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Day: 9 February 2012

Third year fear

Written by Lloyd Henning on . Posted in Opinion.

Final year fear

By Lloyd Henning

The fear is there every moment of final year. Hanging in the air of the lecture theatres, festering within the pages of dissertations and lurking within the meat of end-of-the-night kebabs. It is the fear of the head honcho of horrors awaiting all students at the end of university – real life.

Striking like a kipper to the cheeks, the fear consumed me when I realised the insignificance of exam worries compared to the impending doom of graduation in six months time, after which I’ll have to actually prove I’m better than all those school-days acquaintances whose life choices I have been smugly mocking from the relative safety of the Internet.

University has been full of relatively trivial questions compared to “what plans do you have for next year?”, to which common responses from the student body are “trying to remember year 8 maths pass the assessment centre for a graduate scheme”, “holding off responsibility and doing a masters” or my personal choice: “exploring a few promising avenues, but not commting to anything at this point in time” – which is a nice way of saying “I’m fucked”.

Years of pretending to be a member of the intelligentsia has left me completely ill prepared for the world of working for the weekend. There will be no more three month holidays, no more weekday siestas, and living in a mold ridden slum won’t be indicative of being an academic roughing it, but instead a clear sign of a peasant rotting in its own filth.

My previous experience work has been stacking shelves whilst thanking god that, due to my investment in education, I wasn’t going to be stuck pricing down crumpets for the rest of my life. However, come July it will be time to find a real job, and if that’s miserable then I will become one of the miserable full-timers, I’ll probably have to take up golf to deal with the grief.

Then again I don’t necessarily have to get a job, there is always the option to live at home with mum and spend the rest of my life playing mario kart in my pants. The dole is always an option; in fact one graduate I recently met said that it was a great way to live, he got enough to cover his rent and support his penchant for narcotics, although I’m not sure if that’s the most sustainable lifestyle.

I believe the safest plan for the future one can have involves forgetting about going for a dream career or trying to do something that is believed to be meaningful; instead just sell-out and start investing in your midlife crisis. Go design a missile system, market some radioactive sweets to kids, sell some defective pacemakers and most importantly get paid loads. That way when you finally do go bonkers with all the guilt, shame and disappointment of a wasted existence, at least you will have the capital to do something interesting – I’m planning on buying a model village, exotic reptiles and combining them for a 1/16th scale Jurassic park.

For now I have six months to squeeze the last bit of enjoyment out of the arid flannel of student life, and at the same time do the most difficult, time-consuming part of my degree. I find no comfort in the fact that I’m probably not alone in my fearful state, maybe we are a generation destined to become stay-at-home underwear gamers.

Manchester Women’s Hockey show closest rivals how it’s done

Written by Jack Burke on . Posted in Sport.

With a number of fixtures postponed due to the bitterly cold weather, the Armitage centre was an eerie windswept landscape last Wednesday. This was with the exception of the astro turf where the miracles of modern sport technology meant a programme of women’s hockey was in full swing despite the sub zero temperature. The Manchester Women’s 1st XI took the opportunity with both hands, laying down a marker to their nearest rivals Newcastle University with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Such a win not only increases the team’s chances of promotion, but is also a vital psychological victory for the side as they face Newcastle again in a vital cup semi-final in two weeks time.

The match was sloppy in the opening stages, with neither side making much headway into opposition territory. This was not aided by numerous infringements preventing the players from showing any more than glimpses of flowing hockey in an opening ten minutes which saw no shots on goal.

Manchester however did soon manage to find a foothold in the opposition half and began to pressure the visitors. The result was two short corners, which saw right midfielder Sophie Crosley pepper the opposition goal with efforts that brought the best out of Newcastle goalkeeper Rachel Wilson. Newcastle did look to threaten on the break however, with their forward lines pace adding extra danger. They struggled though to enter the Manchester D with keeper Helen Stephenson forced into action just once, executing an excellent sliding stop to snuff out any danger. Manchester were soon back on the attack with a third short corner seeing Laura Timms go close before Newcastle managed to clear their lines in the ensuing scramble.

Manchester finally made possession count in the 28th minute when the ever-threatening Crosley made a marauding run down the right, taking on two defenders before centering for captain Hannah Cobbold to finish from close range. The goal seemed to finally make the Manchester side click and in the latter stages of the first half there was a marked improvement in their play. Tilly Fatah, who moved up the field from centre back came agonizingly close to doubling their advantage with a weaving run into the box seeing her effort thwarted by a last minute tackle just as she was about to pull the trigger.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with Manchester dominating proceedings, only for Newcastle to blow an unbelievable chance to draw level on the break. Their centre forward allowed a pin point cross to go past her as she stood with the goal at her mercy after her team mates had carved open an exposed Manchester defence. Such a close shave had a profound effect on the league leaders, whose play immediately went up a level. The lead was doubled not long after with left back Abbey Halliday winning a free hit in dangerous territory, a quick pass to Bex Mcguinness saw the left winger slam a shot into the box which deflected off Lucy Waller into the net, much to the anger of the opposition keeper. The home side were now in full flow with Jess Berry proving an excellent pivot in midfield, distributing effectively to her forward line. Indeed it was a sublime through ball from Berry that found Lucy Waller in behind the defence shortly later. Keeper Wilson thwarted her attempt, but Cobbold made no mistake with the rebound to score her second goal and give the Manchester women a three-goal cushion.

