UEFA Europa League - The Fulham Fairytale Continues

Well, who would have thought of it, Fulham are the most successful British club in European competition this season!  Last night, Roy Hodgson’s men continued their incredible fairytale infront of a delighted Craven Cottage crowd and achieved the improbable, by knocking out another giant, in the form of German opposition. 

Hamburg SV may have been without a permanent manager, but with the incentive of playing the UEFA Europa League final, infront of their own fans in Hamburg and with stars like Mladen Petric, Joris Mathjisen and Ruud Van Nistlerooy amongst their ranks, surely they would be able to extinguish the burning Fulham flame.  It looked so for a large proportion of the semi-final, second leg encounter at Craven Cottage, with Petric’s stunning free-kick given the Germans the critical away goal.  However, never write Fulham off at your peril and once again, they showed the incredible chemistry that Hodgson has managed to bond together throughout this historic journey.  Simon Davies equalised with a clever finish, then Hungarian Zoltan Gera capitalised on sloppy defending to fire Fulham infront.  They held out for the final fifteen minutes, to complete the greatest victory of their history, and send them into the final in Hamburg on May 12^th.

They will face Spanish underachievers Atletico Madrid in the final, with Madrid overcoming the Anfield factor, to overcome Liverpool after extra-time.  Despite losing on the night 2-1, a critical away goal in the extra period from the ex-Manchester United flop, Diego Forlan, handed the final shattering blow on the Liverpool career of Rafa Benitez.  With no trophies in four seasons and a dismal 7^th place finish on the cards, there is surely only one option now for the board at Anfield to consider.  Their season has been truly forgettable.

However, this night belonged to Fulham and rightly so.  Hamburg will be their 19^th game in this competition, starting the staggering run way back in July 2009.  They scraped past FC Basle in the group stages and came through two bruising games against AS Roma, very much with pride intact.  Knocking out the talented holders Shakhtar Donetsk was a very impressive achievement, but to rip apart Juventus was another story.  Trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Round four, the Cottagers fell a goal down early on at home, to David Trezeguet.  However, they stormed back to win 4-1 on the night, and 5-4 on aggregate, as the Serie A legends were made to look like amateurs.  German champions VFL Wolfsburg were no match in the last eight for Hodgson’s men and now with Hamburg out of the way, who would be a fool, not to put any money on them winning the inaugural UEFA Europa League.

Two years ago, it took a Danny Murphy header at Portsmouth on the last day of the season, to keep Fulham in the FA Barclays Premiership by the skin of their teeth.  Now, captain Murphy will lead Fulham out for a European final.  Let’s hope this fairytale gets its deserved happy ending….

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Review - Jose's Greatest Triumph

The semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League have given the past fortnight plenty of drama and a final, that nobody probably could have predicted way back at the start of the season.  Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan will come face-to-face with Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich in Madrid on May 22^nd.  Whatever happens, either manager will become only the third coach in European Cup history to win the title with two different clubs, (Van Gaal with Ajax in 1995 & Mourinho in 2004 with FC Porto.) 

Mourinho claimed Wednesday night’s aggregate victory over his former employers, Barcelona as his greatest triumph in football history.  It was another piece of tactical masterstroke genius from Mourinho, who outwitted Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea in Round Two, and now has Pepe Guardiola on his winning CV too.  Although Goran Pandev went down with a thigh injury moments before the game, the decision to bring Christian Chivu into the line-up, instead of another attacker was an inspired choice by the Special One.

Carrying a 3-1 lead from the first leg in the San Siro, any attacking hopes at the Nou Camp for the Italians were wiped away by a spectacular piece of playacting from Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets.  His 28^th minute ‘pole axed’ impression got the former Barca midfielder, Thiago Motta sent off, when TV replays suggested Motta only fended Busquets off, rather than elbowed him, as the reaction suggested.  Though Motta should know better for the experience he has of the big occasion, the Brazilian can count himself unlucky.  Following a bust-up involving both benches, plus some choice words between Mourinho and Guardiola, the match settled down into an attack versus defence game of chess. 

