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Hello, this is Siwri88, better known to some as Simon. Currently work as a picture researcher and product editor with a leading publishing company that works with trading cards and sticker albums on a variety of licenses in sport and entertainment. Freelance Journalist and writing a book in my spare time. Achieved a 2:1 studying BA Hons Journalism at the University of Northampton (2009-2012). Enjoy reading!

Sunday 30 January 2011

Challenger remembered 25 years on



THE space race used to be one of the biggest events through the decades as the United States and the Soviet Union battled for supremacy.  In 1981, the US launched the space shuttle, the first reusable aircraft for space exploration.  By the time of 1986, space flights weren’t of any news to Americans, as they weren’t historic and were considered very safe.  This all changed with Challenger’s ill-fated tenth space shuttle flight.  All seven astronauts were killed when the shuttle exploded on Tuesday 28 January 1986, just 73 seconds after take-off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral. 

On Friday, the 25th anniversary of the disaster was marked by NASA, with a ceremony at the Kennedy Space Centre.  Widows of the dead, schoolchildren and former president George Bush Snr were present at the ceremony, where a new memorial statue was erected for the dead.  Even today, it is still remembered as one of the most dramatic and catastrophic incidents to have happened live on American television.

Challenger was the 25th space shuttle mission since operational flights began in 1982.  It was already seen to many as a very reliable spacecraft.  This flight was a special landmark, as among the seven astronauts was the first citizen to go into space; American schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe from New Hampshire.  McAuliffe had won a competition in 1984 to become the first civilian not connected with the space programme to go into space.  Over 11,000 people applied, which showed the country’s addiction to these missions, despite the lack of news coverage.  Due to some unusual faults with the spacecraft and Superbowl Sunday, there were two aborted launch attempts, but eventually – all systems were go for Tuesday 28 January 1986.  It was a clear morning at Cape Canaveral, with bright blue skies and conditions absolute perfect for takeoff.  This disregards the fact of the launch pad dropping to its coldest ever temperatures overnight.    

EXPLOSION: Challenger rips apart into a fireball
Liftoff was greeted at the Kennedy Space Centre to a sense of relief for NASA and delight for the spectators watching.  In schools across America, children packed into auditoriums and classrooms to watch the launch live on CNN; hooters going off and balloons popping at the sight of one of their own, McAuliffe entering space.  Sadly, a mission that was meant to last seven days, ended in tragedy after just nine miles.  NASA’s final command was; “Challenger, going throttle up.”  Commander Dick Scobee’s response was clear too; “Roger, go at throttle up.”  Some recordings then suggest that pilot Michael Smith noticed a problem, as he mentioned “uh-oh” milliseconds before the catastrophe.  73 seconds in, Challenger ripped apart like a fireball into the cloudless sky.  Debris fell into the Atlantic Ocean with the cabin still intact.  However, with an impact speed approaching 300mph, the seven crew members had no chance.  All are thought to have been killed by the impact with the water, rather than the initial explosion.

DOOMED: The seven Challenger crew members who had no chance of survival
The American space programme was badly hit.  The space shuttle was grounded for nearly two and a half years, whilst investigations into the disaster were made.  President Ronald Reagan was deeply affected by the tragedy, paying tribute to the lost seven in a televised address to the nation on the night of the disaster; “We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of Earth’ to ‘touch the face of God’.”  McAuliffe’s presence on the flight was well-known, but there was plenty of experience on the doomed shuttle.  Dick Scobee was a former Air Force pilot, Michael Smith had flown aircraft during the Vietnam War and Judith Resnik was a mission specialist, who had led a training programme for American women in space exploration.  The other three to perish were Ronald McNair, Greg Jarvis and Ellison Ozinuka.    

A report into the disaster in June 1986 by the Rogers Commission, which included the first American woman in space, Sally Ride and first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong concluded that a failure of the joint in the two lower segments of the shuttle’s right solid rocket booster had caused the destruction of Challenger.  The unusually cold temperatures prior to the launch, which had caused the rubber ‘o-ring’ to become less elastic, also, played its part in Challenger’s downfall.  During the investigation, it merged that engineers at NASA and Morton Thiokol, the booster rocket contractor had been fully aware of the ‘o-ring’ flaws. 

Recommendations made from the report included design changes to the rocket boosters and joints and in the management structure of NASA.  These were both successfully met with when Discovery relaunched the space shuttle programme in September 1988.  Fifteen years later, the explosion of Columbia in February 2003 set back the programme even further.  Another seven astronauts died when the ageing shuttle broke up on re-entering into the earth’s atmosphere.  Later on this year, the US plans to retire the shuttle, which has had its moments of magic, such as playing a role in the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope.  However, we shall never forget those who lost their lives on both Columbia and Challenger.  They gave their lives to the ultimate quest to know more about space technology.  

Skins - Where are they now?


LAST Thursday saw the launch of the new series of E4’s critically-acclaimed teen drama Skins.  The Bristol bunch are back, but it is a new cast.  As they attempt to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, here is what ten of the stars from the first two generations have done since leaving Skins for pastures new.

Nicholas Hoult
POPULAR: Nicholas Hoult has made a decent film career for himself
Who did he play in Skins: Tony Stonem
What his character was like: Tony was a attractive, popular character who took the lead role of the first generation.  Most of the main storylines in the first two series were centralised around his characters.
What has he done since Skins: Before Bristol life, he featured in the film About a Boy.  Since Skins, he has appeared in the movie A Single Man, has recently been cast in an X-Men movie spin-off which is due for release this summer and was nominated for a BAFTA film award in 2010, although he lost in his category to Kirsten Stewart.

Kaya Scodelario
Who did she play in Skins: Effy Stonem
What her character was like: Effy was the only character to have appeared in all four series of Skins.  She had a back part role in the first generation and barely spoke.  She took the lead role of the second generation, taking the headlines for being caught in a messy love triangle with best friends Cook and Freddie.  Effy’s characters traits were very similar to those of her bigger brother, Tony.
What has she done since Skins: Kaya has also made the move into movies since Skins, starring prominently in the gang movie Shank.  She has also had supporting roles in Clash of the Titans, appeared in two of Plan B’s music videos in 2010 and does a lot of modelling for fashion magazines.  Behind her career, Kaya is currently dating the Shameless star Elliott Tittensor.

Lily Loveless
FIERY: Lily Loveless career promises to be full of passion
Who did she play in Skins: Naomi Campbell
What her character was like: Naomi began out as an outsider in the second generation.  Fiery and a real political activist, she thought she knew who she was, and didn’t care about what anyone thought about her.  This was challenged by Emily, who chased and chased Naomi throughout the third series.  Cue the ‘Naomily’ phenomenon, which despite some rocky patches, ended in two happy endings.  In the fourth series, Naomi is more open towards people, due to having found happiness with Emily. 
What has she done since Skins: Lily Loveless has been very busy since finishing on Skins.  She has appeared on CBBC drama Combat Kids, done some short films, with one due to be screened at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and has just finished filming the Sarah Jane Adventures for BBC.  Her portrayal of Naomi was critically acclaimed by many, and these projects seem to highlight Lily’s high regard to many in the world of television acting.

Mike Bailey
Who did he play in Skins: Sid Elliott
What was his character like:  Sid was Tony’ best friend in the first two series of Skins, but struggled to fit into the stereotypes of the group.  Lacking confidence within himself, his relationship with Cassie was one of the main highlights of the first two series.
What has he done since Skins: Mike is one of the few who has almost disappeared totally since he finished Skins in 2009.  His most recent credit was in the Channel 4 drama; 1066: The Battle for Middle Earth, which was nearly 18 months ago.  

Hannah Murray
PROMISING: Hannah has proved she can do multi-tasking 
Who did she play in Skins: Cassie Ainsworth
What her character was like: Cassie was a very popular character with the Skins fans.  Best friends with Michelle, her on-off relationship with Sid, which went lots of places was a highlight.  The difficult relationship with her parents led Cassie to end up in some very precarious positions.
What has she done since Skins: Since Skins, Hannah is building up a very promising portfolio of work, largely in theatre and TV.  Later this year, she will play the role of ‘Emily’ in her debut movie, Chatroom.

Jack O’Connell
Who did he play in Skins: James Cook
What his character was like: The ‘Cookie Monster’ was one of the leading characters in the second generation.  His charismatic, all thrills attitude towards life saw him in some harassing scenarios.  He fought with Freddie for Effy’s heart in series three, slept with Pandora and ended up in jail for assault.  The whereabouts of whether he survived past series four are unknown, after a final confrontation with Effy’s psychiatrist; Dr John Foster.
What has he done since Skins: Before Skins, Jack had already experience a share of the limelight in Doctors, The Bill and Holby City.  Since Skins finished for him, Jack starred in the critically acclaimed BBC2 drama Dive last summer and played ‘Marky’ in the film Harry Brown.  He also won Best Actor for his role as Cook in Skins at the 2010 TV Choice awards.  Jack has a lot of potential to go a long way in his acting career.

Dev Patel
Who did he play in Skins: Anwar Kharral
What his character was like: A very humorous character, Anwar’s faith is questioned at times, especially as he doesn’t follow most of the Muslim guidelines.  He believed that homosexuality was against his religion, which put a strain on his friendship with Maxxie.  He ends the show boarding a bus to London.
What has he done since Skins: There can be no doubt that Dev Patel has had the most success out of anyone since Skins.  He took the main role as Jamel Malik in Danny Boyle’s hit movie, Slumdog Millionaire.  Patel won a host of awards for his starring role and should a Skins movie take place, Dev will reignite his character as Anwar.

Kathryn Prescott
CHANGES: Kat's character, Emily went from shy to confident in no time
Who did she play in Skins: Emily Fitch
What her character was like: Emily began Skins life as a wet blanket.  She was very shy and often in the shadow of loud twin sister Katie.  As the series progresses, Emily is more sure of her sexuality and develops strong feelings for teen activist Naomi.  They have to overcome many obstacles, including Katie, her pestering mother and Naomi’s cheating in series four.  After attempting to punish her lover back, Emily eventually forgives Naomi in a heart-warming conclusion to series four for ‘Naomily.’
What has she done since Skins: Kat began filming for a pilot show, Goth last year, which is expected to be picked up by Sky1.  She has also filmed a minor part in medical drama Monroe and will make her film debut in the horror movie, Lethal later this summer.  She has her own website and keeps up-to-date with many of her fans on a regular.

