Experiencing San Fermin

This time last year I had just returned from an incredible experience inter-railing around Europe for five weeks with my twin brother, Tom.

By far the best experience of that trip was San Fermin in Pamplona, a usually small and tranquil town in northern Spain.

The festival is perhaps most famous for the running of the bulls and after deciding just two days before to head north west from

Barcelona to Pamplona on our trip we had already somewhat naively decided to do the run.

With no place to stay and a sleepless night in the local park our only proposed option we got lucky, very lucky.

On a rare call home a family member said they had a friend in Pamplona and through the wonders of Facebook we were able to make contact and result! we had a place to stay.

With a maximum of 26 hours to experience the fiesta before we had to catch a train to Bordeaux and fly home we got stuck in straight away changing into the full San Fermin gear: plain white clothing, red scarf and a red neckerchief.

Throughout our trip we met mostly Australians and Americans who were of course boasting that they were planning to run with the bulls.

But the mood changed when we got to Pamplona and spoke to the locals. With the red wine flowing we were optimistic of our chances of running but were becoming increasingly worried by how many of the locals were telling us not to do it!

So at 2am after a great night partying it was time to head back to our adopted house for the night. Hitting the hay about half an hour later we were both concerned whether we would be in a fit state to run but left it to 'we'll see how we feel in the morning.'

The alarm went off at 6.30am and up we got nervously re-applying our wine soaked kit and headed off in the hope of finding the start.

The Run

Unsurprisingly not feeling our sharpest and already running late we made our way through the spectators and onto the 'track'. We decided to head towards the end and nearer the bull ring as we didn't fancy our chances to outrun the bulls for the full 800m.

We past the reassuringly named 'deadman's corner' on our way to our desired stop half-way up Estafa Street, noticing the boarded up bars we had been in just hours ago. While realising we weren't in the best shape we thought as 19-year-old young men our condition wasn't too bad. However seeing the experienced locals stretching and warming up was somewhat unnerving.

Something else that caught our eye was them holding rolled up newspapers that we soon found out were used as a barrier between themselves and the bulls. So... we were slightly hungover, untrained and unprepared - time to get the game face on.

Without sounding selfish the run is something you have to do only thinking of yourself - running alongside and keeping an eye out for Tom was not an option.

When the cracker goes off your initially instinct, like many others, is to start running but that would be jumping the gun so to speak. I realised from the disapproving elite runners that this was wrong and as an over eager amateur I had to wait for the raging bulls to get closer!

After settling myself down I was off again, another false start!

So what gave me my second false start? The sound of the bulls smashing into the side of round deadman's corner. I slowed gently before thinking perhaps a false start wasn't such a bad idea and got back into my stride. I kept looking over my shoulder as well as making sure no one got in my way or tripped me up and was pretty disappointed that I couldn't see any bulls... but then I heard the bells.

I looked to my right and there they were, six raging stampeding bulls with piercing horns within two metres of me and I'm not ashamed to say that I bottled it - diving to my left behind the temporary fencing. As I regathered myself I noticed that I was yards from the entrance at gate 15. After double checking over my right shoulder I made my way into the bull ring.

One last sprint to plunge over the side of the arena in a mad dash as a few stray bulls came through ended the run for me with a mixture of feeling relieved, excited and still a fair amount of fear.

What about Tom! As I watched the young bulls come out into the ring to play with the remainder of people I opted to sit it out. As time went by and I witnessed someone being spun in the air before knocking himself out on his landed and with no way of contact I began to worry about the whereabouts of my younger brother - by all of eight minutes.

But fortunately he had spotted me from the other side of the arena and came beaming over shouting “We've done it!”

Morally right or wrong?

The bull running is a controversial topic throughout the World and for me the decision to run was all about the thrill and adrenaline. I have always wondered what it would feel like to run fearing for your life and as these bulls can easily kill and have proved so in recent years this was my opportunity. So yes my reasoning was morally wrong but it is something that as a 'crazy tourist' I won't be doing again but will be returning for the fiesta!!

BUCS Northern Conference Cup (Semi-final) UCLan 5-4 MMU Chesire

UCLan men scored a golden goal winner after coming from 3-0 down to beat MMU Cheshire 5-4 and set up a final clash against Newcastle University.

The students will travel to York to face the North East side after a gripping semi-final encounter at UCLan sports arena that saw Tom Kendall grab the winner just minutes into extra-time.

It didn't all go UCLan's way however and the Lancashire side were forced to come from behind when they found themselves 3-0 down inside the opening 20 minutes.

With the rain pouring down it looked like it was going to be a miserable day for the home side, who have scored a total of 37 goals so far in the cup and conceded just seven.

But captain Roy Dutoy produced a great piece of individual skill with ten minutes remaining of the first half. The 22-year-old rounded three defenders in the D’ before being upended by a fourth to win a penalty flick.

The responsibility to convert from the spot fell to forward Will Lasey, who has 22 goals in all competitions this year, and he didn’t disappoint lifting the ball into the roof of the net.

UCLan now had the momentum and crucially pulled another goal back just before the break through Mike Holmes, after a nicely worked short corner routine. Dutoy slipped the ball to Holmes on top of the D and with a firm push he slammed the ball past the rooted goalkeeper.

The game was back on and the fans were getting behind the home side but after a strong second half start from UCLan it was the away side that extended their lead. MMU Cheshire midfielder Dave Flanagan drove into the D before playing in Ross Green who scored past Adam Dixon in the UCLan goal with 45 minutes played.

But with 20 minutes remaining UCLan didn’t give up and head-coach Luke Wilson made a decision to change tactics. He switched left half Richard Wood into midfield with Danny Large stepping into his position at the back. A knee injury to Preet Rayat forced Sam Ross into midfield while Dutoy was pushed further forward to play alongside Lacey.

The move paid off as UCLan dominated their opponents and the revival began when the impressive Dutoy found himself free in the D’ and unleashed a stunning reverse stick effort which flew into the back of the net.

A succession of short corners, one of which saw defender Kalum Furgus in the sin-bin for barging Lacey, resulted in UCLan drawing level with just five minutes left.

