Steve Coppell’s hopes of keeping Kevin Doyle at Reading are diminishing by the week. The Republic of Ireland striker, who will no doubt be linked with a move back to the Premier League in the January transfer window, moved to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship Index with a brace in the 4-0 win over Swansea. It took his tally to eight for the season and sees him sit 14 points clear of team-mate Stephen Hunt in the Index.

Hunt is another who could well leave the Madejski Stadium. The 27-year-old, who was wanted by Sunderland last summer, posted his highest score of the season - registering 47 points in the rout of Swansea. Hunt scored once and also contributed 10 passes, one dribble and six crosses in an all-action display.

Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood managed to achieve something he had done just once in 42 games for club and country – score a goal. The Wales international was on target in the Sky Blues’ 1-1 draw at Blackpool. He is still waiting for his first goal at the Ricoh Arena though. Eastwood lies 111th in the Index with 74 points.

Gary Speed continues to roll back the years. The Sheffield United midfielder, 39, posted 27 points – one of his highest scores of the season so far – in the 2-1 win over Watford at Bramall Lane. He is the second-highest Blade in the Index, sitting 57th with 93 points.

Blades team-mate James Beattie finally broke his duck for the season against the Hornets. Beattie posted his best score of the campaign so far – 36 points – to become the highest mover in the Index, climbing 227 places to 287th. The Blades will be hoping Beattie can now go on a run and spearhead a promotion challenge.

Wolves have made an impressive start to the season as they bid for a return to the Premier League. Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – last season’s top goalscorer in the Championship – netted his fifth goal in the 2-0 win over Bristol City. He is fifth in the Index (159 points) with Chris Iwelumo (190) third, Michael Kightly (179) fourth and Kevin Foley (146) in sixth.

Struggling Barnsley’s goalscoring woes were compounded by Jon Macken’s penalty miss in the goalless draw with Norwich at Oakwell. Macken registered his worst score of the season – minus 7 – as the Tykes once again drew a blank. Simon Davey’s side are the joint-lowest scorers in the division.

Norwich are not much better off in the scoring department. Jamie Cureton has yet to score from 11 attempts, Arturo Lupoli has netted three from 18 efforts and Antione Sibierski has one from nine. No wonder manager Glenn Roeder has delved into the loan market again to sign Reading striker Leroy Lita on a one-month loan!

James Milner, Wayne Rooney, Jermaine Pennant look away now!  At 15 years and 45 days schoolboy Reuben Noble-Lazarus (unpaid to play because he is too young) made his debut in 6 fulfilling minutes at Portman Road.

Man United's midfielder Anderson......or is it?

Now in trying to ignore that his name is probably more suited to the Chronicles of Naarnia, and that there is a striking puppy fat resemblance to Brazilian midfielder Anderson of MUFC, I had to reflect on what an average 15year old does?  Having just completed my sats, i'm not sure my parents would let me stay up until 9.30 playing football on a tuesday night?!  Taking into account the trip from Ipswich to Barnsley - then Huddersfield where he lives, you'd have to be looking at a 3am bed-time, unless of course he had his quilt for the journey home!!

It also got us thinking of the things in the footballing world that he will be unaware of, owing to the fact he was born in 1993! So, Reubun, here's a few things you should know. Pay attention because a test will follow;

1-Graham Taylor is not the former manager of the celebrities on ITV's Soccer Aid.  He was, make sure you're sitting down, once England manager!! Watford and Villa fans will also back us up here when we say he was actually once considered quite successful!

2- Your dad isn't pulling your leg; Keith Curle, Tony Dorigo and Carlton Palmer did all once line up in the same England team.

3- Leeds really did win the 'Premiership' (when it was called division 1-see point 5) in 1991.

4- Oxford won the league cup in 1987! No really. Yes that's right, the same Oxford that are 18th in the Blue Square Premier.

5- Despite what Manchester United fans tell you, football was not invented by Sky and did therefore exist before 1992.  When they tell you they are 'the most succesful side in Premiership history' they are conveniently forgetting about 110 years of history when, for about 5 years aside in the late 60's, they weren't very good.

Anyway, the Fizzy Pop team congratulate you Reuben!! May your record be long and prosperous.  Oh, and of course, you are welcome to come join the fizzy pop game anytime you like!

By the way the previous record, held jointly by Ken Roberts (Wrexham) and Albert Geldard (Bristol Rovers) was well and truly booted off the park and over the away stand into the river Orwell by a massive 113 days!

Additionally we're hoping to have a fuller show reel on the main website within a couple of weeks. Fred is working on that as I write! In the meantime you can see a trimmed down version of what Eye Productions can offer on our main site, as well as a more recent sample of our work for the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley in the Gallery Show Reel section of the DMC website

-Jon.

Not even a red card could scupper top-ranked Chris Iwelumo’s Preston party. The 30-year-old striker was dismissed just four minutes after completing his hat-trick in the 3-1 victory at Deepdale which took his side three points clear at the summit for the Coca-Cola Championship. His treble catapulted him to the top of the Championship scorers chart alongside Reading’s Kevin Doyle and ensured he kept his place at the top of the Actim Index for a second consecutive week with a week six score of 65 points.

The Molineux outfit have made an impressive start to the season but they will be keeping a cautious eye on one former player as they attempt to preserve their unbeaten league record against Bristol City next weekend. Robins midfielder Michael McIndoe put in a man-of-the-match performance as he scored two goals in City’s 4-1 victory over Doncaster. McIndoe’s 48-point haul boosts him up 125 places to to 40th in this week’s Index.