April Pearson
Who did she play in Skins: Michelle Richardson
What her character was like: Michelle was a very confident character, with an arrogant side towards herself.  She was together with Tony at the start of their Skins life, but split up when he cheated on her.  Her hedonistic lifestyle takes her to the edge and Michelle, after briefly dating Sid, gets back with Tony, although their future was thrown into question as they planned to head for separate Universities at the end of the second series.
What has she done since Skins: April made a cameo role in BBC medical drama Casualty after Skins and her first movie and last known work was in Tormented, a horror comedy in May 2009.

Luke Pasqualino
BRUTAL: Freddie's death shocked fans, but Luke is carving a leading role.
Who did he play in Skins: Freddie McClair
What his character was like: Freddie likes skateboarding and smokes weed.  He fights his best friend Cook for Effy’s affections, even shagging Katie when he thinks that Effy wants Cook.  When Effy makes her mind up, it’s Freddie who she wants and their relationship is pushed to the limit in series four, when Effy’s mental health takes a turn for the worse.  There is no happy ending for the pair, as Freddie is brutally beaten to death with a baseball bat by John Foster, Effy’s crazy psychiatrist in the penultimate episode of series four.
What has he done since Skins: Like April Pearson, Luke has appeared in Casualty in Skins, starred in an episode of the award-winning comedy Miranda and just recently, has earnt himself a leading role in the new series of Battlestar Galatica. 

As you can see, Skins opens the doors for many actors/actresses and hopefully, the third generation will get the same opportunities as these terrific ten stars.

The fifth series of Skins continues with ‘Rich’s’ episode on Thursday night at 10pm on E4.

Friday 28 January 2011

National Television Awards 2011 - A night of expected winners


By JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

WEDNESDAY night saw a host of stars from British television descend on London’s O2 Arena for the National Television Awards.  Now in its 16th year, it promised to be the best staged yet.

BIG WINNERS: Another successful night for EastEnders
As it turned out, the successful shows and stars of the night were just as who everyone had predicted.  EastEnders were the big winners, with three gongs.  Ricky Norwood picked the ‘Best Newcomer’ for his role as troublemaker Fatboy, Lacey Turner retained her ‘Best Serial Drama Performance’ award for Stacey Branning and the BBC1 soap itself won through in the live vote-off for ‘Best Serial Drama.’  Many felt it should have gone to rivals Coronation Street, but the Walford drama came through and the crew looked surprised.  So, not even a tram coming down on top of Weatherfield was enough for it to receive any recognition which is certainly rough justice.  Hopefully it will get what it deserves come the British Soap Awards in May.

Popular ITV1 duo Ant and Dec were also among the successes again.  The Tyneside-born pair added yet another two NTA’s to their cabinet for ‘Best Entertainment Programme’ with I’m A Celebrity and scooping up the ‘Best Entertainment Presenter’ award for the tenth time in a row.  Speaking live in Cardiff, where they are filming auditions for Britain’s Got Talent, they understandably gave credit to everyone who helped them succeed not just this year but the ten years they have achieved the Entertainment accolade at the awards.

HONOURED: Sir David Jason added to his collection
Other shows and famous faces that were winners on the night were ITV1 comedy Benidorm, earning the ‘Best Comedy Programme’ award for the second time in three years.  Sir David Jason was honoured with the ‘Best Drama Performance’ award for his final case in A Touch of Frost.  The E4 mega-hit The Inbetweeners beat hot rivals Glee to the inaugural ‘Best Digital Choice’ award, which celebrated the best programme offering from digital channels and This Morning were the victors of the ‘Best Topical Magazine Programme’ award.  After years of struggle and turmoil for the daytime offering, the popular partnership of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby is ensuring that it is finally returning to the glory days of the nineties.  As an added beneficiary, viewers were able to see resident chef Gino D’Acampo cook naked on the following day’s edition, as he pledged to do so if the show won.

With the football sexism scandal caused by the disgraced Richard Keys and Andy Gray fresh in the air, it was being talked about a lot by those in attendance.  Even host Dermot O’Leary referred to it many times during the ceremony but it was Top Gear who had the last laugh and when they picked up the award for ‘Best Factual Programme.’  James May made a rather funny though obviously crude remark about it and it led to Jeremy Clarkson jokingly sacking him on the spot.  That’s what they call comedy around here!

The X-Factor proved to be the dominant force in the award for ‘Best Talent Show’.  Despite the controversy surrounding the previous series and that there were fears that people would rebel and vote against it, the ITV1 competition held on to win for the third time in four years.  No doubt this made Simon Cowell one very happy chap again.

