Rough Justice
13 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in General Blog
I know… Almost halfway through the month and just one solitary blog to my name (well two if you count this effort). So much for the hopes and aspirations I might actually blog more regular during 2012. I want to believe me but the situation work wise has made it impossible.
If you don’t know, I won’t reveal who I’m currently working for albeit via an agency. After being laid off for almost two weeks over Christmas and New Year, I proceeded to indulge in a wave of mass overeating and alcohol consumption. This – somewhat predictably – was followed by a spot of feeling sorry for myself coupled with man flu. Not a great combination. Nothing got done. I purchased a copy of the latest football manager game; further dampening any chance of the creative division of my soul getting any work done. Some things never change! At least my Cambridge United side are impressively sitting top of the Blue Square Premier League with an 8 point cushion!
Unlike the real team who are currently experiencing mixed fortunes on the pitch. Two wins, two defeats is more akin to mid table form than a side who can make the play offs. I been missing quite a few home matches recently due to late work finishes so was delighted to attend Tuesday’s home match against in-form Grimsby Town. I was not so delighted when the Mariners deservedly triumphed 1-0; inflicting a first home defeat since August.
With four senior players shipped out already this transfer window and one solitary replacement (an on loan back up keeper… bout as useful as a chocolate fireguard unless number one Danny Naisbett does pick up an injury or suspension!) so far; on Tuesday night’s evidence the team is looking a little short right now. However reading the club message board us long-suffering supporters will be presently surprised with forthcoming signings to bolster the squad. Even at the toilet level of football I passionately follow, you can still be surprised and delighted with certain signings.
For once I’m not complaining about the football on show this season. We’re still in the hunt for the play-offs and there is some exciting talent at the club. First time in three years I’ve sported anything near to a smile on my face regarding football save the unreality planet of football manager. Jez George has done a quite remarkable job since taking the reigns almost a year ago. That 4-0 humping at Bath City swamped in freezing wintry conditions still brings a shudder down my spine! Almost as much as enduring the talentless wittering of Alan Carr and Melanie Sykes on Radio 2 during the journey home followed by Club Classics on Heart. Since I wasn’t driving I had no say on the choice of music. My protests fell on deaf ears.
Anyway the league is put to one side tomorrow as we have FA Trophy action against AFC Telford. The unpredictable nature of my current job means I really don’t know if I’ll make the game. I possess mixed feelings regarding the trophy. On the one hand it’s an opportunity to enjoy a stress-free no pressure day at Wembley. On the other hand there are a lot of games between where we’re at in the competition (2nd Round) and that day out inLondon. Even a two-legged semi final to negotiate! So will take it one game at a time.
I expect a poor crowd at the Abbey tomorrow despite reduced admission prices. A third of the ground will be closed (where I usually stand an all) and these matches never generate much atmosphere whatsoever. Still hoping I can make it but it depends on the damn job.
I took today off for the sake of my sanity. One advantage of being an agency worker is you can take a day off when you see fit! Quite simply since returning the way the staff have been treated is shocking to say the least. Evidently struggling in the current climate in an extremely competitive market (mind you what market isn’t competitive apart from niche areas?), the powers that be have made the not so radical decision to cost cut.
They’ve obviously been taking stock of how the coalition handled saving a few quid. Sweeping changes are being made on an almost daily basis. Morale – which was pretty decent before Christmas – has hit rock bottom. People have walked out the building in tears. The same level of work is present but with significantly less staff to man (or woman!) operations. Customers are getting extremely pissed off as these sweeping changes are making the service they provide much worse. And our job practically impossible.
I was at the end of my tether when I got the most welcome phone call of my life offering me a full time job with Royal Mail. This is subject to security clearance so still not a done deal. I can’t think for the life of my why I would not pass being a law abiding citizen type of chap. Well these days anyways! Unless they count bankruptcy against me which I’m sure I declared on my application form.
This will take a couple of weeks so am torn between a rock and a hard place. Part of me is tempted never to darken the doorstep of my current workplace again. But what if I failed the security test? I’ve decided the best course of action is to carry on regardless and do the job to my best of my ability but chucking in the added bonus of having a really don’t give that much of shit attitude. Those two 16 hour days almost killed me. I’m not afraid of hard work and going the extra mile but the pressures brought upon me and my colleagues – a good bunch of people – is going way beyond any call of duty. It wouldn’t surprise me if this company goes bust in the near future if they continue to practise in this manner.
I want more out of life than simply working and sleeping. Not too much to ask. The new job is the perfect scenario. A more sensible and manageable 35 hour week as opposed to the 70 plus I currently do. No wonder come Saturday night I do nothing more than slouch in front of the computer armed with excess booze posting irrelevant comment on the net!
I know I got to blog more and here’s hoping this might spur me into some blogging action, the creative division has been dormant too long and is in need of some action!
Oh No Not You Again!
