"Manchester United".

Mančesterio komanda ruošiasi kartų kaitai. Alex’o Fergusono ekipą po sezono gali palikti veteranai Ryanas Giggsas, Paulas Scholes, Edwinas Van der Saras bei Gary Neville’as.

Pranešama, kad vienas turtingiausių pasaulio klubų jau yra numatęs pamainą ir ruošiasi perpirkti “Napoli” 22 metų saugą Mareką Hamsiką bei “Palermo” 20 metų gynėją Simoną Kjaerį.

This season is starting to take the wrong turn for United after they lost to both Liverpool and Chelsea but I cannot say I expected them to do much better. This team have reached its peak last season and they are in desperate need of rebuilding. Antonio Valencia is the only notable player to have arrived last summer and he is already showing signs of promise but more need to follow. This side have a couple of missing links and the only way to save this season is by significantly reinforcing the squad in January. Not that I believe Fergie will do that but this is what United need at the moment.

Right-back

Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra are among the best there is at their respective positions but United don’t have a right-back to match. Gary Neville is well past his prime, Rafael is still too young, while John O’Shea and Wes Brown are good players but right-back is not their natural position. Ferguson need an attacking full-back like Glen Johnson or Dani Alves, who can be a big threat going forward, while being reliable at the back as well.

Someone to replace Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has had a remarkable career and he gave everything he’s got to United but he is no longer a player he one was. His creativity and pin-point passes to his teammates drove United forward for so many years but now the boss has to find him a replacement. Anderson is showing occasional glimpses of quality but he is by no means consistent enough or good enough to occupy Scholes’ role for the years to come. Both Carrick and Fletcher are really good players but they lack the vision and that subtle touch needed to be the creative force of such a big team.

Left winger

Antonio Valencia have proved his potential this season and is getting better by the day, thus it seems the right wing position will not be a problem. However, there is one place vacant on the left hand side. Nani had his chance and failed to take it, while Giggs still has something to offer but he will be 36 in few weeks’ time. Ji-Sung Park seems like the best choice at the moment but he is much more a player who works for the team (definitely good to have him around) than a creative force up front.

Centre forward

Dimitar Berbatov is occupying the place at the moment but the Bulgarian is simply too inconsistent to be considered United material. Wayne Rooney needs a centre forward to play off him, someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy, who can lead the soccer stats charts and take some pressure off Rooney, which is something Berbatov simply cannot do. Michael Owen can help the team by coming from the bench or playing some less important games but he can no longer command a starting berth.

In editorialul “Football Made In UK” semnat pentru <Fotbal Vest>, punand cap la cap o serie de stiri provenind in doar cateva zile din diverse tabere, ce mi-au ridicat mingea la fileu sa intreb daca nu cumva convocarile devin pe zi ce trece un deranj tot mai pagubos, am constatat cum conflictul cluburi – selectionate nationale s-a ascutit la varf ca lupta de clasa in fotbalul in varianta globalizata.  

Ambitia si visul sublim al oricarui fotbalist de a imbraca tricoul reprezentativei tarii sale n-au palit nicidecum dar, in functie de circumstante, unii jucatori isi reevalueaza tot mai atent lista prioritatilor.

Iar in lumina ghinionului lui Robin Van Persie de a se accidenta destul de serios in minutul 10 al recentului joc amical Italia – Olanda, intr-o toamna in care “tunarul zburator” fusese mai dezinvolt si prolific ca niciodata in rolul sau majorat in angrenajul lui Wenger, s-ar putea gasi fotbalisti din natiuni mai putin capabile sa sclipeasca pe scena mondiala ori din nationale redutabile in ale caror echipe n-ar fi destul de buni sa incapa, intrebandu-se daca mandria de a fi convocat nu e cumva eclipsata de “deranjul” ce implica o asemenea responsabilitate.

Asemenea dubii nici c-ar fi existat sa zicem acum un deceniu. Dar de cand recompensele au explodat in fotbalul de club, ce ofera nenumarate posibilitati de afirmare, si gandul de a sunta o convocare ce s-ar putea solda cu o accidentare punand in pericol o cariera si asa nu foarte lunga s-a infiripat in planurile unora. La putine zile distanta, doi jucatori din lotul lui Manchester City, club cumparat anul trecut de bogatasi arabi, si-au exprimat indoielile in privinta continuitatii lor pe scena fotbalului la nivelul selectionatelor nationale.

Craig Bellamy, un plimbaret in fotbalul de club, s-a intrebat in public daca mai are rost sa se chinuie la capitania Tarii Galilor intr-o increcare de accedere la un turneu final neconcretizata peste ani de compatriotul sau Ryan Giggs. Desi n-a smuls deloc aplauze, galezul a fost inteles de exemplu de Allan McInally, fost international scotian, ce a opinat ca pentru unii fotbalisti in varianta globalizata a jocului, ajunsi la o anumita varsta si cu sacii de galbeni incarcati in caruta, dorinta de a continua in paralel la echipa nationala a capatat o nuanta mai opaca.

Avantaj Ashley Williams, un fundas oarecare ce nici nu si-ar fi imaginat acum un an si jumatate, la debutul in nationala Tarii Galilor, ca va deveni capitan al “Dragonilor”, si nici atat in urma cu 6 ani, cand nu evolua la divizionara secunda Swansea City, ci la amatoarea Hednesford Town, in paralel cu slujba cu jumatate de norma ca ospatar. Foarte improbabila o asemenea ascensiune intr-o nationala de calibru si s-ar putea crede ca orice Van Persie si-ar dori mai ales un triumf global cu reprezentativa sa pe cai mari, insa o alta voce a venit sa infirme aceasta supozitie.

