ITN Senior Political Correspondent Chris Ship visits WINOL

Senior Political Correspondent for ITN News Chris Ship visited WINOL during our third week of production. An established and top-drawer political broadcaster in his own right, it was invaluable to hear Chris’s advice and guidance in the post bulletin de-brief, in addition to learning what he felt was crucial to have on every journalism CV; work experience.

Our October 27th Bulletin can be viewed by clicking the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/3/bxV0qdM2ovU

Chris Ships main points:

- Headlines are the most important part of your show – ITN record headlines – showcase crime package interview with strong quotes – headlines need to be rehearsed and there needs to be adequate time for there to be a run through of everything from the galleries cue.

- Crime Package: pauses in footage, almost exactly right but let the viewer have time to see what is happening.

- Too much towing and throwing in the studio (i.e. guest coming in (could have been seated at end of desk).

- Live Two-Way: Second question cut slightly too short. The questions from the presenter needed a more natural feel. And also there was too much ceiling in shot.

View Chris’s in-depth interview where he talks about WINOL, the bulletins stories in greater depth and gives advice for WINOL’s budding broadcast journalists. Produced by Joey Lipscombe and Stuart Appleby.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_irgaHWLBmM


Chris Ship (centre) with the WINOL team in our Studio.

Lee Desty: Editor BBC South Today WINOL De-Brief Week 2

BBC South Today’s Editor Lee Desty visited WINOL during our second week of production. His direct approach and attention to detail helped me too gage an important understanding of how televised news works in a local BBC environment and how they do procedures differently to us. In general the week felt chaotic and organization felt unruly. Indeed, the smooth nature of work previously produced seemed to have disappeared, however the basis for success looked as though it was ready to act as a stepping stone for more fruitful WINOL bulletins in the coming weeks.

Editorial Points post bulletin:-

Homeless Funding Story: Use of natural sound worked, but a possible case for juxtaposition libel as not all buskers strumming a guitar can be classed as homeless people. They are two separate individuals. The positioning of the interview was strange and is a simple point for correctness in an otherwise good piece of initiative for a story.

- Spending Cut Studio Chat: Julie looked good and came across very well on camera, however I thought the studio two way was slightly out of context with the previous story, and the news asserted derived from a national angle – meaning there were no Winchester related extracts really specific to the viewer.

- Crime Story: Script told the story very well, and PTC was strong if not too long. General views are limited but creativeness is needed there.
- Higher Train Fares: An issue affecting a lot of people, including a vast percentage of our viewers, but the story did not feel localised and it felt like it was missing a strong local selling point; particularly with the higher rail fares not fully coming into play as yet.

- Unison (On the Day): My Piece to camera was too long, too close and my movement on camera was distracting. I enjoyed turning around a story on the day though even if I was short for time.

- ‘And Finally’ story (departing Bishop of Winchester): Interview was good, could have done with a bit more emotion and for the Bishop to talk about his views, ex role and future. GV’s were lacklustre. Needed shots of the Bishop doing things and not additional shots of objects which did not relate to the story, but an overall good ending to the news section of the bulletin.

- Sport: WINOL Champagne award: the initiative was great, but not sold to its full selling point. The basketball interview with the team’s captain was strange (as the interviewee was holding a basket ball – would Kevin Pietersen hold a cricket bat in every interview?).

Lee Desty Analysis

- The Director of the bulletin needs to have time to go through the script before the programme airs.

- Zapper Mentality: The headline sequence needs to be recorded and hold the viewer. If it doesn’t you can have your audience switching off extremely quickly. Your best shots and images need to be used at the top of the show to maintain the audience.

- The importance for light and shade in a bulletin. Although top quality journalism always remains top quality journalism – fluffy, and finally pieces are more memorable generally.

- BBC South Today Headline Formula: Normally 4 headlines: 2 hard/2 soft and a powerful piece of actuality which draws in viewers.

- The viewer needs to buy into your story, hence you need to sell it well.
- One lasting piece of advice by Lee was if you haven’t got a great opening shot you are struggling for a story.

- Grab the viewer with the top story.

- My PTC- avoid use of the subsidiary clause – feels as though you are going to draw the PTC to a close and then you continue to explain. The average PTC length should be 10-20 seconds. Should only be longer if you are lacking in pictures for a court report.

- The reporter needs to believe the story, there needs to be a sense of conviction in telling the story – keep to 3/4 points.

- You can look down at your notes – but make it clear you are. Have the notepad for a few seconds at least in shot, deliberately show to the viewer.

- News and Sport divide big: keep sport to a minimum of three minutes as sport divides audience and people can switch off.

Find the bulletin (in two parts) on the below links:

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/6/Zaz-8FcaSlg

http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/5/cYpespcx7uY

WINOL Week 1 De-Brief:

Fortunately I found a personal investigative piece, which would fall under the feature category more than news. The package was about two local born sisters from Eastleigh, who sadly lost their father due to an asbestos related disease a number of years ago. Diane and Lynne, subsequently set-up an awareness group to help others who found themselves in similar situations. After interviewing the two women involved, it was an extremely personal tale and one which can add to the features section of the website.

International Students ID problem: Had potential to be a very good story – with the majority of students and viewers life’s revolving around hitting the town. Foreign students difficultly to be able to get into town hotspots because their ID did not match the holographic system of British ID indeed was an issue. However, the piece needed a case study of a student who has been turned down from club entry, which it did not have. PTC – also was strange as we only saw the reporter for a split second.

Tuition Fee Story: Relevant to our audience, but again it needed a concerned student to front the piece as the report catered too much for the national angle.

Housing Plans:This one is always a topical talking point in Winchester, and although Gareth’s piece was cut to an OOV it emphasized a housing problem for the residents of Winchester, on a small scale. The point being, landlords are snapping up housing (in areas like Stanmore) and then are turning them into multi occupancy houses, therefore having an effect on the local community. GV’s were limited in the piece, and perhaps there could have been reference to the Barton Farm case – where there is a current court battle over 2000 potentially new homes being built on the outskirts of the city.

Queen Elizabeth story: The Queen was in Southampton to name the new liner ship, and although Amy was unable to film close to proceedings she captured the Queen delivering her naming speech on a big screen. Natural sound has not been kept enough in previous WINOL bulletins so it was nice to hear murmurs of the crowd, waiting in anticipation.

Sport: The packages again were all there, but one major talking point was the spelling on the graphic. Indeed, there were several errors of teams names being spelt incorrectly, something which should never of gone to air.

BJTC Piece: Originally there was talk this could lead the bulletin, which was rather ludicrous in my opinion. Even though, it is positive for the course and us students, our viewers do not want to know about our achievements – but the news – as it was news to us but not too them. The package needed a touch more creativity, especially on the PTC to link the award and WINOL more closely.

Follow the link to the bulletin itself: http://www.youtube.com/user/winolnews#p/u/17/eNXKao9E9v4

WINOL Dummy Edition

WINOL’s curtain raiser for the 2010/2011 academic year kicked off in admirable style as the combination of second and third years working together as a team started yet again for the second consecutive year. My role as Investigative Reporter for the semester suits my ambition and my interests. As I spent last year reporting, it is great for me to still have the opportunity to be able to this but with a different style. After spending the summer working hard towards my journalism goals, I know Freedom of Information holds the key to success this semester.

WINOL Bulletin Analysis:

Westminster Piece: Joey’s Tory Party Conference Piece showed desire, determination and individual skill. The Conservative gathering in Birmingham, a meeting to define a new Tory era possessed the potential for hundreds of news items, but finding that one particular one and relating it to Winchester remained the biggest problem.

Thankfully, Winchester’s MP Steve Brine obliged to offer his time for an interview, sequence shots and for Joey to take in the general character of the day, offering a local outlook on proceedings and on the much maligned coalitions impact on Winchester. Overall, it was a good package of which to start the ball rolling in the latter half of 2010 for WINOL.

St Pauls By-Election: The package itself was newsworthy because the fate of the by-election vote meant the Liberal Democrat run City Council could have lost their slender lead advantage over the Tory’s, resulting in a hung council. As it was, the Lib Dems held on, in a story I enjoyed filming in terms of sequences. It was not my best piece of work by any stretch but it allowed me to familiarize myself with reporting yet again.

