an opener from the left flank. Whoever Athletic resorted to defending in numbers; it was a classic example of desperate, damage-limitation. It was a mystery how they managed to make it to the break only trailing 3-1.

 

The second-half was a different affair. A rejuvenated opposition hussled and bussled from the outset, bringing out the nerves in the league leaders. Never a team to fare well under physical duress, Dovey J wobbled; at times it looked like an incredible upset could be on the cards. But it was not to be. For every goal Whoever A smashed home, Dovey J were able to hit on the break and deliver an instant riposte.

 

 

Dovey Junction 8 v 5 Whoever Athletic

 

Nick J (4)

Andy B (2)

Rich H

Chris C

 

Alex A: The Dovey J No. 1 will be disappointed to have conceded five after last week's impressive clean sheet but could hardly be blamed for any of the goals. Most were driven from distance, at cannon-ball pace, through a crowd of players.

 

Ian A: Comfortable but never really got out of second gear. Created a couple of goals and made a series of important challenges.

 

Jamie A: Pre-match concerns about the absentee centre-half's fitness appeared unfounded. Strong and committed throughout. Rarely ventured beyond the half-way line but did what was asked of him. Excellent man-on-man job in the second period.

 

Chris C: Looks like becoming a regular feature in the starting line-up. Another reliable and consistent defence performance capped off with a rare yet well-taken first half goal.

 

Andy B: Arguably, one of his best performances this season. Displayed some wonderful first-touch football and looks like he is beginning to forge a dangerous partnership with Nick J. Two excellent goals which should boost his confidence no end.

 

Nick J: Terrific...again. Dominated the midfield and threatened every time he ventured forward. 8 goals in 2 game is league top-scorer territory.

 

Rich H: Unusually quiet return for the Dovey J No. 9. Nevertheless, he added a useful dimension to the squad and was at the heart of at least two of the goals.

 

Next week: KSC

 

 

 

After easing past Maverick Mamuska last week, Dovey J head the premiership with 30 points from 11 games. Spall, sitting neatly in 4th spot posed a stiff challenge to a depleted DJ squad. With Jamie A, Ste S, Ste H and Rich H all sidelined, this was a potential banana-skin match for the league leaders.

 

Spall, renowned free-scorers, kicked off the most positive. Dovey J looked out of sorts in the opening minutes but soon got into their stride. In a tight first period, Dovey J sat deep, attacking quickly on the break; to devastating effect. A 2-0 half-time lead was well deserved.

 

It was more of the same in the second period. Dovey J soaked up the pressure from deep, frustrated their opponents, and hit on the break. Despite periods of pressure, the defence held tight and were rewarded with a first clean sheet of the season. And to cap off a fine display, a final attacking surge resulted in two well-worked late goals.

 

 

Dovey J 5 v 0 Spall

 

Nick J (4)

Ian A

 

 

Alex A: World class display. Inspired second-half performance; full credit for the clean sheet. Cemented his reputation as the league's best 'keeper.

 

Ian A: Majestic defensive display, capped off with a first-half screamer. On this performance, the  chairman must not stall contract negotiations any longer. A 3-year deal will be worth every penny.

 

Chris C: Dovey J's 'lucky charm' delivered again. Accomplished performance. Positioning and discipline excellent, tackling immense. On the verge of a becoming a regular.

 

Jani: A promising performance from the youth team star. Looked neat on the ball and displayed flashes of real talent. Still lacks a physical presence but that will come with age.

 

Nick J: Former Wolves' star just keeps getting better. Midfield-dynamo turned goal-scoring hero. Strong, brave and lethal in front of goal. Vital to the title challenge.

 

Andy B: Tasked with a difficult job, the Dovey J No. 10 rose to the challenge. Defended robustly and forged an improved performance with Nick J when let loose upfront in the second period. Back on track.

 

 

Next week: Whoever Athletic

 

 

 

After the disappointment of last week it was critical for Dovey J to return to winning ways against mid-table also-rans, Maverick Mamuska. Dovey have never lost to MM but encounters between the two are notoriously dull affairs.

 

With both Homfray brothers missing, Ste (fractured jaw), Rich (knee), Chris C was drafted back into the starting line-up.

 

Predictably, the game kicked off in dour fashion. Dovey J enjoyed most of the possession but failed to break down a rugged and determined MM defence. Nevertheless, their hard work was finally rewarded with two quick goals before the half-time break.

