Thank you Sir Alex.

It has taken me a couple of days to get over the shock of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement - I know, kind of pathetic. He has brought me such joy over the many years and I wish him the very best.
I do not gamble but have been predicting David Moyes to take over for the past three years so am happy enough about that.
For Man United fans everywhere:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1ykMNtzMT8

Happy and Holy New Year...see you soon!

Dear All,

I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year. On this, the last day in the Christmas Octave and the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, may the blessing of the Christ child bring light hope and peace to you and all your loved ones.

After a self-imposed purdah, I will return to posting next week with a few reflections on the events that I have missed - the so-called hostage taking at my place of work (so much for the Levenson-era level of reportage by the 'Sun', 'Daily Mail', etc...), the absolute nightmare being visited upon those who are working full-time for low wages and trying to find a decent home on housing benefit, along with the continuing developments in the world of the Personal Ordinariates.

I might force myself to mention Manchester United's beginning the New Year at the top of the League (whatever the outcome of today's games).

I am also planning to concentrate on the County and Unitary Council Elections due in May of this year. Following the debacle for Labour in 2009, it is easy to predict big gains for them, so I will take a bit more of a risky strategy of making guesses (educated, I hope) about the outcome in the politically unusual unitary authority of Cornwall, the former Liberal redoubt of the Isle of Wight, my former home in Durham and the county of Suffolk.

For those in the know, the Cornish electoral world is a wonder to behold so wish me luck.

Anyway, take care and best wishes.

Premership Blues

Oh well - congratulations Manchester City on winning the League - yes, I know I have taken a bit of time to mention it but I have had to get over the remarkable last 5 minutes when all my determination to believe that Man U could not win the Premiership had been overwhlemed by what looked like we could win it after all. I'll take losing on goal difference in a transitional year for us and, hopefully, coming second means that the Glazers will spend some serious money on transfers this year.

It is nice to see my cousins so happy as well - I remember that feeling - don't get used to it.

Of course, the real joy - who the **** are Liverpool? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!

Oh, what a perfect day...

In the midst of all the controversies in the world of politics and religion, it might be as well to concentrate on the joys of sport. So, England beat France 24 - 22 in Paris, GB win a pile of medals at athletics and, oh joy of joys, whilst Manchester United beat West Brom 2-0, the glorious Swansea gave Manchester City a lesson in football respect at Liberty Stadium.
Top of table with 10 games to go. Sweet joy!