Student Finance: Of course Chancellor’s George Osborne’s public spending review has sparked debate, intrigue and worry as to where the future of Great Britain’s economy lies. Indeed, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s failure not to stick to his agreement of not raising tuition fees came firmly back to bite him. Financial correspondent for WINOL Julie Cordier covered the proposed hikes in her first package. For a first news report it was very good, with effort, enthusiasm and desire all evident. The only criticism is that the topic for the story was slightly too big and its impact on Winchester needed to come across with greater aplomb.

Rape Alley Story: Bizarre. The myth of the alley overall could be true but there were no interviews or anything of note to back up the hunch. The link to the council failing to control the weather was difficult to comprehend, but crime is difficult in Winchester and I expect Andy will produce quality material in the coming weeks.

Sport: WINOL’s exclusive rights for non league footage. First of all, fantastic on Sport Editor Grant’s part for working hard and using his contacts to gather the rights, but it was not completely sold right. A clearly scripted auto-cue and a bit of clarity in what WINOL did secure would have emphasized the success. Good debuts by WINOL’s respective second year sports reporters. More focus needed on women’s football, campus sport and student related sport to increase circulation.

A defining moment was said by one of our lecturers Angus Scott in the post debrief ,where he said the people who do have seniority and clout in their respective roles, need to be listened too (i.e. news reporters need to listen to their editor). Another example was the Director in the studio, having a say on what was comfortable for him and what needed to be put right before we went live.

BBC South Today Master Class With Tom Hepworth

As an inspiring Broadcast Journalist, the opportunity to watch the expert thought process of a renound video journalist at work, Tom Hepworth, at first hand when he visited our Winchester News Online newsroom for the second consecutive year raised my motivation levels further to achieving in journalism.


Tom Hepworth reporting for BBC South Today.

Tom, a video journalist and frontline presenter at BBC South Today relayed advice to WINOL’s news team as he talked through how to construct a news package, create television friendly pictures and how to be as innovative as possible in difficult situations. For example, Tom followed a story on a new tennis gizmo device which could store used tennis balls, keeping them refreshed and ready for action again. In a limited space (a tennis court) and on his own he produced close ups, high angles and low shots of the two tennis developers playing, which cut together very well. He also conditioned a three part piece to camera (in tennis attire), by splitting what he had to say into three compartments – and then by twisting the camera onto different backgrounds and remembering where his words finished from the last point, this added to the visual. Other assets to his armoury in terms of the reporting he showed us were as follows:

- Try pull to focuses, particularly good when you have two definitive objects in the fore and background: referring to Tom’s piece on a man – who ran his small business of providing care for people (the catch was he had to walk to many of a destination). When undertaking the filming for the piece, the interviewee had to play ball so to speak to do a variety of sequence shots – which added to the story’s humour. Tom was also asked – does the BBC check the legitimacy of story goers like that one? And he uttered yes to an extent as he followed the man to make sure he actually did do the long yards of walking in his job to his clients.

- Winchester Recession Story: Tom answered a problem I’ve had before, getting potential interviewees to go camera. His advice – to be as front with them as possible, to let them know what you want and your intentions from the offing. But more than anything, to just be nice to people.

- Another slice of advice which was memorable is that when you have to film or undertake a PTC in front of people (particularly children), just relax if they keep asking you questions as they are genuinely interested in what you are doing. For instance, if school children so happen to be on a summer break, tell them to come back in an hour (when you know you will be finished) so they cannot cause wholesale disruption. Additionally, if they want you to record something of them just do it and then show them to quash their first for television there and then.

- PTC advice: When doing a PTC on your own you need to get over the fear of doing it in front of people. Position yourself where you want it to be done, twist the side screen around and hold your hand where you are going to perform it. Then you are able to focus in on your hand, leaving it ready and waiting for the reporter to jump in front of the camera and perform.

- Try and mix up your camera work with low shots and handhelds. For the handheld camerawork hold the camera into your chest to stop the movement of the shot being jerky.

The hints and tips Tom provided the WINOL team with were invaluable and for me particularly they were aspiring and very motivational. Below is a link to my allotment based story I recently produced and featured are Toms standout comments about my work:

Please watch the package first here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/StuApplebyWINOL#p/a/u/2/GPiLqXATlIM

- First two shot didn’t work over the top of the woman’s clip – it would have been better to set up the camera behind her so you couldn’t see her mouth moving but could see she was talking to you and your reaction to her work.

- Walking set-up shot – editing grammar – let the interviewee leave the picture before taking the talking head.

- Next time when you are filming a sequence – get shots of different variety – high angles- close-ups – high-up – long shot – behind the subject and a shot of the face.

Top BBC presenter Fiona Bruce visits Winchester

Last week I had the privilege to meet BBC News flagship female presenter Fiona Bruce, as the Singapore born presenter visited Winchester along with her Antique Roadshows team. Hundreds of local people flocked to the city's Cathedral before dusting down ancient antiques and quirky belongings ready for the shows leading experts to cast their eye over.

Although, myself and my fellow journalism colleagues only had the chance to chat to Fiona for a second or too [and pose for a photo], her sheer professionalism when we watched her perform a earlier sequence for the programme, in addition to a PTC in front of the googled eyed public shows she really has earned her crust as being labelled a top journalist.

It truly was inspiring to watch and it gave me that extra little bit of motivation to have a career as good as hers one day.


Myself (second from the right) with Fiona and my journalism colleagues

My Latest FourFourTwo Online News Articles

Read my latest news articles for FourFourTwo online:

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/64589/default.aspx

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/64590/default.aspx

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/championsleague/64531/default.aspx

Read my views on Andrew Flintoff's retirement on Cricket Web, one of the worlds biggest cricketing communities

http://www.cricketweb.net/blog/features/254.php

My Article on 'Twitter' in Cricket for Cricket Web

Follow the link to view the article:

http://www.cricketweb.net/blog/features/251.php

Integrity of gentlemen’s game bought into disrepute

Sunday morning’s law breaking allegations alleging the involvement of three Pakistani players in a betting scam incident to bowl ‘no balls’ in the tourists last test of the summer at Lords against England is a sad moment for cricket.

Off the back of two outstanding match winning knocks by Jonathon Trott and Stuart Broad, in a record batting partnership, much of the Test’s finest cricketing achievements appear now just a hazy memory with the News of the World investigative story suggesting fixer Mazhar Majeed made a £140,000 pound pact with the tabloid to organise match fixing involving the Pakistan cricket team. With the evidence of three, precisely timed ‘no balls’ in direct correlation to what was uncovered in the newspaper’s secret video, it brings a game full of gentlemanly conduct normally of the highest order into a state of shock.

In a list featuring a long line of rumours concerning Pakistani betting, surfacing in Australia earlier this year, the Test Series which England won 3-1 will be discarded to the memory bank. In a tumultuous day for the cricketing world, and with a full Metropolitan Police, among the various cricketing councils investigations under way the guilty parties involved need to be punished sooner rather than later.

With cricket exposed to an endless undercover betting network trying to bring the game into disrepute and as international players abroad are constantly being ‘tapped’ up but to use a phrase for their services, it is a situation which cannot just be brushed under the carpet quickly.


Pakistani paceman, Mohammed Amir (allegedly involved in 'no ball' scam) picks up Pakistan’s Man of the Series gong.

It is a fearful prospect that a special bowling prodigy such as Mohammed Amir (who has allegedly been caught up in the futile happenings) is being brainwashed by criminals trying to ruin one of sports special spectacles, but even more so now the game, loved by many. Now cricket is under the microscope if it is a real game, which people pay hundreds of pounds to be entertained by.

Federer ‘s previous best shows he’s the man to beat

A glittering career résumé featuring sixteen Grand Slam wins looks set to be Roger Federer’s benchmark for success at this year’s US Open in New York.

Heavily criticised and after being written off by many due to two below par outings at Roland Garros and on the hallowed turf at Wimbledon, Federer’s welcome return to form under the guidance of Pete Sampras’s and Tim Henman’s former Coach Paul Annacone has seen the Swiss ace chalk up back to back finals in Toronto (lost to Andy Murray) and Cincinnati (beat American Mardy Fish) in the run-up to the year’s final major.

The predatory instincts of a consistently placed serve and a enviable forehand offered a throwback to the Federer of old, and with nemesis Rafael Nadal still seeking his first US Open title and struggling on the quicker hard courts, it is a golden opportunity for the father of two to turn a mediocre year (in comparison to his standards established in recent years) into a good one yielding two Grand Slam crowns.

