2011 in review: Liverpool

By Emdad Rahman 

Orignal article: Twelve months have passed by in a flash. Here’s a fan's perspective of the highlights and lowlights of the year.

January

Kenny Dalglish is dragged off his sun bed and thrust headfirst into the Anfield hot seat for the second time. There is a mass outpouring of jubilation and expectation as King Kenny takes over from Roy Hodgson.

In one of the astonishing transfers in football, Fernando Torres leaves Liverpool to join a “big club” at Chelsea, whilst Toon star Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez - Ghana’s favourite Uruguayan both join Liverpool. Ryan Babel leaves Liverpool for Hoffenheim.

February

After defeating Sparta Prague 1-0 at home Liverpool lose 3-1 to West Ham at Upton Park. It’s a dismal month with victory over Stoke leading to an away loss to Chelsea and a 1-1 home draw against Wigan.

March

Dirk Kuyt scores a hat-trick as Manchester United are annihilated at Anfield. Luis Suarez is sublime as he sets up all three goals, and Liverpool boss the game with 53 percent of possession.

April

Around 10,000 people attended the ticket-only Hillsborough memorial at Anfield. The names of all 96 victims are read out and a candle lit in memory of each one. A minute's silence is observed at 3.06pm, the moment when the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

In a touching moment, Rafael Benitez broke down in tears and the Kop bring down the house down for the ex-Liverpool boss.

Raul Meireles is named the ESPN PFA Fans' Player of the Year, an award voted for by Barclays Premier League supporters. Meireles beats off Samir Nasri, Dimitar Berbatov, Fernando Torres and David Luiz .

May

Liverpool thrash Mark Hughes’ Fulham at Craven Cottage but lose to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. The defeats served a stark reminder of the task ahead.

June

Jordan Henderson, aged 20, joins Liverpool for £20 million and speaks of his desire to emulate club legend Steven Gerrard.

July

Charlie Adam becomes Liverpool’s second major summer signing. The ex-Glasgow Rangers star had a year left on his Blackpool contract and the Reds pay £6.75 million to prise him away from the Seasiders.

Liverpool also sign England winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Alexander Doni leaves Roma to become back up to Pepe Reina.

August

Spanish full back José Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle United for £6 million.

Uruguayan star Sebastian Coates snubs the riches at Manchester City to join his compatriot Luis Suarez at Anfield, whilst on transfer deadline day, Craig Bellamy leaves Manchester City to rejoin Liverpool four years after leaving the Reds

In a final twist, Raul Meireles hands in a 12th hour transfer request and joins Chelsea just before the transfer window closes.

September

Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel are sent off as Liverpool are thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Luka Modric, Jermaine Defoe and a brace from Emmanuel Adebayor sees the Reds suffer a second successive league defeat.

October

In the Merseyside derby, watched by US Basketball star LeBron James, Jack Rodwell is controversially sent off as Liverpool win 2-0 courtesy of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Liverpool are held by Manchester United at home. Controversy follows as Patrice Evra accuses striker Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the 1-1 draw at Anfield. Andre Marriner records Evra’s allegations about Suarez in his match report.

November

Liverpool win the battles at the Bridge as Chelsea are impressively despatched twice in ten days. Maxi and a last minute stunner from Glen Johnson is enough to cancel out Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser for three points, whilst Maxi again and Martin Kelly ensure the Reds passage to the Carling Cup semi-final less than a fortnight later.

Lucas’s season is over as he injures his knee and is stretchered off the field.

December

Luis Suarez receives an eight game ban and a £40,000 fine by an FA independent regulatory commission for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Liverpool say they are standing by the Uruguayan and will appeal. Supportive t-shirts are donned in support against Wigan.

Steven Gerrard returns to the squad against Blackburn and adds an instant thrust to Liverpool’s offensive play. The skipper’s appearance cannot prevent a disappointing home draw against basement Rovers.

Suarez is also named as Sky Sports' Player of the Year for 2011, despite a voting row in which Liverpool FC supporters accuse the broadcaster of interfering with their own poll.

Christmas Day 2011 at the Whitechapel Mission

I got to the Mission for 5:30 am for a hilarious start, as upon entry I was asked if I was on probation. A curt “no!” sufficed.

The always bubbling Sue Miller was next up to meet and welcome. Being greeted by the fabulous Sue is tantamount to an instant early mornings shake me up. You instantly lose the dreariness and stand to attention. The encounter revs you up for the work ahead.

