Just Walkin' the Dog
I'm still waiting for a date for my operation. The latest news is that it will definitely before August (waiting list quotas an' all that). In the meantime I'm a little between the devil and the deep blue sea so I've been pulling the walking boots on while I still can and heading for the hills and dales. For company I've been taking the shit machine with me.
The pic above was taken from the top of Werneth Low - a local country park that provides spectacular view across the Lancashire, Cheshire plain and the Pennines and Peak District. It shows Manchester City centre. The tallest building you can see on the left is the recently completed Beetham Tower. It's the tallest residential building in the UK apparently. Well, until some other city builds a bigger one. Half way up it there is a Hilton hotel that the general public can grace via the Sky Bar. The views are stunning. eldest and prospective Mrs Eldest booked into the VIP suite as a special treat a few weeks ago and loved it.
Here's a few snaps from my recent forays.
The cenotaph at Werneth Low.
Looking towards Oldham and Ashton-u-Lyne
Steps Tandle Hill
It's a rusty thing on a mill wall by a canal.
Walkway over the M60.
A red farm vehicle.
Pub and Peveril Castle, Castleton, Derbyshire.
In other local news there's been a massive fire in Manchester City Centre today - I was able to see the smoke from our bedroom window and you could smell the smoke the minute you opened the door. It looks pretty severe and there is a possiblity that some homeless folk have been caught in it. Poor buggers.
Another building caught fire. One that had been converted to apartments (or flats as we used to call them). I bet the insurance companies as well as the residents are frantically checking the small print of their policies. Those residences in the Northern Quarter cost an arm and a leg so there's a lot at stake.
Big Sam Allardyce has resigned as manager of Bolton Wanderers and the rumours persist that the hefty head honcho is earmarked as City's next manager.
No. No. No.
I'm not knocking Sam. He's done a great job with very little at Bolton but I don't think he's the type of coach who can build a team for the long term. Bolton are where they are today due to his ability to cajole the likes of J J Okotcha to end their careers at the Reebok. As a result he has been able to produce the over-achieving Wanderers we now see fighting for a European place. It's not building a team for the future though is it?
So. Big Sam? Well thanks but no thanks.
Speaking of Manchester City Football Club, I have finally given up my season ticket. The last game I actually attended was a tedious City display as Reading beat them 2-0. City haven't scored at home since New Year's Day! Coupled with my increasing disgust at the prices being charged for everything from pies to programmes, the whole match day experience has become an expensive ordeal. Something that I have looked forward to less and less as the season has progressed.
Next week it's the Manchester derby and I'm not going. I've let a friend have my ticket. The spark's gone. The light has flickered and died. Time to move on.
From now on I'll watch City live in the pub. Most games are screened live in our area so it shouldn't be a problem. For my live fix I'll be at Droylsden FC for their first season in the Conference.
Come on the Bloods!
9 comments:
Yes... you know you've got problems when Villa finally win a game at Eastlands.
I was like you last season under O'Dreary. Never wanted to go again, not renewing etc. Then arise Sir Martin, grabbed us all by the balls and shook some enthusiasm into us. We haven't torn up any trees, but the atmosphere is 100 times better than the dreadful E--s/O'Dreary days.
Know the feeling about attending Eastlands; it became like a chore so I dumped my season ticket last year and also decided to watch most of the games down the pub.
In the event, though, I have got into the habit of only bothering to go to the pub to catch the second half, and even then I find it difficult to engage in the football on display (a good excuse for a pint, mind). I just don’t think I can be bothered with the premiership anymore. I think it’s likely to be Cheadle Town for me from now on.
Methinks Werneth LOW is spectacularly ill-named. Nice pics though.
your a city fan? dear god, i still havent got over THAT bloody game in 99?
Cookie - I was there. Pissed wet through on the front row. I can still see the scoreboard.....Gillingham 2 - 0 Manchester City. 89mins.......
I think you are wrong about Big Sam. If he doesn't go to Newcastle he will surely turn Man City around and point you up the Premiership instead of out of it! Supporting Droylsden is creditable but it will never feel the same as getting behind your beloved City. Like Arnie I think you will be back when Big Sam gets em really gelling and challenging.
That iron wall reinforcement is just beautiful. I'd hang it on MY wall. Good luck with the foot.
Big Sam is a dodgy money-grabbing arsehole - bound to fail at Newcastle. Stick with Pearce - the best punk manager around!
Btw Steve, would you have Shaun Wright Philips back at City or do you agree with me that he is now embarrassingly bad whenever he plays for Chelsea? My best is that he will never play for England again.
I'd have Wrighty back tomorrow. He's a confidence player and I'm convinced that Chelsea only bought him to keep him out of Arsenal's hands. Play him regularly and he will flourish.
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