From Ferdinando, the old Spanish form of a Germanic name composed of the elements farði “journey” and nanð “daring, brave”. The Visigoths brought the name to the Iberian Peninsula, where it entered into the royal families of Spain and Portugal. From there it became common among the Habsburg royal family of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria, starting with the Spanish-born Ferdinand I in the 16th century. A notable bearer was Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), called Fernão de Magalhães in Portuguese, who was the leader of the first expedition to sail around the earth. (Behindthename.com)

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As we approach the end of another decade, The Time have posted a few “top 100″ lists including books, films and this post is in reference to their music list.

Here’s the ones that I own, and some with their best tracks on the album.

98. By The Way – Red Hot Chilli Peppers (2002)

92. Youth and Young Manhood – Kings of Leon (2003)

71. Rush of Blood to the Head – Coldplay

This album has so many brilliant tracks that are now are classics, including:

In My Place, God Put a Smile Upon Your Face, Clocks, and my favourite The Scientist which also has a very clever video.

66. For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver (2008)

Bon Iver, as you know, is a personal favourite of mine, and it’s nice to see that The Times hasn’t missed him out.

65. Scissor Sisters – Scissor Sisters (2004)

This was one of the first albums I bought as a teenager.

60. Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand (2004)

This was another  of my first albums, I think I bought it with the Scissor Sisters album, there must have been a deal going at Woolies! (RIP Woolworths)

This Mercury Music Prize winning album was my introduction into Indie Rock, and I still listen to it today. Loads of brilliant tracks, but Take Me Out is a fav.

56. Kaiser Chiefs – Employment (2005)

55. The Futureheads – The Futureheads (2005)

Brilliant, brilliant album! Their cover of Hounds of Loves has to be one of the best covers ever. That song introduced me to Kate Bush, so thank you Futureheads!

From 50-1 in another post!

Ieri am petrecut dupa amiaza la Scanteia, in compania unei simpatice prietene … v-am mai povestit eu de barul asta. Am baut, am mancat bine, desi simpatica si-a dorit meniul zilei nu i-a mai fost servit doar pentru ca trecusera cateva minute dupa ora 17…in fine, la ora aceea barul era destul de gol, adica la primul etaj nu eram decat noi si vreo trei pustani la alta masa…ei beau bere, jucau carti si se contraziceau daca la un moment dat canta Queen sau nu (baieti, era clar Queen)… mi s-a parut foarte dragut un moment care m-a facut sa imi reamintesc de adolescenta mea destul de zbuciumata, de plina de probleme, mai ales cu parintii si profesorii… unuia dintre pusti ii suna telefonul, era mami pe care micul pletos incerca sa o convinga ca s-a terminat filmul acum cateva minute si se mai plimba un pic prin mall, ca o sa ajunga acasa repede, intr-o juma de ora, desi el abia isi incepuse a doua bere, iar prietenii lui pareau foarte bine dispusi si cu greu si-au tinut pentru ei glumele cat micul serios o convingea pe mami ca mai are ceva de vazut la zara… Cand eram de varsta lui aveam un mare noroc, nu existau telefoanele mobile, ma rog existau dar nu aveam noi, ai mei nu puteau sa imi dea de urma de nicio culoare si ma puteam distra fara sa ma piseze nimeni la cap din cinci in cinci minute…pe de alta parte stiam ca daca nu respect ora de ajuns acasa si intarzii o juma de ora, mi-o luam zdravan…

Acum, ce sa zic, sper ca mami sa nu-mi citeasca blogul 

If you don’t know who Tony Carr is then you should be ashamed of yourself…….

If England have any success in July then fans have Mr Carr to thank for any role John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Jermaine Defoe or Glen Johnson play.

Feel thoroughly chastised? Well you should, not many people are aware of the great work Carr has done for West Ham and England. West Ham are known as The Acadamy and have a reputation for bringing through talent. Much of this success can be attributed to Carr.

Tony Carr has been the Director of Youth Development at West Ham for an unbroken 36 years. West Ham have only had 12 managers in their history, unbelieveably, Carr has worked under 9 of them.

West Ham United Academy Players- 1973-2009

As you can see, an impressive array. There are a few names on there that will surprise even the most devoted football fan.

Carr has been aided in his task over the years by Chief Scout Jimmy Hampson, who is considered among the best talent scouts in the UK.

Most modern clubs scour the globe for young talent. Wenger at Arsenal is a prime case. Shipping in outstanding talent from abroad when what he’s got on his doorstep is more then good enough.

 Carr said: “With the odd exception, such as Michael Carrick, virtually all our players have come from east London and the Essex area.”

The West Ham youth academy director is being rewarded for his service with a testimonial, normally a privilege reserved for players and managers. The testimonial will feature the West Ham first team against a team of former academy players. Its scheduled for May 5th at Upton Park.

It will be interesting to see Ince and Lampard pull on a claret and blue shirt again. Not exactly Boleyn ground favourites those two….

After a heavy defeat the week before against Xerox XI in a first-class league match, the return match showed greater excitement at the T&N Smeda Stadium in front of a daily average of nearly 10,000 spectators.