The speed of play slowed as the game wound down; however Manchester still threatened with Fatah and Mcguiness combining to nearly score again with only the increasingly exasperated Wilson in between the sticks to deny them. Crosley soon made it four however, when her shot squirmed under the keeper from a short corner. It was a just reward for the winger whose strong running down the right flank constantly threatened the opposition. Shortly after the game had a prolonged pause after a clash of heads which saw Laura Timms depart with an icepack to ease the pain.

As the game wound down, Manchester threatened to extend the rout further with Waller again being put clean through on goal, only to see her clever flick cleared off the line. Lorna Mcmullan meanwhile had another shot saved.

At the final whistle, the Manchester ladies celebrated their emphatic victory. Skipper Cobbold, in high spirits described the day’s efforts as “an awesome performance” commenting upon the tremendous work rate of the whole team. She did however single out Abby Halliday for special praise after a strong display from the left back. This victory sees the team go 8 points clear of second placed Newcastle. Cobbold was also pleased to maintain the teams unbeaten run stating “we want to stay unbeaten for the rest of the season”. On the basis of their comprehensive second half display in particular it is unlikely the Women’s 1st XI will be caught as they seek promotion to the Premier North Division.

Live: The Devil Wears Prada @ Academy 3

Written by Frances Roach on . Posted in Music.

The Devil Wears Prada
Academy 3
4th February
3 stars

Support for tonight consisted of two UK hardcore outfits, Brotherhood of the Lake and Last Witness, of whom many seemed to be there for, donning their matching Witness beanies. Their set is slightly reminiscent of a young Your Demise, with room for growth.

The American metalcore band, commonly abbreviated to TDWP, create uproar as they walk onstage, starting with title song from their latest album Dead Throne. Even by just the second song, you could already begin to feel the musk of evaporated sweat rising to the roof.

With the tour being titled The Dead Throne Tour, aptly named after their latest 2011 release, they also mention that it is their first headlining tour in the UK and express their gratitude. They play an intense set of songs, such as ‘Born To Lose’, ‘HTML Rulez D00d’ and ‘Dez Moines’, with impressive front man Mike Hranica asking for crowd participation, which resulted in the crowd giving back with the  utmost amount of energy.

The lightning in this venue has never been the best and too much coloured lighting meant that half of the time, the band were made to look like Smurfs and the rest of the time, like 6 pieces of flubber. Nevertheless, the brightness matched the energy in the room. The lack of a front barrier evermore encouraged stage-diving and a continuous pit dominated the room, with people who did not want to participate left standing at the edges.

With a quick break before the encore, they returned with a brief yet concise speech about their beliefs and their purpose for being in a band before continuing with the relatively mild ‘Chicago’. Audience reaction to the final two songs illustrates how much these six guys from Ohio will be more than welcomed back to English shores.

The Devil Wears Prada – Danger: Wildman (live)

Album: Air – Le Voyage Dans La Lune

Written by Tom Hickman on . Posted in Music.

Air
Le Voyage Dans La Lune
Astralwerks
3 and a half stars

Yet again Air have shown they don’t do things by the book. Choosing to re-ignite the flame of 1902 sci-fi film Le Voyage Dans La Lune (A Trip to the Moon) with a soundtrack in homage to it, the omnipresent French electro-gods have defied expectations.

The album is about as chart-friendly as you would expect from a soundtrack to a 110 year-old science-fiction movie, yet still manages to hold an innate charm. Soft ambles ‘Moon Fever’ and ‘Seven Stars’ are juxtaposed with space-age stomps, such as the 5-minute ‘Sonic Armada’, which borrows more than a little of the Moon Safari charm. Nevertheless, this is not a collection likely to attract those not already fervent Air aficionados.

Although it could be seen as not a great deal more than glorified lift music, Air have once more maintained their inherent ability to do the most unexpected. Following the success of Le Voyage Dans La Lune at last year’s Cannes film festival, Air must be seen to have succeeded in their mission in bringing the one-time cinematic pioneer marching in to the 21st century. Although many won’t be too interested in the new path of the grandfathers of electronica, it could well be an avenue of great promise. I like it.

Air – Parade

Column: Store Street is dead. Long live Store Street.

Written by joe smart on . Posted in Music.

