Jeremy Teo | Just Simply Me

To Put It Simply

Been a while since I last updated, and somehow the countless thoughts always fizz away right at the moment I sit afront the laptop. Hence, I shall attempt to do a fast one by keeping things simple.

To put it simply, 2010 has been in military terms, a Charlie Mike (continuous mission). Went into my final semester preparing for interviews and assessments, all amidst a hectic rush to complete my thesis. When that was done, I dived straight into a major publications assignment which saw me clock like 3 hours of sleep within 4 whole days, with a major exam slotted right in between. Then said my final farewells to NUS, before embarking on my 2-month ‘over-seas’ trip. When that was done, work ensued, with my only ‘recess’ being commencement. No break, but I’m not complaining. In fact, I’m lovin’ it. Probably the most efficient use of my time, ever.

To put it simply, graduation has given me a taste of what’s always been regurgitated about pointless grade-chasing. Whatever paper you get in the end, it may mean something, but definitely not everything.  Too many permutations in life for one to think that his/her life is set-in-stone upon good or bad grades.

To put it simply, World Cup was about an England team lacking variations and creativity, a Maradonna who got what he deserved for his arrogance, a disiciplined and organized German team epitomising world champion credentials, and a Spanish team who probably just deserved the World title.

To put it simply, new EPL season will be about a Manchester duel at the top, and a Wolves, West Brom and Blackpool trio at the bottom. Blackburn’s been quiet, and my realistic sense points to a 12-14th finish. Rovers needs funds, and whatever takeover talks can only be positive news. Still have my reservations over Big Sam, although the Diouf loan and impending Roberts sale points to the up-side of things. Now to just show Grella out the door.

To put it simply, some Singaporeans complain and expect too much. Same people fussing about the country’s way of life are the same people reaping the benefits of uni education, proper housing and stability. Same people who question the influx of foreign workers are the same people picky about jobs. Same people who bemoan foreign sportspersons are the same people who voice dis-support for the YOG. Same people who … you get my point. All cynical-ism but no appreciation, all complaints but no solutions.

To put it simply, the Singaporean in me will always enjoy NDP. The element of patriotism is in itself inexplicably dear, and while it’s a bonus for me to embrace it, it’s simply a loss for those who choose to forsake it. Your take. I take mine with love and pride. Happy Birthday Singapore!

Firm on My Opinion

The situation used to be the more hectic school got, the more I blogged. But now, school’s so hectic that I don’t even want to mention anything about it. Some things change, but some things just don’t – just like my opinion on Big Sam. So yes, the last sentence would be a head’s up to how this will be yet another Blackburn Rovers entry on this space of mine.

This season can be best described as a roller coaster ride for Rovers. We started from the bottom, slowly crawled our way up (like the first ascend of a roller coaster ride), then made a sudden drop (thumping at Emirates and Stamford Bridge), then climbed up a little, ran through a flat part of the track (3 consecutive goaless draws), then had more slight ups and downs, before hitting the highest point of the ride (the good 7 points last week). Today, either the ride met a 90 degrees vertical drop, or the ride broke down, or the roller coaster jumped rail, you choose. It was just plain disappointment.

Portsmouth have huge problems off the field, and are doomed for relegation. Today, they had so many injuries they couldn’t even fill their bench, they were down to 10 men for most of the second half (9 men if you consider Kanu’s apparent absence), they had a keeper who looked out of sorts, and they had Aaron Mokoena captaining the team and filling in as a centre back. Yet, a supposedly in-form Rovers could only get a 0-0 draw with them. Mind you, we had the disposal of an almost full strength squad, and we did field an almost full strength squad. To me, this was not a draw, nor was it even a defeat. It was an embarassment. And yes, you’d probably guess where I’m pointing my finger to.