Crusaders captain Matt O’Shea won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket he was hoping to utilize his spinners on to full effect on the final day. The innings began nicely with an opening stand of 67 between O’Shea and Michael Prince, before the latter was adjudged LBW for 28. Graeme Jeremy followed 2 balls later, and a replay of the previous week’s batting collapse seemed imminent. That was not to be as John Simpson(43) steadied the ship in a 3rd wicket partnership of 92. After a silly run out of William Downing(14), Graham Ferdinand took complete control of the situation as he played a cautious knock of 85* with 11 fours and a six. He did not receive much support from the lower order, but a reasonable total of 359 was posted shortly before the close of day 1. O’Shea commanded in the batting department again with a brilliant 136, while Spilsbury bowled with utmost accuracy to claim 5/28 from 22 overs.

The Crusaders bowlers could not have asked for a better start to day 2 as they had Xerox XI reeling on 18/5 thanks to a whirlwind opening spell from Carlos Hibbert and Eddie Ayres. With the bowling change came a break in the wicket-taking as Mabaso(91*) and Rudd(53) added 120 for the 6th wicket to take their team towards the follow-on target. The target was not reached as Hibbert’s second spell cleaned up the tail as he finished with a career-best 4/35, aided by Ayres’ 3/61 to leave Xerox XI all out for 195.

The second innings for the visitors was a tougher one for the Crusaders bowlers as big partnerships were put together between Spilsbury(115), Anterpen(92) and Corby(83). Hibbert looked fatigued as he took to a second straight day of bowling and his figures of 0/95 in 20 reflected the stamina issue. Ayres was once again the star as he picked up a disciplined 5/85, backed up by Ferdinand’s 3/83. Amazingly only 4 wickets were taken between the two quality spinners in both innings’ on a wicket suited for the spin.

Needing 265 to win in 69 overs, the Crusaders began the chase well on the final day with O’Shea(102) and Prince(32) showing again their command at the top of the order. The turning point of the match came when John Simpson was bogged down by Spilsbury, causing him to go into a shell and decrease his batting intensity. Simpson’s 18 off 66 balls caused a panic in the latter part of the order as Ferdinand(35*) and Rohana Ahad(35*) were required to take greater risks. Disappointingly, the Crusaders fell 17 runs short as they ended the match on 248/5.

The match was drawn and Spilsbury took the player of the match award after his century and tight bowling really made the difference in the result.

O’Shea said after the match, “Prior to this match we were hoping to get away with a draw, which is what we achieved. But to get so close to a win, literally within an over or two, against such a quality side that has always beaten us, it causes an uneasy feeling in the stomach. I hope we play them next season and look forward to another excellent battle”.

Fast bowler Eddie Ayres also commented on the intensity of the match, “This is probably the most intense first-class match I’ve ever played in as we came so agonizingly close to beating our arch-nemesis. I’m glad it got as close as it did, although of course I would have preferred the win”.

The team was: O’Shea(c), Prince, Jeremy, Simpson, Downing, Ferdinand, Ahad(wk), Hayward, Harding, Hibbert, Ayres. 12th: Moller.

Next week the Crusaders return to BT20 action before their return match away against the Walkers, a team they beat very convincingly at the beginning of the season.

I was probably 12.5 years old when I heard Franz Ferdinand for the first time. I think it was early 2005, they just released their debut album. I was exploring music by that time, and this was the first thing that really got me, and it got me good. Since that moment, Franz has been my favourite band for about 2.5 years. But then I discovered Ben Folds, and I got more into ‘listening’ music, like Fleet Foxes and Andrew Bird. Anyhow, I still have a small weak spot in my heart for them.

I’ve seen Franz Ferdinand earlier this year. They played at the Paradiso in May, it’s a smaller venue than the HMH. To be honest, I wasn’t really impressed that day. Was it because I went to the best gig in my life a few days earlier(Andrew Bird)? Was it because I was stressed because I had some important tests at school? Were it the 11-year olds with moms and dads that annoyed me? I don’t know, because it was a pretty good set, but I wasn’t impressed, so I decided to give Franz Ferdinand another chance.

But good, let’s move on to the show at the HMH. The night kicks off with the Cribs. They’re probably support act because Kapranos is good friends with the brothers Jarman, he produced their third album. I’ve always had a bit of a weak spot for the Cribs. Maybe because I met Ross Jarman last year at a festival. He’s a really nice, sweet, friendly, cute/handsome chap. Musically, they’re not really my cup of tea (anymore) but I definitely do respect their music. Anyway, most songs they played were from their last album. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I don’t connect that much with that album. Still they’re a good band and they did give a good performance, though I don’t really understand what Johnny Marr is still doing there.

Franz Ferdinand kicked of their show with ‘This Fire’, a good choice, a good song. Immediately, half the crowd (maybe even 2/3) became a jumping mess. I don’t know, I don’t really like that. But you know that’s going to happen when you go to a band like Franz Ferdinand. At the moment I felt like that this could really become a pretty good evening and a pretty good show.

