Gary Speed remembered at Everton
Everton fans study the Gary Speed tributes at Goodison Park
The weekend ended with a trip to Goodison Park for the Everton tie against Stoke. Gary Speed had been a child fan of the Toffees, and eventually went on to play for them between 1996 and 1998. He recorded his only career hat trick with Everton in a 7-1 trouncing over Southampton, and went on to be voted Everton player of the year in his first season.
Dreary weather hadn’t stopped Evertonians leaving their tributes to the late Wales manager, though it did stop many from stopping to view others fond memories. Proof of the fans appreciation came inside the stadium, where the minutes applause was observed brilliantly, and his name chanted throughout. Gary’s father, Roger, entered the pitch with the players for the remembrance and was clearly moved by the efforts shown. He left with his own applause for the crowd.
Stoke went on to beat Everton with a 0-1 victory, courtesy of a first half goal from German Robert Huth.
Gary Speed tributes adorn the gates at Goodison Park
Gary Speed tributes adorn the gates at Goodison Park
Leeds remember Gary Speed
Leeds had been the career starting point for the young Welsh man, and played a pivotal role in developing him into the man appreciated and loved by most football fans. The first game to be played at Elland Road following his untimely death was always going to be a poignant one.
Outside, tributes had been left at the Billy Bremner statue from the first few hours of the story breaking. A week later, and the tributes were still pouring in. Inside Elland Road, his family had been welcomed to the club and were in the old directors box. As the players came out of the tunnel and the remembrance minute began, the emotion was clearly too much for many of his relatives.
The entire stadium rang to the sound of applause, and a chorus of ‘There’s only one Gary Speed’ soon followed. The match turned out to become a side event, with the crowd vocally active throughout the 90 minutes – indeed, ‘Ohhh Gary, Gary Gary Gary Gary Speed’ echoed heartrendingly around for a good constant 10 minutes. The atmosphere was respectful and emotionally charged, and served as an excellent reminder as to how much football can touch thousands of peoples’ lives. Money and scandal does not come into it on days like today, football for the love of football.
Fittingly, Robert Snodgrass scored a second half brace to seal a 2-0 victory over Millwall on this most sorrowful of days.
Fans crowd around the Billy Bremner statue at Elland Road, to remember the late Wales manager Gary Speed
The Billy Bremner statue at Elland Road is covered with flowers, shirts and dedications to the late Wales manager Gary Speed
The Billy Bremner statue at Elland Road is covered with flowers, shirts and dedications to the late Wales manager Gary Speed
Tearful fans pay their respects to the late Gary Speed with a silent vigil by the Billy Bremner statue at Elland Road
England v Australia – 4 Nations Final
England's Sam Tomkins fumbles a catch under pressure at Elland Road
England's James Graham is challenged at Elland Road
England's Sam Tomkins and Ryan Hall lead the applause following defeat at Elland Road
Australia celebrate with the cup following victory at Elland Road
Australia's Sam Thaiday, captain Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith pose for photographs at Elland Road
Kauto Star wins the Betfair Chase at Haydock
Kauto Star leads the group on the home straight in the Betfair Chase
Kauto Star, ridden by Ruby Walsh romps home to win the Betfair Chase
Kauto Star stands with owner Clive Smith, jockey Ruby Walsh and trainer Paul Nicholls
England’s 4 Nations Final
England's Sam Tomkins at Headingley, Leeds
England's Ryan Hall at Headingly, Leeds
Wales v Australia – 4 Nations Championship
Wales' Gil Dudson at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Australia's Darius Boyd scores a try at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Australia's Greg Inglis scores a try at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Wales' Lee Briers conducts a team talk at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Wales v Norway – International Friendly
Gareth Bale of Wales and Tottenham Hotspurs at the Cardiff City Stadium
Wayne Hennessey of Wales wears an armband decorted with a poppy at the Cardiff City Stadium
The Wales team line up for photographs at the Cardiff City Stadium
Craig Bellamy of Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium
Gareth Bale of Wales and Jonathan Parr of Norway at the Cardiff City Stadium
Sam Vokes of Wales scores his sides third goal at the Cardiff City Stadium
Sam Vokes of Wales celebrates scoring at the Cardiff City Stadium
Norway's John Arne Riise during his 100th international cap at the Cardiff City Stadium
St Helen’s v Leeds – engage Super League Grand Final 2011
Leeds' Zak Hardaker celebrates scoring the winning try at Old Trafford
Leeds celebrate becoming champions at Old Trafford
Montenegro v England – UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying
The England team line at the City Stadium, Podgorica
England manager Fabio Capello at the City Stadium, Podgorica
England's Ashley Young heads in the opening goal at the City Stadium, Podgorica
England's Ashley Young celebrates the opening goal at the City Stadium, Podgorica
England's Wayne Rooney applauds the travelling fans as he returns to the dressing rooms following his red card at the City Stadium, Podgorica
England v India – 2nd Test, Trent Bridge
England's Stuart Broad leaves the field after securing victory at Trent Bridge
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A ladybird crawls along advertising boards at Trent Bridge
England's Andrew Strauss watches on as a shot is quickly blocked at Trent Bridge
England's Tim Bresnan in action at Trent Bridge
England's Andrew Strauss looks over his shoulder towards the score board at Trent Bridge
India's Sachin Tendulkar returns to the pavilion as England celebrate his dismissal at Trent Bridge
England's Tim Bresnan celebrates a wicket with team mates at Trent Bridge
PDC Skybet World Matchplay Darts – Day Four
Denis Ovens rues a bad throw at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
The fourth and final of my nights at the PDC World Matchplay in Blackpool, very much took on the theme of hairstyles. The night featured many a strange do. Denis Ovens’ own cut, I thought, wasn’t too dissimilar to my own (left).