When Big Sam commented in mid week how our guaranteed survival will make him experiment and play around with the squad, I was picturing exciting things to come. Pressure’s off, style is on, or so I thought. I thought it would be great to finally see Linganzi and Basturk play, or see Kalinic line up with a second striker, or see an attempt at an ambitious 4-3-3 formation with Olsson and Hoilett as supporting forwards on each side. After all, with all of Pompey’s problems, this was surely the perfect opportunity to try something new. But no, Big Sam stuck with the boring 4-5-1 (or 4-4-1-1 which never functioned like one), never made changes to the squad, and worst of all, started with Jason Roberts up front. The result says it all. And if not for Gael Givet’s heroics, we would have lost the match. Sure the players had to take some blame for the poor performance, but one has to question Big Sam’s faith in Roberts, and why he’s not resting a very tired looking Nzonzi. And with every opportunity to go all out attack on a horribly weakened side, why didn’t he even attempt to do so? As with most of Rovers’ matches of late, today’s one has been dull. Sure we had the chances, but again they were not taken (think Roberts), and we played the same flat line long ball tactics.

Of late, Big Sam’s been trying to defend the team from all the long ball accusations, but what he does not realise is that these comments do not just refer to long ball tactics, they also generally mean a boring and predictable style of play. So I would suggest that instead of just repeatedly defending the team through verbal actions, Big Sam could start by showing more ambition and optimism in his formation/line-up choice. If not for the results, then at least for the fans.

Soccer Amidst the Assisgnments

Just thought I would take a break from assignments, and give my honest two cents about of the BPL season so far with 7-8 games to go. It’s been one of the most exciting seasons for a long while, as we’re heading into a 3-way battle for the title, a 4-horse race for the last Champions League spot, and of course another desperate battle at the foot of the table. But if there’s one way to assess the teams this seasons, I feel it would be best done through the performance of the managers (apart from Pompey, poor Grant). And to make things simple, I will stick to the classification of the brilliant, the good, the bad and the ugly.

The brilliant. If I were to take into consideration squad strength and general public expectations, then I would have only two names here, Alex McLeish and David Moyes. Birmingham were never favourites for the drop, but neither were they expected to be in the top half of the table. Apart from a slow start to the season, they climbed their way up and will most probably finish in the top half. What’s commendable about McLeish is that despite the availability of finances, he did not splurge and instead brought in effective players who mattered and delivered, and he’s turned Birmingham into a decent premiership side with strong characters.

As for David Moyes, he’s surprised me as he did last season. Everton started slowly again, but very quietly they managed to climb up the table, and all of a sudden the Toffees are in for a decent shout at 4th spot (although I think they may end up not even in the Europa spot). The thing that impresses me is how Moyes can get the best out of his not-so-big squad, and somehow get the best out of his young players. Moyes can be verbal at times, but I’d say he has spent most of the season silently concentrating on his job to guide Everton into a comfortable position just below the 4-horse European fight. He probably deserves more credit than he’s received.

The good. Ferguson, Ancelotti and Wenger would probably be the first mentions here, although I would single Fergie out for bringing the best out of Rooney. It’s often said Man Utd function like a one-man team this season. On the goal-scoring front I would agree, but I think its important to look at the bigger picture of things to realise that Rooney is only performing well because of players like Valencia, Fletcher and Park. I think Fergie’s deployed them well this season to play alongside Rooney’s style, as they make the great runs to free up space, or great crosses for Rooney to work his wonders. Of course I’m not undermining Rooney’s individual brilliance, but what I’m saying is that if you take Rooney out the goals dry up, but if you put Rooney back in without the supporting players and the goals will start to dry up too. So I personally think it would be a quadruple of titles for Fergie, if Rooney and the trio stay fit.

Apart from the managers of the top 3, I would also give the thumbs up to Harry Redknapp and Martin O’Neill for living up to European spot expectations, and also Roy Hodgson for creating a strong (although at times inconsistent) Fulham side. I am hoping they win the Europa League. Similarly, Tony Pulis gets a mention as Stoke are no longer a side tagged with relegation worries, as Pulis has shaped them into a strong physical side with execellent set plays (sounds like Blackburn a couple of years back). And the only manager at the bottom who gets my nod for this category would be Mick McCarthy, simply because he’s stayed positive through the season and has got Wolves playing some decent football recently. Wolves are still widely tipped for the drop, but I’m somehow certain that he can continue to get the best of out players like Doyle and Jarvis, and as long as Ebank-Blakes don’t play, they would stay up.