But no, it didn’t turn out to go that way. The first half of the set was just pumping songs into the venue. And they didn’t sound different than the album tracks to me. I mean, I could just put on the album on my iPod if I wanted to hear that. And after 30 minutes I was rather disappointed, again. Come on Franz! You folks have such great stuff, you can get more out of that.
Luckily the second half of the show was much better. 40′ was the start of the better half. I don’t know what it was that made it better. Musical variation, more guitar noise? It seemed at least more spontaneous.

Also ‘Outsiders’ was pretty nice. The band grouped around a drum kit and smashed it in pieces (well, not literally), good stuff, good variation, that’s what I want to see(you can see it on the picture . Sadly enough, only those two songs for the encore did really draw my attention and made my feel a bit of my ‘old’ love for the band.

After the encore, the band was capable of following that good line. ‘The Dark of the Matinee’ and ‘Darts of Pleasure’ were performed slightly different from the album version, also ‘Turn It On’ was performed nicely. The band ended their set with ‘Lucid Dreams’, that ended in a massive electro beat song. Great stuff, but I’ve seen that before in Paradiso (in may).

I was pretty happy that I managed to keep a good view, even with all those jumping and dancing people. It’s absolutely clear that Alex Kapranos is the leading man in the group. Nipping his wine, crazy little jumps, waving his arms. He’s one of the most charismatic people I’ve ever seen. He plays the crowd with ease (but that could also be experience).

Something that really bugged me was the level of the sound. It was way too loud. My right ear still hurts (yes I visit the doctor), and still I have an annoying beep/buzz in my ear. I hope it’s over tomorrow coz it’s freaking annoying! I don’t think that was supposed to happen. Also the sound changed, with that I mean that it didn’t sound like it should sound. Not good! And it didn’t benefit anyone, so why so much volume?! I really should get earplugs!

My conclusion is that Franz Ferdinand is a pretty good live band, if you want to jump around and dance. And that are the crowds they attract. And that’s just not my cup of tea, but that’s just me. I do understand if people love their shows. But if you want to be musically challenged and get inspiration, they’re not the right band, at least, not for me. They show that they’re capable of giving me that feeling in the second half of their show. But no hate to Franz, the only person to blame here is me (and probably my change of music taste). They are definitely a very good live band!

Overall, it was good show, but no tears and weird feelings in my body this time, well the only weird feeling is an injured ear. And that ’s not a nice feeling! It’s never a good sign if you’re wondering what time it is during a show(in other words: how long will it last?), right?! I’ll probably won’t go to another Franz Ferdinand show, but I’ll definitely check them out on a festival. With earplugs!

More pictures can be found here

Setlist (again, I might miss a few songs):
This Fire
Live Alone
Walk Away
Tell Her Tonight
Can’t Stop Feeling
Bite Hard
Do You Want To
Michael
No You Girls
The Scottish Song
Ulysses
40′
Outsiders
Encore
Dark of the Matinee
Darts of Pleasure
Turn it On
Lucid Dreams

[7.2/10] (but if you love this type of shows, probably higher)

It’s time for my list. I will be working on it, because there are still some things(latest Swell Season, Devendra Banhart, Julie Doiron etc.) that I have to hear. Recommendations are very welcome! Also, some albums might have scored higher/lower than I reviewed them, simply because I listen to them so much. I’m gonna try to review them all. Anyway, some of my favourites:

Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice [9.5/10] [review]
I think this is my favourite album from this year. Cute, teddy-bear-ish-looking singer-songwriter from Canada. He makes you feel loved inside. Good, strong and dynamic songs, nice vocals, very good instrumental work, wonderful lyrics. The best indie pop album from this year. It’s unbelievable that he’s just 26(25?) (date-material! haha!). Dan’s a keeper and you should keep your eye on him! 

Andrew Bird – Noble Beast/Useless Creatures [9.5/10]

Again, a masterpiece made by Andrew Bird. It’s balanced, beautiful and unique. It’s pop, folk, it’s wonderful. I only miss the electric guitar a bit. Still, great lyrics, interesting, wonderful compositions and vocally pretty strong. Useless Creatures is the best instrumental CD I’ve ever heard, might have even listened more to that one than to Noble Beast. Simply beautiful. 

St. Vincent – Actor [9/10] [review]
Annie Clark manages to float above her instrumental chaos. Or at least, it looks like that. Her compositions are actually well made. Vocally, Clark is really strong. It’s a pretty unique CD that you’ll love or you’ll hate. I love it. (read the review I did) 

Jesca Hoop – Hunting My Dress [8.8/10]
To me, she’s live even stronger. Hoop mixes various styles and makes them her own. Great guitar work, great vocals. It might sound weird during your first listen, but it will grow. Especially ‘Murder of Birds’ is a wonderful track.

 
A.A. Bondy – When The Devil’s Loose[review]
I know I didn’t give A.A. Bondy such a high mark in my review. But the album did really grow on me. One of the best folk albums made this year. I listen to it a lot lately, so points for that! 
 

The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You [8/10]
This album is really a ‘grower’, after a while you like it more and more. The Avett Brothers sound really ‘natural’. It might not really be my genre of music, but I love this album. Titletrack ‘I and Love and You’ is a rare song, it’s extremely beautiful. You might have to get used to the(ir) voice(s), but it’s worth it. Overall a very nice album.