Though perhaps the stand out cuts from the nights eight dartists were those belonging to Peter Wright and Simon Whitlock. Both, had seemingly had a certain length of time spent on them, and it was noted on the TV commentary that Peter Wright’s wife had spent upwards of two hours completing the intricate dragon design, dyed into her husbands hair. I wonder if it’s permanent? The dedication to detail was faultless, the design was finished off with a single green gem to signify the snakes eye. A matching shirt, and the unique look was most certainly achieved.
Simon Whitlock had spent a little longer than two hours on his hair. A pony tail trailed down his back to his upper waist. As someone who has had shaggy long hair, though tame by comparison to this length.. I am aware of how long it takes, and how much care needs to be taken! Blonde finishing to the neatly trimmed and spiked top of the head gave the overall look some brightness. But, this was not only the follicle feast provide by him, a lovely manicured beard hung down from the chin at a certainly impressive length.
Well, I gave it a go but I doubt I’ll ever be a writer for Hairstylist Monthly. Best stick to taking photographs eh!
Darts has always held a level of intrigue for me as to it’s level of sporting prowess. Following my four nights at this international tournament though, I do have a new found respect for the talents these guys have. Sure, they won’t be running 100m in sub 9.5 seconds, but they can hit those doubles when they need to. It is a sport in the true sense of the word, the preciseness of the throwing arms alone is enough to justify the competition, not to mention the hair dos.
Peter Wright at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Simon Whitlock at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
PDC Skybet World Matchplay Darts – Day Three
Mervyn King looks a little surprised at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
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Mervyn King grits his teeth as he slides towards defeat at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Phil 'the Power' Taylor at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
PDC Skybet World Matchplay Darts – Day Two
A view of the dart board at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
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Paul Nicholson celebrates winning a leg at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Raymond van Barneveld at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Raymond van Barneveld at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Steve Brown looks dejected following a bad throw at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
PDC Skybet World Matchplay Darts – Day One
Kevin Painter looks helpless as he nears defeat at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
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Adrian Lewis celebrates his first round victory at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Vincent van der Voort in action at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
A general view at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
England triumphant over Sri Lanka
England's Jade Dernbach celebrates taking the final wicket to secure victory, with captain Alastair Cook at Old Trafford
The final match in the Natwest one day series between England and Sri Lanka, held at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground, was to be the decider. The day started much like any other in this glorious city – grey! Upon opening the curtains this morning, I was presented with spots of rain on the window and a glum feeling in the pit of my stomach. It felt like it was going to be one of those days. Having not done much cricket this summer, and no internationals at all, I had been quite looking forward to it.
The weather forecast on BBC Breakfast cheered me up a little, predicting possible showers early on (which wasn’t news!) then to brighten up around lunch. Sadly, the prediction turned out to be wrong. It’d brightened up before the toss. Win.
England won said toss, and opted to bat first. As a photographer, this is usually the desired option. UK newspapers will naturally be after England action shots, and having them bat first means that you can get a decent variety out early on in the day. Leaving you to only have to deal (hopefully!) with the celebratory shots at the end of the day.
