What a waste

I learned on Saturday that Jason Priestnell, who worked at HSBC up until a few years ago (in the same building as me), was killed on the A13 whilst riding his motorbike on Friday. Ironically, he had just passed his test a week previous. Apparently, there was no other vehicle involved and his bike was untouched. He was airlifted to Romford hospital but was dead on arrival. Without any further info, you would assume he had maybe been travelling too fast and had lost control of the bike, however, there were rumours today in the office that as Jason was diabetic, that may have had something to do with it or even that he suffered a heart attack. The autopsy will hopefully determine the cause.

I wasn't going to write about this tragedy as I didn't know Jason very well, but I got quite choked up today when I saw his photo in the Evening Echo. I don't know what it is about seeing someone's face after their death, but it really makes me emotional. Jason was always bubbly and pleasant to talk with, and pretty much everyone in the building who was working there at the same time, would have known who he was.

Although the report of Jason's accident was mentioned in yesterday's paper, this was the update which appeared today:

Family's grief for crash victim by Nicola Fenn



The family of a man who died while riding his motorbike home from work for the first time have paid tribute to their "loveable rogue".

Jason Priestnell, 36, a father-of-two, died when his blue Honda motorcycle smashed into the central barrier of the A13 as he rode home on Friday.

His wife of ten years Anita, 41, is trying to come to terms with the tragedy with their two daughters, Amber, eight and Miah, five.

Speaking at their home in Brendon Way, Westcliff, she said: "He was just loved by everyone. There wasn't anyone who didn't love him.

"He had a wicked sense of humour, was always joking and was rarely in a bad mood.

"He was a loveable rogue."

Mr Priestnell bought the motorbike to ride to and from Westcliff station, to get to his job in London as a project manager for Johnson's Control, a contractor at the BBC.

However, on Friday last week he decided to ride into work because he feared the trains were delayed.

Mrs Priestnell said: "He just never came home.

"He was a big bloke, but he was the softest person. If we watched a film on the telly he would be in tears.

"But he was a great dad. The girls adored him and they are both little daddy's girls."

Mr Priestnell grew up in Rochford and loved rugby, fishing and enjoying a pint with his friends.

He also leaves behind his twin sister Lisa, mum Jeanette and dad, Iain, who still live in Rochford.

Mrs Priestnell said: "They are absolutely devastated. We all are.

"He was their only son and his dad was more like his best friend."

The funeral will take place at Southend Crematorium, in Sutton Road, at 11.20am on March 7.

Everyone is welcome to attend and the dress code is casual in respect of Mr Priestnell's wishes.

Flowers should not be sent to the family home.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the crash. Anyone who saw the collision happen just before the M25 sliproad, on the eastbound carriageway, at 3.30pm last Friday, can call Laindon Road Policing Unit on 01268 541312.

Anyway this is my personal tribute to the big guy and my heart goes out to his family and close friends. Such a sad loss of life.

R.I.P. Jason.

GLORY GLORY TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR!

CARLING CUP FINAL Spurs 2 Chelsea 1 (aet)

Team: Robinson, Chimbonda, Woodgate, King, Hutton, Lennon, Malbranque, Zokora, Jenas, Keane, Berbatov Subs used: Kaboul, Tainio, Huddlestone

I can hardly believe it. Spurs have done it. It's about time we won some silverware again; the first time this century and didn't we deserve it?!! It's only been five short months since Juande Ramos took over as manager, and despite the uproar at the time, this is the best thing that could've happened to the club. His record speaks for itself.

I'm absolutely ecstatic. Before the game I was picturing in my mind our boys sitting on the pitch with their hands in their hands and imagining how gutted I would feel - I know I'm pessimistic but you just have to look at Spurs' record against the Blues in recent years; it's bloody dreadful. Thank God I didn't have to go through that. The only sadness I feel is that I wasn't there to savour the glory. I wasn't at the Lane when we last beat Chelsea, and I wasn't there again today (I will really have to bump up those loyalty points coz I don't wanna miss out again).