Sue gave me the till to man that morning, although with the first 60p of the breakfast on the house for Christmas, only two people made a payment of 20p. I also cut two lovely donated home made cakes and everyone got to eat a slice or six after breakfast. There was also a selection box goodie for everyone who came.

My stable mate for the day was David, a Glasgow Rangers and Manchester United supporting Irishman. Being Liverpool and Celtic, “Gulp!” I thought. 

Gaffer as I nicknamed him kept me busy till breakfast. The enterprising David likes to stand at the counter and chat so he can get his breakfast early and avoid the queue. We broke into guffaws of laughter each time Tim, an ex road sweeper from Barking & Dagenham called me Baghdad (Emdad) and apologised profusely. It was totally side-splitting seeing poor Tim’s face.

David is a gentleman with a sense of humour that reflected my own and I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and experience.

There was a lot of spirit, enthusiasm and happiness amongst my fellow volunteers, namely Phillip, Rochelle, Elise, Nicki, Adam, and I also caught up with Tony, who I assisted with hairdressing last year.

We washed and cleaned thereafter and left at midday. It was a very satisfactory morning indeed.

Christmas Day is actually a quiet day at the Mission – a service that runs 365 days a year by selfless individuals and volunteers. If you would like to support the Whitechapel Mission and the fantastic efforts of Tony & Sue Miller please visit www.whitechapel.org

Blackburnt

Liverpool 1-1 Blackburn

Breezy Boxing day at Anfield
Suarez and Carroll paired up front
Boosted by Stevie G's return
Kenny's men still take the brunt

Maxi denied a sure penalty
Steve Keen still bottom of the poll
Another nightmare for Charlie Adam
Gifting Rovers a first goal

Maxi squares things at the far post
Yet lessons still to be learnt
Skipper's appearance lifts the crowd
But the Reds once again Blackburnt

26.12.11

Number7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

The great Christmas truce of 1914

Sub zero in the trenches of Armentieres

It’s the bizarre event of the year
Amidst the ravaging spectacle of war
Looms a most certain killer

Through football the great healer
Death stench of the “Great War”
Foes come together to scent
Those darkened days of yore

A cacophony of despair
Before the aerial bombardment
Poisoned gas attacks
Sprayed with so much resent

No guns and roses in the dressing room
No Terry Butcher in full swing
No chest thumping or headbutting
No vicious door smashing

Only warm carols, silent, soft in tone
In union with the English enemy
Lone German voices mixed in with death’s moan
Beyond the darkened stymie

Echoing across no man’s land
‘Tipperary’ haunts death’s plains
‘Deutschland Uber Alles’ resonates

Like deathly clanking chains

‘We come in peace,’ say the English
Straying onto German territory
Crossing no man’s land
Unarmed in hope and glory

Bully beef swapped for smokes
Wee willy Wallace's face glows
Braveheart starts the game
Barrel loads of friendship flows

Becoming for an instant, loved
When the Scot brings on a football
Will there now be a massive melee
A scrum, or even a brawl?

Helmets for goalposts, no offside
Free for all on very dry ice
Foraging through the gunge
'Oi, watch that detonating device!'

Chasing this instrument of peace
Marauding hunting pack
Free for all like crazed hounds
Dogs of war on the attack

Origins of mud football are sown
Both teams descend the autobahn
Whilst King George’s officer

Embraces the Kaiser’s man

Merry Christmas and a hearty 3-2

Fritz ends up defeating Tommy
With not a shot fired, there follows
A massive celebratory party

Festivities of deference
With those who were so loathed
United London & Bonn
Becoming for a moment betrothed

For once, not an ounce of hate
Replaced by loving authority
Commonality, smiles, brotherhood
And most of all instant sorority

On the dawn of Boxing day
Three shots break the Zen
Cap’n Stockwell ends the Christmas truce
Goodwill to all men

Such fraternity and such joy
Faces much condemnation
Austrian at Ypres called Adolf

Rebukes this uncanny integration

Number 7

© Emdad Rahman

www.football-poems.com

This is an extraordinary & true story and therein lies a lesson for us all - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p05E_ohaQGk

Barking Life

Information sought on missing woman - Carly Kalmar

Police are seeking information from the public on the whereabouts of missing woman Carly Kalmar, 27 years, who hasn't been seen by her family Saturday 10 December.   