The biggest shock and disappointment of the night was no awards for Doctor Who.  Although its popularity was slightly reduced after Matt Smith’s timid debut last year in the title role, it was still expected to win ‘Best Drama Programme.’  However it lost out to popular school drama Waterloo Road.  To add insult, Smith lost the Drama Performance to David Jason.  This will without a doubt call the show’s viability into serious question.

FINALLY: Bruce Forsyth get a deserved recognition
The biggest cheers though of the night went to the legendary Bruce Forsyth.  After over 50 years in showbiz, the soon-to-be 83 year old was finally given credit with the ‘Special Recognition Award.’  He sent the crowd into dismay and then hysteria by seeming to announce his retirement but then quipping one of his famous one-liners, “but I’m not bloody going to.”   It proves there is still life in the veteran yet.

Overall it was another night of impressive celebrations and accolades, proving just how much Britain really does say about the nation’s TV.  Here is to what should be an amazing 2011 of television and who knows who will come out on top in 2012?  These next 12 months will tell all.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The final 12


BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

The final twelve celebrities had been chosen and now the competition proper of Dancing on Ice began.  The judges were back in the game with their scores counting towards the overall result, the return of half marks (still going up to 10.0) and now having complete control in the skate-off.

Here is a look at how the twelve stars coped last Sunday.

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby
Skated to: Minnie the Moocher
Taking advice on what Jason Gardiner had said in his qualifying heat, Ice attempted to prove he can adapt to slow-paced routines.  This performance though wasn’t captivating enough, although he at least managed not to make any silly errors.
Scores: Jason 5.0 Robin 6.0 Emma 5.0                     TOTAL: 16.0 (5th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini
Skated to: The Climb
Chloe made a huge impression in her first performance so it was going to be a bit of a challenge to keep it up.  Overcome with concern over having been given the difficult ‘Frog Lift’ move to execute, bearing in mind this stunt eliminated singer Sinitta last year on Week 1, this certainly wasn’t going to be easy.  However, she held her nerve and not only pulled it off but took it to new heights.  She is one to watch out for.
Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5                     TOTAL: 19.0 (4th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers
Skated to: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
There did seem to be a bit of confusion when Denise skated out without her partner but it was all part of an elaborate plan as Matt emerged out from a row of back-up skaters.  That was sadly as good as it got as the routine itself showed no progress made from her first performance.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 3.0 Emma 3.0                     TOTAL: 9.0 (11th)

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann
Skated to: Feel
Dominic is already displaying two sides to his performances.  After his qualifier last week was criticised for not having much content, the former cricketer made sure this was the case on Sunday.  The reference to having two sides are that although it’s not up to the standard, he really is trying and that should still give him loads of confidence.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0                     TOTAL: 11.5 (8th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak
Skated to: All the Lovers
The first qualifying heat proved that being top of the judges’ leaderboard doesn’t necessarily save you from the skate-off and Laura proved this theory.  Sunday night was the aim to win huge support from the public and so her routine was packed full of new elements of which she passed with flying colours.  Laura will probably be someone who will split support; you will love her or hate her.
Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 6.5 Emma 7.0                     TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)

Steven Arnold & Nina Ulanova
Skated to: Rhythm of the Night
Steven is fast becoming the new Todd Carty, a man who can’t skate if his life depended on it yet is adored by the public for his efforts.  To give benefit to the doubt, some improvement was made but very little.  Experts will scorn that he is not taking it seriously and that he just doing it for the moral support.
Scores: Jason 2.0 Robin 2.5 Emma 2.5                     TOTAL: 7.0 (12th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier
Skated to: I Want You Back
After making a solid start in qualifying, Jeff’s second performance was very timid.  He made several key mistakes, lost marks and received plenty of criticism.  Whilst his hit back at Jason Gardiner was something of a highlight, it seemed to spark controversy from everyone else.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0                     TOTAL: 11.0 (9th)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney
Skated to: The Way You Look Tonight
Having proved some doubters wrong last time in proving he was able to skate, Comedy Dave went out this week to now prove he can make the odd improvement now and again.  Unfortunately, the build-up promised in this performance didn’t materialise but once again, praise has to go to him for trying.
Scores: Jason 2.5 Robin 3.5 Emma 3.5                     TOTAL: 9.5 (10th)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon
Skated to: California Gurls
The competition had got off to a horrible start for Jennifer, having made it through by the skin of her teeth in the qualifier and was then dealt a further blow when a horrible fall in final rehearsal just hours before the live show resulted in her leg thigh being cut open.  After being patched up and given the all clear to skate, she went out there and delivered a masterful performance.
Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5                     TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt
Skated to: Stop and Stare
In recent years, the celebrity that gets the highest marks in their first performance usually goes on to win.  With that theory in mind, the omens are certainly looking good for Sam.  This routine really did justify that fact and finished up streets ahead of the rest on the leaderboard.  This could well and truly turn into ‘The Sam Attwater Show’ at this rate.
Scores: Jason 8.0 Robin 8.5 Emma 8.5                     TOTAL: 25.0 (1st)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins
Skated to: I’m Into Something Good
It was certainly a huge baptism of fire for Johnson, launching himself into the public spotlight two weeks ago and to give credit, it was a good performance.  He kept up the momentum in this performance, considering he was still recovering from a broken finger.  If Johnson keeps this up, he may become a surprise contender.
Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0                     TOTAL: 13.0 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston
Skated to: Respect
Kerry is one of those who will perhaps take the time she needs to learn something new.  Some emphasis on this fact was shown in this routine but once again, the partnership between her and Dan is very strong.  There will be no doubt she will go a distance but how far is yet to say.
Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 5.0 Emma 5.0                     TOTAL: 14.0 (6th)

The Result
Getting a high score with the judges was now crucial to survive the skate-off.  If not, they had to rely on a strong fanbase to get them through.  In the end Dominic and Steven would have to go head-to-head to stay in the show.