The bad. As I already know of who falls into the next category of ‘the ugly’, the rest of the managers would somehow fall here. Steve Bruce and Gianfranco Zola for underachieving despite having great individuals in their team, and Bruce for recording that remarkable 15 games winless streak. Owen Coyle for doing a last-season-Hull-like plunge when at Burnley, and then having a slow start at Bolton (although he’s starting to work his magic again in the last few weeks). Roberto Martinez for bringing in his ineffective Swansea players (think Scotland). And surprisingly, I would also include Brian Laws here and not in the next category, as Burnley’s current plight is only partially his fault. The other half of the fault lies with the management even appointing him, and the Clarets should be going down.

Of course, Sam Allardyce lies in this category. Bias would usually place one’s supported club manager at a higher standing, but my sentiments are otherwise. Recently there are a number of Rovers fans who follow the tide, i.e. be supportive of Allardyce when we string results together, and then go against him when things go bad. But for me, my loath for Big Sam has always been a constant. I personally still think he’s not making the right decisions in terms of team selection and man management, and I’m starting to irk at how he shifts the attention away from team selection problems when we lose, but credits his ‘gamble’ or foresight when we get a good run in. If I may compare, I think our squad is pretty similar to Everton at the moment, with a fair bit of experienced players, and a growing number of prospectful youths. But somehow, I think Everton is much better managed, and play the better football. Again I’m not going to totally discredit Big Sam, but I just don’t see us becoming a top 7 side again under Allardyce.

The ugly. So who’s left? Phil Brown, Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez. Brown should’ve been given the boot much earlier, as I fear it may be a little too late for Hull. The on pitch half-time team talk and end-of-season karaoke session will always leave a bad impression, but I would say he’s been somewhat uninspiring for the whole of this season and half of last. I would say that he has the strength of a squad comparable to quite a number of teams at the bottom, but the only difference is that he can’t get the best out of his players like the other managers can. And up till today, I’m starting to wonder why he wears that hands-free microphone. If it’s for communicating some tactics with someone from somewhere, it obviously has not worked, and it would probably serve better as a karaoke mic now.

Roberto Mancini has to say the least, accomplished nothing different from Mark Hughes. In fact, I think results have actually been worse since he took over, and his latest outburst at Moyes cements his frustrations. And it’s not just the results, even their style of play has not changed much. And if you ask me, the best thing he’s done is probably to loan Robinho out. But apart from that, Big Daddy’s (impatient owners) watching and the clock’s ticking away Roberto.

I just had to leave Rafa Benitez for the last. I’m seriously still scratching my head over why Juventus is so anxious to secure his services for next season, because I think he’s been the worst manager all season. Liverpool have way underperformed, and his constant denial and blame-shifting tactics are getting on everyone’s nerves, including Liverpool hardcore fans. It’s still hard to figure out why he’s using Aqualiani as a bench warmer, but the worsening temper of both Gerrard and Torres are clear signs of how the top players are getting frustrated with the club, and more so at how Rafa’s running things. It’s therefore of no surprise that Carragher has decided he may just ‘walk alone’ to another club, and I wouldn’t be surprise if Gerrard and Torres follows suit. And even if Rafa continues to say ‘they cannot afford to lose’, I think they’ll lose a couple more games and 4th spot will be all but a dream. And the only way to save this ‘sinking ship’? To hope that Juve tows this Spanish titanic away from the club.

Fortress Ewood

It’s been more than a month since my last update, as school work and pre-graduation commitments have kept me busy. The last two entries have been about Rovers, and I’ll keep to that trend with this entry, despite the fact that this personal blog is slowly becoming a Blackburn Rovers commentary space.

Rovers has been on the up in recent weeks, barring that dreadful performance at the Britannia Stadium. It’s been 4 wins 1 draw and 1 defeat in the last 6 games, with all 4 victories at home, keeping up Ewood Park’s status as a fortress. We are currently sitting comfortably at 12th in mid table, and although the relegation-survival number is 40, I would think we just need a couple more points to ensure safety this season. There’s even been talk of aiming for the Europa League, although I’ll hold that thought considering we still have many top table clubs to play in the remaining fixtures.

I spoke about the need for Big Sam to go in my last entry, and despite the recent good run, and his partial success in mixing around his dull 4-5-1s with 4-3-3s, I’ll still remain critical of him. But today I’ll focus the talk on the players instead of him.