A player, whom is still to taste his first major success, is Britain’s Andy Murray. The talented Scot, two years ago was crushed by Federer under lights in the Flushing Meadows final but many feel this is the World number 4’s best chance to claim a maiden major title.


Murray (left) and Federer (right) pose for the photographers following the Swiss players comfortable three set final win.

Much, it appears depends on Murray’s ability to transfer the form he has shown against Federer in best of three set matches into the long, slog of a five set marathon. If he can put the past behind him he has a chance, with Federer perhaps not being as ruthless as previous, but still it looks likely it will have to take a career best Murray performance to beat Federer, a Federer of which is coming into form.

Egomaniac Mourinho will need to maintain respect for new suitors Real

It is often a footballing commandment of the highest order and the thesis “no one is bigger than the club” is somewhat of a ritual.


Jose Mourinho (above) looking typically stylish as he feeds quotes to the army of journalists.

But to the surprise of the Santiago Bernabeu press conference on May 31st this hallmark was greeted with respect and honour, by the ingenious and self proclaimed arrogance of new Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho as he sat picture perfect addressing the world’s media ahead of arguably his greatest managerial challenge to date. The tone of Mourinho’s utterances in the media spotlight spoke elegantly about the importance of the history of his new club, its exclusive mannerisms and the need for the typically mad Madrid circus, to not focus on him: "I look at what's best for the team. The identity of a club, no matter what, is not going to change" he said. This promise rejecting the personal pride Mourinho typically has taken above all else before (notably his players) underlines the test of his mental attribution facing him as he prepares to pick his wits against the occasional insanity of Real President Florentino Perez and the ever so hard to please Los Blancos faithful.

The impresario Portuguese character is a man whom on the back of his past credentials deserves a plethora of respect. His work taking an unfancied, ordinary and rather starless Porto to Europe’s richest honour (the 2004 Champions League), followed by a success laden spell at Chelsea where he had to juggle Roman Ambramovich’s ambition in turn with an endless multimillion pound chequebook to break English football’s traditional monopoly, identify a distinctive management mind ticking an abundance of crucial attributes. Italian giants Inter Milan, Mourinho’s next port of call expressed the then San Siro Coaches organizational and man management prowess to stifle even the normally unassailable attacking forays of Barcelona on route to winning the Champions League at the Bernabeu last season, the ground just a few weeks later that would welcome him yet again.

A decade for Real Madrid, which started off with two Champions League triumphs in 2000 and 2002 respectively, has since faltered into a congregation of chaotic confusion. The fallen era of the original and well documented ‘Galacticos’, added to with the woes of the ever revolving Coach exit door begs the question of where exactly does Mourinho start on re-building one of Europe’s great clubs? One of the former Barcelona Assistant Coach’s enviable talents is his ability to connect with his players, thus increasing their desires to work with him, and not against. The reputable skills of an international class Madrid squad incumbently makes for pleasant reading on paper, but Mourinho’s quest to turn the mentality of a highly assembled group of players into one whereby they are a collective force could yet prove to be difficult. For example, the mercurial talents of Mourinho’s Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo will need diffusing. Although, a wholesale hit last term, Ronaldo may take a little persuading to have to slot into a rigid organizational structure (usually a feature of Mourinho’s teams) hence limiting his flamboyancy on the front foot.

If anyone can bide his time in search of a winning formula, it is Mourinho. The shackles seem to be off as far as Real Madrid’s Director’s inputs go on the dawn of another new project, and so it seems a little bit of patience has been required from the hierarchy reigning above. Patience has always however and probably will still be a forlorn activity among White’s supporters. Los Blancos’s new Coach is aware of the symbolic stature of Real Madrid, a hallmark he seemed to always reiterate in his maiden Madrid media gathering, but a quick fix of footballing artistry should not be expected from the offing. With the prominent powers that be, in bitter rivals Barcelona overturning footballing myths into submission at present, Mourinho needs time to develop a team with an ethos of winning. The latter, a word poignant in the so called ‘Special One’s’ vocabulary fuels his desires and if he can strike the right chords with Madrid’s players and home contingent quickly, the rapport generated could see Real Madrid return to where they want to be: in Champions League finals once more. In a throwback, to Los Blancos’s imperious European supremacy in the 1950’s, the legendary figures of personalities such as Alfredo de Stefano indefinitely create pressure and cannot be escaped from, but the key to Mourinho’s armoury will be stamping his authority on the team, whilst nurturing the players along to work effectively together.


Alfredo de Stefano, arguably Real Madrid's finest player of all time struck up Los Blancos's fascination with the European Cup following the clubs dominating spell in the 1950's.

Jose Mourinho is a born winner. Real Madrid, his next vested interest is a club where winning is the central ingredient to its make-up. This coming campaign could be one of the most defining ever in Los Blancos’s 108 year history and just maybe, if Mourinho is given time to pursue the dream and everyone is with him, the Santiago Bernabeu can look forward to a cluster of titles decorating its trophy cabinets in years to come.

There’s just one key component to this Madrid mission statesment. Can the cultured Mourinho keep his confident ambiance under wraps and his relationship with the Bernabeu Presidential suite admirable as whether he likes it or not, his search for further greatness is hindered by Los Blancos’s history and the old proverb Mourinho was so willing to adhere to in his Bernabeu baptism “no one is bigger than the club” inevitably rings true.

Iniesta Waves His Magic Wand In Effortless Footballing Artistry

Artistry at its finest. Mesmeric, deft defining touch, combined with a fatal killer instinct to seize the moment are all superlatives chronically associated with the name Andres Iniesta.

His native Spain, its make-up consisting overtly of his Barcelona team mates have propelled footballing immortality into a new life form. Iniesta, and his partner in crime Xavi Hernandez do not just bring their playing cards to the table, but their incessant cognitive brain power, reminiscent of an ‘Einstein’ on a football pitch.

The petite number six’s late, late show finally drove a powerful dagger into the hearts of the Dutch, a team willing to use sheer brute force and untainted aggression to break a footballing legacy. Luckily, their efforts fell on deaf ears, as Spain reigned supreme.


Iniesta (above) writes his name into Spanish folklore.

It is hard not to want to praise Espana and its total football realm. With a player like Iniesta, the football oaths have shined on his patch, and rightly so. Maybe, it was destiny he would drill home the winning goal, but just sacred reward for a player who has redefined the modern technique and skill needed in a modern day footballer.

Faultless, humble, ingenious and modest depict Iniesta’s personal pedigree apart. I for one, say let it rain a Spanish footballing dynasty for as long genius touches effortlessly the history of the greatest sporting spectacle on earth.

The People Of Both Nations Await A Legacy To Be Written

The World’s perennial underachievers and total football nearly men tonight have the chance to inscribe their seeds of commitment into the oath of footballing folklore.

Twenty five games unbeaten and memoirs of final outings in 1974 and 78 will count for nothing as the Netherlands look to shed criticism from past Dutch greats as ‘Oranje’s’ quest for modern day perfection is close to boiling point thanks largely to the tactical nous of Van Marwijk’s workmanlike, but effective outfit.

Spain, on the other hand, still gleaming from 2008 European Championship glory have failed to reach the heavy heights expected, but they still find themselves moments away from rewriting Spanish history books. Maybe, the seamless engineered passing, technical wizardry and a Barcelona over balanced squad have meant Espana have not had to play at their sublime best.

Soccer City, a place where dreams have been conquered in this World Cup’s colourful African spectacle adhere us to the more natural side of the ‘Beautiful game’ which could be said has lost transition in recent years. South Africa, a country reunited through the valiant and extraordinary Nelson Mandela, is a place where peoples pride of nationalism has allowed them to show-off a country entrenched in fascinating culture.


Nelson Mandela, a man breathing inspiration.

One touch, memorising and flamboyant, Vicente Del Bosque’s side look on paper the team to win the World Cup virginity of both sides in their first ever clash of worthwhile note. Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch’s modern day Cruyff can expect the weight of history planted upon his shoulders as the Netherland’s remain desperate to turn the screw on the statistical books and finally put to bed the agony of previous World Cup Finals defeat.


Johan Cruyff, the Dutch's legendary hitherto the mainstay in Oranje folklore.

None needn’t be shy, but notoriously nervous as two sets of eleven players have the World at their feet in Johannesburg. With the high and mighty watching on, the battleground of footballing beauty is open to viewing once again tonight. The temple of both nations awaits a legacy to be written.

