Coady could be the new Gerrard...Carragher...Alonso

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Liverpool - Conor Coady another diamond in the making 

By Emdad Rahman

Football devotees are keeping a close eye on the development of the latest Anfield star to step off the conveyor belt. 

Eighteen year old Conor Coady is inspiring comparisons with the current on-field king pin at Anfield – none other than Steven Gerrard, who may very well go on to take the mantle of Liverpool's greatest ever player. 

Coady models himself on Gerrard and Carragher, and is an energetic and cultured midfielder, comfortable in making lung-busting runs, dictating play, or sitting deep. His progress and assured performances have left Liverpool fans purring with anticipation.  

During the formative years of his so far fledgling career, the young midfielder has established himself as the heartbeat at all levels he has played at, be it for Liverpool or England. 

Last summer the teenage starlet skippered the England Under 17s to glory at the European Championships, defeating the cream of Spain 2-1. It was the first English success since Robbie Fowler spearheaded a win in the same tournament in 1993. 

The Academy skipper also graduated to John McMahon's reserve side, helping his teammates achieve a domestic Senior Cup double in the 2009-10 season. 

Like Jamie Carragher, Coady has represented the Reds as a centre back and pundits say that his game is more suited as a deep lying holding midfielder – much in the Gareth Barry mould. His distribution and positional play is sound and there are shades of Alonso too. Coady is a leader too and has earned the right to wear the armband for club and country. 

Coady had caught Dalglish’s eye after the king supervised him at the Academy last year. Roy Hodgson has not held technical directors’ posts without merit, and no sooner had the West Brom boss taken over the reins at Anfield he invited Coady to spend time with the seniors at Melwood.

During the last school half term, Coady joined fellow youth star Raheem Sterling for Liverpool’s Europa League sojourn to Sparta Prague. Like Sterling, Dalglish protected the youngster by leaving him out of the final squad, but the gaffer’s inclusion of the two youngsters was a massive sign of intent. 

Dalglish loves to give the youth a chance, and it is apparent with his inclusion of Shelvey, Spearing and Kelly in Liverpool’s first team, that the Kop boss is likely to feature the likes of Coady, Sterling and Pacheco more prominently next season. 

As an influence, Coady cites Zinedine Zidane as one of the greatest players of all time. That alone, coupled with the role model influence of Gerrard and Carragher will give him the perfect footballing tuition. If Coady fulfils his potential he is likely to be a one club man just like the Liverpool stalwarts. The fact that he is a utility player at such a tender age will only add further value to his rapid progress. 

With Damien Comolli looking to revamp the youth set-up after putting John McMahon on gardening leave, it would be a surprise if Coady doesn’t make Dalglish’s first team squad in the next Premiership campaign . 

Disclaimer: The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association. 

ELM - Phase 2

Totally Ghana - England 1-1 Ghana

Totally awesome

Obituary: Edith Margaret Wyeth

Emdad Rahman: Edith Margaret Wyeth, a familiar East End face and cornerstone at Harry Gosling School has passed away. She died peacefully at the Royal London Hospital on 19th March 2011, aged 87.

Edith Wyeth joined Harry Gosling School during the 60's and served as Secretary and a whole host of roles until her retirement in 1990. She even had a stint as a teacher during 35-40 years of exemplary service to her community.

Nobody was homesick, be it a residential sojourn or a daytrip to Chalkwell Beach. Edith would accompany and help. Outings, breakfast, story telling – her energy was immense.

Miss Hurrell served as Headteacher at Harry Gosling School from 1972 onwards. During our discussion she had many fond memories to share: "When I started at Harry Gosling School in 1972, Mrs Wyeth was already a well established school Secretary."

Miss Hurrell added: "She was a wonderful Secretary. So many families would still vividly remember her.

"During the early days the Secretary collected the school dinner money and dealt with parents. Mrs Wyeth was very well known, respected and loved. Everybody knew Mrs Wyeth, and although she retired as Secretary at Harry Gosling School, she remained as a School Governor until very recent years."

Edith was also a Governor at St Paul's School, Wellclose Square. She lived at St George's and the East and had a flat within the Church grounds, where she served as a Church Warden.

"During her 20's, Edith was appointed as one of the youngest Church Wardens", said Miss Hurrell. "She carried out this role diligently and voluntarily. Many families in the East End knew her."