The first in line, Keith Andrews. I was just reading an apology article from a fellow Rovers supporter for being too overtly critical about him, and I couldn’t agree more. I feel that Andrews has actually received much unnecessary flak of late, and I think much of it pretty much stems from the fact that he was a League 2 player brought into the Premiership ranks. I’ve however always been happy with his simple but committed style of play, and I personally thing he is the best (and only) contribution Paul Ince made to Rovers. Andrews played as an emergency center-back in our derby demolition of Bolton a couple of days back, and this exemplified his commitment to the club. He has already played in many different positions this season (including warming the bench), and never has he once disappointed us or whined. Sure, he lacks the creativity, and could do better to ensure his many attemps on goal reap better rewards, but what the club really needs is strong characters, and Andrews fits that bill. Some have compared him to Aaron Mokoena, but I say Andrews is far better. I’ve never been a fan of ‘the Axe’, and apart from Portsmouth’s financial troubles, I think he’s the next closest reason to Pompey’s eventual relegation this season. Yes, that’s how much I think of him.

The brightest star shining of late is none other than Nikola Kalinic. Big Sam’s real proud of this young chap, and I’m sure many Rovers fans share the same sentiments after his recent performances. He’s already bagged 7 goals this season, and although only 2 of them have come in the league, I’ve been more impressed with his hardwork and overall play rather than his goal scoring form. I still feel he would do better with a strike partner, but he’s shown how he can hold up play well in the 4-5-1 formation, and still chasing after balls after the 75th minute of play speaks pretty much about his work rate. I think he’s only going to get better, and wished that he featured much earlier for us this season. Big Sam claims that part of Kalinic’s success is due to the fact that he did not rush the young Croatian into playing too quickly, and this gave him time to develop and settle down. But truth be told, Kalinic could have already been ready since he came, and thus I wouldn’t give Big Sam too much credit for his ‘development programme’.

Most of the squad have been doing their job well, with the likes of Nelsen, Robbo, Givet, Nzonzi, Gamst and even Diouf, but the most promise comes from Olsson and Hoilett, as these youngsters have been the creative sparks for Blackburn’s less-than-inspiring style of play. The worry though is that recent track record clearly shows that promising players never remain long at Ewood, and I think they should be snapped up pretty soon by other clubs.

On the flipside, there have been quite a number of under-performances and disappointments. I think Chris Samba has been pretty shaky all season in defence, and he hasn’t quite used his height to contribute at the other end as well. His recent sending off speaks much about his season so far, and I would say he’s been lucky to only receive 1 red card this season as he’s been clumsy on several occasions.

Jason Roberts, to simply put, has been typical of himself. His missed chances had cost us a bag load of points last season, and the saving grace this season is that Kalinic has kept him on the bench. He’s still missing sitters (as he’s done most of his career), and although he came off the bench to score against the Trotters, he almost missed that mind you; it hit the keeper before going in. With only Kalinic, Roberts and Di Santo as our strikers, there’s only one I really fancy, and I think we need some new blood in that department.

No one can question the commitment, skill and vision of David Dunn, but he’s injury prone-ness has been a real concern. He shone brightly at the start of the season, even igniting a chance for an England call up, but recent injury (again) has kept him pretty quiet. As much as how he’s Blue and White through and true, I’d have to say that his injuries are becoming a huge liability for the club. Nothing anyone can really do, but we’d probably need to replace his bones with steel plates and muscles with cement to get the best out of our vice-captain.

Liverpool’s up next at Anfield, and considering how we’ve only chalked up 1 win and 3 draws away all season, I’m not expecting anything. And it doesn’t help that Nelsen’s recent injury has caused us huge defensive woes. But since we’ve managed to cast aside the pressure of relegation, I’m just hoping we’d emulate the form of recent games, and show a different side of our game in the remaining matches. A mid-table 10th position finish to the season shouldn’t be too much to ask for.