However, McIndoe’s exerts did not earn him the title of biggest mover this week as Reading striker Noel Hunt scored two goals in the 6-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday to earn himself a place in the starting line-up for the controversial 2-2 draw with Watford. Alongside highly-rated brother Stephen in midfield, Noel scored 53 points this week to move up 321 places from 497th to 176th.

Women all over the world would kill to discover the secret of eternal youth, so it would not be surprising if Burnley full-back Graham Alexander and Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor are employing 24-hour bodyguards at the moment. Scotland international Alexander has defied his 36 years to net three goals in three games, while Blues keeper Taylor, 37, has accumulated 112 points this season as the pair take their place amongst this week’s top 20 to become the Index’s golden oldies.

Two of the league’s most high profile stars find themselves marooned toward the foot of the Actim Index this week. Former England international James Beattie has struggled with injury this season but he will not offer that as an excuse for his current position of 515th out of 520. Meanwhile, wantaway Derby midfielder Robbie Savage matched Beattie’s paltry haul of -10 points last week and is currently lingering in 507th position.

As the Actim Index continues to track the trials, tribulations, successes and failures of the Championship’s finest week-in, week-out, we should spare a thought for those players stranded on the sidelines. But although the likes of top-ranked trio Iwelumo, Doyle and Michael Kightly consistently rack up 20-30 points a week, the player with the best average points haul remains Sheffield Wednesday’s crocked star striker Akpo Sodje. The luckless Sodje was only only on the pitch for 20 minutes of the Owls’ opening game of the season before being stretchered off but still claimed two goals and 46 points. I’m sure I speak for all Owls fans when I say get well soon, Akpo.

His side may be bottom of the league and his fellow defenders may well be leaking more goals than the Kazakhstan national team, but Stephen Foster continues to be a shining beacon of hope at Barnsley. The Tykes may have collected just four points this season but Foster’s impressive performances have earned him 72 Index points.

The annual comedy festival returns next month, and it could be final one to be located solely in Sheffield. From 2009, the organisers have plans to expand it into Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, which should further raise the profile of the festival in future years.

When it comes to comedy, I'm quite picky over what I enjoy, and even more picky over who I would go to see live. However, I'm looking forward to Grin up north, so decided to ask my friend - a writer for BBC Radio 4 and BBC3 and who has just returned from Edinburgh - what he recommends this year.

So, apart from the people you have probably heard of (Jimmy Carr and Dylan Moran), his picks include:

• Jason Cook (The Lescar, Saturday 11 October) - hilarious and really moving
• Rhod Gilbert (Memorial Hall, Sunday 12 October) - surprising that he didn't win the main prize at Edinburgh this year
• Rich Hall (Memorial Hall, Monday 13 October) - an all-time favourite
• Tim Minchin (Memorial Hall, Wednesday 15 October) - one of the best shows in Edinburgh this year; a properly-done musical comedy
• Plus Mark Steel (Memorial Hall, Wednesday 1 October) and Comedy Store Players (Oval Hall, Thursday 2 October) would be well worth seeing

Or for another person's recommendations, you can read a Sheffield student's picks in their (new) blog.

The Grin up north festival brochure, bundled with a recent Sheffield Telegraph, is a good guide to who is appearing, but the website needs a bit more attention. Several of the shows from last year are still promoted on there (the text links need updating on the homepage), the website browser bar title still shows 2007 (getting this right essential for good search engine optimisation) and nowhere is an at-a-glace list of all performers. And can you not book tickets online?

When comparing this to the website for the upcoming Off the Shelf reading and writing festival, I soon realised that this also wasn't much better. Likewise, there doesn't seem to be a basic list of all events and the only way to view what is on is by downloading a pdf of the festival brochure - again, not at all search engine or user-friendly. By all means offer a pdf download, but surely the festival listings should be on the site as a minimum?

I really want these festivals to succeed as they are an important part of the cultural life of the city, but instead of being exploited as a key marketing tool, it appears that the internet basics are not being done well at all.

Following an absolutely awful season in last year's elite which ultimately culminated in relegation to the Championship Derby County were looking to bounce back at the first attempt however despite a huge transfer drive and Paul Jewell totally rebuilding the Derby squad things have so far (albeit after only three games) have not gone to plan. It's fair to say Derby's executive chairman Adam Pearson will give Jewell time to turn around the club as he did so when at Hull with Peter Taylor but more losses for Jewell's side would mean the Pride Park faithful may turn and that maybe his downfall.

However it can't be an easy job turning around the mindset of a club that after last season see's losing as the norm and it's always the cliche that new players need time to gel, I think Jewell can get things right at Derby, I respect him as a manager having achieved promotion from this division twice in the past with Bradford City and Wigan Athletic. I think today they are the stand out value bet and we'll take the punt!

Derby County to beat Barnsley
1pt Win @ 8/5 (Ladbrokes)

Taking up the theme of yesterday’s post about attendances, Georgyw complains on The Bolton News forum that “it was a big mistake to build the Reebok out of town. He (Phil Gartside) must admit his error."

Quite rightly, the responses take Georgyw to task, but I think it’s worth exploring this point further, particularly as the tenth anniversary of Bolton Wanderers' move to the Reebok Stadium came and went last year without much song and dance made about just how important it was in shaping the club’s modern history.

If you want to know what Bolton Wanderers would be like in 2008 if we were still at Burnden Park, take a look at Oldham Athletic, Barnsley and Swindon Town, who all tasted the Premier League at one time or another but failed to upgrade their infrastructure to match their top flight status.