03 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in General Blog Tags: Grumpy, January, New Year, Weather
At last a day possessing some sense of normality. As usual Christmas and New Year got in the way of everything. I come out the period feeling drained and five stone heavier. Nothing unusual there! It is annoying how every year I vow to not let things slip yet every year I completely and utterly fail. No point complaining the damage has been done and it’s all my flipping fault! Now we’re firmly encased in the most depressing month of the year.
I’ve been spending way too much time waxing lyrical on Facebook. This very morning when checking, every other post commented on the high winds we’re experiencing across theUK. Come on people you can do better than that! It’s bad enough news people harping on about the weather without being told the bleeding obvious by all and sundry. So the winds are a little high… get over it!
I’m always grumpy throughout January. This is due to celebrating Christmas and New Year a little too much! I don’t make New Year resolutions but always find myself determined to shed the excesses sooner rather than later. Problem is you get used to putting all manner of crap into your body and asChicagoonce said “it’s a hard habit to break”. Quite frankly I don’t think me body could take anymore! Time to brush the dust off the exercise bike. Sort the flat out. Get those ruddy annoying decorations down which are now really beginning to grind my gears!
My brief foray back into the world of employment has ended. It was good whilst it lasted although I found myself with absolutely no time on my hands whatsoever. As is usual in life of me I go from one extreme to the other! I was hoping the job might extend into the New Year but sadly alas there is not enough work to go round. So with reluctance I submitted a jobseekers allowance claim form this morning. Great start to 2012 back on the dole where some would suggest I belong! At least I’ll have some time to do the things I want! More blogs and a revamp of HQ are top of the bill!
I finally picked up one of those irritating bugs doing the rounds. Standing in pouring rain watching Cambridge United getting humped by Braintree Town is my source of blame. It was not a pretty affair! Still not 100% right today but at least have enough energy to not sit around and do nothing all day. Well here’s hoping!
Oh well much to do. Just a few words to spring meself back into action! Better get on with taking them damn decorations down. I have a CD unit to assemble – that’ll end in disaster no doubt. Just keep calm and carry on… soon be spring!
No Christmas
24 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog Tags: christmas, christmas songs, Radio 2, red wine
Here we go round the mulberry bush again. Christmas has finally caught up with us. Thank god for that. Soon be all over, done, dusted and discarded for another twelve months. Never before have I felt in such anti-Christmas mode. Now I’ve finished work; the full reality this festive season is well and truly upon us has hit right between the eyes. Boy it’s hurting.
I usually tolerate all the nonsense. I’ve found in recent years my enthusiasm for anything yuletide related has dwindled significantly. The same old repetitive cycle every year. The true meaning has almost well and truly been bunged out the window. I don’t even feel the aspects I previously enjoyed such as the imagery and tunes. In fact I have found Christmas tunes becoming quite unbearable. If I hear those seasonal chancers Wood, Holder, Rea orLakeone more time, I shall scream very loud from the window of HQ. With any luck the police (who are stationed across the road) might hear and cart me away. That’s what you get for listening to Radio 2 twelve hours a day!
I’m torn between a fine line whether I have hit depression or simply feeling a touch of severe miserabilism. 
The latter I would suggest. It dawned on me how rubbish Christmas actually is. I know I’ll be told it’s because I’m a middle-aged man without kids. Possibly some truth in that I really couldn’t speculate. A man dressed as Santa Claus was sitting outside Tesco this morning jolly as can be. I felt so enraged I simply wanted to punch him. Sorry to shatter the dream but he really doesn’t exist. He had a flask by his side for crying out loud. Santa with a flask just isn’t right.
Oh dear me not so really as lodged in the mire as what the first few paragraphs suggest! I blame the grumpy guide to Christmas which I watched the other night. Felt like a right grouch agreeing with every single issue raised. I mean it really is bloody pointless. Just because we’re celebrating the alleged birth of Christ doesn’t mean we have to be happy. All the usual issues we have buried in our personas will remain. To make matters worse most of us indulge so much (me included) that post-festive blues will undoubtedly kick in 2nd January. Ate too much, drank too much and then entering what I think is by far the worst month of the year. A new diet beckons!
On the bright side not long after midday and I indulge in a glass of red (or two!). This is the beginning of two and a bit days of nothing but eating, drinking and attempting to be merry. Well I for one am not going to be jolly but swamped in a wave of cynical miserabilism! Granted you can get away with more excess and ridiculous behaviour this time of year than any other. Shopping trolleys were full of excess purchases which will inevitably end up for the dustman to cart away next week. I have concluded the whole darn exercise is pointless yet still I find myself succumbing to the same pitfalls as everyone else.
Even the weather here in the International Republic Of East Anglia is letting us down. I mean the sun shines magnificently! No chance of a white Christmas here! Mind you been there and done that admittedly!