Poate ca Tevez, celalalt recrut al lui City punand la indoiala dorinta de a mai juca pentru tara sa,  a aruncat castana tocmai pentru a-l sensibiliza pe Maradona sa-l ia in considerare pentru FIFA 2010 World Cup, dar iesirea sa ar putea fi intr-adevar onesta. Spunand ca s-a saturat de fotbal, inclusiv de cel de club, si ca si-ar dori sa-si intoarca fata spre viata de familie, Carlos a subliniat ca argentinienii de lot nu s-au menajat nici pe departe cand a fost vorba sa “dea totul” pentru echipa nationala.  

Cei doi i s-ar putea asadar alatura in exil septarului lui City, Stephen Ireland, ale carui minciuni legate de decesul bunicilor sale, strecurate managerului Steve Staunton in speranta de a-si scurta sederea la lot si a-si vizita prietena dar dezvaluite ca atare de mass-media, au dus la ruptura mijlocasului de lotul national al Irlandei. Ireland, pe urmele altui mijlocas ajuns la cutite cu reprezentativa verde, candva al ei capitan Roy Keane. Ulterior, in campania abia incheiata, Trapattoni si Liam Brady au incercat sa-l scoata pe Ireland din cochilia ce si-o armase in urma excluderii sale din lot dar, cu toate ca pe alocuri septarul cochetase cu ideea revenirii, antrenorul n-a fost convins ca mijlocasul ar dori cu ardoare sa imbrace din nou tricoul verde. De fapt, in cazul lui Ireland, totul s-a rostogolit spre un deznodamant previzibil, odata ce a intrat in conflict cu selectionerul Brian Kerr, la nationala sub 18 ani, si a trebuit sa dea din nou ochii cu acesta la preluarea reprezentativei de seniori. Ireland a trebuit sa astepte instalarea lui Staunton pentru a fi din nou convocat… 

Iar cam pe cand Van Persie gemea in Pescara, un rival in fotbalul de club era déjà inapoi in Londra, cu o potentiala sedere pe tusa de cateva saptamani. Frank Lampard doar a facut deplasarea la Doha, pentru remarcabilul amical Anglia – Brazilia organizat insa in inedita gazduire din lumea araba, dar nici nu s-a mai pregatit pentru alinierea in fata sud-americanilor, lasata pe umerii a doar doi potentiali titulari, Barry si Rooney, ingrosand in schimb infirmeria lui Ancelotti. Sir Alex Ferguson si-o freca pe de-o parte mainile pentru necazul italianului si-al lui Wenger, dar va atrage probabil pe de alta parte atentia la vorbele sale, mereu in disonanta cu “nevoile” selectionerilor de lot. Frecusurile lui Fergie cu Sven sunt binecunoscute si n-au mirat pe nimeni deciziile unor Scholes ori Neville de a spune pas pentru Albion. Miza era prea mare in Premier League si Champions League.

Iar pe cand Van Persie calatorea spre “Cizma”, nebanuind ce-l asteapta, din sanul lui West Ham United razbatea vestea ca Dean Ashton, cumparat de club la inceputul anului 2006 pe o suma record de peste 7 milioane lire sterline, e in prag sa-si agate ghetele in cui. La 25 de ani. Masivul varf chiar marcase pentru “Ciocanari” in memorabilul 3-3 al finalei de Cupa Angliei cu Liverpool, din 2006, dar trei luni mai tarziu, la chiar primul antrenament al convocarii sale in premiera la lotul national, isi rupea glezna. Un an pe tusa si o recidiva, coincidenta stranie, la prima sedinta a visiniu-albastrilor sub bagheta lui Gianfranco Zola. A trecut un an si Ashton, un potential varf pentru Albion, tot nu vede luminita de la capatul tunelului. Totul i se trage insa de la acea convocare in premiera, o onoare cu doua taisuri.

De la alt club, in acelasi timp, un comunicat de presa raspandea vestea retragerii din fotbal a unui jucator lovit de accidentari. La 26 ani, John Kennedy a aruncat prosopul dupa un deceniu petrecut la Celtic Park, drama sa conturandu-se in minutul 18 al meciului sau de debut pentru Scotia, in 31 martie 2004, cand era faultat de Vio Ganea intr-un amical castigat de Romania cu 2-1. Fundasul era monitorizat la vremea respectiva chiar de AC Milan, o postura onoranta tinand cont de numele de calibru ce au consolidat peste ani defensiva rosso-nerilor, insa John n-a mai vazut luminile rampei internationale pana in februarie 2007, la un joc de Champions League tocmai cu… milanezii, la care a luat loc pe banca de rezerve, revenind dupa ani pierduti prin sali de recuperare. Paguba era insa produsa si genunchiul i-a dat ulterior din nou in primire. Federatia a despagubit-o pe Celtic dar un alt club si-a vazut un potential lider irosit sub flamura steagului national.

Asa cum corporatiile preiau tot mai mult rolul statelor, estompand granitele, si fotbalul de club castiga teren pe zi ce trece, in detrimentul nationalelor, ghinion ca al vedetei Van Persie ori al “sperantei” Ashton dand apa la moara carcotasilor.

Iar scurtcircuitele lui Van Persie, Lampard, Bellamy, Tevez, Ashton ori Kennedy au venit in cascada intr-o saptamana fotbalistica indoliata de tragedia lui Robert Enke. Un om ce a intors spatele vietii cu 4 zile inaintea jocului Germania – Chile, la care nu fusese convocat. 

Chris Berry with his band FOG - busy Christmas coming up!