Edith always took part in managing the exciting school residential trips. "They were fun trips for four nights," said Miss Hurrell.

"Mrs Wyeth held a responsible role in organising the annual school fete. Oh she was always very involved, way beyond her role as School Secretary.

"She has continuously remained interested in how pupils have been doing.

"I spoke to her last January and she still maintained total interest in Harry Gosling School."

Amina Bibi Singh, a former pupil and current employee at Harry Gosling School knew Edith for many years. She said: "Edith was a pillar of Harry Gosling School and the local community. She was much loved by staff and pupils alike.

"I have been in touch with lots of friends, colleagues and ex pupils who knew Edith – she will be sorely missed.

"We all send the family our heartfelt condolences during this time of grief."

The Funeral Eucharist is on Friday 1st April, 7.15 pm at St George-in-the-East, Cannon Street Rd, London E1 0BH.

Edith's Committal and Cremation will take place on Saturday 2nd April, 12.00 midday at the City of London Crematorium, Aldersbrook Rd, E11.

Edith's funeral procession will be leaving the Church at 11.00 am.

Flowers may be sent to the Co-op Funeral Directors, 62 Chrisp St, or brought to the Church from 6.30 pm. The family have requested that no wreaths be sent. If anyone wishes, they may make a donation instead to Richard House Children's Hospice.

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Stepney...

Forward play pleases Fabio

Fabio Capello has revealed he was happy with England's attacking intent in their 1-1 draw with Ghana at Wembley.

The Three Lions Manager saw his side take a first half lead through Andy Carroll - his first senior goal - but Asamoah Gyan levelled late on with a fine individual goal in added time.
"I'm happy because I saw a fantastic game," he said, "It didn't feel like a friendly game. The players played very well.
"It was an exciting game and it was an important match for the fans. It was a fast game and we played to win and always wanted to get forward and score goals."
He continued: "Those players that haven't played a lot of games here played well and it was interesting to see what they were like playing at Wembley."
Capello also praised Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, who was making his third start in successive games, and Liverpool striker Carroll earning his second cap in what was England's first ever senior international against the Black Stars.
"Carroll scored a goal and he's an important player for England. He needs more times and games to improve but it's always important for a striker to score goals," said Capello.

"Wilshere is so important. I spoke with him and told him he would play only 60 minutes and he did really well. He's another important young player for England."
England's next game is the Euro 2012 Qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday 4 June.
www.thefa.com

Unbeaten run ends for Sporting

Sporting Bengal 0-4 Deal Town

Emdad Rahman

Sporting Bengal's recent run of good form came to a halt as Tower Hamlets finest conceded 4 goals at home to Deal Town.

Manager Mamun Chowdhury said: "Naturally were disappointed with the loss and the overall display.

"I feel we started off sharp, but lost our way after the first goal. There's more in the tank than that, and we'll be looking to raise the spirit for the next game.

Deal Town took control after a fifteenth minute opener through Lockyer, who went on to complete a hat trick and secure the man of the match. Hadden joined his team mate on the score sheet with a fourth on 87 minutes.

Match attendance: 42

Pictures by Alam Zaman

Sporting Bengal Utd (0) 0-4 (2) Deal Town

                                                          Lockyer 15, 45, 70,                   Hadden 87

Councillor Shiria Khatun hopeful over GLA Election

Emdad Rahman

Tower Hamlets Councillor Shiria Khatun, former Advisor to the Ken Livingstone has thanked the Romford Labour Party Constituency for nominating her for the forthcoming London GLA Election taking place in May 2012.
There will be a Hustings session followed by a ballot next Wednesday between Councillor Khatun and 2 other fellow comrades with the Labour Party members of Havering & Redbridge deciding on their ultimate candidate to fight the GLA election next year.
Councillor Khatun said: "As a Councillor, voluntary sector worker and parent in a deprived ward of the East End, I see first hand the damage that the Tory-led government is doing to local communities like mine.
"Changes to Housing, Benefits and the Public Sector Cuts are already hurting families all over London- far from being the temporary fix that the government would have you believe, they will leave a lasting and painful legacy.
"To make things worse, Boris's administration is enthusiastically backing the government's ideological cuts and introducing more of its own. I am asking for your support so that I can play a key role in stopping Boris and his administration in its tracks.
"I am a successful second-term councillor, a Trade Unionist, a Muslim, a feminist and a socialist – and a lifelong Londoner! I am proud to be part of a Labour Party that helps me celebrate all these identities."
Khatun added: "London Labour in May 2012 needs to focus on expanding our team of GLA members and securing the election of Ken Livingstone as Labour Mayor for London. London is suffering under Boris Johnson's programme of cuts. I worked as a Transport Advisor to Ken during his previous administration and would work with communities right across London.
Voters in marginal GLA seats will be particularly important to our efforts and I believe I have the energy, commitment and skills to unite the party and build support across all communities.