Carly who usually lives at Andrew's Farm was reported missing on Thursday 22 December and is described as, Caucasian 160cm, 45kg, with fair complexion, medium build and shoulder length blonde/brown hair. 

Carly also has a blue tattoo on her right wrist with the letters 'CK' and a chain design that wraps around her wrist.              

Police and Carly's family are concerned for her welfare and ask her or anyone that knows of her whereabouts to please police via BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact her family direct. 


Personal request: Carly, if you're reading this then please make contact with your Ma or ANY member of your family. They are helpless at this moment and very worried about you. It goes without saying that they love you so very much.

Red all over the land - Issues 167 & 168

The new, and hopefully better website is now up and running.  It‘s still in the process of being completed but it is there.  


Please visit and take a look.  As time permits it will be added to and hopefully it will be to the viewers liking.  


The address is  www.redallovertheland.com.


Website.

Tower Hamlets Life - Banksy strikes again!

DW stalemate

Wigan 0-0 Liverpool

Showered the festive glitter
Not quite the war of the roses
Glen Johnson missed a sitter
Whilst the Red sea parted for Moses

Brilliance from Ali Al Habsi
Beat the spot kick past his post
Adam lacking the accuracy
Latics not playing the good host

Costly for King Kenny's men
Blue troops jostled and contained
Martinez leapt up time and again
Two lost or a point gained?

21.12.11

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Bellamy magic!

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool

Whilst Darren Bent was out shopping

Fifth away win inspired by Bellamy

Struck the opener from close range

Clever flick from Jonjo Shelvey

Welsh dragon turned provider

Lofting one onto the chrome dome

Fifteenth minute corner

For leaping Martin Skrtel to head home

Villa's sorely lacked a cutting edge

Whilst the Reds have the best defence

Villa with one win in fourteen

Dalglish’s army were simply immense

18.12.11

Number7

© Emdad Rahman

www.football-poems.com

Today's Origami

Bird warrior...

Cabwise - Message from John Biggs

At this time of year most of us will be going out seeing friends and family, office parties and New Year’s celebrations. It is even more important to stay safe and not put yourself at risk by getting into illegal taxis. 

You wouldn’t get into a stranger’s car during the day, so why risk it at night when you’re more vulnerable? Attacks are down, but they are still happening, women travelling home alone late at night are at particular risk. 

It’s important for people to put the ‘Cabwise’ number in their phone, all you have to do is text ‘CAB’ to 60835 and you’ll receive numbers for licensed minicab and taxi companies in the area you’re texting from. It’s as simple as that, so please put this into your phone and stay safe. You can find more details at www.tfl.gov.uk.

Enjoy the festive period, spending time with family and friends and stay safe.

Merry Christmas,

John Biggs

Camden’s creativity unlocked

A new Making Things Happen Lab will be created in Camden to help budding young entrepreneurs who are not in work or training realise their ambitions.

The Lab is one of eight new projects which have been successful in securing investment through Camden Council’s groundbreaking Innovation Fund, it was announced this week.

Through the fund the Council has committed to investing in the best new solutions to Camden’s social problems. Residents, community groups and voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations were invited to share their ideas – no matter how big or small - on how best to address socially ingrained problems in Camden such as unemployment, food poverty, anti social behaviour.

The Council is now working with the eight organisations to develop their proposals for the second stage of the fund so that the ideas that will make the most impact will be invested in from February 2012.

The fund – which will invest a total of £500,000 a year in innovative ideas over three years – was created to tap into the creativity and innovation residing in the borough and to find new ways to tackle local issues.

Councillor Sarah Hayward, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Regeneration and Equalities, said:

“We took a risk and set up the Innovation Fund because the massive financial challenges we face mean we need to find new ways to deliver services and new solutions to existing problems. The threat to public services from both government cuts and government reform is massive. If we are to preserve services that support people through their lives then we have to look for new ways to deliver them and solve problems. That’s why the Innovation and Development Fund was set up, and we’ve found some great ideas to try out.”

Applications are now open for the second round of the Innovation Fund for anyone who has additional good ideas. Expressions or interest can be sent to vcs@camden.gov.uk until 27 April 2012.

Camden Council took a new approach to how it funds the voluntary and community sector following large scale government cuts, which saw the Council needing to cut almost £100 million from its budget.