Ever-increasingly popular melodic rock functions covers band FOG are gearing up for Christmas already! With an extensive diary of corporate & social balls to play for in the next 3 weeks the 4-piece are looking forward to  a fantiastic end to 2009 – when they play 3 dates in 6 days in the lead up to Christmas at their 3 most popular venues. ‘We’re playing in Doncaster, at one of our favourite venues on the Friday before Christmas, at the Horse & Groom – and then we have our two local venues in two days just before Christmas Eve! That’s going to be a special time and already many of our fans have siad they will be at both of those, which is great news,’ says Chris Berry, lead singer with the band whose line up has remained the same for the past 3 years. ‘Our brand of great harmonies, great band music and great fun is what everyone sees and comes across every time,’ says Chris. ‘We just love playing for audiences and we ALWAYS get everyone up dancing. It’s a thing with us. We’re there for everyone to have a good time!’ FOG are playing @ The Horse & Groom, East Laith Gate, Doncaster on Friday 18 December; then they play The Mexborough Arms, Thorner, nr Leeds on Tuesday 22 December; and The Buffers, Scholes, nr Leeds on Wednesday 23 December. Chris also plays in the very popular CMC, acoustic act, who have released 2 studio albums. He has also released an EASY LISTENING CD and next year will see the release of his second EASY LISTENING CD, a third CMC CD and the first FOG CD. Chris is also currently writing the JOE LONGTHORNE AUTOBIOGRAPHY due for release in March 2010, and is rumoured to be opening Joe’s shows with CMC. Chris also writes every week for the Yorkshire Post. To follow what Chris, CMC, FOG, FOG ACOUSTIC, CHRIS SOLO and JOE LONGTHORNE are up to please visit this site regularly and any of the other options listed here. You can also leave a message on thi site, or any other.   www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic   www.the-fog.talktalk.net    email: chris@chrisberry.tv    Chris is also on Facebook & Twitter.

Sorry to revisit such a tired old debate such as this one, but this issue has reared its ugly head again this week.

While Beckham has insisted that there “is no issue” between his club, LA Galaxy, and the FA – it is clear England is an unwelcome obstruction to those at the Home Depot Stadium. This is not the conflict it could have been say, 6-8 years ago, when Beckham was in his prime. But then again, if he was in his prime, he wouldn’t be playing his football in the MLS.

What is a problem, however, is the English players who are more than capable of doing a job for their country, but refuse to. There is a strong correlation in all the notable cases – Carragher, Scholes, Young. These are players who are not going to be first choice in their position for England, but would be absolutely fantastic to have around the squad, and more than adequate replacements should one of the first choice get injured.

In the case of Scholes and Carragher, I can’t help but put it down to ego. How much of it is really down to ‘prolonging their club careers’? I think a more honest reason would be ‘if I can’t be first choice, then I won’t play at all’. Which is immature. I don’t want to level false accusations at them, but that’s how I see it.

Look at Ledley King, he obviously won’t go to the World Cup, and now even his club career is in doubt. If anyone should make himself OFFICIALLY unavailable for England duty, it is him – he can barely walk the day after a game. But he doesn’t, he wants to play, and if he is picked by Capello, he’d play on one leg if he had to.

How many times could Carragher of helped out in WCQ? I don’t particularly like him as a player, but there’s no doubt that last season I would have put him in ahead of Upson or Lescott at centre back. He’d also be an experienced and versatile member of the squad.

I can’t really complain about Luke Young’s reasons. I feel deeply sorry for him for the loss of his brother, and if his hunger for the game has gone, then at least he’s man enough to admit it. If you had a choice of manager to help a player through a period like this, it would be Martin O’Neill, so I think he’s at the right place.

But I rate him as a player, and I’d definitely have him as my second choice right back in the England team. I wouldn’t take him to the WC however; as I have said in previous blogs, I would take extra choices up front and utilise Hargreaves or Milner as make-shift right backs and take a risk. But it would be nice to know that if Johnson got injured, we weren’t completely up shit creek without a paddle.

Even Alan Shearer chose his allegiance to Tyneside over his England career – and went on to score a sackload of goals at club level before retiring.

I don’t know about anyone else, but regardless of whether I was going to start every game or not, I’d take pride in having an England call up – especially as I’m 21 and the odds of me ever playing football professionally are looking increasingly bleak.

I speak to friends who insist they’d rather see their club win the Premier League rather than England win the World Cup. Now I would bloody love Spurs to win the league OR for England to win the World Cup – the sense of national euphoria would be fantastic. But I’m not going to start saying I’d prefer one over the other because that’s just stupid. After all, why not have both?

Manchester United staged a stirring late rally at Old Trafford to claim a place in the last 16 of the Champions League after CSKA Moscow looked poised to end their 22-game unbeaten home record in the competition.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s revamped United looked like they would have to wait to seal their place in the knockout phase when they trailed 3-1 with only six minutes remaining.

But with a grandstand finish that has become their trademark, Paul Scholes headed home six minutes from time and Antonio Valencia’s deflected shot in injury time rescued the vital point.

CSKA looked well on course to inflict United’s first Champions League defeat at Old Trafford since AC Milan won in February 2005 – but they reckoned without the powers of recovery and refusal to accept defeat buried deep within Ferguson’s side.

The Russians took the lead after 25 minutes when Alan Dzagoev beat a static Edwin van der Sar from an angle, but Michael Owen pounced in the area to restore equality four minutes later.

CSKA were quickly back in front when Milos Krasic rounded Van der Sar to score, and when Vasili Berezutski headed home Dzagoev’s free-kick two minutes after half-time, United looked likely to sample the rare taste of defeat on home territory.

But the introduction of Wayne Rooney, the day after the birth of his son Kai, lifted the mood inside Old Trafford and set the scene for United’s late charge.

United boss Ferguson made public his admiration for Igor Akinfeev in his programme notes, and the CSKA keeper will have further impressed the Old Trafford hierarchy with a magnificent display that kept the Premier League champions at bay until the late double salvo from Scholes and Valencia broke their resistance.

