David Rocastle Day

The darling of the north bank
Gallic charm in a dour team
Stroller nurtured the pearl within
At Anfield he fulfilled his dream

Capped 14 times for England
Never on the losing side
A light went out in North London
On the tragic day that he died

Whilst Adams marshalled the bank of England
Rocastle with the flair
Thomas and Rico the industry
Rocky became Charlie George’s heir

In his thirty third year the maestro fell foul
Non-Hodgkins  the expert said
But Rocky’s light crossed boundaries
Spurs, Gunners divide was one he shred

Though not from Philadelphia
"A best mate," said Wrighty
Across the board he was revered
“It's a massive blow,” said Brighty

Respected by all opponents
Treasured by the kin of football
Cherished by every colleague
Revered by all

Conjuror of the silkiest moments
To defenders he presented a bouquet
Many mourned the great fellow
Bring on David Rocastle day

© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Restless beings

The organisation be officially launching through a charity dinner due to be held on the 1st of May 2008. The venue will be the City Hotel on Osborne Street in the quirky Brick Lane district of East London. The evening will be a mixture of dining, networking, film screening and a plethora of global music.

visit the website for booking details.






















Restlessbeings was set up on the 31st of October 2007 to create a network of likeminded multi-national professionals and students from all backgrounds, cultures and creeds. Through this network, restlessbeings intends to organize and host events to raise awareness and generate money for a myriad of causes across the world. Our campaigns will focus on the communities that are being marginalised and made voiceless. This covers many many areas, ranging from the ill treatment of the ‘untouchables’ and the tribulations of under age sex workers to the neglect of children and adults who are limbless and the struggles of those who have no home to come back to every night.

Stepney Green school reunion evening 2008

EMDAD RAHMAN

Long standing Stepney Green teacher Mr Mattingly along with the various members of the school governing body and staff are hoping to arrange an ALUMNI group for the school.

On Wednesday 19th March 2008 Stepney Green school, in association with the school governors organised a fantastic a very enjoyable reunion gathering for past pupils.

The evening included as promised, a walkabout, speeches, 'free lunch' and lots of happy memories including the attendance amongst others of past teachers; Tower Hamlets civic award winner Jim Reeves, Matt Jessop, Mr Dhir, Sandor Kora, and Mr Burns.

During his speech Mr Mattingly said that "this was a great event for all, providing a chance for all in attendance to be made welcome and have an opportunity to meet, mingle and reminisce with old friends."

Community regeneration manager and ex pupil Fokrul Hoque Misfah said;" considering this is the first ever such reunion, Mr mattingly and the rest of the organising team have done a remarkable job. The turnout has been a great success, it's a happy atmosphere and there are smiles all around the room."

Abdal Ullah, Tower Hamlets lead councillor for cleaner, greener and safer communities, and himself a member of the class of 92 was also in attendance; "this is a wonderful idea. I applaud the efforts of the school and members of staff who have worked so hard to bring about this reunion" he said.

Chair of governors Mahbub Hussain said; "Looking around I can see successful businessmen, politicians, journalists, solicitors, accountants, specialists in numerous fields - I request those who have any connection to the school to give back a little, to enhance and enrich the futures of the present pupils."

Headteacher Paramjit Bhutta also exhorted past students for support; "We don't need your money" he said. "What we require is for all of you to use just a little of your expert talents to provide an example and spark for the present and future generation of pupils at the school - to allow them to thrive."

Abul Kasam, founder of the Stepney Green facebook group said he was "astonished by the interest, exemplified by the large number of people that had attended."

If you are an ex pupil that can offer some time to help the school with various aspects of puils educational welfare and development then the school would very much like to hear from you. Readers can email Mr Mattingly.

The School is now called a college. The full name is Stepney Green Mathematics and Computing College.

Stepney Green Alumni night 2008

Del & Rodney's Reliant Robin

I had to stop and park illegally to get this!

It seems rumours that Only Fools & Horses writer John Sullivan had laid Del Boy to rest were largely unfounded. Rather it seems that reports of Del's demise were greatly exaggerated. I duly spotted DB's Ferrari at Billingsgate market and here's the proof!

Don't laugh - the rest of the civilised world have just caught up with the Peckham connoiseurs.

Read here

Premier 1-3 Championship – FA Cup quarter finals (03.08)

Avram was so gracious in defeat
A performance the Blues would much like to delete

A typical Fergie swipe at the ref
Air turned blue, better you be deaf

Northeast Boro were torn asunder
Partly due to the facial expression of thunder

Also known as Jimmy Floyd’s death mask
As Alves and co were taken to task

Cavalier West Brom took a break from the premier race
As Ishmael went one better than a brace

Anyone for the Tykes? Take a punt on Pompey?
Personally I’m going to be a Bluebird or Baggie

© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Save our football pitch - Berner Estate, E1

24th March 2008 - Please attend and show your support!

In Excess – The Gazza story

“Where’d it all go wrong?” They ask.
Let’s focus on the good first – a much easier task

Magnificent Cruyff turn with the right peg
The sublime Ron Koeman nutmeg

Tears at Italia that captured a nation
Butchering Charles – avoiding arrest at the station

In truth, Gazza was forever living life in mode hyper
Notorious flute antics of the pied piper

Matchless twin towers semi final free kick
Bamboozling concrete block Hendry with the choicest flick

“Howay the lad” - scoring and crying in the Rome derby
Whilst burping unceremoniously on national TV

Behind the Mars bars and the cheeky grin
Lurking blindside was the enemy within

And though countless a cleric preached their sermon
Their lay await many a twisted demon

For Gazza was not going to lead the life of a Mormon
Daft as a brush this Geordie may have been

Wealth and prominence endowed a handy smokescreen
A troubled, but mostly a kind hearted human

An abusive animal at times, needing a headscan
He was exploited, let there be no doubt

Friends, colleagues, like rabbits they would sprout
Bianca - Hated him such, she retained his name

Doner kebabs and booze began to affect his game
Spurred by excess – it affected his swanky game

Eventually tipped over the edge by the Hod factor
As emotions overrode he swung a chair at his detractor

What was needed was a guide, wise and older
He tried; Jones, Robbo, Mc Coist, Five Bellies, Roeder

Alas for one of the greatest talents produced by rights
It could have been so different had he missed the bright lights

Had Sir Alex of Govan nabbed the genius that was so blessed
Rather than his pal El Tel of the glitzy Scribes West.

© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

san siro gunners - haiku

arsene wengers braves
eat ancelottis pasta
milan season ends

© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Bare Below the Elbows - A British Debate

By Emdad Rahman

IOL Correspondent - UK

Controversy has once again reared its head after British media reported on the reluctance of Muslims to adhere to major hygiene rules.

Minutes of a clinical academics conference at Liverpool University publicized the apparent refusal of female Muslim students at Alder Hay hospital to roll up their sleeves.

Full article

Come rain or shine! - The wonderful phenomenon of the Muslim prayer!