Time’s Up Big Sam

One may question my loyalty, but I was perhaps one of the happier Blackburn Rovers supporters after the 0-1 defeat to Villa in the Carling Cup semis. I was actually half hoping that we stumble, and the reason simply being that I wanted the pressure to mount on Sam Allardyce. At the start of the season, we emulated the form of our closest rivals Burnley; by winning at home, but faltering away from Ewood. However, the tide has turned and now home games are also turning to dull draws and disappointing defeats. It has since been 10 games without victory in all competitions, and it’s ironic how Big Sam mentioned that these 10 games were going to get better after a tough fixture list at the start of the season.

As a Rovers supporter in Singapore, I am usually reserved in my opinions about the team. This is because my thoughts are usually based on occasional televised Rovers matches, BPL highlights, football review shows, and online match reports. As such, I admit that I probably can’t see as big a picture as fans and analysts in Europe who watch almost every other match. However, my recent scour through the Internet for articles and reviews have affirmed that my sentiments are widely shared around the world. I wrote a comparison between Big Sam and Mark Hughes in my previous entry, and gave subtle hints about how things might have been (or be) better without Big Sam at the helm. But this time, the message is straight and clear. Sam Allardyce must go.

There was much anticipation in this January transfer window, hoping that Big Sam could spring a Bolton-like Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff move for Rovers. However, it turned out that players currently under his radar are either unheard of, or questionably past their prime. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that Rovers lack the financial muscle, but Big Sam’s constant mention of how he “cannot bring anyone in to improve things because no one is being sold” is simply frustrating. If we lack the ability to bring someone in, then shouldn’t he focus on re-working a plan to make the best of what he has? That is after all, what a good manager is suppose to do, isn’t it? Going on and on about unfavourable market conditions is simply not going to improve anything, and James Beattie cannot do a Stoke-like relegation saving antic every season. And mind you, with or without any replacements, we already have a decent pool of talent in the squad.

His obsession with finding replacements will also not go down well with the players’ morale. One can start to question his management and leadership abilities, and if his constant criticisms and axe-wielding methods are doing any good at all. If Big Sam sees them as a ‘motivating method’, then I would think that it backfired and resulted in players starting to lose some faith in their big man. I believe in the importance of leadership, and if your men are under-performing (especially after so many matches), then the one at the top should definitely reflect and take a fair share of blame.

Patience is also running dry with his direct long-ball and 4-5-1 strategy. No doubt we are known for our more physical and direct approach since Hughes’ time, but we had our fair share of beautiful football (and results) then. Now, things have turned really dour, and despite the fact that we have won more matches with at least 2-3 strikers up front, Big Sam will always revert back to his ‘style’. One can’t describe the frustrating feeling of watching his favourite team play ugly yet ineffective football.

This post-match interview by Big Sam was quoted in Soccernet. “We gave a spirited performance in the second half. What more can we do? Not a lot, but hopefully next time it will turn in our favour when we get a chance in front of goal.” It appears that Big Sam has learnt a thing or two from Rafa Benitez, trying to spice up the positives and going into semi-denial that things can only get better. We finally saw Rafa silenced after Liverpool’s FA Cup misery, and one can only wonder how long more it will take before Big Sam gets silenced.

Blackburn Rovers – Our Recent Plight

It was just two years ago that I was typing an entry about how Blackburn had a realistic chance of making it into the Uefa Cup. We eventually faltered on the last day, but what seemed like a disaster then would actually be a dream today. Two seasons on and we are currently lying 3 points off the relegation zone, after having just desperately fought off relegation last season.

Many a times I’ve mentioned how being a Blackburn fan strengthens one’s character, simply because the mixed fortunes of the club has toughened us up.  Blackburn’s recent successes and disappointments can be drawn in parallel to the ups and downs of life, and I believe Rovers fans are better at accepting defeats, and more accomodating to decisions that don’t go our way. The stakes are never high for us, and the same applies to our expectations. However, at the end of the day, no fan would like to see their favourite club lose, and I can only wait and hope that we can one day climb back up to the high grounds we stood on during the yesteryears.

Blackburn has always had cash problems since the demise of Jack Walker, but the one man which handled this problem well was Mark Hughes. He signed players well within our humble budgets, and turn them into expensive superstars. He brought the best out of players like Samba, Nelsen, Bentley, Pedersen, Bellamy, McCarthy and Santa Cruz. It was no surprise then that Blackburn crumbled after his departure. What followed was disaster spelled out in two words, Paul Ince.