Eventually, Barcelona brokethrough with seven minutes to go, when the ex-Manchester United centre-back, Gerard Pique went forward and showed a genuine piece of quality skill that would make the insipid Zlatan Ibrahimovic eat your heart out.  His cool finish gave the Catalans the hope, which nearly turned into reality when Bojan scored in injury-time, only for the goal to be wiped out, courtesy of an earlier handball from Yaya Toure.  At the final whistle, Barcelona sank to their knees, whilst Mourinho ran onto the pitch, with one hand in the air, pointing at the Milan fans in sheer delight.  An ugly confrontation with the Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes followed, but it was Jose’s night and no-one was going to spoil this moment for him.

Bayern Munich had a much easier time of it, overcoming a timid Lyon outfit 4-0 on aggregate, with an impressive 3-0 success in France on Tuesday night.  Despite overcoming the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid on their way to the last four, Lyon had failed to capture my imagination and their negativity in the first leg in the Allianz Arena was horrifying to see.  Despite Franck Ribery’s crude challenge on Lisandro Lopez, which earned a deserved red card and suspension from the final, Bayern always looked in command and another stunner from Arjen Robben gave them a narrow advantage to take to the Stade de Gerland.  Although Cris’s sending off for the hosts was ridiculous, Munich found this to be comfortable Tuesday night stroll.  Croatian Ivica Olic, who scored two critical goals against Manchester United, clinched a masterful hat-trick to see the Germans progress to their first final in nine years.

For the first time in its seventeen year history, the UEFA Champions League final will be held on a Saturday night, in an effort to win more of a primetime TV audience.  Despite their being no English presence for the first time since 2004, this game could turn into a classic.  Madrid is a wonderful occasion; let’s hope we have a game to remember in three weeks time, between two of the European superpowers, who have had lean spells of late, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.  

Gordon Gaff Might Well Have Blown It For Brown

Apart from close neighbours, no-one would have heard about Gillian Duffy until yesterday, when an exchange with views saw Labour’s General Election campaign blow up in spectacular fashion.  Who would have thought that going off to the shop to buy a loaf of bread would cause such a political storm.

Gordon Brown was campaigning in Rochdale yesterday, desperate to turn around Labour’s fortunes in the polls, which have taken a significant hit from a campaign that has lacked inspiration throughout.  He and Duffy ended up in conversation on the street for around five minutes, through the advice of Brown’s PA, who discovered that Duffy was a long-standing supporter of the Labour party.  It seemed fairly pleasant, with Gordon defending the party’s policies and Duffy, pointing out their failings, including the hotly-debated subject of Eastern European immigrants.  They parted on good terms, but as Gordon Brown disappeared into the back of his car, he had forgot to turn off a microphone, contributed by Sky News for the campaign trail.  The next discussion was a blunder of the first magnitude.

Brown: “That was a disaster!” “Well, they should never have put me with that woman, whose idea was that?”

PA: “I don’t know, I didn’t see.”

Brown: “It was Sue I think, it’s just ridiculous.”

PA: “What did she say?

Brown: “EVERYTHING, SHE’S JUST SOME SORT OF BIGOTED WOMAN, THAT SAID SHE USED TO BE LABOUR.  I MEAN IT’S JUST RIDICULOUS”

He isn’t the first to have been caught out by the microphone.  In 1993, after a TV interview with ITN, John Major called his Cabinet colleagues “b######s”, promising to “crucify them,” whilst the likes of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Prince Charles have also been embarrassed by the power of the clip-on mic.  With tonight’s leadership debate on the BBC focused on the economy, this was the worst possible time for Brown to produce such a horrendous moment of judgement.  His next appointment, on the Jeremy Vine Show for BBC Radio 2 showed his complete guilt.

Rather than continue fully with the trail in Manchester, Brown returned to the scene of his crime, to apologise to Gillian Duffy for his ‘slip of the tongue.’  He came out infront of the cameras, beaming with smiles, saying all was forgiven and forgotten.  However, the latest polls may pull out a different scenario.  The world’s media were obsessed yesterday with another twist that has turned this General Election campaign on its head.  With seven days to go, Gordon Brown has dug himself into a major hole and it might be too late to dig him out of it.  Yesterday, these private recriminations expose the Prime Minister to public humiliation.  He has a massive fight on his hands now, to restore the reputation of himself and his beleaguered party.  A resounding victory in tonight’s debate is the only ways forward.