The Whitest Boy Alive – Rules[7.5/10]
Simple funky and happy. Don’t expect any musical obscurity from these guys. Erlend Øye got a great voice, some great lyrics and made some great music on this album. Strong bass lines, percussion and light guitar work. But after a while, it get’s a bit repetitive. Still a very nice album, best song to me is ‘1517′. 

Laura Gibson – Beasts of Seasons[7.5/10]
Dreamy folk songs. Gibson got a great voice. This album stands out for it’s simplicety. Her songs are pretty vocally driven, with often some light guitar work underneath it. But also you hear some piano notes every now and then. The perfect album for a sunny autumn day. 

Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest[7/10]
Pretty interesting album, on moments to difficult for me to understand maybe. There are some ‘killer-tracks’ on it, but overall it’s just a pretty solid, nice, album that isn’t really my cup of tea at moments 

Regina Spektor – Far [7/10]
Not as strong as ‘Begin to Hope’, but again a very good album. Spektor goes from weird classical stuff to pop, not being afraid of sounding ’silly’. Vocally strong, but you have to love her voice. No complains about her instrumental stuff, but it’s not really ‘new’. (Best tracks of the album are ‘Laughing With’ and ‘Folding Chair’, these are perfect songs)

Wilco - Wilco(the album) [7/10]
Wilco delivered another good album. Still, it can’t beat Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but it’s a good try. It’s again the typical Wilco sound(that isn’t really my sound). But it’s a strong, balanced album. 

Franz Ferdinand – Tonight[6.5/10]
Surprising new album from Franz Ferdinand. They changed their sound a bit, having more electronics in it. It’s still not difficult to dance on. They didn’t lose their Franz sound. Points for that. 
 

Albums that I didn’t like that much, but were pretty great anyway:
Soap&Skin – Lovetune for Vacuum
It’s too dark and obscure for me. It feels pretty creepy. But still, pretty good. (yeah, I don’t know much more to say about this one)

Zee Avi – Zee Avi
Too light and too bubbly for me. Pretty good debut album from this singer-songwriter. She mixes light, bubbly pop with a bit of jazz. Think Jack Johnson if he was a girl and used a ukulele more.

Portugal. The Man – The Satanic Satanist
Good album, but I think it’s too ‘heavy’ for me. Though, I do like the poppy ‘Work All Day’, ‘People Say’ and ‘The Sun’. Recommended for everyone who’s ears can handle more noise than mine.

Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels [review]
A more upbeat album from Tony Dekker and company. It does work out, but I like their slow, acoustic stuff more. Still a great album if you like them and do like songs such as ‘Your Rocky Spine’.

M. Ward – Hold Time
For all M. Ward lovers: Hold Time is a typical M. Ward album. His strongest point is his voice, and he uses is good. To me, M. Ward is a bit boring, there’s not much happening in his music. But that’s the only critic I can think of, so I guess it’s a nice album.

In this week’s BT20 Cup action, the Crusaders continued their dominance of their league by moving up to 2nd place on the log after 3 victories.

The club was first up against Naruto’s XI at the WACA and had little trouble in knocking them over for 98, thanks to some tight bowling by Ayres(3/27), Harding(3/12), Ferdinand(1/15) and Hayward(1/11). The batsmen took on the task of some fast-paced batting practice with Jeremy ending unbeaten on a 37-ball 53, guiding their team to victory in the 14th over at 99/4. Harding took the man-of-the-match award.

Next up was another home game, this time hosting Werrington Cricket Club. The home team won the toss and chose to bat first. Rightly so as they slaughtered the WCC bowling attack to reach 212/2 in their 20 overs. Steve Lothrop(40 off 33 balls) and Matt O’Shea(95* off 54 balls) instigated mass destruction, but it was Graeme Jeremy’s action-packed 74 off 33 balls (7 fours, 4 sixes) that really took the game away from the visitors. WCC responded poorly as they set out to score at nearly 11 an over, falling very short at 82 all out in the 13th over. The spinners picked up 4 wickets apiece, sealing victory by 130 runs.

Looking to rest some of the 1st XI regulars, backup troops were called in for this match against DDCC, and what a decision it turned out to be. Michael Prince was captain for this match, and he was delighted to be put into bat first. Prince made a two-sixes 36 before handing over the urgency to Pete Moller at number 3. Moller dispatched the bowlers to all parts of the park as he notched up his maiden T20 century in only 55 balls, an innings which included 13 breathtaking fours and 3 huge sixes. He was ably supported by Ron Stearman(49* off 32 balls) in a partnership of 106. 212/3 just seemed too much for DDCC in the chase and their innings ended in the 10th over on 52. Hibbert’s 3/7 was ably aided by Harding’s single over which was maiden and included 3 wickets in 4 balls.

­Way back in March I wrote a post that tried to predict England’s World Cup squad for next summer’s tournament in South Africa. In it around 50 or so players were analysed; everyone from certainties like Wayne Rooney to certainly nots like Curtis Davies. With the friendly against Brazil fresh in the mind and only one more international break before the end of the season, there isn’t much time for players to impress if they haven’t already. As before let’s work our way through who’s on the plane through to who won’t be going at all. .

