"In an ideal business environment, everybody should have a rough idea of what everyone else is going through. People should be free to talk. Banter is essential. Anonymous, over-formal, regimented surroundings produce mediocre results. Niggling problems either fester, or they end up on your desk. No one runs that extra mile for you.
If your people aren't talking to one another, how are they ever going to get ideas?"
Richard Branson
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
England - the butt of World Cup jokes
Qn: What is the difference between England and a team bag?
Ans: The tea bag stays in the cup longer.
I can't believe we only managed a draw against a rubbish team we should easily have beaten. . . . I'm ashamed to call myself Algerian.
Apparently that fan had no trouble slipping into the England dressing room – Robert Green was guarding the door.
I’ve just won two tickets to see the England team. Do you want to come with me? We’ll catch the bus to Gatwick Airport on Thursday and watch them come home.
David Blaine is reportedly furious after England crashed out of the World Cup – his record of doing absolutely nothing in a box for 42 days was broken by Wayne Rooney.
Ans: The tea bag stays in the cup longer.
I can't believe we only managed a draw against a rubbish team we should easily have beaten. . . . I'm ashamed to call myself Algerian.
Apparently that fan had no trouble slipping into the England dressing room – Robert Green was guarding the door.
I’ve just won two tickets to see the England team. Do you want to come with me? We’ll catch the bus to Gatwick Airport on Thursday and watch them come home.
David Blaine is reportedly furious after England crashed out of the World Cup – his record of doing absolutely nothing in a box for 42 days was broken by Wayne Rooney.
England vs USA: Sympathy for Rob Green's blunder
At least that's one British spillage the Americans won't be moaning about...
Steven Gerrard said: "The whole team is behind Rob Green." With hindsight, that's a good place to stand.
The England lads had a get-together after the game and bought Robert Green a drink to commiserate. He spilled it.
Robert Green's bringing out his own South African trumpet. It's known as a boo-boozela.
My computer's got the Robert Green virus. It can't save anything.
All these Rob Green jokes are getting out of hand. In fact they're crossing the line...
Steven Gerrard said: "The whole team is behind Rob Green." With hindsight, that's a good place to stand.
The England lads had a get-together after the game and bought Robert Green a drink to commiserate. He spilled it.
Robert Green's bringing out his own South African trumpet. It's known as a boo-boozela.
My computer's got the Robert Green virus. It can't save anything.
All these Rob Green jokes are getting out of hand. In fact they're crossing the line...
Great businesses start from the home
"It's a little strange, I suppose, that I, of all people, should end these notes by saying how good it will be for us not to spend too much time at work. But as I say in chapter one: for me, my work begins at home, it is my home, and my partners in business are my friends in life. Time at home isn't idle: it's a time for re-affirming those very values - creativity & care, trust & teamwork - that keep great businesses alive.
If we are looking for business inspiration, and all the old certainties have fallen away, then let's start today, at the kitchen table, surrounded by the people who made us and love us; here, among the children we have made, and in whom we take such pride. Now that's a model for a business."
Richard Branson
If we are looking for business inspiration, and all the old certainties have fallen away, then let's start today, at the kitchen table, surrounded by the people who made us and love us; here, among the children we have made, and in whom we take such pride. Now that's a model for a business."
Richard Branson
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
One year
One of the best things in life is being able to meet old friends again.
Especially those with whom I had the pleasure and privilege to have worked closely with.
Seeing them again did serve to also bring home the stark contrast in the previous and current working environments for me.
It is always important for me to acknowledge that spending my beginning years as a teacher in my previous school had been a transformational experience. I am amazed at how much I have learnt from the 6 years I spent there. While I had prospered and flourished, I was humbled by the favour and respect I received, and I did my best to give back what I could.
I did not presume to think I was ever going to leave for 'greener pastures'. My old school was an Eden to me. I never considered the travelling distance a hinderance. The joy and the fulfilment that I received in great abundance on a daily basis kept me going, soaring, giving.
Having been in my new school for a year, I am candid enough to know that I am still adjusting. Obviously the people are fantastic. The pupils shine in many different ways and are certainly not the terrors they once were. They came into the school with fearsome reputations, but they are irresistably metamophorsised. The teachers work very hard because these kids are hard work.
It is hard to pin down. Dynamics are different. I am starting from the bottom, much like when I first started out. It is refreshing to see things from a different height, different angle, with a different mission now. It is equally, if not more fulfilling, satisfying.
I am not sure if I am a better, more capable teacher. But I understand better the complexities of life, the challenges that we face in society, the power of teachers to shape the lives of the downtrodden. I see all these through the lens of the youths under my charge.
Undoubtedly it is a journey, fraught with uncertainties in the beginning. Now I am cruising, more aware, more in tune.
One more year. After that? I am not so sure where my path will lead me to.