Imola 1994 - The Darkest Weekend In Formula 1 History

This weekend marks the 16^th anniversary of that shocking April/May weekend at Imola in 1994.  The San Marino Grand Prix will be remembered for one of the most hideous times in Grand Prix history, with a catalogue of spectacular and deadly crashes, which may have helped the safety of today’s modern-day cars, but caused its destruction in the process, taking away the life of the greatest Grand Prix driver of his generation, Ayrton Senna.

The horror of the weekend began on Friday 29^th April 1994, when in the first official qualifying session, the young Brazilian Rubens Barrichello lost control of his Jordan Hart car approaching the quick Variante Bassa chicane.  His car launched off a kerb and smashed into the tyre wall at colossal speed, narrowly avoiding going over some catch fencing, which separated the track from local spectators.  Only the quick reactions of Professor Sid Watkins prevented the talented Barrichello from swallowing his tongue.  Remarkably, he walked away with just a cut lip, minor bruising and a broken nose.  His weekend was over, but his life had remained intact.  It reminded Grand Prix fans and drivers of the real dangers that the sport possesses.  Just 24 hours later, the luck ran out.

31-year old Austrian Roland Ratzenberger was qualifying for only his second Grand Prix, having finished his first race in Aida, Japan just a fortnight earlier.  Eighteen minutes into Saturday’s second qualifying session, Ratzenberger’s front wing broke off exiting the flat-out Tamburello bend.  It is thought that the wing may have been weakened by an earlier off-track excursion.  With no steering capability, the Simtek Ford car ploughed straight into the concrete wall at Villeneuve, on the approach to the Tosa hairpin.  The impact was thought to be close to 200mph, Roland powerless to control any impact with this crash.  With his car smashed to pieces, it came clear from a very early evident stage that Roland wasn’t going to be as lucky as Barrichello was.  Once again, the session was stopped and the medics did what they could to save the rookie’s life.  However, it was a battle in vain, with Ratzenberger being pronounced dead on arrival at Bologna Maggiore Hospital.  He became the first driver to be killed at a race meeting for twelve years, since Ricardo Paletti’s demise at the 1982 Canadian Grand Prix.  The last driver to suffer a fatal crash in an F1 car was the Italian Elio de Angelis at the wheel of a Brabham, during a test session at Paul Ricard, France in 1986.  The next tragedy to hit the sport was less than 24 hours away.

Having taken his 65^th pole position, the Williams FW16 of Brazilian, Ayrton Senna raced into an instant lead, from German wunderkind Michael Schumacher (winner of the first two races) and Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari.  However, the race was put under caution, when JJ Lehto’s Benetton stalled on row three of the grid, and was collected immediately by the unsighted Pedro Lamy in the Lotus.  Lamy escaped unhurt and Lehto suffered a light arm injury, but it was spectators hurt; eight of them hit by flying debris from the crumbled Lotus Mugen Honda.  After five laps under Safety Car, Senna charged away, needing the points badly to keep up with Schumacher at the top of the drivers’ standings.  On lap seven, Senna’s car refused to turn into the flat-out Tamburello corner, pitching straight-on into a concrete wall at some 140mph, possibly even greater speed.  The destroyed Williams returned to the edge of the circuit, throwing debris in all directions.  The race was red-flagged.

Once again, it was clear that Senna was in a grave condition from the outset, with very little sign of movement from the cockpit of his car.  As Watkins and the marshals got to work again, the severity of the crash, especially from the pictures being beamed around the world on Eurosport made the scene even worse.  Senna was airlifted to hospital from the track, and very quickly, medical bulletins filtered through that any hope of a recovery was being realistically lost.  The race continued, with Schumacher claiming another win under a deep black cloud.  After the race, Senna was announced as clinically brain dead and his life machine was switched off.  Brazil went into a state of national mourning, the world of sport stunned into silence.  Where would Formula 1 go now, after the loss of its most influential and iconic figure?  Another crash involving Michele Alboreto’s Minardi in the pit lane in the restarted race, which injured mechanics from Lotus and Ferrari just added to the doom and gloom around the Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari.

Fortunately, the steps taken to improve safety in Formula One have been of massive leaps and boundaries.  Many drivers since then, including Robert Kubica, Heikki Kovalainen, Takuma Sato and more recently in Hungary last year, Felipe Massa have had serious, shocking accidents, but have been able to live the tail and go racing again.  The 1994 San Marino Grand Prix will go down as the darkest weekend in motorsport history and sixteen years on, its legacy will remain, but its pain will never heal.