Lacey received the ball at the top of the D’ and drag flicked straight between the keeper’s legs to set up a tense and nervy remaining few minutes, where both teams seemed to settle for the draw and head into golden goal extra-time.

After a highly paced and hardly fought 70 minutes, extra time was not what the players wanted. Despite coming from behind Wilson told his men that the comeback was irrelevant but to continue playing how they ended the game.

The formation was kept the same and after Jason Chan had dealt with a routine aerial, UCLan had found the winner with their first attack of extra time.

Dutoy smashed a ball in from the right which was stopped by defender Jake Metcalfe but the MMU Cheshire captain played the ball straight to Sam Ross with his clearance. Ross then found Kendall on the back post whose diving deflection was worthy of winning any game and sent UCLan into ecstasy.

UCLan will now travel to a neutral venue in York to face Newcastle University on Wednesday 23rd March for a chance of lifting the North Conference Cup.

Photo: (from top left, clockwise) Tom Dutoy, Preet Rayat, Richard Wood, Danny Large, Adam Dixon, Liam Sharp, Jason Chan, Daniel Jones, Luke Wilson (coach), Will Lasey, Sam Ross, John Edwards, Tom Kendall and Sam Goudie.

Dougie Freedman among best young managers

Dougie Freedman's reign as Crystal Palace manager has seen the Scot experience all possible results three times. He has won three games, one as caretaker boss, drawn three and lost three, two of which were away at Coventry City in the League and FA Cup.

There is no doubt that Freedman was going to be a popular manager at Selhurst Park but some did question his ability as a manager when he took over. In my opinion he will grow to become one of the best young managers in the football league.

So why not have a look at some of the other young managers that have done well and also those that have struggled in the Football League?

1.) Karl Robinson (MK Dons): Robinson is currently the youngest manager in the football league, aged just 30-years-old, and is perhaps Freedman's closest rival. He has spent most of his playing career in the non-leagues but took over at the Dons following the resignation of Paul Ince and has made a modest start to the 2010/2011 campaign with his side currently lying in 12th place. He is also the youngest manager to acquire a UEFA pro license when he was 29-years-old.

2.) Paul Ince (Notts County): The former Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan midfielder despite being just 43-years-old has already managed four different clubs. His

management career began where his playing one ended; Macclesfield Town. After signing as player-manager two days after his 39th birthday injury forced him to fully concentrate on football management. He successfully secured Macclesfield's safety after joining the Silkmen when they were nine points adrift of their nearest rivals at the foot of League Two.

Ince then moved to MK Dons in June 2007 where his guidance saw them crowned champions of League Two as well as lift the Jonstone's Paint Trophy. Ince was seriously considered as the one of the best young English manager's out there and after rumours of Premier League interest he quickly moved onto manage Blackburn Rovers. Perhaps the move was too quick as he struggled and was ultimately sacked in December 2008 after only being appointed in June of the same year. He made a swift return to MK Dons for the start of the 2009/10 season but only lasted a year before joining current club Notts County in October 2010.

3.) Chris Brass: The 35-year-old is an example of someone that hasn't made the transition from player to coach at the same club very well. As a player Brass spent the majority of his career at Burnley (134 apps) and York City (152 apps). It was at York where he was in-trusted with the duty of management after being installed as player-manager in May 2003. Despite starting the campaign well the Minstermen lost their final 20 league games and were subsequently relegated to the Conference - hardly the ideal start for an aspiring young manager. He is now assistant manager at Bury.

4.) Aidy Boothroyd (Coventry City): After spells as youth coach and reserve team coach

elsewhere Boothroyd was appointed manager of Watford when he was just 34-years-old. He became one of the most respected

young managers after he guided Watford to safety and then re-established the Hornets as a Premier League team in that dreadful 3-0 home defeat at Selhurst Park in the first leg of the play-offs. Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League the next season they reached the FA Cup semi-final. Following relegation and failure to secure an immediate return to the top flight Boothroyd left by mutual consent. He went on to manager Colchester before being appointed as Coventry boss last May replacing former Eagle Chris Coleman and has so far been a thorn in Freedman's quest for management glory.

5.) Paul Dickov (Oldham Athletic): The former Manchester City forward has taken to management well since he took charge at Oldham as player manager. The 38-year-old has made some controversial decisions during his short tenur at the Lancashire club including letting go player of the year and club captain Sean Gregan as well as top goalscorer Pawel Abbott. Dickov seems to have been a big hit with the Latics fans and it looks as

though he is making the transition into management from a player with ease.

6. (With a twist) Michael Knighton (Carlisle United): The former Machester United and Carlisle chairman decided to take charge of the Blue Army himself in 1997 when he was 46-years-old and sacked popular manager Mervyn Day who had just guided Carlisle to promotion into Division Two. Unsurprisingly he failed and Carlisle were relegated to Division Three and Knighton who once claimed to have seen a UFO later stepped down and the fans formed the 'United Trust' against his ownership. He eventually left the club in 2002.

This is just a list of some others you could include: Eddie Howe (Burnley), Keith Hill (Rochdale), Simon Grayson (Leeds United) and Nigel Pearson (Hull City).

Missed anyone you think is among the best young managers around?

Eddie Howe favourite for Crystal Palace manager's job

Why get Eddie Howe when we have our own howegenius waiting in the wings

Eddie Howe has emerged as the front runner for the Crystal Palace manager's job but why when we have our own equivalent more than keen to take on the role in Dougie Freedman.

If you look at how Howe got involved at Dean Court it is fairly similar to Freedman at Palace. Howe joined the coaching set up at Bournemouth in 2006 when he was 29-years-old as player-coach by then manager Kevin Bond. He then progressively

worked his way up to manager in 2008 after being youth team coach and caretaker manager.

As a player Howe played over 200 times for the Cherries, Freedman made over 300 for Palace, before he was forced to retire early after failing to recover form a knee injury. And as a manager Howe's record since taking the reigns is exceptionable especially with all the difficulties surrounding the club when he took charge.

There is no doubt in my mind that Howe will do well in South London if appointed but I just feel it will be a missed opportunity with Freedman. One thing stalling Steve Parish and the rest of the board in committing to Freedman is his lack of experience - well he didn't display any signs of that in the 1-0 home victory over Preston.

