Monday, 2 January 2012

Hello 2012, goodbye social life...

If the first day of 2012 is anything to go by we're in for a corker of a sporting year.  Even without the Olympics it looks oh so beautiful.  I cannot bloody wait!  

Magic needed in Mersyside

First things first, my thoughts on Liverpool FC.  Racist scandals aside, it is not a good time right now, we run a real risk of rendering ourselves a mid-table club for the forseeable.  It breaks my little wannabe Scouse heart.  This next transfer window is obviously crucial.

Already there are rumours of us making a play for Darren Bent.  He will of course be overpriced, but sadly our position is a secret to no one - we need help and our friends across the pond will willingly  throw money at the problem, in an attempt to do something, anything, to remedy our current mediocrity.  Even my Nan knows this, so Mr McLeish will certainly use it to his advantage.

Aside from caning our bank balance, I'm hoping that we start to showcase the strength of our youth too.  What can Coady, Sterling and Robinson really do?  They're famous at the academy (with good reason) and could put Kirkby on the map, but people need to see them.  At a time when our first team is fairly new to each other, it'd be nice to give these boys a chance.  It would also give us hope, something Liverpool fans are short of for the first time in my memory.

All eyes on Jan 31st...



Delightful darts

The quality of play demonstrated at Ally Pally in recent weeks has been somethin' else.  On new year's day, my flatmate was subjected to an evening of my inane yelling at the television, since I simply could not believe just how close the contenders were cutting it.  Adrian Lewis (who I had basically written off as soon as he started crying about the breeze) came back in what I can safely describe as a spectacular display of darts.  Andy Hamilton too gained a spot in the final in an insanely close battle with The Wizard of Oz (Whitlock to you and me).

I've heard it said that if you like sport, you can't not like darts, simply due to the skill and drama involved - after this past few days, I firmly believe this to be true.

Darts would obviously make a wonderful Olympic sport.  Previously when I've said this, the counter argument which kills my point, is that the game is not international enough and that basically either the Brits or the Dutch would be the only ones interested.  Whilst these nations do dominate, change is most definitely afoot.  This year Hamilton beat opponents from 5 different nations, which would indicate that the game's reach is growing.

There is also of course the fact that Asians would fecking love it.  The only reason they're not killing us at a game which centres on skill and precision, is because their drinking culture is different - otherwise they'd be all over it.  In any case, if archery can be considered a sport...

Mark my words.  In the not so distant future, it will be all about the darts.

I know your game Fergie


I have a lot of respect for Alex Ferguson.  As a manager, his achievements are outstanding. However, I cannot be fond of someone who made it their mission to 'knock Liverpool off their perch'. And despite taking over our record in the Premiership, he clearly has not done all he set out to do.  How can I be sure that Fergie feels he hasn't quite won?  Simple.  Who retires at 73?  70, yes, maybe even 75, but 73?  

Manchester United need to win the Champions League three more times to beat Liverpool's record in this competition.  Sir Alex plans to stay at the helm for another three years. Coincidence? I think not...

I get my kicks where I can, and knowing that this is virtually impossible pleases me no end.  Good luck Sir Alex.  You're going to need it.

Lots more to get excited about... 

Golf: By far the sport I'm most looking forward to this year is the golf.  Last year was epic and with such potential and so much to play for, I think it's just going to get better.

Cricket:  Again, great stuff happening here but what I REALLY want to see is Tendulkar's 100th 100.  Part of me is fearful that he's never gonna hit the bloody thing at this rate.  Come on Sachin!!!

Then there's Euro 2012.  Which we will of course lose painfully.  But that's not the point.

Oh and there's this little thing called the Olympics - which aside from its general awesomeness, for the first time ever will feature women's boxing!

And maybe, just maybe we might see Pacquiao v Mayweather...

See. So much!!!  2012 - I love you already.  If you happen to be looking for me at any point this year, it's safe to say that I'm going to be in front of the telly!


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