The home side started strongly with a number of half centuries and ended the innings on 268-9 after completing their full 50 overs. I was informed that this was a good effort and gave plenty for Sri Lanka to chase after the interval. Thank you BBC Sport. The teams came back out after lunch to applause from the crowd, a special amount reserved for local boy James Anderson whose county side is of course, Lancashire. Unfortunately he didn’t make too much of an impact with his bowling, but the crowd stayed behind the team and spurred them on and the wickets soon started falling. It was Jade Dernbach however who made the greatest impact, completing a catch before dropping a second but confidently sealing the victory with the final wicket. Sri Lanka were beaten by 16 runs with a score of 252 all out.
The glorious summer day ended with the perfect victory for this young England side, who must next face World Cup winning India.
A general view at Old Trafford
England's Craig Kieswetter in action at Old Trafford
England's Eoin Morgan in action at Old Trafford
St Helens v Hull – engage Super League
Hull coach Richard Agar at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
A late call on a Thursday evening from an ill colleague resulted in me having a rare Friday night working. Rugby league it was. The same rugby league that I hadn’t done any of since the season opener at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium back in February!
The tie saw mid-table Hull take on high flying St Helens. Chances are St Helens were going to walk the game at their adopted home, the Stobart Stadium in Widnes. Unfortunately for me, this meant I’d probably have a quiet game, as the clients were the papers in and around Hull! With a prospective away defeat on his hands, photographs of coach Richard Agar looking thoughtful or disappointed were a must. This can be a problem, when the only decent access you have is before the game – when spirits are usually high!
The first half saw me shooting the Hull attack with me facing the St Helens fans at the opposite end. The late summer sunshine provided a lovely warm light across the centre of the field, though the shade at my end was problematic with backlit exposures! More problems with backlighting in the second half was partially fixed with moving ten feet to my right, but still caused issues with silhouetting. Though when the lighting worked, it worked nicely, casting a golden glow across the pitch.
St Helens wrapped up the tie with a 28 – 14 victory way before time despite a late consolation try from Joe Westerman, converted by Tom Briscoe. The suspected quiet game didn’t disappoint, but what action there was, was at least fairly decent.
Hull's Joe Westerman is tackled by Saint's Jonny Lomax at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
Hull's Sam Moa is tackled by Saint's James Roby and James Graham at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
Lancashire’s start to the FLT20 series
Lancashire’s twenty20 season opened with mixed blessings. An early draw against Derbyshire Falcon’s was followed up with a home and away victory over Worcestershire Royals and Leicestershire Foxes, respectively. The momentum was not maintained however, and they have now clocked up two successive home defeats. Firstly an immediate response from the foxes, then Yorkshire in the ‘Battle of the Roses’. Both lost in the final two balls.
Storm clouds gather at Old Trafford
Yorkshire's Ryan Sidebottom celebrates securing victory over Lancashire at Old Trafford
Yorkshire's Richard Pryah attempts to run out Lancashire's Luke Proctor at Old Trafford
Lancashire's Stephen Moore in action at Old Trafford
Lancashire's Luke Proctor is bowled out by Worcestershire's Jack Shantry at Old Trafford
Michael Holding & Rainbows Hospice
..and here we are, finally, Leicester! For those that haven’t chronologically followed, earlier in the day, I had been to Chester for the British Red Cross. The benefactor for this job was however, another charity, Rainbows Hospice. Colorsport had a table at the event and I had been assigned the duty of photographing the evening. With a number of cricketing related guests, including Dickie Bird and Peter Bowler aside the star, West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding.. there was much to be captured!
Michael Holding talks to the audience
Michael Holding shares a joke with Geoff Miller
Michael Holding and umpire Dickie Bird with the Colorsport team
Manchester United Parade
As I closed in on Manchester, from the Sheffield direction over the A628 Woodhead Pass (which just happens to be my favourite road) I could see the weather deteriorating quickly. Welcome home, Phil! Compounded by the early morning drive back from London where I had been at the Champions League final (in which, United had been defeated by Barcelona) and London Legends over the weekend, my heart began to sink. I hadn’t been properly rained on all season, and was rather hoping that this would extend to the final day of my personal season. The Manchester United home coming parade, with the Premier League trophy. It wasn’t to be.
Would I turn up at the Cathedral starting point to find a few damp squibs of supporters, who had braved the rain and early bank holiday start? Would it be cancelled? Just a couple of the many fears I was facing. Thankfully, I needed not worry.
