Comments for The Obscurer http://www.obscurer.co.uk Dispatches from the South Bank of the Mersey; politics, sport, fimbles. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:02:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 Comment on Morning Bell by OccupiedCountry http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/07/morning-bell.html#comment-4587 OccupiedCountry Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:01:47 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=272#comment-4587 "A Red Bull drinking Daily Mail reader" is a WMD. Mark my words. “A Red Bull drinking Daily Mail reader” is a WMD.

Mark my words.

]]> Comment on Morning Bell by Patrick http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/07/morning-bell.html#comment-4585 Patrick Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:22:29 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=272#comment-4585 Yeurgh!! It's an absolutely disgusting concoction that is cynically marketed, harmful in large doses and leaves a dreadful taste in the mouth for days afterwards. Red Bull's alright, though. Baddum-tish. Yeurgh!! It’s an absolutely disgusting concoction that is cynically marketed, harmful in large doses and leaves a dreadful taste in the mouth for days afterwards.

Red Bull’s alright, though.

Baddum-tish.

]]> Comment on A Question Mark by Quinn http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/06/a-question-mark.html#comment-4529 Quinn Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:42:23 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=267#comment-4529 My "job done" referred to Sven's desire (if such there was) to rehabilitate his reputation in England. As for the rest of your comments: I think I'm on record elsewhere as saying that in my opinion the "golden generation" of English talent was nothing of the sort, and I would add that like you I think Sven should have been given more time at City, that I hope (but doubt) that Mark Hughes is given that time, and that Thaksin seems more interested in garnering publicity with moves more suited to a circus ring than a football pitch (eg. Ronaldinho), as I have said in my post. As for Mexico, enjoy any work opportunities you get out there and best wishes. My “job done” referred to Sven’s desire (if such there was) to rehabilitate his reputation in England.

As for the rest of your comments: I think I’m on record elsewhere as saying that in my opinion the “golden generation” of English talent was nothing of the sort, and I would add that like you I think Sven should have been given more time at City, that I hope (but doubt) that Mark Hughes is given that time, and that Thaksin seems more interested in garnering publicity with moves more suited to a circus ring than a football pitch (eg. Ronaldinho), as I have said in my post.

As for Mexico, enjoy any work opportunities you get out there and best wishes.

]]> Comment on A Question Mark by Svenalike.co.uk http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/06/a-question-mark.html#comment-4527 Svenalike.co.uk Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:42:05 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=267#comment-4527 It's probably a case of "mud sticks"? Front page banner headlines accusing Sven of missmanaging England's "Golden Generation" and the constant invasion and hype regarding the private life and batchelor lifestyle (of this unmarried man) created a false imprssion in some people's minds, but the fact that that same "Golden Generation" reported as being "held back" by Sven, crashed in flames without him says a little about who was the principal author of England's short run of consistancy after the rollercoaster decades of short lived hope and mediacraty? It's odd, but the old saying that "players win games but managers lose them" in the blame game, consistantly holds true? The "what ifs" will always remain unanswered, but surely few would believe that England could be "on the bench" this summer if Sven had been allowed to see his extended contract out through Euro2008? I have met and worked with many members of the England squad past and present and have a little insight into the opinions and ideas of many of those players and officials who know and worked with S-G E and the insider view is very different to the distortions of his "dignified, warm, witty and dedicated personality" represented by some members of the media. At Manchester City, the indication is that Sven would continue using his unmatched knowledge of the world's RISING stars of the future to build a strong team while ignoring the overpriced and fading big name players that other clubs buy to raise PR profiles and sell shirts? Not playing the publicity game but only looking at the slightly longer term cold hard business of creating a winning formula may well have contributed to some of the disagreements with Dr Thaksin and his instant gratification dictates, but history shows that Sven has an exceptionally good (unmatched?) track record but is very much his own man while also supported by his long term, tried and trusted personal assistants who so loyally move from post to post with him and add so much to his achievements and capabilities. Losing Sven also deprives a club of that mini infrastructure that comes with him as a "package" unlike most other coach/managers. You say "job done" for MCFC but it was job barely started before being undone as far as I can see? Lets see what Hughes does (if he survives "Frank's" demands for long?) in the coming seasons? I think that the British soccer scene is going to be a less colourful place without him and it will be interesting to see how he and Mexico fare during the next few years, but I am looking forward to following him on assignments down Mexico way sometime soon as well as continuing to "represent" him in other projects in the UK and around Europe and the world.... It’s probably a case of “mud sticks”?
Front page banner headlines accusing Sven of missmanaging England’s “Golden Generation” and the constant invasion and hype regarding the private life and batchelor lifestyle (of this unmarried man) created a false imprssion in some people’s minds, but the fact that that same “Golden Generation” reported as being “held back” by Sven, crashed in flames without him says a little about who was the principal author of England’s short run of consistancy after the rollercoaster decades of short lived hope and mediacraty? It’s odd, but the old saying that “players win games but managers lose them” in the blame game, consistantly holds true?
The “what ifs” will always remain unanswered, but surely few would believe that England could be “on the bench” this summer if Sven had been allowed to see his extended contract out through Euro2008?
I have met and worked with many members of the England squad past and present and have a little insight into the opinions and ideas of many of those players and officials who know and worked with S-G E and the insider view is very different to the distortions of his “dignified, warm, witty and dedicated personality” represented by some members of the media.
At Manchester City, the indication is that Sven would continue using his unmatched knowledge of the world’s RISING stars of the future to build a strong team while ignoring the overpriced and fading big name players that other clubs buy to raise PR profiles and sell shirts? Not playing the publicity game but only looking at the slightly longer term cold hard business of creating a winning formula may well have contributed to some of the disagreements with Dr Thaksin and his instant gratification dictates, but history shows that Sven has an exceptionally good (unmatched?) track record but is very much his own man while also supported by his long term, tried and trusted personal assistants who so loyally move from post to post with him and add so much to his achievements and capabilities. Losing Sven also deprives a club of that mini infrastructure that comes with him as a “package” unlike most other coach/managers.
You say “job done” for MCFC but it was job barely started before being undone as far as I can see? Lets see what Hughes does (if he survives “Frank’s” demands for long?) in the coming seasons?
I think that the British soccer scene is going to be a less colourful place without him and it will be interesting to see how he and Mexico fare during the next few years, but I am looking forward to following him on assignments down Mexico way sometime soon as well as continuing to “represent” him in other projects in the UK and around Europe and the world….