In contrast, look at Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Derby (OK they had a stinker last season but they’ll probably be back in the not too distant future), who like Bolton have all been in and out of the Premier League but have managed to avoid sinking without a trace after relegations.

And would Ivan Campo, Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff et al have signed for Bolton if the first thing they had seen was the Normid Superstore? I think not.

It’s easy to criticise modern stadiums for being soulless, homogeneous mechano sets. Yes, they all come with corporate sponsorship and McDonald’s and KFC for neighbours. But it’s better than having a supermarket at one end of the ground, right?

The biggest problems we’ve had at the Reebok is the club’s futile attempts to create an atmosphere. You can have as many drummers, singing sections (not a great success against Stoke, according to this thread) and cheerleaders as you want (am I the only one who felt uncomfortable watching grown men drool over half-naked teenage girls?), but the fans just want exciting football and good results.

I never understood why they insisted on playing “I Feel Good” after the Wanderers scored. It’s the same with those ridiculously contrived celebrations they have at the Carling Cup Final. The one time you definitely don’t need encouraging to get behind your team is when they’ve just scored a goal or won a trophy. Playing “Rocking All Over The World” just ruins the moment.

This thread suggests things are getting better, and this blog indicates the club is doing pretty well in terms of offering value for money. But I still think fans would happily forego half-time entertainment for more entertainment during the game itself.

Social Bookmarks:

14th August 2008

Marcus Tudgay was the shining light as the Coca-Cola Championship Actim Index got back into full swing last week. The Sheffield Wednesday striker capped a barnstorming performance with two goals and a 59-point haul. His chances at adding to his score look to have been hit by a thigh strain - he faces a fortnight on the sidelines.

QPR defender Fitz Hall survived a missed penalty and a nosebleed - finding himself at the top end of the pitch twice to net a brace in a 2-1 defeat of Barnsley.Had he slotted home from 12 yards he would no doubt have topped Tudgay at the summit but was left with a none-too-shabby 57 points for his troubles.

Another Owl and another crock - Akpo Sodje sits third after week one with 46 points but added a possible ruptured tendon behind his knee to his day's work. Expect a two-month spell in the treatment room if that's the case. Not bad for 20 minutes work on the opening day!

QPR's Emmanuel Ledesma was the highest-ranked player not to score last weekend, sitting in 10th place overall with 32 points. Three shots on goal and an assist helped his cause, along with three dribbles and our crosses - he was a busy boy at Loftus Road.

Speaking of busy boys, Preston midfielder Simon Whaley was a bit of a pass-master at Portman Road, where Alan Irvine's side dumped Ipswich. Whaley managed 43 completed passes in the opposition half during the game - 14 more than team-mate Chris Sedgwick, his closest rival in the entire round of fixtures.

Blackpool's Keith Southern couldn't buy a goal - the Seasider had a league-leading four shots on target during the game and one off target for good measure - before his side were mugged by a late Bristol City winner at Bloomfield Road.

The sinner of the weekend was Coventry midfielder Aron Gunnarsson - he was pulled by the referee seven times during the defeat of Norwich - maybe he needs to watch his step.

Spare a thought for poor Ben Burgess of Blackpool. Nobody worked harder than the striker to try and wrestle something off the Robins but with five shots off target and three fouls - combined with his side's 1-0 reverse - he starts the second weekend of the campaign on minus-14 points.

Marcus Tudgay got the first goal of the season as Sheffield Wednesday hammered Owen Coyle's Burnley 4-2 at Hillsborough. Akpo Sodje grabbed a brace before Tudgay got himself another. Martin Paterson got one for Burnley.

The days early kick off saw Birmingham host Kevin Blackwell's Sheffield United. The game, which was televised on sky, was lacking quality throughout but sub Kevin Phillips won the game for Birmingham in the last minute to give Brum a 1-0 win.

It was a bad start to the season for rivals Derby County, as they lost 0-1 to newly promoted Doncaster Rovers.

The other promoted side Swansea City lost 2-0 away to Charlton, Hudson and Gray with the goals at the Valley.

Wolves drew 2-2 away at Plymouth, Vokes equalised for Wolves late on.

Ipswich suprisingly lost at home to Preston, 1-2 the final score.  QPR beat Barnsley 2-1 and Coventry beat Norwich at home 2-0.

Blackpool just missed out on a draw as Bristol City grabbed a last minute winner via Brooker to give City a 0-1 win.

Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with Watford and Cardiff just beat Southampton 2-1 at Ninian Park.

Did you go to any of today's games? How do you feel about the results? Let us know by leaving a comment!

10.00am to 12.30pm, Tuesday 16 September
Venue: Metrodome Leisure Centre (in the Board Room), Queens Rd, Barnsley, S71 1AN

You need to book a place at this event. To do so, please contact Naomi Douglas on 01226 242 726 or email her.

More information on this event is available from the Voluntary Action Barnsley website.
And the direct link to the pdf of the flyer is here.

Especially if your a no mark, untrained, saddo, most haunted wannabe or an orb chasing, mist picture displaying barmpot, who runs around pretending to be a paranormal investigator or a medium or some such drivel, charging unsuspecting members of the public to attend 'invos' or 'vigewals'or whatever you call them, where everybody sits around a table pushing a glass, or a planchette, or wobbling the table and claiming the ghost of great uncle Albert is actually causing the movement - thus causing the very few surviving real serious investigators not to be taken seriously..

And while we are on the subject - question for the media? why do you always print the barmpot reports and not contact real researchers to give an accurate opinion??? stop filling the publics mind with crap and start reporting some bloody sensible explainations! okay - deep breath..

The reason for my rant? or inane ramblings as some may perceive this little essay.. Ive just being updating the paranormal news section of the sypr forum, and yet again what do I find?? go on.. I'll give you three guesses.. okay, I'll just tell you. A load of crap, thats what I find..

Dont get me wrong here.

South Yorkshire (which is where I come from, incidentally) is absolutely jammed to bursting with the type of "paranormal Investigation" groups that partake of the activities listed above, it had absolutely no para related news whatsoever, slightly surprising considering the recent UFO flap.

But some of the other stories.. jeez..

Take for example, the recent photograph taken by some para group at a battlefield somewhere - supposed to be a ghost soldier? looks more like a light shining through a hedge to me..

I believe there were three seperate groups charging members of the public for 'ghosthunting nights' - this really bites my er.. well.. What are the public actually paying for here? no, thats a serious question - if you know can you let me know? As far as I can see, the venues they were meant to be investigating actually had no real evidence of being haunted anyway - how do I know?

Because there IS no real evidence that anywhere is haunted.

You have to apply logic here... centuries of scientific research has failed to come up with anything at all to prove that anything lives on after the earthly body dies, so how can anyone truly say they have evidence of a haunt? well, they can't, can they?

And the UFO reports? caused by the release of MOD files, (Very cleverly predicted by my best mate Dave Sadler, who is a proper paranormal investigator, and who actually said there would be a flap as soon as he heard the files were being released) The release of these files brought people out of the woodwork to either a, report their sightings cos they feel more comfortable reporting them now everybody else is or b, make up sightings to report because they saw a UFO related report on the news..  (seem far fetched? sadly not, Im afraid. Ive been actively investigating the paranormal for eight years now, and I can guarantee that if certain films - Poltergeist, Sixth Sense etc. are shown on tv, we'll get at least one report of someone witnessing similar phenomena..)

But lets delve a little further..

Have you ever noticed, if you watch the popular tv series, or read the papers just how these investigations are conducted?

Typical scenario: Group of people sit around a table, one of them usually calls themself a medium. Everyone puts their hands on a table / glass / planchette if they are using a ouija board and they call out for 'any spirits in the room to make themselves known.' 

Point one. If I was a spirit Id be sat in a corner laughing my head off at this point.

At this, something generally happens. Either the glass, table or planchette moves.

Point two. If I was a spirit, I wouldnt move anything.. Id still be laughing me head off at all these weirdos sat around a table concentrating.

Point three. Something I have noticed here is just how many spelling mistakes there are if the group are using a ouija board.. especially if everyones got their eyes shut.. hmm..

After a few moments of the 'medium' giving some long, drawn out account of someone (who no one else can actually see) birth, life and usually violent end..

Point four. This account usually takes one of two forms, either its easily looked up on the Internet or you cant find records of the person they are waffling on about.

..then everyone goes home and looks at their photos that they took on the night.

Which brings me nicely to 'Orbs'

Im not even going to try to explain, Ill just let you look at the false positives section at www.sypr.co.uk and let you make your own mind up, but just for your information - I took all the photos on there, so Im either right when I say they are caused by natural means, or Im in control of the spirits.. which Im not..

And anyway, orbs can be another rant for another day... :-)

Op-ed column: Story on UFO watcher raised some disturbing questions http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/jul/20/op-ed-column-story-ufo-watcher-raised-some-disturb/

History Channel's 'UFO Hunters' visit Phoenix http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=7eab7539-d312-4678-8eca-471d8f5fd90c&rss=704

US boffin offers anti-alien hats to Welsh UFO buffs http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/07/20/us-boffin-offers-anti-alien-hats-to-welsh-ufo-buffs-91466-21371053/

Guided UFO dangers http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/169/story/375968.html

Louisville, KY Haunted Waverly Hills Gets National Attention from Paranormal Groups http://www.pr.com/press-release/95815

Big cat sighting on A417 http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/latestnews/Big-cat-sighting-A417/article-224848-detail/article.html

Earthly explanations for UFOs? I doubt it. http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=89&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=4207&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2350&hn=famagusta-gazette&he=.com

BITC  Registered South Yorkshire Paranormal Research stand alone as leaders in the field in their area.

Based in South Yorkshire UK, The SYPR team were formed by members disillusioned by the false information fed to the public by the media. Promising to research, investigate and learn correctly the team has evolved into the area's foremost research and investigation organisation regarding the paranormal.

SYPR are at the forefront of modern paranormal research and investigation, new ideas, techniques and the involvement in the Manchester Association of Paranormal Investigation and Trainings BITC course, leaves SYPR standing alone in the field of paranormal investigation in the South Yorkshire area.We welcome other investigation groups and offer our services and skills wherever they may be needed in a bid to promote inter-group co-operation.

 What We Do.

SYPR actively investigate, research and log reports of paranormal phenomena of all types including:

UFOLOGY: Crop Circle Phenomena. Alien Abduction & Interactions. UFO Sightings. Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence etc.

PROFOUND HUMAN EXPERIENCES: Time Slips & Missing Time. Spontaneous Human Combustion. Out of Body Experiences.  Near Death Experiences etc.

GENERAL PARANORMAL: Hauntings. Poltergeist Infestations etc.

PSI: Extra-Sensory Perception. Parapsychology & Psychology. Telepyrogenics & Thoughtography etc.

