Confessions of a Correspondent - All Comments

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Stalemates, derby days and the world's busiest man

Confessions of a Correspondent — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:18:29 GMT

I got back from Villarreal at 4am on Wednesday morning after driving 300 kilometres to Barcelona. The

re: Morrissey, my mum and Robinho on a bus

Manc Red — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:25:04 GMT

If it's The Traffic Centre then poor old Robinho will take the bus because he probably couldn't find a parking space.

re: Morrissey, my mum and Robinho on a bus

dharma_bum — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:34:58 GMT

not to mention the guardian nicking a former cover star yesterday

www.guardian.co.uk/.../cricket-golf

re: Morrissey, my mum and Robinho on a bus

Talljohn — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:02:43 GMT

I noticed the bit in UWS about the thief in the dressing room also got nicked by the nationals. Ironic eh?

re: Communication breakdown: the journo's dread

enciam — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:18:32 GMT

i hope your cancellation letter included the phrase 'put that in your pipex and smokex'

re: Communication breakdown: the journo's dread

Fletcher_Defender — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:03:16 GMT

I have just had a run in with 3, it seems all phone companies are useless. Im wondering if they were happy with your explanation.

re: Why Curzon Ashton are better than Barcelona...

AdamCule — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:24:15 GMT

Nice column, however I was part of a smaller crowd at the Camp Nou 3 seasons ago when only about 12,000 turned up to see us play Zamora. At least there was no hassle getting on to the metro after the match! Long live the FA cup, it really is the greatest domestic cup competition in the world and the only one which manages to evoke passionate feelings amongst the fans, even if it is less dominant than it used to be.

re: From Pallister's sofa to 'ell at the Emirates

OLE20 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:09:38 GMT

Pity the atmosphere was so bad at the Emirates in the away section on Saturday!

re: From Pallister's sofa to 'ell at the Emirates

Fletcher_Defender — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:17:41 GMT

God bless Larry Mcmahon Andy.

Those seats were super, i hope to repay the favour one day!

re: Cruyff, Cliftonville and The Ketchup Song

Steelo — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:26:00 GMT

Ironically, 'that new Celtic song' was taken from Cliftonville!

re: Cruyff, Cliftonville and The Ketchup Song

WATPOAE — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:36:53 GMT

I agree, 3pm kick offs at OT are as rare as Louis Saha staying fit when he played for us.

Seriously Andy, you must log some amount of air miles, road miles, train miles....well, a load of miles every month. Sounds like an interesting gig though.

And don't get the next UWS out too soon, I'm only half way through the current one!

re: Cruyff, Cliftonville and The Ketchup Song

Manc Red — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:09:19 GMT

3pm on a Saturday! NEVER!

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

HEAVENKNOWS — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:42:34 GMT

Is there anywhere I can read the article you wrote for the Sweedish magazine?

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

Fletcher_Defender — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:53:33 GMT

Celtic goad United about how many European Cups Liverpool have won. That is the saddest thing i have seen at football since Chelsea fans singing 'come on millwall' a week before the 2004 FA Cup Final.

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

neiltmufc — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:44:19 GMT

When I first arrived in my second home in 1990 ( time for the guru ), many United fans had a second team from Glasgow.

Scarves with United and Celtic on them were particularly common and testimonial games resembled a bit of a love-in.

Now the only people donning green and red scarves are day-trippers from Cork. Most United fans have gone from admiration to tolerance to ambivalence to scorn.

I'm all for having a beer at the match but many Celtic supporters who make the now-frequent trips south ( is that part of the problem )have no class and are more at home with the Soccer AM-esque football "fans" of this world.

Unfortunately there is a very sizeable minority who follow the Celts act like dicks on their travels.

It's a shame ... even I would admit Celtic are a great club with an amazing history.

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

lok — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:16:43 GMT

after the bahoys capers in Newcastle for Shearers testimonial another case of not reporting anything negative about this lot, did they ever find who threw the coin at dallas , or did they even try

Oh and as for not having a foreign owner is desmond not irish ( it aint part of britain ) as you keep reminding everyone

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

Paolomio — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:00:34 GMT

Andy, Andy, Andy. I'm afraid this tale smacks of you having the urine removed from your good self by a few Celtic supporters and this is your counter.

Every support has it's share of drunken louts, however most of us are able to refrain from rioting, stabbing, smashing up cars, attacking police and beating them to a pulp and generally wreaking havoc across numerous square blocks of large cities. Please don't take the lead of the Scottish tabloid press and tar the good name of Celtic with the same brush as our badly behaved neighbouring rivals with the O** F*** tag, it's akin to United supporters taking flack for Leeds' fans' behaviour in Istanbul, or Chelsea's fans - wherever they travel.