Over the years, Blackburn have acted as a ‘training academy’ for the other Premiership clubs. The players groomed by Hughes depart for better clubs one after the other, and it is no coincidence that they are always our best players of the season. Bellamy, Bentley, Santa Cruz, Warnock and even our best player of the decade, Friedel. That is why Mark Hughes was essential, as for every player out, he brings a better one in.

Sam Allardyce probably saved us from the Paul Ince disaster last season, but I’m not the biggest fan of how he handles Rovers this season. Unlike Hughes, his signings (apart from Nzonzi) have been less than prominent. He started out with 4-4-2 at the start of the season, then switched back to his very direct approach of 4-5-1, then switched to the more effective 4-4-1-1 after Dunn’s return, and then recently played around with the 4-4-2 formation again. Big Sam probably adjusted the formation due to injuries and circumstances, but I’m not the biggest fan of his eye for talent and how he man-manages. He has left Pedersen and McCarthy unhappy, and as much as how they’ve shown horrible form last season, I still feel Pedersen’s left foot is a deadly weapon, and no one can hold the ball better than McCarthy. With our plight this season, we could definitely do with them around.

The squad looks really vulnerable this season, and I’m not sure if Big Sam can turn fortunes around like what he did last season. Robbo’s good but not up to Friedel’s heroic standards. Big Sam also hasn’t gotten the best out of Nelsen and Samba this season, Chimbonda takes too much risk, and Givet lacks Warnock’s speed and agility. It also puzzles me why Big Sam regards Diouf as the engine behind Blackburn, when we have so many other midfielders who yield more creativity with better attitude; although none possess the speed and trickery we could do with. But of all things, what worries me most is up front. Di Santo started off brightly and shows good technique, but can’t seem to score, while Kalinic seems to be Roberts number 2 – missing too many good opportunities. No doubt hardworking, but if you’re not going to put away simple chances in the Premiership, we’re never going to survive.

Despite the frailities mentioned, I still think we generally have one of the stronger squads in the bottom half of the table. All we need now is to keep the quality players that we have, re-establish the once-solid Nelsen and Samba central defence, get a speedy Aaron-Lennon-like dribbler, and a pure striker who takes his chances and scores goals. Or maybe better, let’s just offer relegation-specialist Sam Allardyce to save manager-less Bolton, and then forgive Mark Hughes for leaving us and have him work his magic for us again. After all, we had our best run of games this season when Big Sam was away for his surgery.

No School, No Blog

I can easily attribute the origin and continued presence of this blog to school. I started blogging at a time when school was really busy and thoughts were overflowing in my head, at a time when I learnt that blogging was a good practice for writing in school, and at a time when more and more of my friends started blogging. This relation between school and my blog has been made even clearer in the recent weeks, as my blogging frequency has since dipped, simply because there’s no school.

Internship has been really good, and I would say that I have already settled into that working kind of lifestyle. It has however taken a toll on several aspects of my life, including the energy and time left to blog. No doubt blogging ideas and sudden inspirations do consistently surface, but that flow of energy to my mind does to seem to flow all the way down to my hands. So I’m just going to sum up two random thoughts I had for the past few weeks, one about Chinese New Year, another about soccer.

Chinese New Year. It followed a similar trend as the previous years. Lesser hype around it, lesser visitings and in some way lesser meaning to the whole festival. Then again, this is not the case for everyone. However this year, I started to realise that maybe it’s not that Chinese New Year or traditions have changed, but it’s simply because I have grown older.

During my visits, I looked at some of the kids, and they too are still having a time of their lives, playing with cousins whom they’ve never met for a year, snacking on the new year goodies, and receiving their red packets before running off to play elsewhere before they get bombarded with questions from the adults. When I looked at them, I was thinking that hey, that used to be me. Hmm, another one of those “I’m growing old” sentiments streaming into me.