OCCULT: Demonology and Occult studies. Witchcraft, Magic and Magik. Supernatural etc.

CRYPTOZOOLOGY: British Big Cats, Out of Place Animals etc.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES: Government Conspiracies. Secret Experiments & Facilities etc.

FOLKLORE: Urban Myths. Gentry Encounters etc.

 SYPR FACTS.

SYPR are not a medium-led group.We believe that paranormal phenomena cannot be influenced or induced by any means, preferring instead to monitor occurences where we can.

SYPR are not a for entertainment group. We operate a strict 'No Ouija' policy as we feel that the use of such tools is an 'unknown quantity' and hard evidence cannot be established from such undertakings. We are a serious research group, and only use proven scientific methods to gain information during investigations.

SYPR also do not subscribe to paranormal poetic license. We only present what evidence we have to you, we do not ever claim that our evidence proves paranormal phenomena, we leave that for you to decide.

SYPR are a non-profit organisation. We do not charge membership fees, or fees for our services.

 If you require more information, or are interested in becoming a team member, or would like your property researched and investigated by SYPR, you can contact us by email or our contact number on the contacts page at www.sypr.co.uk

• Being Healthy
• Staying Safe
• Enjoying and Achieving – in and out of school
• Making a Positive Contribution
• Achieving Economic Well-Being.

You can apply for revenue and equipment costs, including project or activity costs, and day-to-day running costs.

You can apply for:

• Small grants – Up to £2,500 (for one off activities or trips & short term projects)
• Big grants - £2,500 - £5000 (For long term projects which must run for at least 1 month and cannot be a one-off activity).

Groups cannot have more than one YOF application in any round and a group must consist of at least 4 members. However big grants will also be assessed on the number of young people benefiting. The panel is willing to look at bids with less than 4 group members in special circumstances.

The fund will not cover the following:

• Staffing costs if the work or project is required within an existing worker’s contract
• Additional payment for staffing projects if you are already a paid worker for any organisation, only for outside facilitators to deliver the sessions in the project such as specialist tutors.

Page 7 of the guidelines show details of which of 9 areas each district of Barnsley falls into. Area 1, which covers Athersley North, Athersley South, Royston, New Lodge, Carlton, Monk Bretton and Lundwood, has reached its grant allocation but money is still available for other areas.

The final deadline is noon on 15 August 2008. All grant money must be spent by 1 March 2009.

More information on the fund is available in the guidelines and on the application form.

The inaugural general meeting of the group was held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday evening, 8^th July 2008. I was asked to attend on behalf of BFBB. After the election of the various officers I gave a brief overview of banding in general and the work of BFBB in particular. BFBB was then asked to perform the duties of group secretariat, to which I readily agreed. Meetings will be held at the Houses of Parliament twice a year. It will be a wonderful platform to air the views and discuss the issues that matter to the brass band sector.

This is an opportunity to be grabbed by brass bands, when the list is published, take a look at it and if your MP isn’t on it, write a letter urging him or her to join the group. This group will be able to influence decisions taken in parliament that will affect the future of all British brass bands.

Although BFBB is a national organisation Arnold Tattersfield and I went for a meeting with Helen Ball of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. We found the meeting extremely informative and helpful. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council is one of a number of forward looking and innovative councils that have decided to support the art and culture in their area with commitment and openness by pledging time and resources to National Indicator 11 ‘Engagement in the Arts’ (NI 11).

NI 11 will be used to measure attendance at, and/or participation in, the arts at the local level. Councils that have signed up to NI 11 realise that participation in the arts, including banding, is an important part of a full and fulfilling life and provides unique personal and intrinsic benefits. It can also have a range of local impacts, including promoting health, education and well-being. Other councils that have taken up this insightful policy for local government can be found listed on this blog at the Local Authorities page.

Our discussions with Helen centred on the ways in which the council and BFBB are able to support each other. BFBB has agreed to assist the council to achieve their NI 11 targets and urges bands to talk to, and work with, their own Local Authority Arts Officer if their authority is part of the scheme. In return, the council has agreed to improve communication links and provide easy access for local bands to the Local Authority Arts Officer. They will endeavour to gain full knowledge and understanding of our sector and continuity of these new practices and links has been agreed to. Further to this, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council will assist bands with applications to ACE Yorkshire for funding. The council is also going to assist BFBB to contact other local authorities through the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers and BFBB is considering using its experience with the council as a model for future partnerships with other local authorities.

To ensure there is progressive interactions and healthy collaboration between BFBB and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, quarterly meetings are going to take place.

Note: All ties will be played on the weekend of the 11th August 2008
 


Round 1 Carling Cup Draw:

Preston North End vs. Chesterfield
Chester City vs. Leeds United
Leicester City vs. Stockport County
Sheffield United vs. Port Vale
Grimsby Town vs. Tranmere Rovers
Crewe Alexandra vs. Barnsley
Hartlepool United vs. Scunthorpe United
Derby County vs. Lincoln City
Notts County vs. Doncaster Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Rotherham United
Shrewsbury Town vs. Carlisle United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Accrington Stanley
Bury vs. Burnley
Rochdale vs. Oldham Athletic
Nottingham Forest vs. Morecambe
Huddersfield Town vs. Bradford City
Macclesfield Town vs. Blackpool
Walsall vs. Darlington
Coventry City vs. Aldershot Town
Milton Keynes Dons vs. Norwich City
Wycombe Wanderers vs. Birmingham City
Brighton vs. Barnet
Gillingham vs. Colchester United
Southend vs. Cheltenham Town
Swansea City vs. Brentford
Luton Town vs. Plymouth Argyle
Exeter City vs. Southampton
Watford vs. Bristol Rovers
Bournemouth vs. Cardiff City
Bristol City vs. Peterborough United
Charlton Athletic vs. Yeovil Town
Millwall vs. Northampton Town
Swindon Town vs. Queens Park Rangers
Crystal Palace vs. Hereford United
Dagenham and Redbridge vs. Reading
Ipswich Town vs. Leyton Orient