Key men (if England are to reach their usual quarter final):

First name in the squad is the captain John Terry simply as he’s captain. I personally think he gets found against the very best strikers but there’s no chance of him not going. He’s swiftly followed by Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Rio Ferdinand goes as long as he’s fit, though it’s a concern if he doesn’t make it simply as playing style wise he’s harder to replace than Terry – England don’t have a lot of ball playing centre backs but do have a lot of one paced ones.

Gareth Barry is defensive midfielder of choice though may be usurped by a fit again Owen Hargreaves. They’ll both be on the plane however. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are the first choice full backs and are far ahead of their immediate competition. 

Thinking...

On the plane (extra leg room provided):

David Beckham has sorted another loan spell at AC Milan and I’m positive he’ll be going to his 4^th World Cup. He’s very much a bench player these days but still offers great set piece ability as well as experience. Emile Heskey has not been in great form and is no longer in Aston Villa’s starting XI but that said he will still be on the plane. He won’t score but he makes Rooney et al play better so for that reason is picked.

David James is first choice keeper, and despite his age should be able to handle that number of games in a month. Theo Walcott has had a succession of injuries but has done enough in the games he’s played to go as a wide man who can play up front. His pace is a big asset, plus he strikes me as someone who does what he’s told hence Capello likes him.

Matthew Upson and Jermaine Defoe should go as first back-up centre back and striker respectively. Neither are going to win you a World Cup final but they’re the best reserves in their position. Defoe just needs to watch his petulance slightly as there’s no point having a player who is going to miss games after needless red cards..

Looking for their passport (they are going out of Europe after all):

Joe Cole should be a little worried, just as he hasn’t found a way into the Chelsea team after injury, but at the same time he offers dribbling ability and creativity that not many can match. I was quite down on James Milner in my last prediction but did say he had a shot of making it. He seems to be impressing Capello right now and can play in a few positions. I do wonder whether he ultimately misses out due to the competition on the right side, though he has been playing down the left for England so you never know.

Aaron Lennon will be there or thereabouts, possibly in a straight battle with Milner for a spot. Rob Green looks like he’s firmly established as England’s number two while Wes Brown’s versatility of being a right back and centre back should mean he finds his way into the squad. 

Still thinking...

On the fringes (which bits are chopped?):

Wayne Bridge is doing his best to play his way out of the squad. You could argue about whether you really need to take a reserve left back, especially when the likes of Gareth Barry could play there if needed. Barring injury, the first choice defence are going to play every game so specialist reserve left back may be an area to gamble on not taking.

Of the other alternatives Capello has picked during his tenure, Leighton Baines and Steven Warnock don’t strike me as being quite good enough. If Joleon Lescott goes he provides left back cover too but he is quite shaky defensively so I don’t think he does. There is dearth of centre backs though. What price Kieran Gibbs continuing his rapid progress and staking a claim? Of all those players, he’ll be the only one playing Champions League football but a lot depends on whether he can keep Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal side once the Frenchman returns from injury. He appears to have just injured himself too.

I reckon Michael Carrick probably only goes if Barry or Hargreaves are injured and even then he’s shown countless times for Man Utd that he’s not a big game player. Gabriel Agbonlahor offers pace and will find himself with Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent in the queue for the 4^th striker spot.

Capello has only ever picked seven strikers so it would be a surprise to see him take five of them, not least when Walcott can play up front. Of the four I would say that the Sunderland man had his chance against Brazil and didn’t take it. I think Agbonlahor doesn’t give enough variety when compare to the others – with a 4^th striker you want someone who offers something unique.

In that regard I’d say it will be a close run thing between Crouch and Cole.The former has a good international record (against crap teams at least) and is very tall (though not that good in the air) while the latter is a more complete striker who has pace, power and can play the target man role too. It’s a tough choice to be honest and I think Cole may need to break his international duck in the next round of fixtures if he’s to pip Crouch.

Ashley Young may find himself as number 24 on the list of players though personally I would find a space for him. It does seem like Capello isn’t quite sure of him yet. There aren’t too many options down the left but it does seem like either him or Milner would go but not both.

Still not quite sure...

Too late to make it? (need good form and injuries to others):

Stewart Downing has upgraded clubs but has six months to shine at Aston Villa following serious injury. The same probably goes for Phil Jagielka at Everton. Tom Huddlestone got his first call up against Brazil and while he’s decent player, he’s not yet international standard. Jimmy Bullard? Unlikely but you never know. I see him being a good pundit though. Scott Parker has a very outside chance of being one of the back-up central midfielders; he’s certainly no worse than Carrick in my opinion.

Ben Foster? Joe Hart? Chris Kirkland? Take your pick for the third goalkeeping spot. I doubt it will be the latter though.Of other players we mentioned last time Jack Wilshere isn’t yet getting regular games at Arsenal while Jonathan Woodgate is permanently injured. Dean Ashton has essentially retired.

However Gary Cahill has played well enough at Bolton to come on to the radar as 4^th centre back and has a chance of going if Capello takes eight defenders. Everton’s Jack Rodwell could be a dark horse but I think it is one tournament too soon for him. The same goes for some of the West Ham youngsters like Mark Noble and Jack Collison.