The judges made the final decision for the first time this year and unsurprisingly, all three opted to keep Dominic in the competition.  It was good while it lasted for Steven but a little surprising that he went now, considering his popularity; you would have thought he would last longer.  Jason Gardiner however was less sympathetic and caused more outrage by saying “I’m disappointed it isn’t a double eviction tonight” before casting his vote.  Sometimes that bloke goes too far.

Attention will now turn to this Sunday’s show with a surprise twist.  Whatever it is, it will no doubt be designed to shake up the competition.  We will find how that will work on Sunday, and I will return next week at the same time for the week’s report.

Thursday 27 January 2011

Keys says sorry, then resigns


THE sexism row in football took another twist yesterday, after Richard Keys resigned from his role as the main football presenter for Sky Sports.  Keys faced the cameras yesterday for the first time since he was caught off-camera making sexist jibes about women not understanding the offside rule.  He said sorry to those he offended, before heading to Sky offices in London to confirm his departure.

In a statement released by Sky Sports, he said; “I am deeply sorry for my remarks and the offence it has caused; it was wrong and it should never happened.  I have thought long and hard and reached the decision that it is time to move on.”


Keys long-time Sky partner in crime Andy Gray, was sacked on Tuesday after new video footage was released seeing the former Everton striker suggest that female presenter Charlotte Jackson should ‘tuck his shirt in’ during a rehearsal for a Monday Night Football game in December.  More YouTube footage appeared yesterday of Keys asking Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp whether he had “smashed it” with an ex-girlfriend.  This seems to have been the final straw for the Coventry City supporter, who has fronted Sky’s groundbreaking football coverage for the past two decades.

Yesterday, Gray also apologised in a statement through his lawyers and admitted he was “devastated by losing the job that I love.” 

The presenters downfall started when they were caught making off-air comments about female assistant Sian Massey not understanding the offside rule in the build-up to Saturday’s Sky lunchtime clash between Wolves and Liverpool.  West Ham chief executive Karen Brady was also a victim to the vulgar comments.  A tape was passed onto the Mail on Sunday and the storm began.  On Sunday, neither made an apology during the televised match between Blackburn Rovers and West Brom, which turned out to be the pair’s last appearance on Sky Sports.  On Monday, the pair was disciplined and suspended by Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis from presenting this week’s Monday Night Football clash involving Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea.  More footage was later released of Gray’s tirade at Massey with Sky reporter Andy Burton, who has also been suspended by Sky for his part in the scandal.  Andy Gray was sacked on Tuesday evening, after the third act of his comments about Charlotte Jackson leaked onto the internet.  Sian Massey, the innocent party in the sexism storm was withdrawn from her line official job at Tuesday’s League Two game at Crewe Alexandra and has been appointed to a Blue Square Premier match at the weekend.  She has tried to keep out of the public spotlight as best as she can, whilst the media continue to hound her.  Ironically, she made an outstanding call in the game at Molineux on Saturday; judging correctly that Raul Meireles had been played onside by Wolves full-back Ronald Zubar, which led to Liverpool’s first goal in a 3-0 victory. 

SORRY: Richard Keys on TalkSport yesterday (courtesy of TalkSport)
Richard Keys took to the airwaves on the sports talk radio show, TalkSport.  See below for some of what he had to say.
“I want to reiterate what I said to Sian Massey during the second half of the Blackburn v West Brom game, not as reported at 5pm on the Monday evening.  I rang on behalf of Andy and myself on Sunday afternoon.  I made an official apology, which Sian accepted.  She and I enjoyed some banter together and we left on very good terms.  I can’t tell you anymore about the conversation beyond saying she was in good spirits and I expressed my disappointment that Andy and I, misguided having some fun had got it wrong.  There is no excuse anywhere for anybody to make a judgement on someone’s else ability to do a job because they are male or female.  “I apologised on the Sunday.  Now, there are some dark forces at here.  I having done that asked whether we could make the public aware that we’d done that, we’d had a conversation and both parties felt it was right to move on.  I was told no and 24 hours passed.  By which time, the world had gone mad.  Now, I don’t know why I was told no, why I was told to stop people from telling them that’s what I had done and I remember saying this to Sian; Sian, I need to make this official.  On behalf of Andy and myself, we unreservedly apologise for our behaviour.  It was wrong.”