   

R.I.P Roland Ratzenberger & Ayrton Senna: Gone, but never forgotten!

World Cup Memories - Part 1

The countdown is getting ever closer to that first kick-off between the hosts and Mexico, which will open up the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.  For the first time, Africa will stage the world’s biggest show and over four weeks and sixty-four matches, we really will find out who is the best in the world. 

It also gives me the opportunity to lookback at some classic FIFA World Cup moments from down the years, a mixture of romance, drama, controversy, disgusting foul play, heartbreak and joy.  Every picture, every match tells its different type of story.  In this five-part series, I will be looking back at my top 50 FIFA World Cup memories, starting, ranging from 1958 to the most recent tournament in Germany four years ago.  These are in no particular order.  Here are the first ten:

Mexico 1970: The Great Brazilian Line-Up

Over the years, Brazil has produced some amazing teams and some of the best talent to grace the game, such as Ronaldo, Socrates, Zico and Romario.  However, nothing comes close to the 1970 team, which turned up and outclassed everyone in the scorching heat of Mexico.  Many class it to be the best attacking line-up in history, featuring the likes of Carlos Alberto, Rivelino, Jarirzinho and of course, Pele, in his fourth and final World Cup.  In the final, Italy were no match for them, overpowered 4-1, with Alberto scoring of the greatest goals in World Cup history.  It was their third World Cup in twelve years and therefore, they were able to keep the original Jules Rimet trophy.  This was a fitting reward for an outstanding unit.

Spain 1982: Algeria Become Victims of German/Austrian Alliance

The opening day of the 1982 World Cup finals saw one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s history, as unknown Africans Algeria defeated the mighty West Germany 2-1.  This meant that the European champions were in grave danger of being eliminated in the group stages, and met an Austria side in their final group game, knowing a draw would eliminate them.  With Algeria having played Chile the day before, they could only be knocked-out if West Germany won by 1 or 2 goals.  Sure enough, after ten minutes, West Germany scored through Hrubesch.  For the remaining 80 minutes, the two teams put on a demonstration of ‘let’s kick the ball aimlessly around.’  It finished 1-0 and both teams qualified, much to the disgust of the Spanish supporters and the Algerians, who protested against the result.  FIFA rejected the claim, but insisted afterwards that all final group games would have to be played simultaneously, to avoid this shambles happening again.

USA 1994: Leonardo’s Loss of Temper

18 minutes into a rather insipid second round contest had taken place between Brazil and the United States, when AC Milan left-back Leonardo produced a dangerous piece of horrific foul play.  The normal charming Brazilian got frustrated when the experienced Tab Ramos pulled his shirt on the touchline.  Consequently, he threw out a vicious elbow, which fractured Ramos’s skull, forcing him to spend the next three months in hospital.  Leonardo was sent off and though apologised to Ramos afterwards for not intentionally going out to hurt him, his character definitely took a stain from this moment of madness.

Germany 2006: Italy’s Semi-Final Stunner

The hosts were on a crest of a wave, when they encountered Italy in a absorbing semi-final contest in Dortmund.  End-of-end action was guaranteed and that’s what happened, with the game flowing one way, then the other.  Sadly, no goals came, until the 118^th minute, when Palermo left-back Fabio Grosso unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box, which Jens Lehmann had no chance of saving.  It was a heartbreaker for Jurgen Klinsmann and the German team, who won many admirers, particularly for their quarter-final elimination of Argentina the previous week.  Moments later, Italy broke away again, with Alessandro Del Piero lashing home a second.  Italy’s stunning late show was taking them to Berlin, leaving German fans distraught at having come so close, yet so far.

South Korea 2002: Senegal Send Shockwaves across the Globe

The opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup was expected to be a cruise for the reigning World and European champions, France.  Against unfancied Africans Senegal, Roger Lemerre’s superstars were expected to have no dramas, despite the absence of Zinedine Zidane through injury.  However, the unpredictable element for football reared its head again, as the debutants made their name in Seoul.  El-Hadji Diouf caused problems all day and his teasing cross after half an hour, set-up chaos in the Les Bleus backline.  Papa Boupa Diop capitalised, stroking home the only goal.  Cue celebrations in Dhaka as Senegal send shockwaves across the globe.  For France, it was the start of a tournament to forget.

