David Mankellow

The Special One

If in doubt, blog about what you know! So i’m going to take this opportunity to write about the last and next few days in sport. And before you say anything, I know the name of the feature is rubbish. If you have any pun-related, catchy names feel free to let me know!

Formula One

Fernando Alonso winning in Bahrain

Well what a disappointment that was! I’ve not eagerly anticipated formula one like that for years and it was a snore-fest! There was no real competition element to the race at all. If anything I think the lack of refuelling has taken some of the tactical elements of the sport away. One thing that still remains exciting for me is the fact that there are a number of competitive teams this year. With Ferrari and Red Bull looking good early on and Mercedes and McLaren looking to catch them up, hopefully the season will be tight. I thought that the lack of refuelling would make it more exciting but that didn’t seem to be the case. Also, I don’t want anyone to get hurt (With the exception of Fernando Alonso maybe!) but there wasn’t even any good crashes! I know the real F1 enthusiasts have probably stopped reading by this point in disgust but the majority of us feel exactly the same! The Aussie GP should provide a crash or two, don’t worry!

Cricket

Swann taking a wicket

The ego-boosting practice tour of Bangladesh is well under way with the end of the first test happening minutes ago as I write! I have mixed views on tours to Bangladesh for the top class test and one day sides. On one hand it’s a very good confidence booster and it gives the cricket board the chance to try new players, to give them a taste of a tour. Additionally it can give out of form players the chance to have a good knock or get a few wickets. As well as this Bangladesh have developed a lot over the last 10 years and they need these tours to improve and gain more funding in order to get closer to the elite. But do you think the players REALLY look forward to going there? The press don’t really care and would only take a real interest if we lost. With the money on offer in the IPL i’m sure a few of the players have half an eye on that too! I’ll keep my eye out for the results, performances etc but i’m not that fussed. Greame Swann’s tweets are pretty much the most exciting part of it!

Football

Phil Brown

Big week. The top 3 got wins this weekend so no changes there. Chelsea have a massive game at the Bridge tonight. Jose is back and I have mixed feelings. I really want to hate him. He is so much talk, as he was when he was at Chelsea, but I just love him. If he were to retire today the football world would mourn his exit. I think it’s going to be so tight tonight. My main issue is that I think Inter WILL score and so we need at least 2 to go into extra time. Also, I do not want a situation where we’re trying to hold on to a 1-0 scoreline, that is the most nerve-wracking thing ever as a fan! The pessimist in me says 1-1 on the night. The optimist in me says 1-0 to Chelsea on the night.

In other news, Hull have gotten rid of Phil Brown. I’m not too sure what the point is. Who’s going to come in and do a better job? I think something has happened, he’s had one final bust-up with someone. Who do I think will get it? It’s a tough one. Mark Hughes won’t touch that job, I think he’ll be at West Ham next season. Curbishley would be a good choice but apparently that’s been ruled out. The other name i’ve seen is Megson and I think that would be a terrible move. I’ve seen Terry Venebles’ name banded around for it too. I think that would be their best bet. A short term deal, Terry gets a tidy sum of money and Hull get the experience they need until the end of the season, everyone’s a winner.