More here. Source:BBC

Chris & Mick (aka CMC) with Paul Cunnington of BBC Radio Leeds

The wonderful Paul Cunnington on BBC Radio Leeds, and his lovely producer Katy Lambert, booked Chris Berry and Mick Clarke (aka CMC) to appear on Paul’s afternoon show recently and our intrepid duo didn’t disappoint! Mick talked of his experiences in furnishing his cave property in the mountains of Spain, whilst Chris talked of his latest exploits in Iceland, as well as his latest project – writing Joe Longthorne’s autobiography, scheduled for March 2010 release. Chris and Mick then entertained not only Paul and his thousands of regular listeners, but also many who were visiting the Media Centre in Bradford, with their own acoustic versions of Brown Eyed Girl and It Doesn’t Matter Anymore. ‘It must have gone down well,’ says Chris. ‘Because we had listeners coming along to our recent gig at Wetherby. Paul and Katy have always been great supporters and it is a real pleasure to go on Paul’s show.’ CMC have a number of gigs lined up for November and December and full details are available in another story on this site, plus through the other sites. Chris also plays in the very popular melodic rock functions covers band FOG who also have a number of dates coming up in the run-up to Christmas. Chris & Mick are rumoured to be opening for Joe Longthorne at some of his gigs in 2010.

www.chrisbeerrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com    www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic  www.the-fog.talktalk.net   www.joelongthorne.com    Chris is also on Facebook     Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

Following three fantastic gigs in the past 12 days, and neatly fitting in a trip to Iceland at the same time (no, not the freezer centre, the actual Iceland) Chris Berry’s acoustic act CMC has extended its Yorkshire dates for November & December. ‘We’ve had such a great reaction to our shows that the bookings just keep coming in,’ says Chris, who together with Mick Clarke, has been performing as CMC once again. ‘We give audiences a really different kind of night. It’s not full-on band stuff, just acoustic guitars and voices and encouraging the audience to be involved singing along. We do everything from 50s Buddy Holly, Elvis to 2000s including Fratellis, Zutons, Killers. But our audiences really love the party-type stuff. American Pie, I Love To Boogie, Dancing in the Dark. And we do a load of stuff that no other acts ever think about doing as acoustic versions of hits. It makes for a great night and that’s why we’re getting booked even more regularly.’  There is talk of CMC possibly appearing as the opener for legendary singer Joe Longthorne’s UK tour next year as Chris is presently writing Joe’s autobiography, so watch this space. Chris is also lead singer with the hugely successful melodic functions rock covers band FOG who also play throughout the north of England and have masses of dates also lined up between now and Christmas, as well as 30 bookings for 2010 already. In the meantime these are the dates for November and December:

CMC DATES NOVEMBER/DECEMBER:  (start times)

Friday 13 November THE MEXBOROUGH ARMS, THORNER, nr LEEDS (9pm); Friday 20 November THE BUFFERS, SCHOLES, nr LEEDS (9pm); Friday 4 December THE MEXBOROUGH ARMS, THORNER, nr LEEDS (9pm); Sunday 6 December GEORGE & DRAGON, WETHERBY (6pm); Tuesday 8 December ROMAN BATH, YORK (9pm); Saturday 12 December THE MEXBOROUGH ARMS, THORNER (9pm); Saturday 19 December FOX & HOUNDS, BOROUGHBRIDGE (9pm)

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic     www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger  www.the-fog.talktalk.net    www.joelongthorne.com     Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

Gasp.  Gasp.  Oh my god!  This is it.  This is the moment that I have dreamed of since watching Eric Cantona strut around Old Trafford with his collar popped, chest pushed out, exuding the confidence of a true professional.  The ground is starting to shake underneath me, from the boisterous fans that await this all so important match.  I’m fighting off the tears as I hear “Take Me Home United Rode” being bellowed by the capacity crowd of 70-odd thousand people.  Ryan Giggs looks back at me, “Here we go son”.  Deep breaths, deep breaths!  You’re ready!  All that training has you ready for anything this match will throw at you.  Stare ahead, do not make eye contact with any of the Chelsea players until you’re on the pitch and staring them down as you are taking them on.

Wow, it’s like a heavenly experience…walking to the bright light at the end of the tunnel.  Now all the emotions are hitting as the crowd goes wild as they call out the lineup over the public address system.  Is this really happening?  Am I really standing on the hallowed pitch at Old Trafford, the same pitch that the likes of Charlton, Best, Duncan, Law, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy have made their mark?  It’s so soft and pristine, like no other ground I’ve ever stepped foot on before in my life.  Do I have the right boots on?  Don’t question yourself, you know you are ready for this!

It’s happened so fast, the ball has already been kicked off and I’m struggling to keep up with the pace.  These players are so quick, and their touch is impeccable.  The ball is pinging around the park so swiftly, and there it is a pass into space.  Beat him to it, beat him to it.  Ouch!  Is my leg still attached?  That was the toughest challenge I’ve ever felt, of course it’s John Terry.  Holy S#%^, I was just tackled by John Terry, this is unbelievable.

Three tweets of the whistle and it’s half time already.  Was I really out there?  I think I was floating the whole half, didn’t even feel as if my feet touched the pitch the whole time.  The adrenaline is pumping and my heart is beating faster than an F1 engine at full speed.  Woah, what’s that on my shoulder.  “Settle down son, just play your game and have fun” are the words of encouragement from Sir Alex’s mouth as we make our way back to the pitch for the second half.

Oh No!  Is it going to be me?  I haven’t played the greatest and this is a big match, Fergie please don’t sub me know.  There’s only 5 minutes remaining and you know you can make an impact.  Whew!  You survived, now prove yourself to him!

