Lakenheath Old Boys

We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The World Cup Draw


THE FULL EUROPEAN ZONE DRAW
Group A: Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, SCOTLAND, Macedonia, WALES

Group B: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta.

Group C: Germamy, Sweden, R of Ireland, Austria, Faroe Is, K'stan.

Group D: Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra.

Group E: Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland.

Group F: Portugal, Russia, Israel, N IRELAND, Azerbaijan, L'bourg

Group G: Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-H, Lithuania, Latvia, Lichtenstein

Group H: ENGLAND, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, S Marino

Group I: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland

England were the second to last team to come out of the pot. If they were the last team they would have been up against France. The World Champs get that honor

Your thoughts gentlemen

UWS

The Great Dress Rehearsal

We're a week out from the start of the Championship season and the Charity Shield, so this weekend is the last chance saloon for managers to sort out their squads for the beginning of the season. They'll also be praying that there aren't any serious injuries on dodgy MLS pitches today. If you're around today avoiding the heat outside, join me for all the fun.

LOB Book Club - Bossypants - Part I

Just to start things off, I was a bit surprised that a book I thought would be more about her professional life and development started out with her elementary and middle school years. Funny, certainly, although how many speculum jokes must we endure? (For you boys out there, a speculum is not funny. Not now, not ever.)

The description of her climbing a mountain at night with two friends had me howling, even as I cringed at her soul-baring recollections of her relationship confusions.
Was this because I saw me in her descriptions? Or just because her ineptitude contrasts so starkly with the wildly successful performer she has become? I'm still noodling on that one.

Discuss!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Premiership Transfer Watch

With only a week to go until the beginning of the domestic footer season, it's time to cast a close eye at the moves that are coming thick and fast these days. Football 365 has a brilliant page that updates the moves each day as well as (gasp!) a live blog of the biz. Here are the big moves (£10 million or more) of the summer so far:

* Gervinho to Arsenal - £10.6 million
* Jordan Henderson to Liverpool - £16 million
* Stuart Downing to Liverpool - £20 million
* Sergio Aguero to Man Citeh - £35 million
* Ashley Young to ManYoo - £16 million
* David DeGea to ManYoo - £17 million
* Phil Jones to ManYoo - £16.5 million

Who's got the best value for money, then? Your thoughts?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Bradley Gets the Sack!

Wow! Although the U.S. effort in the Gold Cup was underwhelming, I didn't see this one coming. After all, the U.S. made it into the Round of 16 last summer and were defeated by a far superior Mexican side this summer in the Gold Cup. I know that Pele expected us to win the 2010 World Cup - but did anyone else? Sure, I questioned some of Bradley's selection and tactical choices over the years but I would argue that U.S. soccer's weaknesses are far more profound than just a question of who's in the hot seat.

More information about the Bradley sacking here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14335698.stm

Your thoughts, gentlemen?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I'll Be There!

I won't be around to make any comments but I hope you keep the home fires burning. Our seats are in the third row of the top section in the top right corner when looking at the benches.... should I make a sign... Joel Mow The Lawn(where did we go when we made that sign Bob?)

I hope the score is the same as it was when MUR went to the original last season


UWS

Monday, July 25, 2011

European Super League?

I was fascinated by an article by Ouriel Daskal in the debut issue of "The Blizzard," a new soccer journal that the Gooner forwarded on to me, that proposed a new scheme for maximizing the marketing potential of the Champions League. Daskal's plan would involve adopting an NFL like structure with three regional conferences in which each team would be guaranteed a place (i.e., no qualifying or relegation) and would play a team from another conference at least once every four years. Now - don't get me wrong. I'm horrified by the mere idea of Daskal's corporate scheme, which has more to do with balance sheets than fans. It also gives the shaft to any side outside the six dominant leagues.

However, that said, embedded in the article, was a challenge to come up with the sides to fit into these conference slots. I thought it would make for an interesting Monday thread.

Northern Conference - choose six English, two Scottish and two Dutch teams

Western Conference - choose four Spanish, four French and two Portuguese teams

Central Conference - choose five German and five Italian sides

I'll look forward to seeing your choices. Also - feel free to have a go at Daskal and his non-starter plan.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Guay Not


Good afternoon everyone . We have a fun filled afternoon in store as the Copa America Final kicks off from Buenos Aries at 3 PM. Uruguay and Paraguay battle for South American supremacy and a place in the Confederations Cup. There is an interesting contrast in styles as attacking Uruguay take on defensive Paraguay. The Paraguayans have drawn each of their five contests in this ; three have resulted in 0-0 draws. They needed two penalty shootouts to be in the final. The Uruguayans started with two 1-1 draws, but finished with two wins in their last three matches. They are the form team led by Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan. They eliminated the hosts and favorites, Argentina, in a penalty shootout and were unlucky not to win in 90 minutes as they were the better team. The LA Galaxy host Manchester City at 4 PM, so it should be a busy afternoon,. So guay not join us.