 

As MM tired, the second half opened up. Chances were created at both ends but it was Dovey J who took the initiative. At 4-0 a season's-first clean sheet looked on the cards. Alas, it was not to be. A neat one-two beat off the Angus brothers and gave MM a glimmer of hope. As MM pressed forward however, cracks appeared at the back which were ruthlessly exploited by Andy B and Nick J.

 

 

Dovey Junction 6 v 1 Maverick Mamuska

 

Andy B (2)

Ian A

Nick J

Ste S

Chris C

 

 

Alex A: Thankfully, the Dovey J No.1 had shed his ghastly, lime green, eastern-european-esque goalkeeper jersey for tonight's match; and it seemed to transform his fortunes. After conceding four last week, he very nearly pulled of a deserved clean sheet. Immense from the outset. Pulled off a spectacular save in the second period, as the MM danger-man flashed in a long-range effort. The crowd could be heard to comment on the keeper's likeness to a leaping salmon in full flight.

 

Ian A: After a wobbly performance on Friday night, a solid performance was much-needed tonight. It was certainly delivered. Strong in the tackle and consistent in the pass and dangerous in front of goal. Should do his confidence the world of good.

 

Jamie A: Another faultless performance from the the younger Angus. Composed, disciplined and confident, he never looked threatened by the MM front-line.

 

Chris C: Drafted in at the last minute but didn't disappoint. In fact, this was arguably his best performance in orange and white. Rock solid in the tackle and even weighed in with a well-taken first half goal.

 

Nick J: Oozes quality. Bossed the midfield and created a raft of chances in front of goal. Suffed an injury scare in the first half but thankfully it was nothing too serious.

 

Andy B: Tireless performance topped off with two well-deserved second half goals. A newfound confidence could see the No.9 smash home a stack of goals in the coming matches.

 

Ste S: An uncharacteristically poor performance last week has been consigned to to newspaper print. Back to form, the midfield maestro was at the heart of tonight's all-round positive team display. Didn't stop running, found space and created a plethora of chances for others. Excellent match.

 

16/09/07

 

Dovey Junction 3 v 4 Whoever Athletic 

 

Nick J (3)

 

No match report available.

 

* Pet Shop Boys on the Media Player *

 

 

  

 

 

Go to work and take your calls
Hang the fruits
of your labour on the walls
Such precision and care
What does it matter
if there's no one here to share

Flowers in the garden
blue wine
the "Waiting for Godot"
and so much modern time?


All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

The years perfecting a stance
of measured cool
fade into insignificance
The moment one starts to understand
What on earth
does it profit a man?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm waiting
for that red letter day

You can sneer
or disappear behind a veneer
of self-control
But for all of those who don't fit in
who follow their instincts
and are told they sin
this is a prayer for
a different way

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

Like Christmas morning
when you're a kid
Admit you love me
and you always did
Baby I'm waiting
for that red letter day

I'm always waiting,
I'm always waiting, waiting

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm hoping
for that red letter day
Today

 

Go to work and take your calls
Hang the fruits
of your labour on the walls
Such precision and care
What does it matter
if there's no one here to share

Flowers in the garden
blue wine
the "Waiting for Godot"
and so much modern time?


All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

The years perfecting a stance
of measured cool
fade into insignificance
The moment one starts to understand
What on earth
does it profit a man?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm waiting
for that red letter day

You can sneer
or disappear behind a veneer
of self-control
But for all of those who don't fit in
who follow their instincts
and are told they sin
this is a prayer for
a different way

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

Like Christmas morning
when you're a kid
Admit you love me
and you always did
Baby I'm waiting
for that red letter day

I'm always waiting,
I'm always waiting, waiting

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm hoping
for that red letter day
Today

 

Go to work and take your calls
Hang the fruits
of your labour on the walls
Such precision and care
What does it matter
if there's no one here to share

Flowers in the garden
blue wine
the "Waiting for Godot"
and so much modern time?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

The years perfecting a stance
of measured cool
fade into insignificance
The moment one starts to understand
What on earth
does it profit a man?

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm waiting
for that red letter day

You can sneer
or disappear behind a veneer
of self-control
But for all of those who don't fit in
who follow their instincts
and are told they sin
this is a prayer for
a different way

All I want
is what you want
I'm always waiting
for a red letter day

Like Christmas morning
when you're a kid
Admit you love me
and you always did
Baby I'm waiting
for that red letter day

I'm always waiting,
I'm always waiting, waiting

For something special
somehow new
someone saying 'I love you'
Baby, I'm hoping
for that red letter day
Today 

 

Dovey Junction have opened the campaign with a record haul of points. A win tonight versus third spot, Rodney's Pilchards would see them harness a full 27 points from 9 games.