Here’s the chance, you’ve found the space on the inside of Carvalho.  Will Carrick spot my run?  Of course, that’s why he was signed.  Cech is coming out, should I chip it?  Should I drive it at him?  Do I make a move?  Crack!  Laces straight through the ball, and there it is!  What happened?  Did someone turn out the lights, I don’t ever remember feeling like this, such nerves.  It’s as if the fans in the upper deck can see the whites of my eyes, they are bulging out of my head so much.  Why are they so quiet?  Are they nervous, thinking I don’t know what to do in this situation?

Crack!  Top corner and the old onion bag is bulging!  I’ve done it!  I’ve won the match in the dying minutes!  It’s euphoria.  The Stretford End is singing!  Finally a dream come true.

Is this a dream?  Am I going to wake up any minute now?  I hope not.  Nope it’s not a dream.  It’s FIFA 10 Be A Pro.  Where I have just lived out my dream in the virtual world!   I can even add my own face to the game, through the Game Face option.  Unbelievable!  What will the next generation of gamers have?

It was billed as an epic encounter; Rafa under pressure after Liverpool’s worst run for 22 years and in desperate need of a win. United on the back of a midweek victory and looking to maintain top spot by overcoming their bitterest rivals in their own backyard. What transpired was a lacklustre affair devoid of  intensity and quality. Neither team played with the precision or confidence of a side who believe they will be sitting top of the table next May.

Not surprisingly the fitness of Gerrard and Torres dominated the pre-match hype, as everyone knows the merseysiders are a different beast when the deadly duo are in the side. In the end one was enough to turn the match. As the contest looked certain to end a stalemate Torres, as he so often does, popped up with a moment of genius, latching onto Benayoun’s wonderful through ball and beating Ferdinand for pace and strength before pulling off a cracking finish.

United had no option but to chase the match and still managed to create nothing. When Carragher somehow escaped a blatant red card having prevented a guilt-edged chance for Michael Owen it was clear that lady luck had deserted United in Anfield. Insult was duly added to injury when Ngog slotted Liverpool’s second goal in injury time after Vidic had been sent off.

Ferguson needs to learn from this embarrassing display as Liverpool exposed some obvious flaws in the United team. Playing Scholes and Carrick in the centre of midfield simply doesn’t work. Both are holding midfielders and have an inclination to drop deep even when United push forward. On Sunday United constantly knocked long balls up to Berbatov and Rooney. The Bulgarian had the beating of the centre backs for the most part but once in possession he was stranded with only Rooney for support. Time after time the duo were starved of any supporting thrust coming from midfield. Giggs and Valencia did their best to help out on the flanks but without anyone offering themselves in midfield the visitors were repeatedly outnumbered and dispossessed.

The only move really open to Ferguson was to move Nani onto the left and play Giggs behind the front two. This is by no means a title-winning midfield. Nani is far from the finished article and only shows flashes of potential. Giggs is most effective on the left. Scholes, while a master on a good day, doesn’t have the consistency of years past. Carrick….is there really anything good we can say about Carrick? He passes well sometimes, only sometimes. He lacks any kind of passion or desire, he repeatedly fades into the background when backs are against the wall. In many ways he’s the opposite to the previous number 16 at Old Trafford.

So look to the bench, who do see? Park, Anderson, Fletcher, Gibson. There’s no shortage of effort or work ethic but is there any genuine class? Anderson has yet to fulfil the potential he showed in his first season in the Premiership. Park does the defensive work well but is limited when on the ball. Fletcher has really upped his game this season, picking up a few man of the match awards. The Scot has added assisting and scoring to his arsenal proving his more than just a destructive nuisance to opponents. World class? Im afraid not. Fletcher is merely the best of a bad bunch.

It is now painfully clear that Fergie needs an attacking midfielder. A Scholes of old, a Zidane, an Iniesta, a Schneider, this is the type of performer United crave. Even the return of Owen Hargreaves won’t added the necessary attacking flare needed. Unfortunately for Sir Alex there isn’t such a simple solution for the defensive problems. United still boast the same quartet that proved so formidable last season. Why then do the reds look so vulnerable at the back this season? Confidence! Ferdinand and Vidic are woefully lacking in confidence, so much so that Rio is under pressure to keep a place in the national side. Evra and O’ Shea have been impressive for most of the season, but the centre-backs are the heartbeat of any defense and at the moment United’s is too weak to last a long season. Fergie has to hope for some consistently solid outings to boost confidence or his two big centre-backs will be exposed again as they were on Sunday.

Chris Berry & Mick Clarke’s CMC acoustic act is proving yet again just what a massive success acoustic-based acts can have. ‘There are not many acts out there that are prepared to take themselves out on the road without a bass and drum rhythm section but Mick and I have always loved the challenge,’ says Chris.

CMC in action @ Roman Bath, York

 ’We work the audience.. no matter how big or small that is. This weekend we played two remarkable gigs – one in East Cowick the other in Wetherby and at both we managed to win the crowd over. People don’t really know what to expect when it’s just two acoustic guitars but they get more than they bargain for with Mick and myself!’ If you would like to get to know more about the CMC experience try these dates that are coming up: Sunday 1 November FOX & HOUNDS, Boroughbridge starts 7.15pm; Friday 13 November MEXBOROUGH ARMS, Thorner starts 9pm; Friday 20 November THE BUFFERS, Scholes starts 9pm; Friday 4 December MEXBOROUGH ARMS, Thorner starts 9pm; Sunday 6 December GEORGE & DRAGON, Wetherby starts 6pm; Tuesday 8 December ROMAN BATH, York starts 9.30pm. That’s 6 chances – don’t miss them!!

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.the-fog.talktalk.net  www.myspace.co/chrisberrysinger  www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic    Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

By Samual Jones (FT)

John Meriwether, the hedge fund manager and arbitrageur behind Long-Term Capital Management, is in the process of setting up a new hedge fund – his third.

The move comes barely three months after Mr Meriwether decided to close his second fund manager, JWM Partners, which was wound down after clients saw the value of their investments fall by more than 44 per cent over the course of the financial crisis.

JWM Partners was set up soon after the collapse in 1998 of Mr Meriwether’s first – and most infamous – fund, LTCM, which triggered a wave of panic across the world’s markets and prompted the US Federal Reserve to take the then-unprecedented step of orchestrating a multi-billion dollar bail-out.

Mr Meriwether’s new venture, named JM Advisors Management, will, like both of his previous hedge fund management companies, be based in Greenwich, Connecticut.

People with knowledge of the situation say the fund has not yet started accepting outside investments, however. According to HFMWeek, an industry publication, the fund will open to investors in 2010.

The fund is expected use the same strategy as both LTCM and JWM to make money: so-called relative value arbitrage, a quantitative investment strategy Mr Meriwether pioneered when he led the hugely successful bond arbitrage group at Salomon Brothers in the 1980s.

The strategy, described by the Nobel Prize-winning economist Myron Scholes as being akin to a giant vacuum cleaner “sucking up nickels from all over the world”, can be highly successful in periods following market dislocations.

Relative value trades profit by betting on unusual pricing relationships between securities, anticipating a return to an historically modelled “normal” state between them.

Traders say the strategy has the potential to deliver huge returns in the current market, with many banks’ proprietary trading desks having scaled back their operations and far fewer hedge funds in existence.

Their absence is leading to “inefficiencies” according to many market participants.

The swap spread on 30-year Treasury bonds – the difference between the cost of a 30-year bond and the cost of an interest-rate hedge against it – is still negative.

However, as Mr Meriwether’s experience shows, relative value strategies are not without their pitfalls.

The strategy typically has a high “blow-up” risk because of the large amounts of leverage it uses to profit from often tiny pricing anomalies.

At its peak, LTCM borrowed 25 times more than it had in investor’s capital in order to ratchet-up its returns.

JWM boasted a more conservative 10 times leverage ratio.

The hedge fund industry average is estimated at between two and three times.

I guess Verizon couldn’t wait for November to unleash its beast of a phone. That’s quite alright. We were hungry for specs anyways. It has a full list of delicious specs including a WVGA 3.7 inch capacitive touch screen, 5 megapixel camera with dual LED flash, WiFi, and Android 2.0. I immediately checked how fast the processor was and was subsequently dissapointed to find out it runs at 550Mhz — a smidge faster then the ancient 528Mhz chip in all the other Android devices. We’ll see how it goes when it is unleashed onto the world.

Update: They took it down shortly after this post went up. I guess its time hasn’t come yet.

Chris & Mick in concert as CMC

Popular acoustic duo CMC – otherwise known as Chris & Mick – are live on the Paul Cunnington Show on BBC Radio Leeds tomorrow – sometime around 3pm. They will be playing live and chatting with Paul about their latest series of gigs which start this weekend. ‘Paul has always been great to us and we are delighted he and his lovely assistant Katy have asked us back on again,’ says Chris. ‘We are very much looking forward to our next set of gigs which start this weekend. The Sunday gig in Wetherby should be a great one for anyone who fancies a Sunday afternoon run out to hear us. It starts at 4pm at the George & Dragon in Wetherby, which is just over the bridge as you come into the town. That means that anyone can get home in good time for getting ready for work the following day. It also gives me another chance not just to mention FOG and CMC but also the Joe Longthorne autobiography I am ghosting too.’  BBC Radio Leeds is on 92.4FM but is also available on DAB and on the internet, so you should be able to listen from anywhere.   www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com    www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger    www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic   www.the-fog.talktalk.net    Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

ogni United creato da Ferguson si dimostra grande

Sir Alex Ferguson si è detto orgoglioso dopo che i suoi hanno eguagliato il record dell’Ajax di 14 partite consecutive senza sconfitte in Europa.

Antonio Valencia ha segnato nel finale regalando ai Reds la vittoria per 1-0 sul CSKA Mosca e allungandone la serie di trasferte senza sconfitte a quattordici.

L’ultima sconfitta in Europa fuori casa dei campioni d’Inghilterra era avvenuta nel maggio 2007, quando lo United era stato strapazzato a San Siro dal Milan, che avrebbe poi vinto la Coppa.

“Penso che dobbiamo essere orgogliosi [del record],” ha detto Ferguson. “In Europa non è facile giocare in trasferta. Siamo stati in posti davvero fantastici nel corso degli anni.”

“Abbiamo dimostrato maturità. C’è un modo giusto di giocare fuori casa, in Europa, e stasera l’avete visto.”

Questa vittoria è stata anche la prima di Ferguson su una squadra russa in Russia. E’ convinto che i suoi abbiano meritato di vincere a coronamento di una prestazione di grande impatto.”

“Abbiamo mantenuto un buon ritmo durante l’incontro, e tenuto palla. Credo che il fattore decisivo sia stato questo.”

Questa affermazione colloca lo United a 9 punti nel Gruppo B, dopo tre turni, coi Reds a un passo dalla qualificazione alla seconda fase.

Il manager è dell’opinione che i suoi abbiano vinto anche sul piano tattico, la preparazione ideale allo scontro campale col Liverpool in programma domenica.

“Abbiamo cercato di sfondare un po’ più al centro piuttosto che farlo sulle fasce. Mi sembrava che aprendoci dei varchi in quella zona i nostri esterni potessero avanzare più facilmente. Credo che ci siamo riusciti molto bene.”

“Nel secondo tempo abbiamo creato alcune buone occasioni e siamo contenti che Valencia abbia segnato una rete importante per noi.”