Now thinking "Why are they so useless?"

 .

Providing ITV analysis (or BBC if they’re good):

I had Shaun Wright-Phillips as going six months ago but now I think he misses out as you have Lennon, Walcott and Beckham providing all you need down the right (dribbling/goals/crossing). SWP can do all three but not as well and his poor performance against Brazil has sealed a seat next to Papa Wrighty on the studio sofa.

Jermaine Jenas is another who isn’t particularly defensive or attacking. World Cup squad players need be specialists once you get beyond the first team, there’s no room for these jack of all trades types who provide little. Michael Owen has yet to be picked by Capello and barring injuries to four of the seven strikers we mentioned will not be going to South Africa.

Micah Richards needs to get back in the Man City team before he can think about England – it’s all gone a bit pear shaped for him hasn’t it? He hasn’t been picked in a year; Capello just doesn’t like his terrible positional play. Scott Carson had a shot at being third choice keeper but he won’t be going and neither will Paul Robinson, who you could roll the ball to very slowly from 30 yards and he’d still find a way to let it in.

Sadly, Ledley King can barely handle three games in a month, let alone seven. He would 100% go if he could. David Bentley, Kevin Davies, Anton Ferdinand, Gary Neville – no, no, no and no.

The closest Owen has ever and will ever get to being in Capello's plans.

 .

Possible squad:

James, Green, Foster.

Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole, Johnson, Upson, Brown, Lescott. 

Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Hargreaves, Milner, Beckham, Lennon, J. Cole.

Rooney, Heskey, Defoe, C. Cole, Walcott.

.

The three keepers speak for themselves as do the first four defenders. Versatility is the name of the game so to complement Upson you have two centre backs in Brown and Lescott that can cover the two full back slots.

In midfield you have the three main men plus a fit again Hargreaves. Beckham goes for his experience while Lennon and Joe Cole provide the skill and trickery on either wing from the bench.Milner offers the most versatility of the remaining midfield options so gets the eighth spot.

Up front Rooney is a given, as is Heskey due to their partnership. Defoe is the main back up and I think Carlton Cole will play his way into the squad, pipping Peter Crouch whose record of scoring against bad teams is of no use when you only have good teams in the World Cup. Theo Walcott rounds off the squad as a foward player who can play right wing or as striker.

At most risk is Lescott I’d say and possibly Milner too. You may want more cover in central midfield and down the left so perhaps Carrick and Bridge or Gibbs (who could also play left wing) end up going instead.

T.

Chelsea’s Didier Drogba has attracted praise for his decision to donate £3m to charity, but he is not the first footballer to show his generous side. FanHouse takes a look at 10 players who have found it’s good to give.

1 – Didier Drogba intends to donate all the money he will receive for being the “face” of Pepsi. The Ivory Coast striker will finance the building of a hospital in his homeland. A 150-200 bed facility will be set up to treat children and it will also be used as an orphanage.

2 – Cesc Fabregas has convinced his team-mates to give up a day’s salary and a win bonus this season in order to raise up to £1m for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Last year, the Gunners raised an impressive £532,816 for the Teenage Cancer Trust and plan on making their donation an annual event.

3 – Niall Quinn gave nearly £1m – the money raised by his 2002 testimonial game at Sunderland – to a host of charities in the north east and Ireland and also funded the construction of a hospice in India.

4 – Sami Hyypia was at Liverpool last season when heard on a local radio station that a playroom at nearby Arrowe Park Hospital would not be completed because of a shortage of cash. The defender stepped in with a gift of £23,000 to make up the difference and the playroom was finished.

5 – Michael Essien set up the Michael Essien Foundation to help children in his native Ghana. It is believed that Essien will plough as much as £500,000 into the project over the next 12 months.

6 – Gary Kelly, the former Irish international defender, donated 750,000 euros after his Leeds United testimonial in 2002 to a cancer charity that had helped his sister Mandy. She died of cancer in 1998, prompting Kelly’s big-hearted gesture – the equivalent of more than £460,000 at the time – and the Gary Kelly Support Centre opened in 2003.

7 – Craig Bellamy may not be the most popular footballer in the Premier League, but, without wanting publicity, he set up a Sierra Leone charity in 2008. The Craig Bellamy Foundation aims to help youngsters affected by civil war and he pumped in £650,000 of his own cash to get the idea off the ground.

8 – Alan Shearer decided that the profits from his testimonial should split between charities in Newcastle and The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Fourteen charities received a healthy share of the money from Shearer’s farewell game.

9 – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer marked histestimonial in front of a packed Old Trafford against Espanyol in 2007 by giving £2m to Unicef so they could finish off school building projects across the world, including Angola and Mozambique.

10 – Rio Ferdinand, the Manchester United defender, has set up a charitable foundation, donating substantial sums to try and get youngsters off the street and more involved in their communities.

