Willi's Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers' brief stay in League One, following promotion last season, looks to be coming to an end. With only six games of the season remaining, the Blues are nine points away from safety. During a crucial Bank Holiday period, Wanderers lost both of their games and performances have been patchy and not sufficient to merit greater rewards.
In recent weeks, the Blues have been unable to take maximum points from vital encounters. Having found themselves 2-0 up with fifteen minutes to go against Exeter City, they conspired to throw away their advantage and conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2. Gareth Ainsworth had found a way through the Exeter defence and held firm to poke his finish through visiting 'keeper Paul Jones. Stuart Beavon doubled the lead as his shot deflected off the underside of the unfortunate Jones, to trickle into the net.
The away side had been tidy throughout and retained posession well until their indiscretions that lead to Wycombe scoring. It was only a lack of cutting edge that had stopped them from turning their territorial dominance into something more meaningful. Their fightback began when Liam Sercombe steadied himself on the edge of the Wycombe box and hit the ball superbly into the right-hand corner of Tom Heaton's goal to reduce the deficit. Wycombe's defensive line attempted to play Richard Logan offside however their disjointed effort could not stop the substitute racing through to equalise and send the Devonian side's fans delirious.
This crushing result needed to be rectified the following week at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the first time Wycombe had visited the new home of old rivals, Colchester United. By all accounts, despite falling a goal behind on the hour mark to Ian Henderson's goal, Wycombe had managed to frustrate the home team. The Blues did manage to salvage something from the game. Deep into stoppage-time, Gareth Ainsworth's dubious contact from a Matt Philips cross incensed the U's and it looked like he handled the ball into the net. Unfortunately, despite this sweet moment of fortune, Wycombe desperately needed to take more from the game.
An Easter holiday double-header saw two defeats which have made the Blues' chances of avoiding the drop extremely slim. Firstly, Wycombe fell to a 2-1 loss to promotion chasing Huddersfield Town. Dean Keates' consolation goal proved not enough to salvage a point. On Easter Monday, Wycombe lost by the same scoreline, this time to mid-table Walsall. The Blues only got going after Adam Hinshelwood had reduced arrears with around twelve minutes left.
Wycombe have still to play fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers and Leyton Orient however they appear to be heading back to League Two. Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has vowed to not give up hope until relegation is a mathematical certainty although in reality, all he can do now is try to motivate the players to an inspiring finish to the season. The boss will have to decide which squad members are worth keeping hold of and who will be best suited to the challenges ahead next season. On current evidence, a complete re-build may seem like the only viable option.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Bournemouth's Sound Circus to Continue Offering An Alternative
My musical tastes are predominantly northern soul, Motown, reggae, dancehall and 50s and 60s. I suppose you could describe these as 'alternative' when compared to the mainstream and based on the fact that I'm a 24 year old man with a middle-aged musical mindset.
So, whilst I've visited Bournemouth's Sound Circus nightclub on Holdenhurst Road, I wouldn't really describe its musical choice as my cup of tea. That doesn't mean to say I would be in favour of it closing and its loyal band of devotees appear to have won their battle to stop the site becoming a hotel.
Businessman Philip Oram has decided against the hotel plan after an outcry from Sound Circus regulars and stated that he "didn't want to ruin the youngsters' fun." The rockers, goths (are they still called goths?), emos and quirky folk who frequent the nightclub will no doubt be overjoyed.
Congratulations to them for standing up for their right to partake in their own musical party. Ultimately, Oram's decision was commerical as owner Keith Grant points out, the club is doing good business and the public support for Sound Circus highlights the value of the property. Despite this, it's refreshing to see that an alternative will remain amidst the plethora of commerical nightclubs, catering towards the bubblegum market and weekend visitors.
Oram already has plans to turn the former Crank nightclub into 14 two-bed flats. Coupled with the collapse of Richard Carr's club empire, it's important that Bournemouth retains and develops a diverse musical scene as its night time economy battles to stay afloat in a competitive market.
So, whilst I've visited Bournemouth's Sound Circus nightclub on Holdenhurst Road, I wouldn't really describe its musical choice as my cup of tea. That doesn't mean to say I would be in favour of it closing and its loyal band of devotees appear to have won their battle to stop the site becoming a hotel.
Businessman Philip Oram has decided against the hotel plan after an outcry from Sound Circus regulars and stated that he "didn't want to ruin the youngsters' fun." The rockers, goths (are they still called goths?), emos and quirky folk who frequent the nightclub will no doubt be overjoyed.
Congratulations to them for standing up for their right to partake in their own musical party. Ultimately, Oram's decision was commerical as owner Keith Grant points out, the club is doing good business and the public support for Sound Circus highlights the value of the property. Despite this, it's refreshing to see that an alternative will remain amidst the plethora of commerical nightclubs, catering towards the bubblegum market and weekend visitors.