For me his lack of experience is not an issue - look what he went through as assistant with Paul Hart last year and George Burley this season he must have already learnt an invaluable amount.

Instead of pinching Howe from Bournemouth we should look at the way they built the club with him. They are so proud of what they have achieved under one of the youngest managers in the football league. I truly believe that is something we can have under Freedman and maybe even better.

Personally I naively feel we are in no threat of being relegated this season and that is why I think it is a great time to build a team that we can be proud of and one that would flourish under a clever, young and ambitious manager.

Who is in line to be the next Crystal Palace manager?

With nearly a year on since Niel Warnock left Selhurst Park the Eagles are once again searching for a new manager - what will be their third since Warnock's departure. Apparently 20 managers with Premier League or Championship experience have applied, so who are the likely candidates?

Chris Hughton: Hughton has been tipped as the favourite to be the next manager of the Eagles by some of the national papers over the weekend despite Chairman Steve Parish denying ever speaking to the former Newcastle boss and insisting his appearance at the 3-0 defeat to

Millwall on New Years Day was a coincidence. While Hughton eased his Newcastle side back into the Premier League last season at the first time of asking and was harshly dismissed by Toon chairman Mike Ashley I feel Hughton is not the man Palace need. He came away from the Newcastle job with a great deal of credit from fans and the players but to me questions still linger over his managerial capabilities. The Newcastle team that got promoted last season had the likes of Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith - all top flight players.

Steve Coppell: The Daily Mirror described Coppell as a shock contender for the role.

Why he is a shock contender I am struggling to work out, he would in many Palace fans eyes be the ideal man to replace Burley but there are worries whether he wants to manage again after his spell at Bristol City. Coppell is a true Palace legend and some thought he may take the reins last year after the departure of Warnock and now the club is stable with the January transfer window just opened it may be an even more appealing position. Others have suggested that Coppell could come in as a Director of Football role offering support to CPFC 2010 and the manager. What is certain at the minute surrounding Coppell is that Parish is going to talk to him about the role whether he sees him fit in or who is the ideal candidate is his mind.

Dougie Freedman: The current caretaker manager and Palace legend had the fans singing his name in Monday's crucial 1-0 home victory over fellow strugglers Preston North End. Concerns surrounding Freedman is his lack of experience but Parish has admitted that the result against Preston has left him with a dilemna. The former Palace frontman made some tough decisions in that game that perhaps showed he is not all that inexperienced at the helm of the dugout. He firstly bought on Kieran Cadogan for Stuart O'Keefe who went on to set up Steffen Iversen's debut goal. He then replaced the Norwegian forward for Calvin Andrew and subbed Wilfred Zaha for David Wright adopting a defensive system for the

remaining ten minutes.

Chris Coleman: Former Eagle Coleman was voted in Palace's centenary XI and is likely to

have put his name forward for the job. He has experience with Premier League side Fulham and Championship side Coventry as well as time abroad in Spain with Real Sociedad. He did well as Fulham manager with not a great squad especially after loosing Edwin van der Sar, Louis Saha, Steed Malbranque and Luis Boa Morte. After spending a year and a half at the Ricoh Arena he failed to really push them on as a club finishing last season just above the relegation zone in 19th place before being sacked.

Gareth Southgate: Another former Palace player that will be keen to get back into management since his departure from Middlesbrough. He will be eager to prove himself after a poor record at the Riverside but may pose something of a risk in my opinion. Didn't do much at Borough to convince many he is a decent manager and may need some time elsewhere to prove himself before his chance at Selhurst.

Possible Premier League managers that may have put their name forward may include Sam Allardyce, Paul Jewell, Alan Curbishley, Martin O'Neil or Phil Brown.

Whoever CPFC 2010 chose to replace Burley they must not rush into the decision despite the january transfer window being open and keep the faith with Dougie to do the job until a successor is found. For me the answer is to keep the young combination of Dean Austin and Freedman and install Coppell as Director of Football to guide them. They need to get someone in for the long term which they thought Burley was and if they are to look elsewhere from the Palace foundations then Alan Curbishley is one man who would fit the bill well.

Steffen Iversen scores on debut for Crystal Palace

Burley's parting present will prove a big hit for Palace

The signing of former Spurs legend Steffen Iversen was viewed by some football fans across the country as another attempt by Crystal Palace to gain extra attention and was compared to the Davids deal as a PR stunt.

Well whether a PR stunt or not Iverson will prove to be one of our best assets over the coming months. In the warm-up he looked very sharp and during the game he was faultless winning

flick-ons and showed some nice touches. The only thing lacking was the inability of the Palace players to be

on the same wavelength as the Norwegian but that is no surprise after the 34-year-old was only cleared to play the morning of the game.

Another exciting prospect will be the return of Darren Ambrose to the line up who will hopefully provide the crosses for Iversen who at times looked frustrated with the lack of quality service he perhaps remembered seven years ago when he last played in England.

While some of Burley's signings during his five-month stint as manager at Selhurst have not lived up to their expectations it seems that the Scot has left with a belated Christmas present and parting gift that in my opinion will fire the Eagles up the table.

Interview: Daniel Sliwinski (Commonwealth Games 2010)

Bronze medallist Daniel Sliwinski talks about his frustration at his first Commonwealth accolade, “Delhi belly” and how he once contemplated quitting swimming altogether.

As Sliwinski strides out to the blocks at the Commonwealth Games the first thing that strikes you is his sheer size, not forgetting he his among other swimmers who aren’t exactly tarnished with the reputation of being small and fragile. But for someone that towers 6ft5ins over the pool it is refreshing how firmly his feet are secured on the ground.

The 20-year-old from Penwortham lined up alongside Liam Tancock, Antony James and Simon Burnett to claim bronze in the 4x100m medlay relay. But winning bronzeat his first international senior meet wasn't good enough for a young man who at just 18-years-old beat Duncan Goodhew’s Olympic gold medal winning time at Moscow in 1980 to smash the British youth and World youth record.

On his first senior podium triumph Sliwinski blamed an incredibly unlucky injury plagued season, he said: "It was good but frustrating because I had an injury corrupted season and I reckon we could have pushed for gold.

