Champions Manchester City parade the Premier League trophy
The press focus their cameras on the Manchester City squad
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City holds up the Premier League trophy
The Manchester City side begin their bus parade through Manchester
Manchester City fans surround the parade bus as it makes it's way through Manchester
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City leads celebrations as the bus makes it way through Manchester
A Manchester City fan holds up an 'RIP Fergie' sign, which later ended up with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City
Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones promote England Footballers Foundation
Manchester United's Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones
James Milner launches The James Milner Foundation
A call from the Colorsport office on a sunny Monday morning began the day on a high note. The Times newspaper had been in touch to ask if anyone was available in the Manchester area. I was. The assignment, which I gladly chose to accept, was to visit the Lowry Hotel in the city centre to produce a series of photographs of Manchester City star James Milner who was launching a new foundation aiming to help young people.
From the foundation website:
The James Milner Foundation (JMF) is a charity to promote healthy recreation for the benefit of young people in the United Kingdom by the development, improvement and provision of opportunities in sports, in particular football, rugby and cricket.
Football - James Milner Foundation Launch - Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Football - James Milner Foundation Launch - Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Football - James Milner Foundation Launch - Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Grand National Meet 2012
Big Bucks ridden by Ruby Walsh following victory in the BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle
A lady race goer rests her feet as her heals begin to hurt
Lady race goers react as their horse falls behind
Silviniaco Conti ridden by Ruby Walsh romps home to victory in the John Smith's Mildmay Novices' Chase
Battle Group ridden by Tom Scudamore and winner Saint Are ridden by D Costello race for the finish line during the John Smith's Handicap Chase
Winner Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob (yellow and red) clears the Chair jump during the Grand National
Ballabriggs ridden by Jason Maguire clears the Chair during the Grand National
Winner Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob pips SunnyHillBoy in a photo finish
Winner Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob celebrates victory in the Grand National
Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos – Super League
Friday evening’s game at Odsal had been chalked up to possibly be the Bulls’ final game. Due to financial difficulties, the club was likely to enter administration if £500,000 could not be found before the end of the day – also the end of the tax year. A statement was due to be released the following morning. There had been an emergency auction to raise funds, alongside street collections and a telephone hotline set up to take pledges. A bumper crowd was expected to fill the historic Odsall Stadium, and the support did not disappoint. There was talk of season ticket holders leaving their entitlement at home, and paying extra for the privilege of watching on from the terraces.
Drizzle very much summed up the general mood before kick off, with many fans with glum expressions on their face. Kick off halted the rain, and turned the frowns upside down. The atmosphere was certainly something to behold. The travelling Leeds’ support was more numerous than normal, and volleyed for vocal supremacy with the home crowd. The first half however, did not provide too much in the way of on field entertainment with just the single Leeds try.
The break proved to be the required catalyst, and a dazzling second half performance from Bradford saw the deficit turned around. Tries from Ben Jeffries and Bull’s man of the match Jamie Langley saw the despondent home side record a morale boosting victory. Indeed, the team lap of honour following the final whistle suggested an improving mood in the Bradford camp.
A general view at the Odsal Stadium
Leeds kick off in front of a packed Odsal Stadium
Bradford's Tom Burgess in action at the Odsal Stadium
Bradford man of the match Jamie Langley celebrates victory at the Odsal Stadium
Bradford head coach Mick Potter leads his victorious side off the pitch at the Odsal Stadium
Cheltenham Festival – Day Three
Jockey Barry Geraghty poses with racehorse Riverside Theatre, trainer Nicky Henderson and part owner James Nesbitt at Cheltenham
Big Bucks ridden by jockey Ruby Walsh (far right) clears a hurdle during his victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham
Big Bucks clears the final jump with jockey Ruby Walsh on his way to victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham
Big Bucks ridden by jockey Ruby Walsh romps home to victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham
Trainer Paul Nicholls congratulates jockey Ruby Walsh on victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle having ridden Big Bucks at Cheltenham
Jockey Barry Geraghty, actor James Nesbitt and jockey Ruby Walsh at Cheltenham Festival
England U18 v Poland U18 – International Friendly
Polish fans light flares during their vocal support at Crewe
England team group at Crewe
Poland's Alan Uryga and England's Hallam Hope at Crewe
England's Jack Barmby challenges Poland's Adam Redecki at Crewe
England's Matt Lecointe scores a goal at Crewe
England's Hallam Hope celebrates scoring at Crewe
Chris Crawshaw sets new UK freediving record
An early Sunday evening at Walkden’s Total Fitness with colleague Sean Peters, an avid freediver, saw myself record a new UK record in the little known sport of freediving. The sport is a form of diving that negates the use of any breathing apparatus usually associated with periods of time spent at depth. Indeed, freediving for many across the world is not even a sport, but a means to their daily food and livelihood. To find out more, visit their site at www.freedivers.co.uk.
Upon our arrival, freediver Chris Crawshaw had already been preparing himself for two hours. Breathing exercises and yoga based physical exercises, I am told, make up the majority of this preparation. It is vital in readying the body for oxygen depravation, and the muscles for running on what the lungs can hold in reserve.
On to something that I do know a little about now.. the technical aspects of shooting with next to no light! It was dark. 1/125, f2.8, ISO3200. I shot in RAW, removed noise in Lightroom. Job done, client happy.
Chris Crawshaw prepares for his dive
Chris Crawshaw prepares for his dive
Chris Crawshaw prepares for his dive
Chris Crawshaw prepares for his dive
Chris Crawshaw takes his last gasps of air
Judges confirm to Chris Crawshaw that he has set a new UK record of 150m
Chris Crawshaw celebrates his new UK record of 150m
Chris Crawshaw looks delighted with his new UK record of 150m
Poland v Portugal – National Stadium, Warsaw
Two days in the Polish capital of Warsaw, saw me take in the delight of the first football match to be held at the new National Stadium (Stadion Narodowy). The stadium is one of four to have been built in former Soviet stronghold, alongside four in neighbouring Ukraine, to host UEFA’s Euro 2012.
Upon my arrival, I had been greeted by slush clogged streets as the weather was at the tail end of a cold snap. However, much to my delight, on the following day the streets were dry and sky was blue! Dare I say, it was even approaching t-shirt weather.
Warsaw's Royal Castle (right) looms over the Old Town
Warsaw's Old Town market square
This, I was most grateful for. After devouring breakfast, I decided on a fifteen minute walk up Nowy Swiat towards the picturesque Old Town. I’d be there before on a number of occasions, but the history and beauty of the area still has an immense draw. After a spot of lunch on the market square, and quick check of my accreditation email (and a dodgy Google translate later), I found I had to make a trip across Warsaw to pick up my pass. Forty five minutes walk later, it was in my hands.. and so, off to the stadium!
A general view at the National Stadium, Warsaw
A general view of warm ups at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal leads his side out at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland team group, including goal keeper Wojciech Szczesny at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Portugal coach Paulo Jorge Gomes Bento at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland coach Franciszek Smuda at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland coach Franciszek Smuda at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Joao Moutinho of Portugal tackles Lukasz Piszczek of Poland at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal at the National Stadium, Warsaw
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