Tea with Tanveer & Zahir...

The good Shepherd

Being the ultimate Samaritan, superhero and prized citizen that I am, I rushed to the aid of this fella.

Turns out he's having a power nap whilst catching some sun.

"Easy come, easy go," I thought as two workmen sniggered at me. Hilarious! Good thing I left the cape and latex underwear at home....

Origami effort of the day...

Another easy one...

Demolition of Bengal House

Origami effort of the day

Nice & easy one :)

The 22 immutable laws of marketing

My current read...

Blooming Barking

Sherwood Gardens...

Friday prayers at Stepney Shahjalal

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Shandy Park - bit surprising a park of this stature has only a dozen flowers...

Regenerating the Ocean...

England V Ghana

Long overdue - I'm off to Wembley next Tuesday!

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Stepney Park...

Bangladeshi supernatural comes to Britain

Aliens and zombies to help British Bangladeshis learn English


Emdad Rahman: Bishaash, a new supernatural drama by the BBC has come to UK television screens.

The drama set in Bangladesh and the UK is billed as South Asia’s first ever supernatural detective series.

Bishaash is broadcasting through a partnership with Zee Network on Zee Café.

The story follows the journey of Zara, a young British-Bangladeshi woman who packs up her life in London and travels to Bangladesh after discovering she is the co-owner of an antique shop in Dhaka. Here she encounters supernatural investigator Abir and is thrown into his world of mystery, magic and adventure.

From treasure hunts in old Dhaka, to battles with aliens and zombies and passion on London’s Southbank, the 24 part series is packed with gripping storylines, special effects and romance.

Made by the BBC World Service Trust, with dialogue in Bangla and English, the supernatural drama does more than entertain.

It has a partner programme BBC Janala Mojay Mojay Shekha, which is as an educational game show and comedy that builds on the English used in the drama, providing a fun and free way for people to learn English. BBC Janala (‘Window’), launched in November 2009 is a unique multi-platform project that harnesses multimedia technology to

provide affordable education to millions of people in Bangladesh. It includes the internationally acclaimed BBC Janala mobile service which has recently won awards from Microsoft and the GSMA.

Originally designed for audiences in Bangladesh, both programmes are part of English in Action, a major initiative launched by the UK's Department for International Development to support the economic development of Bangladesh by raising the English language skills of 25 million people across the country.

A recent BBC survey of the British Bangladeshi population revealed one third consider English skills to be a top issue facing the community, whilst two thirds think English language classes would support UK integration.

The study highlighted a potential opportunity for more people to benefit from the programmes in the UK and prompted the BBC to approach Zee Network as a broadcast partner.

“For many British Bangladeshis the desire and need to learn English is strong, even today,”said the BBC World Service Trust’s Asia Director, Caroline Howie.

“This new partnership will provide an opportunity for people with low English skills to share in the unique learning experience provided by the shows.”

Already watched by millions in Bangladesh, the shows are expected to receive large audiences in the UK and will be broadcast back-to-back on Sundays at 20:00 from the 6 March. First transmission broadcasts will be free-to-view for all digital subscribers.

“Zee is proud to showcase Bishaash and Mojay Mojay Shekha on Zee Café,” said Govind Shahi from Zee Network.

“It is an excellent production offering a storyline that breaks from the traditional formula of many South Asian dramas, but remains true to the key elements that keep our viewers engrossed; family, tradition and love.

“At its heart Zee’s ethos is to entertain all South Asian communities but these programmes go beyond this; with the functional English learning aspect it is entertainment with a social conscience.”

Developed under the remit to ‘educate, inform and entertain’, Bishaash is a first for the BBC, which has arguably never before made such an ambitious and transnational serial drama of this kind.