I parked up at Deansgate Locks, making use of the free bank holiday parking in the city centre. Arriving just under an hour before the start, I was a little worried at it being so easy to actually find a space, but I could spot a good number of fans piling out of Deansgate railway and Metrolink stations. I decided on following the majority of them right down Deansgate to the Cathedral so I could take some fan related shots and then the team on the bus in the first minute or so of their journey, where I thought they would be at their most boisterous. Needless to say, by the time I’d reached the start I was as wet as brave fans in the pictures below!
Manchester United fans brave the rain outside Manchester Cathedral on Deansgate, Manchester
Fans brave the rain on Deansgate, Manchester
Next to do, was to decide which side of Deansgate to get a spot on. The eastern side would give me the earliest shots of the team bus, whereas the western side would give me better backgrounds, with the Cathedral and prettier architectural delights of the route through the city. The western side it was. On the whole, a good decision, thought it did mean I was blocked by the curve in the road for the opening explosion of confetti.. alas, I was not the only one, having spotted colleagues on the same side.
Eventually however (how slow do those buses go?) the bus creeped into view and I was blessed with the view presented below. Enthusiasm had not dampened in the rain, and Rio Ferdinand was in full control of the mic! The crowd were being spurred on to sing and chant by each and every team member. Some were clearly enjoying it, whilst others found the direct attention every so slightly embarrassing!
Bebe, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Nani celebrate with the trophy on Deansgate, Manchester
I followed the bus and the crowd back down Deansgate. Partly to get more shots, and partly because I’d parked the car back down by the Beetham Tower and the Locks. Having done so proved to be fruitful, as Edwin van der Sar pretended to drop the trophy in true Sergio Ramos style, much to the shock of his team mates.. soon followed by the realisation of the prank!
Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United pretends to drop the trophy on Deansgate, Manchester
Javier Hernandez, Edwin Van Der Sar and Patrice Evra laugh on Deansgate, Manchester
As the bus passed under the railway bridge and onto Chester Road, I left the party for the relative dry and warmth of my car to edit and wire pictures out to newspapers. All this action and it was still only 10.30am! The rest of the day was spent as a bank holiday should, in front of the telly with good food, and good beer, but I could rest assured that my work was done.
UEFA Europa League Final 2011
General view of the 'Dublin Arena'
The first major final of the season for myself was to be the UEFA Europa League final. It was to be contested by the two Portuguese teams, FC Porto and Sporting Braga at the temporarily renamed ‘Dublin Arena’. Something to do with sponsorship rules, apparently.
The day began at home in Manchester, with an alarm call at 6.30am. I was to be travelling with a small group of other photographers over to Dublin on the ferry from Holyhead, which naturally meant an early rise and pick up. We were to get the early morning ferry, in anticipation of any problems on the other side, what with HRH the Queen also visiting Dublin. A case of great minds think alike? Probably not. In fact, probably the exact opposite, on our part.
Had either of the two British teams involved in the competition made the final, one can only begin to imagine the possible chaos that would have ensued. Both Manchester City and Liverpool crashed out in the round of 16, against Dynamo Kiev and eventual finalists Sporting Braga, respectively. Upon arriving at the ferry terminal however, it soon became clear that there were small factions of each fan set than had believed their teams could make the final and had bought tickets on their release. Their early morning faces were covered with regret.
The ferry ride was highly uneventful on the whole, the highlight being fleeced almost €7 for a bacon and sausage muffin (bap, barm, roll, cob…). Still, it felt like almost €7 well spent at the time. You can’t put a price on a half decent breakfast! Disembarking in Dublin, we opted for a minibus straight to the stadium to hopefully avoid any Queen related road closures.
Collecting our accreditation was the first task on arriving at the AVI.. ‘Dublin Arena’. UEFA had kindly taken over a school gym to accommodate the masses expected. Needless to say, there was no queue, just a gaggle of disappointed photographers who thought they’d struck gold having packed their speedos and seen the signage for ‘swimming pool’. I jest. Passes collected, we headed all the way back round the stadium to the media entrance.
Once inside, and having dumped our bags, there was a visit to the lovely chaps at Canon Professional Services who were kind enough to clean my two 1D Mark III bodies, and even kindlier lend me a Canon 500mm f4 IS for the evening. Aside picking our assigned photo positions there wasn’t too much to do until the hour before kick off, and so entertained myself with a 5D Mark II and 15mm f2.8.
Andre Villas Boas manager of FC Porto at the Dublin Arena
Kick off! Well, almost. Having hauled enough gear outside to open my own outlet, the first task was to set up. I had my usual two cameras, with long and short lenses on, and I had planned to put out my remote camera too, behind the goal. On top of these everyday preparations, we had also been provided with power and a hard wired internet connection. For both we had to liaise with the UEFA technicians that had been assigned to each of the four corners, though it wasn’t long before I had a plug socket and ethernet cable right by my seat – a decent seat, provided. Yet another novelty of a major final!
