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Flags, eggs and snowflakes

There may be big divisions between the three main political parties in the UK, but in the last week or so, they were all united on a single issue. The cost of living? The NHS? The Middle East? None of the above. It was the design of the England flag on the official football kitContinue reading “Flags, eggs and snowflakes”

From believers to broken hearts

He turned us from doubters to believers…and then he broke our hearts. Liverpool fans have long dreaded the day when Jurgen Klopp would depart Anfield. For the announcement to come out of the blue on a cold Friday in January – with the team flying again in all competitions – was a seismic shock. Klopp hasContinue reading “From believers to broken hearts”

Whamageddon is for killjoys

“Ugh. I was in my favourite cappucino bar, reading Dostoevsky and enjoying my oatmilk latte, when it happened. Last Christmas came on the radio. It’s not even December yet, and I’m out.” Is there any dullard greater than people who play Whamageddon? I mean, probably there are. But the combination of pretentiousness, musical snobbery, desperationContinue reading “Whamageddon is for killjoys”

Not just another dodgy VAR call

What happened in the Tottenham v Liverpool game at the weekend was truly extraordinary. I’m not even talking about the shambolic refereeing or the team with 9 men only losing to an own goal in injury time. Yet again, it’s about VAR. But this time, we’ve reached a whole new lowpoint in the (mis)use ofContinue reading “Not just another dodgy VAR call”

‘You’ll never walk alone… unless someone offers me shedloads of cash’

A couple of months ago, I wrote effusively of my admiration for Jordan Henderson as a footballer, a captain and a man https://rorywrites.uk/2023/04/15/and-heres-to-you-jordan-henderson/ .I still admire him as a footballer and captain. But it’s impossible to see his decision to move to Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq as anything other than a betrayal of the principlesContinue reading “‘You’ll never walk alone… unless someone offers me shedloads of cash’”

Football Manager and FIFA aren’t real, lads

In 2011, a guy called John Boileau applied for the job of Middlesbrough FC manager, citing his experience and success in the Football Manager game. It was a good joke that was enhanced by the rejoinder from Steve Gibson, the club Chairman, telling Boileau how delighted he was that someone of his status had applied.Continue reading “Football Manager and FIFA aren’t real, lads”

Life with Father: a memoir

For the past 16 years, Father’s Day to me has been a day to celebrate my fabulous daughter; for the past 31, I have had no Dad to send a card or gifts to. My Dad died ridiculously young at 61 and never met his granddaughter. This obviously hurts me, as does the fact thatContinue reading “Life with Father: a memoir”

Soft Cell: best band of the 80s

I had the huge pleasure of seeing 1980s icons Soft Cell at Hampton Court Palace this week. And what a joy it was. Marc Almond in magnificent voice exuding energy and charisma in abundance, Dave Ball (performing in a wheelchair following his fractured vertebrae last year) in every sense the straight man. From classics likeContinue reading “Soft Cell: best band of the 80s”

Zig from Zog and the coronation

“Hello. I’m Zig from the planet Zog. I’ve been set on a scouting mission to understand your planet and how it works. I’ve basically been hiding in plain sight, you probably walk past me every day. One of the first things I noticed about humans is that they don’t notice much. Especially not the mostContinue reading “Zig from Zog and the coronation”

And here’s to you, Jordan Henderson…

There’s not many footballers I love more than Jordan Henderson. I’ve just finished reading his autobiography and it cemented my admiration for him as a player and a person. As the book almost recognises, he seems destined to be one of those football players who never quite gets the credit he deserves from the footballContinue reading “And here’s to you, Jordan Henderson…”