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Winter's World: The Old Firm Aftermath Tuesday, 09 March 2010 08:30 Written by Jeff Winter

You would think that being away in the sun for a week would give a complete break from football but not so. In fact in the Canaries you can probably watch more live games than at home in the UK.

I limited my involvement to what was on the TV in the pub before going for our evening meal. The phone kept ringing though and I did an exclusive interview for the News of the World in Scotland on the aftermath of the Rangers v Celtic game.

 As usual with this fixture it stirs up the passion!!

Ireland were back in action for the first time since being robbed by Thierry Henry, facing Brazil at the Emirates. Once again they were unlucky with decisions as the opening goal was offside.

The same night Darlington’s virtually none existent chances of survival were given another almighty blow as Port vale came to the Arena and left with all three points.

The following night England showed the two faces of the national side, a poor first half where they were outplayed by Egypt then a second half performance that had the fans and reporters dreaming of world Cup glory. I really hope that I am wrong, but personally I just can’t see it. If anything happens to Rooney we are goosed!!

Returning home to the cold it was off to Wigan on Friday night to speak at a Sportsman’s Dinner at Wigan Cricket Club. It is strange when you meet someone that you just don’t expect to see. I bumped into former Boro and Hartlepool player Peter Creamer, who was at the do as a guest.

It was ironic because he was responsible for getting me started on the speaking circuit when he worked for Cameron’s Brewery. I used to do a few nights at various pubs ten years ago. Once again I was working with Leslie Gibson, who is just getting better and better and madder and madder. To describe him as a comedy impressionist just does not do him justice. Well worth booking him if you are putting on an event. Working with him again next Friday so I will have to listen to him again.

The dinner circuit is getting back to how it was prior to the financial problems and whilst away another two bookings were confirmed. At this rate I am going to have to cut back on holidays!

Also whilst I was away a cheque arrived from William Hill’s for the Great North Air Ambulance. Boro beating QPR by two goals and leading at both half time and full time, coupled with an early goal in the Cardiff game have taken the winnings this season to over £600. Invaluable as the Great North Ambulance are desperate for funds to pay for the new helicopter. Check out my charity bets each week on my site.

Saturday saw the usual, Darlington and Boro losing, Rangers winning and I was at Victoria Park to see a Roy O’Donavon inspired Hartlepool thump Southend and ease the pressure towards the foot of the Division One table. They now have two away games and need to continue their home form on the road to climb towards the top half of the League.

Elsewhere it was FA Cup semi-final weekend, which passed almost without mention. With most of the top sides out of the competition the media seem to have lost interest in the competition. One talking point was yet another 'ball over the goal-line' incident in the Portsmouth v Birmingham game, ironically only an hour after FIFA had declared that they are no longer to be looking at technology to help match officials. I will cover this subject in greater detail in other articles this week, which will be available on my site.

Sunday saw me off to the races at Sedgefield.

Odds on favourite, the Denis O’Regan ridden Double Expresso romps home in the second race at Sedgefield. It paid out £1.90 on the Tote. Wise after the event, mine finished second, but at least I got the forecast!!

Not a profitable afternoon but enjoyable as a good crowd flocked to the County Durham track. My biggest problem apart from not picking winners was declining the temptation to get some fish and chips. I might not have done justice to my Sunday Dinner when I got home!!

As usual my Sunday evening was interrupted by my slot on Talksport, taking more unlikely listeners questions on what happened if? Tune in on a Sunday evening after 8.30 pm.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday I am off up to Kilmarnock to watch Rangers hopefully go thirteen points clear at the top of the SPL. It is actually conceivable that they could win the League before the split. Have I tempted fate now?

Wednesday is Catterick races and Friday night off to Stockport to speak at a Golf Club Dinner.

On Saturday I was due to face a very long trip to North Devon via watching Hartlepool at Yeovil. However the event at Bideford Football Club has now been deferred till the end of the season so I can come home and go to the Riverside to watch Boro play Newcastle United. Fearing the worst but knowing Boro they might just turn the Geordies over. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy your week.

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