 

A near full-strength squad kicked off in a confident fashion but found themselves frustrated by an exceptional first half-performance from the opposition's rather rotund, yet deceptively agile goalkeeper. After a period of attrition, the deadlock was finally broken by a clinical finish from midfield dynamo, Ste S. Almost immediately, the opposition responded, taking advantage of a lapse in concentration at the heart of the Dovey J defence to drill home an equaliser. A disciplined first-half performance paid dividends however, as the league's only unbeaten club, extended their half-time lead to 3-1.

 

A lacksidasical second half-performance threatened that seemongly comfortable lead. A resurgent opposition played the counter-attack system to perfection and within only five minutes of the final whistle had levelled the match at 4-4. However, in displaying the kind of steel so desperately lacking from the squad at times last season, Ste S rallied the troops and smashed home two late goals to ensure the full three points and an extended unbeaten run.

 

 

 

 

Ste S (4)

Rich H (2)

Jamie A

 

 

Alex A: Pulled off two world class first-half saves. Had no chance with two of the RP goals but on another day may have kept out the other two - one through the legs and one high and central. The 4am chicken bhuna could be to blame for delayed reactions.

 

Ian A: Steady but unspectacular. Struggled to stamp any real authority on proceedings. Had few chances to bomb forward; the efforts he did have were sliced wide or expertly blocked. At fault for the oppositions' equaliser.

 

Jamie A: Assured and confident performance, especially in the first period - won literally every challenge and distribution was near faultless. Guilty of two ropey second-half back-passes but they shouldn't detract from an excellent outing.

 

Ste H: Another solid performance from the Dovey J centre-half. At fault for the opposition's opener but played a blinder thereafter.

 

Ste S: Monumental in midfield. Never stopped running and acted as the perfect creative antidote to a sterile team performance in the second period. It is no coincidence that the signing of the former Mean Machine star over the summer has coincided with Dovey J's surge to to the top of the league. Weighed in with four quality goals.

 

Andy B: Industrious performance. Worked exceptionally hard. Still struggling to find his shooting boots though; needs to start weighing in with more goals.

 

Rich H: Stoned. Ineffective for large swathes of the match, but devastating in front of goal. The new Freddie Eastwood.

 

 

Next week: Whoever Athletic.

 

 

 

* The Cure on the Media Player *

 

One of my favourite tracks and a sure-fire way of getting me on the dancefloor. Spent many a Friday night at 'Face Off' in Swansea shuffling to this number whilst clutching the obligatory £1 bottle of Carlsberg.

 

 

 

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a shriek
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's grey and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

 

 

 

Hehe, Charlie Brooker is back on top-form. Fellow arachnophobes will appreciate his article in today's G2:

 

 

Nearly choked on my nutrigrain bar when my brother sent this story through to me this morning. You just couldn't make it up:

 

"It knocked her to the ground, lay on top of her and displayed what the police delicately described as possible mating behaviour."

 

Courtesy of BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6954728.stm

 

Pet camel kills Australian woman

Camels were brought to Australia in the 1840s for transportation A woman in Australia has been killed by her pet camel after the animal may have tried to have sex with her. The woman was found dead at the family's sheep and cattle ranch near the town of Mitchell in Queensland. The woman had been given the camel as a 60th birthday present earlier this year because of her love of exotic pets. The camel was just 10 months old but already weighed 152kg (336lbs) and had come close to suffocating the family's pet goat on a number of occasions. On Saturday, the woman apparently became the object of the male camel's desire. It knocked her to the ground, lay on top of her and displayed what the police delicately described as possible mating behaviour. "I'd say it's probably been playing, or it may be even a sexual sort of thing," the Associated Press news agency quoted Queensland police Detective Senior Constable Craig Gregory as saying. Young camels are not normally aggressive but can become more threatening if treated and raised as pets.

 

I am beginning to feel like Victor Meldrew.

 

Another water-less weekend was capped off wonderfully this evening after a quick visit to the communal bin-store shed light on a set of new neighbours. As I went to hurl my rubbish into one of the industrial-style bins I caught a flash of teeth. Two tramps, bold-as-brass have set up quite a comfortable new home, complete with double mattress, individual sleepings bags and even, yes wait for it, a coffee table. Unbelievable. Welcome to Wolverhampton-style luxury city-living. Gobsmacked, I just wished them a comfortable evening. They smiled, raised their cans of super-strength lager and said, 'cheers mate', as though we were regular neighbours. Might even take them some home-made samosas later.