“For me that medal wasn't a medal for the race but a medal for getting through the season. To get through one broken wrist is one thing but to have two within six months is mentallypretty challenging.

Photo (right) by TVPAV.com [All Rights Reserved]

"I would have liked to have gone a little bit faster but that's always going to be the case. I'm happy I came away with the experience; I suppose it's quite rare that you go to your first senior meet and come back with a medal. I've got a few extra points in the bag ahead of the Worlds next year and the Olympics in 2012."

Individually Sliwinski was slightly off the pace in the 50m and 100m breaststroke finishing sixth and eighth respectively. But once again was forced to battle against the elements after the curry-lover was struck down with Delhi belly.

With others moaning about the conditions in Delhi Sliwinski just got on with it and while admitting it 'wasn't a painful' experience he can't honestly say how much it affected his performance.

He said: "I don't think you can go to India and say you've got a way that's 100% bullet proof to not get Delhi belly, you either get it or you don't. Ironically I got it when I stopped eating curry. It's draining but everyone is in the same boat so you just get on with it. It's just an inconvenience really.

“You could add in how much did it affect me in terms of would I have gone quicker if I was 100% - I don't know. I couldn't possibly answer that question.”

For many young athletes the prospect of heading out to a developing country to compete in a multi-stage sports event for the first time would be a daunting one. But the former Bolton high school student seemed to take it in his stride with ease, just as it seems he approaches life in general.

He said that the whole Commonwealth experience 'wasn't like a shock or bewildering but obviously really enjoyable.'

“It is one of the few multi-stage sports events you can go to, other than the Olympics, so you’ve just got to try and enjoy every moment."

As well as preparing himself for competition there was the added danger of the reported conditions out in Delhi. The Athletes Village was rumoured to be unsatisfactory and even snakes were found in some rooms but once again that was something that didn't trouble the 20-year-old.

"Before every event there is always some form of negative headlines. I'm pretty sure there will be some for the Olympics, where something won't be ready and then miraculously it is. I think it was something out of nothing and a third world country was an easy pick for the media."

But Sliwinski could have been watching someone else pick up his medal after nearly deciding to quit the sport that had played such a major role in his life since he was five-years-old.

Approaching 16-years-old and ready to enter adulthood Sliwinski took time out to assess his options. No-one can question how demanding a sport swimming is and not many people would blame a teenager for not wanting to wake up before sunrise to head down to West View Leisure centre to begin training.

Sliwinski had lost his love for the sport, he said: “I took a couple of months out just because I just got frustrated and didn't know whether I wanted to continue. I was stuck between two Islands.

“I had just got bored and realised it was a part of my life where I had gone through school sacrificing friends. I didn’t know whether to try and catch up with all my school friends or just carry on with all my friends from Swimming and I chose swimming.”

And once he made that choice he threw everything into his swimming seemingly adopting the saying ‘if you’re going to do something you may as well do it properly.’

He said: “Hand on heart I didn’t start putting everything into training until about four-years ago. I moved back home and started to train a bit more seriously. I got some British records and that is when I really started to knuckle down.”

With a bronze medal already under his belt at his first senior meet you would think his decision to continue swimming was justified but for Sliwinski it has not fully paid off just yet.

He said: “It's slowly paying off, I wouldn’t say it's fully paid off yet. It will pay off when I’m in my forties and I can lie in bed past four o’clock in the morning.”

CWG England Hockey: England 1 - 1 Canada

Mantell brothers angry at no video referall system in Delhi

England Hockey star siblings Richard and Simon Mantell were left ruing the absence of video technology at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi after only drawing 1-1 with Canada.

The video referall system has been used at all major tournaments since 2006 but due to a mix up with organisers and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) it has been unable to be sorted out in another embarrassing mess up for Delhi 2010 organisers. And now the Mantell brothers feel Canada’s goal, accredited to Canadian forward Ian Smythe, would have been chalked off.

A fuming Richard, who confronted umpire William Drury as soon as the goal was allowed, said: “It was particularly frustrating with some of the decisions out there. To be honest it’s a shame we haven’t got the video umpire. It came right of my stick into the goal, it didn’t touch the Canadian player in the D. They also didn’t travel 5 yards when they passed it so we could have had either decision so it shouldn’t have counted.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve played with a video umpire and it’s proved very successful. A lot of the decisions we appeal tend to be right. Hockey is a better game with the video umpire at this level it’s very fast and we would have appealed a couple of those decisions,” added the full back.

England dominated the second half proceedings but could only find the back of the net once with a reverse stick strike from Simon Mantell. They could and should have won the game but for some fine goalkeeping from Philip Wright in the Canada goal.

Simon, who plays alongside his older brother Richard for club side Reading, was also disappointed that the system is not in place and admitted it is even more frustrating when you know the system works but it is not on offer.

He said: “It’s crushing but umpires make mistakes, they’re humans and we accept that but the problem is when we do have the technology. We are use to it now, it works so well and it’s just gutting when it goes against you.

“There has been so much discussion about it over the last two years and I think Hockey as got it right compared to others sports like Football. But the fact we are at such a massive tournament and we haven’t got it just means goals like that are scored.”

But despite the absence of video technology the Berkshire based pair conceded they had enough chances to win the game with goal-scorer Simon admitting it was ‘incredibly disappointing’ to not come away with a win.

He said: “It’s nice to score, I was lucky because I didn’t get hold of the shot if I did I don’t think it would have gone in but that’s completely overshadowed by not winning the game. I think we had a lot of possession - the stats will talk for themselves in terms of possession and how much circle entry we had."

Richard added: “We had a lot of the play, a lot of ball, a lot of chances - enough corners and open play chances to win the game. Overall it’s very disappointing. We would always want to go out and beat them.”

"We had loads of corners, it’s no where near the conversion rate we expect from any of us. It's equally disappointing not to score some more goals from open play. The conditions are tough and I'd like to think we are one of the fittest team here. I think that should in the end we kept the pressure up. It just wasn’t going in,” concluded the 29-year-old.