The couple of days between Christmas and New Year are usually shit. Everyone knows it, it’s just a fact. The cold cuts are slowly but surely disappearing into your dad’s digestive transit and your mum is exhausted from three days of stuffing poultry and buying presents, returning them, and then buying them again. And what’s more, New Year itself is often shit too. There’s always that mate who’s having that gathering. He gives it all the big talk about that ‘sick’ sound system and starts waxing lyrical about his mate who’s going to be playing who plays ‘future bass’ – it’s going to be “a really minimal set, so ambient” he says. But what he really means is there’s going to be a poor spread, some cheap wine and his parents Flo and Paul will be there too and they haven’t seen you in ages.

For some though, the New Year period represented something so indulgent, so forbidden, that it would seem to the mortal simply too good to be true. Three days of flawless electronic music, at what would be the last in the series of shows that has represented the danciest funeral march in club history.  Some, it seems, were lucky enough to see in the New Year at the Warehouse Project.

Three shows over the 30th/31st/1st saw a plethora of musicians descend into the murky car park juxtaposed beneath a shiny, healthy Piccadilly. Foals played a sold out show on the 30th with ample support from Jackmaster, working their spaced out, euphoric sound into every inch of the arena. Atmospheric rumbles from Spanish Sahara resonated from the VIP booth that’s a bit shit to the inside of each portaloo, which again, are a bit shit.

The 31st handed the baton to Annie Mac, who provided a set of some electronica she thought would sound cool. Supported admirably by WHP favourites Fake Blood and Jaguar Skills, this New Year’s Eve party boasted proper DJs, whom admittedly did play ‘future bass’ – but there is something beautiful to be said about it when it’s not being played off a CD player or a mobile phone in a garage.

The 1st was a groundbreaking moment for club music in Manchester, a party lasting from 5pm on the 1st, ending at 5am on the 2nd. Warehouse Project stalwart Julio Bashmore and up and coming producer Maya Jane Coles were both on the stellar bill, which included a headline slot from legend Laurent Garnier.

As the clock ticked down to ‘the end’, it was hard not to feel sad. Store Street has strained under the weight of so many great acts that at times it looked liked it could get no better. The place is associated with nothing but fantastic nights and even better music. It is common knowledge that you meet the most interesting people that have ever existed in the smoking area of a Warehouse Project – friends for life. Store Street however, will be resigned to the past this April when WHP will be revealing a new venue to contain its late night Easter-special debauchery, which will no doubt see a slight queue on opening night. Although the project has moved on, the venue will remain. Store Street is dead, long live Store Street.

Facebook, the next bubble?

Written by Emily Bunting on . Posted in News.

Last week saw the stock market debut of Facebook, whose initial public offering (IPO) has been surrounded by much hype. Investors purchasing Facebook’s shares will be seeking big returns for what are expected to be fairly long term investments, as is evident with Facebook’s earliest investors such as Accel Partners (who, having invested $12.7m in 2005 are thought to now be holding a stake worth up to $9bn).

After the Groupon IPO of last year, which valued the company at $26 a share, there are doubts however, as to whether these socially reliant technology companies constitute the next bubble. Groupon was valued by the market at $13bn, after predictions that it would reach the $15 – $20bn mark, and investors have in fact now made losses, with a share price closer to $20 today. Whilst Groupon’s instability in this regard can be attributed to a number of factors not associated with Facebook (the massive spending in order to acquire new subscribers for example), there does seem to be considerable hype surrounding a company which faces its own challenges.

There can be no doubt that the traditional approach of valuation based on assets is far outdated for business today, with so much being based not only on the hard to quantify social presence and customer loyalty, but also on the far more intangible internet base. These factors, as illustrated by the rollercoaster ride of Groupon’s IPO, can be seen to lead to reasonable scepticism regarding this creation of a social media bubble, an industry which Facebook can be seen to typify.

Furthermore, the challenges Facebook has to overcome are substantial when you consider the immense market share Facebook already holds in developed countries, leaving the emerging markets as one of the key platforms for growth. This can prove to be serious when one looks at social networking sites such as Renren (China’s Facebook equivalent), which is doing considerably well, with shares jumping 26 percent last week following Facebook’s IPO announcement, as investors see Facebook’s success as leading to the success of rival companies.

Such doubts regarding Facebook’s IPO has not seemed to have affected the attitudes of investment banks seeking the prestige of underwriting such a deal, with Morgan Stanley taking the leading role in the flotation and yet only charging 1 percent of its gross proceeds (deals worth less than $500m usually ask for around 7 percent). This is understandable due to the immense hype surrounding Facebook and so the demand for its shares. Furthermore, the secondary market which has sprung up around Facebook alone, illustrates the potential for its expansion, with the company not only having 3,000 employees itself, but also creating over 450,000 jobs in the US and Europe (including companies used for Facbook app creation and advertising).

Whilst the technology industry is in a state of uncertainty due to a new age of valuation and business (and clear examples of doubt and instability due to this), Facebook’s success is based on far more than talk. Due to the little experience financial institutions and the market have with firms such as Facebook and Groupon, it is likely to run into difficulties, and in that sense can lead us to question whether this is the next economic bubble. However, there is potential for both growth and rivalry, and with the customer loyalty which is both substantial and vital to Facebook, its IPO filed last week can be seen as a key moment in the technology industry.

Live: The Maccabees

Written by Joe Goggins on . Posted in Music.

28th January 2012

The Ritz

8/10

Clichéd talk of ‘second album syndrome’ is commonplace these days, but a term pertaining directly to the dilemma a band faces after having delivered a convincing second record has yet to emerge – third album syndrome, perhaps? However you want to approach it, the Maccabees have rounded off an impressive opening hat-trick, already comprising the dainty pop of Colour It In and the indie rock leanings of Wall of Arms, with this month’s superb Given to the Wild. As well as meeting with the band’s highest ever chart position – entering at number four in its first week and frankly sticking out like a sore thumb whilst doing so – the record has clearly met with considerable acclaim from long-standing fans.

Tonight’s show at the Ritz sold out long before any new material had been released, yet reverential silence greets mellow set opener ‘Child’.  It’s a mark of the band’s confidence in the new album that they choose to frontload the set with a slew of tracks from it, with ‘Feel to Follow’, ‘Went Away’ and ‘Ayla’ all showcasing the band’s more expansive sound early on, a newfound maturity in frontman Orlando Weeks’ vocals married perfectly to soaring guitars. Older tracks are present and correct too, and it’s the likes of ‘X-Ray’ and ‘Can You Give It’ that demonstrate the strength in depth of the Maccabees back catalogue.

The potential on both record and stage is finally beginning to be borne out and tonight might ultimately prove a rare intimate performance, with the band already bound for London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace in June.

It’s impossible to recommend The Maccabees’ extensive March tour highly enough.

The Maccabees – Pelican (Radio 1 Live Lounge)

Classic album: The Pogues – Red Roses For Me

Written by Thomas McMahon on . Posted in Music.

The Pogues
Red Roses For Me
WEA International
Released 1984

The Pogues’ reputation has taken a battering of late, with their place on the punk pantheon looking increasingly suspect. This loss of credibility, thanks in no small part to interminable “last ever” Christmas tours and last November’s hideous Tesco advert, should not distract from the band’s excellent discography. Tellingly, this excellence has been recognised by artists on both sides of the Atlantic, with bands such as Titus Andronicus and The Libertines quick to laud Shane McGowan and company. Indeed, even the most cursory inspection of The Pogues’ early career reveals a group with the precious ability to produce music that is at once innovative and anthemic.

The band’s first album, Red Roses For Me, was released to widespread acclaim in 1984 and remains the definitive example of the group’s unique sound. The unbridled creativity of the post-punk era is evident throughout the record, with the seven-piece seamlessly blending traditional Irish folk music with the raw energy of punk. The irrepressible McGowan is inevitably the album’s focal point, whether as a lead vocalist or songwriter. The English-born singer’s rasping tones imbue famous Irish ballads such as ‘Sea Shanty’ with a lecherous, desperate edge, while original compositions such as ‘Transmetropolitan’ and ‘Streams of Whiskey’ are timeless odes to being young, skint and drunk in the city.

Beneath the rugged tales of urban debauchery, however, the album contains a number of startlingly tender moments. Peter “Spider” Stacey’s tin whistle turns ‘The Auld Triangle’ into a haunting tale of imprisonment, which deliberately echoes the internment scandal of contemporary Northern Ireland. The album closes with the gorgeous ‘Kitty’, in which McGowan’s vocals are leant a wonderful vulnerability by James Fearnley’s accordion. It is this balance between the raw passion of punk and the delicate beauty of traditional folk which makes Red Roses For Me an album undiminished importance.

The Pogues – Kitty

Classic album: Kings of Leon – Aha Shake Heartbreak

Written by Paul Frame on . Posted in Music.

Kings of Leon
Aha Shake Heartbreak
RCA
Released November 2004

Before being backed by choirs of African children, filming videos in New York penthouses and playing to as many Galaxy radio listeners they could squeeze into flat pack stadiums; Kings of Leon built a loyal UK fanbase with three raw, sleazy, frenetic albums. The pick of them for many is 2004’s Aha Shake Heartbreak.

Released shortly after their first effort Youth & Young Manhood, the sex and cocaine fuelled tales of their debut spilled over onto the follow up, with the opening track ‘Slow Night, So Long’ setting the scene for more debauchery. Frontman Caleb Followill charmingly takes us step by step through what doesn’t seem to be his proudest conquest with a track that builds and builds, before closing triumphantly with the killer line that seals the deal: “You’re not so nice but sex sells so cheap”. I’ll take that over ‘Use Somebody’ any day of the week.

The album continues at a frantic pace with a raw rock and roll sound accompanied by Caleb’s sometimes inaudible Tennessee vocals, leaving lines open to interpretation in the likes of ‘Taper Jean Girl’ and ‘Pistol of Fire’. This gives way to the tranquil fan-favourite ‘Milk’, one of the album’s more tender moments with a beautiful bass driven chorus before the tremendous single ‘The Bucket’ which gives us a sobering outlook of the non-stop rock and roll lifestyle.