Pitiful Pietersen excuse ends six-year mediocre Hants stay

“Geographically it just doesn’t work- I live in Chelsea” was the curious answer England’s premier batsman Kevin Pietersen gave to journalists when quizzed about his future at county club Hampshire after his only appearance for the Royals this term.

This signalled the beginning of the end for Pietersen as far as his six-year Hampshire tenure goes, with sure enough the South African born player’s agent confirming his exit from the club this week when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Pietersen’s stark determination to play in London makes his next port of a call a simple choice of two: Middlesex or Surrey. With the batter now settled in Chelsea with a young family, it’s down to who is willing to front up the cash to land the 29 year old whose availability through international commitments will be extremely limited for county cricket. Not since 2005 has Pietersen played a championship match at the Rose Bowl, with Sunday’s rare Twenty20 run-out being his first in Hampshire colours for two years.


Kevin Pietersen (centre) ducks to avoid a vociferous bouncer from Surrey’s Chris Tremlett in possibly what is his last appearance in a Hampshire shirt.

The ECB’s policy of releasing players is one that continues to frustrate county bosses as Hampshire Club Chairman Rod Bransgrove has found out in recent years. He added: "The ECB's policy of releasing players for their counties is quite opaque and I don't understand it."

Pietersen’s reasons for leaving Hampshire though make unpleasant reading for many. The England player’s time at the south coast outfit has not been success ridden and one feels how a quick trip along the M3 can cause wholesale inconvenience, especially as it is usually only once a season at best he has to make the journey to the Rose Bowl. The ego of Pietersen is supported by his star quality but sometimes the arrogance of the man creates a feeling of discontent towards his character.

Despite, a London stay in the offing for Pietersen, a role as a freelance cricketer should not be ruled out for a player worth millions on the Indian market. The flamboyant batter may have been the key figure in England’s successful Twenty20 triumph in the West Indies but it is Pietersen’s next six months or so in Test cricket which could define his status in the world game.

With a current Test Match batting average at just a shade under 50, Pietersen needs to have a big winter down under against Australia to be compared with the mark of consistency incumbent batting greats like Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith and Sachin Tendulker share.

World Cup 2010 Mini Dissection Thus Far

The World Cup can be a place where dreams are made or dreams are quickly distinguished. Already, we are just under a week into footballs most prestigious prize where a cocktail of decisive moments has tipped back and forth the emotions of millions of people, enthralled in watching their respective and participating thirty-two nations as we know it.

The anguish of intolerable despair whilst watching England’s Robert Green flounder desperately back to his goal line to fish out a weak, impotent Clint Dempsey shot, but only in gut wrenching despair was enough to get anyone off their seat. This, compared to the sizzling left boot of Siphiwe Tshabalala whom fired a thunderbolt to open the hosts South Africa’s campaign lays down the letter of the law over the mixed feelings felt so far.

Music, colour, celebration, national anthems and vuvuzelas have all contributed to the make-up of a rich sporting spectacle, which thus far from a football perspective has not lived up to the billing with first round gitters haunting many opening round matches.

Australian star Tim Cahill saw red in his side’s 4-0 drubbing against a rampant German outfit, whilst one of the tournaments favourites Brazil narrowly squeezed past a resilient North Korea. Current holders Italy looked weary from their triumph four years ago as they drew to Paraguay, whilst Holland produced a resounding double Dutch display to see off the usually tricky test of Scandinavian side Denmark.

Many have chosen Spain as their pick for the coveted prize and with an opening round clash against Switzerland in Durban today boosted with the creative pairing of Xavi and Iniesta, few would not be in favour of them adding to their Euro 2008 win.

In earnest we expectantly watch in the coming weeks where footballing history in some form or the other will be articulated into World Cup dynasty.

Nadal set for another Grass Court adventure

Rafael Nadal’s mesmerising march to his fifth French Open crown on Sunday provided the boldest of memoirs that the special Spaniard is back to his frightening best.

A straight sets thrashing of Swede Robin Soderling in the final must have left a sweet taste in the Majorcans mouth, gaining revenge for his fourth round defeat to the world number six in 2009 ending Nadal’s four year grip on Roland Garros as Roger Federer swooped in to claim the cherished ‘Grand Slam’.

The red dirt of Paris though is a far cry from the new world numbers ones next port of call. Queen’s Club, London awaits for Nadal, who was a winner in 2008 as Wimbledon’s traditional pre tune up serves as the perfect remedy ahead of the heralded grass at SW19.

Fellow countryman and grass court novice, unseeded Marc Lopez is Nadal’s second round opponent today as the 24 year old looks to conjure up the form that saw him pull the curtain down on Roger Federer’s Wimbledon dominance in 2008.

The Bernabeu's in trouble? Don't worry we've got just the man to fix it

As Internazionale last night strode buoyantly up the Santiago Bernabeu steps to collect their first European Cup in 45 years, the glut of television cameras, flashing light bulbs and many of a line from commentators were not transfixed on Javier Zanetti, the club’s admirable long term Captain as he lifted aloft the prestigious trophy from the Madrid presidential suite but instead our television sets waited hand on foot for who else but Jose Mourinho.

This final was not about Inter, it was about one man’s determined, motivated and success laden quest for unforeseen achievements as in true ‘Special one’ fashion he grasped the limelight away from his players when he went on his own mazy run around Real Madrid’s headquarters.


Jose Mourinho waves his last goodbyes to Inter fans, whilst his team celebrate.

Wave’s goodbye, a look suggesting the Portuguese’s tenure at the Italian outfit was over appeared all too obvious to call. Mouriniho then scuppered down the tunnel with his child riding high on his shoulders leaving everyone confused about the pragmatisms of his next move. Could he have been making a quick dash to Florentino Perez’s office to sign contracts to become the new coach of Real Madrid? Indeed, last night’s late press conference in the bowels of the Bernabeu all but confirmed the next port of call for Inter’s treble winning manager. The 47 year old said: “I’m so sad as almost for sure it’s my last game for Inter”. He continued: “If you don’t coach Real Madrid then you always have a gap in your career”.

The challenge of managing and rebuilding a Real Madrid side, dilapidated in a state of disrepair indefinitely would receive full marks on his open resamay.

For Mourinho, though, a man whose meticulous attention to detail and vivid football focus let’s him investigate his players and their personality’s right down to the wire, would he be granted the keys to this wholesale access at the Spanish giants he craves? As is well documented, years of sackings, shirt sale boosting galacticos, trophy less seasons and millions of euro’s thrown down the drain, reflect a difficult task in the offing.

Real Madrid, are a club where success and history goes hand in hand, but to please a vociferous Los Blancos faithful, beautiful, articulate and winning football needs to be played almost immediately as Madrid, unrealistically or not expects the most ingenious football, generating Champions League and La Liga titles season after season. Nevertheless, they have not received this in recent years following Barcelona’s unprecedented march to record breaking accomplishments; however I’m not sure whether Jose Mourinho will be able to instantly hit if off of as Real Madrid coach.


Inter Milan's skipper Javier Zanetti lifts aloft European footballs most prestigious prize, a sight Jose Mourinho's future suitors are desperate to see.

First of all, the football played under his stewardship at Chelsea and Inter was very much underpinned by a workman like, destructive defence, where team prosperity remained key. Secondly, Mourinho, if he became Real boss may not have full control over the football management of the club which would go against his way of working. This coupled with the fact, that time is of the essence and that instant instalments of winning would be needed right from the very first ball at Madrid may make a hothead Mourinho throw in the towel if he is not given the time required by Perez, who has produced a sprawling cemetery of coach filled coffins since his time at the helm.

You would suspect a rigid contract agreement would be shelled out, but I do not think Real Madrid want to be in the position where they delegate majority power to the extrovert ways of the Portuguese.

Negatives there are, but if Jose Mourinho did take charge at Los Blancos he would be inheriting a star studded squad, with more investment likely to be on its way and surely this is the ultimate test of his man management credentials?

Love him or loathe him, it is the Mourinho show. His arrogant, unique, lovable but sometimes untenable style is the stigma for more column inches on a limb. For now his Inter team should bathe in their triumph, but the brains behind this latest San Siro slice of history looks to have more pressing matters at hand.