For more information contact Lynn MacDonald, senior communications officer for Camden Council, on 020 7974 5238 or lynn.macdonald@camden.gov.uk

Tower Hamlets Life

Today's Origami

A better attempt at a butterfly...

Aston Villa v Liverpool - Key stats

Original article - Emdad Rahman: With Barclays Premier League points a priority, Alex McLeish’s Aston Villa will provide stiff opposition for Liverpool at Villa Park this Sunday.

The match will provide an indicator of how important it is for both teams to splash the cash in the over inflated January transfer window. Liverpool need three points to bolster their Champions League ambitions, whilst McLeish has steadied the Villains and consolidated a mid-table position from which to build on.

With the signing of Shay Given, Big Eck has also strengthened a leaking rearguard, so it will be interesting to see how they fare without the Irish legend, who is consigned to the sidelines for a month.

Here are some stats ahead of the game:

- Darren Bent has scored three goals in his last four games against Kenny Dalglish’s team. This includes the famous beach ball goal as a Sunderland player at the Stadium of Light.

- Charlie Adam is a cross between Ray Houghton and Stevie McMahon, and has slotted in effortlessly and become a huge success during his debut season in Liverpool colours, just shading Lucas as the clubs mid year player of the year. Adam has made 17 clearances so far this season, the joint highest total for a midfielder in the league.

- The fixture saw the last Barclays Premier League goal scored by Stewart Downing, with the Liverpool wide man hitting the winner. The win last season was the first Villa home win against Liverpool in 13 attempts.

- Liverpool have converted the lowest percentage of shots into goals this season - (9 percent).

- Villa it seems are suspect at set pieces with Alex McLeish’s men conceding the highest percentage of goals from corners of any team in the top flight - (32 percent).

- This is not a fixture for cricket scores. Only five goals have been scored between both teams during their last five Villa Park encounters.

- In their last 12 home games against Liverpool, Villa have scored just four times against the Reds.

- In the creativity stakes Charlie Adam is second to David Silva with seven assists. In the Barclays Premier League this season he has also headed the table for most distance covered by a Red - 5.12 miles.

This is the ninth time the cultured Scot has covered more distance than any of his Liverpool team mates. Similarly, Marc Albrighton covered 6.4 miles during Villa’s 2-1 win against Bolton.

- With nine strikes, the absent Steven Gerrard has scored the most goals against the Villains than any other opponent.

- With 31 interceptions, James Collins holds the record over any other Barclays Premier League player.

- Liverpool’s frontline has had some rotten luck, having smashed the woodwork more times than any other Premier League team in 2011-12 - (15).

- Liverpool have drawn just one of their last 20 Barclays Premier League away matches.

Torres-Suarez partnership would be stuff of fantasy

Would Fernando Torres be welcomed back at Liverpool?

By Emdad Rahman

Orginal article - On this dismally cold day we are told that Roman Abramovich is allegedly seeking £20 million to part company with Chelsea hit man Fernando Torres.

Torres arrived at Chelsea amidst a storm. He immediately endeared himself to the Blues when saying that he was pleased to be playing at a “big club.”

But such is football, that if El Nino were to return to Anfield and shoot Liverpool to the Champions League all would be forgiven and forgotten. It is football after all.

I wasn’t shocked with Torres’ mid season switch and had an inkling from my very own insider who had told me in November 2010 that Torres had not made the cut for Europa League games in order to preserve his European eligibility.

Andres Villas-Boas has a blueprint and has his own mandate for Chelsea. He was specifically chosen by Abramovich to lead the new Blue revolution and has three years to do so. Part of his first move has been to sweep the cobwebs with his brush.

Nicolas Anelka has left, and there is uncertainty over the futures of Frankie Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Alex. The old timers remember AVB as Jose Mourinho’s back room analyst and it may be proving difficult for some of them to rid that thought from their memories.

One thing is for sure, with his goals per game ratio over the last 12 months, no team will touch him for anything close to £20 million. After all we live in very hard economical times. It may come down to a last minute push from Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.

The realistic expectation is a six month loan deal to lower the Chelsea club wage bill with a view to a summer transfer. On the other hand Manchester City may blow the competition away by taking Torres as Tevez's likely replacement.

Torres was nothing short of a Galactico at Liverpool, becoming the fastest player in Liverpool’s history to score 50league goals. Taking over Robbie Fowler’s No.9 shirt, Torres matched Fowler by becoming the first since Fowler in 1995/96 to score 30 goals in a season.

Successive hat-tricks against Middlesbrough and West Ham in 2007-08 made Torres the most prolific foreigner ever in a debut season in England.

His Stade Velodrome strike against Marseille won Goal of the Season on Liverpoolfc.tv, and the fans voted him their Player of the Year. The year finished with Torres becoming a European Champion, scoring Spain’s winner against Germany in the final.

It was unfortunate that his head was turned by his advisors who were more interested in adding zeros to his wages than his legacy as a footballing great.

With Romelu Lukaku lurking, the £10 million goal per game man may become the biggest casualty yet at Stamford Bridge.

Would Liverpool fans have him back? In a jiffy, I’d say. A mouth watering partnership with Luis Suarez is straight from the realms of fantasy football.

Many a dab hand Kopite will wholly trust Kenny Dalglish’s judgement on this. That, the voice of the fans and the picture painted by Damien Comolli’s computer generated analysis may prove to be the key feature if Torres is to ever return.

Today's Origami

Birds of prey & peace

Reds cock a Hoop - Liverpool 1-0 QPR

Luiz's first since October
Did much to scent the odour
Prized and feared he still remains

With a start for Maxi
Lou headed past Radek Cerny
Broke a streak baffling the best football brains

Adam whipped in a back slider
Viper pounced with a deft header
A win after four draws at Anfield

First since the Mersey derby
Then Faurlin failed with a penalty
Three points for King Kenny's yield

10.12.11

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Barking Life

Took this a while back - Too much power, too little sense it seems. The family resident at this Barking address where greeted by a surprise visitor as their friendly neighbourhood BMW crashed in for tea. Thankfully there were no fatalities or major casualties. The German speed demon is unhurt and well on the way to a full recovery...

Today's Origami

Paku Paku Dragon Bird with moving jaw, and a pink Elephant...

Regenerating the Ocean...

Visiting Craven Cottage - Club tour – Fulham FC

Emdad Rahman

I’ve been to Anfield, Old Trafford and Wembley, but this stadium tour took the longest to arrange. It’s the tour that’s taken months to arrange. “This better be worth it,” I muttered to myself whilst setting dates prior to this visit.

We arrived ahead of time and excitedly stood outside the Fulham cafe on the Stevenage Road, right next to the Johnny Haynes statue. Right on cue our tour guides Richard and Trevor arrived and introduced themselves. This is where the guided Stadium Tour begins - at the Johnny Haynes Statue, a tribute to the Club's greatest ever player. Haynes was a legendary inside forward described by Pele as “the best passer of the ball I have ever seen.” He represented Fulham for 18 years, playing 658 games, scoring 158 goals between 1952 and 1970, and was the first footballer to be paid £100.00 a week. He played 56 times for England, 22 as Captain.

As we sauntered down Stevenage Road we saw the turnstiles. Unlike the Emirates where fans can enter and exit from all around the ground, entry into Craven Cottage is from the Stevenage Road side only and this means that entry and exit of a 25,000 full house crowd takes longer than the double capacity of Fulham’s premiership neighbours.

Once through the original turnstiles, our journey featured awesome views around the ground.

On our way to the Johnny Haynes stand, we passed the famed Michael Jackson statue - Mohammed Al Fayed’s tribute to the late king of pop.

Previously known as the Stevenage Road Stand, it was renamed the Johnny

Haynes Stand after the great man’s demise in 2005.The stand houses the club shop, ticket office as well as the illustrious and original wooden seats. Jimmy Hill’s hard work as Chairman has ensured that it is now a Grade II listed building. Up the side of the Johnny Haynes stand we visited the TV studio, with a dazzling view of the stadium. Richard explained that the room is used for corporate meetings and team away days during the week, whilst Sky completely revamp the room when televising from Craven Cottage. 

The Riverside Stand backs onto the Thames and was opened prior to a friendly against Eusebio’s Benfica. The stand houses the Corporate areas and a gantry, for the press and cameras. There’s also the George Cohen lounge, named in honour of Fulham’s very own World Cup winner. The lounge offers breathtaking views across the Thames. On match day visitors can enjoy lunch with the man George Best described as the best full back he met.

The end of the Riverside Stand towards the 'Smithy' End' indicates the end of the 'Fulham Wall', which is the mile post in The Boat Race.

We were also able to see the small but state of the art changing and physio rooms. For once I behaved and resisted the urge to jump into the bath and get a picture taken as I’d done previously at Goodison and Villa Park.

We visited the dugout and sat in Martin Jol’s seat. In the Director’s stand I got to keep Mr Al Fayed’s seat warm for a few minutes. Since 1997, Mohamed Al Fayed has turned around the fortunes of this historic club, taking on debts and fighting off relegation, returning Fulham to its rightful place amongst English football’s elite.

“The club may be old, but it’s in immaculate condition,” said our guide Richard, himself a lifelong fan. “It’s all to do with the standards the chairman demands.

“There’s no peeling paintwork, nor wild weeds growing. We take pride in everything.”  

Despite spotting telltale signs, we were not able to bump into the Fox that walks the terraces, gorging and feasting on leftover hotdogs and burgers from match day, even joining his team on the pitch. Readers may remember that Fantastic Mr Fox made a famous guest appearance, running the pitch and clearing the electronic boards during Fulham’s August 2010 friendly against Werder Bremen at the Cottage.

Known for its noisy and vibrant atmosphere, the Hammersmith Stand houses many of the most vociferous supporters, whilst the Putney End hosts the official away area.

There was also a short visit to the press stand, which offers a superb view of the game.  We continued around the ground and went pitch side, before arriving at our final stop, the tunnel entry and Cottage forecourt.

In between the Johnny Haynes Stand and Putney End, is the Pavilion building, better known as “the Cottage” – the oldest and one of the grandest football stands in London. William Craven, the sixth Baron Craven built the original Cottage in 1780 and there are narratives that famous inhabitants included Queen Victoria, Florence Nightingale and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The new Pavilion was built in 1905. By Royal appointment, Anne Boleyn's hunting grounds included the surrounding wooded areas.

The tour ended in the club shop, a well laid out floor plan offering supporters and souvenir hunters a little bit of Fulham.

Our tour guides, Richard and Trevor were superb throughout. Both gentleman, with their manners, pleasant demeanour and conduct are a credit to Fulham FC and absolute Ambassadors for this famous club.  One of the features of the tour was Hamza, my seven year old locking horns with Richard - his questions bringing Richard’s encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Fulham to the fore.

The tour exceeded my expectations. Fulham is a smashing club. Operations are run with total efficiency but there is a warm and personal touch best exemplified by the excellent club tour guides.

To book a tour call 0843 208 1234 or email cottagetours@fulhamfc.com for further information.

Health advice from Lewis Carroll Library - Islington

I came across this gem of a piece of advice yesterday. I've highlighted in red and green below. Wonderfully hilarious...

Tower Hamlets Life

Top floor of Anderson House, Poplar...

Barking Life

The missus and little one at Dr Gupta's GP surgery, Salisbury Avenue yesterday evening...

Socrates - The Good Doctor

Eder, Falcao, Cerezo

Greatest team with Zico

To never lift the world cups weight

Two footed schemer

Always cracking a dreamer

An all time Seleçao great

Thunderous thirty yarder

Whipping the USSR

Graceful playmaker's foot drill

Skipper shone like a firecracker

Till the last kick at the Azteca

In the green and gold of Brazil

The bearded one became

Master of the beautiful game

Willowy like a subtle breeze

Older brother of Rai

We bid a solemn goodbye

To the good Doctor Socrates

Number7

(c) Emdad Rahman

www.football-poems.com

Dempsey ends win streak

Fulham 0-0 Liverpool

The last time it was five
But no more test drive
Reds lacked a Christmas Carroll

Suarez dictated the play
Then a red card for Jay

Left them staring down a barrel

Martin Jol sought a first win
Fulham went for the win

Richard told me 'we'll leave you stranded'

Pepe spilled from Murphy
Knocked in by Dempsey
Kenny's men left empty handed

05.12.11
Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
http://www.football-poems.com/

Muslims & Christians unite against sex education

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) organised a Conference in London at Westminster against Pornographic sex education programmes in schools and under the title: Sex education is sexual sabotage.

The Conference was co-hosted by the Working Party on the Sexualisation of Children under the Lords and Commons Family and Child Protection Group.

Many Representatives of national organisations who are concerned with the welfare and morality of the children attended the Conference.

International Speakers from the US and UK addressed the Conference,as well as , Imam Shahid Raza Khan, the Director of the Muslim College in London.

The Member of Parliament: Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP for North-East Somerset, said that the meeting was “terrifically important. SPUC’s work is of overwhelming importance for our society.”
 