‘Soft’ unashamedly takes us through a frustrating tale of erectile dysfunction and the party regains momentum with ‘Razz’ and the riotous ‘Four Kicks’ bringing the chaos back to the second half of the album. ‘Rememo’ then concludes proceedings with a soft, swaying song of reflection.

Aha Shake Heartbreak is the type of album rock and roll so sorely needs now, it’s a shame its creators are no longer capable of producing it.

Kings of Leon – The Bucket

Album: Enter Shikari – A Flash Flood of Colour

Written by James Birtles on . Posted in Music.

Enter Shikari
A Flash Flood of Colour
Ambush Reality
3 stars

Electronic metalcore? Post-hardcore electronica? Electronicore? As much as people argue about defining St Albans outfit Enter Shikari, more people should be focused on their new release A Flash Flood of Colour which brings a completely different sound, compared with 2007’s Take to the Skies and 2009’s Common Dreads, with even more outspoken political views reminiscent of The King Blues.

The album opens with ‘System…//…Meltdown’ which has a similar sound to the 2010 single ‘Destabilise’ but is in a completely different vein to their last two albums. Arguably, ‘Gandhi, Mate Gandhi’ is the most diverse song on the album and the most memorable, possibly because of its obscurity, with a break in lead vocalist Rou’s rant, where someone just says “Gandhi Mate, Remember Gandhi (Jesus, just remember)”. The album closer, ‘Constellations’, is very similar to ‘Adieu’ from their first release Take to the Skies, starting simply with a poetic feel with Rou’s distinctive voice.

However, while this album does take Enter Shikari in a new direction, the album seems to have lost flow compared to Take to the Skies which had numerous reprises that made each song flow into one another. Also, with the songs ‘Quelle Surprise’ and ‘Destabilise’ being released and hyped up before the album’s release, it seems stupid that neither are featured on the album.

A Flash Flood of Colour is a good album but those who prefer the older Enter Shikari and dislike lyrics of a political nature may be left disappointed. However, this album shows that Enter Shikari are not afraid to change their style and that this album, while slightly disappointing compared to its hype, shows great future for the band.

Enter Shikari – Arguing With Thermometers

Album: Howler – America Give Up

Written by Tom Ingham on . Posted in Music.

Howler
America Give up
Rough Trade Records
3 and a half stars

Rarely does a band receive so much hype, for want of a better word (and notably from one source in particular), without actually releasing more than an EP’s worth of material. Well, now that we have one, Howler’s first proper album, America Give Up, what’s all the fuss about? Of course, we shouldn’t subject this album to anymore scrutiny than anything else, regardless of those obsessive flag wavers who shall remain un-named.

Front-man, Jordan Gatesmith, is unashamedly open in citing his musical influences and they’re certainly present for all to hear. Fuzzy walls of Spector-esque guitars, coupled with a rough and ready production, reminiscent of bands like Jesus and Mary Chain, really allow the no-frills music to take centre stage. Something that stands out is the band’s use of dynamics and texture which stops this record from just being half an hour of turn-up-to-10, fuzzy rock. The first track to be released ‘Back of Your Neck’ is a great example of this with the swirling backing vocals and the reverb clad lead guitar juxtaposing the angular and abrasive rhythm section.

What we’re getting from Howler isn’t a never before heard, original sounding album. What we’ve got is an album brimming with energy, a genuine piece of music, layered and packaged, creating tracks that stand up for themselves, in particular ‘Beach Sluts’, ‘America’ and ‘Back of Your Neck’. Howler seems to capture a mood lacking in recent times: unpretentious and to the point. They’re not trying to fool anyone, and for that I doff the proverbial.

Howler – Back of Your Neck

Player Profile – Claire Shutler

Written by Jack Burke on . Posted in Sport.

How did you first start playing Rugby?
My dad used to play for one of the local clubs and we used to go and watch him every weekend, I decided it looked like fun. I started off at Saracens when I was 6, playing with the boys until I was 12 before we started our own girls section at the club, I played there until I came up to Manchester.
Who is the player who has most inspired you?
It would probably be Maggie Alfonse the England flanker who is probably the most famous player in women’s rugby. She started at Saracens and worked her way up through the system just like I have. In terms of the most inspirational player I have played with it has to be England U20 Emily Scott who I played with at club and regional level. She was an excellent skipper.
How have your regional trials gone?
I have got into the North of England Ladies squad having coming through the Lancashire squad and been nominated to go up to the next level where there was a tough 5 hour trial. Luckily I got selected. I went down to a training weekend recently in preparation for 3 matches the first of which is against the South East this weekend. I have also trialled for the Englands U20’s twice now and haven’t got in but I’m only 18 so hopefully I’ve got a few more opportunities to do that and ultimately the dream would be to play for the full national team.
How have you enjoyed your first year in Women’s rugby setup here in Manchester?
I absolutely love it, there a really good team and really nice girls. We’re not doing badly this year after having to pretty much start our team from scratch at the beginning of the season. There are lots of freshers in the side but we’re progressing well and have settled in mid table of our league while we also got through to the second round of the cup, so it’s all going well for us.
What are the advantages of being on the Sport’s scholarship programme?
The one individual conditioning training is absolutely brilliant and has really helped me develop my game. The £500 you get is also great as there are so many expenses in sport. I used to it to pay for my divisional trials and it’s also a real help when paying for kit, travel and club subscriptions.
What is your favourite AU outfit?
We’ve done so many good ones! I think my personal favourites were probably snowmen and Garden Gnomes, we’re doing Mr Bump tonight which should be good!