I know one thing, that I am in the good hands of the Lord and He will see me through.
Especially those with whom I had the pleasure and privilege to have worked closely with.
Seeing them again did serve to also bring home the stark contrast in the previous and current working environments for me.
It is always important for me to acknowledge that spending my beginning years as a teacher in my previous school had been a transformational experience. I am amazed at how much I have learnt from the 6 years I spent there. While I had prospered and flourished, I was humbled by the favour and respect I received, and I did my best to give back what I could.
I did not presume to think I was ever going to leave for 'greener pastures'. My old school was an Eden to me. I never considered the travelling distance a hinderance. The joy and the fulfilment that I received in great abundance on a daily basis kept me going, soaring, giving.
Having been in my new school for a year, I am candid enough to know that I am still adjusting. Obviously the people are fantastic. The pupils shine in many different ways and are certainly not the terrors they once were. They came into the school with fearsome reputations, but they are irresistably metamophorsised. The teachers work very hard because these kids are hard work.
It is hard to pin down. Dynamics are different. I am starting from the bottom, much like when I first started out. It is refreshing to see things from a different height, different angle, with a different mission now. It is equally, if not more fulfilling, satisfying.
I am not sure if I am a better, more capable teacher. But I understand better the complexities of life, the challenges that we face in society, the power of teachers to shape the lives of the downtrodden. I see all these through the lens of the youths under my charge.
Undoubtedly it is a journey, fraught with uncertainties in the beginning. Now I am cruising, more aware, more in tune.
One more year. After that? I am not so sure where my path will lead me to.
I know one thing, that I am in the good hands of the Lord and He will see me through.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
End in sight
A proud tradition (rightly deserved, if I might add) was broken. A run of 6 Stan-Chart marathons in a row ended this year.
I did run in the modest 10km. Common sense dictated that it would be foolhardy to attempt a 42km run. I have not yet regained the confidence, especially after the very unpleasant experience at the Sundown, where I had to quit the race because of injury. Thinking about that still stings like a sore wound, simply because I hated quitting.
On a positive note, after that awful Sundown experience, I have managed to complete a few more races, the longest being the AHM, which I emerged unscathed.
Come next year, my Sabbathical will end. My back injury will be a distant memory by then. I'm committed to running (and completing) the Sundown 42km 2010, to celebrate the overcoming of my injury and Mikayla's 2nd birthday.
I did run in the modest 10km. Common sense dictated that it would be foolhardy to attempt a 42km run. I have not yet regained the confidence, especially after the very unpleasant experience at the Sundown, where I had to quit the race because of injury. Thinking about that still stings like a sore wound, simply because I hated quitting.
On a positive note, after that awful Sundown experience, I have managed to complete a few more races, the longest being the AHM, which I emerged unscathed.
Come next year, my Sabbathical will end. My back injury will be a distant memory by then. I'm committed to running (and completing) the Sundown 42km 2010, to celebrate the overcoming of my injury and Mikayla's 2nd birthday.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Bad news, good news
What a rollercoaster. My emotions, once at a nadir, were elevated briefly to the heavens. And the source of these were reports from the hospital.
While I have been able to remain injury-free for the most part of the last 5 years, enabling me to complete in numerous sports and running events, there were episodes where I was laid low with pains or aches associated with my back.
A fortnight ago, a visit with an orthopaedic specialist revealed a slipped disc, which hit me hard, even though deep inside I was almost expecting it. Memories of seeing a few of my friends bending over with pain from this ailment struck me.
Nobody wants a slipped disc in the back. It would mean a huge re-adjustment to the way I live my life, so as to preserve my back for the years ahead, and to avoid hastening a deterioration of the condition.
I cannot contemplate a future of crippling pains shooting down my legs, chained to the bed, resting for days, not because I want to, but because I have to.
I cannot imagine a future where I can no longer run freely.
It was scant consolation when the doctor told me that my symptoms were very mild. Though the MRI suggested strongly that I have a prolapsed disc, I do not experience any of the horrific pains that come with it. The doctor urged me to rest, take up pilates, and see him in 3 months' time.
He also arranged for me to see a physiotherapist, which I did, just yesterday afternoon.
Seeing the physio for the first time in my life, I did not know what to really expect. She was very professional though, patiently asking me questions to get a clear understanding of my history. Once the questions were concluded, she put down her file and looked at me and said, ''Y' know, I don't think you have a slipped disc.''
My spirit jumped.
Next, I stood up, and followed her directions and performed some lunges, stretches, and movements. All the while, she kept asking, ''Any pain?" My answers were always negative, except for the usual muscle tightness when I stretched too far.
She sat me down and her assessment was that I do not have a slipped disc. If I had, I would not have been able to do those exercises without experiencing pain and bad discomfort. Rather, she deduced that the core muscles supporting my spine are weak, causing instability, putting pressure on the nerves, resulting in spasms and occasional pains.