England Men's Hockey CWG: Mantell happy to be playing again

Richard Mantell was glad to be back and playing competitve international Hockey on his return to the Major Dhayan Chand national Stadium in Delhi at the Commonwealth Games.

The England star defender horrifically broke his leg back in March at the World Cup and was forced to return home for emergency treatment but after a swift recovery he is enjoying playing on the global stage again.

He said: “It’s nice to be back out here. It’s a fantastic stadium to play in and obviously seven months after being injured it’s nice to be back so quickly, its good fun.”

Mantell, whose brother Simon scored two goals to set England on their way to victory against Trinidad and Tobago before Ashley Jackson and Alastair Brogdon rounded off a 4-0 win, was pleased with the overall performance.

He said: “It’s good to start with a win. We kind of feel we have a few more gears to go into as we go through the tournament. We would have liked to have scored a few more corners and popped a few more goals in opening play. But all in all a reasonable start.”

Both male and female members of the England team have found the hot conditions in the Indian capital hard to deal with and Mantell admits it does affect the team’s performance, he added: “It’s hot out there - we knew it would be and it’s definitely a factor.

“It’s a lot hotter than we play in back home, a lot hotter than some of the international tournaments. We’ve been out here for quite a while now so we’re getting more and more used to it. Our first couple of games when we got out here were hard work they’re getting a bit easier now but there is no doubt the heat will have an affect on the way the game is played.”

Crista Cullen scores hat-trick to beat Wales in CWG

Cullen 'gutted' at Wales consolation goal

England womens hat-trick hero Crista Cullen was gutted to concede a last minute goal after giving the top seeds a three nil lead against Wales in their opening Commonwealth Games fixture in Group B.

The full-back unleashed three short corner drag flicks to steer England to victory but from a defensive point of view admitted she was ‘really gutted’ to concede late on.

Cullen said: “We worked so hard to make sure we didn’t let them in the circle. Credit to Sarah Thomas she’s a great player and she cut us open at times when we were a little bit exposed. We’ve just got take those bits out of our game and keep converting at the top.”

But apart from allowing Wales to snatch a consolation goal Cullen, left, was pleased with the overall performance even though she accepted they should have scored more goals.

She said: “It was a brilliant performance. It’s always difficult going out first game on at 8.30 in the morning to get ourselves going. I thought we started really well, we could have converted more but that’s me being harsh.


“We had the opportunities and if we are going to push for the top spot in our pool then we have to make sure we start converting but it’s the start of the tournament and we have a performance to build on. To come away with a win is what we are here to do and we need to just keep churning them over,” added the Leicester defender.

Next up for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games bronze medalists is Canada and Cullen is aware how stern a test it will be but is confident they can get a positive result.

She said: “It’s always a tough game against Canada they’re athletic and fight for eveything. It’s an 11 o’clock match so it will be hot and humid. We’ve just got to take our game to them and I think they might struggle a bit.”


photo accreditation: chelmsfordblue (flickr)

CWG England Women's Hockey: England 4-1 Wales

Cullen rescues poor forward finishing

Hat-trick hero Crista Cullen single-handlingly saw off neighbours Wales in England’s opening match of the Commonwealth Games in Group B.

The Leicester full-back swept home three penalty corner drag flicks past Welsh stopper Margaret Rees before Charlotte Craddock capitalised on a loose ball to give the top ranked side in Delhi a four goal advantage.

But Wales, who had rarely threatened the England defence, pulled a goal back late on when forward Sarah Thomas drifted easily past four defenders before beating Beth Storry in the England goal.

Cullen made up for some poor finishing from the England forwards and head coach Danny Kerry admitted that his side must improve in front of goal if they are going to win gold.

He said: “We need to set high standards and we expect high standards from out teammates if we had done that that today it could have been double figures.

“I am happy with the performance just really disappointed with our play in the attacking circle. If we don’t have that application in the circle we won’t win Gold,” added a downbeat Kerry.

Captain Kate Walsh was also concerned that England could only score four goals considering the high percentage of play they had in Wales’ half, she added: “We’ve got to be ruthless in these games, as the goal difference might count at the end of the tournament. We have to put in a gold medal winning performance every game.”

2010 World Cup in Berlin

Celebrating the German victory over Australia Berlin style

While I was travelling around Europe I experienced how the Germans celebrated winning during World Cup - not an experience many people back home in England had the joy of doing.

The Videos were taken outside the 1936 Berlin Olympic Stadium on a big screen with thousands of Germany fans watching. I managed to find a small number of Aussies among the jubilant Germans and after miserably failing to convince them I was from the land down under myself, I proceeded to join in with their chants - a particular favourite being: "Aussie Aussie Aussie ...OI OI OI."

The Australian National Anthem:



Germans during the game:


Crazy Germans making a fair old racket in the Olympic train station before rocking what felt a very unstable train.

Crystal Palace protest at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace Fans protest at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace fans launched a protest against its current financial turmoil at their home ground, Selhurst Park, as it becomes clear the South London club are on the brink of extinction.

The demonstration, which took place at 3pm on bank holiday Monday and lasted for just over an hour, saw fans protest against the club being placed in administration with some supporters blaming former chairman Simon Jordan.

It appeared the takeover by CPFC 2010 looked to be gathering pace when a deal was struck with Agilo, a hedge fund that placed Palace into administration in January, but it has stalled. The main problem, which had looked to be resolved surrounds the ownership of Selhurst Park, which is owned by PricewaterhouseCoopers who are selling the ground on behalf of Bank of Scotland.

The Bank of Scotland, which is owned by Lloyds TSB, had looked to have struck an agreement but in a statement released by the CPFC 2010 consortium the contract is ‘unworkable’.

The CPFC 2010 consortium which is fronted by wealthy fans Martin Long and Steve Parish have been given until 3pm June 1^st to come to an agreement or Agilo will begin to liquidate the club and its assets.

After a member of the supporters trust announced this on a megaphone to the protesting fans he assured them that this did not mean the club was ‘dead’. The certain member of the supporters trust also confirmed that "it is nothing to do with money" and that "there are just a few technical clauses that don’t need to be there".

But the creditors want guarantees that Selhurst Park will not be sold on to a property developer and therefore cause them any embarrassment which is why CPFC 2010 have agreed to an ‘anti embarrassment’ clause that will allow the bank to receive a further return if Selhurst Park creates greater value.

The Protest

Photos of supporters protesting outside Selhurst Park and in the Holmesdale end taken by myself. Click on fullscreen to view.

Fans continued to protest with banners reading: “Save our club,” “105 years of history - don’t die without a fight” and aimed most of their anger at creditors Agilo, Lloyds TSB and the Bank of Scotland.

While the protest was free from violence fans did break into the ground and took up residence in the Holmesdale end – the loudest stand in the ground – and continued to chant.

There was a mixture of opinions from the fans with some blaming Simon Jordan while others criticised previous owner Ron Noades.

But regardless of who is to blame it is clear that all Palace supporters should be very worried about the direction the club may take if an agreement cannot be reached by 3pm tomorrow.

However, the supporters trust member does feel confident that an agreement will get sorted out as the CPFC 2010 are determined to see the deal through but admits the longer it goes on the worse the situation becomes.

He said: “The further it goes on the more harder it becomes for whoever buys the club to pick up the pieces. The worst-case scenario is the club being liquidated but the money contributed by the fans would go towards a new club set up like AFC Palace."

Tuesday will be a massive day for Crystal Palace football club but hopefully it will be one that Eagles fans can look back on with happiness and I dearly hope that an agreement can be made.

Video, taken by myself, of some Palace fans that managed to get to the Holmesdale end and continue their protest.

Audio of fans singing to follow...

Crystal Palace v West Brom

West Brom are too good for Palace to secure Championship survival

Tonight's game against second placed West Bromwich Albion could see Palace secure Championship survival but unfortunately I highly doubt it.

The Eagles will face a tough test against Roberto Di Matteo's side who have already achieved automatic promotion, and deservedly so, under the Italian. With many assuming they have shifted down a gear or two since earning a swift return to the Premier League I feel that the battle for survival will go down to the final day of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.

Having already purchased my ticket for the trip to Hillsborough on Sunday 2nd May I would love to travel there in party mode having secured survival but I feel the trip to Yorkshire will be one heavily packed with nerves.

Whether or not West Brom have stepped their foot off the gas they still have more than enough quality in depth to brush aside the Eagles. Palace will need to display a huge improvement from their last home game against Queens Park Rangers, which ended 2-0 to the away side and left many Palace fans leaving with worried faces ahead of the remaining fixtures.

One player that is sure to be fired up for tonight's game is Roman Bednar, who will be keen to seek revenge on the Palace players for the abuse he suffered in the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns in September.

Palace players' taunted the Czech striker after his return from a three-match ban and reportedly labelled him as a drug dealer. That could prove to be something they may regret after Bednar has claimed, "he will be up" for tonight's game.

One thing that the Eagles will have to back them up is the fantastic Palace faithful who were in terrific voice at Pride Park for Palace's 1-1 draw last weekend. After spotting Matt Lawrence and Sean Derry in my local bar following that draw I hope they will once again be in high spirits after tonight's match. But I am fairly convinced that Shaggy [Matt Lawrence] and captain Derry along with the rest of the team won't be able to beat a quality West Brom side.

Julian Speroni best keeper in the Football league

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni performed heroics to single-handedly earn a vital point for the Eagles against Barnsley at the weekend.

The Argentinean won huge praise for his performance at Oakwell on Saturday from Palace manager Paul Hart and in my opinion he is the finest stopper in the Football League and up there with the best of them in the Premier League.

Speroni joined the Eagles prior to Palace’s Premier League season in 2004/05 under Ian Dowie but after a series of blunders as number 1 was dropped and replaced by Gabor Kiraly.

But since the Hungarian’s departure from Selhurst Park Speroni has stepped up and become easily one of Palace’s best and most consistent players in recent years. He has won back-to-back player of the year awards to firmly cement himself in the hearts of Palace fans.

While many players’ form dips and troughs under different managers Speroni has continued to be at the top of his game under four different managers.

There is no question that the 31-year-old will provide a crucial role in the upcoming weeks as the Eagles battle for survival. I feel that Speroni is the player that will make the difference between Palace beating the drop come May.

Palace’s goal difference of minus one may be sniffed at by teams occupying the top spots in the league such as Newcastle who boast plus 40. But I find Speroni’s record impressive because of the lack of defensive quality he has in front of him.

The Eagles have suffered since Paddy McCarthy’s shoulder injury and Jose Fonte left for Southampton in January with Matt Lawrence or Clint Hill, both preferred full backs, stepping in alongside Claude Davies.

Both Hill and Lawrence are defenders that I would consider a risk and wouldn’t put too much faith in if they were defending in front of me, especially compared to Newcastle’s solid centre half partnership of Fabricio Coloccini and Stephen Taylor.

However it is no coincidence that Palace’s goal difference looks distinct fully healthier than the teams in the bottom half bar Watford who have England under 21 international keeper Scott Loach.

Loach was reportedly chased by Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp in January and I feel that Speroni is on par if not better than the Watford number one.

While the Crystal Palace January transfer window itinerary focused around the departure of Victor Moses there were many Palace fans hoping that the race to sign the Nigerian born winger would over shadow the signings of other players.

And I feel that no other member of the squad was more important to hold onto than Speroni, who left Dundee to join the Eagles when the Scottish side were suffering financially. The attention on Moses proved a blessing in disguise without a club coming within a sniff Speroni.

David Beckham ruled out of World Cup

The dreaded pre-World Cup injury has hit the England team with David Beckham set to miss out on his fourth World Cup after tearing his achilles while playing for AC Milan.

The former England captain led his nation in their last World Cup outing against Portugal in the quarter-final in Germany 2006 but limped off injured just after half time.

Beckham left the field tearfully as it looked as if he was making his last appearance for England in a World Cup. Well, unfortunately, his intuition proved right as it is almost certain he will miss out in South Africa come June. Torn achilles tendons usually take upto eight months to fully heal posing further questions over Beckham's remaining career.

With many England fans fearing that Wayne Rooney would be struck down with injury prior to this summer’s World Cup Beckham has become the first of the England stars to be ruled out.