]]> Comment on A Question Mark by Quinn http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/06/a-question-mark.html#comment-4526 Quinn Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:26:51 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=267#comment-4526 I agree with most of what you have said. As I've written here and elsewhere I personally have a fairly positive view of Sven's time as England manager, certainly I consider his record of reaching the quarter-final stage three times as a success, rather than a failure. However, during his time as national coach my opinion felt out of step with what many others seemed to believe, and the misgivings I sensed amongst City fans at his initial appointment appeared widespread. Even now people often ask me why it is, when he has done well at City, that he "couldn't do it at England?" So I do feel that his reputation had taken a battering in England (wrongly in my opinion, and no doubt at odds with his international reputation) and I can understand why Sven may have wanted to turn that unfair perception around. If so then after one year at City, if people are at least prepared to accept that he is a "good club manager" then it seems a case of "job done". I agree with most of what you have said. As I’ve written here and elsewhere I personally have a fairly positive view of Sven’s time as England manager, certainly I consider his record of reaching the quarter-final stage three times as a success, rather than a failure. However, during his time as national coach my opinion felt out of step with what many others seemed to believe, and the misgivings I sensed amongst City fans at his initial appointment appeared widespread. Even now people often ask me why it is, when he has done well at City, that he “couldn’t do it at England?”

So I do feel that his reputation had taken a battering in England (wrongly in my opinion, and no doubt at odds with his international reputation) and I can understand why Sven may have wanted to turn that unfair perception around. If so then after one year at City, if people are at least prepared to accept that he is a “good club manager” then it seems a case of “job done”.