Oram already has plans to turn the former Crank nightclub into 14 two-bed flats. Coupled with the collapse of Richard Carr's club empire, it's important that Bournemouth retains and develops a diverse musical scene as its night time economy battles to stay afloat in a competitive market.
Monday, 29 March 2010
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Boscombe?
Nowhere in Bournemouth polarises opinion as much as the coastal suburb of Boscombe. It has struggled to shake off the negative images that have blighted it for so long. Classed as being in the bottom 2% of economically deprived areas in the UK and notorious for drugs and crime, you might be tempted to think that Bournemouth Borough Council's efforts to re-generate the area would be warmly received. The truth is, despite improvements, Boscombe continues to divide residents.
The latest bout of simpering from the Echo has followed recent accolades awarded to Boscombe. Having recently won the 'Pier of the Year' award, the council were given recognition for demonstrating an ability to outline a long-term vision for unlocking the area's potential. This secured them top spot at the Local Government Chronicle Awards. The Boscombe Spa Village Project is a major component in the award winning strategy. It includes introducing new housing stock besides developments along the sea front and the creation of Europe's first artificial surf reef. This vision has sought to revitalise Bournemouth's poorest relation.
In spite of these efforts, Boscombe still has its detractors and in some cases, with good reason. The cosmetic adjustments may have enhanced the area's aesthetic appeal however the jury is still out on whether the changes amount to something more substantial as deep-rooted problems remain. Cheap social housing catering for those on housing benefit, sometimes affected by various addictions, is still prevalent. The streets are still a great attraction to the insalubrious element of society.
Perhaps the council should be given more support. Renovating the beach huts so as to put them out of the price-range of the average resident wasn't the smartest of moves though there does appear to be a method behind such madness. This, coupled with the reef, has aimed to bring about a more bohemian atmosphere and well-heeled 'surf set', willing to both invest and spend disposable income.
There are aspects of the council's plans for Boscombe that are right to be lauded. Problems remain though and Bournemouth residents are starting to become irked by the constant stream of sycophantic, positive reporting from local media outlets. The issues affecting the everyday need to be addressed too in an attempt to heal divisions.
The latest bout of simpering from the Echo has followed recent accolades awarded to Boscombe. Having recently won the 'Pier of the Year' award, the council were given recognition for demonstrating an ability to outline a long-term vision for unlocking the area's potential. This secured them top spot at the Local Government Chronicle Awards. The Boscombe Spa Village Project is a major component in the award winning strategy. It includes introducing new housing stock besides developments along the sea front and the creation of Europe's first artificial surf reef. This vision has sought to revitalise Bournemouth's poorest relation.
In spite of these efforts, Boscombe still has its detractors and in some cases, with good reason. The cosmetic adjustments may have enhanced the area's aesthetic appeal however the jury is still out on whether the changes amount to something more substantial as deep-rooted problems remain. Cheap social housing catering for those on housing benefit, sometimes affected by various addictions, is still prevalent. The streets are still a great attraction to the insalubrious element of society.
Perhaps the council should be given more support. Renovating the beach huts so as to put them out of the price-range of the average resident wasn't the smartest of moves though there does appear to be a method behind such madness. This, coupled with the reef, has aimed to bring about a more bohemian atmosphere and well-heeled 'surf set', willing to both invest and spend disposable income.
There are aspects of the council's plans for Boscombe that are right to be lauded. Problems remain though and Bournemouth residents are starting to become irked by the constant stream of sycophantic, positive reporting from local media outlets. The issues affecting the everyday need to be addressed too in an attempt to heal divisions.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Reaching Bournemouth's Richmond Hill Would Feel Like the Summit
Walking down Bournemouth's Richmond Hill on the way to catching the bus can be an exhilirating feeling. This might sound like a slightly strange observation but it's a notion that has stuck with me since moving to the town, three years ago. Upon embarking on that first job hunt on one beautiful September morning in 2007, the bustling open space of Bournemouth Square greeted me. This was quickly followed by a trip 'up the hill'.
The towering offices, dominated by Portman House, home to Nationwide, were a gargantuan sight. Bristol and West House, situated opposite, carried an unmistakable air of importance. The Daily Echo offices added further to a sense of metropolitian grandeur. What else is it about this calf-busting hill that appeals?
Could it be the nicotine high one passes through as the hill's transients puff away relentlessly? Is it the historic Norfolk Royale Hotel, a reminder of the charm exuded by memories of the golden age of the British seaside? It is a curious place, casting an almost aloof gaze upon the rest of the town centre. To work here would surely indicate my own arrival into the exclusive club inhabited by those lucky enough to be there every day. I could even have a swift half after work at the trendy Ink Bar. All of these thoughts and emotions have combined, every time I've walked up or down this most enigmatic of hills.