Giroud’s goals fire Montpellier into title contention

Written by Thomas McMahon on . Posted in Sport.

If only the French had a snappy phrase for ‘newly rich’. Although the French league continues to receive scant recognition in the British press, Paris Saint Germain has perhaps been the continental club most frequently mentioned by our nation’s sportswriters in the past few months. Not a day passes without the Parisians being linked to yet another wantaway Premier League star, with the immense wealth of the club’s Qatari owners firing the imaginations of agents and journalists alike.
The investment brought into the capital city by the Qatari Investment Authority has been translated into progress on the field, with PSG enjoying a three point cushion at the summit of Ligue Un. Expensive summer signings such as Javier Pastore and Kevin Gameiro have gelled quickly, alongside talented academy products such as Mamadou Sakho. January has brought further additions, with Carlo Ancelotti able to tempt former Chelsea defender Alex and Brazilian-born Italy international Thiago Motta to France, at a combined cost of around twenty million euros. Perhaps more importantly in terms of revenue, Ancelotti’s side have established a ten point advantage over fourth-placed rivals Olympique Lyonnais, meaning qualification to the Champions League seems all but certain.
The Parisians’ quest for a first league title since the 1993-1994 season, however, may hinge on their home fixture with second-placed Montpellier, scheduled for 19 February. Rene Girard’s team have been the league’s surprise package this season, and will head to the Parc des Princes as the division’s highest scorers. The southern outfit’s startling title challenge has been spearheaded by the forward play of Olivier Giroud, who already has fifteen league goals to his name. The powerful forward, who has attracted interested from Newcastle United and Arsenal of late, has also been rewarded for his fine form with a debut for Laurent Blanc’s new-look national team. While Giroud’s incisive finishing has taken many of the plaudits, Montpellier’s squad is built upon hard work rather than raw talent, with Cameroonian full-back Henri Bedimo exemplifying the team’s energetic style. Joris Marveaux, brother of Newcastle’s Sylvain, meanwhile, adds class and composure to the midfield.
With the traditional powerhouses of Lyon and Marseille slugging it out for fourth place, the only other realistic title challenger is Lille, the reigning champions. Rudi Garcia’s men started this season slowly, possibly reeling from the departure of the influential Yohan Cabaye, but have been boosted by the fine form of Eden Hazard and Joe Cole. Former PSG goalkeeper Mickael Landreau, meanwhile, has continued his renaissance between the posts. The club’s decision to sell prolific striker Moussa Sow to Fenerbahce in the January, however, may prove costly at the end of the season.
With Les Dogues waiting in the wings, both PSG and Montpellier will be relishing the chance to register a knockout blow when they meet at the Parc de Princes, with the home side’s recent acquisitions consolidating their position as pre-match favourites. However, Girard’s unfancied, inexpensive squad will venture north without fear, in search of a historic win. Just don’t expect to hear about it in Britain if they pull it off.

Lost in the desert

Written by Tom Acey on . Posted in Sport.