Hopefully his departure will bring an end to the embarrassment that Sky Sports has suffered over the past five days.  Can Sky’s football coverage stay strong without these two figureheads?  That remains to be seen.  However, both Richard Keys and Andy Gray have paid the price and rightly so.  There is absolutely no place in the world for these sexist comments, whether they were banter or not.  

Briton amongst those killed in Moscow blast


A BRITON due to get married later this year was killed on Monday in a terrorist attack on Moscow’s largest international airport.  Gordon Campbell Cousland, 39, was amongst the 35 people killed, with more than 150 injured when a suicide bomber blew up a suitcase in the baggage lounge area.  Cousland had a baby daughter and was due to marry in April.

CARNAGE: One of the injured is taken away
Chaos and confusing spread after the explosion ripped through the International Arrivals department at the Domodedevo airport.  Unlike previous terrorist atrocities to have hit the country, such as the Beslam school siege in 2004, this wasn’t a Russian aimed attack.  Security staff confirmed that it was a suicide bomb shortly after the blast.  Eyewitnesses who managed to escape unscathed told worldwide media that bolts, screws and shrapnel were spread across a wide range of floor.  One told Russian agencies; “I saw a bag on fire, people dead on the floor and in the luggage trolleys.  It was carnage.”

Russia president Dmitry Medvedev expressed his sadness and has vowed that those terrorists responsible for the attack will be caught and punished.  He also confirmed that extra security has been put in place at all of Russia’s airports and transport networks.  The airport continued to function despite the destruction, with people still landing at Domodedevo airport only hours after the attack. 

The search is now on for the perpetrators of this attack and the implications could be severe for those responsible, especially if any previous history is to go by.  Thoughts go out to the families of the dead and especially to the family of Gordon Campbell Cousland, who was in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Sky sack Andy Gray



ONE of the most highly acclaimed pundits in football, Andy Gray has been sacked by Sky Sports after a weekend of shameful and inappropriate behaviour.  The ex-Wolves and Everton striker, 55, had his contract terminated tonight after more video footage appeared of lurid behaviour by the Scot.  

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis confirmed the decision in a statement; “Andy Gray’s contract has been terminated for unacceptable behaviour.  After issuing a warning, we have no hesitation in taking this action after being aware of new information.”  Gray had been a lynchpin of Sky’s football coverage alongside Richard Keys and Martin Tyler for the past 20 years.


Today, video emerged of Gray and Keys preparing for the presentation of their Monday Night Football programme between Manchester City and Everton on December 20.  In the incriminating clip, Gray is seen to make suggestive comments to female colleague Charlotte Jackson.  He asks Charlotte to “tuck his shirt in,” in reference to a microphone wire.  It was crude and Jackson seemed unamused.  Yesterday, Andy, along with Richard were suspended by Sky Sports from presenting the MNF clash between Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea after they were recorded off-air making sexist comments about females in football.  They were aimed at line official Sian Massey and West Ham chief executive Karen Brady.  The unprofessional pair claimed that women did not understand the offside rule, which Massey would then prove wrong to them, by making a brilliant decision in allowing Raul Meireles to play on and set-up Fernando Torres for Liverpool’s first goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Wolves.

More video was released yesterday, which showed Gray continuing his tirade at Massey during a conversation with Sky Sports reporter Andy Burton, who has also been suspended for his part in the exchange.  Richard Keys future is still unclear with the broadcaster, although he telephoned Massey on Sunday night to apologise for his part in the comments.  Massey has accepted and is keen to move on from the controversy, which might mean that Keys gets a second chance.  Gray hasn’t made any public apologies since the news broke on Sunday, which might have played a part in his downfall.  Some Journalism students at the University of Northampton think that the action on the pundit has been harsh. 

Shane Scanlon said; “I find it all quite funny actually.  I know if I was caught offside by a female official, I’d react the same way as if it was a male in charge.  A fine and a suspension would have been enough punishment.”  Tamika Short agreed with this view; “Everyone is allowed their own opinion at the end of the day.  Yes, they should have had their microphones off, but if they had turned it off, no harm would have been done.”

Gray isn’t the first pundit to lose his job in these circumstances.  In 2004, Ron Atkinson resigned from his role as co-commentator at ITV Sport after being caught making an off-air racist remark about French defender Marcel Desailly.  Sky Sports Rodney Marsh lost his job a year later, for making a sick joke on the Asian tsunami on Gillette Soccer Saturday.

DISGRACED: Andy Gray's broadcasting career looks to be at an end
As Sky Sports attempt to find a long-term replacement for Andy Gray, the Scot now surely has to think of an alternative career as it is unlikely that another corporation will employ him due to his high wage demands and now, his appalling behaviour.  It is a sad and sorry end to a distinguished career in football, but Andy Gray only has himself to blame and had to pay the consequences for this string of incidents.  

FA Barclays Premiership Report (22nd - 24th January)


WHILST Richard Keys and Andy Gray have made the headlines of all the wrong making in the past 72 hours, other go on about their business quietly.  Manchester United remain unbeaten, some top class strikers returned to form and other ridiculous rules saw refs on the run from furious bosses, AGAIN!  Here’s the round-up of the weekend’s action in the Barclays Premiership.