Adding an extra dimension to it all, however, was a spoonbill, which landed on the reserve half way through the first walk, just in time for me to take our group to see it! It then handily stayed in the same place all day, and I must have shown it to about 40 people throughout the day. It was for me a life tick, and for once I was in exactly the right place at the right time for a rarity.

I also picked up two year ticks - reed warblers were chattering away in the undergrowth, only showing the tiniest glimpse, and a few common terns were on the reserve, often engaging in aerial dogfights with black-headed gulls. But, of course, the spoonbill wins today!

A home FA Cup third round tie followed against Bury, and despite creating several gilt-edged chances City were grateful for Gary Doherty's 80th minute equaliser to earn a replay up at Gigg Lane.

A fourth win in five games was secured against Sheffield United. Evans made it two in two for the Welshman but there was a huge let-off for City when Matthew Kilgallon's last minute header was ruled-out for offside.

A week later a fine comeback earnt the Canaries a 3-1 win against Barnsley at Oakwell. Martin Devaney gave the Tykes the lead heading into second half before goals from Ched Evans, Mark Fotheringham and Dion Dublin gave City a well-deserved away win.

Next up was the FA Cup replay against Bury, and the less said about that the better. Let's just say we got it out of the way to concentrate on the league.

Leicester were the next visitors to Carrow Road, and the biggest crowd of the season had to settle for a goalless draw, as the Yellows once again spurned chances, and January was rounded-off with a hard fought (and extremely fortunate) 1-0 win at St Marys against Southampton.

Monthly Stats

Games played - 6.

Won - 2.

Lost - 1.

Drawn - 3.

Goals Scored - 7.

Goals Conceded - 5.

Win % - 33%.

Position after last league game - 16th.

Monthly verdict

Onwards and upwards, undefeated in the league, January was a successful month.

Check back tomorrow for the review of February, featuring Preston, Cardiff, Hull, Leicester and Barnsley...

Grant arrived at Chelsea last summer from Premier League rivals Portsmouth as director of football, a move which did not please then Blues boss Jose Mourinho. After an indifferent start to the season, the popular and media pleasing Mourinho was axed after a 1-1 home draw with Rosenborg in the Champions League, and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy placed Grant in charge.

It was a decision which didn't go down well with the fans as, not only did they adore Mourinho, the self styled "special one" who brought the club 2 league titles, they were rightly concerned at Grant's limited managerial experience.

His first game was a daunting trip to Old Trafford and a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United wasn't the perfect start, though they weren't helped by the red card issued to midfielder Jon-Obi Mikel. After that though, Chelsea embarked on a 16 game unbeaten run which saw them through to the last 16 of the Champions League, quarter final of the Carling Cup and back up the Premier League table.

Although his public demeanour was perhaps duller than Mourinho's was, he set Chelsea out to play in a more attacking sense than Mourinho did, who focused on a solid defence. This was evident in a 6-0 drubbing of Manchester City, who were then flying in 3rd place, and the 3-2 defeat of Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League semi final. Added to that thrilling 4-4 draws with Aston Villa and Tottenham then the entertainment value was there. Certainly more so for a neutral than what Mourinho's sides produced.

But, ultimately, Mourinho's teams won trophies, which is where the Israeli failed. He came in for fierce criticism following the Carling Cup final loss to Tottenham, who dominated Chelsea for long periods. Then his team suffered the embarassment of FA Cup defeat at Barnsley, who had also shocked Liverpool.

Crucial dropped points in draws at home to the likes of Wigan and Everton, where Chelsea lost very late goals, ultimately cost them the title but from a seemingly impossible position which I stated after that Wigan game, they defeated Manchester United and took the title race down to the last day and marched to their first Champions League final. But Chelsea missed out on both, leaving them with nothing to show for their efforts.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck said in the aftermath of Grant's departure: "We have very high expectations at Chelsea and a couple of second place finishes is just not good enough for us.

"So although it was an excellent season, we are still disappointed."

Now, of course they are entitled to be disappointed. However, this is where football as we know it is going down the swanny in front of us. Chelsea before Roman Abramovich took over were a decent side. Regular qualifiers for Europe, winning the occasional trophy. But since the Russian has invested an obscene amount, they demand instant success. They have had some, but even reaching the final of Europe's elite tournament and almost snatching the title from the dead isn't good enough.

I felt its been a great season for Chelsea in the main and they were unlucky to end empty handed, especially in Moscow. Grant was given a near impossible task in trying to emulate the success of Mourinho, and I feel his sacking is premature and harsh after his achievements this season. He at least deserved to put his own stamp on them and take them into next season.

The foreign owners taking over at Premier League clubs and demanding success instantly is a problem. They don't know too much about the game it seems to me, they'll just think they can throw money at it and they'll get what they want. Thaskin Shinawatra at Manchester City, threating to sack Sven-Goran Eriksson after his first season there, where they finished a very creditable 9th, is another case in point. It's absolutely ridiculous.