Ferguson ha anche rassicurato immediatamente tutti circa le condizioni di Ferdinand e Scholes, che sono stati sostituiti nella ripresa. Ha detto che si è trattato di semplice precauzione per far sì che possano arrivare a domenica riposati.”

servizio di Matt Nichols per il sito ufficiale del Manchester United

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6641669&page=1

New FOG pictures on the way!

We cannot show you the yet, but there’s a whole new range of pictures of FOG due for release in the next couple of weeks. ‘We used the same studio in Leeds that the Kaiser Chiefs used to promote their third album last year,’ says Chris Berry. ‘Posing came naturally to me as you might expect but it wasn’t quite so natural for Andy & Pete. They called themselves the real musicians!! You’ve either got it or you haven’t! I noticed Mick didn’t have a problem despite it being his first proper photo shoot since 1963 when he was Mr Evening Post and centre spread! Watch out for the pictures being released in the coming weeks!

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.the-fog.talktalk.net   www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic

Whilst already massively busy with Joe Longthorne’s autobiography, as well as his regular feature stories for the Yorkshire Post, Chris Berry is also equally busy with his current Autumn/Winter bookings with both CMC & FOG.

Chris Berry lead singer with FOG

‘We’ve had a tremendously rewarding September and October with FOG, playing right across the North of England,’ says Chris. ‘And now my Spanish-based friend, Mick is back too so this weekend and the rest of November will see both FOG and CMC in action. With FOG I’m playing throughout Yorkshire in the next 6 weeks, as well as several dates with CMC.. the lighter version of what we do. Several of the gigs are private functions but we really want everyone who can get to see us. Interestingly there are a few early evening Sunday gigs in the nexty couple of weeks that give the chance to get up in good time for a Monday morning!’ Here’s the list of dates and venues for everyone to come:

Chris Berry in the studio recording new tracks for CMC album

This Sunday 25 October :  Chris & Mick as CMC @ George & Dragon (Wetherby) starts 4pm;  Sunday 1 November: Chris & Mick as CMC @ Fox & Hounds (Boroughbridge) starts 7.15pm; Friday 6 November – FOG @ Boot & Shoe (Ackworth, nr Pontefract) starts 9.30pm; Saturday 7 November – FOG @ Horse & Groom (Doncaster) starts 9.30pm; Saturday 14 November – FOG @ 3 Horseshoes (Otley) starts 9.30pm; Friday 20 November: Chris & Mick as CMC @ The Buffers (Scholes, nr Leeds) starts 9.30pm; Sunday 29 November: FOG @ Fox & Hounds (Boroughbridge) starts 7.15pm.

‘We’ve already started taking bookings for well into 2010, with another already lined up for 2011,’ says Chris, who it is rumoured is also to play a solo set as opener for Joe Longthorne next year.

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.the-fog.talktalk.net  www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic   www.joelongthorne.com

Popular acoustic act CMC, Chris Berry’s lighter melodic sound than when he is playing with top covers/functions band FOG, is back under way for the Autumn.

Chris & Mick back on the road with CMC this weekend

This weekend sees Chris and his good friend/brilliant singer/guitarist Mick Clarke back together for the first time since June. ‘With Mick now living in Spain our performances tend to be resticted to short tours,’ says Chris. ‘This time we have 4 lined up, starting with this Friday’s gig at East Cowick, near Goole. It’s a village ‘do’ and we are headlining so we’re looking forward to it very much. On Sunday afternoon we are playing at a new venue for us – The George & Dragon in Wetherby. We used to play in the Black Bull just close by but when Sue & Geoff at the Black Bull couldn’t put us on anymore, due to finances, Sue mentioned that the George & Dragon would be a good venue for us. It’s an afternoon one too, so that dispels any of this bit about Sunday gigs being a little too late for people who have to go to work the next day as we’re on from 4 til 7pm. We’re also playing the following Sunday 1 November at another new venue for us – The Fox & Hounds in Boroughbridge, a lovely pub, starting at 7.15pm – so again finishing in good time 9.15pm for those who need to be up and off to work the following morning.’ The last of the 4 dates is Friday 20 November when another huge Thorner Invasion is anticipated in Scholes, when Chris & Mick will once again be playing @ The Legendary Buffers from 9.30pm. ‘We also have a possibility of a couple more venues which we hope to confirm soon,’ says Chris. ‘Watch this space! And our new album is also planned for early next year. It will incorporate all of those songs that have become the real crowd pleasers in the past two years.’ There are still some rumours that Chris could be opening for Joe Longthorne at venues throughout the UK next year, either as solo or with Mick.

Chris Berry in full flow in concert with CMC

 If you would like further information about Chris & Mick, CMC or FOG, or Joe Longthorne please make a note of the following sites and email addresses. CMC and FOG already have a healthy forward bookings list but also take additional booking all the time. Chris can be contacted by fans, agents and booking agencies, venues on 07855 992834 any time.     www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com  www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger  www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic  www.the-fog.talktalk.net   www.joelongthorne.com  Email: chris@chrisberry.tv  Chris is also on both FACEBOOK & TWITTER.

Chris Berry of CMC - Back playing live this Autumn

Chris Berry’s CMC – the electro-acousticoutfit featuring Chris and his great mate Mick Clarke is back in business this Autumn with 4 dates in Yorkshire.. and there could be more to come!! Rumoured to be guesting for Chris’ good friend Joe Longthorne at some of his shows in the future, Chris and Mick have built a tremendous reputation for their own acoustic-based versions of classic pop and rock hits from American Pie to Light My Fire; from Cum On Feel The Noize to I Wanna Be Like You; from I Will Survive to Hey There Delilah. Their show lasts literally all night with both Chris & Mick being consummate solo performers as well as a great duo. ‘The sets as a duo are just great,’ says Chris.