Well, I guess I should summarise the game. Just 24 seconds into it, a mistake in Chelsea's defence gave Keano a great chance but it deflected for a corner. From that corner, Ledley also had a chance. In fact, Spurs got off to a very bright start and had four efforts on goal in the first ten minutes; Chimbonda hitting the bar from a header and Berba also heading wide. Steed had another shot on 28 minutes which forced a good save from Cech. Tottenham were dominating.
Chelsea didn't have a shot until half an hour gone and were not having any joy at all. However, totally against the run of play, Chelsea took the lead. It came as a result of an accidental foul on Drogba whose time would be better spent in a drama school. He took the free kick and beat Robbo comfortably into the corner of the goal (the side he should've had covered). Again, a lack of judgement on his part. Keane had an immediate chance the other end but shot straight at Cech. This followed quickly by a good run into the box by Berbatov but unfortunately he slipped on what turned out to be a very greasy surface.

All those efforts on goal and nothing to show for it. Usually when Chelsea take the lead they go on to win the game even if they're not playing particularly well. So, it was scary times in the second half. Chelsea certainly upped their pace and Spurs weren't able to keep as much possession. However, in the 69th minute, the referee's assistance quite rightly flagged for a penalty when Bridge handled in the box. As cool as a cucumber, Berba passed the ball into the net, wrong footing the goalkeeper. Ten minutes later, it could've all been wrapped up from a brilliant move involving a pass through the middle from Berba to Zokora (of all people) but he ended up one on one with Cech and made a mess of it, firstly hitting it at the onrushing goalie and from the rebound, putting it over the bar. Never will he have a better chance than that to score his first Spurs goal! Spurs pressed again and again and Berba's beautiful footwork in the box lead to him turning and having a shot right at the end of the 90 minutes, unfortunately straight at Cech.

And so it was extra time. This would indeed be a test of how Spurs' fitness has improved under Ramos. We didn't have to wait very long before Spurs went ahead 2-1 and it was bizarre the way it went in. Woody met a fantastic curling cross from Jenas - the Chelsea defence was nowhere to be seen but Cech came to punch the ball. Lucky for us, Woody's header came off Cech's glove and again ricocheted off Woody's head and bounced over the line (almost in slow motion). Now I was jumping up and down!

Having to defend that lead for 27 minutes was excruciating. What firstly nearly caused me heart failure was Keano being subbed for Kaboul. Does Ramos ever learn? I was in disbelief as if the game went to penalties we'd certainly need him on the pitch. However, I later found out that he felt a slight hamstring strain. Ok, fair enough. Oh but Spurs were really pressed back into their own half after that. Berba up front on his own wasn't working as every time he won a header, there was no-one there to collect it. There were some very hairy moments and I found myself pacing up and down the room; it was unbearable to watch. Robbo redeemed himself and pulled off a couple of great saves. John took my blood pressure in the dying minutes of the game and my pulse rate was 106! It's about the same rate when I run on the treadmill LOL.

Eventually the final whistle came. I have never felt such a huge relief in my life! I dunno what the Chelsea players were complaining about - just because the ref blew just as Kalou took a shot!
He missed anyway. Bad losers. Just accept you were second best on the day.

As I'm typing I'm watching the highlights on Sky and have tears running down my face. Delayed reaction I think. Seeing Ledley our club captain who has been plagued with injuries, lift the cup was a dream come true. I'm also chuffed to bits for Robbie who is Mr Spurs to the core, and who works his socks off game after game. He said he'd been dreaming of moments like this since he was a kid. That's what it's all about: the passion and desire.







GLORY GLORY TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR!

Change of plans

Well it seems we won't be having a lodger after all. John's brother Paul has secured a good job down south and will now be living somewhere near his girls in Hampshire. So we still have a room going spare for any other waifs and strays!

A huge relief

My little tabby cat Sweetie or 'Midge' as she is more commonly called these days hadn't been herself for about a week now. She spewed up her food about 8 days ago and didn't eat anything for 36 hours after that. She then perked up and seemed okay. However, she's been picking at her food every day and today I noticed how she was feeling unwell again, just sitting on the window sill in the kitchen above the radiator, and not looking comfortable. I had it in mind to take her to the vets if there was no improvement by Monday. However, a couple of hours later (approx 3:15) I noticed she was licking her bottom area rather tentatively and I managed to get a quick look. What I could see was some sort of lump or blockage so I immediately rang the vets in the hope in squeezing her in that afternoon. They close for the afternoon at 4pm but luckily they told me I could bring her straight away.

I saw Toni, a young South African vet who was very nice. She thoroughly checked her out and suspected it was an abscess, and so took Midge out the back to see if it could be lanced. It was an anxious wait, hoping that it wasn't anything malicious like a cancerous lump. Five minutes later, Toni returned with Midge, and told me the good news that it was indeed an abscess and she had successfully lanced and drained the puss out of it. It was such a relief. She just has a week's worth of anti-biotics and then will have a check-up next Saturday. Midge has already perked up and has eaten some turkey breast which I'd cooked this morning. Awww, bless. That must've been painful and I now know why she didn't look comfy sitting on her backside!

A bit hairy at the Lane

Spurs 1 Slavia Prague 1 (UEFA Cup 2nd leg)

So Spurs go through 3-2 on aggregate but rather than being the fairly easy game everyone was expecting, it turned a tad hair-raising in the second half. In all honesty Spurs were lucky it didn't go to extra time, and THAT would have been a disaster considering the cup final on Sunday. Not one player shone tonight but I'm sure they will up their game massively to face Chelsea; it's a case of having to. Well done to Jamie O'Hara for getting his first Spurs goals and although it took a massive deflection, he couldn't have cared less!

I was surprised the fans were so quiet tonight; no atmosphere whatsoever - were they all saving themselves for the big one?

PSV Eindhoven are our opponents in the next round which will be a test, but we have to expect that every game now will get tougher and tougher. A trip to the Netherlands may be on the cards for me and John perhaps?



Just before I go, I just wanna wish Gazza all the best for a speedy recovery. Illness, drinking and depression over the years have lead to him being detained under the Mental Health Act. Once a genius on the pitch is now such a tormented soul.

Brits 2008

The Osbournes were front of house this year. They were a tad cringeworthy, especially Sharon, who I like in the X-Factor but not as a host of a show that's for sure. Too O.T.T. for my liking, and too much swearing and shouting. Hardly professional. Kelly and Jack weren't too bad and Ozzy had minimal amounts to say (which was clearly intentional). Why oh why the organisers don't stick to personalities who know how to present a show and address an audience I'll never know (*thinks back and cringes at Mick Fleetwood & Sam Fox*).

A few other guests presenting the awards were an embarrassent. Chris Moyles tried to crack a joke which went down like a lead balloon and Vic Reeves was clearly pissed. Apparently the autocue died on him and he tried to ad-lib which made me wanna hide behind a cushion! Why on earth one of Britain's most talented actors, Sir Ian McKellen, was there God only knows - stick to the Oscars Ian!

Woop woop for Take That winning Best Single for 'Shine' and Best Live Act, which they certainly are, having experienced their show in December. I've gotta say I really don't 'get' the Arctic Monkeys; year after year they get nominated and always seem to win something - tonight it was Best Group and Best British Album. I was disappointed Leona didn't get a look in despite being nominated for four awards. I guess her time will come.

The visual effects of a couple of the performances were amazing. Rihanna singing 'Umbrella' accompanied by the Claxons produced a fantastic laser show and Sir Paul McCartney's 'Live and Let Die' with pyrotechnics galore looking as though the stage had exploded. He, after collecting his well deserved Outstanding Contribution to Music award, performed a compilation to end the show in style, finishing with the ever popular anthem Hey Jude. It must've been a nice escape from the courtroom. I suppose I should mention Amy Winehouse who appeared in a Mark Ronson compilation and also performed solo. She got through it okay but the way she was jigging about, it looked as though she'd had an accident in her pants!


The winners list in full:

Live Act - Take That (yay once again!)

British Album - Arctic Monkeys

International Album - Foo Fighters

British Group - Arctic Monkeys

International Female - Kylie (well done girl!)

British Female Solo Artist - Kate Nash (can't stand her music)

International Group - Foo Fighters

British Male Solo Artist - Mark Ronson (considering he doesn't even sing, this was a surprise)

International Male Solo Artist - Kanye West

British Breakthrough Act - Mika (I like fun music, so well deserved)

Critics Choice - Adele (I love 'Chasing Pavements')

Outstanding Contribution - Sir Paul McCartney (a true pro who will probably be around forever)

Waifs and strays

Waifs and strays Yes, everyone wants to come and live with John and Lisa! The latest 'lodger' will be John's next youngest brother Paul, who may arrive sometime next weekend. He currently lives in Derbyshire, right on the border to Sheffield with his girlfriend and her two children. A few years ago Paul split with his wife Hazel and it was a rough divorce with her trying to take him for everything he had. Obviously I don't know all the ins and outs but it sounded a real mess and really unfair on his part. He also has two children, Yasmin and Ellis who live with Hazel in Hampshire. You can imagine the nightmare travelling to and from Derbyshire to see them, and this is partly the reason why he's decided it's just not working out up north. Paul used to be a very successful businessman in highly paid positions. That all went to pot after his divorce and he couldn't find anything suitable up there. He ended up being a bus driver which is such a come down. He is also involved in the Colour Guard competitions but has to travel long distances to get to venues. For anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, here's a link to explain!

click here

I don't know whether his relationship with Nicola fell apart as well but anyway he's decided to return down south and try and sort out his life. I've no idea how long he'll be staying with us but we're always happy to help the homeless!

One of John's other brothers, Chris, and his wife Sandy lived with us for eleven months during 2005, three months before they went on a round the world trip and eight months after they returned. On that occasion, they had moved to England from Florida where Chris was working. Prior to that they lived in Holland, as Sandy is Dutch. Anyway that worked out okay and there's no reason why Paul's stay won't either. I get on really well with all his family so hopefully it'll be a pleasant experience.

3 men and a corner flag

Slavia Prague 1 Spurs 2 (UEFA Cup)

It was like a saunter in the park in the first half for Spurs, and they really should have been three or four goals to the good. Instead they went into the break 2-0 ahead courtesy of Berbatov and Keane. Berba scored in the 4th minute with a bit of a shot to nothing but the goalkeeper failed to scramble across quick enough. Robbie grabbed his 20th goal of the season when Jenas put him through on the left and he finished past the onrushing Vaniak. The celebration for the second goal was a classic. Robbie took the corner flag and gestured for others to join him - Berba and Chimbo did so and all three straddled the flag and rode it like a horse. Giddy up! I've no idea what was behind it but it made me giggle anyway! (see pic)

Spurs started the second half the same as the first but it all got a bit pressurised after Ramos made the decision to take Keane off. Cerny made an error, dropping the ball on the line and it was poked in making the score 1-2. To be fair, they could've equalised as they had several chances, one of which hit the bar from a header. Ramos has got most things right so far, but I think he has to learn that Keano is such an influential player and substituting him does have an impact on the game. Thankfully, they held on to win the game but instead of being comfortable going back to the Lane in a week's time, they will now have to work hard to ensure of no silly slip ups.

Valentine's Day

The last two years have seen some strange Valentine's gifts: a plant called a dragontree and a cactus! What is it he's trying to say I wonder? Anyway, Johnny got it right this year and stuck to tradional roses. One multi-coloured bunch that he bought himself and another large bunch of dark red ones left over from his depot (he is a operatons manager at a parcel delivery company). I even received a card which is most unusual. I'm not being inappreciative but the message on the card was most inappropriate - it says 'I've known you this long'....and in a thought bubble it has pictures of three calendar months...and then inside it says ' but I love you this much'...with a picture of a cat with wide open arms. I'm not sure I described that very well but as we've been together for 18 years, it goes to show that men don't take much notice of the wording on cards!

Ho hum.