Credit: fanhouse.co.uk

Francisco Ferdinando (à direita) e sua família (clique p/ ampliar)

Com o assasinato do arquiduque Francisco Ferdinand em 28 de Junho, o Império Austro Hungáro esperou um tempo para tomar as decisões cabíveis ao fato. 3 semanas depois, 23 de Julho, com o apoio da Alemanha foi enviado a Sérvia um ultimato, no qual continha várias requisições e a mais importante delas é a que dizia que agentes austríacos fariam parte das investigações e que a Sérvia seria acusada por atentado caso a Guerra eclodisse. A Sérvia aceitou o ultimato com excessão a requisição dita acima.

Em resposta a Sérvia, pela rejeição da requissição, o Império Austro Hungáro cortou todas as relações que tinha com o país e declarou guerra ao mesmo iniciando o bombardeio a Bélgrado, Capital Sérvia. No dia seguinte a Rússia, aliada da Sérvia, ordenou a movimentação de suas tropas, no entanto a Alemanha, aliada Austro Hungáro, enviou um ultimato a Rússia ordenando o governo Russo a parar suas tropas dentro de 12 horas, que acabou não tendo resultado e foi declarado guerra a mesma.

Prazer, eu sou o mais novo alvo dos grandes times europeus. Arsenal e Liverpool estão de olho no futebol que tenho apresentado com a camisa do CSKA Moscou, da Rússia. Dizem por aí que até o Milan e o Real Madrid também podem entrar na disputa.

Além disso, também sou uma das principais esperanças do futebol sérvio, que pode ser uma das grandes surpresas na Copa do Mundo de 2010.

Tenho 25 anos e estou atuando no futebol russo desde 2004, sempre pelo mesmo time e normalmente como titular. Lá, consigo mostrar que sou um jogador de arranque e velocidade, além de marcar meus gols de vez em quando, mesmo jogando aberto pelo lado direito do meio-campo.

Recentemente me destaquei ao fazer gols no dois duelos do CSKA contra o Manchester United. Consegui dar muito trabalho para Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, Evans e companhia.

O Campeonato Russo está perto do fim, meu time já não briga mais pelo título, mas já estou de olho na janela de transferências de janeiro. Afinal, estipulam que eu posso ir para algum time grande europeu por 18 milhões de libras.

Eu sou Milos Krasic e você ainda vai ouvir falar de mim mais vezes.

Eu avisei que sou rápido. Agora corram atrás de mim...

Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand faces a prolonged injury absence as the club try to find the cause of his problem…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: english fa. The blog is also related to: football team.

The post from Friday drew a response from D Masters, who mentioned Ferdinand as one more stallion exported to Japan but noted that

I’m thrilled that international markets are interested in our bloodstock. But if they can’t do better than eating them in the end or the powers selling can’t insure some dignity in their demise, then I am not thrilled.

The concern of Masters is shared by thousands, including those many fans and observers of the sport who were moved greatly by the death of the Horse of the Year, Kentucky Derby winner, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, and fairish American sire in a slaughterhouse in Japan.

The response identifies the sense of remorse that some breeders feel at selling a horse because they cannot control what happens to the animal with any reliability thereafter. I know one prominent Kentucky breeder who has told me on several occasions that she is always upset when a yearling goes through the ring, especially if it doesn’t bring much money. The reasoning is that the more it brings, the better care it is sensibly expected to receive.

That line of thinking also goes for stallions sold, either overseas or domestically, and yet even then, there are unforeseen twists to the situation like we found out with Ferdinand. Exported in an expensive deal to stand at stud in Japan, Ferdinand found little success in his new home, was sold to a riding school after several years, presumably a safe place, and then was  resold for slaughter.

The problem for breeders and horse owners is two-fold. First, they cannot keep them all. Even for someone like Allen Paulson or WT Young, whose massive wealth enabled them to be more collectors of horses than most of us, there were limits. Some horses had to be dropped into claiming races, and there is no control from there on. Others, especially stallion prospects, have to find a home because most cannot stand in Kentucky and be more than glorified teasers.

The second problem is finding appropriate outlets for the surplus stock that cannot or should not be used to race or to breed. The equine retirement homes have provided some excellent care and quality of life for some horses coming off the track or out of the breeding business. But there is never enough room.

The ultimate responsibility lies with all of us: fans, breeders, sport administrators, tracks, and owners. We have the capacity to find homes, and to vet those homes to a reasonable degree, for our racing and breeding stock. Some of them will make lovely animals in a second career. Others are just hay-eating pets.

Carefully and very consciously, consider your own situation and how you might be able to help. If we don’t do it, who will?

Rio and Usher Discuss Tactics

There are any number of reasons to dislike Rio Ferdinand. From his failed attempt to become football’s equivalent of Mike Murphy in ‘Rio’s World Cup Wind-Ups’, to missing a drugs test due to a shopping trip, to kicking female stewards, he really does his best to test the public’s tolerance of him. Not to mention video-recorded frolics whilst holidaying with choirboys Kieron Dyer and Jody Morris amongst others, and a drink driving charge at the age of 18, which postponed an international debut. Before this descends into a rant, I must stop myself here. But you get the general idea. However, more worrying developments for Ferdinand is his on the field performances.  His dip in form has been well documented, but is there any way way back for a player that 12 months ago was arguably the best centre-half in world football.