For many of us in snowy Britain this week, the halcyon days of the English summer are becoming an increasingly distant memory. For Andrew Strauss and his team, they must feel like a lifetime ago.
After last summer’s demolition of India, England found themselves in a rare position ahead of this tour; as favourites to win a test series in a major sub-continental nation. That they failed to live up to their billing is not altogether surprising. England last toured Pakistan in 2005/06, full of confidence after a monumental home victory, only for their much vaunted batting line-up to be humiliated by a wily old paceman and, perhaps more poignantly, an extraordinary, if controversial, off-spinner.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? For Akhtar and Kaneria read Gul and Ajmal; for Collingwood, Flintoff and Pietersen read Bell, Morgan and, erm, Pietersen. There are other, albeit more tenuous comparisons to be made with that series – the second innings collapse in Abu Dhabi was eerily reminiscent of the first test in Multan – but the point in general is this: the English batsmen have not been able to find a consistent method of playing quality spin bowling on turning pitches.
That is not to say this will always be the case. In Andy Flower England have not only one of the top coaches in the world, but also a man who was once regarded as one of the finest players of spin bowling in world cricket. His guidance alone should prove invaluable. Several of the current batting line-up can draw on valuable experience in sub-continental conditions; Cook, Strauss, and Bell have all made big scores in Asia. Many regarded winning the Ashes in Australia as a similarly improbable achievement, yet Flower’s men proved that they have the ability to dominate a major nation on their own turf.
For all the criticism of batsmen’s technique, it must be acknowledged that batting on sub-continental pitches is a quite unique mental challenge for an English player. Never will a county batsman encounter sharp turn of the like seen at grounds such as Dehli or Galle. It is perhaps this fear of the unknown, as much as failure of technique, which shackles the England batsmen. Cook, Trott, Prior and even Broad all showed that they have the ability to play Ajmal, yet appeared helpless under the pressure of a fourth-day chase.
So what can England do to address this issue? In terms of personnel, it is difficult to argue against dropping Eoin Morgan, who has been found out playing around his pads once too often. Otherwise, it may be that a change of attitude is required more than a change of technique. Both Misbah and Younis Khan conquered the English attack by playing aggressively against the spinners, using their feet to attack Swann and Panesar and subsequently disrupt their rhythm. In the likes of Pietersen and Bell, England have the players to adopt this approach, but after a damaging month in the desert, its execution may prove rather more difficult.

Sydney Swans are the team for me…

Written by Paddy Madden on . Posted in Sport.

Manchester University’s study abroad programme and all involved with it are entirely competent when it comes to helping students adjust to the culture shock of a move abroad. Whether it’s how to deal with differences in language and culture to simply coping with home-sickness – the study abroad survival guide seems to have all the answers.
As I’m on the cusp of spending a term in Sydney, Australia, I was trawling through looking for last minute pointers when I realised a key chapter was missing. There was nothing about coping without the most important thing of all – football.
Indeed, like an infant torn from the maternal bosom, I am about to be dragged kicking and screaming away from my beloved Manchester United. As my plane disappears down under, so begins a 6 month break in our relationship – the longest we will have been apart.
If it wasn’t for the prospect of living in Australia, then the idea of eloping and missing the end of the season – and more importantly a trip to Amsterdam – would have been baulked at.
But as it is, last minute scrabbles for away tickets will be replaced with hunts for late night bars to watch the match – my seat in K-Stand replaced with a bar stool in ‘Scruffy Murphy’s’ or ‘Cheers Bar’ (The ‘Official’ Sydney City Supporters bar…)
The eleven hour time difference means watching most games will be a test of stamina – and whilst some of them will conveniently fall at the end of nights out, watching 4pm Sunday games at 3am on Monday morning is far from ideal.
This leaves me with a serious conundrum – how am I going to fill my Saturday afternoons?
I could go and watch Sydney FC – current side of former Feyenoord and Blackburn Galactico Brett Emerton. Their 45,500 stadium looks impressive but unless it’s a game against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory it is rarely at capacity. They also play in a distinctive shade of laser-blue, drawing one too many comparisons with a certain team from home to warrant regular visits.
One of Sydney’s premier attractions – the famous Sydney Cricket Ground – is the home of New South Wales cricket. New South Wales currently have a squad littered with Australia’s best – including Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Brett Lee – and have amongst their former players Glenn McGrath, the Waugh brothers and a certain Sir Donald Bradman. Illustrious, and an enticing prospect, but for fact the season is nearly over.
By the time I will have arrived and settled the Australian Rugby League season will have started. Melbourne is often considered as Australia’s major sporting city – but when it comes to League Sydney dominates, having 9 sides.
But if I was to spend my weekends watching the NRL I’d be faced with the political minefield of who to support. Would I be a Sydney Rooster or a Penrith Panther – a Manly Sea Eagle or a South-Sydney Rabbitoh? It’s a decision I’m not yet qualified to make.
Thus, it’s left to Aussie Rules – a mix of rugby, Gaelic football and bare-knuckle boxing- to fill the football shaped void in my weekends.The Australian Football League season starts on the 24th March with the New South Wales derby – Sydney Swans against Greater Western Sydney Giants.
I think the Sydney Swans will be my adopted side for the next 6 months. After all, they do play in red and white.

An English experience of the Super Bowl

Written by Ciaran Milner on . Posted in Sport.

The Superbowl is an American institution which prompts a degree of mysticism from a British observer. Often our only connection to it is through the world of film or television, or perhaps an ill-conceived Superbowl party that begins late and ends in the ungodly hours of a Monday morning. As a sport which goes unwatched by many, the rules and understanding of the game often go straight over our heads. However, currently living in America has spurred me on to investigate this phenomenon. What is it about this event that causes American society to grind to a halt for four hours on a Sunday afternoon? How can they stand these countless advert breaks? And what on earth is actually going on?