Saturday 22nd January: Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City
PRICELESS: Darren Bent made a dream debut for Aston Villa
RANDY Learner splashed the cash in midweek to bring Darren Bent in from Sunderland for £18million and he scored on his debut for struggling Villa, earning them a priceless victory.  His first involvement in the game was to score the solitary goal in the 18th minute, tapping in from close range after Joe Hart let slip a tame Ashley Young shot.  City looked poor all night and although Nigel de Jong hit the post in the closing stages, it was a very happy evening for the home side and their new star striker.

Monday 24th January: Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Chelsea
ON A night where Bolton paid tribute to the legendary Nat Lofthouse, Owen Coyle’s side continued their poor run of form, as they were easily brushed aside by a Chelsea team, that look back to form.  Once Didier Drogba found the back of the net in sensational fashion on eleven minutes, the game was the visitors for the taking.  Florent Malouda doubled the lead in the dying stages of the first half from a narrow angle and Nicholas Anelka also netted on his return to the Reebok in the second half.  Brazilian Ramires completed the rout with twenty minutes to go, his first goal for Chelsea, who consolidate their place in the top four.  Bolton slide down to tenth on the back of this battering.

Saturday 22nd January: Manchester United 5-0 Birmingham City  
TREBLE: Berbatov starred again
THIS was the best performance of the season from Manchester United, as they outplayed and outclassed a very poor Birmingham side.  Dimitar Berbatov’s golden touch continued, as the Bulgarian turned in his third hat-trick of the season.  The first was a tap-in inside of 90 seconds and a second on the half hour with another basic finish.  The lethal striker completed his treble in the second half, with Ryan Giggs and Nani also getting onto the scoresheet in this riot.  With Giggs instrumental and Wayne Rooney near his best, it will be difficult to see anyone stopping the leaders.

Sunday 23rd January: Blackburn Rovers 2-0 West Brom
STEVE Kean’s first match in permanent charge as Rovers boss bought a comfortable win, as West Brom lost their seventh away match in a row in all competitions.  In an even first half, it was Blackburn who broke the deadlock on 41 minutes.  David Dunn’s dangerous cross was steered into his own net by the uncertain Gabriel Tamas.  Rovers doubled their lead soon after the restart; David Hoillett’s swerving shot viciously beat Boaz Myhill to seal the match for the home side.  Paul Robinson produced two good save to deny the threatening Jerome Thomas in the second half, as Blackburn move into a solid seventh in the table.  Once again, defensive errors cost Albion dear.

Saturday 22nd January: Arsenal 3-0 Wigan Athletic
FIRST: Hat-trick in the Premiership for Robin Van Persie
DAVID Beckham was an interested spectator as Arsenal produced a home masterclass against a Wigan team that look more Championship material with every passing week.  Robin Van Persie scored a hat-trick; his first came on 21 minutes from an Alex Song pass.  The second was a picture book pass from Fabregas that was accurately put in by the Dutchman.  Van Persie went on to horribly miss a penalty, after Steven Caldwell was sent off for bringing down Fabregas.  However, the rocking Dutchman made up for it, by squeezing the ball past Ali Al-Habsi’s near post to complete his first Premier League hat-trick and move the Gunners into second spot in the table.

Saturday 22nd January: Everton 2-2 West Ham United
NOBODY expected Avram Grant to be in charge of this match, probably even Avram himself.  However, his side showed a load of character at Goodison and should have won, had it not been for a ridiculous regulation in the laws that need urgent attention.  The Hammers took the lead on 26 minutes; Luis Boa Morte pulling the ball back for Jonathan Spector to score his first goal in the Premiership.  They then proceeded to miss a hatful of chances and substitute Diniyar Bilyadetinov made them pay with a nice finish from the edge of the area.  West Ham looked to have won it, when Frenchman Frederic Piquionne headed home from Wayne Bridge’s terrific cross.  Piquionne’s celebration for jumping into the travelling supporters saw him sent off for two yellow cards.  Grant called the red card a ‘joke’ and few could disagree with him.  Everton made the extra man count, as Maroualine Fellani popped up to break West Ham’s hearts in stoppage time to rescue a point for the home side.

Saturday 22nd January: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool
SMILE: Kenny Dalglish could look on with satisfaction at victory
WHILST Richard Keys and Andy Gray were showing how unprofessional they really were, Liverpool showed real professionalism in seeing off Wolves, leaving the home club in low spirits and giving a happy Kenny Dalglish his first win back in caretaker charge.  Fernando Torres was back in the goals, with a double.  Both of his goals were tap-ins, in the first half from Raul Meireles pass, after line official Sian Massey made a correct borderline call and the second from Dirk Kuyt’s usual persistence.  This brace came either side of a Portuguese pile driver from Meireles, with a superb strike as Liverpool dominated throughout, and move seven points clear of the dreaded drop zone.

Saturday 22nd January: Fulham 2-0 Stoke City
THINGS are beginning to look up for Fulham, as they continued their march up the table.  Clint Dempsey had the Cottagers infront on 33 minutes, finishing inside the six yard box after Andy Johnson had skimmed Ryan Shawcross.  Shawcross miserable day continued, as he saw red for hauling Dempsey to the ground in the second half.  The American converted the penalty with glee.

