Well Don Fabio has decided that Upsy Daisy has got the nod for Wednesday's game. Maybe he will trip up getting on the plane tomorrow - will see what I can do to help.
Looks like we will be training at Rustenburg tomorrow morning before flying down to Port Elizabeth as we've been told we can't train on the match pitch.
The gaffa has been disappointed by comments JT made to the press yesterday - tensions are running a bit high. Lamps has tried to defuse things today. Just seems like there's a power struggle going on. Decided to keep my head down.
So this might be my last blog for a couple of days. The next one will probably be on Thursday - but where from that's the big question.
Hope you all enjoy the game on Wednesday - we'll be trying our best to put in a good shift and get through the group stage. Don't really want to even think about all the stick we'll get next season if we don't get through. Probably worse than Ronaldo got when he had Rooney sent off - the cheeky winker.
Mrs D said it's really muggy tonight back in blighty. Also she's having a problem with the internet connection, she can't get the wireless to work - it's driving her crazy. Really glad I'm not there. The cocker spaniels are keeping out of her way as well.
Right I'm off to lie in wait for Upsy Daisy and see if I can't help him to have some sort of mishap.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Sunday, 20 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #13
Training behind closed doors today. I tried to close and lock the doors before Matt Upsy Daisy got there but his team mate Greeny dropped the key at the last minute. So I will have to come up with some other way to make sure he's not available on Wednesday. Only one more training session tomorrow.
Lamps has his mind on other things at the moment however - Chrsitine Bleakley just secured a transfer from BBC to ITV. She's more in demnad than he is. What has that Chiles bloke got anyway?
Heard Harry Redknapp on Radio 5 this morning saying that Upsy Daisy was probably ahead of me in Fabio's thinking simply because he was selected originally. Lets just wait and see.
There's a full squad meeting tonight with Fabio and the management - don't know what it's about though.- probably summat to do with football. We'll probably watch the video of the Algeria match and have an open and frank discussion. Hopefully nobody will be sent home like Nicolas Anelka.
Let's not forget other countries are struggling too - remember France, Germany and Italy. All have had unexpected results.
We go to Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and play at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3.00pm UK time on Wednesday - our WC could all be over by 5.45pm. Hopefully my mates at the Leyburn Cricket Club will be taking the day off work to watch the game.
Lamps has his mind on other things at the moment however - Chrsitine Bleakley just secured a transfer from BBC to ITV. She's more in demnad than he is. What has that Chiles bloke got anyway?
Heard Harry Redknapp on Radio 5 this morning saying that Upsy Daisy was probably ahead of me in Fabio's thinking simply because he was selected originally. Lets just wait and see.
There's a full squad meeting tonight with Fabio and the management - don't know what it's about though.- probably summat to do with football. We'll probably watch the video of the Algeria match and have an open and frank discussion. Hopefully nobody will be sent home like Nicolas Anelka.
Let's not forget other countries are struggling too - remember France, Germany and Italy. All have had unexpected results.
We go to Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and play at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3.00pm UK time on Wednesday - our WC could all be over by 5.45pm. Hopefully my mates at the Leyburn Cricket Club will be taking the day off work to watch the game.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #12
Not good headlines in the press today - as we expected. The gaffa read us the riot act last night. We all know the performance and the result were not good enough. Everyone who played tried hard but things just didn't work out for us.
Surprised to hear the fans jeering us after the game - especially since the boss said that we wouldn't be having any booze while we were here. Just goes to show he doesn't know everything.
Spoke to Mrs D after the game - she said that most of the WAGs are keeping their heads down for while. Although a couple have already sneaked into South Africa Mail Online
Carra getting booked might turn out to be good for me - really now hoping I will get a game on Wednesday - but I probably won't find out until just before we leave for the ground..
Still keeping options open about Butlins at Skegness. If we have an early exit from WC then we will save some cash as Mrs D won't be coming over to South Africa. With the money we save we can upgrade to a Premium Gold Apartment.
Spent the day in Cape Town relaxing and meeting fans around the city - trying to build some bridges.
We're on the bus right now and expect to get back to Rustenburg about 11.00pm. Everyone's a bit quiet - it's really weird.
Start work tomorrow on getting things right for Wednesday.
Surprised to hear the fans jeering us after the game - especially since the boss said that we wouldn't be having any booze while we were here. Just goes to show he doesn't know everything.
Spoke to Mrs D after the game - she said that most of the WAGs are keeping their heads down for while. Although a couple have already sneaked into South Africa Mail Online
Carra getting booked might turn out to be good for me - really now hoping I will get a game on Wednesday - but I probably won't find out until just before we leave for the ground..
Spent the day in Cape Town relaxing and meeting fans around the city - trying to build some bridges.
We're on the bus right now and expect to get back to Rustenburg about 11.00pm. Everyone's a bit quiet - it's really weird.
Start work tomorrow on getting things right for Wednesday.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #11
The Spurs lads took on all comers at Texas Hold Em poker last night. At one point I had almost more clubs in my hand that Amelia Heskey has played for. We're up a few Rands - especially from little SWP who couldn't quite get the hang of the game. Meanwhile Glen Johnson is now leading the darts tournament - although Jamesy might have something to say about that. It's really just a bit of handbags between them.
Carra's bought his kids a couple of vuvuzelas - yes, that's right. He kept most of the lads awake last night trying to get a tune out of the blooming things.
The cat's out of the bag about the squad's Soprano nicknames Metro Online - being a Bruce Springsteen fan I like to be Silvio Dante (played by Steve Van Zandt from the E Street Band). Anyway Mr Beckenbauer just be careful what you say or you might end up sleeping with the fishes in a pair of concrete football boots.
The freshly washed kit has gone off to Cape Town and we'll be going tomorrow morning. I tried to hide Matty Upson's shirts so I would have more chance of playing but Golden Balls in his role as Mr Fixer checked all the kit as it was loaded on the bus - unfortunately for me he spotted that there were some numbers missing - didn't know he could count.
Managed to get another round of golf in this afternoon with some of the lads. The picture in the Metro article above shows Roono has written some cryptic messages on his golfing boots. What it doesn't show is that he has also writtenh L & R on the inside.
Just been watching Bafana Bafana get beat by Uruguay - shame but they looked outclassed. And what a good result by the Swiss.
Right off to fill in my wall chart and then bed.
Carra's bought his kids a couple of vuvuzelas - yes, that's right. He kept most of the lads awake last night trying to get a tune out of the blooming things.
The cat's out of the bag about the squad's Soprano nicknames Metro Online - being a Bruce Springsteen fan I like to be Silvio Dante (played by Steve Van Zandt from the E Street Band). Anyway Mr Beckenbauer just be careful what you say or you might end up sleeping with the fishes in a pair of concrete football boots.
The freshly washed kit has gone off to Cape Town and we'll be going tomorrow morning. I tried to hide Matty Upson's shirts so I would have more chance of playing but Golden Balls in his role as Mr Fixer checked all the kit as it was loaded on the bus - unfortunately for me he spotted that there were some numbers missing - didn't know he could count.
Managed to get another round of golf in this afternoon with some of the lads. The picture in the Metro article above shows Roono has written some cryptic messages on his golfing boots. What it doesn't show is that he has also writtenh L & R on the inside.
Just been watching Bafana Bafana get beat by Uruguay - shame but they looked outclassed. And what a good result by the Swiss.
Right off to fill in my wall chart and then bed.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #10
Hands up everyone who remembers Steve Hodge. Yes, that Steve Hodge - played for Notts Forest and Spurs as well as six other clubs and 24 times for England. A man renowned for footballing knowledge - as here he calls on Fabio to pick Jamesy and me against Algeria on Friday - Telegraph Online Anyway he's certainly gone up in my estimation. Hope the gaffa takes notice.
Sunny, cold and windy in Rustenburg today. Resemebles Stoke on winters afternoon at the Victoria Ground.
Yesterday me and Matty Upson went to off to visit a local orphanage near Rustenburg. Spurs have paid for one of the bungalows that houses up to eight orphans. I have sponsored one of the kids (Aubrey) for the last three years and it was really great to see him. Gave him a signed England shirt - managed to find one that wasn't covered in crap from the drain leak - although it does have some dodgy autographs. Here's a report from the Mail Online.
Couple of pretty dull games earlier today. Have been looking forward to watching the best South American team and North Korea tonight. I realy love Brazilians but every time I mention them Mrs D gives me one of her knowing looks. Korea have been playing OK but as I'm writing they've just conceded a goal - whatever happens by the end of the game it will have been a close shave.
Spoke to Mrs D this evening and she had heard me interviewd on Talk Sport - the cocker spaniels went crazy when they heard my voice - one of them even did a whoopsy on the kitchen floor.
Mrs D thinks she will be watching the match on Friday by herself.
Card school tonight before cocoa and bed.
Nite nite.
Sunny, cold and windy in Rustenburg today. Resemebles Stoke on winters afternoon at the Victoria Ground.
Couple of pretty dull games earlier today. Have been looking forward to watching the best South American team and North Korea tonight. I realy love Brazilians but every time I mention them Mrs D gives me one of her knowing looks. Korea have been playing OK but as I'm writing they've just conceded a goal - whatever happens by the end of the game it will have been a close shave.
Spoke to Mrs D this evening and she had heard me interviewd on Talk Sport - the cocker spaniels went crazy when they heard my voice - one of them even did a whoopsy on the kitchen floor.
Mrs D thinks she will be watching the match on Friday by herself.
Card school tonight before cocoa and bed.
Nite nite.
Monday, 14 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #9
Bright sunny day in Rustenburg - unlike other WC locations where it was chucking it down and cold. At least we got the choice of hotel and training camp right.
Back to training - Roono decided to sit round the pool instead - claiming to have a knock on his ankle. Ash had his usual day off as well - can't seem to play and then train immediately afterwards - molly coddled if you ask me. My mate Ledders is really struggling with his groin injury. I think he needs to take his time and make sure he recovers well.
Serious darts tournament going on in the squad - 501 is the game of choice. David James is practicing every opportunity he gets and is leading at the moment. Mmmmm 501? the number of minutes before Amelia Heskey scores his next England goal? and unless Matty Upson has a sudden injury it'll be 501 minutes before I get a game - that gets me on in the second half of the final.
It seems the pundits don't think I'm gonna get a game or play much part - even when I do get a mention they always add that I am uncapped and inexperienced.
Have to admit the Germans looked good yesterday and seem to be the team to beat right now. Rumour has it that they have been using the WC ball in the Bundesliga since last December. Clever beggars.
Sat with some of the lads to watch the Italians tonight - they got out of jail and I think will still be hard to beat. Although we saw some of their usual amateur dramatics when they allegedly went down injured. They've got it off to a tee.
Had a problem with the drains at the hotel today and the kit room was flooded with foul water and other stuff. Not sure what actually happened - didn't fancy going to look to be honest. Anyway the kit that was supposed to be on the way to Cape Town for Friday's game against Algeria had to be washed all over again - hmm perhaps I don't fancy wearing any of that. Think I'll get down to Sportz Kitz R Us and buy myself a couple of replica kits to be on the safe side.
As well as picking a team in the squad sweep we also had a guess how many red cards there would be.in the whole tournament. I went for ten - blimey already four in the first eleven games.
Just had a text from Mrs D - she's watching Match of The Day on BBC2 - got a mention from Alan Shearer. Mind you he said that I didn't have much pace - that's a bit rich coming from someone who never left the six yard box.
Right, off to bedroom to play FIFA World Cup on the Wii - I'm the England skipper and scored the winning goal in the last game.
Nite nite.
Back to training - Roono decided to sit round the pool instead - claiming to have a knock on his ankle. Ash had his usual day off as well - can't seem to play and then train immediately afterwards - molly coddled if you ask me. My mate Ledders is really struggling with his groin injury. I think he needs to take his time and make sure he recovers well.
Serious darts tournament going on in the squad - 501 is the game of choice. David James is practicing every opportunity he gets and is leading at the moment. Mmmmm 501? the number of minutes before Amelia Heskey scores his next England goal? and unless Matty Upson has a sudden injury it'll be 501 minutes before I get a game - that gets me on in the second half of the final.
It seems the pundits don't think I'm gonna get a game or play much part - even when I do get a mention they always add that I am uncapped and inexperienced.
Have to admit the Germans looked good yesterday and seem to be the team to beat right now. Rumour has it that they have been using the WC ball in the Bundesliga since last December. Clever beggars.
Sat with some of the lads to watch the Italians tonight - they got out of jail and I think will still be hard to beat. Although we saw some of their usual amateur dramatics when they allegedly went down injured. They've got it off to a tee.
Had a problem with the drains at the hotel today and the kit room was flooded with foul water and other stuff. Not sure what actually happened - didn't fancy going to look to be honest. Anyway the kit that was supposed to be on the way to Cape Town for Friday's game against Algeria had to be washed all over again - hmm perhaps I don't fancy wearing any of that. Think I'll get down to Sportz Kitz R Us and buy myself a couple of replica kits to be on the safe side.
As well as picking a team in the squad sweep we also had a guess how many red cards there would be.in the whole tournament. I went for ten - blimey already four in the first eleven games.
Just had a text from Mrs D - she's watching Match of The Day on BBC2 - got a mention from Alan Shearer. Mind you he said that I didn't have much pace - that's a bit rich coming from someone who never left the six yard box.
Right, off to bedroom to play FIFA World Cup on the Wii - I'm the England skipper and scored the winning goal in the last game.
Nite nite.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
World Cup Diary Blog #8
Didn't get chance to write my blog last night. We've been having the usual post match analysis as you can imagine. The lads all feel that it was two points lost - but it's not a total disaster.
We got off to a great start with an early goal from Stevie G. The rest of the first half was fairly even and then Greeny was caught out by a pot luck shot from Clint Dempsey. I'm not gonna say anything here about what happened - that wouldn't be fair on Greeny - needless to say all the lads and the gaffa are fully behind him - as was the ball as it happens.
Second half we had some chances to win the game but didn't take them and Greeny made a super save from Altidore to keep the scores level.
My brothers met up with some guys from Hull (where Andy plays) and they are moving in with them later today - they've got a villa near Johannesburg. So I will get my bed back.
Spoke to Mrs D before going to sleep last night - tried using Skype instead of just the phone. It was OK - picture was a bit jerky though. She went to Coleen's BBQ - here's a link to an artcle in the Daily Mail about it. They had a great time but missed Wayno's cooking - they got professional caterers in to make life easier.
They watched the game on a plasma TV, enjoyed a few beers and some sausages and hamburgers.
Mrs D said she doesn't know yet what she's doing for the Algeria game - waiting to see what offers come in.
It was pretty subdued on the bus back to the hotel. Some joker plugged their iPod in to the speakers and we got "Careless Hands" by Des O'Connor, "Fingers and Thumbs" by Erasure and "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis. Greeny took it all in good spirit - put his head in his hands and promptly dropped it.
Had a cup of cocoa and then off to bed by midnight.
We'll be watching Algeria v Slovenia at lunchtime. Hoping Fabio will get the "tictacs" right for Friday.
Speak again soon.
We got off to a great start with an early goal from Stevie G. The rest of the first half was fairly even and then Greeny was caught out by a pot luck shot from Clint Dempsey. I'm not gonna say anything here about what happened - that wouldn't be fair on Greeny - needless to say all the lads and the gaffa are fully behind him - as was the ball as it happens.
Second half we had some chances to win the game but didn't take them and Greeny made a super save from Altidore to keep the scores level.
My brothers met up with some guys from Hull (where Andy plays) and they are moving in with them later today - they've got a villa near Johannesburg. So I will get my bed back.
They watched the game on a plasma TV, enjoyed a few beers and some sausages and hamburgers.
Mrs D said she doesn't know yet what she's doing for the Algeria game - waiting to see what offers come in.
It was pretty subdued on the bus back to the hotel. Some joker plugged their iPod in to the speakers and we got "Careless Hands" by Des O'Connor, "Fingers and Thumbs" by Erasure and "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis. Greeny took it all in good spirit - put his head in his hands and promptly dropped it.
Had a cup of cocoa and then off to bed by midnight.
We'll be watching Algeria v Slovenia at lunchtime. Hoping Fabio will get the "tictacs" right for Friday.
Speak again soon.
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