France 1998: Michael Owen Comes Of Age

At 18 years of age, Michael Owen had already made a name of himself in the FA Carling Premiership, ending joint top goalscorer in the 1997/98 season for Liverpool.  His impact in the World Cup finals in France was even more dramatic.  He came off the bench and scored in England’s group defeat against Romania in Toulouse.  However, it was Argentina who felt the full force of Owen, as he came of age in St. Etienne, scoring one of the greatest ever goals in World Cup history.  With the score at 1-1 in the 15^th minute, he collected a through ball from David Beckham, shook off Chamot, ghosted past Roberto Ayala, then coolly finished past the advancing Carlos Roa.  It was a moment of magic; a star was well and truly born.

Argentina 1978: Clive Thomas Takes Centre Stage

English referees have never had a great deal of luck at the major tournaments, normally embroiled in the centre of controversy.  This was the case in 1978, when a group game against Brazil and Sweden saw Clive Thomas take centre stage.  In the dying stages, with the game tied at 1-1, Brazil had a corner, which Zico headed into the back of the net.  However, Thomas blew the whistle when the ball was being kicked into the area, to the consultation of the Brazilian players.  Had the goal stood, Brazil would have won 2-1, but it finished 1-1 and that meant Austria topped the group.  Brazil’s adventure ended in the quarter-finals and was left to reflect on what might have been.

Italy 1990: The Republic of Ireland’s Great Adventure

Big Jack Charlton had steered the Republic of Ireland through to their first World Cup adventure and they gave themselves a historic story throughout in Italia 90.  Creditable draws with England and Holland in the group stages meant that they advanced to the second round, and a nervy contest in Genoa against Romania.  After two hours of uninspiring football, the game would be decided on penalties.  Pat Bonner saved the fifth Romanian penalty and Arsenal’s David O’Leary kept his nerve to steer Ireland home to a 5-4 penalty success.  Despite not winning a game up to this point, Ireland had earned themselves a date in Rome in the quarter-finals.  They were to be undone by the hosts in the last eight, overcome by a 1-0 defeat, through a Schillaci strike.  Nevertheless, they returned home to Dublin as national treasures.

Mexico 1986: Manuel Negrete Sets the Azteca Alive

One of my all-time favourite goals ever was scored by Manuel Negrete in the 1986 World Cup.  With Colombia failing to meet FIFA standard, Mexico was asked to step in and host the finals for the second time in sixteen years and it put on a carnival of a tournament.  Against Bulgaria in Round two, Sporting Lisbon star Negrete controlled a high ball superbly, linked up with Javier Aguirre and with the ball still in the air, produced an amazing scissor kick from the inside of the penalty area into the bottom corner of Borislav Mikhailov’s net.  It was simply magnificent; Mexico won 2-0 as Negrete set the Azteca Stadium alight.

USA 1994: The Divine Ponytail Blows It on the Big Stage

Many believe that Italy had been very lucky to reach the 1994 World Cup Final and it was largely down to their ‘Divine Ponytail’ star, Roberto Baggio.  The Juventus talisman had scored key goals in the knockout stage against Nigeria, Spain and Bulgaria, to take Arrigo Sacchi’s men to the final against Brazil, in the heat of the Pasadena Rose Bowl.  After quite probably the dullest final on record, stalemate at 0-0 left this to be the first World Cup final to be decided on penalties.  With Brazil 3-2 up, the saviour of Italy, who had limped through the game with a hamstring injury, had to score to keep the shootout alive.  Baggio sent Taffarel the wrong way, but blew his penalty high into the stand and Brazil had their fourth World Cup.

Part 2 Next Week!

Britain's Got Talent - Where Are They Now?

Two weeks into one of Britain’s biggest TV shows and as the talent search continues throughout the country, it is time to see the success stories of Britain’s Got Talent from the previous three series, and where have they ended up since they found fame on the ITV hit-show.

Paul Potts (Winner) 2007

Paul Potts life was completely changed when he stormed through to win the inaugural show in June 2007.  Since then, the opera singer, who before the success, worked as a mobile phones salesman with the Carphone Warehouse has gone onto to sell 3.5million copies of his debut album, One Chance.  Now, he is working on a third album and under the guidance of Simon Cowell, Potts is only bound to get better and better.