Still there are always the soaps to chuckle at. But they tread the same path these days. Both Corrie and the Enders are on for an hour Xmas day. Sure as Phil Collins needs a punch you can guarantee the first half hour will be all jolly, smiley and happy before things kick off. Seen the trailer for Eastenders and the Queen Vic was on fire. For crying out loud (Pat) is that the best they can come up with? Ok granted I don’t recall the busiest pub in theUKever burning to the ground Christmas Day but it reeks of a lack of ideas.
I’m hoping – to sparkle things up – Phil Mitchell hits the neat vodka or even better go back on the crack cocaine. There is nothing finer than watching the bald headed one swagger around the square pissed as a newt. Sure they’ve done it a thousand times when they run out of ideas for the hard man mechanic but it still has me in fits of laughter. Pat is getting killed off new year. The square won’t be the same without those spangly over the top earrings. Surely time to bring Frank Butcher back from the dead.
All I can say is thank god Christmas does come but once a year. You may wish it would be Christmas every day Roy Wood but I for one can inform you you’re wrong. Now if you’d have suggested you wished it would be Christmas Day every day I can appreciate that concept. What’s not to like about a day where one does nothing but over indulge and get some free gifts? Having said that I think we might find it becomes a bit boring and tedious after a period of time. Not that you give a toss once those seasonally enhanced royalty cheques come flooding in early new year. Once a year is enough. Quite enough thank you.
Spooning Good Singing Gum
20 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog
I can hardly believe it meself. Been over a month since I Penned anything. Work has simply got in the way. 15 hour days are the norm at the mo. Then come the weekend I indulge in a crafty snifter or three; post ridiculous amounts of garbage on the internet, sleep a lot and watch TV. Such is the nature of my life right now. As Status Quo said in 1988, I “Ain’t Complaining” especially when checking my bank account and witnessing the presence of money. Still getting used to being able to fund my tobacco habit.
Unexpectedly I find myself with a day off midweek. Interview with Royal Mail this morning for a full time postman position in Mildenhall. Who knows could start 2012 with a brand sparkling new job. One which shouldn’t involve 15 hour days. As usual in such a situation I remain pessimistic about my chances of success although admittedly proceedings went pretty well I feel.
The plan was to take advantage of some free time and start clearing stuff out of HQ. However after a taxing trip to Sainsbury’s when I arrived home the tiredness of my situation caught up and I spent a couple of hours power napping to the dulcet tones of retro daytime television. Then I sprang out of bed, fixed a coffee and decided to write. The flat revamp will have to wait a little longer methinks. It’s a rather big job I have on my hands!
As I drive my battered old City Link van around the highways of ruralSuffolk, the various DJ’s on Radio 2 keep reminding me it is indeed Christmas. It doesn’t feel like Christmas especially with the mainly mild weather we been experiencing here inEast Anglia(bar last Friday which was ruddy horrible to be out in all day). I put the tree and decorations up, have been spinning the odd Christmas album but really not feeling it this year. Quite frankly could do without all the fuss and nonsense associated with this time of year.
Chris Evans is the worst of the cheerful Radio 2 DJ’s. Every morning he trumps on and on and on and on and on about it. Then trumps on a bit more. You could argue I should simply tune to another station. The reality of the situation is there is nothing else to listen to on the wireless bar Radio 2 when one is driving all day. Boy I’ve tried the alternatives and they’re not good! Anyhow once I start delivering my attention is diverted from radio entertainment to the job I am paid to do so most what is said and played passes my ears.
It’s tough at the moment but the reality is I could be out of work again come the end of the week. Hopefully I’ll be kept on after Christmas Eve and if I do then the workload should ease significantly. I certainly couldn’t continue in this vein for much longer! Interestingly my diet has been bunged out the window this past month. I have been eating like I’m pregnant (I’m not you’ll be astounded to discover) and eating everything I shouldn’t (chocolate, cheese, crisps, nuts and pies though not all at the same time). Yet on weighing myself this morning I haven’t put on a bean in a month. Have missed a trick though I feel as had I eaten more sensibly could easily have shed a stone I feel.
Never mind, life’s too short to beat oneself up on such matters. I’m in training for yuletide indulgence. It’s the same every year. In every nook and cranny you are bombarded with eating and drinking offers for items which do you no good whatsoever. Then come January 3rd when life gets back to some form of normality, the dieting hounds will be bombarding with messages to purchase their products. Sometimes I think animals have the right idea hibernating for six months!
So much seems to have happened since I last posted. The craziness of X Factor (which I got stupendously embroiled in) and Strictly Come Dancing (of which I still have never watched an entire show from start to finish) have been and gone. Members of McFly appear to pop up everywhere now record sales have dried up. Jeremy Clarkson has been controversial – nothing to do with the fact he has a new book out oh no, David Cameron remains the most irritating man on the planet and that’s flipping saying something…. life just seems to regurgitate itself. I guess we’re stuck with these repetitive recycled rhythms for the rest of our miserable existences.
Oh don’t I sound full of Christmas cheer. The reality is I can’t believe it’s upon us again. Come Saturday time will literally stand still for a couple of weeks as we awash ourselves in a haze of bad food and booze. Terrestrial TV makes me chuckle. I caught a BBC trailer informing us of what super films they’re showing. All of which have been out for at least three years. Any half interested film buff would have already seen. Yet their promotional ideas remain so outdated they think we should get excited about a TV premiere of a movie released in 2008. ITV1 are no better. They seem to think we should get all in an excited lather about a Michael Bubble Christmas special. Give me Donny Osmond any day of the week. No maybe not.
I’m fed up with Christmas records already bar a select few. I’ve never understood the love for ‘Fairytale Of New York’. As the years roll on I find the song becoming more unbearable. Think both The Pogues and the late Kirsty McColl did much better songs in their careers. Radio 2 seem to be playing the same dozen or so plus a new one from that Bubble chap. Annoying thing is Evans played a corking Christmas tune by The Killers the other week which I’ve never heard the station play again. I’m tuned in enough to notice such things!
And if I hear that Middlesbrough dullard Chris bloody Rea claim he is still “Driving Home For Christmas” one more time, I shall not be responsible for my actions. Get a new car man or move nearer to your destination. You been bloody driving home for nigh on twenty years now and the act is wearing incredibly thin. Daft little man. I love the way all musical reasoning is bunged out the window come Christmas time. Stations play artists they would never normally touch with a barge pole. Still it’s a good time of year for the likes of Greg Lake, Roy Wood and Jona Lewie as they have nice fat royalty cheques to look forward to in the new year.
The most startling thing I’ve come across recently is The Krankies revelation they’re were into swinging during the 70’s and 80’s. And not of the dancing variety if you get my drift. Whatever next? The Queen and Prince Phil admit to cocaine induced sex parties in the 70’s with Benny Hill and Dick Emery? I’ve long suspected the world is hurtling out of control. Apparently this time next year – if you believe mad people – it will all be over. The way its going that might not necessarily be a bad thing. Would mean I could escape the nauseating pain of Cambridge United’s predictable mid winter slump. Still despite our recent poor form, it’s nice to not actually be moaning about football this time of year for the first time since 2008.
Well enjoy the festivities whatever you’re doing. Will be spurring myself back into writing action, promise! I don’t actually hate Christmas but do find the in your face antics of commercial enterprises nauseating to say the least. I’ll spend it with mum getting merrily steaming texting random people watching shite telly. If you’re in my contacts list you have been warned!
Monocard
16 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog
I know! A blog! Stop fainting in the background! With my job literally taking over my life all I’ve been doing is working, eating and sleeping plus some drinking on a Saturday night. Although a pre-Christmas booze hiatus is possibly on the cards. I say that now whilst imbedded midweek but sure as there’s hardly a proper celebrity to be seen on a supposed celebrity TV programme; I’m pretty sure that stance will evaporate come Saturday night. Must only consume one of bottle of wine this weekend, not two!
Time has become very precious. Ironic really as when unemployed had way too much of it on me hands. That’s the way of the world! Despite losing money I was thankful of a midweek day off when sent home this morning as there wasn’t enough work to go round. Last two days were extremely taxing. Sometimes I’m convinced I’m not cut out for a career in multi drop van driving. On the other hand talking to fellow agency drivers as we eagerly sat around the cramped rest room waiting for work; they most certainly suffer the same problems as me! Didn’t feel so alone and isolated after that conversation.
I decided the creative division of my persona has to be temporarily closed down for now or be precise running on bare minimum. I simply don’t have the time or energy to be too creative at the mo. Up at 5 AM, long days usually 12 plus and even working Saturdays now although the latter is a bit of a skive! My current stance is if I have chance to pen a few words I will but don’t expect regular updates the mo!
Hell I even spent three days away from the internet. Devoid of any energy to even switch the PC on. On the plus side the money is coming in nicely and it’s fantastic to not have to worry about the basics like putting food on the table or paying the bills. Every ache and pain is worth it come Friday! Losing weight again as well which is a bonus as not really trying. Put on nearly a stone late summer and was beginning to feel bulky. Have managed to shed that. Who knows if I could kick the booze for a few weeks might even be able to shed a little more. So all in all definitely worth it. Still living from day to day and not thinking of the future too much.
A reality check hit home this week when I was summoned to pay council tax! No point moaning about it but nice I could stave off the wolves by paying what I owe and setting up a direct debit. On a positive not I got allocated 52 quid a week working tax credits for the foreseeable future. It really does make a difference especially when you lose a days pay like today.
If truth be told I needed today off. I was close to reaching bursting point. Had a nice chilled out time – slept a lot, watched a movie, some social networking and now feel ready to face the rest of the week whatever it may bring! I received a copy of the new album by Salford’s finest outfit The Fall which as ever is three quarters of an hour of Mark E Smith doing what he does best… being a genius. I don’t know how they do it. ‘Always the same yet always different’ as the late John Peel once correctly observed. It does feel good to be able to go online and purchase an album if I fancy it!
Till the next time amigos!
Life Just Bounces
05 Nov 2011 8 Comments
in General Blog
Ah bonfire night. Another excuse to try and make us part with our cash. The endless cycle of advertisers squeezing the life out of our personas rumbles on. I admire Guy Fawkes very much. Anyone whose major obsession in life is to blow up the houses of parliament is alright in my book. There’s always something in the pipeline to make us spend extra. I find it gets worse every year.
Of course Christmas is very much upon us despite being six weeks away. I was more than perturbed when Sainsbury’s decided to move onions to make way for nuts. I had a similar gripe with Tesco recently when some bright spark moved toilet paper to make way for confectionary items. The tacky ones you only see at Christmas. This was in September.
Luckily I am so busy with my new job I’m not noticing these things quite so much. In reality the life of the multi job van driver is not as easy and straightforward as one might think. The basics are simple – you get parcels, a list of addresses and you deliver them. If only it was as simple as that!
Ridiculously long days are not uncommon. I’m talking 13-14 hours! Welcome back to the real world Derek! I was struggling at the start of the week but now have been given my own round on the Essex/Suffolk border until Christmas. The familiarity of where I’m actually going is making things a lot easier. Unless you’ve done it, you wouldn’t believe how difficult some places are to find. Sat nav does the job to a certain extent but it doesn’t always take you where you want to go!
I’m delivering in a pretty rural area. Houses off the main road, farms with no sign outside – I could go on! Slowly but surely am getting to grips with the task with hand. When it’s going well I love the job. I also love a few hundred quid getting deposited in my bank account every Friday morning. I even bought some new clothes last week! Every bruise (and I’ve collected a few!) and pain in my body is worth it when the weekend arrives!
Subsequently probably won’t be so much writing over the next few weeks but one will do ones best to construct something. It’s a hard life on the road but a rewarding one nonetheless.
Sir Jimmy Saville (1926-2011)
30 Oct 2011 1 Comment
in General Blog Tags: Sir Jimmy Saville
I was genuinely sad to hear of the passing of Sir Jimmy Saville yesterday. A larger than life character and true British eccentric. He was one of those bods you’d bet your life savings on reaching a ton. Sadly alas not to be.
Such authentic passion is stirring simply because – and this has never happened with a deceased celebrity before – I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the man back in 1998. Christmas day to be exact. Having over celebrated Christmas Eve a little too much for my own good, I ambled into Nevis Radio to present the lunchtime slot. When I volunteered to undertake such a shift it seemed a good idea.
There was little remnants of a bottle of malt back at HQ and head thumping I unwisely drove – probably well over the legal drink drive limit – to Nevis towers. I really did not want to be there. Mouth dry, I felt like hell warmed up times two. Actually make that three. No let’s up it to ten plus. It was one of those post-drinking mornings where you still felt a little bit tipsy.
Presenting a radio programme in such a mess is not recommended. I staggered through the first hour on auto pilot churning out rubbish tacky Christmas hits, being as cheery as what one could in such a state and praying the clock would reach 1 PM sooner rather than later so I could top up alcohol levels and eat a hearty Christmas meal.
I rarely smoke when suffering from a hangover like that. However I decided to pop out and wrestle with a cancer stick as I was at the point of no return. Then one of those moments in life which stick with you forever came my way. In walked Sir Jimmy complete with all accessories – sparkling jewellery, tracksuit and naturally massive cigar.
He had a house in Glencoe not far fromFortWilliam, often staying there over the festive period. When he did he popped in and visited old folk homes in the area. He decided since he was in the Nevis Radio vicinity to pop in the station and wish us a Merry Christmas. There were only two of us present holding the broadcasting fort.
I was taken aback, shook the man’s hand, wished him a Merry Christmas back and said would coming on air
for a chat. Well of course such a broadcasting legend wouldn’t refuse such an offer! So into the studio we trot – Sir Jimmy still puffing away, didn’t have the balls to tell him to stub it out – and I proceeded to chat on air for ten minutes or so.
A usual procedure for me at the time was to record every programme onto cassette. However I so didn’t want to be there and had no desire to listen back to a half drunken ramble of a show I refrained from this usual procedure. Quite why I never got a copy of the interview from the logger tapes (everything in radio has to be recorded and kept for just over a month for legal reasons) is a question I still cannot answer to this day.
The actual conversation is sketchy but boy it was fun. As I recall just two radio presenters – one novice, one veteran – heartily ripping the piss out of each other. Radio as it should be – casual, entertaining, comfortable and enduring. Up there with the best ten minutes on air in my thousands of hours of broadcasting. Thankfully my colleague David Treasurer got Sir Jim to record jingles for me and him. Thus we became the envy of the rest of the team. Have to admit we both felt very smug having specially recorded name checked jingles from the man himself!
It is the only concrete proof the whole thing actually took place although I was astounded at the sheer amount of people who heard. Folk walked up to me in the street and commented what a fine listen it was. I’m gonna dig out a copy of the jingle and post it online. Every time I hear a smile beams on my face. I phoned my parents up afterwards buzzing. It was great to say I’d interviewed someone they’d heard of!
I’ve interviewed many folk in my broadcasting career but Sir Jim was undoubtedly the most high-profile. He was part of my childhood and I am honoured to spend 15 minutes of my life in his company. He was exactly the same in real life as you saw on the telly or heard on the radio. Sir Jim I salute you and may you rest in peace. A complete one-off and bloody British legend. You will be missed.
Vive La Jezolution!
22 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog Tags: Blue Square Premier, Cambridge United, Conference, Football, Jez George, Martin Ling, Soccer
The title of this blog is a new phrase sweeping the lips of us die-hard fools who follow Cambridge United. It’s been a remarkable season so far. For once, few are getting carried away. Considering the dross we’ve put up these past two seasons, it really feel like a revolution. The t shirts have been printed and fans are buying in droves. Exactly how one spells Jezolution is open to debate. It matters not one whit, who cares? I’m sticking with how it’s spelt on the t shirt!
A rare excursion into the swampland of Friday night football was on the menu last night. I really like Friday
games. The Abbey was buzzing with our biggest crowd of the season for the visit of an out of form and out of sorts Lincoln outfit who played a heck of a lot better than their lowly league position suggests. That’s the way of the beautiful game. We should know having been there numerous times ourselves. When your luck’s down, them good chances simply refuse to squeeze into the net.
An interesting stat was mention on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire post-match. Last nights triumph meant United have accumulated 33 points this season. The exact same amount when Jez George took the reins in late January. Working with a significantly reduced budget than his predecessor Martin Ling, Jez is doing exactly what all good managers accomplish. Getting the best out of your squad. He doesn’t hide behind slapdash excuses either. One of the few managers who says it as most of us see it. Most refreshing.
When George took over the squad; relegation was fast becoming a serious reality. Martin Ling had squandered the finances available on a bunch of underperforming, underwhelming, uninspiring and quite frankly rubbish individuals who played like they simply didn’t care. Going to the Abbey was becoming a serious chore. Supporters were leaving the cause in droves. Whilst I would never agree to such drastic action, we got so bad; it was a labour of love attending home matches. We went the winter months without a solitary victory save a meaningless FA Trophy tie against Forest Green Rovers. That hardly counts.
Ling had been on borrowed time most of January. More embarrassment in the FA Trophy when Alfreton Town– then of the Blue Square North– came to the Abbey and beat us in extra time. Well thrashed 6-3 after extra time and they’re part time. It couldn’t get any worse surely? Ah but it did. Next up away at BathCity who ran riot in the second half notching up four goals. I attended. It was flipping freezing. The only comforting news was Martin Ling was soon relived of his duties. It was like putting a dying dog down.
Jez George is a rookie but is fast losing that tag. He’d been doing an excellent job with the youngsters but could he handle the cut and thrust of managing the first team? I still shudder at the atrocity of the squad he took over. He insisted he didn’t want the gig full time. Who could blame him? The Cambridge United manager position offers little long-term employment prospects and has become along with most managerial gigs a poisoned chalice.
The team improved enough over the rest of last season to clamber over the line and avoid relegation. Slowly but surely we became harder to beat even if there were a few too many draws. George had to learn his new-found position quick. We looked better and fitter. The highlight was a memorable away success at local rivals Histon. I was glad I was there since I only attended three away matches all season. The board persuaded Jez to take the gig full time. Thankfully like the man from Del Monte, he said ‘Yes!’
Summer came and new recruits – nine in total – were assembled quickly. Everyone knew he had significant less money to work with than his predecessor. Never once did he moan or complain. Most the new recruits were unproven players plucked from obscurity. Once familiar face – striker Michael Gash – once commanded a transfer fee of over 50 grand but was close to being banished into football wasteland on his return to the club.
For a change us supporters remained pessimistic as opposed to optimistic. Mid-table is the best these supposed chancers and mitfits could ever hope to achieve. No wild getting carried away posts on the message board. Feet firmly staying on the ground. A nice refreshing change from the norm when a section of supporters would expect the league to be won by Christmas. Too often have we stormed into a new season full of hope and expectation only to be badly let down by fortunes on the pitch.
The signs a memorable season might just lay ahead came first couple of matches. A plucky away point at Wrexham with a late goal followed by a home win against newly-promoted AFC Telford who should have wrapped the game up in the first 45. I am pushed to recall a much worse performance in recent seasons. Yet out they came second half and sneaked an unlikely one nil victory. This is the makings of a good side – one who can win ugly.
There was more of the same last night. Some astonishing results have been achieved so far. Winning at Luton and almost winning at York. Just three defeats in 18 games. George has injected a team spirit and ethos we’ve been crying out for. So far he’s doing a remarkable job. I am walking around with a football smile on my face. That hasn’t happened in a long time.
Dare we dream we might stay this consistent over the course of the season? Too early to say but Jez George has made the transition to first team management with alarming smoothness. We’re witnessing players give 100% on the pitch and caring for the team and the cause. The passion on the terraces is returning. Sure the atmosphere is still a bit subdued at home games but that’s understandable considering just how woefully awful we were under Martin Ling.
Ling had the nerve and cheek to suggest he was too big for the Cambridge job when appointed boss at
Torquay in the summer. What a surprise he’s struggling and under pressure there already. Reading the club message board, too many posts look all too familiar. Unless he improves their fortunes quickly he’ll never manage again. Our gain is their loss. Oh how sweet it would be if they got relegated and we got promoted in revenge of their play off victory in 2009. I daren’t even contemplate the p word!
As in real life, I just want to live for the day. Right now it’s enjoyable and fun being a Cambridge United supporter. You have to cherish these moments for sooner rather than later the dross will return. The will to live evaporates and you have to endure the pains of your team doing badly. You have to enjoy the highs when they come your way. Things going mighty fine just now and I love it. Who knows where this team can go judging by the first third of the season. Vive Le Jezeloution!!!!
The Third Coming
20 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog, Music Blog Tags: Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani, Reni, the stone roses
It was news I never expected to hear. Despite years of reunion rumours; I always maintained two of the most influential bands of my generation – The Smiths and The Stone Roses – would never grace a stage again. Yet this week the latter have announced a comeback. Never ones to do things by half – on top of two massive home town ‘Madchester’ gigs next summer, a world tour is to follow and – gasp! – New material!!!
I’m seldom into money spinning reformations. Whilst having some reservations whether it’ll actually be any good, I cannot help but get a little more excited with each passing moment. This is The Stone Roses in their classic four piece almost dominated the planet line up of Ian Brown, John Squire, Mani and Reni. The original gang are back. Older and hopefully wiser with copulas points a plenty to prove. Never ones to play by the rules, this beastly god-like colossus is returning to reclaim some of the ground they lost to bust ups, drugs and legal wrangles in the early 90’s when they literally had the world at their feet.
Their legacy is indeed the stuff of legends. Just read John Robb’s excellent history of the band for proof. It all
ended very messy. Brown and Mani holding the fort for a shambolic headline finale at Reading in 1996. I wasn’t there but have a bootleg which is enough to suggest this was a band on its last knees. A legendary outfit crumbling apart at the seams; trading on past glories with the original gang perished to dust. Thankfully the end was soon announced.
Despite my initial reservations, it always felt like unfinished business when they originally split. Time heals for sure. Childhood friends Brown and Squire – the essential core nucleus of the outfit – didn’t utter a word for over 15 years until finally re-embracing at Mani’s mother’s funeral earlier this year. That sparked the rumour mill into overdrive. Now the confirmation is with us the third coming is imminent. Having had a couple of days for the news to sink in, the world suddenly seems a better place.
The exact reasons are unclear. I think it’s the unfinished business option. I’ve read reports it’s purely money based but that doesn’t wash. Reckon they’re all doing pretty well financially but without doubt reforming guarantees a bumper pay day. Given the sprawling messy demise of the original band; I suggest they feel they have a point to prove. In this static, dull, uninspiring musical environment we find ourselves firmly lodged in, if there’s one band that can create something new, fresh and invigorating in the early part of this decade it’s The Stone Roses.
The news a new album is forthcoming suggests this will not be a purely money making churn out the old songs exercise. Hopefully it will get a release before next summer’s live comeback. I think the age thing is predominant as well. It’s now or never. Still just about young enough to look cool; a few more years on the clock and they may not have looked quite so pretty. This is a chance for the generation who missed them first time round to see what the fuss is all about. The Roses could always make things happen.
The band produced relatively little output first time round. Two albums and a smattering of singles, most of which have rightly gone down in Indie folklore. Tonight I find myself listening to the band for the first time in an age. ‘The Stone Roses’ was a favourite post rave listen and is stirring all kind of emotions. I’m remembering how many incredible songs they chucked onto B sides such was their talent. It is difficult to describe just how important they were. The first crossover Indie super group – five years before Oasis – they were hip, trendy, possessing a swagger that truly shined like no other. They literally had the world at their feet before it all went woefully wrong. In 1989 when turning down a stadium support slot with The Rolling Stones, they declared ‘They should be supporting us!’ They had balls, guts and for good record the tunes to boot.
Listening back and the material they produced is timeless. Sure ‘Second Coming’ was always going to be a let
down given the time between releases and the clutter surrounding the creation. Yet still they mustered an album most would and should envy. A sprawling, thrilling metropolis jumble, there is still many a fine moment within content. Whilst not quite capturing the spirit of their debut; ‘Second Coming’ should still take pride of place in any half decent record collection. Given the surroundings – in house squabbling, legal wrangles and drug habits – it was a miracle the record ever got made in the first place.
