Category Archives: Blog
Ok, Let’s relive the dream
I held the World Cup for a whole thirty seconds last night. Ok, it was only a replica- (see news item elsewhere on this site) but it brought back good memories. So I write this today in deference to Carlos Oppe, one of my most loyal, persistent, and-just about-publishable commentators. (My Maradona CNN.com opinion piece has stimulated transatlantic abuse)I hope it will encourage others to join a civilised debate on this and other matters discussed on this site. The human wave rose in a town in South Africa, gathered force …
Maradona’s questionable exit
Don’t be fooled by the formal announcement from Buenos Aires that Maradona’s contract will not be renewed. There is nothing that Diego likes more than to be placed in a situation where he can rally his believers round a claim of martyrdom by sinister powers. He did so when he was busted for drugs back in the early 1990’s, he did it again when he tested positive in the US World Cup. He is likely to seize this moment as part of the latest round of an enduring struggle between …
Let me cry for Diego
Let me cry for Diego I watched Argentina being knocked out of the World Cup by Germany in a pub in Sheffield surrounded by bitter-drinking Yorkshiremen, and emerged shedding a tear or two. Why should Diego’s biographer choose Sheffield of all places to watch Diego Maradona meet his nemesis in Joachim Low? Well those of us with memories will remember that it was from here that just before Christmas 1978, Harry Haslam the manager of Sheffield United flew to Buenos Aires determined to strike a deal with Argentinos Juniors …
DID PHILBY MURDER JOURNALISTS IN SPAIN?
Did Philby murder journalists ? by Jimmy Burns The just published UK paperback edition of my latest book Papa Spy, subtitled A True Story of Love, Wartime Espionage in Madrid, and the Treachery of the Cambridge Spies will I hope provoke a fresh examination of Kim Philby’s alleged involvement in the murder of English and American journalists, ahead of the publication of an authorised and carefully vetted official history of MI6. My unauthorised book exposes for the first time the bitter and protracted personal battle to influence British policy towards …
Volcanic Dust hits PFD
Volcanic Dust hits PFD I breakfasted this morning to learn from today’s Guardian newspaper that Peters, Fraser & Dunlop the agency that represents me as an author is to become part of a new company called The Rights House, owned by the public relations entrepreneur Matthew Freud and a rival agent Michael Foster. It was news to me as I suspect it will have also been to other more illustrious members of the PFD stable, which include Simon Schama , Sir Max Hastings, Chris Patten, Douglas Hurd, and the coalition …
Visca Barca Campeon
Visca Barca Campeon No amount of Cava ejaculating across the Camp Nou last night could hide the fact that after the nail-biting scramble with Sevilla last week, Barca’s encounter with relegation-bound Valladolid was somewhat of an anti-climax. And yet there were touches of brilliance and wonderful goals to remind one of why Barca is the best football team in the world and deserving of the Spanish championship. Messi and Bojan combined beautifully. Toure was a tower of strength, behind and in-front. And Pedro confirmed himself as one of the great …
Grudge Champions
Grudge Champions Barring a major reverse Chelsea will this afternoon secure their Premier League Championship while FC Barcelona will once again become Spanish champions next week. Both victories open up the prospect of a deepening rivalry between two clubs whose encounters in the Champions League in recent seasons have been tough and bitter, thus securing the reputation of being one of the must-watch ‘grudge’ matches of the international football calendar. Last night Barca played the kind of beautiful football that has earned it universal respect, even if Sevilla’s two goals …
Yes We Khan
Yes we Khan So Labour lost Battersea. Outgoing Labour MP Martin Linton planned to blame the Liberal Democrats but then thought it better not to. Had more Liberal Democrats cast a tactical ‘progressive vote’, then Labour just might have squeezed in, again. As it turned out the Lib Dem candidate Layla Moran- hugely underperformed in south London despite claims that this candidate had been identified by camp Clegg as one of his rising stars. Linton was magnanimous in defeat, extending a hand of welcome to the Tory Jane Ellison while at …
A vote for the Common Good
What I would like to see in the UK after May 6 Some priorities… A redistribution of wealth to alleviate poverty and ensure a programme of improvement in essential services Vigorous action to avoid exposing this and future generations to the environmental ravages of climate change Increased but well managed investment in the NHS to ensure equal access and quality care Addressing inequalities includes making care of the elderly a key priority. Winter fuel payments, free bus passes, TV licences, and pension credits must be acknowledged as significant achievements …
Mourinho’s Black Magic
Mourinho’s Black Magic I can’ say that I can remember many moments of football that have made me feel physically sick before inducing a prolongued bout of black dog (depression) but few have provoked both reactions as much as the site of Jose Mourinho scampering across the turf of the Camp Nou, and striking his defiant pose af the end of last night’s match. If ever there was a moment of profound profanity it was this one. Bobby Robson’s one-time transalator, since elevated to the status of ‘special one’ by a culture …