Escala (Finalists) 2008

Classical artists Escala are a fresh and friendly face to an industry, which has always been way in the shadows of other established music genres.  Their final performance in 2008 was the beginning of something big, with their first album, titled ‘Escala’ last year, turning into a hit with many.  They have signed a £1.5million record deal with Sony and fronted the advertisement for Sky Sports football coverage in the 2008/09 season. 

Stavros Flatley (Finalists) 2009

Who can forget Lagi and Demetri, the Greek father and son act, who wowed the judges and audience last year with those incredible and breathtaking performances.  They are on course to become millionaires and are turning into a very popular act, with bookings already taking them up to Christmas this year.  Their book ‘How to be Greek,’ has sold over 10,000 copies and they have appeared on the BBC cooking show, Ready Steady Cook.

Susan Boyle (Runner-Up) 2009

What an unbelievable year Susan Boyle has had.  Quite possibly, the best audition ever on Britain’s Got Talent, certainly the most popular, in regard to those millions of hits on the video-sharing site, YouTube.  Boyle has made £4million from selling over 8million copies of her debut album, ‘I Dreamed a Dream,’ last November.  It went onto to become the biggest album seller of the year, and she has taken America by storm, which is where her future career could take her.

Damon Scott (Runner-Up) 2007

Despite still living with his parents in the UK, 2007 runner-up Damon Scott is still raking in a bigger income than ever before.  His popular performances with the puppet ‘Bubbles,’ have been a major attraction at a variation of European car launches.

Faryl Smith (Finalist) 2008

At 14 years old, Faryl Smith has immense talent and could well turn out to be one of the biggest successes in Britain’s Got Talent History.  Despite only finishing 4^th in the 2008 climax, Faryl signed to Katherine Jenkins classical label and has already released two classical albums, selling more 200,000 copies.  From Kettering, Smith has also performed with the likes of Michael Buble and sang ‘Abide with Me’ before the 2009 FA Cup Final at Wembley.

George Sampson (Winner) 2008

Street dancer George Sampson was turned away by the judges Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden in 2007, but came up stronger than ever, and was a deserved winner of the tightly-contested 2008 final.  Since his ‘Singing in the Rain,’ performance, which won him the crown, Sampson has appeared in the West End, signed a £1million deal with the bank NatWest and is soon set to appear in the BBC drama, Waterloo Road.

Diversity (Winners) 2009

The winners from 2009, with a show-stopping performance that even Susan Boyle couldn’t live with have had a slow, but steady success on their rise to fame.  Currently, the 11-strong dance troop group are undergoing at tour of the UK, which is coming to a conclusion very soon in London.

Connie Talbot (Finalist) 2007

Aged six when she blew us away with the ‘Over the Rainbow’ performance in the first series, Connie Talbot has released three albums, and has launched a range of children’s jewellery.  The West Midlands starlet’s income is thought to be around £100,000, which for a nine-year old, is impressive statistics.

Signature (Runners-Up) 2008

Madhu and Suleman’s audition was the most memorable of 2008 and their Michael Jackson tribute act has grown in popularity, even more so since the death of the ‘King of Pop.’  They’ve managed to crack America since their runners-up status two years ago, and have also performed infront of the Prince of Bahrain.

As you can see, Britain’s Got Talent has opened up a load of doors and avenues for many, the class of 2010 have a lot to do, if they want to meet these high expectations.  

The Sky News Leaders Debate - Back In The Balance

Last night, the race tightened and got even more interesting in the battle to become the UK’s next Prime Minister.  The second of the hotly anticipated televised leadership debates in Bristol, fronted by Sky News and its highly-respected political journalist Adam Boulton showed no clear cut winner, and put everything firmly back in the balance.

Following his overwhelming success with many in the ITV debate the previous Thursday, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has been on a crest wave, even attracting a popular Facebook group, with similar implications to the Rage against the Machine campaign to Christmas No.1 last year.  Was this the night when Clegg’s bubble was going to burst?  Well, it seems like the Liberal Democrats are happy with his performance, though I must admit; I thought he was the weakest out of the three leaders.  By being in the middle of the stage, the pressure was firmly fixated on him and he lacked conviction when coming across with his answers.  The most damming response was when Boulton asked him a simple question about his appearance on yesterday’s Daily Telegraph, in regard to donor money being paid into his personal bank account.  It was an awkward response; “Yes, it is absolute nonsense, but moving away from that.”  It certainly looked like he had something to hide.