I've said it before and will do again. Manchester United and Arsenal didn't achieve the success they have by hiring and firing all the time. Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge of United since 1986, and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal since 1996. Sure, they have gone through trophyless seasons but the United and Arsenal boardrooms know what great managers they are and always have faith in them.

If the Chelsea board had done that, then perhaps Grant could've delivered trophies next term. 8 months is not time enough to judge, and certainly not given he led Chelsea to their first Champions League final, ultimately decided on a lottery. Even axing Mourinho, after the success he'd brought was ridiculous simply because they'd had a sticky start to the season.

I feel he can leave with his head held high. The question for Chelsea is, who next? Frank Rijkaard seems to be the bookies choice, but we shall have to wait and see what happens.

Yesterday's FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City had been dismissed in some quarters as "dull", or "boring" in the pre-match build up. Clearly, they would have loved another installment of last year's thriller between Chelsea and Manchester United. A game which, apart from Chelsea and Aston Villa in 2000, is the worst FA Cup final I have ever seen since starting to watch England's showpiece from Everton's 1995 win.

Obviously, the lack of a so-called 'big gun' in the final meant it didn't mean as much. Not worthy of an FA Cup final. Well, Portsmouth and Cardiff conspired to rip that opinion to shreds, an opinion I have always said would be nonsense.

As this year's FA Cup has been one of the most exciting and breathtaking tournaments in its illustrious history. We've had stunning stories, like Havant and Waterlooville, glorious shocks in the shape of Barnsley conquering Liverpool and Chelsea, and a final between two teams who had only harboured dreams of making it this far.

In one corner, Premiership Pompey were firm favourites. Harry Redknapp had steered them to 8th in the top flight, and possessed a host of big names. Having seen off Manchester United at Old Trafford in the quarter final, the pressure was on them to deliver.

But in the other corner, Championship Cardiff were not there to make up the numbers. A respectable if failed campaign to make the play offs, the Bluebirds road to Wembley contained only one real shock, the defeat of Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. But Dave Jones' team knew they stood a great chance of taking the trophy out of England for the second time.

And they gave as good as they got. They started well, with Paul Parry having the game's first chance after 12 minutes but his effort was blocked by Pompey's rejuvenated goalkeeper David James. But Portsmouth then began to assert themselves and Kanu somehow contrived to hit the post after rounding goalkeeper Peter Enckleman with the goal gaping.

But he and his team were not to be denied and a howler from Enckleman gifted them the lead. A cross ball in from John Uktaka could only be palmed by the Fin to the feet of Kanu and he gleefully tapped home.

Cardiff responded and had a goal disallowed on the stroke of half time for handball from defender Glenn Loovens after James completely missed a cross ball.

The second period saw both teams go at it but lacked a creative spark to pave a way to goal, particularly Jones' side. In the last 10 minutes though, they charged towards the Portsmouth goal and bombarded their backline with set plays, and Loovens again went close with a header. But with Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin in tremendous form in the middle of defence, Portsmouth held on to win their first FA Cup in 69 long years and Redknapp won his first trophy in a managerial career spanning 25.

It sparked delirious scenes from Pompey at full time, from fans and players, but it was dejection for the heroes of the principality, knowing they may never get a better chance to win the FA Cup. Manager Jones proclaimed that Cardiff had done "everyone proud and made teams think they can achieve the impossible." They had achieved the impossible by being there in the first place, and while nobody likes to lose finals, Cardiff will look back and reflect on a fabulous run which has done wonders for the city and Wales. The way is up for them, with a new stadium on the horizon. Who knows, they may yet become regulars down Wembley Way.

For the winners, sheer joy and a brilliant moment for Redknapp. Over two spells, he's transformed Portsmouth from relegation battlers in the Championship to FA Cup winners. He and his team will be revered forevermore on the south coast and Portsmouth have arrived as a major force. Its a day that will live with every Pompey, and I daresay Cardiff, fan forever and it was a day which encapsulated the tournament this year.

The magic of the FA Cup is back. Long may it continue.

İngiltere’nin en prestijli kupalarından Federasyon kupasında bu sezon bir çok süpriz yaşandı. Son dört takım arasına sadece bir tek Premier Lig ekibi girebilirken, diğer takımlar ise Premier Ligin bir alt ligi olan Championship’tendi.

Yarı final karşılaşmalarından galip gelen iki takımdan biri West Bromwich Albion’ı eleyen Premier Lig ekibi Portsmouth, diğeri de Liverpool ve Chelsea’yi eleyip büyük bir sürprize imza atan Barnsley takımını eleyen Cardiff City oldu.

Geçtiğimiz yıl Federasyon kupası finalini Manchester United ve Chelsea’nin oynamasının ardından bu seneki final, futbol açısından biraz sönük geçecek gibi görünüyor. Ancak bu yılki final de farklı yönleriyle öne çıkıyor.

Daha önce 1927 yılında kupayı kazabilen Cardiff’in, 81 yıl sonra finale çıkması taraftarlar arasında büyük bir sevince yol açsa da, İngiltere Futbol Federasyonu ve UEFA’yı çok farklı tartışmalara itti.

Kurallara göre kupayı kazanan takım gelecek sezon doğrudan UEFA kupası’nda oynama hakkını kazanıyor. Kupayı kazanamayan takım ise eğer kupayı kazanan takım Premier Lig’de bulunduğu sıralama sayesinde UEFA Kupasına katılmaya hak kazanmışsa, geçtiğimiz sezon Erciyesspor’da olduğu gibi kupaya katılma hakkını elde ediyor.