I headed into Manhattan to investigate. The first step was to decide on a venue. A quick internet search revealed some attractive food and drink deals at most bars. Ranging from $40 at the cheapest, to around $100 at its most expensive, these offers provided unlimited food, with unlimited access to the bar and, in some cases, unlimited spirits throughout the duration of the game. It’s no wonder that ‘Superbowl Sunday’ is the second highest day for food consumption in the US, only just trailing Thanksgiving.

The next step was apparel. Having decided to adopt the New York Giants as our team, we needed to look the part. We stumbled upon some fake ‘jerseys’; $40 dollars each (£25). We felt this was too expensive – a fake should be nothing more than $20. However, as stocks quickly depleted in the city, official jerseys were eventually going for $120 (£75).  Later in the day, compelled by the hypnotic ‘Superbowl spirit’ and conscious that finding bar space in a rapidly filling Manhattan was becoming increasingly unlikely, my two roommates eventually panic-bought jerseys for this price.

Finding a bar in Times Square, we settled down for the game. The Superbowl is an incredibly long affair. Though only technically lasting for one hour, the whole event goes on for well over four. That is a lot of time for drinking, and leads to a ferocious, incredible atmosphere. Tightly packed inside the bar, hoards of men draped in the baggy blue of the Giants unleash their emotions in raw, primal screams that accompany every pass, tackle or catch. Imagine the explosive eruption that follows a winning goal in football; every other play in the Superbowl produces the same reaction.

A common criticism of the game in the UK is that the constantly punctuating adverts are too disruptive to the flow of the match. In America, these breaks provide a welcome respite from the raucous atmosphere that is created when you mix this extremely masculine sport with an abundance of alcohol in the cauldron of a sports bar. Not only this, but the breaks work to build tension for each play. Following Ahmed Bradshaws touchdown in the final quarter which gave the Giants the lead, for example, these breaks were accompanied with despairing fans clutching each other in an attempt to relieve the shared burden of tension.

The Giants held out to win the game, thanks to an ice-cool performance from quarterback Eli Manning. As a ‘soccer’ fan, this position is perhaps the one I most appreciated. Coincidentally, Manning wears the No.10 jersey, and the style of this position is perfectly comparable to the classic No.10 position in European football. Intelligence, accuracy, creativity and vision are all married to this elegant, game-defining role, which stands out in contrast to so much of the brutality surrounding it.

Beginning the playoffs with 40-1 odds against winning, it is quite incredible that the Giants were able to with, and the final whistle was greeted with a unified outburst of emotion from everyone present. Giants fans swamped the bar as free shots were offered to everyone; random men hugged each other in a display of unbridled joy quite juxtaposed to the macho image that the game displays. Feeling a little patriotic, I decided to bring some British flavour to proceedings; as opposing Quarterback Tom Brady graced the screen, I attempted to start the classic terrace chant of ‘you’re sh*t, and you know you are’. My new American bar-mates, however, were not filled with enthusiasm for this little British invasion, and decided not to deviate from the staple (and hugely uninspiring) ‘Gii-aaants! Giii-aaants!’. Fair enough; this was their night.

Where Are They Now – John Fashanu

Written by Danny Kenyon on . Posted in Sport.

John Fashanu started his football career at Norwich in 1979, before moving to Crystal Palace, Lincoln City and then Millwall, but it was when he joined Wimbledon in 1986 that he made a real impression on the game. He was famous for bashing the stuffing out of defenders, where fans assigned him the nickname ‘fash the bash’. In an interview, even Fashanu himself alluded to being more of a ‘British Bulldog’ than footballer, where he was in his element playing ‘kick and rush’ tactics.

Despite notching up 126 goals for the side, football fans will always remember his quite literally skull-crunching aerial challenge on Gary Mabbutt in the 1993/4 season. Perhaps this bruising tackle, combined with an injury- ridden spell at Aston Villa, was what merited his place as 22nd worst footballer ever in the Times Online Worst 50 list.

Although his football career had brought him infamy, his foray into mainstream media brought him to wider appreciation in the public eye. In the 1990’s, Fashanu presented the hit TV show Gladiators, where he used his trademark catchphrase ‘Awooga!’. He also made many other media ventures, once filming a fitness video for women doing exercises in their house called ‘Focus on Fitness with Fash’, which involved utilizing his physique that he claimed was ‘gifted by God’. In 2003, he cemented his celebrity status by coming runner up to Ulrika Jonsson on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
In April 2011, Fashanu was the winner of Celebrity Total Wipeout, beating celeb rival Calum Best to claim £10,000 for charity. The Fash brought extraordinary balance, unrivalled agility, and nifty footwork to fruition to triumph on this big sporting stage. Such a performance ultimately atoned for his earlier footballing mishaps in the eyes of the public.

Sheer camera presence has now earned him what is perhaps the pinnacle of his career and his crowning achievement, hosting Deal or No Deal Nigeria. Thus his media savvy career moves lead one to believe that perhaps he did use his head after all; its safe to say however, that it certainly wasn’t on the pitch.

Catch Fash in action on the African Channel, Sky Channel 268.