The first 2 and a half months of this season have seen howlers by Ferdinand for both club and country. There was his horrible backpass against the Netherlands before the Premier League got underway slipped under the radar, as it was a rather meaningless game. But the signs were there that all was not right with the Peckham-born defender. It was an error that instantly brought back memories of his younger days at West Ham United, and to a certain extent, Leeds United. The laid-back, careless nature of his game back then threatened to undermine a potentially spectacular career. Whilst his time at Old Trafford has been relatively free of silly mistakes, it is a worry for Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello that his regression doesn’t look like coming to a halt anytime soon.

There is a certain amount of arrogance returning to Ferdinand’s game. This was witnessed again at Anfield. Midway through the first half, he chased down a long ball whilst being pursued by Lucas Levia. Lucas had little chance of getting there, and we all expected Rio to shepard it out of play. But suddenly, he chipped the ball up towards goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Saar’s waist. The Dutchman’s years of coaching in the Acadamey in Ajax certainly benefited him as he volleyed it away, but it was sheer lunacy on Ferdinand’s part. Minutes earlier, he performed one of his patented step-overs on the edge of his own box. Lucas was again hoovering, but Ferdinand this time played on the ground to his keeper. This sloppiness and bravado have long been a thing of the past for him, but for it now to creep back into games, when he is under such intense scrutiny can be viewed in any number of ways.

His comments proceeding Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool were as defensive as I remember from Ferdinand:

“I’m not interested in proving anyone wrong,” Ferdinand is quoted as saying in the Sunday Mirror.

“I’m not interested in what people say about me. I’m just trying to get games under my belt.”

He added: “All I need is a run of games. It’s been a bit strange for me coming in and settling back into it.”

It seems that he is interested in what people are saying. Whilst he boosts a collection of medals that any professional would be proud of,  he seems to have a chip on his shoulder. No one is immune to criticism, but Manchester United stalwarts Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville would never come out with such a weak statement. What do they have to prove to anyone? Having amassed a total of 29 league championships between them, and a few European Cups (Scholes and Neville missed a final each), they are still turning out for their beloved Red Devils.

All in their mid-30’s, coming towards the twilight of their careers, they show desire and passion for the club that made them. They are shadows of their former-selves. Scholes found himself overran in midfield on Sunday, with the pressing of Lucas and Javier Mascherano forcing him to concede possession meekly. Neville last started an important United game almost a year ago against Arsenal. Samir Nasri had his most productive afternoon to date for Arsenal, and tormented the full-back until he was subsequently substituted for Rafeal Da Silva. Giggs’ form has hit numerous peaks and troughs over the years but has defied the aging process and common logic to be reigning PFA Footballer of the Year.  If this is Ferdinand’s attitude, why doesn’t he hang up his boots altogether? He is not the first high-profile player to hit a slump, and he certainly won’t be the last.

How can he rediscover his form you ask? A chronic back injury has been the catalyst for groin and calf problems for the past year or so. These ailments have serious implications for the way Ferdinand approaches matches. The media and commentators drool over his ability on the ball, and how confident he is when in possession. This remains a great mystery of our time. While being comfortable with the ball, the 2nd coming of Franz Beckenbauer he is not. It’s his postioning, pace, power, proess in the air, reading of the game that makes him an outstanding centre-back. At over 6′ 2” tall, Ferdinands heading ability is possibly the most underrated of all his tools.

It’s time for him to get back to basics. His pace may be on the decline, but even without the burst of acceleration he possesses, he would still have matured into an excellent defender. He is going to have to adjust his game accordingly. Much attention was given to Ferdinand attending the premiere of his film, Dead Man Running, last week, less than 24 hours after returning from Moscow  Most of it was negative. Again, his off the field commitments seem to be interfering with his job. Defensive partner Nemanda Vidic isn’t playing at the level he is capable of either. Being the more experienced of the duo, it’s the English vice-captain’s responsibly to help the Serbian back to his best form.

Rio Ferdinand involves himself heavily in charity work, ranging from Uganda, all the way back to his childhood neighbourhood of Peckham. This is to be admired greatly, that he is giving something back to the place he grew up in, and giving  something to those who have nothing at all. He is a role model for millions of people, but lets himself down with stupidity such as calling a DJ a ‘f****t  live on national radio. It could be a methapor for his football career. If his slump continues, we may only rememeber the bad times. That and getting Gary Neville ”Merk’d”.

British rockers the Cribs are releasing a new Kaiser Chiefs cover for charity. The Wakefield group are set to honour a worthy local cause by donating all proceeds from the new download to charity.

The song will be ‘Modern Way’. The song was previously only available as a B-side, appearing on the flip of the ‘Mirror Kissers’ single (which was in 2005 I think). All proceed from this track will go to ‘Cash For Kids Acton On Neglect Appeal‘, which aims to help neglected children in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area.

The Cribs recently released their new album ‘Ignore the Ignorant’, with new member Johnny Marr. They’re also going to support Franz Ferdinand on their tour(I’m going to see them November 22 ^^,). Their new single ‘We Share the Same Skies’ will be released on November 9th

The ‘Mirror Kissers’ B-side

So who should be England’s starter at the back? Our currant number one defender Upson or our very talented academy offspring Ferdinand? Bare in mind that Upson could be off before the World Cup has even begun…