Welcome "Lost-mate!"

I wanted to take a moment to welcome a new contributor to the LOB - "Lost-mate" (aka Todd Richardello). The last time we were all together, we looked like this at our high school graduation 29 (gulp!) years ago. Anyone have any Todd stories to share? I'm looking forward to sharing some memories and making new ones with "Lost-mate." Welcome!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Two Weeks and Counting....

We are a mere two Saturdays away from the opening of the new Football League season, chaps, and I couldn't be more excited. A newly strengthened Mighty Leeds United take on local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in another pre-season friendly. A day of friendlies with Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and United follows. I'll be up early to get us started around 8am. Join me for all the pre-season shenanigans.

Friday, July 22, 2011

LOB Book Club - Bossypants - Part 1


My copy has come in! Time to delve into "Bossypants" by Tina Fey, which BD has been dying to discuss. What say we all read up to the chapter titles "Young Men's Christian Association" and discuss next week?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Complete the Python Quote!

In order to stifle the mid-summer doldrums, I thought I'd start a new Python quiz thread. Here are the directions:

"For each of the following Python classics, complete the quote. For full points, name the Python sketch in which the line pops up."

1. "And I've just heard from Luton that..."

2. "Well Bruce, I heard the Prime Minister use it."

3. "You were lucky to have a lake!"

4. "I took the liberty of examining that parrot, and I discovered that...."

5. "Can you imagine what it's like cutting the same head for five years? I didn't want to be a barber anyway."

6. "Telephone, Mr Hilter. It's Mr McGoering from the Bell and Compasses. He says...."

7. "Good morning. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but I'm afraid my walk has become rather sillier recently, and so...."

8. "Dinsdale says 'I hear you've been a naughty boy Clement' and...."

9. "Uhh, the tenants arrive in the entrance hall here, are carried along the corridor on a conveyor belt in extreme comfort and past murals depicting Mediterranean scenes...."

10. "'ow should I know which zoo it's from?!? I'm not...."

11. "There's nothing so odd about that. Kemel Attaturk had...."

12. "Sshh, dear, don't cause a fuss. I'll have your Spam."

13. "Well, it's funny you should ask that, because I've just been reading a great big book about how to put your budgie down, and apparently...."

14. "Shut your festering gob, you tit! Your type really makes me puke, you..."

15. "Well ladies and gentlemen, I don't think any of our contestants this evening have succeeded in encapsulating the intricacies of Proust's masterwork, so...."

16. "Kolour. Oh that's very good...."

17. "All brontosauruses are thin at one end...."

18. "Your Majesty is like a dose of clap - before you arrive is pleasure, and after is...."

19. "One old flay-rod has apparently...."

20. And I thought to myself, 'a little fermented curd will do the trick', so...."

Good luck!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Peru v. Uruguay Live!

I'm getting to this one a wee bit late tonight, lads, but I'm here to follow the Peru v. Uruguay Copa America semi tonight. If you're around and feel like a chat, drop on by, eh?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Women's World Cup Final Live!

It's been twelve long years since the Brandi Chastain moment when the US Women's side took home the World Cup back in 1999. Today, they've got the chance to do it again. Join me from 2pm EST onward for all the action.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Argentina v. Uruguay Live!

It's quarter final time in the Copa America this weekend. Tonight, hosts Argentina will have to prove that their thrashing of lowly Costa Rica wasn't a fluke and that they're the real deal. Uruguay will no doubt present a much more difficult challenge. Join me from 6pm onward for all the LOB action.

A Day of Friendlies

I knew I kept my FSC subscription for some reason over the summer - it's friendly day! Our first chance to have a peek at some of the teams that will be lighting up the Premiership in a month's time. If you're up early this morning, have a cuppa with me.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Ridiculous Night of Footie!

It's on like Donkey Kong tonight, lads, as we can barely stuff all the footie action in. It all starts with an intriguing friendly that UWS and I should really have been at live at Foxboro featuring the new ManYoo v. the Mighty Revs of the MLS. And then an hour later, I'll be multi-tasking as Brazil take on Ecuador in a must-win Copa America match-up. Join me for all the action.

US v. France Semi Final Live!

After the miraculous penalty kick win in the quarters against Marta and the impressive Brazilians, it's definitely time to get excited about the US women and the Women's World Cup in Deutschland. The US are up again this morning against the French in the semis. Coverage on ESPN starts at 11:30 am. Anyone care to join me?

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

All time club team tournament (part 2)





Last month, I posted this fantasy tournament of clubs from all the great ages of football. Part 2 is now online at HERE!