]]> Comment on A Question Mark by Svenalike.co.uk http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/06/a-question-mark.html#comment-4524 Svenalike.co.uk Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:40:53 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=267#comment-4524 As you can see from my name I am somewhat biased, but no one knows Sven and his history like his professional double (?) and having stood in for him (sometimes employed by TheFA) interacting with many 1000's of fans and members of the general public, I may have a pretty good idea of the way people feel about him. You refer to "quite a few misgivings from many City fans bearing in mind his reputation as England manager"? Surely the only misgivings could be from those who only read the malicious tripe in a few red top rags? The howls of protest from official England fan organisations and the England squad when TheFA stabbed Sven in the back must surely indicate a different sentiment? Most informed football fans recognise and appreciate that (regardless of the fact that our TEAM failed at 3 quarter finals) Svennis' leadership dragged England out of the wilderness and up to FIFA No.4 World rank, cruised to top qualifying place in EVERY international tournament and England lost only 5 competitive games during his tenure. The Sunday newspaper who's "creative interpretation" of pretty innocuous comments and events, payed dearly in an out of court settlement for their mischief but still the myth they invented appears to have some creedence in certain quarters.... During his "gap year" Sven turned down countless offers from league clubs and national teams around the world before he took on the challenge of turning MCFC around and his 3 year plan COULD have replicated Lazio's spectacular rise from relative obscurity. Sven-Goran Eriksson maintains his dignified silence in these matters but needed (and needs) NO "rehabilitation" in the eyes of the international soccer community who have acclaimed him as "the greatest living coach / manager" while laughing at the unpatriotic (xenophobic and suicidal?) British press and perfidious crew at Soho Square for throwing him (and England's chances in Euro 2008) away. I join my Doppelganger in wishing the blues every future success with Mr Hughes, but England's and City's loss looks very much like Mexico's gain to me? Svenalike Proud to "be" Sven.... As you can see from my name I am somewhat biased, but no one knows Sven and his history like his professional double (?) and having stood in for him (sometimes employed by TheFA) interacting with many 1000’s of fans and members of the general public, I may have a pretty good idea of the way people feel about him.
You refer to “quite a few misgivings from many City fans bearing in mind his reputation as England manager”?
Surely the only misgivings could be from those who only read the malicious tripe in a few red top rags?
The howls of protest from official England fan organisations and the England squad when TheFA stabbed Sven in the back must surely indicate a different sentiment?
Most informed football fans recognise and appreciate that (regardless of the fact that our TEAM failed at 3 quarter finals) Svennis’ leadership dragged England out of the wilderness and up to FIFA No.4 World rank, cruised to top qualifying place in EVERY international tournament and England lost only 5 competitive games during his tenure.
The Sunday newspaper who’s “creative interpretation” of pretty innocuous comments and events, payed dearly in an out of court settlement for their mischief but still the myth they invented appears to have some creedence in certain quarters….
During his “gap year” Sven turned down countless offers from league clubs and national teams around the world before he took on the challenge of turning MCFC around and his 3 year plan COULD have replicated Lazio’s spectacular rise from relative obscurity.
Sven-Goran Eriksson maintains his dignified silence in these matters but needed (and needs) NO “rehabilitation” in the eyes of the international soccer community who have acclaimed him as “the greatest living coach / manager” while laughing at the unpatriotic (xenophobic and suicidal?) British press and perfidious crew at Soho Square for throwing him (and England’s chances in Euro 2008) away.
I join my Doppelganger in wishing the blues every future success with Mr Hughes, but England’s and City’s loss looks very much like Mexico’s gain to me?
Svenalike
Proud to “be” Sven….

]]> Comment on Into The Valley Of Death by Quinn http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/03/into-the-valley-of-death.html#comment-4498 Quinn Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:46:26 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/03/into-the-valley-of-death.html#comment-4498 Fortunately we conducted a successful exorcism of Fimbo after that video was taken, around the same time as I was told to replace its batteries, so Fimbo is much improved. Still, should the demons return, say after it has been left switched on overnight, I will consider the addition of flames; although as a precaution I’ll shoot that video outside. Fortunately we conducted a successful exorcism of Fimbo after that video was taken, around the same time as I was told to replace its batteries, so Fimbo is much improved. Still, should the demons return, say after it has been left switched on overnight, I will consider the addition of flames; although as a precaution I’ll shoot that video outside.

]]> Comment on Into The Valley Of Death by smallbeds http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/03/into-the-valley-of-death.html#comment-4497 smallbeds Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:08:06 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/03/into-the-valley-of-death.html#comment-4497 I realised yesterday what was missing from the video. At the end, when Fimbo says goodbye, he needs to spontaneously catch fire. I realised yesterday what was missing from the video. At the end, when Fimbo says goodbye, he needs to spontaneously catch fire.

]]> Comment on Inside Out by Quinn http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/04/inside-out.html#comment-4478 Quinn Wed, 28 May 2008 12:37:00 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=261#comment-4478 Thank you for you <i>s</i>uccinctly <i>p</i>ersistent <i>a</i>nd <i>m</i>agnanimous comment, Mr Property. The King is dead…? Then perhaps <i>you</i> can help me travel back in time? Thank you for you succinctly persistent and magnanimous comment, Mr Property. The King is dead…? Then perhaps you can help me travel back in time?

]]> Comment on Inside Out by Andy Property† http://www.obscurer.co.uk/2008/04/inside-out.html#comment-4477 Andy Property† Wed, 28 May 2008 11:39:09 +0000 http://www.obscurer.co.uk/?p=261#comment-4477 Real estate is often termed as the safest investment. In fact, real estate investments done with proper evaluation on the property can lead to good profits. <hr align="center" width="50%" size="1" /> †<span style="font-size:78%;">Quinn adds: I'm keeping that "chopped pork and ham" style hyperlink in because it is unintentionally quite amusing and the rel="nofollow" tag will put paid to any google juice, but just incase anyone takes it seriously can I also suggest you take a look at <a href="http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/thread/274174.aspx" rel="nofollow">this forum</a> before parting with any money. For the Latin scribes amongst you don't let <i>carpe diem</i> trump <i>caveat emptor </i>.</span> Real estate is often termed as the safest investment. In fact, real estate investments done with proper evaluation on the property can lead to good profits.

†Quinn adds: I’m keeping that “chopped pork and ham” style hyperlink in because it is unintentionally quite amusing and the rel=”nofollow” tag will put paid to any google juice, but just incase anyone takes it seriously can I also suggest you take a look at this forum before parting with any money. For the Latin scribes amongst you don’t let carpe diem trump caveat emptor .

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