David Cameron, the Conservative leader was expected to get the most out of these debates, and last week, he struggled to make an impact.  Last night, he was back to his usual self, and didn’t hold back, like he had seven days earlier.  Cameron looked far more confident and fluent and wasn’t afraid in going on the attack.  His annoyance with Clegg’s stance on MP expenses was impressive and he really was made irate by Labour’s Gordon Brown, urging him to withdraw some posters, slamming the Tories policies for the elderly, such as the removal of free bus passes, eye tests and prescriptions.  Though Cameron admitted live that all of those policies will stay, he clearly was very angry with the leaflet campaign, using the word ‘lies’ against the Labour party.  This was a very strong word to use and I did feel that was unnecessary.  On the closing speeches, he attacked Labour again, saying that Brown’s closing speech to the debate “sounded desperate, in a bid to frighten people.” 

The 90-minute debate, based initially on International Affairs, then on other questions for the audience, was bound to be a grilling for Gordon Brown.  Nevertheless, he can be fairly satisfied with the performance he gave.  He seemed far more punchy and convincing than in the inaugural debate, and not as mundane or pedestrian.  The very commanding approach paid off in some areas, and he was not frightened to go on the attack, slamming Clegg’s ‘anti-American policies’ and the ‘nuclear weapons ignoring’ policy, a real danger with Iran and North Korea still a major threat in the nuclear society.  He told Clegg to “get real, get real,” with that, showing he wasn’t frightened to dish it out, as well as take it.  He highlighted the Tories manifesto to not have the free eye test/prescription, which was very brave, but maybe not give the result he was looking for on that area, following Cameron’s insult back.  However, if Gordon wants to win the commanding votes, he needs to get out there and promote his face further.  Some Labour insiders think the campaign is lacklustre at the moment, and needs a big lift, so he still has the most work to do, in efforts to convince the voters. 

Adam Boulton did an outstanding job last night in chairing the debate, unlike Alistair Stewart who lost control of the debate and probably the occasion, the previous Thursday.  He allowed the debate to flow and as a result, it was a far better watch.  According to ITN’s poll results straight afterwards, Clegg won the debate, with 33%, far lesser than last week’s margin, yet still a victory.  Both Cameron and Brown were tied on 30%.  This seemed to be more of a common debate at Prime Minister’s Questions; the nerves weren’t as bad from anyone from the previous week.

With less than two weeks to go until we go to the polls, it couldn’t be any closer to call.  Nick Clegg was less fresh last night and was missing the bold attitude that came across during the first debate.  David Cameron can reflect on a much more polished performance, but is still looking for a major breakthrough if he wants a majority government.  Gordon Brown did far better than expected last night, and can take a lot of satisfaction from this.  I would give Cameron the edge in round two of the debates, but it is still too close to call and the BBC’s debate next week now has much more significance.  The General Election 2010 is firmly back in the balance.   

Media Changes Aplenty - Adrian Jumps Ship And Some Aren't Happy!

Following the news of Adrian Chiles departure to ITV on Monday night, there have been many upcoming changes, which have promoted anger with some highly-established presenters and turned the BBC and ITV into a Spring Transfer Window Service, rather than TV organisations!

Chiles’ decision to leave the BBC was not of great surprise, as it has been widely tipped that he would quit, after finding out that Chris Evans would present the daily evening programme, The One Show on Friday nights.  However, not many predicted he would switch to ITV as a result.  Although he does leave The Apprentice and Match of the Day 2 behind, this could be a brilliant career move for the popular Chiles, one of TV’s most common stars in recent years.  He has been part of The One Show furniture since it began over three years ago, first with Myleene Klass and now with Christine Bleakly.  In his new four-year deal, he will front breakfast show GMTV five days a week and become the much-needed new face of ITV’s growing football portfolio.  Chiles will begin at ITV with their coverage of this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa, and will front the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League and England internationals from next season.