2011 Music Mid-term Report

We're about half way through what has been a cracking year in new music. Here's what's been on my playlist this year:

1. Bon Iver - Calgary (Cilio remix)
2. The Teddybears (featuring Robyn) - Cardiac Arrest
3. SebastiAn (featuring MIA) - CTFO
4. Craft Spells - Party Talk
5. The Kills - Nail in my Coffin
6. The Vaccines - Blow it Up
7. The Decemberists - Calamity Song
8. An Horse - Camp Out
9. Seapony -Blue Star
10. Thao & Mirah - Eleven
11. Death Cab for Cutie - Home is a Fire
12. Adele - Rumor Has It
13. Cornershop - The 9/11 Curry
14. PJ Harvey - The Glorious Land
15. Radiohead - Lotus Flower
16. Lykke Li - Love out of Lust
17. Keren Ann - My Name is Trouble
18. Iron & Wine - Tree by the River
19. Sondre Lerche - Domino
20. Ron Sexsmith - Love Shines
21. If By Yes - You Feel Right
22. The Antlers - Every Night My Teeth are Falling Out
23. Panda Bear - Afterburner
24. The National - Think You Can Wait
25. Booker T. Jones (featuring Sharon Jones and Matt Berninger) - Representing Memphis
26. Emmylou Harris - The Road
27. Timber Timbre - Black Water
28. Rumer - Aretha
29. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
30. Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi (featuring Norah Jones) - Black
31. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
32. Bill Calahan - Drover
33. The Watson Twins - You Showed Me
34. Thurston Moore - Benediction
35. Charlie Haden & Quartet West - Wahoo

So, what have you lot been listening to?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Argentina v. Costa Rica Live!

It's all on the line for the hosts of Copa America 2011 as Argentina meet Costa Rica in a must-win affair tonight amidst rumors that there will be wholesale changes to the starting eleven. Join me from around 8:30 pm onward to see if they can pull off the win.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Scholesy: English Players are Too Selfish to Succeed.

UWS unearthed a very interesting Paul Scholes interview from The Torygraph today in which the Ginga Ninja calls out England's top players for being "too selfish." He also added that he's now available for training courses on thigh-breaking challenges (sorry, I just added that bit!). Read on here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/8627596/Former-Manchester-United-star-Paul-Scholes-insists-England-players-are-too-selfish-to-succeed.html

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Brazil v. Paraguay Live!

The next World Cup hosts were fairly miserable in their first competitive outing under new manager Menezes and my hopes for lots of Copa America goals have been unanswered so far, so I don't know what to think about this afternoon's outing against the useful Paraguay. I just know that I'll be stopping my data transcription duties around 2:30 to fix lunch and will look for you lot to join me around 3pm EST on Univision.

Howson is Now!

This one's just for fun...and not just for LUFC fans, lads. I've just come across my latest favorite blog - Howson is Now. It's a footie and comedy bulletin board that focuses on both gallow's humor for Leeds fans and photoshopping Morrisey's quiff on the likes of Capn' Birdseye. Check out the "F--k's Sake" feature if you want a good laugh this morning (NSFW or kids) here:

http://howsonisnow.com/tagged/Fuck_Sake_Series

Friday, July 08, 2011

Peru vs. Mexico




Anybody around for this? Join me, it's on Univision.

Thursday, July 07, 2011

Happy Birthday, UWS!

It's seems like yesterday....Happy birthday, UWS!

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Argentina v. Colombia Live!

The second round of Copa America matches starts tonight with what is the premier match-up in Group A - Colombia, who eked out one of the only wins in the first week of matches, against the betting man's favorite - Argentina. Will Messi and co. step up tonight and do the biz? Join me to find out.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Uruguay v. Peru Live!

I'm back from a lovely 4th of July cookout with a bellyload of kielbasa and German potato salad on board, settling in for tonight's Copa America footie. It's been a bore-fest so far but I'm hoping that Uruguay's dynamic front pairing of Forlan and Suarez can show Argentina and Brazil how to get it done. Join me if you're around this evening.

The World's Blindest Referee




NOTHING WAS CALLED!!!!!

Sunday, July 03, 2011

The Boys from Brazil Live!

They're not the 1970 team or even the 1982 team, but when the Selecao takes the pitch, even casual fans have to take notice. Today we have the chance to see Brazil take on Venezuela in what will almost certainly have to be a goal-fest. Or will it be? The hosts Argentina underperformed against Bolivia the other night. Join me for all the fun on Univision this afternoon from 3pm EST onward.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Copa America 2011

The Copa America started last night with an unconvincing display from the hosts and presumed favorites Argentina against Bolivia. The match was saved by a special goal from Sergio Aguero (have a look on YouTube). Here are the groups for the first stage of the tournament:


Group A:

Argentina
Bolivia
Colombia
Costa Rica

Group B:

Brazil
Paraguay
Venezuela
Ecuador

Group C:

Chile
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay