Northern Ireland Slump Continues

Northern Ireland continued their slide back towards mediocrity last night with a grim 2-0 reverse against an average looking Hungarian outfit. Although I did not see the whole game, I am led to believe that it was a thoroughly depressing affair. Admittedly, the Ulstermen were without a number of key players, particularly in defence. But it is the general air of negativity that Worthington emits that is beginning to rankle with large sections of the GAWA. Nothing is ever HIS fault. Last night, it was the fact that a few players are not playing regularly for their club. And yet Sanchez was faced with exactly the same problem. There does not seem to be the same level of tactical understanding, discipline and work ethic within this team as there was under Sanchez. The players appear less confident and unsure of their duties on the field. Behind the scenes, it is widely known that the standards of discipline and professionalism in the camp have declined significantly under the current regime, perhaps reflecting the lack of respect the current squad have for Worthington’s management style.

Following a disappointing opening to their World Cup group Northern Ireland will not qualify for South Africa, and sadly the short term future does not look great. The only bright note is that the U-21 team recorded a stylish 3-1 victory over Scotland on Tuesday night. After 3 years of stability and relative glory, now may be the time to start rebuilding. But I am certain that Nigel Worthington is not the right man to oversee that rebuilding.

Toddy's Tips

With the going good, good-to-soft in places, it's hard to look past 11/5 chance Randy Bishop in the 1.30 Lifetime Hurdle at Fakenham. Irish flyer King Cyrus should not be ignored in the 3.30 meet, with trainer Jim Best having returned 5 winners in as many days. Saddler Christian Williams described him as a 'feisty little number' on Friday, and he is known for landing well on soft ground. All eyes, however, are on Saturdays Betfair Chase, with former Gold Cup winner Kauto Star a scorching 2/5 favourite. Fairly measly odds, but I'd lump big on it.

Hernandez's Haute Cuisine Part 2

Had a hard day at work? Why not reinvigorate yourself with a steaming hot bowl of Thai chicken and chilli soup. All you need is:

1 chicken breast

chicken stock

spring onions

garlic (crushed)

mixed chillies (sliced)

Thai fish sauce

sugar

lime

coriander leaves

rice noodles (optional).

First of all bring the chicken stock to the boil and put in the chicken breast. Boil for about 10 minutes until the chicken is tender, then remove it and cut into bite sized pieces. Next throw the spring onions, chillies and garlic into the stock and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add a splash of the fish sauce and put the chicken back in and simmer for another 5 minutes. If you want, feel free to lob in some rice noodles at this point to bulk up the dish. Finally, squeeze in some lime juice, a tablespoon of sugar and some salt and pepper to season. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves before serving in a nice big bowl and some crusty bread on the side to mop up. This is a fantastic, easy and healthy dish to restore your insides after a stressful day at the office.

Thompson Death Leads to Postponement

Todays news of the death of Dundee United Chairman Eddie Thompson is very sad. However, does it really merit the postponement by the SPL of the league game between Rangers and Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday? It's difficult to believe that Thompson, a football man through and through, would have wanted the postponement of a fixture. No doubt a good many fans from overseas, particularly Northern Ireland, will have made travel arrangements at some expense. Coming not long after UEFAs farcical decision to order Atletico Madrid to play 300km from Madrid so close to Liverpool's Champions League game, you really have to wonder whether the football authorities at ALL levels take the fans (who after all fund the game to a large extent) into consideration at all.

Match of the Day

A number of observations from MOTD 2 last night.
1. Is it me or does Hansen come across as quite shirty and condescending on MOTD2? As if he is 'lowering' himself to appear on it.
2. Is it me or has Motson transformed from a national treasure into one of the most irritating commentators on TV? He appeared to be almost offended by the fact that Aston Villa had the temerity to even turn up against Chelsea. The way he described Joe Cole's opening goal was unnerving, faintly orgasmic and frankly embarrasing.
3. To make the BBC happy, why don't we just award the title to Chelsea now and be done with it? Forget about the rest of the season, 'Big Phil' Scolari is the man we all love, isn't he? And while we're at it, let's just forget about the fact Frank Lampard spent the entire summer whoring himself to Inter Milan (until Abramovich caved in to his wage demands). Don't worry Frank - all is forgiven! We love you really!
4. Where is Lee Dixon? Is it true that the BBC have axed him followiing his rant against William Gallas? Obviously we couldn't have a 'pundit' on the BBC actually expressing his opinion and displaying some passion, as opposed to sitting on the fence and churning out the same old cliches. Yes, Hanson, Shearer and the like are a much safer bet.

Faldo Flops

Congratulations to the USA Ryder Cup Team. A thoroughly deserved victory. Faldo is an idiot. Great golfer, but an idiot. Questionable fourball pairs and a dubious singles order. As predicted, Garcia's miserable form in major tournaments continued and he flopped yet again, not to mention Harrington, Casey and Jimenez. When will the media start to realise that he just isn't that great?

Sandy Lyle as the next captain.

The Ryder Cup

Hernandez squeezed into his golfing slacks today and took to the fairway after a break of almost 10 years. Suffice to say I was quickly re-acquainted with the frustrations that can arise on the golf course and my swing was (let's be kind) 'rusty'. I hadn't forgotten everything however, and there were a number of sweet drives and long putts which would have drew applause from the gallery if there was one. I eventually carded a frankly embarrassing 104 (37+), a score not helped by the course conditions which resembled a quagmire in places (Clydebank Municipal). Hopefully I will pick up some inspiration from watching the Ryder Cup, which starts this Friday in Kentucky. The Europeans will go into the competition as favourites, having had a stranglehold on the Cup since 1995 (aside from the 1999 shenanigans). Ireland's Padraig Harrington is arguably the form player from either side this season, although Stewart Cink and Phil Mickleson have impressed in recent months. Team spirit will play a huge factor in winning the trophy, and in the respect I have a feeling Team USA will have the edge over Nick Faldo's European team this year. Europe's recent victories have by and large centred around the reliability of Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, none of whom made the team this time around. Sergio Garcia is notoriously unpredictable, while Casey, Rose and Westwood are know for blowing hot and cold. From a Northern Irish perspective, it is disappointing that we will not see Darren Clarke or his cigar this year. We will though be able to cheer on the solid Graeme McDowell, and hopefully young Rory McIlroy will continue his ascent up the world rankings and make future teams.

Without wishing to sit on the fence, this could go either way. I have a hunch the Americans will perform better than some might expect, however I am backing Team Europe to record a narrow victory. Lets hope that if they DO win, they won't dress up in those ridiculous white polo necks and pink jackets!