I'm not seeking an apology or even an acceptance of wrongdoing, all I want to do is change the perception that Celtic and Rangers as two sides of the same coin, where one's wrongs are shouldered equally by the other.

re: May musings, Sharpe stories and befuddling Bhoys

BallyshannonBhoy — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:30:07 GMT

Andy, I enjoy your blog a lot but you have a tendency to be a bit unfair on Celtic fans, not just in this post but in an earlier one after our most recent visit to Barcelona.

Yes, a lot of Celtic fans get hammered and many of us are uncomfortable with the Tartan Army-style behaviour that seems to be creeping into elements of our support - I was mortified when Spanish TV focused on the two clowns dancing around in kilts and tammies in Villareal - but lets keep some perspective.

I wasn't there but the Manchester police were and judging by their public praise the Celtic fans were extremely well-behaved. As for the picture, was that taken in Manchester on wet and windy Tuesday night? The guy is lightly dressed and wearing a Barca scarf so I doubt it.

What especially bothers me is you saying that the "Old Firm's" stock is low in Manchester. What have we done to deserve being tarred with the same brush as them? You live in Barcelona - you must have seen the letter to Rangers fans in the Catalan newspapers last season saying that we deserved a medal just for putting up with that lot on a daily basis. A couple of piss-heads giving you a hard time is far removed from several thousand Rangers fans turning your home city into a warzone.

I accept that we have a few dossers in our fanbase and that dealing with these characters is no fun - fair enough, I've seen it often enough myself. Give us a break though and don't look at us through a blue-tinted lens, we don't deserve that.

On a different note, very well-played on Tuesday. Keep the posts coming...

re: Sharpey, Chiles, Big Ron, fags and horse tranquiliser

edward nygma — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:21:14 GMT

When the drunken celts ask "is that the programme?" tell them 'yes' and sell them five copies for their mates at home.

re: Clayton's confession & McQueen's messy mishap

Fletcher_Defender — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:51:51 GMT

Good luck with it Andy, i was thinking David May would tell a great story and would surely agree to do it. I was wondering as well what made you think of John Gidman? Did you know how mad he was before the interview? That was by far the best part of your original book.

re: Gerrard, giant Germans and Chas 'n' Dave

Manc Red — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:17:04 GMT

I hope you did the 2008 European Capital of trophies proud with your arguments explaing why Manchester is great.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

LuckyLuke10 — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:05:57 GMT

Great story. Does anyone know of English Professional Football Players with parents or grandparents from Belize. It stands to reason that they exist due to the large number of people from Belize living in England.

re: Spanish Jacks, James Brown, Oasis and Plymouth (again)

darjay — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:02:20 GMT

Sorry Andy, generally I also enjoy your work as both a 'blogger' on the web and as a journalist in fourfourtwo magazine.

But I do have a complaint, in your recent interview with Eric Cantona you have included my question but under the name of Terry Bentley! Now normally I wouldn't mind but since this is the first time I've ever been printed in a national magazine, I wouldn't mind if my name was correct!

The correct name was as guessed darjay, or my actual name of Daniel Gayle.

Thanks!

re: Spanish Jacks, James Brown, Oasis and Plymouth (again)

Fletcher_Defender — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:18:24 GMT

I was thinking you might have been disappointed you missed the Espanyol v Barcelona derby, but it seems like you have had an entertaining week anyway.

re: Spanish Jacks, James Brown, Oasis and Plymouth (again)

rosdev — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:47:46 GMT

Great blog as always Andy, good read.

One thing however, I dont remember Paul Parker as being a Striker !

re: From Cantona to Grays via Swansea vs Cardiff

harryhpalmer — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:35 GMT

Andy, you may need to have a word with your picture researcher, because your provocative picture of Lee Trundle in fact features current Swansea player, and former ManUre defender, Alan Tate.

Also as there is so much work being done by both clubs and supporters Trusts to keep the violence away from this match, publishing that picture is a tad irresponsible, don't you think, or is it your intention to stoke up the trouble prior to the game?

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

Blue Order — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:47:11 GMT

I LOVE the way the rags think it upsets us when they call our magnificent, modern stadium, 'The Council House'. Think it upsets them more to know that if they ever paid council tax to Manchester, (Yeah, I know, most live anywhere but, but humour me)or bought a lottery ticket, they know they have contributed towards it. Thanks!

Oh, and don't be all holier than though....MBNA Bank own your mis-matched meccano set, lock stock and barrel!! x

re: Guardiola, Corrie and Kelly Brook

logan — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:38:39 GMT

A Kelly Brook picture is definitely better than an inflatable!!

re: Guardiola, Corrie and Kelly Brook

Manc Red — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:17:19 GMT

Wigan of La Liga lol. Their stadium is much much bigger!