It includes cast and crew from both Bangladesh and Britain with major names such as A.T.M. Shamsuzamman (Rustom), Humayan Faridee (Kabir), Giasuddin Selim (Director), as well as rising stars Md Shaidul Islam Molla (Abir), Shama Rahman (Zara), Arabi Rahman (Labony) and Waris Islam (Writer/Director).

Mojay Mojay Shekha is hosted by celebrity Rumana Malik Munmun, with the help of slap-stick comedian Kamal Bayazid and English teacher Alexandra Tyers. Together they set challenges for competitors in and out of the studio, to develop their English skills.

Bishaash and BBC Janala Mojay Mojay Shekha are broadcasting back-to-back on Zee Café on Sundays at 20.00 and repeated on Mondays at 16.30 and Sunday evenings at 00.30.

The television programmes are supported by bbcjanala.com a free website dedicated to supporting Bangladeshi English learners with content related to the drama.

Choices, choices!

Ricky Villa's solo moment

Cup replay in eighty one
Ricky Villa took a Wembley stroll
Waltzed through City's rearguard
Sharp gasps at the dancing goal

Dinking, jinking, sashaying
Buenos Aires to Seven Sisters
Caressing slalom bull run
Coupled with hip twisters

"Better than winning the World Cup"
Solo artists will struggle to forge
Walked into the back of the net
Joining Gerrard, Di Matteo, George

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deWuKNhwcIY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Top class winger is top of Liverpool boss’ most-wanted list

Liverpool - Kenny Dalglish will search far and wide

Click here to read full article...

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Aston Street...

Full moon

Outside Barking Cemetery

Lou Lights Stadium of Fright: Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool

Africa's most loved figure

Pitched in by King Kenny
Gyan, Mensah, Muntari
Stood to welcome Lou & Andy

With the comeback of the Cattermole
Mensah gives Tommy Pickles a clout
Dalglish's men lead one nil
Dirk with the spot kick Knock Kuyt

Mensah red matches Brucie's mug
Spearing whets the Red appetite
El Suarez from an impossible angle
And not a single beach ball in sight

20.03.11

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Explorers Court - Isle of Dogs...

Language Matters Conference - Jagonari Centre

Blooming Barking

At Sunset - yesterday...

Zahir wins Daffodil award

10 year old Zahir Uddin of Bonner School poses with a well earned certificate from The London Children's Flower Society.

Steven Gerrard could do with another 'midfield mucker'

Please click here for full article...

Demolition of Bengal House...

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Opposite stepping Stones Farm...

Creative Writing Programme

We did well with 20-30 participants for the last 10 weeks.

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Regents Canal - Taken this morning with glimpses of Canary Wharf in the background.

Galloway lambasts police and law officers for failure over Neil Lennon security

Below is a letter from George Galloway sent to the Lord Advocate of Scotland, Scotland's chief law officer, and Stephen House, the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police

I am writing to you as a former Glasgow Member of Parliament for 18 years and prospective candidate for Glasgow in the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary election. 

My concern is the intolerable situation regarding the Celtic manager Neil Lennon and what appears to be the complete lack of effective action by the police and the justice authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those who have made series of death threats against him and his close family.

Mr Lennon has, I understand, 24-hour police and security protection, a panic alarm in his house and has to have his partner and child removed to a safe house when he is absent at matches. Prior to the recent Old Firm game he had credible death threats against his family and live ammunition sent to him in the post and since the match dozens of websites have emerged, some of which give his home address together with pictures of his partner and child. Many even call for him to be killed.

In the past, as you know, Mr Lennon has been physically attacked. The then-Liverpool manager Bill Shankly said that football was more than a matter of life and death. For Neil Lennon it really is a matter of life and death.

This is totally intolerable and, as I am sure you agree, deeply shames Scotland in 2011.

I have seen reports of the recent ‘summit’ organised by the police. While the mooted measures to be implemented may well be worthwhile the only satisfactory one is the apprehension and conviction of those who call for Mr Lennon’s demise. I cannot believe that while paedophiles and cyber-criminals can be traced, tried and locked up it is beyond the ability of the national police forces to do the same against the despicable individuals and organisations responsible for threatening Mr Lennon’s life.

 

I await your urgent response.

 

Yours faithfully,

George Galloway