While all the talk surrounded Rooney, currently in blistering form for Manchester United, and fans praying he wouldn't get injured it turned out to be one of England's most experienced members of the talented and gifted list that suffered.

Beckham was not a certainty to start in the World Cup but he was sure to feature in some way and I feel that the England squad will miss the 34-year-old midfielder hugely.

There is no question that the team especially Peter Crouch will miss his golden ball delivery but with his future playing career also in question you have to feel for Beckham, capped 115 times for his country.

The injury brings to an the end an eventful week for Beckham who played at his boyhood club Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday in an emotional reunion with the Old Trafford crowd.

Beckham was tearful again on Sunday as he discovered he would miss the World Cup and had reportedly already been consoled by England boss Fabio Capello hours after the incident.

In my eyes, Beckham is - or should I say was - England’s first choice right winger ahead of Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Theo Walcott in a four-four-two system. And the experience he brought with him into the dressing room having been involved in many highs and lows for England would have been invaluable.

There is no question that this is sad news for England fans – you only have to look at the contributions he has made over the years and the way he has responded from media and public criticism - most noticeably after his red card in France 1998 - to realise that.

But Beckham can take away with him one of the greatest individual contributions a player has made to their country. The moment that rekindled every England fan's fondness when he curled home a free kick in the dying minutes against Greece to help England qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

Neil Warnock joins QPR from Crystal Palace

Warnock's way out to be respected not criticised

Neil Warnock‘s departure as Crystal Palace manager on Monday night confirmed many Eagles fans fears as the Yorkshire man joined Queens Park Rangers.

The switch to the west London rivals ended speculation over Warnock’s future who has set his sights at being a Premier League manager once again.

The 61-year-old has claimed to only have a couple years of management left in him and sees QPR as being a club more capable of giving him his dream of becoming a top-flight manager again rather than Palace.

And I have to admit I agree with him. They are clearly more financially stable and appear to have a better set up in terms of looking ahead to the future while the Eagles are currently concentrating on finding a buyer, a new manager and escaping relegation.

While QPR are just one place above Palace many will question Warnock’s decision but I feel he has made the right one – for Neil Warnock.

Is it a selfish decision, well yes, but it had to be. His position as manager of Crystal Palace could not be guaranteed if a new buyer was found and the temptation of managing at Loftus Road was simply too good to resist.

I doubt that many fans will blame Warnock’s choice especially after it was made clear that he wasn’t just going to walk out on the Selhurst Park club. Warnock was keen to make sure Palace received compensation for his move, he said: “”There is no way I am going to walk out. If they can agree compensation then that's different.”

After agreeing a compensation deal the following breaking news was inevitable. As an Eagles fan who Warnock took some time to win round I am now convinced he is a descent manager and one that is sure to become QPR’s longest serving manager in recent seasons.

But I fear some fans will, wrongly, envy Warnock and blame him for walking out when the club needs him the most. But with an online poll on a dedicated fans website voting 45 per cent in favour of not blaming him while just over 10 per cent will boo him when he returns to south east London as QPR boss on the 10th April as they ‘passionately dislike him’.

There is no doubt we need a manager like Neil Warnock the most now as we battle for survival but his exit is not the same as Steve Bruce or Ian Dowie who left under bad terms with the Palace faithful.

I feel Warnock’s move is more similar to that of former Palace striker Andy Johnson who simply had to leave for the benefit of his own career. But only time will truly tell if his choice is the right one.

Warnock set to leave Crystal Palace for rivals QPR

Warnock the right man, but not the only man

Growing speculation over Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock moving to Queens Park Rangers will worry many Palace fans who believe he is the right man to lift them out of their current turmoil.

While the Eagles are enjoying an exciting and money rewarding cup run their league form appears to be struggling as they dropped into the bottom three after a one nil home defeat to Coventry managed by former Palace player Chris Coleman.

Warnock has admitted that he is concerned over his future with Palace who are set to receive £1.5 million in compensation if the switch goes ahead.

However despite the compensation, which will be a welcomed acquisition for the Selhurst Park outfit, many will fear for the club’s future if Warnock leaves for their West London rivals.

There is no doubt that Warnock is the right man for the job with his passion and desire to win that shines through in Palace’s performances, but he is not the only man.

Ian Wright, who scored twice for Crystal Palace in their 3-3 FA Cup final against Manchester United in 1990, recently claimed that Warnock was not the right man for the job insisting: “They need a young manager with new ideas,” hinting at a possible move for himself.

“If I can be part of that, then it's something I'd have to consider,” he added. While Wright may not be the ideal candidate if a candidate at all to replace Warnock there are many other former Palace aces that could take and crucially want to take the job.

One ideal candidate and only person I feel that can replace Warnock is ex-Palace manager Steve Coppell. The former Reading boss has a soft spot for the south London club, as does the Palace faithful for him, after having four spells as manager.

In many cases the ideal scenario is often the most unlikely but it may not seem too distant especially after the departure of Simon Jordan who Coppell famously had numerous ‘personality clashes’ with.

When questioned by ITV’s Steve Rider before Palace’s dramatic home game with Villa Coppell didn’t deny that he might possibly, one day, play a part in their future.

Ian Wright also confirmed that he thought Coppell was thinking of getting involved again along with former owner Ron Noades.

But Coppell may not be the only man eager to take the job on with Gareth Southgate left jobless after being sacked as the Middlesbrough manager in October 2009.

The former Palace player will be eager to prove himself after a poor record at the Riverside but may pose something of a risk if appointed as Warnock’s successor. Southgate is a man that to me comes across as too nice in an end of season battle that will be fought hard to the very end.

With every vacant managers job there is always one rumoured possibility that shocks fans and could it be too daft to suggest a return for Steve Kember. The Palace legend performed a miracle by rescuing the Eagles from relegation in 2001 but left on bad terms under Jordan who promised Kember a ‘job for life’.

The manager’s job at Selhurst Park is not a very appealing one for experienced managers at the top of the English game and relying on the love of the club may prove crucial in attracting a manager that can lift us out of relegation and look ahead to a bright future.