 

On a serious note, it just highlights the disaster which is city-living. Councils up and down the country are rushing headlong into this fad, repeating many of the the same planning mistakes of the 1960s. It...does...not...work.

 

The tramps bother me much less than the lack of running water. I have set the maintenance contractors a deadline of tomorrow to respond to my formal complaint, agree compensation and fix the bloody fault. If not, bring on the press and media, local MP and the courts.

 

 

 

Excellent result for Wolves at Hillsborough this afternoon. 3-1 and by all accounts it could have been more. Still, there is work to be done to shore up the defence: a new, quick centre-half and a decent left-back. Gray is not up to the job. Bring on Blackpool and Morecambe.

 

Manchester City 1 v 0 Manchester United. I nearly pissed myself.

 

 

* All Shook Up on the Media Player *

 

Thursday 16 August 2007. 30 years since the death of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, at his Memphis home in Graceland. His early stuff (pre-1960) is just mindblowing. Less keen on his later material (too many ballads and awful suits), but in no way does that detract from his brilliance. Modern music just would not exist without the pioneering spirit of the 1950's Elvis Presley. Elvis, RIP.

 

Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

 Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

Courtesy of: http://www.elvis.com/ 

 

Wolves eased past Bradford City last night in the first round of the Coca Cola Cup. Just check out this sublime 25 yard effort from out-of-favour centre half, Jody Craddock. Described by Sky commentator, Johnny Phillips, as "the best goal I have ever seen in the flesh". Stunning. Eastwood opened his account too; bring on Sheff Wed.

 

Also, congratulations to Michael Kightly for earning a call-up to the England U21s:

 

 

  

 

I have woken this morning to find I have no running water; no water to boil a kettle, no water to brush my teeth or shower; no water to flush my toilet. This is the sixth or seventh time (I am beginning to lose track such is the frequency) that this has happened in the past five weeks. On most occasions the entire roadside block of apartments is without running water for 10+ hours. I had more reliable access to running water during my three week stay in Bangladesh in December. I am so pissed off.

 

This time, I am going for the jugular.

 

We are repeating the same planning errors made in the sixties. People do not want shared 'cities in the skies'; they want a little house and garden. And if that means encroaching on a bit of a greenbelt, then so be it - sorry. Mark my words, these apartments (which are flying up everywhere) are on course to be an absolute disaster. They will be the ghettoes of 2020.

 

 

 

* Dodgy on the Media Player *

 

Oh yes. Casts me way back to '96. The Dorch, The Venue, 80p lager and Imran's famous bleeding chicken haunt in Chapel Ash.

 

 

 

I've got an aching in my bones,
I've been exposed to what I want to see
The fuse is burning somewhere
it's drenched in heat, it's where I long to be

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

Sing a song as the sun does rise, if you don't ask
questions and you don't know why
There's a bridge to the other side,
Don't take your eyes from the prize

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

There's always two sides you don't have to suffer
If this is heaven then send me to hell
So stay in the light, don't take your eyes from the prize
Hey, there goes the bell

You'd like me to buy mind,
The situation may never find

If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see
If it's good enough for you, it's good enough for me
It's good enough for two, it's what I want to see

 

Dovey J kicked off this evening's match in 2nd spot after a blistering start to the season propelled Boca Seniors to the top of the table. Still, Dovey J had played 5, won 5 and were brimming with confidence. With a full squad at their disposal, they clearly fancied their chances versus local rivals Wombourne Heat.

 

The match kicked off cautiously. Dovey J dominated possession but struggled to carve a way through a rugged and determined WH back line. It took a full 5-6 minutes before the deadlock was broken. Dodging a flurry of outrageous challenges Dovey J continued to press forward and were rewarded with a further two goals before the half-time break.

 

The second half was less about football and more about violence. WH kicked off determined to intimidate and nothing more. It was brutal. Dovey J players were chopped, slide-tackled and smashed into the walls. The ref lost control and was himself subject to disgraceful racist abuse. If I owned that place, WH would be banned for life. Instead, they don't even get cautioned and will line-up again as a top four club next week. Dovey J plugged away, refused to rise to the bait and slammed another three goals down their throat. Professional performance and well-deserved sixth win on the bounce.