Gutted big time

Didn't get my Wembley ticket. As a Lillywhite member, I was 19 loyalty points short of the required amount. Can't believe it; I'm devastated and will now have to resort to watching it on the telly. What gets my goat more than anything else is the 27,000 tickets that will go to the bloody corporate lot. They're not even interested in the game - it's just a day out to them; a few prawn sandwiches and a glass of wine. To real fans like myself, it's a dream to go to Wembley and support your beloved team in a cup final. Apparently, even Chelsea can't sell all their allocated tickets! SO GIVE THEM TO US! I'm just so upset; it's grossly unfair considering I'm at the Lane on average every 2-3 weeks and spend my hard earned cash on tickets and other merchandise.

That'll do

Derby 0 Spurs 3 (Keane, Kaboul, Berbatov pen)

I watched this one on the internet and it was one of those games where not a lot happened. No pretty football, not much get-up-and-go and the first half came and went without anything to write home about. Dawson unfortunately went off injured much to the distaste of Juande Ramos it seemed; he was replaced by Kaboul. Woody was suspended for one game.


The second half wasn't much better. O'Hara substituted Boateng from the off who had had an awful game. Somehow Spurs managed to scrap out a win Chelsea-like with three goals - a flattering scoreline really, considering how they played. The match brightened up when Berbatov came on for Bent, who once again, was non-existent. This scares me slightly because when Berbatov isn't there next season (I'm 95% certain of that) the team doesn't have the same creativity and vision going forward, and someone who can hold up the ball. Still, the summer will be a time for quite a bit of change I feel, where Ramos is concerned. He has a reputation to uphold with the amount of trophies he's already won with other clubs.

The thing that mattered the most today was securing the three points without a doubt. The gap is lengthening between us and Newcastle and closing with West Ham. We have to get into the top half of the table SOON! Next stop: Prague in the UEFA Cup.

Really angry blog....

Spurs 1 Man Ure 1

Rarely do I use swear words in a blog but that f***ing twat of a referee Mark Clattenberg isn't fit to wear the black shirt. A slice of Battenberg could've done a better job! I've just got home from the Lane and I'm still absolutely livid that because of such ridiculously poor decisions, we have come away with just a point. It actually feels like we lost the game.

Three minutes of added time had already elapsed and yet the ref still allows United to take the corner, which inevitably led to their equaliser. No sooner had Spurs kicked off again, the whistle went for full time. I'm not even going to bother blaming our defence this time for failing to hold on in the dying minutes because all through the game, Clattenberg couldn't control the game. The way the United players surround the referee and consistently moan really pisses me off. Trouble is they always get away with it. I'm really surprised they didn't get awarded a dodgy penalty.

On the positive, our boys played their hearts out again today and deserved to win. A renewed determination and improved fitness are key factors. New signings Woodgate and Hutton were very impressive. If Jonathan can stay fit, he will be a rock for us at the back - just what we need. Dawson was excellent - back to his best, although he needs to work on the accuracy of his forward balls. Steed and Keano gave 100% effort as usual. However, it was Berba who got the goal in the first half; a ricochet off a defender and it was an easy sidefoot into the net. Spurs came so close to a 2-0 lead when Berba found Keane free in the box but he hit it first time straight at Van der Sar. What an opportunity, and one he'll be having nightmares about considering the end result.

At least we can say that Spurs are definitely heading in the right direction. Ramos has quite rightly got stuck in and sorted out the defence first and foremost. Starting with Cerny, I think he's far more confident than Robbo and barring the goal which went under his body last week, has looked solid. He pulled off a sensational save today by the way. The four in front of him have been changing each game for the past few weeks so it would be nice to finally see a settled and regular lineup.

At the close of the January transfer window, we have four new players, two of which I've already mentioned. Gunter, a young Welsh defender will no doubt spend some time on the subs bench for now but it's so nice to see how many young players Spurs are bringing in and despite having a Spanish manager, three out of the four are British. The other is left back Gilberto from Hertha Berlin. When I first heard this name I nearly had a fit, thinking we'd signed a Gooner! Gardner and Stalteri have been loaned out and Routledge was signed by Villa.

Finally, just have to say a bye-bye and good luck to Jermain Defoe has been a great servant for Spurs over the last few years. He signed for Pompey two days ago and guess what? He goes and scores on his debut!