Saturday 22nd January: Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
ANOTHER week and another two points squandered by Newcastle United.  Fabricio Coloccini scored a rare goal on 59 minutes, producing control that Alan Shearer would have been proud of.  Carlo Cudicini should have done better, but the Argentine’s lovely skill deserved a bit of luck in the finish.  In an entertaining match, the Magpies were on top for most of the match, but conceded again in injury time, as Aaron Lennon’s shot beat the despairing Steve Harper.

Saturday 22nd January: Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland
LIFE after Darren Bent started well enough for Sunderland, as Kieran Richardson stepped upto the plate at Bloomfield Road.  Richardson scored a double in the first half, his first Premiership goals since October 2009.  Blackpool bombed forward and as ever, gave the opposition goalkeeper plenty to do, but Charlie Adam’s late penalty counted for little for the Seasiders.  Blackpool’s next test will be to keep hold of Adam, who has handed in a transfer request and is under close scrutiny from the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Monday 24 January 2011

Gray and Keys suspended by Sky after sexist female jibes


BARRED: Neither Keys, nor Gray will present at the Sky MNF game tonight
RICHARD Keys and Andy Gray have been suspended today by Sky Sports, after being caught making sexist comments about women in football in an off-air sound recording.  The pair left their microphones on in a commercial break during the build-up to Saturday’s Sky lunchtime match at Molineux between Wolves and Liverpool.  They made sexist and offensive female jibes about line official Sian Massey, referee Wendy Toms and West Ham United chief executive Karen Brady. 

Although the public didn’t hear the comments, the recording was leaked to the Mail on Sunday yesterday and their fate was sealed.  Neither apologised or mentioned the incident during yesterday’s televised match at Ewood Park and although they apologised via Sky Sports yesterday, Sky has decided to drop them from presenting the Monday Night Football tonight between Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea.

SEE TRANSCRIPT BELOW OF THE ILL-FATED CONVERSATION
Richard Keys: Well, somebody better get down there and explain offside to her.
Andy Gray: Yeah, I know. Can you believe that?  Female linesman. Forget what I said – they probably don't know the offside rule.
RK: Course they don't.
AG: Why is there a female linesman?  Somebody's f##### up big.
RK: I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. Kenny [Dalglish, Liverpool's manager] will go potty. This is not the first time. Didn't we have one before?
AG: Yeah.
RK: Wendy Toms.
AG: Wendy Toms, something like that.  She was f###### hopeless as well.
RK: [exasperated groan]
AG: [inaudible]
RK: No, no, it's got to be done, it's good.  The game's gone mad.  See charming Karen Brady this morning complaining about sexism?  Yeah.  Do me a favour, love.

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis confirmed the suspension in a statement this afternoon.  “I have spoken directly this morning to both Richard Keys and Andy Gray this morning.  It has been made clear to each of them that their comments were totally unacceptable.  They are inexcusable from anyone by Sky, regardless of their role or seniority.  We have dealt with this matter by taking immediate disciplinary action.”

SPOT ON: Sian Massey officiating at the Sunderland v Blackpool game last month 
The female linesman who was at the centre of Keys and Gray’s remarks on women not understanding the offside rule was Sian Massey.  Massey, 25 was running the line at Wolves at the weekend, her second match in the top flight of English football.  Sian went onto embarrass the high-profile Sky presenters in the game, when she got a borderline offside decision spot on and allowed Raul Meireles to play on and set-up Fernando Torres for Liverpool’s first goal in a comfortable 3-0 victory.  She isn’t the first female in the game.  Last year, Amy Fearn took charge successfully of a Championship clash between Coventry City and Nottingham Forest, whilst Wendy Toms, also ridiculed by Keys and Gray has also excelled as a very successful match official in the past.  Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is all for females being in the game.  On his Twitter account, he wrote; “What’s wrong with a woman being an official in a football game?  I’m cool with it.  All that counts is do they get the decisions right.”

Former referee Graham Poll ripped into Richard and Andy in his Daily Mail column today; “Andy Gray and Richard Keys clearly think that they are experts in all matters of football, and you only have to listen to their smug declarations to see that 20 years as Sky Sports ‘kingpins’ has done nothing to help their humility.  As a result, there will be few sympathetic callers.”

They aren’t the first to be caught having an off-mic moment.  Last year, Gordon Brown was caught called Gillian Duffy a ‘bigoted woman’ on a Sky News microphone following a stand-off in Rochdale during his doomed General Election campaign.  Back in April 2004, Ron Atkinson was forced to resign from his role as main commentator on ITV Sport, after being caught by Asian viewers making racist comments about French defender Marcel Desailly following Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final defeat to AS Monaco.

For me, sexism is just as bad as racism in football and I am disgusted with the behaviour of two such well-known presenters, who have led Sky Sports football coverage for the past two decades.  I am pleased to see Sky has taken strict action against Richard Keys and Andy Gray and hopefully, they will have learnt their lesson from this shameful tirade.