 

 

Dovey Junction 6 v 1 Wombourne Heat

 

Nick J (4)

Andy B

Ste H

 

 

Alex A: A remarkably quiet game for the Dovey J No.1. Kept out a series of efforts during a wobbly phase during the second half but compared to the average game, had very little to do.

 

Ian A: Carrying an injury from his afternoon match, the Dovey J veteran settled for a token run-out in the second period. Solid. Not a foot wrong.

 

Jamie A: Barnstorming performance. Snuffed out the WH danger man from the outset. First to every ball, strong in the tackle and intelligent in distribution. 10/10.

 

Ste H: Excellent, disciplined performance from the older Homfray. Bagged Dovey's sixth and final goal despite being kicked and fouled in the process; testament to his commitment and passion.

 

Nick J: Arguably his most impressive and lively performance to-date. Brimming with confidence the teenage sensation drilled wide a series of early warning shots before bagging an impressive four goals. Just quality.

 

Ste S: Continues to play the free role with outstanding skill and guile. Adds a totally different dimension to Dovey J's play. Defends, creates, scores. Signing of the season.

 

Andy B: Another excellent performance from Andy B. Neat, simple football. Lashed a series of ferocious efforts just wide; was unlucky not to hit more goals. Is nearing a return to top form.

 

Rich H: Remarkably, left the field of play without a goal to his name. Still, it was a commendable performance. Displays a newfound commitment to the cause.

 

 

 

I love Charlie Brooker:

 

 

I went to a fashionable London nightclub on Saturday. Not the sort of sentence I get to write very often, because I enjoy nightclubs less than I enjoy eating wool. But a glamorous friend of mine was there to "do a PA", and she'd invited me and some curious friends along because we wanted to see precisely what "doing a PA" consists of. Turns out doing a public appearance largely entails sitting around drinking free champagne and generally just "being there". Obviously, at 36, I was more than a decade older than almost everyone else, and subsequently may as well have been smeared head to toe with pus. People regarded me with a combination of pity and disgust. To complete the circuit, I spent the night wearing the expression of a man waking up to Christmas in a prison cell.

"I'm too old to enjoy this," I thought. And then remembered I've always felt this way about clubs. And I mean all clubs - from the cheesiest downmarket sickbucket to the coolest cutting-edge hark-at-us poncehole. I hated them when I was 19 and I hate them today. I just don't have to pretend any more.

Read on...

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2147645,00.html 

 

Much less excitable this morning.

 

It was a laboured Wolves' performance at Molineux yesterday afternoon, made worse by a Watford-side determined to stifle play and 'put it about'. I honestly think they are the most physical side I have ever seen play at Molineux. At times, we simply looked intimidated by them. Shittu, at the heart of the Watford defence, was just immense.

 

There was no lack of effort, we just looked disjointed and vulnerable. Quite why we kept pumping long balls into a giant-like Watford defence is just beyond me.

 

In a nutshell, we need a new full back, a quick centre-half, and a tough-tackling midfielder. I am banking on Eastwood banging in the goals on return to full fitness.

 

Despite the performance (it was not an exciting match to watch), it did look like we would walk away with a full three points. Olofinjana scored a delightful goal on the stroke of half-time (which I mised because of a quick toilet and pie break), a lead we held until deep into the second half. A deflected free-kick and a penalty shattered the Molineux faithful again. 2-1. I think we deserved a draw.

 

To make matters worse I spent most of the second half nursing a pie injury. Somehow managed to jab myself in the lip with the tin foil, ensuring a steady flow of blood throughout the second period. Typical.

 

Watford will certainly be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. If not particularly talented or exciting they are very very strong; a characteristic which will stand them in good stead in this league. As for Wolves, it was a difficult environment by which to judge them. Our prospects will look a lot clearer after Sheff Wed and Blackpool

 

My other teams fared well. An excellent 3-1 victory for Newcastle at Bolton. Despite my initial misgivings I genuinely think Big Sam could be the man to bring the glory days back to St. James'. And despite the off-the-field turmoil, Weymouth registered a solid 2-1 victory over Halifax in the Conference.

 

 

 

I am so excited. I have not felt like this for years. The football season is back.

 

I woke at 6:45am in a state of pure excitement. It felt like Christmas morning. I have been bouncing off the walls all day.