Kupayı kazanmaları durumunda Avrupa kupalarında oynamayı hak eden takım, Galler takımı olduğu için bu iki hakka da sahip olamıyor. Çünkü Galler takımları ancak kendi şampiyonalarında başarı elde etmeleri halinde Avrupa kupalarında mücadele etmeye hak kazanabiliyor. İngiltere Futbol Federasyonu’na kayıtlı olan Cardiff, UEFA Kupasında oynayabilmek için çoktan harekete geçip itirazlarını Federasyon’a ve UEFA’ya iletti.

İngiliz Federasyonu’ndan olumlu yanıt alan Kulüp, gelecek sezon Avrupa kupalarına katılabilme konusunda ümitli. Emsal oluşturan örnekleri ise çok tanıdık. Monako Prensliği’nin takımı olan Monaco Kulübü yıllardır Fransa Ligi’nden Avrupa kupalarına katılıp başarılar kazanıyor.

İngiliz Futbol Federasyonu UEFA kupalarında oynayabilme hakkını Cardiff’e verirken bunun karşılığında seremonide Galler milli marşının çalınması konusunda baskı yapmamasını istiyor. Galler Spor Bakanı Rhodri Glyn Futbol Federasyonu’nun kendi milli marşlarını çalmasını istese de Cardiff Teknik Direktörü, bu kupanın finalinde Wembley Stadyumu’nda olma onurunun yeterli olduğunu düşünüyor.

Cardiff City takımının UEFA Kupası’na katılması konusundaki kararını önümüzdeki günlerde verecek olan UEFA yetkilileri, Cardiff’in Federasyon Kupası’nı kazanmasına rağmen Avrupa kupalarına katılamamasının çok üzücü olacağını düşünüyor. Yani UEFA Başkanı Michel Platini de Cardiff City takımından yana…

Taraftar forumlarında ise konu farklı açılardan değerlendiriliyor. İngiliz taraftarlar Galler’in bir takımının Avrupa kupalarında bir İngiliz takımının yerini alıp İngiltere’yi temsil edecek olmasını kabul etmiyorlar. Galler’in bir takımına kendi liginde yer veren İngilizlerin böyle bir ihtimali hesaplamadığı da buradan anlaşılıyor.

Futbolun beşiği İngiltere’nin Futbol Federasyonu bu konuda biraz çuvallamış gibi görünüyor. Tek maçlı eleme sisteminin sürprizler yaratması için uygulandığı açık. Ama bu kadar da sürpriz olabileceğini kim bilebilirdi ki?

17 Mayıs’ta oynanacak finalde Cardiff’in kupayı alması durumunda futbol ve federasyonlar bundan nasıl etkilenecek izleyip göreceğiz.

I usually look forward to the last home game of the season. I enjoy the awarding of the Player of the Season (although if anyone other than Dion wins it this year I think I might try and start a riot) and, more often than not, I like the lap of "honour" the players do at the end.

This year it is a little different though. It's going to be a emotional day whatever happens because of it being Dion's last game at Carrow Road and possibly Huck's as well (incidentally you can still vote in the poll on whether or not you think he should stay), and I'll be trying to control my nerves in order to make sure we make it a great atmosphere against QPR.

A City win would make everyone a lot more comfortable, but what are the possible scenarios heading into what is now the biggest game of the season?

The Dream Scenario

In an ideal world we would beat QPR, Coventry would lose to Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday would win against Leicester, Plymouth would beat Blackpool and Southampton would lose at West Brom.

That would leave the bottom of the table looking this this:

• 16th Norwich (55pts).
• 17th Blackpool (53pts).
• 18th Sheff Wed (52pts).
• 19th Coventry (52pts).
• 20th Barnsley (52pts)
• 21st Leicester (51pts).
• 22nd Southampton (50pts).

We would be safe, but any of the other six teams in the relegation scrap could potentially still go down. That'd do for me.

The Nightmare Scenario

The worst-case scenario would see Barnsley win against Charlton, Coventry would beat Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday would lose at Leicester, Blackpool would beat Plymouth and Southampton would shock West Brom at the Hawthorns, leaving the bottom of the table looking like this:

• 17th Coventry (55pts).
• 18th Barnsley (55pts).
• 19th Leicester (54pts).
• 20th Southampton (53pts).
• 21st Norwich (52pts).
• 22nd Sheff Wed (49pts).

This would effectively make the Sheffield Wednesday game a play-off, where a defeat would take us down courtesy of our poorer goal difference. I'm sure none of us want everything to come down to that game, but at least our destiny would still be in our own hands.

The Most Likely Scenario

Just like last week, the reality will probably be somewhere in between the two. I'd still back us to beat QPR, I think Barnsley will beat Charlton, Wolves will win at Coventry, Leicester and Wednesday will draw, Blackpool will lose at Plymouth and West Brom will beat Southampton.

That would leave the bottom of the table looking like this:

• 16th Norwich (55pts).
• 17th Barnsley (55pts).
• 18th Blackpool (53pts).
• 19th Leicester (52pts).
• 20th Coventry (52pts).
• 21st Sheff Wed (50pts).
• 22nd Southampton (50pts).

The outcome is pretty similar to the "Dream Scenario", except Barnsley are now safe as well. Even if we draw against QPR in this situation we would be pretty much safe given Southampton's poorer goal difference, but I'd still feel a lot more comfortable knowing that we secured the three points.

How do you see it going?