She taught me to do a simple exercise every day, which would strengthen core muscles, and she believes that this would ease the constant aches and muscle spasms that have been afflicting me.
With her uplifting words resonating in my head, I walked out of the physio room like a brand new man.
It is not a joke. The knowledge that my back can be treated has given me an impetus, a renewed resolved to work on those core muscles.
Now I have hope, that I can live the way I love - playing soccer, running, and picking up my baby Mikayla.
One reason why I write this post is this: if I ever get lazy, and stop doing those core exercises, let this post be a sober reminder to myself, that it is my responsibility to care for my back, and I should never slacken in my efforts to strengthen it.
While I have been able to remain injury-free for the most part of the last 5 years, enabling me to complete in numerous sports and running events, there were episodes where I was laid low with pains or aches associated with my back.
A fortnight ago, a visit with an orthopaedic specialist revealed a slipped disc, which hit me hard, even though deep inside I was almost expecting it. Memories of seeing a few of my friends bending over with pain from this ailment struck me.
Nobody wants a slipped disc in the back. It would mean a huge re-adjustment to the way I live my life, so as to preserve my back for the years ahead, and to avoid hastening a deterioration of the condition.
I cannot contemplate a future of crippling pains shooting down my legs, chained to the bed, resting for days, not because I want to, but because I have to.
I cannot imagine a future where I can no longer run freely.
It was scant consolation when the doctor told me that my symptoms were very mild. Though the MRI suggested strongly that I have a prolapsed disc, I do not experience any of the horrific pains that come with it. The doctor urged me to rest, take up pilates, and see him in 3 months' time.
He also arranged for me to see a physiotherapist, which I did, just yesterday afternoon.
Seeing the physio for the first time in my life, I did not know what to really expect. She was very professional though, patiently asking me questions to get a clear understanding of my history. Once the questions were concluded, she put down her file and looked at me and said, ''Y' know, I don't think you have a slipped disc.''
My spirit jumped.
Next, I stood up, and followed her directions and performed some lunges, stretches, and movements. All the while, she kept asking, ''Any pain?" My answers were always negative, except for the usual muscle tightness when I stretched too far.
She sat me down and her assessment was that I do not have a slipped disc. If I had, I would not have been able to do those exercises without experiencing pain and bad discomfort. Rather, she deduced that the core muscles supporting my spine are weak, causing instability, putting pressure on the nerves, resulting in spasms and occasional pains.
She taught me to do a simple exercise every day, which would strengthen core muscles, and she believes that this would ease the constant aches and muscle spasms that have been afflicting me.
With her uplifting words resonating in my head, I walked out of the physio room like a brand new man.
It is not a joke. The knowledge that my back can be treated has given me an impetus, a renewed resolved to work on those core muscles.
Now I have hope, that I can live the way I love - playing soccer, running, and picking up my baby Mikayla.
One reason why I write this post is this: if I ever get lazy, and stop doing those core exercises, let this post be a sober reminder to myself, that it is my responsibility to care for my back, and I should never slacken in my efforts to strengthen it.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
About Winning & Excellence
There is nothing briefer than the winner's laurel. Victory is of the moment.
It must be followed by another victory and then another.
Excellence is not something attained and put in a trophy case. It is not sought after, achieved, and, thereafter, a steady state.
It is a momentary phenomenon, a rare conjunction of body, mind, and spirit at one's peak.
Should I come to that peak, I cannot stay there. Like Sisyphus, I must start each day at the bottom and work back up to the top.
And then beyond that peak is another and yet another.
- George Sheehan
It must be followed by another victory and then another.
Excellence is not something attained and put in a trophy case. It is not sought after, achieved, and, thereafter, a steady state.
It is a momentary phenomenon, a rare conjunction of body, mind, and spirit at one's peak.
Should I come to that peak, I cannot stay there. Like Sisyphus, I must start each day at the bottom and work back up to the top.
And then beyond that peak is another and yet another.
- George Sheehan
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Presidential rebuke
Kanye West stealing the mike from Taylor Swift during her awards speech? Showing his support for Beyonce in this manner at the expense of someone's big moment?
Definitely absolutely wrong.
Kudos to Mr Obama, who chided West under his breath (though it was caught on the microphone and twittered later).
A candid President. How refreshing!
Definitely absolutely wrong.
Kudos to Mr Obama, who chided West under his breath (though it was caught on the microphone and twittered later).
A candid President. How refreshing!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Teamwork
If we have a dream and there is:
- no team, the dream is impossible;
- a wrong team, the dream becomes a nightmare;
- the right team, the dream becomes a reality.
- no team, the dream is impossible;
- a wrong team, the dream becomes a nightmare;
- the right team, the dream becomes a reality.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The wonderous place that is NorthLight School
Many people wonder: what kind of school is NorthLight School?
Well, Daniel, a scholar who was attached to NLS for a short while, wrote a very good piece of reflection on his experience in NLS.
You can read it here.
Well, Daniel, a scholar who was attached to NLS for a short while, wrote a very good piece of reflection on his experience in NLS.
You can read it here.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
An inspiration, even till today
Taken from Soccernet.com's article, written by Tom Adams
Greatness in football can be identified and categorised in any number of ways. Medals, statistics and individual awards all shed light on a player's standing in the game while some achieve recognition via a less tangible appreciation of the magical qualities that made them so memorable. Sometimes, though, a simple quote will suffice.
And when a man of the stature of Sir Alex Ferguson says, of Peter Schmeichel, "I don't believe a better goalkeeper played the game. He is a giant figure in the history of Manchester United", you know that the player in question is a very special one indeed.
As well as being a giant in the literal sense - with his bulky 6' 4'' frame, shock of white hair and glowing red nose a formidable facade to wreck the confidence of any opposition forward - Schmeichel was also a metaphorical colossus, his achievements dwarfing those of any other goalkeeper in the Premier League era.
With five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and, of course, one European Cup to his name at United, Schmeichel boasts the kind of silverware that puts the likes of David Seaman, Petr Cech and Shay Given to shame. But it was also his technical expertise, authoritative aura and bellowing voice, cajoling his hen-pecked defence on to greater feats, that left an indelible mark on English football during his eight years at United.
Indeed, after Schmeichel joined United from Brondby for a fee of £550,000 in August 1991, Ferguson described his arrival as the "bargain of the century".
Boasting an impressive reputation in Denmark having won four league titles with Brondby following a move from Hvidovre in 1987, the keeper soon displayed his aptitude for the big occasion when helping his country become the surprise winners of Euro 92, saving a penalty from none other than Marco van Basten in the semi-final shoot-out victory over Holland.
Denmark and Schmeichel's unexpected triumph in Sweden was the precursor to a tremendous second season at United in which he cemented his growing reputation as one of the finest keepers in world football when helping the club secure their first league title for 26 years.
Alongside luminaries such as Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson, Schmeichel was a key driving force for Ferguson's side as he honed an abrasive style of interaction with his own team-mates that would serve the club so well.
Many a game would see Schmeichel give his backline a tongue-lashing for a mistake, critical or otherwise. As Gary Pallister once revealed, no-one was immune from a verbal blast or two: "He can talk a bit, can Peter," the former United defender said. "It doesn't matter who's skipper or how old you are, he'll scream at you."
Along with Roy Keane, who moved to Old Trafford following the club's inaugural Premier League triumph, Schmeichel helped foster a culture of excellence in the United dressing room, constantly demanding high standards from the defence in front of him and frequently, and vocally, making that evidently clear, both on the pitch and off.
Fully immersed in the pursuit of perfection, Schmeichel did not take kindly to being criticised by Ferguson following a 3-3 draw at Anfield in January 1994 as United surrendered a three-goal lead to arch rivals Liverpool. A blazing row ensued and Schmeichel admitted some seven years later that he was told he would be sacked for his disciplinary lapse, before a heartfelt apology to his team-mates earned him a stay of execution.
It was a confrontation that demonstrated Schmeichel's headstrong nature but also proved to be a defining moment in his Old Trafford career as he avoided a premature departure from United and instead built on his early success to become one of the greatest players in the club's history.
The domestic Double was duly delivered in 1994 and although Blackburn claimed the Premier League title in dramatic fashion in 1995, United were back the following year as they memorably reined in Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United and won the double once more.
Ferguson's side trailed Newcastle by ten points at Christmas and visited St James' Park on March 4 with the Magpies four points ahead having played a game less. Defeat could have spelt the end of United's challenge with nine games remaining but Keegan's side were undone by a goalkeeping masterclass from Schmeichel.
Displaying the world-class reactions, one-on-one excellence and sheer shot-stopping brilliance that had served him so well down the years, Schmeichel repelled numerous Newcastle attacks in the first half, with Les Ferdinand, Peter Beardlsey and Faustino Asprilla all failing to break the Dane's resistance. An Eric Cantona strike gave the men from Manchester a 1-0 victory and the momentum to reclaim the title.
That dramatic night on Tyneside encapsulated just why Schmeichel was considered the globe's best keeper during his peak at United. He consistently produced all manner of world-class saves, spreading his frame to block out the goal with his trademark 'star jumps' and denying scores of strikers from close range with his unrivalled reactions - most notably with a Gordon Banks-esque effort when diving low to his right and scooping a header from Rapid Vienna's Rene Wagner over the bar in December 1996.
But Schmeichel was not merely one of the finest shot-stoppers of his generation, he was also a keeper in a very modern mould and his excellent distribution from the back, particularly when utilising his mammoth throws, helped provoke many a United counter-attack.
On occasion, Schmeichel even found himself at the sharp end of those attacks. He netted in a European tie against Rotor Volgograd in 1995 and, in a later incarnation at Aston Villa, scored a sumptuous volley against Everton when making a familiar run forward for a late corner.
The sight of Schmeichel steaming down the pitch in desperation also occurred on his finest night in football. At Camp Nou, with United losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, Schmeichel was still in the opposition penalty area when, from a late David Beckham corner, Teddy Sheringham turned the ball home to equalise.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then famously scored an injury-time winner to ensure one of the most dramatic conclusions to any European tie, cameras captured Schmeichel performing an ecstatic cartwheel. As captain for the night in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane, it meant everything to the boy from Gladsaxe.
The 1999 Treble proved to be Schmeichel's last contribution for United as he joined Sporting Lisbon for two seasons but Aston Villa tempted him back to English football and he made 29 league starts in one year for the Midlanders before a surprise move to Manchester City.
Even in the twilight of his career, he maintained his proud record of having never lost a Manchester derby when contributing to a 3-1 victory for City over United in November 2002.
But Schmeichel could be forgiven that, and much more. In his eight years at Old Trafford, during which he was twice named the world's best goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, he carved out an unrivalled reputation thanks to his numerous feats between the sticks and crucial contributions to one of the most successful periods of the club's history.
Indeed, it could be argued that it took Ferguson almost six years to find anything approaching a reliable successor in Edwin van der Sar, with players like Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich victims of the Scot's failed search to fill the void that Schmeichel left in his team.
But how could could The Great Dane, the 'giant figure' of Old Trafford, ever be properly replaced?
Greatness in football can be identified and categorised in any number of ways. Medals, statistics and individual awards all shed light on a player's standing in the game while some achieve recognition via a less tangible appreciation of the magical qualities that made them so memorable. Sometimes, though, a simple quote will suffice.
And when a man of the stature of Sir Alex Ferguson says, of Peter Schmeichel, "I don't believe a better goalkeeper played the game. He is a giant figure in the history of Manchester United", you know that the player in question is a very special one indeed.
As well as being a giant in the literal sense - with his bulky 6' 4'' frame, shock of white hair and glowing red nose a formidable facade to wreck the confidence of any opposition forward - Schmeichel was also a metaphorical colossus, his achievements dwarfing those of any other goalkeeper in the Premier League era.
With five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and, of course, one European Cup to his name at United, Schmeichel boasts the kind of silverware that puts the likes of David Seaman, Petr Cech and Shay Given to shame. But it was also his technical expertise, authoritative aura and bellowing voice, cajoling his hen-pecked defence on to greater feats, that left an indelible mark on English football during his eight years at United.
Indeed, after Schmeichel joined United from Brondby for a fee of £550,000 in August 1991, Ferguson described his arrival as the "bargain of the century".
Boasting an impressive reputation in Denmark having won four league titles with Brondby following a move from Hvidovre in 1987, the keeper soon displayed his aptitude for the big occasion when helping his country become the surprise winners of Euro 92, saving a penalty from none other than Marco van Basten in the semi-final shoot-out victory over Holland.
Denmark and Schmeichel's unexpected triumph in Sweden was the precursor to a tremendous second season at United in which he cemented his growing reputation as one of the finest keepers in world football when helping the club secure their first league title for 26 years.
Alongside luminaries such as Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson, Schmeichel was a key driving force for Ferguson's side as he honed an abrasive style of interaction with his own team-mates that would serve the club so well.
Many a game would see Schmeichel give his backline a tongue-lashing for a mistake, critical or otherwise. As Gary Pallister once revealed, no-one was immune from a verbal blast or two: "He can talk a bit, can Peter," the former United defender said. "It doesn't matter who's skipper or how old you are, he'll scream at you."
Along with Roy Keane, who moved to Old Trafford following the club's inaugural Premier League triumph, Schmeichel helped foster a culture of excellence in the United dressing room, constantly demanding high standards from the defence in front of him and frequently, and vocally, making that evidently clear, both on the pitch and off.
Fully immersed in the pursuit of perfection, Schmeichel did not take kindly to being criticised by Ferguson following a 3-3 draw at Anfield in January 1994 as United surrendered a three-goal lead to arch rivals Liverpool. A blazing row ensued and Schmeichel admitted some seven years later that he was told he would be sacked for his disciplinary lapse, before a heartfelt apology to his team-mates earned him a stay of execution.
It was a confrontation that demonstrated Schmeichel's headstrong nature but also proved to be a defining moment in his Old Trafford career as he avoided a premature departure from United and instead built on his early success to become one of the greatest players in the club's history.
The domestic Double was duly delivered in 1994 and although Blackburn claimed the Premier League title in dramatic fashion in 1995, United were back the following year as they memorably reined in Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United and won the double once more.
Ferguson's side trailed Newcastle by ten points at Christmas and visited St James' Park on March 4 with the Magpies four points ahead having played a game less. Defeat could have spelt the end of United's challenge with nine games remaining but Keegan's side were undone by a goalkeeping masterclass from Schmeichel.
Displaying the world-class reactions, one-on-one excellence and sheer shot-stopping brilliance that had served him so well down the years, Schmeichel repelled numerous Newcastle attacks in the first half, with Les Ferdinand, Peter Beardlsey and Faustino Asprilla all failing to break the Dane's resistance. An Eric Cantona strike gave the men from Manchester a 1-0 victory and the momentum to reclaim the title.
That dramatic night on Tyneside encapsulated just why Schmeichel was considered the globe's best keeper during his peak at United. He consistently produced all manner of world-class saves, spreading his frame to block out the goal with his trademark 'star jumps' and denying scores of strikers from close range with his unrivalled reactions - most notably with a Gordon Banks-esque effort when diving low to his right and scooping a header from Rapid Vienna's Rene Wagner over the bar in December 1996.
But Schmeichel was not merely one of the finest shot-stoppers of his generation, he was also a keeper in a very modern mould and his excellent distribution from the back, particularly when utilising his mammoth throws, helped provoke many a United counter-attack.
On occasion, Schmeichel even found himself at the sharp end of those attacks. He netted in a European tie against Rotor Volgograd in 1995 and, in a later incarnation at Aston Villa, scored a sumptuous volley against Everton when making a familiar run forward for a late corner.
The sight of Schmeichel steaming down the pitch in desperation also occurred on his finest night in football. At Camp Nou, with United losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, Schmeichel was still in the opposition penalty area when, from a late David Beckham corner, Teddy Sheringham turned the ball home to equalise.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then famously scored an injury-time winner to ensure one of the most dramatic conclusions to any European tie, cameras captured Schmeichel performing an ecstatic cartwheel. As captain for the night in the absence of the suspended Roy Keane, it meant everything to the boy from Gladsaxe.
The 1999 Treble proved to be Schmeichel's last contribution for United as he joined Sporting Lisbon for two seasons but Aston Villa tempted him back to English football and he made 29 league starts in one year for the Midlanders before a surprise move to Manchester City.
Even in the twilight of his career, he maintained his proud record of having never lost a Manchester derby when contributing to a 3-1 victory for City over United in November 2002.
But Schmeichel could be forgiven that, and much more. In his eight years at Old Trafford, during which he was twice named the world's best goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, he carved out an unrivalled reputation thanks to his numerous feats between the sticks and crucial contributions to one of the most successful periods of the club's history.
Indeed, it could be argued that it took Ferguson almost six years to find anything approaching a reliable successor in Edwin van der Sar, with players like Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich victims of the Scot's failed search to fill the void that Schmeichel left in his team.
But how could could The Great Dane, the 'giant figure' of Old Trafford, ever be properly replaced?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dizzy shopping
On Saturday my missus & I went for a hot date in town. We had always talked about checking out Ion Orchard, but we never really had the chance till Saturday.
However, the experience I had reminded me starkly why I had sworn never to shop anywhere in the town area on weekends.
The crowd was maddening. I could see no end of people in the cavernous Orchard MRT subways that led to the Ion and Wisma Atria.
The din was so loud, I felt my ear drums bursting any moment.
I could not hear my own thoughts. Such noise.
We got what we wanted - an LV gift, a top for my wife and some drinks to quench the thirst, when we were desperately seeking a refuge in a cafe from the deluge of shoppers outside.
Our last stop was at Far East Plaza toy shop, always one of my favourite stops. Everytime I go there, I always see something I want to buy so much. That Hulk figure, that Iron Man, that fabulous Firestorm figure.
But I held back my wallet. I walked out instead. Those toys don't come cheap, and besides, I am not sure where would I be able to store them. I'm running out of storage space in my home!
I heaved a sigh of relief as we reach our car in the car-park. Finally I could get away from the stifling Orchard crowd.
We were both really tired after an afternoon there. Actually, even though we wanted to check out the Ion, I realised we did not really see much of the place, except only the LV shop and the food basement.
We will definitely be back there, but only on a weekday!
As a last note, I saw 2 of my ex-Fajar students - Joel & Billy in the Orchard subway. They were promoting a Filipino phone card.
Seeing them brought back a flood of memories in my old school. Needless to say I was very pleased to see them. I hope you are both doing ok!
However, the experience I had reminded me starkly why I had sworn never to shop anywhere in the town area on weekends.
The crowd was maddening. I could see no end of people in the cavernous Orchard MRT subways that led to the Ion and Wisma Atria.
The din was so loud, I felt my ear drums bursting any moment.
I could not hear my own thoughts. Such noise.
We got what we wanted - an LV gift, a top for my wife and some drinks to quench the thirst, when we were desperately seeking a refuge in a cafe from the deluge of shoppers outside.
Our last stop was at Far East Plaza toy shop, always one of my favourite stops. Everytime I go there, I always see something I want to buy so much. That Hulk figure, that Iron Man, that fabulous Firestorm figure.
But I held back my wallet. I walked out instead. Those toys don't come cheap, and besides, I am not sure where would I be able to store them. I'm running out of storage space in my home!
I heaved a sigh of relief as we reach our car in the car-park. Finally I could get away from the stifling Orchard crowd.
We were both really tired after an afternoon there. Actually, even though we wanted to check out the Ion, I realised we did not really see much of the place, except only the LV shop and the food basement.
We will definitely be back there, but only on a weekday!
As a last note, I saw 2 of my ex-Fajar students - Joel & Billy in the Orchard subway. They were promoting a Filipino phone card.
Seeing them brought back a flood of memories in my old school. Needless to say I was very pleased to see them. I hope you are both doing ok!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Unscathed
It was horrible to read the headlines today, about a CEO who struggled during the swimming leg of the triathlon yesterday and passed away after that. My condolences to his family.
On a personal note, I took part in the Osim International Triathlon for the 3rd year running, but this time I signed up for the Mini category, instead of the Sprint. I figured that I needed to be more careful with my injuries, so the Mini was a very attractive option for me, otherwise it would have meant skipping the entire Osim Triathlon altogether.
I am thankful that I came through the 200m swim, 10km cycle and 2km run without any reactions to my body, and in fact, I enjoyed the event thoroughly. I remember smiling just before the air horn sounded. The scrambling into the waters, the waves hitting us over and over, underwater legs kicking out - oh they are so familiar.
I completed the event in under 45 mins, very leisurely and comfortable for me. I was able to go home for a good rest, before I got ready again for another run - the CSC Inter-Constituency Run at Bedok Reservoir.
I set no target timing for myself. Admittedly I was a little tired but felt good to do another run. Though the distance was about 4km, I knew I was able to complete it.
The run itself was better than expected, though it was scorchingly hot and there were no water points along the route, which was quite a disappointment.
But I was glad to complete the run. My back felt all right, and I was able to go home feeling very fulfilled and proud of myself.
But the best thing was, I met an ex-student of mine from Fajar. I think his name is Fadli, from 4T1. I remember seeing him in the same event last year, and it was definitely nice to meet him during the run this time.
I do miss teaching him and his class. I just hope they are all fine, enjoying school and paying good attention in class!
On a personal note, I took part in the Osim International Triathlon for the 3rd year running, but this time I signed up for the Mini category, instead of the Sprint. I figured that I needed to be more careful with my injuries, so the Mini was a very attractive option for me, otherwise it would have meant skipping the entire Osim Triathlon altogether.
I am thankful that I came through the 200m swim, 10km cycle and 2km run without any reactions to my body, and in fact, I enjoyed the event thoroughly. I remember smiling just before the air horn sounded. The scrambling into the waters, the waves hitting us over and over, underwater legs kicking out - oh they are so familiar.
I completed the event in under 45 mins, very leisurely and comfortable for me. I was able to go home for a good rest, before I got ready again for another run - the CSC Inter-Constituency Run at Bedok Reservoir.
I set no target timing for myself. Admittedly I was a little tired but felt good to do another run. Though the distance was about 4km, I knew I was able to complete it.
The run itself was better than expected, though it was scorchingly hot and there were no water points along the route, which was quite a disappointment.
But I was glad to complete the run. My back felt all right, and I was able to go home feeling very fulfilled and proud of myself.
But the best thing was, I met an ex-student of mine from Fajar. I think his name is Fadli, from 4T1. I remember seeing him in the same event last year, and it was definitely nice to meet him during the run this time.
I do miss teaching him and his class. I just hope they are all fine, enjoying school and paying good attention in class!
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Passing of a great man
While I was surfing a news website on my iPhone, I saw the news of Sir Bobby Robson's passing. I was stunned. Within the next 15 minutes I was reading through soccer websites and international news portals, and all carried the news.
I was saddened.
My admiration for him had its beginnings way back in Italia 90, when he managed England to the semi-finals - their best performance since their 1966 World Cup victory. No other manager after him has ever managed to come close to his success, and this speaks volumes of his quality as a manager.
But it was during my time in the UK that my respect for him was cemented. He was a genuine gentleman. Everytime he spoke on TV, I would listen to his words, his tone, and he was top class as a manager and as a person. He was sincere, lavish in praise for his players, gracious when his team lost, and withering to players who did not work hard.
I will always remember how, against all odds, he managed to bring back Newcastle United from seeming elimination from the Champions League (after losing their first 3 matches) to qualify for the 2nd round after winning the next 3 group games. No team has ever lost 3 group games and yet go on to qualify for the 2nd round.
Sir Bobby Robson was afflicted with cancer 5 times in his life. This cursed disease would have finished off a lesser man. But for Sir Robson to overcome cancer and endure the traumatic treatment 4 times magnified the fighting spirit and toughness within him.
Soccer legends and greats poured forth tributes to this giant with elevated praise and respect:
"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson. His character was hewn out of the coal face, developed by the Durham mining background that he came from. His parents instilled in him the discipline and standards which forged the character of a genuinely colossal human being." - Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United
"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side." - Jose Mourinho, manager of Inter Milan.
"First of all he was beyond football a great man, one of the kindest people I ever met. He helped me a great deal when I was a young coach and I visited him in Ipswich. He took me, an unknown coach from Sweden, down into the dug-out and explained the tactics. The year after Ipswich won the Uefa Cup, my team Gothenburg won it and he came and presented the trophy to me. When I became coach of England I called him many times and he was always generous with his advice and helpful. It seems he was as friendly to everybody as he was to me. In fact for me, he was the special one." - Sven-Goran Eriksson, former England manager.
"I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Sir Bobby Robson. I had the privilege of meeting Bobby on many occasions. He epitomised everything that is great about football in this country. His passion, patriotism, dedication and professionalism knew no equal during his time both as a player and a manager. His remarkable achievements as manager of Ipswich Town and then of England are among the most distinguished in English football history, and he was able to replicate that extraordinary success during his time at PSV Eindhoven, Porto and Barcelona. Over the past few years, he fought cancer with his characteristic tenacity and good humour. He will be sorely missed - not only in Newcastle and Ipswich, both of whom he served with such devotion, but by all sports fans in our country. My sincere condolences go to his wife Elsie and his family." - Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister.
Like what Mr Mourinho said, Sir Robson will live forever, not just in the hearts of those with whom he had worked with or who knew him. Every football fan on the globe will greatly miss his presence in the game.
I was saddened.
My admiration for him had its beginnings way back in Italia 90, when he managed England to the semi-finals - their best performance since their 1966 World Cup victory. No other manager after him has ever managed to come close to his success, and this speaks volumes of his quality as a manager.
But it was during my time in the UK that my respect for him was cemented. He was a genuine gentleman. Everytime he spoke on TV, I would listen to his words, his tone, and he was top class as a manager and as a person. He was sincere, lavish in praise for his players, gracious when his team lost, and withering to players who did not work hard.
I will always remember how, against all odds, he managed to bring back Newcastle United from seeming elimination from the Champions League (after losing their first 3 matches) to qualify for the 2nd round after winning the next 3 group games. No team has ever lost 3 group games and yet go on to qualify for the 2nd round.
Sir Bobby Robson was afflicted with cancer 5 times in his life. This cursed disease would have finished off a lesser man. But for Sir Robson to overcome cancer and endure the traumatic treatment 4 times magnified the fighting spirit and toughness within him.
Soccer legends and greats poured forth tributes to this giant with elevated praise and respect:
"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson. His character was hewn out of the coal face, developed by the Durham mining background that he came from. His parents instilled in him the discipline and standards which forged the character of a genuinely colossal human being." - Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United
"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side." - Jose Mourinho, manager of Inter Milan.
"First of all he was beyond football a great man, one of the kindest people I ever met. He helped me a great deal when I was a young coach and I visited him in Ipswich. He took me, an unknown coach from Sweden, down into the dug-out and explained the tactics. The year after Ipswich won the Uefa Cup, my team Gothenburg won it and he came and presented the trophy to me. When I became coach of England I called him many times and he was always generous with his advice and helpful. It seems he was as friendly to everybody as he was to me. In fact for me, he was the special one." - Sven-Goran Eriksson, former England manager.
"I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Sir Bobby Robson. I had the privilege of meeting Bobby on many occasions. He epitomised everything that is great about football in this country. His passion, patriotism, dedication and professionalism knew no equal during his time both as a player and a manager. His remarkable achievements as manager of Ipswich Town and then of England are among the most distinguished in English football history, and he was able to replicate that extraordinary success during his time at PSV Eindhoven, Porto and Barcelona. Over the past few years, he fought cancer with his characteristic tenacity and good humour. He will be sorely missed - not only in Newcastle and Ipswich, both of whom he served with such devotion, but by all sports fans in our country. My sincere condolences go to his wife Elsie and his family." - Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister.
Like what Mr Mourinho said, Sir Robson will live forever, not just in the hearts of those with whom he had worked with or who knew him. Every football fan on the globe will greatly miss his presence in the game.
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