Resting ahead is England's key to the future

With seven gruelling cricketing months left in 2010, is it any wonder England’s management are contemplating resting players ahead of a defining period for Andy Flowers current side?

The euphoria and headlines of a magnificent Twenty20 World Cup triumph will live long in the memory, but with Bangladesh, the return of Australia and the Pakistani’s addressing English soil this summer the time might have just come to plan and rest ahead before Novembers eagerly awaited Ashes rematch.

England’s first Test squad for this summer’s proceedings will be displayed in front of the nations respected media on Sunday morning, but will it be a squad full of wholesale change particularly with opening tourists Bangladesh still not considered as one of crickets most challenging of examinations.

Twenty20 winning skipper Paul Collingwood and frontline seamer Stuart Broad, are among those tipped to be rested, and rightly so, because with no disrespect to the opposition England are now starting to build a collective team talent, whereby they need to nurture the players whom have asserted vast amounts of effort over the past couple of years, saving them for ‘big’ game scenarios.


Broad (left) and Collingwood (right) could be rested for England's Bangladesh tussle.

It appears difficult to foresee how and why players should receive prolonged breaks. Well, just look at England captain Andrew Strauss, for example, who missed the tour of Bangladesh. These players in question do live a charmed life, but now is the time where a month or two spent refreshing tired minds can really reap the rewards.

I can just imagine the situation now, when an England player finds themselves engrossed in a deadly hot Adelaide Oval, where a dropped or caught catch off Ricky Ponting on naught could be the difference between retaining or losing that little, coveted urn.

Key players are crucial and are talismanic for the team, but a glut of emerging talent is just banging at the door waiting to grab their opportunity. Middlesex quick, Stephen Finn could feature at his county home, Lords, but so could some of England’s Twenty20 starlets like Eoin Morgan whom seems itching to accredit his batting credentials in the longer form of the game.

Resting is sometimes a hidden charm as to the real reason for team change upheaval. Despite, an outstanding Ashes debut hundred, Jonathon Trott has since looked far from assured with the bat but one suspects he will have a fair few more chances to prove his worth this summer following a poor series in his native South Africa.

Forgotten man, Essex batter Ravi Bopara looks primed and ready to grab a Test chance should it be there for the taking, but it looks like the flamboyant hitter still has a point to prove amongst the English selectors yet.

With Collingwood approaching the twilight of his career, a missed Lords season opener is always a tough pill to swallow, but England have to look at the bigger picture. This team has announced themselves on the world stage and the coming eight months could shape the face of English cricket for a generation. It is that important.

England Squad for Two-Test Bangladesh outing: (Possible)
Strauss (c), Cook, Trott (or Carberry), Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood (or Bopara), Prior (wkt), Bresnan, Swann, Anderson, Sidebottom, Finn.

Blood and Thunder awaits in Twenty20 showdown

It has been years in waiting but tonight England, under the stewardship of coach Andy Flower and captain Paul Collingwood could win their first ever ICC event.

A win in Sundays ICC World Twenty20 final against great rivals Australia at the Kensington Oval would deliver England’s first trophy in limited over competitions since it was bought into the cricketing calendar over 35 years ago.

Explosive, consistent and in-form are superlatives that can be used to scatter over the team sheets of both sides ahead of this evening’s titanic tussle. The fluidity and sheer power of Kevin Pietersen with the bat has disregarded opposition proficiently, whilst the baggy greens ‘Mr Cricket’, Michael Hussey, is the main reason why Michael Clarkes outfit have a quick fire chance for Ashes revenge as he hit a stunning knock in the semi-final against Pakistan to overhaul the Aussies from the jaws of defeat to booking a place in the Twenty20 finale in the West Indies.


England and Australia Captains, Collingwood and Clarke, respectively, will go head to head this evening for one of crickets biggest prizes.

In 2004, England were sent packing by the West Indies in the One-Day World Cup Final, but skipper Collingwood who was on the receiving end that day will be determined to inscribe his team’s name in the history books this time round.

The stage is set, the coldrum is burning, and now it is just up to two of crickets most fearsome rivals to battle it out with blood and thunder to lift aloft the prestigious Twenty20 Trophy.

Match Report to follow after the game.

Rivalry set to be relived, as the games great duo prolong tennis eulogy

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will today meet eye to eye in the Madrid Masters final, with it being the first time since last year’s final that these two fearsome competitors have had the chance to renew their rivalry.

A year is a long time in sport, and especially in tennis. You only need to offer a sincere throwback to this time twelve months ago and a thwarted, tired, strained and outwitted Federer seemed lost in transition as his great Spanish adversary Rafael Nadal had battered the Swiss at Roland Garros, forced him to relinquish his treasured SW19 title and reduce the now sixteen time Grand Slam champion to tears in the 2009 Australian Open Final.

But this bumper mayday period for Nadal in 2009 was short lived. A barrage of troublesome knee problems and fitness quandaries gave a confident stricken Federer a glimpse at the keys coated in success, once again. Hard thought and ‘ego’ boosting, Federer took apart Nadal in the 2009 Madrid Masters Final proving his doubters wrong that he could beat the improbable Spaniard on his beloved clay surface. The Swiss superstar exploited, conjectured and wore down Majorcan Nadal as his knee issues seemed to seize up, whilst the ever-green Federer took him to the sword.

A win in the Spanish capital, was then followed by a near remarkable French Open. Frontrunner Rafael Nadal appeared ill at ease with himself as he could only see his unrelenting clay court record and his first ever Roland Garros defeat flash right before his eyes as Swede Robin Soderling’s clinical match play in the fourth round defeated the Spaniard, opening the door to Federer to finally win his first French Open title, completing his set of major wins. And the Swiss did not disappoint as he careered through to the final, beating Soderling, before collapsing to his knees in jubilation after securing his impossible dream.

Rafael Nadal, subsequently missed Wimbledon through injury, meaning he was not able to defend his crown as Federer swept in to claim his sixth London grass court title, surpassing in his wake the watching Pete Sampras as he moved onto fifthteen Grand Slam titles, one more then the great American.

Since then, Federer has with ease grasped a domineering grip on the mens game, whilst Nadal is only now returning to his best. The bustling Spaniard is only one Masters Title away from securing a record haul and in recent weeks he seems to have a re-installed belief and confidence as he knows how crucial the next few months are to proving the doubters wrong and establishing himself as the best on the world stage again.

Today’s final for Federer, serves as the perfect preparation for his Roland Garros defence in the coming weeks and the now father of two, gives the impression he is more than ready to relive his duel with Nadal again, as the Swiss player has a point to prove with many saying Nadal’s absence last year handed Federer two Grand Slam titles on a plate.


Two great foes are ready to lock horns once again.

Harsh criticism, but we will see who can get the upper hand in the Spanish capital this afternoon, which surely is the perfect platform and form remedy for the duo ahead of a critical summer.

Match Report: El Clasico: Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona

Outclassed, overwhelmed and conquered, Real Madrid were left squalling in a silent Santiago Bernabeu pit as Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Barcelona side conjured up a deadly knockout blow on Saturday night ending Madrid’s title credentials, their 100% home record this season and Los Blancos’s assault to stop a Catalan steam train which is making its own history extending L’equip blaugrana’s recent dominance over their great rivals.

The 208th meeting between these two fearsome competitors was billed as the title decider. Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Madrid knew that only a win would suffice. Already on borrowed time, as a result of Madrid’s European heartbreak, it would be an understatement to say this game defined his Los Blancos tenure and the direction of the La Liga crown.

Domestic, European, individual and worldwide success has cut this current Barcelona crop as the game’s greatest team. With superlatives on short supply, a cultured, professional and clinical performance for the Catalan’s placed one of Carlos Puyol’s hands, clenched firmly, on this year’s La Liga with Madrid now needing a seamless miracle to claw back a three point deficit with Spain’s head to head ruling seeing Barcelona, twice, coming out on top in this seasons meetings between the sides.


Two different fortunes for a Catalan hero and a Madrid hero, respectively.

It was who else then Argentinean wizard Lionel Messi, of course whom jinked and weaved expertly in the Real Madrid box to clip the ball home past Iker Casillas midway through the first period following an undefendable pass by Xavi Hernandez, the supremely gifted Spaniard orchestrating and providing a vivid heartbeat to this mesmeric Catalan team.