This move has angered ITV’s main sport face, Steve Rider.  According to some media sources, Rider is planning to sue ITV in the High Court, as his £500,000-a year contract states that he will be the leading face of ITV’s World Cup efforts this summer.  He was absent from ITV’s Champions League coverage in midweek and should he not be at Rockingham this weekend, for ITV4’s British Touring Car Championship action, then presume Rider is preparing to leave ITV.  Reportedly, he may be planning to move back to the BBC, to front golf, tennis and rugby coverage, should things not work out with ITV.

The shake-up at the BBC has continued, with the news that Katie Derham is to leave ITN News to join the BBC, though not on the BBC News team.  After twelve years with ITN, Derham will front the BBC’s coverage of the Proms, plus other daytime programmes.  Chiles future replacement at The One Show has not been officially confirmed, though Strictly Come Dancing winner and BBC breakfast host, Chris Hollins is to fill the post for now.  BBC Radio 1 presenter, Colin Murray will be the new fresh face on the MOTD2 sofa from next season.  He already has connections with BBC, though his Radio 1 show, plus presenting the popular ‘Fighting Talk’ programme on BBC Radio Five Live.  Of recent times, he has been fronting Football on Five’s coverage of the UEFA Europa League.

Finally, the concertina effort has continued over on ITV, at GMTV.  Helen Fosparo, currently a host of the GMTV Newshour programme is expected to become Chiles full-time co-anchor from late on this year.  With new bosses having come in at the end of last year, GMTV is going through a major revamp, which has already led to the departure of Penny Smith and Krypton Factor host, Ben Shepherd.  Other anchors, Andrew Castle, Emma Crosby and Kate Garraway are also all expected to be wielded the axe in the coming weeks.

Watch this space for possible further movements in the TV market in the coming weeks; this has certainly been a week full of change, instead of the traditional continuity that we associated BBC and ITV for.  

The Future of Television Is Here - But Will It Take Off?

Yesterday, Korean electronics giant Samsung won the race to stock the first ever television in 3D.  It’s UE40 C700 model was available yesterday in key John Lewis stores across the UK.  Other establishments such as Comet will start stocking the TV in the next fortnight.  However, this new style of television vision will coat us around £1,800.  This is because the Samsung version comes without 3D glasses, or a cable connection device, which means you wouldn’t be able to watch anything without these key devices.  So, the future is here, but will it take-off?

It seems like its a major gamble move by Samsung, considering that there will be no benefit for the first couple of months.  Sky plan to launch its 3D channel and set-top box in the summer, which is probably why other giants in the electrical game, Panasonic and Sony may have the technology, but are prepared to stall and play the waiting game, until Sky makes it move in the market.  Has 3D got the ideas and will it win the popularity that widescreen and high-definition TV did.

When Sky launched its HD service back in 2006, it was another risky move, but it has paid off handsomely.  With Freeview also going HD in the coming weeks, it won’t be long before almost anyone in the UK will have access to this fantastic venture.  3D is without doubt, the future and a positive step in the market, but it just feels all rushed.  Having experienced the 3D experience myself in cinemas, I don’t really see much benefit around it at the moment.  Technical improvements within the last twelve months have meant that this vision is now possible and Sky have been trialling 3D with the option to watch selected live Premiership games in selected pubs across the country. 

Since the first game broadcast in this format, Arsenal v Manchester United on January 31^st, there has a positive response from fans.  Sky has plans to show everyone of its 115 live Premiership matches next season.  Meanwhile, the BBC and ITV has announced no plans to go down the 3D route as of yet, probably a wise manoeuvre if this turns into a spectacular flop.  FIFA has already confirmed that it will film the upcoming World Cup in South Africa in 3D, though England fans will see no benefits, until at least the quarter-final stage.

To promote the software, Monsters vs. Aliens will be shown at all John Lewis stores with the TV device, so some will be able to get a glimpse of the future may hold.  Figures suggest that up to 7million homes will have 3D TV sets in their homes by 2015, but I predict that uptake will be slow initially.  This is the biggest change in television viewing since BSkyB burst onto our screens in February 1989, maybe even as far back as the first-ever colour television set in the 1960’s.  I think that the technology will end up turning into an arousing success and 3D is the way to go for the long-term future.  In the short-term however, until the price starts coming down and more channels and manufacturers embrace the technology, consumers would be better not going down this avenue path just yet.