Soccer. Disappointing from my point of view, as a rovers fan. Sam Allardyce probably saved us from being this season’s table rooting Sunderland or Derby, as despite being unbeaten for many games already, we’re still in the trouble zone. Starting to see the irony behind Ince’s remark of ‘I could have gotten another 5 more games to work something out’. We would have drifted away by then Ince. A loss to Villa yesterday was expected, but what worries me is that the gaps in the bottom half are starting to reappear. That game in hand we have against Fulham is the key now. I definitely have more faith in the new manager, however if you ask me, I’m only about 60-70% confident that we won’t go down, simply because we have one of the better squads down there. Then again, as many captains have reminded their squads this season, you’re never too good to go down. We’ll see, as the table looks really interesting this season. My predictions, with some rovers biasness involved, West Brom, Stoke and Boro to go down.

As for the top, I think I should be able to give a better assessment than any big four fans. Sorry friends, but more often that not have I seen big four fans being either too biased to their clubs, or having sentiments which are just too anti of other big four clubs. Many of you attribute it to passion, but sometimes I just feel it’s going waywards beyond passion, and sometimes even ugly for the common good of the game. Ok to the point, Man Utd should clinch it this season, as they are what I would say the most consistent team in the league for many years. Liverpool, well I think too many people are writing them off too easily, again more because of anti-rival sentiments rather than footballing reasoning. Torres is back, and that will do them much good. Chelsea would probably be vying for third spot with Arsenal and Villa, although I got this feeling that Villa will nick it. You only have to look at the two people to understand Chelsea’s plight, Drogba and Scolari. They tend to give me this ‘loss and dejected’ feel everytime I watch them. Arsenal, well I don’t think anyone can argue that this season, they just lack the most depth and experience for a big four club. I didn’t fancy Adebayor, and then he made me eat my words last season, but now I’m passing them all out again.

Come what may, it’s going to be a great season, and soccer during weekend nights definitely give me something to look forward to after those long weekdays.

A Good Year and A New Year

A quick recap the year 2008. It was generally a good year for me, and can actually be seen as a few different life chapters. Firstly, another good semester which got me re-listed. It wasn’t as challenging as the previous two, although I probably struggled towards the end for a too laid-back approach at the start. Nonetheless, the semester ended well, and gave me a much needed comfort zone for my SEP. Secondly, an internship stint in the civil service. Working experience was something I really lacked, and had really wanted to have. And at the end of the two months, I gained more than just working experience. Friendships, invaluable advices, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and most importantly, a better gauge of what I want for my future. Lastly, the final four months of the year at Hong Kong. Well, I’ve said what I wanted to say about my amazing SEP journey, and I will leave it at that. There are also many good encounters and happenings here and there which perked up the year, but I shan’t go on about everything little single thing.

Of course, with the ups, there’s the downs. The world situation in general was bad, from attacks and unrest, and to melamine and downturns. On a more personal note though, it has to be Blackburn Rovers. Well rovers are kind of used to less-than-satisfactory starts to the season, but this time it’s real bad. We all knew it was going to be a tough season when Sparky left, although I had hope in Paul Ince. But when we had to scrap for a 3-2 victory from a totaly depleted Everton side on the first day, I knew something was wrong. And so things did turn for the worse. Some rovers fans may disagree with me, but I think it was necessary for Ince to go as his style was just not working. Furthermore, the stress, pressure and self-deceit was clearly evident towards the end of his tenure. Fast forward to today, it was painful to see Robinho’s last minute equaliser, but then again, I can only hope for the best now. As I told my friend before, one of the things I can proudly boast as a rovers fan over any Big Four fan, is that we are mentally stronger, as we have ‘been there, and done that’. You name it, won the title, change of managers, europe, fight for europe, boring mid table, struggle for survival, relegated and promoted, we’ve experienced everything. So whatever happens, we’ll take it and stay positive.

To be very honest, I didn’t feel anything special about yesterday’s transition from 2008 to 2009 today. Then again, this does not mean that I do not have plans for a new year ahead. For one, my second internship is nearing, and with this one being half a year, it will definitely go down as another memorable chapter in my life. Definitely looking forward to it. After that, it would be full steam ahead in my honors year, and to be honest, I’m feeling a little nervy about it, as I’m setting some pressurizing goals for myself. I’m also going to pick up some new skills, and re-buff up some old ones I learnt back in poly, and hopefully put them to good use through a new planned personal web space. Obviously my current blog template has to be changed, and eventhough I kept my old one, I should probably have a new concept for a new and exciting year ahead.