"During the meeting, Dr Judith Reisman, the global expert on sexology took delegates back in time to explain why sex education in schools is so explicit today. In the 1940s, there was invented the myth that children are sexual at birth, a presupposition which underpins material used in sex and relationships education (SRE) today.

Dr Reisman said it is child abuse to expose children to sexually-explicit material because of the lasting and uncontrollable effect such exposure can have on children’s developing brains"
Lynette Burrows, a leading commentator on the family and a mother of six children, said: “Sex education has an unacceptable number of casualties.”

She argued that the open promotion of paedophilia in the 1970s is now manifested in a different form, namely pornographic sex education. Both Mrs Burrows and Dr Reisman also argued that school-based sex education was not necessary, as parents throughout the ages have proved themselves competent educators of their children in sexual matters. The rise of out-of-wedlock pregnancies, sexually-transmitted infections and child abuse runs parallel with the rise of sex education by so-called professionals rather than parents".

Mrs Antonia Tully (SPUC),who is leading the  national campaign SPUC: SAFE AT SCHOOL, showed the audience a few clips of a sexual video (Living and Growing) which is shown to small children in schools.

Imam Shahid Raza Khan emphasized the 3 basic concepts in Islam: Family, sprituality and morality.

The Chair of the Conference, John Smeaton, who is the national director of SPUC, thanked Dr A Majid Katme,the Spokesman of the Islamic Medical Association for his work and activities in highlighting this campaign amongst the Muslims in Britain.

Amongst the audience was Yusuf Patel, who has campaigned in many cities and mosques in Britain in order to alert and educate parents.

Near the end, 2 Christian parents gave short talks about their great concerns and activities when they discovered what their children have been taught and shown in their sex education classes in schools.

Following the Conference, Jonathan Evans, MP for Cardiff North, and Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, joined parents in delivering to the Department of Education a 47,000-signature petition to Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, calling for sex DVDs to be banned from UK primary schools.

For all the details regarding this national campaign, please go to the website of SPUC: http://www.spuc.org.uk/

Bijoy Phool – The flower of victory

Today’s Concept can be Tomorrow’s Tradition

Emdad Rahman: “Bijoyphool” (the flower of victory) is the symbol of victory of Bangladesh’s liberation war. In light of the historical significance of the Poppy appeal and as a way of remembrance for all the national heroes, the wonderfully acclaimed Poet Shamim Azad was inspired and began highlighting her thoughts and ideas about the “Bijoyphool”.

This strictly non political initiative has now become a growing social campaign which is fast spreading and gaining popularity at an astonishing rate.

Over the last few years, Bangladeshis have been donning the ”Bijoyphool” during the month of December and this has created a great sense of belonging to Bangladeshis. I met Shamim Azad today after a long time and asked her about the inspiration for her brainchild. She told me: “This initiative is fast becoming an icon of our great liberation war.  

“Many have advised that we should mass produce, but I have resisted. I feel it is beautiful that each phool is hand made and has a personal touch. Slowly, but surely we will spread the message.”

Shamim also pinned my coat with my very own ”Bijoyphool,” which I’m proudly modelling in the picture below. Historically my own family are staunch patriots and I’m backing this wonderful initiative.

Like previous years the campaign of wearing “Bijoyphool” is being observed from 1st -16th December.

Irrespective of your location one can organise or participate with this campaign. You can join simply logging into http://www.bijoyphool.com/. You can also print the “Phool,” reading the guidance section on the site. It is also recommended that you can invite a Freedom Fighter to tell stories to an audience and arrange “Phool” making workshops.

Under no circumstances can funds be collected in relation to “Bijoyphool”

For more information please call 07512122172, 07828016410

Send an e-mail to bijoyphool@gmail.com

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Cyril Jackson school...

Newark B slay St Katharine

Emdad Rahman: Newark B of the Second Division tigerishly fought back against St Katharine , the in form 1st Division league leaders to progress to the Quarter finals of the Inner London Footbal League (ILFL) League Cup.

Both teams have enjoyed intense rivalry over recent years and supporters have seen some epic derby games.

St Katharine started hungrier and their smooth interchanging passes in the first 15 minutes created some great chances, only to be denied by valiant goal keeping from Khaled, the young Newark B goalkeeper.

After the early exchanges, Newark B settled into their game, with great interlinking between Imran Abdur Rob and Imran Ahmed.