Whether they can still cut it remains to be seen. As usual with anything Roses related an expectant world is watching their every move. They have everything and nothing to prove in equal measures. The songs speak for themselves – Fool’s Gold, I Wanna Be Adored, She Bangs The Drums spoke for a generation of Thatcher battered youths. They haven’t aged one jot in 2011; still sounding as fresh as when unleashed on the world. The Stone Roses were always much much more than just a band. They were a movement. Fair play for having the balls to give it another bash. A rollercoaster rider is almost inevitable.
The more I think about it – despite my initial reservations – the more I warm to the idea of the third coming of the Roses. A more mature grown up version of the original gang with a point to prove. Should it all go tits up they still got the bumper pay day to fall back on. I suspect it might be a colossal critical and commercial success. The Stone Roses are extremely special and listening back to their music for the first time in years is reminding me exactly how special they were. I don’t expect them to tarnish their reputation in any shape or form with the original gang back in the fold.
‘I Am The Resurrection’ is blasting through headphones at full volume sending shivers
down the spine. If anyone can ‘nail it’ like so many X Factor contestants supposedly do the Roses can. Just a damn shame Glastonbury is taking a year off in 2012; they would have been perfect headliners. Always 2013 unless old tensions surface (ala The Verve in 2008) and the group collapse in a heap just like before. As always with The Stone Roses never a dull moment. We may just need them back more than we think. Here’s a group who never played by the rules and did things their way.
Hard to see where they might fit in today. I think it will be simply be a case of the Roses slotting in where they want to fit in. Equal measures of nostalgic old duffers like me and the younger generations who’ve heard so much yet never had the opportunity. I’m bed-wettingly euphoric about the concept of a third album. If they’re on fire and on form, The Stone Roses have the ability to blow away the opposition with complete ease.
Actually I don’t think we need to bother fretting about whether it’ll be any good or not. This is The Stone Roses. Welcome back old friend. Maybe it’ll inspire mssrs Morrissey, Marr, Joyce and Rourke to embrace and give it one last hurrah. Extremely unlikely but then again I always thought that about The Stone Roses. This might just be what the world is waiting for after all.
Generator
17 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in General Blog
As reported in my last blog I am back in the land of the living by working for a living. After a hectic weekend (more of later!), I arrived this morning only to be sent home after hanging around for an hour and a half waiting to see if I would be let loose on the highways of East Anglia. I’ve not driven solo yet as been shown the heady ropes of multi drop van driving by another driver. Spent the week cruising round ruralEssex. Forgotten how spiffingly nice the area actually is.
Being an agency driver, I expect to spend the next few months cruising anywhere and everywhere throughout the region. There’s more to the job what one would actually think! Blooming paperwork takes some getting one’s head round as it does in all avenues of life. I came home and slept. Now I feel superbly refreshed.
For my sins – I feel somewhat hypocritical since I’ve spent considerable time slating the very essence of the programme – I’ve managed to catch the last few editions of X Factor. Same old tosh as expected. Yesterday was still nursing a nasty hangover and with such an early start this morning, it made sense to half watch it in bed. Probably won’t watch much more mind, I think it’s good to at least view a couple of times so you have an idea of what is going on.
As usual bad covers a plenty. What made me smile was how badly the contestants mimed the opening number – a tune I’d never heard before so must have been one of those new-fangled modern numbers. Good miming is an essential tool for a pop star and this lot certainly didn’t cut the miming mustard.
Speaking of karaoke and bad covers, I attended a rather frantic party on Saturday night with my former colleagues from Wayland Radio. Yours truly spent far too much time standing near the fire exit puffing away on ciggies staring into my pint. I’m always like that at social gatherings these days since the smoking ban was implemented in 2007. I really ought to learn to mingle more! Still a great night was had by all. They are a fantastic bunch of people and hopefully some more radio will be on the cards soon. There are bods setting the wheels in motion so am hopeful you haven’t heard the last of me talking nonsense on the airwaves.
Anyways for the first time in my entire existence on this planet, I did karaoke. It’s still fun trying new things even at my age of forty something. I have to confess I was the ultimate in anti-karaoke. A concept I hated so much it was bordering on frightening. Yet there I was – fuelled with a copulas amount of liquor admittedly – belting my heart out. Lord knows what it sounded like but no-one threw buffet food so I took that as a good sign.
Admittedly I wasn’t alone on stage. I do regret not tackling Radiohead’s ‘There There’ which bizarrely was on the list although not too sure the whining dulcet tones of Thom Yorke and the gang would have gone down too well. What I find most strange is I actually enjoyed the experience. I guess the morale of the tale is don’t knock something until you’ve tried it! Well a lot of things in life – am not planning incest, bestiality or mass murder any time in the near future and you can quote me on that.
So yeah all in all life is pretty decent at the moment. Must vow to write more I know…. And I will do. Promise!