One name that had been specifically pointed out in my brief had been that of the FC Porto manager, Andre Villas Boas. Dubbed as ‘the new Jose Mourinho’ he is expected to arrive in England in the not too distant future, and so images of him both before, during and following the game would be of value. I took the decision to focus on him almost exclusively during our allotted time at the dug outs as the national anthems were played, and the team photos were done. It turned out to be a wise choice, as he opted to sit down almost immediately, leaving the variety of shots slim on the ground.
Lima of Sporting Braga almost catches Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto with a high challenge at the Dublin Arena
Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto kisses the trophy at the Dublin Arena
So finally, almost 13 hours after setting off, the referee’s whistle blew and the match kicked off. The game was one sided on the whole, in the favour of FC Porto. This, in the first half, proved to be a nightmare with what turned out to be the only goal scored at the opposite end. Porto’s Radamel Falcao Garcia, picture above, was the scorer. This set in motion planning for the second half, which included both massive amounts of concentration, and a lot of hoping. Concentration, was possible despite tiredness setting in. Hope was for another goal in the second half. It didn’t come.
The final whistle blew and Porto were confirmed as UEFA Europa League champions. I still needed to get the shot of goalscorer Falcao Garcia in joyous celebration and this preyed on my mind during the trophy presentation and lap of honour. Concentration paid off and the shot was achieved. I managed to snap him up close kissing the trophy. Job done.
Not quite. There were now around 1200 frames to sift through, edit and wire out the best of the best. Celebration shots were amongst the more important and were done immediately pitch side. Looking upon the mass of camera bodies, lenses, laptops, cables and other unidentified paraphernalia with a certain amount of disdain, the packing up had to begin. Do you ever get that feeling that you are missing something, despite having lost nothing? Well, that is a feeling that isn’t uncommon on the best of days for myself, and this evening it was somewhat exacerbated.
Back in the media working area, the borrowed equipment was speedily returned (wouldn’t want a bill for a Canon 500 f4 dropping through my letter box!) and then the more in depth edit began. Challenges, yellow cards, free kicks, reactions.. these were my first target, followed by stock imagery of single players. Time flew by, ever so slowly. Even my joke about a particular library book got a laugh. 3am was soon knocking at the door, and kicking out time was upon us all.
The ferry home wasn’t until 8.45am, it was a long and slow walk back to the terminal. Some of us managed 10 to 15 minutes worth of sleep on the cold floor, the rest sat staring into space or watching the clock tick on by. The extra €16 for Club Class on the return leg turned out to be the best investment of the trip. No noisy children, unlimited self service cold breakfast and beverages. It was a little luxury on another wise long and tiring 24 hours away. Sometimes you just have to push the boat out..
FC Porto celebrate victory at the Dublin Arena
Clubs For Young People – Indoor football
Charity Clubs for Young People commissioned me to create images for their Gillette sponsored 5 a side football finals, at the Trafford Park Soccer Dome, Manchester.
Football outdoors during winter can be difficult enough, but indoors during the winter.. touching on impossible! Light was in short supply before kick off, and come the final whistle creative use of wide angle shots were the best bet for capturing the action.
Ireland v Norway – International Friendly
Another visit to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland saw me covering the international friendly between Ireland and Norway. Whilst this trip was 50% shorter than last, it was 100% more damp. It rained. Not to worry though, rain adds to the pictures I think!
The match itself started off at a pace, with two first half goals, one from each side. However following the break it took another 40 minutes to break the deadlock when Erik Huseklepp put a shot past Manchester City keeper Shay Given to seal victory.
KKS Lech Poznan v Manchester City – UEFA Europa League
A trip out to Poland to follow Manchester City in their Europa League campaign – lovely! Flying in to Krakow the day before allowed me some time in quite possibly my favourite city in the world, then the following morning was an 8 hour train ride to compete with, and the return leg immediately after the game for my flight home the next morning. I shared much of the journey with a small number of travelling fans, the 3-1 defeat and lack of sleep really was showing on the trip home.. myself certainly included in that.
The game itself was a frustrating one, and very quiet on the action front. An equaliser from Emmanuel Adebayor lifted spirits for a short time but Poznan’s second and third goals sealed the fate for Roberto Mancini’s side, whom still need points for qualification to the knock out stages.