Here’s to a happy and smooth-sailing new year for everyone! Happy 2009!

Oranje Squash-ed

I came into Euro 08 feeling all neutral about it, as England didn’t qualify. Not that I was a big fan of the three lions, but its just that I am a big fan of the English Premier League. But of course, I so had to select a favourites among the rest of the teams, and it was Netherlands I chose.

So first game, 3-0 against world champs Italy, then 4-1 against former double winners France, and 2-0 against highly rated underdogs Romania. But who would think that they would actually fall to Russia. Watched the game last night, and they were totally dispirited and self destructive. Before the tournament, I was skeptical about the likes of Bhoularouz and Ooijer in defence, as neither are consistent players. But they proved to be rock walls against the French. But for last night, the rocks eroded to sand.

Somehow or rather, I felt that the Dutch were just too used to always taking the lead, and being in comfortable positions. So when they went behind last night, no one was perking the team up, no one showed extra courage and spirit, not even coach Van Basten. He for one looked the most down and out. And even when they got their equaliser, you could sense the relief in their faces, but you somehow knew that was the last goal they were ever gonna get in Euro. And so, I was proven right. The Russians outclassed them, made direct non-fancy dashes into the box, and got their two deserved winning goals.

Me being me, I shall again apply this lesson in soccer to life. I know of people who have done execeptionally well in their life, only to fall into a bottomless pit as soon as a setback hits them. All of a sudden, from the strongest to the weakest. Thats why I always believe that the strongest are never those who are always doing well, but those who have done well after setbacks. Case in point? Turkey’s route to the semis. No one can discredit them. And if you ask me, based on courage, character and determination, the Euro title should go to them already.

Getting used to work, and really enjoying the great company at work. Arts Camp is tomorrow, and its just amazing how a year has gone by just like that. Things have been looking good, and I sincerely hope it stays that way. The o-comm has done so much already, but I’m sure they would understand that as much as how much work has been put into the last 5 months of preparation, it all boils down to the next 5 days. I’ve taken a more back seat role this time, with the advices and website. Nothing much, but perhaps the least I could do for a project which meant so much to me. A year back, I cried rather uncontrollably on the last day. Something I would never imagine myself doing ever again in front of so many people. But to be honest, I myself didn’t really know if it was tears of joy, or relief, or simply juz because my dearest committee members were crying. I guess it was everything mixed into the cauldron of emotions of mine.

All the best Arts Camp 08 committee. Be proud of yourselves!

Randomness

Blogging frequency has been at an all time low, I guess it’s because of work. It’s not that I’m very busy at work or anything, but its just that I’m perhaps still not used to spending most of my hours a day at office. Makes me think twice before complaining about school.

Went to collect my CUHK offer package, and that means more forms and more procedures. And I so really need a canto crash course.

Didn’t get to watch much of Euro due to matches at the wee hours, but am glad that I still got to watch some really good matches. My prediction? Netherlands. Go Oranje!

With the Lions’ loss to the Saudis, its game over. Many people seem to criticise Singapore’s defeat to the Uzebeks after being mauled 3-7, but for me, I applaud the Lions. I never believed that 2010 was ever possible, but one has to admit that their brave showing during this journey shines some hope for 2014.

SAF deaths. The recent passing of two 20 year old servicemen is tragic. The aftermath of this incident has sparked unhappiness and concerns amongst the public. Fingers are being pointed at safety regulations and training procedures. I for one have had a first hand experience at regulations and procedures on tekong, and I look at the finger pointings as baseless and unnecessary. I have seen people commenting about how ruthless the army is to push the recruits just 5 days after enlistment. I have seen how people have commented that no safety precautions were taken. So untrue. The irony of it all, safety standards as compared the olden days is at least ten fold, but deaths as compared to the olden days? More.

And to those who keep saying how those 2 years are worthless, well its kinda reflects your own personal take on life. No doubt I am also complaining about those 2 years placing us behind our female peers, the choice was for us to make the best out of those 2 years. I’m sure I did, so if any blame is to assigned, start with yourself.

I am in currently in a dilema, which could see me forgo my bonus semester exemption as a diploma holder. What lies ahead?