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

thrillhammer — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:12:27 GMT

Does it matter though, United havent won many derbys lately. Even on the most tetchy, sensative match in 50 years they couldnt perform. Fergie goes in two years and the side are no where near as good as ten years ago. Good luck rags, us bitters will be watching for the fall and absolutely pissing ourselves.

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

Fletcher_Defender — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:07:38 GMT

they are accusing us of bullying now.

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

The Pope — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:33:57 GMT

Such purile arrogance once again from a red.

What big babies they are.

The spoilt kid in the playground who wants it all their own way who will resort to teasing and name calling in order to feel superior.

Dickhead.

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

neiltmufc — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:33:56 GMT

PS " This 20 yr old kid " (simon23) ... must be one of the few compliments blues have paid the author over the years

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

neiltmufc — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:30:34 GMT

Dear Blue Order ( and other assorted numpties), yes you are missing something. If you bought/stole/had a quick look in Waterstones at " Mad for it " there is a explanation of what actually constitutes a derby and the origins of the word in a sporting context. It is a commonly held misconception that it has to involve two local rivals. Around the world " derby " means much more than that. But then again, even now with Thai/Arab money, many ( but not all ) City fans are still more obsessed with goings-on at M16 0RA than at the Council House.

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

edward nygma — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:02:44 GMT

Andy Mitten, from the great london suburb of, umm, Urmston! Good work fella, haven't seen the bitters this upset since stephen ireland's gran(x2) died.

cITY are a MASSIVE club, 32 yrs etc etc.....

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

benfawkes — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:40:04 GMT

so touchy its ridiculous - at the end of the day Man U vs Liverpool is a bigger game than Man Utd vs Man City - on a global perspective, and that is where the game is going and I guess why it got the focus of the book. Locally the Manchester Derby has more anticipation particularly for City fans - I imagine United fans arrogantly expect to win it most of the time so may not get so hyped up about it. Also I think the likes of G.Neville aka Shakespeare has helped create a larger rivalry with Liverpool over recent times due to his vocal hatred of them. Either way - why get all worked up about it City? You beat them at the Munich Anniversary game, it doesn't get much better than that really.

http://www.footballfilter.com

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

BoroKnight — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:47:17 GMT

city still suck!

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

Blue Order — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:32:31 GMT

Am I missing somwthing here? Is a 'derby' not meant by definition to be a game between two teams from the same city, or locale?

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

thrillhammer — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:52:24 GMT

Apart from helping pedos, the biggest failure of the internet is that arrogant prats who would get decked in a pub, get to shoot their mouths off from the comfort of their armchair. The rags and the scousers will soon have a big thing in common, their domination will have come to an end. MCFC MCFC MCFC MCFC MCFC MCFC MCFC MCFC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

Con — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:54:24 GMT

The only embarassing thing here is your self obsession and some grandiose notion that your motives and scribblings are somehow from a higher intellect.

Same old use of stereotypes, snobbery, one-upmanship ans self importance.

My interpretation of these (selected) City fans' comments is that they are mocking you or dismissing you out of hand!

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

chrisef — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:33:45 GMT

Its clear Liverpool and United had to go in this book over the Manchester derby to sell copies. There'a a much bigger market share made up of glory hunting fans for both these clubs than there is for a club like City.

Also these fans/followers buy more merchandise.

City have (so far) failed to attract this sort of fan, there's your reason for Andy choosing united vs the scousers over City vs United. Marketing.

re: City fans fume at derby day omission

Fletcher_Defender — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:52:23 GMT

Man City fans touchy? never...

this poor chap only suggested that scoring on debut doesn't make you a club legend. look at the abuse hurled at him.

fourfourtwo.com/.../robinho-a-warning-from-history.aspx

re: Lost Pilgrims, City oil slickers & Carra gold

benfawkes — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:03:30 GMT

In the wake of Croatia losing 4-1 can I be the first to ironically say I have always rated England, never slagged them off and that Theo Walcott is boy wonder Michael Own version 2? I wonder how the papers will portray tonights events....

http://www.footballfilter.com

re: Cantona, Dinho, Shots, Bantams and... soap

Fletcher_Defender — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:08:56 GMT

Michael Vaughan has still got more ducks than you this season.

re: Monaco woe, Aldershot and oddballs

RayDeChaussee — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:12:29 GMT

No need for that Snyde. The column's called "Confessions of a Correspondent" and it does what it says on the tin.