The 16-19 year olds suffered a blow as St Katharine striker Kemar raced through on goal on the right side and finished off by neatly placing the ball into the back of the net via the inside post of the keeper.

Newark B were not shaken by the goal, and a ball neatly threaded through by Shanur Miah to right winger Shiabuz Zaman was whipped in dangerously and brilliantly met with a powerfully directed header into the left corner by Imran Ahmed who outjumped the opposing right back to make it 1-1.

The second half was intense and the St Katharine attack was valiantly held at bay by the passionate Newark B defence.

With St Katharine piling on the pressure Newark B got off the back foot and countered, coming close twice.

Manager Arif Abdurrahmaan relieved the pressure by bringing on 16 year old Masnoon Hussain to play as a defensive midfielder.

At 1-1 the game went to penalties. The first 2 penalties were calmly placed into the back of the net by both teams. Newark B’s left back stepped up and scored the third penalty. Newark B’s goalkeeper Khaled had claimed he would save one, and he did, beating St Katharine top scorer Kemar Thompson’s penalty round the post. Mahbub scored for Newark B, followed by another scored for St Katharine.

It was left to Imran Ahmed to take the winning penalty, placing the ball in to the top left corner. Jubilation and elation followed as fans and players celebrated jubilantly.

Newark B Manager Arif Abdurrahmaan said: “The behaviour, attitude and performance of this young team showed great character . The victory was a bonus as it showed the development of the young players in the team, moreover what pleased me the most was that St Katharine are a brilliant team renowned for their goal scoring ability with a goal difference of +34 in 9 games which is why they sit proudly on top of the first division.

“However our team played with heart and worked so well as a unit whilst implementing what they learnt during training.

“I hope Newark B can now look take the encouragement from this victory and motivate themselves to winning promotion.”

King Edward Memorial Park

Meeting tonight!

Time: 19:00 until 21:00
Where Raine House, Raine Street E1W 3RJ

Please come and join us for an update on the campaign progress and the ongoing consultation. Lots of things to discuss!

Today's healthy lunch...

Fulham v Liverpool: Pre-match stats

By Emdad Rahman

Original article - Liverpool have been enjoying their trips to London with this season, securing three wins out of four in the capital. The exception being the clash against Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham, a game where the Reds had two men sent off.

In the last fortnight Kenny Dalglish’s team have twice despatched Chelsea with controlled ease, sending out a stark reminder of what they are capable of doing to their Barclays Premier League rivals.

Liverpool’s second team showed just how good they were when they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Tuesday. Jay Spearing was inspiring and Sebastian Coates alongside Jamie Carragher was a giant at the back.

Craig Bellamy was a constant menace and Martin Kelly and Maxi Rodriguez not only scored, but produced assured displays. In a sense of déjà vu, Maxi and Liverpool’s right back scored the goals against Chelsea in the last two clashes.

Back to Fulham and ahead of Monday’s clash at Craven Cottage. GMF has skimmed Opta and some archive material, and made note of some interesting titbits:

- Since Liverpool beat Fulham 2-5 at Craven Cottage last May Martin Jol’s men have won just one home game.

- The Lilywhites have not scored in their last 8 clashes with Liverpool.

- Liverpool have allowed their opponents fewer shots (44) on target against them than any other team.

- Fulham have scored the least amount of headed goals in the Barclays Premier League. (7%).

- The Reds have three league away wins. A win on Monday night will match the four in a row record achieved in May 2009.

- With 12 points, this season’s points tally so far is the joint worst record the Cottagers have collected in the top flight after 13 games. ( 2005/06 and 2007/08).

- On the same note Andy Carroll has had the most headers on goal than any other top league player (18) and also achieved the highest number of headers on target (eight).

- Carroll’s strike partner Luis Suarez has achieved more touches in the opposing penalty area per than any other Premier League player (8.2).

- The Reds have won more corners than any other team in the Barclays Premier League. (104).

- In 1986, 13,498 fans watched Liverpool smash Fulham 10-0 in a second round League Cup tie. Midfield enforcer Steve McMahon scored four, Ian Rush and John Wark netted two, with one each from Stevie Nicol, and Ronnie Whelan. McMahon also missed a penalty.

Crisis at Christmas

It's December and whilst everyone enjoys the festive period please spare a thought for the needy. Let's do something amazing this year - support Crisis.