 

I was in Sedgley for a haircut by 8:45am, watched Soccer AM whilst waiting, and had a good chat with Tony re Villa's prospects for the coming season. Jumped back in the car, switched on talkSPORT for the football phone-in and headed round mum's for a cup of tea and breakfast. By 10.30am I was at the Molineux club shop. Bought my first Wolves shirt in eight years (the new blue and gold change shirt) embossed with '4 - Olofinjana'. I felt like a big kid and literally skipped out of the shop.

 

Sitting at home now glued to the football phone-in, waiting for the season's first Football Focus.

 

Al and J are due round at 3pm before we head down to the BlueBrick for a couple of pre-match pints with the lads. Then to the Molineux for 4:45pm to take our new seats. It should be a corking atmosphere, bolstered by the pre-match tribute to Derek Dougan. I am sure the pub will follow the match also.

 

Difficult call v Watford. I would probably settle for a point. Prediction: 2-2.

 

One thing is for sure, from this point on, Saturday's until next May will either make or break my weekend.

 

C'mon the Wolves.

 

 

Survived my first week back at work. Just.

 

Making good progress on the dissertation. Just over 3k left.

 

Enjoyed a couple of quiet drinks in the Green Room last night; yet another departure from BVSC.

 

Did my good deed for the day on the journey home. Spotted an elderly lady looking confused on the Manc Pic train as we pulled out of New St. She had lost her luggage and was meant to get off at New St. to meet her daughter. Found her luggage, calmed her down and promised to get her back on a train at Wolv. Sat with her for the rest of the journey. She had a lovely soft South Walian accent. Her eyes lit up when I told her I had spent 6 years at Swansea University and was a Dylan Thomas fan. I got the fully story of family holidays at the Gower etc, as well as the Aberfan tragedy in '66. It was quite obvious after a few mins of chatting though that she was suffering from the early stages of dementia; she has forgotton to get off at New St and was pretty confused. Anyway, walked with her to platform 4 at Wolv, rang her daughter to tell her she was back on her way, got her onboard the next Brum-bound train and made sure a young lad would help her off at the other end. I felt quite choked. She was such a lovely old lady, but I know the next stages all too well. She reminded me of my nan, which I found really sad.

 

 

 

20 December 2006:

 

Woke late, absolute bliss. Enjoyed a very long and relaxing breakfast in the hotel restaurant with Aftab, Russell and Hannan; wonderful parathas, mixed vegetable and coffee. It was an oasis of tranquility amongst the humdrum of daily life in Bangladesh...until the rest of the lads descended at 10:30am.

 

Had a lazy morning. Showered, packed, read and did final exit interview with Russell on the camcorder. We should have some awesome video footage by the time this tour is complete.

 

Checked out and re-convened in the hotel lobby at mid-day. Russell had a series of player interviews still to complete so Aftab and I headed off to Angel Drop (a picturesque seafront cafe) for coffee and contemplation. Spent a really good two hours talking about the tour, friendship and politics. In the space of only eight months Aftab has become a very close and loyal friend. Incredible what avenues a change of job can open up.

 

Final lunch together at a nearby restaurant in the early afternoon. Ted was creeping around with the video camera so somewhere in the footage is proof of my newfound 'hand only' eating skills; in fact i'm on a par with some of the lads now I reckon! Quite chuffed that I have tried everything on offer over the past three weeks. Can't remember shirking any new experience.

 

After the meal we jumped on some rickshaws and headed back to the hotel lobby for a final team meeting, comments and reflection. To hear some of the younger lads' thoughts was actually quite moving. I have seen definite changes in them over the past few weeks.

 

Most of the lads opted for the long journey back to Sylhet so as to attend Bassit's brother's wedding. We waved them off at 4.30pm.

 

Russell, Aftab, Roqib and I spent the rest of the evening strolling along the beach, watching the sun set over the Bay of Bengal. Rounded off the evening with a return to the Angel Drop for coffee. I just sat there, closed my eyes, listened to the waves lapping under the cafe, and thought of home.

 

At 10:15pm we boarded a Volvo Shohagh coach back to Dhaka. I am now nearing the end of my incredible three week journey.

 

 

 

 

See photos. It actually looks like a proper house now, just lacking a front door. Build completion date is 28 September, legal completion/move-in date is 12 October. I cannot wait.

 

After a couple of days back at work I now remember why I do not usually take two-weeks worth of block leave; the e-mail and general work backlog is horrendous. Just focusing on the Wolves match on Saturday to get me through the week.

 

Decent training session with Lozells last night; another friendly pencilled in for Sunday.