If Warnock is be confirmed as QPR boss later this week – leaving many Palace fans, including me, devastated - there will be no better way to leave than to mastermind a shock win over Aston Villa in the fifth round replay at Villa Park on Wednesday.

FA Cup provides sanctitude for cash-strapped clubs

Year-on-year the FA Cup provides us with great memories and occasions but this year’s competition has one more reason to be loved in a valentines weekend fifth round that was crucial for financially stricken clubs.

England’s most lucrative cup competition is renowned for ‘David v Goliath’ clashes and money-spinning ties between non-league sides and league opponents with the financial reward a great incentive for teams. This year’s cup, which so far is remembered for Northwich Victoria’s famous victory over Charlton Athletic in the first round and Leeds United’s win against Premier League Champions Manchester United in the third round, involves no non-league sides anymore but still has teams chomping at the bit to progress to the next round for the financial reward.

Cash-strapped clubs Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Cardiff City and Notts County were all in action in this weekend’s fifth round. Cardiff and Notts County suffered heavy defeats away at Premier League opposition but still earned financial reward through game receipts. However the big earners, for a change, in this weekend’s action were heavy debt rollers Portsmouth, who beat Southampton, and Crystal Palace, who drew with Carling Cup finalists Aston Villa.

Ahead of Portsmouth’s 17-mile short trip to south-coast rivals Southampton on Saturday there was speculation in the morning papers that it could well have been their last game. The 2008 Cup winners have until Friday to prove they can service debts of up to £60million.

Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Saints did not only provide Pompey fans with derby day bragging rights but was a great lift to the fight against the financial problems facing the club. The club are set to receive around £500,000 including TV revenue, prize money and gate receipts. Had they lost that game it could have been the final nail in the coffin but the FA Cup, which for some clubs is becoming less of a concern and overshadowed by league ambitions, could turn the fortunes of Portsmouth football club around.

Albeit half a million pounds is a long way off their totalling debt - an FA Cup run could be the answer to many Pompey’s fans prayers with a quarter-final home draw against Birmingham City in a round that see’s two of the competitions favourites meet each other. Chelsea face Manchester City if they can overcome Stoke City at the Britannia in a reply of the 1-1 draw at Eastlands on Saturday and many Portsmouth fans may be beginning to believe they can achieve something in this year’s Cup.

Am I suggesting they can win it, well not entirely but, with manager Avram Grant firmly behind the side and showing passion previously never shown during his tenure at Chelsea - a cup run with progression through to the semi-finals worth £360,000 it could prove crucial to Pompey’s survival.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace, who were on the verge of producing one of shocks of the fifth round against Aston Villa before a late headed equaliser by Stiliyan Petrov, achieved what administrator Brendan Guilfoyle would describe as the perfect result.

However manager Neil Warnock may disagree after the Palace manager was disgusted with the award of the corner which led to Petrov’s header. The chance to go back up to the Midlands in the FA Cup, this time to face Aston Villa as opposed to previous cup opponents Wolves, will land more finances for the club in a game that is surely destined to be screened live after today’s epic encounter – generating further television money.

Palace are set to cash in on a 20,000 attendance that enjoyed a game played in great spirit, bar an Ashley Young dive early on, and what appeared a terrific atmosphere at Selhurst Park. With television rights worth £247,000 for the game and a replay, if won, set to earn £180,000 the FA Cup will provide the south London club with much needed cash.

And if Palace do perform the unlikely and beat Villa in ten days time Warnock may not feel too heavily aggrieved with Kevin Friend’s decision to award a corner after the ball clearly rebounded behind off Nathan Delfouneso's head. The reward for beating Villa will be a trip to either Reading or West Brom in the quarter final and is it too ridiculous to suggest Crystal Palace in the semi-finals – which between now and then would see them earn £560,000 just in prize money.

The Eagles are soaring since they were plunged into administration less than three weeks ago and the news which devastated everyone involved with the club has seemed to galvanise them.
But the impressive way Palace have managed themselves, or should I say been managed by Neil Warnock, has attracted interest elsewhere and reports before kick-off that Queens Park Rangers have taken a keen interest in Warnock will worry many fans who believe he is key to escaping the financial woe currently surrounding the club.

Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili dies in Vancouver

Competitors worst fears were confirmed earlier today when Georgian’s Olympian Nodar Kumaritashvili died in his last training session in the luge. The devastating news is set to cast a heavy shadow over the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and the remainder of the Games in Vancouver, Canada.

Kumaritashvili’s fatal crash happened during his sixth and final training session when his sled hit the inside of the last turn sending his body into the air and over a concrete wall while his sled continued down the ice.

The 21-year-old smashed head first into a metal pole after he was thrown off his sled, which was travelling at an estimated 90mph, and was later pronounced dead after immediate resuscitation attempts and doctors efforts at a local hospital had failed.

The dangers of luge are widely renown and those that take part know the risks involved but the dangers were further increased at this year’s Winter Olympics. Speeds at Whistler Sliding Centre, the venue for this year’s luge competition, have been worryingly high since the track opened last year with one luger hitting a top speed of 95.65 mph and now Kumaritashvili’s speed of an estimated 90mph are both faster than the recorded World Record speed of 86.6 mph held by US slider Tony Benshoof in 2001.

Competitors raised concerns over the safety of the track and last night Australian luger Hannah Campbell Pegg voiced her own worries to reporters after her practice session.

She said: “I think they are pushing it a little too much. To what extent are we just little lemmings that they just throw down a track and we’re crash-test dummies? I mean - this is our lives.”

As I nervously watched the crash on huffingtonpost.com I had to re-watch the incident three times because of the sheer speed that Kumaritashvili’s sled was going at. And as the opening ceremony gets under way tonight there will be many angry people in Vancouver that will be calling on the luge competition to be scrapped – not only because of the death but because of the how dangerous the track is.

The one big annoyance for me if the luge is to be cancelled is that it takes such a dramatic and tragic experience to happen for a decision to be made. The concerns and issues had been previously raised by experts involved yet it is left to having to be proven and when it involves a sport as dangerous as the luge the proof – which needs to be big in order to have an impact and spark a decision change by those at the top – will inevitable result in a death.