Mick Clarke back playing live with CMC this Autumn

‘We both have such a fantastic time together and the harmonies Mick produces are stunning. We play well over 40 songs every night, between the duo and two solo sets. The solo sets also allow both of us to take a break whilst not letting up with the entertainment.’ One of the occasional highlights of CMC is the inclusion of various guests during a night. Harmonic virtuoso Rick the Man has been known to turn up on several occasions – and Andy and Pete from Chris’ highly successful covers band FOG also get involved from time to time. Charlotte Hesp, CMC’s female singer, is usually involved too but having just celebrated the birth of her first child, Harry, she is taking a break this time. ‘We are all delighted for Charlotte and her partner Andy – and Harry. We look forward to Charlotte coming back soon.’ The four gigs lined up for the Autumn start next week.

CMC in action - Chris & Mick get it on!!

Dates as follows:

Friday 23 October      EAST COWICK VILLAGE HALL, near GOOLE – this is a village special event, but tickets are available. If you would like to attend please call Shirley Myers on 01405 862319. Starts 8pm.

Sunday 25 October    GEORGE & DRAGON, Wetherby – this is an afternoon/early evening gig at a little pub just over the bridge into Wetherby. It starts at 4pm and goes on until around 7pm. Should be a really relaxed, fun afternoon.

Sunday 1 November   FOX & HOUNDS, Boroughbridge – lovely pub, great people. It’s another early evening do, starting @ 7.15pm til 9.30pm

Friday 20 November  THE BUFFERS, Scholes, Leeds 15 – the homecoming gig. It’s our home gig. And probably the last before Mick goes back to Spain. Make it!!

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger     www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic   www.the-fog.talktalk.net       Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

There is just no stopping popular melodic rock functions band FOG at the moment. From their West Yorkshire base the covers band are now officially the busiest band of their kind in the North of England. ‘We just cannot be in more than one place at a time,’ says lead singer and manager of the band. ‘The work we are getting is top-line party and function-oriented stuff and we just cannot keep up with the number of requests we have been getting.

Chris Berry - lead singer with FOG

Most people, understandably, want you on a Friday or Saturday night but there are only a certain number of those a year and we are using them up!’ In 2010 FOG are presently being  lined up to play summer season gigs at seaside resorts. The most recent of those to be confirmed was Hornsea’s Floral Hall on Saturday 3 July next year. ‘We’re really looking forward to playing as headliners at a number of gigs in 2010,’ says Chris. ‘And we’re definitely interested in moving more in that direction, as well as fulfilling our engagements for parties, functions and our favourite pub venues we have always played.’ FOG are currently looking for an agent to handle matters in the future – one thing is for certain whoevere it is won’t be short of venues wanting them. FOG’s live album is due out in the New Year. Chris, who also plays in another popular act in the North of England – CMC – with his good friend Mick Clarke, also writes for the Yorkshire Post every week and is presently also writing legendary singer and good personal friend Joe Longthorne’s autobiography due for release in Spring 2010. There are rumours that CMC and FOG might even play on the same bill as Joe sometime during the year. ‘That would be fabulous,’ says Chris. ‘It would be fantastic to be on with Joe and hopefully add another musical dimension – I cannot say we would ever match his voice, but we know how to party!’

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.the-fog.talktalk.net  www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic

email: chris@chrisberry.tv

Chris Berry’s CMC acoustic act, which comprises Mick Clarke & Charlotte Hesp, as well as appearances by FOG members Andy Myers and Peter Goacher, is overjoyed to announce that our lovely female singer Charlotte gave birth to Harry on Saturday morning 3:02am weighing 8 lb 11 ozs. Both are doing great – and so is Andy! That’s Charlotte’s Andy, Andy. Not you! Although Andy – the other one is doing well too!

Charlotte Hesp (centre) with Chris Berry (left) Andy Myers (right) and Fairview Studio's John

CMC Get back under way again in the next month when Mick (Clarke) returns from Spain – already scheduled are 3 gigs @ Boroughbridge, Scholes & Goole. Full details will follow within the next week.

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com   www.the-fog.talktalk.net

www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic    Email: chris@chrisberry.tv

Chris Berry lead singer with FOG

Chris Berry’s top covers band FOG – who gig throughout the north of England with their fantastic live set playing everything from Brown Eyed Girl to Valerie and Sex on Fire – amazing renditions of I Love To Boogie/Blue Suede Shoes and Summer of 69/Mamma Mia, plus Paint it Black, Human, Beatles, Who, Kinks, REM … are back on home ground on Friday 16 October when they play Orlando’s @ The Buffers in Scholes LS15.

‘We’re really looking forward to this as we will have played all over the north of England in the past six weeks,’ says lead singer Chris. ‘We’re having a great run and everyone who comes to our shows goes away totally impressed and feeling as though they’ve had a great night. That’s what it’s all about to us. Last Saturday we played the legendary Arabian Horse in Aberford and went down a storm. Completely full packed house all night, appreciative crowd, plenty of dancing – and it looks like Scholes will be cram-packed to the rafters. We are presently organising next year’s tour dates and have had a number of offers from seaside resorts both in the UK and abroad. We’re all looking forward to an even better 2010 and this year’s been pretty special so far. Mick, Andy, Pete and I would like to thank all of our fans at every venue we play for their great support. And we might even have some even bigger news in a week or two’s time if negotiations go the way we hope. Watch this space!’

FOG party goers!

www.chrisberrysingerandwriter.wordpress.com    www.the-fog.talktalk.net

www.myspace.com/chrisberrysinger   www.myspace.com/cmcacoustic

Email: chris@chrisberry.tv