Chances were far a regularity, from both sides, but Barcelona’s fatal killer instinct in front of goal proved decisive as Real Madrid’s attempt to stop their great rivals success laden march into the new decade took a devastating knock as Xavi, once again, played a pin-point through ball behind the Los Blancos backline where the scampering Pedro beat the trailing Alvaro Arbeloa with ease to then curl the ball past Casillas from the edge of the area, cutting a prosperous eerie feeling ringing around the Bernabeu.

With the cynics out ready to question Manuel Pellegrini, the Chilean boss through everything forward in a largely uneventful Clasico where the ability to finish was key.

He’s many people’s choice for Spanish number one, and Victor Valdes, of whom was tested, was never going to be beaten by a barrage of hopeful Real Madrid attempts. Ailing shots by Ronaldo, not for a want of trying, Higuain, Gago and Van der Vaart who woefully hit the ball straight at Valdes when clean through in the second period, were all Los Blancos could muster as the damage had already been done.

Lionel Messi could and probably should of had the last laugh with a fifth hat-trick of the season. Twice he scuttled effortlessly into the Madrid penalty area only for Casillas to be on hand to divert two efforts, on both occasions around the post.

Insult to injury would have been a Barcelona third though. Madrid, battered, bruised and dejected cannot deny the brazen class difference between an established line-up and a growing Florentino Perez dream. The flow of history now seems to be heading Barcelona’s way in a season where there just seems to be no let-up under the hard task master, that is Pep Guardiola.

Let’s not forget though, the headlines and accolades may all be falling the way of the little master Messi, but it is Xavi Hernandez whom is the platform for Catalan success.

Real Madrid:

Casillas 7: A bit static on both goals but made two superb saves from Messi. Outdone by Valdes.

Arbeloa 6: He always put in a good shift, but was undone by the pace of Pedro.

Sergio Ramos 6: Rash in the tackle but didn’t give up the ghost.

Abiol 6: Turned by Messi for the opening goal, but no one can seem to stop the little magician at the moment.

Garay 6: Steady game, with a red hot plate in front of him to deal with.

Gago 6: Got about the pitch well, but added little, should have been replaced by Lass in the second half.

Alonso 6: Tried to pull the strings but was outclassed by his Spanish compatriot Xavi.

Van der Vaart 6: His glorious opportunity went a begging, that goal could of gave Madrid a one way ticket back into the match.

Marcelo 6: Average from the Brazilian, looked out of his depth in midfield.

Ronaldo 7: Never stopped trying and looked the most likely for Madrid even if he had to go on his own. He needs to learn how to interact with the team more.

Higuain 6: Grilled in the Madrid press, but he only had one half chance in a quiet game. The Argentine can feel unlucky that people are questioning him particularly after the season he has had.

Substitutes: Guti 7: Always had the creative spark, and may have made a difference if he was in from the start. Raul 6: Unlucky with disallowed goal because of Benzema hand-ball, maybe his last Clasico? Benzema 5: Looks dis-interested at the moment, for a player worth 30 million pounds it appears unclear where his next goal will come from.

Barcelona: Valdes 7: Puyol 7: Pique 6: Milito 6: Maxwell 7: Busquets 6: Xavi 9: Keita 7: Alves 5: Messi 8: Pedro 8: Substitutes: Iniesta 5: Marquez 6:

Old-stagers Let Golf Do The Talking On Day One

Golf can now get back on course. Months of lies, admittance, tabloid trauma, player scrutiny and allegations can now be put into the bunker for the time being at least, as golfing infancy in the form of Augusta has turned everybody’s heads yet again.

Tiger Woods, the man caught up in a vociferous media hunt tearing apart an individual previously who had kept such a clean cut exterior, only for the real truth concerning his extravagant other life to be told to the world fuelling speculation if the ‘great’ American would ever come back to golf again. Questions aplenty have doubted Wood’s real characteristics as a person but he is now back in the limelight being checked and examined every step of the way.

Press conferences aside, and Woods whom can count himself extremely fortunate to have held onto his membership at the Masters now has to let his game do the talking, and talking it did with a four under round of 68 in the opening days play.

The Tiger may have not looked rusty, but he was outfoxed on day one by some of the game’s old guard. 1992 champion Fred Couples produced a sterling round of 66 in a six under par showing rolling back the years with 60 year old fellow American Tom Watson showing that last year’s Open run was no drop in the ocean as he hit a industrious 67 in his search for a third Masters Green Jacket.


Fred Couples (Above) rolled back the years on the first days play.

Woods, the world number one golfer has admitted he has never been more nervous when facing crowds and playing a golf tournament in recent years, nonetheless he showed off glimpses of talent which are sure to carry him deep into the tournament. Friend of the shunned American, Englishman Lee Westwood, has yet to win a major but following a positive start yesterday perhaps he has now consumed in all of Augusta and can now fully focus on some confident golf in the coming days.

The world’s most prestigious golf tournament can now relax and let its aura do the talking with the sport in question being the only talked about clubhouse topic, for now for now at least.

County Championship Division 1 Preview

Well it’s early April and the sun is shining, but there’s something in the offing which usually acts as a signal of bad weather to come: the beginning of the cricket season in the form of the County Championship.

County cricket finds itself in the midst of a wash-up of change. Gone are the days of the traditional 50 over one day competition as a new 21 side, three league format has been introduced this time around. And of course, Twenty20 is sure to dominate the headlines once again as many counties see it as a golden opportunity, not just for personal success but for the greater financial rewards it brings.

Tomorrow though sees 18 teams bowl off their seasons in Divisions one and two. Durham, the team to beat in the last two years go into this summer on the back of an unbeaten championship campaign last time out. Ever willing and reliable batting class in the shape of Michael Di Venuto at the top of the order give the north east side a firm footing to start, and let’s not forget an international class bowling unit with Liam Plunkett and Graham Onions, supplying pace, consistency and heart along with former England marksmen Steven Harmison and Ian Blackwell who appear to be enjoying their time in the sun with it looking unlikely neither of them will earn a England recall. Is a third consecutive title success in the offing? On the squad alone (which could be affected by players on England duty) you would say yes, but I’ve got the feeling they might have a difficult time in claiming three championship triumphs in a row as a squad with no fresh faces have to pick up some bad form at some point and I cannot foresee a as consistent Durham in 2010. Their challenge is to prove me wrong.


The ever-green Michael Di Venuto (above) adds a touch of class to a strong Durham batting line-up.

A whole host of contenders will be jostling refutably in an attempt to embed themselves amongst the title hopefuls. Somerset, now under the leadership of ex-England opener Marcus Trescothick will look to continue their enviable record at Taunton, a place blitzed in runs and batting opportunities. Batting should not prove a problem, even with the loss of former captain Justin Langer. The other string to their bow comes in the form of the south west outfits bowling make-up.

A steady winter recruitment of signings such as Australian Cameron White for the Twenty20’s gives Somerset some clout in the shorter form of the game, but they are missing a cutting edge in attack and they may well find themselves in treacherous waters trying to bowl sides out especially on a flat Taunton wicket. The addition of Indian spinner Murali Kartik is potentially a trump card for Trescothick to play to counter this though especially as the player has a point to prove after being dispelled from the Indian team of late. Last but not least, Craig Kieswetter. The explosive wicket-keeper batsman, of South African descent started his international career with aplomb this winter, sparking a claim for a regular one day and Twenty20 international spot and from the evidence witnessed against Bangladesh, Somerset may not be seeing as much as they like from the young prodigy this summer. Having never before won county cricket’s most traditional prize, I think Somerset if they hit the right straps can give Durham more than an extra run or two in the coming months as I make them favourites.

Also in the mix is Giles White’s Hampshire. The Rose Bowl club have strengthened considerably over the winter break bringing in solid South African opening batsman Neil McKenzie, all-rounder Kabir Ali, the near fit-again Simon Jones and Sri Lankan spin sensation Ajantha Mendis who will be joining the squad in June. These overseas additions already add to what is a strong squad, blending a mix of experience and youth with the likes of Dimitri Mascarenhas, Nic Pothas, Michael Lumb and new England test opener Michael Carberry joined by young all-rounder Liam Dawson and pace bowler David Griffiths. The outgoings of Chris Tremlett and Imran Tahir whom have provided Hampshire with a steady flow of wickets in the past couple of seasons, but in Kabir Ali, they have a man that if he can return to the form earlier in his career he could become the best strike bowler in the county championship. White believes his side can challenge on all four fronts this term, and with Twenty20 finals day being held at the Rose Bowl, the club will have even extra motivation to get through to finals day. Overall, a strong and talented squad will see Hampshire have a good season, pushing for the title, but I still think they have a bit more work to do in the games longer format but they are the team to beat in one-day cricket.


Kabir Ali (right) could be seeing a few more familiar sights like this in the county championship if he can become one of the country’s leading strike bowlers again at new club Hampshire.

Lancashire, another side searching for their first county championship win in well over half a century will be looking to hit the ground running from the offing. Coach Peter Moore’s has a point to prove after a not so successful spell in charge of England, whilst new overseas star Ashwell Prince will be determined to prove that he has got more tucked away in his locker then what he showed against England last winter. Under the captaincy of Glen Chapple, the Old Trafford outfit are sure to be competitive, but they look as though they are missing that special spark which other sides around them have. Maybe, just maybe, forgotten man Andrew Flintoff might work himself back into the picture, and like he says if he is free to play four-day cricket, there are few better bowling all rounders. A mid-table championship finish and a spirited run in the Twenty20 will be Lancashire’s 2010.

Former England wicket-keeper Chris Read leads Nottinghamshire into the new season looking strong and calculated. The cool purchase of South African batsman Hashim Amla should act as a spur for the side to attain some early season hundreds and fit-again spinner Samit Patel has more than a point to prove after being dropped from the England side because of issues over his weight. Nott’s, runners up to Durham in each of the last two campaigns are as consistent as you get in county cricket and with a mix of strong unity and youth in the side I expect them to mount another solid title charge.

Newcomers Essex welcome themselves into domestic crickets top tier, but a off-season littered with recent financial difficulties and questions marks over the redevelopment of Chelmsford, could see this have an adverse affect on their performance meaning they will find it tough to beat the drop. A heavily relied on bowling unit, could see them struggle to bowl sides out on a variety of wickets and Essex are relying heavily on Ravi Bopara coming good again at the top of the order. They need big runs from him. He has a massive point to prove. So why not? They are better equipped in the shorter form of the game, with explosive hitters like Graham Napier key if they are going to make it through to Twenty20 finals day again.


Ravi Bopara (above) will be hoping to re-capture the form he showed when he first burst into the England side for Division 1 newboys Essex.

Kent under the guidance of Rob Key, have not strengthened considerably over the winter months but they have a nucleus to a side there that is familiar with each other and their qualities. A proven batting line-up, with in addition quick strike bowlers like Amjad Khan and Robbie Joseph gives them a dependable first XI, but you don’t feel the strength and depth is there for them to carry themselves through and make a substantial title push. For me, their best hope of success comes in the form of the Twenty20 where Key’s instalment of team character and charisma has helped them beat sides through the pure will to win.

Yorkshire come into the season with a decent group of young players, but it will be the leadership of Captain Andrew Gale that will be key if they are going to secure a mid-table championship position instead of lurking dangerously close to the relegation places. The Headingley club's perennial struggle in recent years makes the club desperate for some kind of silverware. Twenty20 could be their ticket to success if they can strike a winning combination. The overseas purchase of Herschelle Gibbs should not go unnoticed, because in the South African they have a match winner and one of the games most feared batsman.


The newly appointed Andrew Gale (above) as captain will lead Yorkshire this term.

Finally Warwickshire and Ashley Gile’s reformed side. Traditionally a more astute one day outfit, the Bear’s will be looking to reclaim last season’s 40-over success and in spinner Imran Tahir they have a genuine talent that if he is in good form can cause anyone problems. A key player though could be young Irishman Boyd Rankin. The paceman is starting to come into his own in an attack which needs a leader and if he performs well he could be the lynchpin of Warwickshire success this term, expect a fourth or fifth championship finish.

Predicted Final Standings:

1) Somerset
2) Durham
3) Nottinghamshire
4) Hampshire
5) Warwickshire
6) Lancashire
7) Kent
8) Yorkshire
9) Essex

The Stage Is Set, The Time Is Now For Robben

Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben’s explosive volleyed winner last night at Old Trafford sent last year’s finalists Manchester United packing, whilst giving us a timely reminder of his talents.

Injury ravaged, inconsistent, a prima-donna attitude and an inability to truly settle at a club have plagued the former PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid and now Munich man in recent times. But, the wide-man, now 26, glistened under the Manchester spotlight in yesterday’s second leg, where he along with his Bayern team mates did not give up the ghost in clawing back a three goal deficit to grab two fatal European away goals seeing the Bundesliga side move into the semi-finals.

On 74 minutes, Robben found acres of space unmarked on the edge of the Manchester United area (whom by this stage were down to 10-men following full back Rafael’s earlier red card) where a drilled corner picked him out expertly, allowing Bayern’s number 10 to adjust his body stance and technical position as he met the ball perfectly firing a low left footed volley into the corner of fellow Dutchman Edwin van der Sar’s net.


Robben (above) wheels away in celebration following his late winner, but is this finally the Dutchman's time to shine?

The goal, must have relinquished a cluster of emotions for Robben, who despite his obvious talent and ability has never quite harnessed his potential to the full fore. Last night’s performance, offered the doubters though a selection of trade mark masquerading runs, explosive cameos of pace and a new found work rate in Robben with the way he interacted with and helped his team mates.

After witnessing the unblemished and mesmerising display produced by Lionel Messi on Tuesday night against Arsenal, in comparison to Robben, they are similar players in terms of their prevalent attributes being to run with the ball at pace and take on opponents, but Messi, widely considered the world’s best player has taken his game to new heights, whilst the Dutch attacker should take note of the whole circus revolving around Messi.

Barcelona’s star man has learnt to deal with the unfair treatment he receives off opposition defenders, maintaining a level headed and calm persona giving him the freedom and confidence to make the most of his ability in the final third. In comparison, Robben still needs to dig deep and find that inner-belief that is in him somewhere that he is good enough to be one of the world’s best. Certainly, on his day, many of a defender would pass up the opportunity to have the fleet of foot Dutchman charge towards them, but what Robben needs to grab a hold of is the importance of consistency, a solid mental strength, plus a repetitious end product, all of which are in his disfigured locker room somewhere.

There are a few signs that he is now coming into the peak of his powers though. A typical young hotshot at PSV buoyed his reputation as one of the games rising stars flanking wholesale attention from Manchester United, before Chelsea finally won over his signature. A few eventful, but successful years at Stamford Bridge filled with reoccurring injury problems prompted a move to Spain, when Real Madrid came calling.


Real Madrid ousted the winger after their 'Galactico' reprieve, but Robben showed signs towards the end of his Bernabeu career that he was playing himself into form.

A sluggish and difficult start acquainted Robben, but towards the end of last season he started to come into his own housing a degree of self-assurance and goal scoring credentials which we had not seen from him before. But then, with the arrival of a new glut of 'Galacticos' the Dutchman was unfairly thrown onto the Bernabeu scrapheap despite his pleas to stay. German giants Bayern stepped in and now Robben seems to have that new lease of life, that he is the star man, in a team he feels at home playing in. Two crucial Champions League goals thus far, against Fiorentina and Manchester United, both away from home, have underlined how he is finding the form to produce in big games.

This could be a defining season for Robben if he can continue to spearhead Bayern’s European run after years in the wilderness and there are clear signals the wing wizard is finally fulfilling much of the hype heralded above his head.

If and when he is on form, few are better, but it is a case of connecting all the facets to Robben’s armoury together, in harmony and if he can conquer his mental attribution, the talent is at his disposal to be truly unleashed. A hectic few months ahead, with the World Cup in South Africa in the horizon gives Robben a chance to be placed amongst the game’s elite. An opportunity like this one should not pass him by.

Everton searching for late rally with finishing line ever closer

An indifferent but eventful 2009/2010 campaign for David Moyes and his Everton team is nearing its climax, with the Toffees having just five games left to salvage any European ambitions they are clinging onto.

Sunday’s disjointed performance at home to relegation strugglers West Ham, and the Goodison Park outfits inability to hold onto a lead, as they were twice pegged back by the Londoners in the 2-2 draw now puts extra onus and pressure on the blues to reap benefitting dividends from their final five games.

A season, engrossed in drama, fantastic victories against the majority of the ‘big five’, a glut of injury setbacks, two dismal cup exits and the LA wizard which reinvigorated the team certainly means this campaign will not be consigned to the history books too quickly.