Andy, I used to work with a legendary Manc called Tony Crichton (well, he was legendary to us anyway). He used to be a roadie for the Mondays and my favourite tale of his was how he, Bez and Shaun used to "battle" the Krauts whenever they were in Germany. Doesn't ring any bells, does he?

re: Monaco woe, Aldershot and oddballs

689908 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:35 GMT

I thoroughly concur, 'Manc Red'. However, no 'Snyde' is better than some 'Snyde'. Top stuff Andy.

re: Monaco woe, Aldershot and oddballs

Snyde — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:09:28 GMT

Such utter trash. By far the most useless blog on 4-4-2. Rather have someone covering Germany than you.

re: Monaco woe, Aldershot and oddballs

Manc Red — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:15:49 GMT

Some football is better than no football.

re: Facing fears, tying knots and Big Sam's big seats

Fletcher_Defender — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:08:37 GMT

good prediction about United's fire power, i had concerns but i thought they would win still.

re: Facing fears, tieing knots and Big Sam's big seats

michael4444 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:39:11 GMT

Rumour has it that the golden statue on top of the mormon church mentioned in Chorley was used by Big Sam in one of his less scientific training techniques at Bolton. Many sightings of Nicky Hunt, Ricardo Gardener and Jussi Jaaskelainen were recorded of the trio standing in the church car park with a bag of balls being ordered by Big Sam to 'hit the big man' on top of the steeple. Strange but very true!

re: Phone calls, emails and Paul Parker's worst nightmare

Manc Red — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:45:26 GMT

Will Paul ever confront his fears? I've been and it's a good tour.

re: Phone calls, emails and Paul Parker's worst nightmare

BigWelshDefender — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:27:39 GMT

Those fans were amazing. I watched Cardiff City Vs Ajax last friday and i must say they were just as entertaining!

re: At home with Lucas Radebe

RichM — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:09:36 GMT

Lucus is a true Leeds United legend. Injury plagued his career but when he was fit/nearly fit, he was immense, a rock at the back. His commitment and loyalty was second to none.

A full house, almost 40,000, turned out for his testimonial in 2005 at a point when we were struggling in the second tier of English football.

He even had a beer named after him by a Leeds Brewery - Radebeer!

re: At home with Lucas Radebe

Vic Leeds — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:45:22 GMT

I have met and spoken to lucas he is the most genuine person i have ever met and will allways be a legend in my eyes. He is exactly what football needs more of. teach the young footbalers its not about been flash its about remebering where you have come from. God Bless Lucas Radebe

re: At home with Lucas Radebe

realdeal — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:43:43 GMT

How refreshing to see loyalty from one person in the midst of ronaldo, keane etc. Football has no morals whilst this great man lived in poverty, danger and fear of life but is still loyal to those who he knows love him. Always a legend in my eyes and many Leeds fan all over the world

re: My Valentine's date with Ronaldinho

eduardoarquitetura@terra.com.br — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:43:31 GMT

your girlfriend is my wife!!!!!

re: My Valentine's date with Ronaldinho

eduardoarquitetura@terra.com.br — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:36:37 GMT

your girlfriend is my wife!!!!! eduardo - porto alegre

re: Jordi Cruyff and the Sexy Newsreader World Cup

irishonthebridge — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:10:40 GMT

as usual, interesting and informative. keep up the good work. p.s. ordered the new book off amazon,make us proud, andy lad!!

re: Spain march on: with or without Catalan support

Wolf — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:55:49 GMT

Some harsh and bitter comments on Madrid Andy..

Is this becasue your best player thinks your sh1te and wants to play for a team who has won more European Cups than the biggest team in Trafford.

re: The caring side of Fergie

Robbos Left Nut — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:07:59 GMT

Great article...I've been trying to tell everyone for years that United are, deep down, a family club with a lot of traditions.

Incidentally...Andy I remember you when I used to get the UWS/Red Issue coach to away games many years ago. Great to see you've moved up the journalistic ladder...and that your living in Barca! I'm moving there soon to teach English so I might bump into you.

Keep up the good work.

re: The caring side of United

pawlu — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:51:39 GMT

Regardless of who you support, such gestures have to be applauded.

re: The caring side of United

Manc Red — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:50:43 GMT

Very moving story. A true unsung hero. As you said logan it's a club with great values. Thank you Andy for posting this.

re: The caring side of United

logan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:39:41 GMT

A club with great values of this nature does not need a disloyal player like Cristiano Ronaldo - he MUST be sold.

re: Mancs emerge as top dogs in Moscow

BOPOHA — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:56:11 GMT

I congratulate on a victory! It was heavy, but they did it! An excellent match! I, as well as the majority of my Russian friends, supported MU.

p.s.

Спасибо for a nice flight Barcelona-Moscow, May 19,2008 ;)

re: No such thing as a football free weekend

disraelite — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:23:40 GMT

wonderful, andy, just plain wonderful.

It is an addiction. I'm going on honeymoon this summer, to Italy. (Getting married ten days after Euro 2008 and returning from honeymoon a week or so before the new season. No coincidence.)

We're planning to go to Siena for a day or two and all I can think of is: "Didn't Magnus Hedman play there for a season?"

How crazy is that....?

re: Mancs emerge as top dogs in Moscow

Socrates — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:03:35 GMT

To push Manchester United right to the very end was a superb achievement for Avram Grant and would be so for any manager. After all, Sir Alex Ferguson is the manager of managers!

I can't help but think that Avram should be praised whilst John Terry should be the Chelsea criminal in all this. Also, Nicolas Anelka - a £15m striker with penalty taking experience who refused to take a penalty because he claimed to have come on as a right-back. Julian Belletti certainly didn't complain. He willing took and scored his penalty, has scored more goals than Anelka this season and cost a fifth of the price!

re: Mancs emerge as top dogs in Moscow

Mindlos — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:58:10 GMT

it's a dog eat dog world indeed.I feel sorry for Terry & Average Grant,but i nearly peed myself during the penalty shoot-out.lucky escape for Ron.VIVA UNITED!!

re: No love for Laporta as Barca go from bad to worse

safcrhys — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:32:32 GMT

Disgraceful suuport, I know Barca have had a disappointing season but to have onlyh 39,000 fans turn up when your team is third in the league is pathetic.

re: Viva Ronaldo... and a lift with Lawro

Prufrock — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:28:18 GMT

bit of a downer on Bolton don't you?! Also who's the fourth as you call it 'Greater Mancheser club' Blackburn?? Shame Bolton staying up means there's four for next season. But you're Bolton hating didnt stop there. Dean Holden, Oldham and Peterborough?? what about the academy he came through, and the first team he played for before breaking his leg? that would be Bolton. Damn shame because he was a bloody good right back till he broke his leg.

re: Pesky passengers and Barca's six-strong support

huynhvu — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:17:59 GMT

hi andy,

I'm a newcommer. I don't know how to create a blog in fourfourtwo. Can you help me?

re: Vexed by visas on long march to Moscow

huynhvu — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:15:46 GMT

hi Andy, I don't know how to create a blog in fourfourtwo. cant you help me?

re: Pesky passengers and Barca's six-strong support

shell2008 — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:26:42 GMT

80 000 Celtic fans in Seville for UEFA Cup final against Porto 2003...And we Celtic fans travel in large numbers wherever we go...

re: Pesky passengers and Barca's six-strong support

safcrhys — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:37:47 GMT

English fans are the greatest fans in the world. Look at Sunderland, 8,000 away supporters were taken to Barnsley last season for an unimportant game. NOW THAT IS SUPPORT.

re: Pesky passengers and Barca's six-strong support

logan — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:28:59 GMT

Hey Andy, I've quite enjoyed reading your articles on derbies in FourFourTwo magazine, yes even the one about Mansfield & Chesterfield (Scad!Scad!Scad! - Hilarious). Anyways, the article about the Roman derby in the June 2008 was a dud, with little material on the recent history of derby. I hope you touch it up, as I'm looking forward to the book!!

re: Twelve hours on Tuesday

horse — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:31:09 GMT

is the stoat and helmet that one by band on the wall?

looks a right dive!

re: There's only one Paddy Crerand

LarssonGerrardNedved — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:58:42 GMT

What song was it? I'd love to hear him belt out Fools Gold. Well, he couldn't be any worse than Ian Brown is nowadays...

re: Enrique, Tevez, Joy Division and a mute Chinese man

Ian-H- — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:08:34 GMT

Andy, it's Love Will Tear US Apart, mate. There'd be some proper berks on at you if they saw that. They'd call you all sorts of traitorous things, crimes so horrid and vile against all that it is to be a "Manc" that you'd be afraid to show your face anywhere near OT again.

You have rose so much higher in my estimations as a result of this wonderful transgression. And the funniest thing of all? It's pretty much the only ^&*%$#@ Joy Division tune I know the title of! Jeepers, life's funny, innit?

But to more important things. I know you must have been there tonight, and I hope you'll agree when I say we were absolute garbage. OK, we "defended" and they didn't score, but is "defending" putting fourteen men behind the ball and knobbing it up the park at all kinds of ludicrous angles much to hard for anyone (had there actually been anyone up there to receive it) to control? We'd have needed six blokes with kangaroo legs bopping that pill about tonight judging from the rate at which they were kicking it AWAY from themselves. I saw someone on the UWS forum earlier, trying to put some spin on it, and he said it was better that we drew like this, cos the pressure in the second home leg will force us to attack - which is what we do best. It has to be the most intelligent forum going these days. He was of course being a little sarcastotronic.

But they took Deco and Messi off. They strolled around like they owned the pla-, er, like they were miles better than us. Us. The best football team in the world. What a trip...

re: The other 'Dinho in Barcelona

SocialZerosmate — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:55:59 GMT

He'll never make it, and the seven were absolutely right, but your goalie is an even bigger knob.

re: There's only one team in Manchester?

mike roberts — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:21:30 GMT

Hi Andy.

I am amused by this article, because it was me as one of FCB's translators who sent the original memo telling some of my Catalan colleagues to stop this annoying way of calling them 'Manchester' when there is another team called City. Also pleased to note that they have taken good heed of what I told them and at least Barça now call them United or Utd, even if the rest of Spain is still oblivious to the fact that there is a team called City.

re: Barca plan party for travelling United army

montixxx — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:01:32 GMT

Hi Andy, I'm Monti from ***. Does you book talk about Sevilla - Betis or Xerez - Cadiz?

re: There's only one team in Manchester?

benfawkes — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:08:53 GMT

I recently checked out the costs of getting to Russia and tickets on line and flights are already going for about 400 quid (i live in Switz so dont know what its like in the UK now) and tickets are going for about 1500 euros, bit of an expensive mini break I feel!Especially as Chelsea might not even get there!

Manc v Barca is going to be very interesting, especially if Deco and Messi get back in time. I think Man Utd will probably do it tho.

http://www.footballfilter.com

p.s Any chance you could sort me out with some tickets then?Don't be tight!

re: There's only one team in Manchester?

kingron — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:56:50 GMT

take me with u and al *** ur mum inside out

re: There's only one team in Manchester?

Toni Gols — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:16:45 GMT

bring me with you...i promise to sing all the songs for cristiano, rooney or tevez...

re: Sorry I'm late gaffer, it was the pigeons' fault

matnichol — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:08:23 GMT

Nice one Andy!

re: Around the (football) world in seven days

Ian-H- — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:46:58 GMT

I trust that slow boat wasn't too crowded, Andy. The Med is an ancient lake, crammed with filth and flotsam of every possible character. Brian Kidd on the other hand is a pirate, descended from the famous Captain Kidd. Brian knows where the treasure's buried; in a windy park outside Clayton, down a deep hole gouged in the clay by a cyclops over 18,000 years ago. It's just there, waiting to be dug up, but Brian Kidd ain't telling.

Some people say that Brian Kidd isn't really a person, but a robot, built by Colin Blaney in a disused subterraneous warehouse in Ancoats sometime around 1978. That's right, ten years AFTER Kidd scored the first goal in the historic 1968 European Cup Final at Wembers, when United beat Brazil 14-1 and set many nerves on edge. How did Kidd get built by a Collyhurst criminal grafter and then beamed back thru a time-warp like that? Well, the truth is, Kidd and Blaney are one and the same, and they are BOTH really Ricky Hatton. I'm not joking. And the three of 'em are actually all just an old bloke called Carl, an ex-boxer from the 'Hurst who used to run pubs round town and is probably dead of old age by now, but he lives on in his offcast lobes, his North Manchester smithereens, in the form of Kidd, Blaney, Hatton, and a few thousand more craggy chinned marvels of the Mancunian jungle.

Celtoid and Rangerific are beneath you, Andy. Personally, I think you should stay in Barca and not bother with the Old Firm. Leave such trifles to the likes of O' Neill and Strachan and Smith and Co. It's cold, it's dark, and it's bloody daft.

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

Stephen — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:39:21 GMT

George isn't a red nutter...............

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

SocialZerosmate — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:15:08 GMT

Nah, that's no fun. I think the "social zero" thought that cheating in one game could be coincidence, but doing it twice??????. Will the "Red" nutter only be trotted out again if both teams reach the semi's?. I think he's played less than 60 minutes in 2 games.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

COCO — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:19:55 GMT

As a teenager I rubbed shoulders on the pitch with Jorge. It takes mad talent to balance footballing and beer making skills but if one person can do it, its Jorge. We are from the same town in Belize and when it comes to thinking about the top crop of players ever to come out from there, I think of him. The only thing I never understood is why he's a Brazil fan. lol Not sure how that works having an Argentinian wife. I was impressed with this article as I thought with his career choice he'd be looking more like Norm from Cheers by now. I surely wouldnt mind rubbing shoulders with him again! Oh........just a hint...he gets weak when exposed to Cryptonite! Cheers!

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

Toni Gols — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:56:04 GMT

Let's leave it at the end of the season, better...

re: Hey Avram, I know how you feel

Blogger — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:11:45 GMT

Guess how that turned out... Didn't have the Cross a surprise as well... hmm anyway.. 2-1 the Cross.

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

Blogger — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:05:30 GMT

Nice story. Well.. some big flaws in the game report, but hey.. everybody is entitled to his own view. But was that clipping.. clipping? Wasn't it just a gentle brush? Aren't we getting a bit Spanish here? Questions, questions. Let's leave it at that. Oh no, let's leave it at 2-1, yeah, let's do that.

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

neiltmufc — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:24:35 GMT

" More than a game " ... Does that mean you will be back at Solitude or Windsor Park again?

re: "Hello, is that Ivan Campo?"

TestaGrande — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:49:12 GMT

I've often heard it said that its a small world and that certainly seemed the case last Sunday morning. There I was ambling along Piccadilly in Manchester heading for my pick up on route to an eagerly awaited fixture in the Bury and District Sunday League Division Three when who'm should I see coming towards me but Juande Ramos. Looking quite the sportsmen in Hotspurs trackies and jacket he appeared to be 'Power Walking', his eagerness to take early morning excercise didn't stop him having time for a quick "hola" before we parted company to prepare for our respective big matches. Unfortunately for both myself and the other new manager on the block, both Tottenham and Prestwich Lions failed to live up to early promise and were defeated. Juande did however promise to ring me if he needed anything in the future.

re: Fiery showdowns, derby dates and Paolo Di Canio

TestaGrande — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:38:15 GMT

The 'About Andy Mitten' blurb states that you've visited 65 countries, an impressive tally Andrew and one which I'm sure you'll be eager to increase. However,please forgive my ignorance but I would be interested to know the qualifying criteria, i.e what counts as a visit. Do you for example have to have a meal in local restaurant or spend the night in a country; or do you merely have to touch down at an airport? There is also the matter of principalities.

re: "Hello, is that Ivan Campo?"

Leon ZHU — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:47:44 GMT

Yeah,you are right.there is many differences between English and Spanish in the lecture!

re: Bhoys fans benefit from Rangers' visit to Catalonia

perssonsleftfoot — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:53:52 GMT

It's not so easy getting the Rangers/Celtic thing out of your head when direct comparisons between the two visits have been mighty prominant in the last 10 days or so in the newspapers, television, websites..when you include a full page ad in all the red top dailies in Scotland from Peter Lawell about Celtic's fans expexted behaviour in the city.

The many Rangers fans who were availing themselves of the bars ( some temporarily located to deal with the anticipated invasion)were forced to urinate in many public places because any public facilities that were available were soon rendered useless by the numbers passing through them.

A foriegn city is a foriegn city so fans who arrive for one or two nights tend to congregate in the larger squares...they do not cram in a weeks sightseeing in one afternoon.

The sea change in the city fathers stance on visiting football fans was directly linked to the Rangers fans visit in November...there were elections coming up and the Catalans were in high dudgeon regarding thousands of drunken fans( of all clubs) behaving like drunken football fans.The fact that Rangers took over 20000( spend

ing plenty when there,I may add)compounded their dismay.

New by laws saw 130+ Stuttgart fans being arrested/fined later in the year and by the time Celtic rolled into town, meals and entertainment(of a certain variety,and I don't mean old jugglers and vents from the Glasgow Empire days) had been laid on.

This account is fairly refreshing as it does go against the standard Scottish Mhedia blanket analysis

Rangers fans = dangerous

Celtic fans = virtous

re: Bhoys fans benefit from Rangers' visit to Catalonia

Stephen — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:07:37 GMT

Get the Rangers/Celtic thing out of your head.

Where were these facilities when any team has been in town?

The town council has finally realised that it must cater for large travelling supports.

re: Bhoys fans benefit from Rangers' visit to Catalonia

chris4242 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:55:38 GMT

I think the point the writer is trying to make is, where, were the facilities that Celtic fans enjoyed when Rangers fans were in town.

21000-25000 Rangers fans = No proper provisions made.

10000-13000 Celtic fans = A fanzone with everything a travelling fan needs.

See the difference?

re: FC United out to avoid kick in the goolies

FFFC — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:21:26 GMT

Andy, surely you'll find "Britain's premier inland port" much nearer home.

re: Bhoys fans benefit from Rangers' visit to Catalonia

Stephen — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:57:17 GMT

Well here we go. What a load of tosh.

Barça fans won't travel to Manchester, well very few will if they are paired together. As we know they don't have a big away following. It's not in the culture.

Rangers fans were not criticised for urinating in Plaça Catalunya, they were criticised for urinating on the monument to Francesc Macià ex-president of the Generalitat and founder member of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya political party.

Celtic have not benefited from Rangers' visit, Celtic have benefited from the visits of Celtic (twice recently), Rangers, Man United, Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea, any German team that has been here and many others.

Any team that has brought a large, noisy, drinking support has lead to these new measures and it will be a lot more comfortable in the future.

We've all seen drunken fans make a fool of themselves. My favourite was the Man United fan who asked me if he was on the right metro for the Camp Nou, drunk as a skunk, ticket in hand. Time - 21.15, date - 26th May 1999.

re: Bhoys fans benefit from Rangers' visit to Catalonia

Stephen — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:36 GMT

Well here we go. What a load of tosh.

Barça fans won't travel to Manchester, well very few will if they are paired together. As we know they don't have a big away following. It's not in the culture.

Any team that has brought a large, noisy, drinking support has lead to these new measures and it will be a lot more comfortable in the future.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

Denise — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:48:30 GMT

Hey,

Friends don't mention faults! I've known Jorge for 22 years...he's a good guy. yeh, he was one of Belize's best if not the best. Proud to be a friend.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

Laura Raymond — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:19:38 GMT

I have to agree with Bernoske...Jorge is indeed an excellent team player, humble, quiet but very astute and smart. I don't think Belize has seen or heard of players with the unique qualities Jorge posseses in a long time.

I think I was also around when he brewed his first batch and many batches thereafter. Congratulations!

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

Laura Raymond — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:19:30 GMT

I think I was also around when he brewed his first batch and many batches thereafter. Congratulations!

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

Laura Raymond — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:19:24 GMT

I think I was also around when he brewed his first batch and many batches thereafter. Congratulations!

re: A meeting with Ruud and train ticket torment

Stretford End — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:41:11 GMT

VanNistelrooy has been superb leaving United in 2006, but to be honest I didn't think he would have been anything else.

I think it was the right time for him to leave Old Trafford as we'd been a little flat at times in the 2005/06 season - you could clearly see the majority of last season how more dynamic we'd become with Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs and at the start of the season Saha.

For me, VanNistelrooy was the best striker i'd ever seen at United. He was a great finisher (although Solskjaer is still the best for me), his hold up play to bring others into the play was different class and most of all he was determined.

Great piece in last months 442 stating Ruud's first scouting report -"Lazy, doesn't run, scored a hat trick". Unfortunately, I think many fans would assume this be true for every game he plays - does nothing but scores lots of goals. VanNistelrooy is a better player than Inzaghi who although is a top striker is a poor footballer in comparison.

Anyways, hope the interview went well. Ruud is still a legend.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

dbernoske — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:10:28 GMT

I was a teammate of Jorge’s in Belize back in 1994. And while I watched mostly from the bench, we grew to be very close friends. In fact, I was there when he brewed his very first batch of beer. After weeks of meticulous craftsmanship, we anxiously awaited what was to be a batch of smooth amber ale. But the night before bottling, someone accidentally shattered the glass carboy while sweeping the floor. We never would taste his brew.

Years later Jorge took me on a tour of his Argentinean brewing operations in Santa Fe. This time, we walked over to the main supply line from the finishing vats to the bottling plant, tapped the line and filled our two glasses without breaking a thing. The best glass of beer I’ve ever had.

But you hit the nail on the head. Jorge is the most humble guy I know.

Great article, Andy. I enjoyed your writing as usual.

re: Beer tasting Belize captain is king of Catalonia

Salas — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:22:53 GMT

He is the real key for Manchester. I'm serius, nothing would be the same without Jorge

re: Scarf for sale. Useful for strangling the media...

AlanSmith — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:05:39 GMT

Scandalous behaviour selling the scarves. If it were me I would cherish it as a precious memento.

re: Ronaldinho, "Andinho" and the best girls in Brazil

Toni Gols — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:20:31 GMT

Come on Ronnie...wake up and shut up some mouths!!!

Great interview andinho!!

re: Barca, Brits and the bad, bad reporter

Ian Mc — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:29:22 GMT

Another classic football interview to rank alongside this one, from Iran Sports Press…

Exclusive interview with Oliver Kahn

ISP's Reza Ghazinouri met up with a few Bayern players and officials during their U.S. trip. This is what Bayern captain and Germany's number one in goal Oliver Kahn had to say:

Reza Ghazinouri: Mr. Kahn would you mind answering two questions please?

Oliver Kahn: No

Reza Ghazinouri: We have come a long distance, it would mean a lot for Iranians around the globe if we could ask a couple of questions.

Oliver Kahn: Please say it quickly

Reza Ghazinouri: On October 8, the German National team has a friendly game against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Would you mind giving us some comments about that game?

Oliver Kahn: No, I don't care about that game at all. Who cares about Iran and that game in October? Bye.

www.iransportspress.com

re: Barca, Brits and the bad, bad reporter

Ian-H- — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 01:29:52 GMT

Is it me, or was Ferguson emitting the invisible (but tangible) halo normally reserved for royalty on that video? The man positively oozes distinction.

Fortunately I receive La liga matches on cable where I live. They serve as a warm substitute for Serie A, which, with Jesus-freak Kaka chasing Inter still by quite a margin, has gone a bit tepid.

re: Barca, Brits and the bad, bad reporter

eddy — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:36:59 GMT

Watching that game was like looking at kids trying to play football in a bathtub. Entertaining though it was, it was a relief when someone scored, although I felt sorry for Osasuna. They played a good game, looking quite sharp on the day. That was a humdinger of a clearance off the line by Monreal, for one thing.