Aston Villa, Blackburn and Stoke represent the away day challenges left to the blues to saunter, whilst Fulham and a last game of the season test awaits against relegation certainties Portsmouth. Perhaps, there are some winnable encounters in the list, but Everton have it all to do if they are going to overhaul Aston Villa, currently placed one place above the blues in 7th place with a four point gap separating them.

Everton skipper Phil Neville remains confident about the ability of his side: “The reality is we can beat any team in this league with this set of players”. A set of players which has not been a complete pack of cards for Moyes in a long while. Whilst key men in Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta have both battled back from serious knee injuries this term, it has only appeared to be brief rest bite for the Toffees boss with the in-form Marouane Fellaini and now Dan Gosling out injured for the foreseeable future. The injury table cannot shed all of the blame though for a season, which started poorly, but has been rekindled well by the Goodison outfit.


Mikel Arteta (above) will need to be fit and ready for the toffees run-in if they are to challenge for a Europa League berth.

Last season’s fifth place finish and Everton’s appearance in the FA Cup Final was a remarkable achievement, but a summer devoid of any transfer activity, until the very last minute, just moments before the ‘Transfer Deadline’ and a poor start in the league meant the chances of repeating the preceding seasons effort are a long gone distant memory. Despite, two dreadful exits from the FA Cup and Europa League, a resurgent Everton have found their feet at Goodison again and in 2010 they remain one of the premier leagues form sides. But do they have enough left to sneak into the Europa League slots once again this time out?

A gut feeling, probably echoed by David Moyes is that they have ridden the storm too late, though if they can make use of the ‘easier’ fixtures they have in the run-in then who knows. The return, again, of Mikel Arteta is integral for Everton as he is one of the only prevalent figures who has the ability to conjure up something out of nothing. Arteta’s fitness will be tried and tested valiantly over the next week or so before Everton’s trip to Villa Park, and it might just be the key to whether a rainbow or clouded sky is pictured in the Toffees horizon come what May.

Patience should come first for ambitious Winchester City

Football is a results business. This analogy is none the more evident than at Winchester City Football Club.

Recently, after hearing about the quick-fire sacking of managerial duo and siblings Stuart and Matt Hussey from the Denplan helm it underlined that even in English footballs lower Leagues (Sydenham’s Wessex league) unless instant success, approved by the club’s hierarchical structure is completed, it’s a case of pastures new for many managers and coaches alike.

Winchester City owner Paul McCarthy cannot be criticised for his lack of ambition for his south based outfit though. The ousting of the Hussey brothers late last week, who in their solitary season at the club felt they had achieved McCarthy’s pre season eulogy of avoiding relegation and cementing a firm foundation for a promotion push next year have been replaced by ex-Southampton player Glenn Cockerill.

“Bigger names to lead a massive club in a massive city” was McCarthy’s mission statement of intent drawing to light his burning ambition to turn the club into a driving force. Cockerill, made over 350 appearances for the red and white South coast side, but although he has proven experience as a player and manager, when he was in charge of former conference side Woking, it makes you wonder whether Winchester City’s manifesto of aspiration is a drop in the ocean to be harnessed over time, not immediately as the new man in charge says himself “Winchester can be a massive club, but it’s not going to happen overnight”.

Following just 28 games in charge, Stuart and Matt Hussey are understandably disappointed at the resignation request they received by the club’s owner, but in a solid season where books had to be balanced and team solidarity needed to be installed, they leave with their heads held somewhat high.

The people of Winchester have always craved a football team of worthy note, and now, just maybe could be the start of a new dawn where objectives, financial peace and a manager with premier league experience as a player now has a platform already set-out for him to guide Winchester City into the new decade.

It remains to be seen, whether ‘The Capitals’ owner can support this with an open cheque book. But what’s for sure is that it is going to be an intriguing end to the season for the club, which then could be followed by a turbulent pre season bringing wholesale changes and more fresh faces.

Match Report: Racing 0-2 Real Madrid: Job Done, Time To Eye Up Title Decider

It was two usual suspects yet again that earned Real Madrid their twelfth successive La Liga win against lowly Racing Santander on Sunday night ensuring Los Blancos head into next’s weeks eagerly awaited ‘El Gran Clasico’ in pole position.

Deadly duo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain struck in each half respectively helping Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit return to the Primera Division summit, following Barcelona’s Saturday night win at home to Athletic Bilbao, which for 24 hours and for the third week running meant Real Madrid had to ensure victory to overtake their rivals to top spot.

A lacklustre first half affair saw both teams struggle to retain the ball and create any substantial goal efforts. Madrid devoid of Xabi Alonso and fellow Spaniard Sergio Ramos through suspension lacked a clinical midfield cutting instinct with defensive double act Fernando Gago and returning Mali international Mahamadou Diarra occupying both central midfield positions.

Racing mustered an opportunist effort early on however when Real Madrid bound teenage prospect Sergio Canales (15) attempted an audacious chip trying to catch out Iker Casillas, whom was out of his area following a clearance but the 19 year olds effort rolled agonizingly wide sending a familiar feeling coursing through much of El Sardinero, as the home side have only won two games on their own patch this season, the poorest in La Liga.


Teenage wizard Sergio Canales, whom has signed a pre-contract to join Real Madrid in the summer had Racing's best opening.

It was left to Madrid’s shooting star once again though to produce a canter of magic. Cristiano Ronaldo’s mazy run and burst of pace past Racing defender Jose Moraton was too hot to handle for the Spanish full back bringing the Portuguese winger down in his tracks inside the penalty area (23). Cool and collected, Ronaldo stepped up to dispatch the resulting spot-kick to keeper Coltorti’s right laying claim to his 18th La Liga goal of the campaign.

Despite being a goal down, Racing did not give up the chase and they showed plenty of endeavour and fight to push for an equaliser. But there attempts were in vain and the match was sealed for the away side when substitute Jose Maria Gutierrez supplemented the fleet of foot Gonzalo Higuain (77) with a curling pass over the top of the Racing backline, which the argentine latched onto easily soaring past Racing veteran Pablo Pinillos before expertly slotting the ball past the oncoming Coltorti.


Real Madrid celebrate their second, goal scorer Gonzalo Higuain (centre) is in the thick of things.

With fifthteen minutes remaining Madrid laid a late siege to Racing’s goal and Bernabeu old boys, substitutes Raul and Guti started toying with the hosts feeding one-twos off of each other. And the blonde haired midfield maestro came inches away from giving Los Blancos a flattering third when he crashed a left footed shot off the cross bar following a defensive mix-up (86).

Referee Mr Delgado Ferreiro bought an end to matters soon after meaning Real Madrid return home to the capital retaining La Liga’s top spot on goal difference over their great Catalan rivals with next week’s match-up billed as the title decider.

Real Madrid:

Casillas 6: The Spanish number one didn’t have a lot to do but was almost caught out with Canales cheeky lob.

Arbeloa 6: Solid as usual, perhaps could of pushed on more in an attacking sense.

Marcelo 7: Did well to tie down Racing’s old stager Munitis, as well as make his typical runs forward.

Albiol 7: Unflustered and steady at the back.

Metzelder 7: Trusty and reliable on his return to the side, his first outing in several months.

Diarra 7: Confident and intelligent in midfield, looks back to his best.

Gago 7: Defended well, put in the hard yards and was unflappable in central midfield.

Granero 6: Caused a threat down the right hand side, but still waiting to see more from him.

Van der Vaart 6: Battled well, picked up a couple of knocks, but the all-round midfield talent is becoming a mainstay in Madrid’s centre, particularly in the absence of Kaka.

Ronaldo 7: His usual bright self, won and converted the penalty and he always looked a danger.

Higuain 7: Quiet game, but absolutely clinical when called upon to score his side’s second.

Substitutes: Guti 7: Some lovely interchange and passing, unlucky with his shot that rattled the woodwork. Raul 6: Again some nice touches, plus maximum work ethic, would be nice for the veteran to come in and start a few games possibly from a midfield position. Marcos Alonso 6: Proud moment for the youngster making his debut for the club but little time to make any impact.

Racing: Coltorti 6, Pinillos 5, Torrejon 6, Moraton 5, Christian 6, Colsa 7, Diop 7, Canales 6, Arana 6, Munitis 6,Tchite 6. Substitutes: Serrano 5, Bolado 5, Lacen 5