The towering offices, dominated by Portman House, home to Nationwide, were a gargantuan sight. Bristol and West House, situated opposite, carried an unmistakable air of importance. The Daily Echo offices added further to a sense of metropolitian grandeur. What else is it about this calf-busting hill that appeals?
Could it be the nicotine high one passes through as the hill's transients puff away relentlessly? Is it the historic Norfolk Royale Hotel, a reminder of the charm exuded by memories of the golden age of the British seaside? It is a curious place, casting an almost aloof gaze upon the rest of the town centre. To work here would surely indicate my own arrival into the exclusive club inhabited by those lucky enough to be there every day. I could even have a swift half after work at the trendy Ink Bar. All of these thoughts and emotions have combined, every time I've walked up or down this most enigmatic of hills.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Bounemouth Needs Civically Minded Neighbours
Those of us in the know realise that Bournemouth is a hot-bed of sex, drugs and rock n' roll. This is probably the case in any town and we tend not to mind when it's kept out of sight, out of mind. What about when everyday annoyances build up or criminals begin to openly flaunt their wrongdoings? With all the talk of microchips in bins, increased CCTV, speed cameras and soforth, isn't what we need to tackle everyday problems a more civically minded set of neighbours rather than target driven bureaucrats, busybodies and one issue campaigners, oblivious to the whole range of the debate?
Naturally, reaching recycling targets in the borough represents an important measure of maintaining the council's environmental committment. On the other hand, some people feel fitting microchips to bins seems like unnecessary snooping. Many residents are more concerned with the everyday problems they encounter on the streets of the sprawling suburbs. In the pleasant environs of Winton, one idiot has decided to start shining a laser pen into people's windows. Meanwhile, like a scene out of Quadrophenia, gangs of teens ride their scooters up and down the Winton labyrinth late into the night. The noise of their lawnmower engines is incessant. Then again, I am easily annoyed. Still, as residents, aren't these the kind of issues we should all take an interest in to try and make all of our lives a little bit easier? Granted, we probably can't stop people driving certain vehicles but we could still perform our civic duty and have a moan.
I suppose what really gets on my nerves are the few who blatantly disregard the law. In my previous flat in Winton, I used to regularly see a guy dressed in tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt traipse his way along at all times of the night or day. Perhaps he's a regular at the gym in Stokewood Road, I thought. Of course, there couldn't possibly be an innocent explanation. It was pointed out to me by a neighbour, months later, that our athletic friend was no more than a well-known local drug dealer. His hazy clients could apparently be seen on the corner of our road collecting their fixes in broad daylight. Now, he was no 'Scarface' but come on, what are the police doing to protect us from this kind of menace? Or, as I've tried to make the point throughout, should we as residents make a stand against the ills we see around us and not rely solely on the authorities? I'm not saying we should break into his house and seize his herbal remedies as there is the chance he could already be under surveillance, but surely, if it's obvious to the community that there is a problem, it will have come to the attention of the police too?
The majority of us law abiding folk probably don't want to see vigilante mobs taking matters into their own hands. Neighbourhood Watch stickers adorn windows and lamp-posts but are these groups all mouth and no action? There is also the danger that sometimes we can lose sight of the bigger picture and end up focusing our energies on specific tangents ('studentification' comes to mind). Whilst it's admirable to pursue solutions to these problems with a passionate zeal, let's ensure the debate encompasses all aspects of civic life.
Naturally, reaching recycling targets in the borough represents an important measure of maintaining the council's environmental committment. On the other hand, some people feel fitting microchips to bins seems like unnecessary snooping. Many residents are more concerned with the everyday problems they encounter on the streets of the sprawling suburbs. In the pleasant environs of Winton, one idiot has decided to start shining a laser pen into people's windows. Meanwhile, like a scene out of Quadrophenia, gangs of teens ride their scooters up and down the Winton labyrinth late into the night. The noise of their lawnmower engines is incessant. Then again, I am easily annoyed. Still, as residents, aren't these the kind of issues we should all take an interest in to try and make all of our lives a little bit easier? Granted, we probably can't stop people driving certain vehicles but we could still perform our civic duty and have a moan.
I suppose what really gets on my nerves are the few who blatantly disregard the law. In my previous flat in Winton, I used to regularly see a guy dressed in tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt traipse his way along at all times of the night or day. Perhaps he's a regular at the gym in Stokewood Road, I thought. Of course, there couldn't possibly be an innocent explanation. It was pointed out to me by a neighbour, months later, that our athletic friend was no more than a well-known local drug dealer. His hazy clients could apparently be seen on the corner of our road collecting their fixes in broad daylight. Now, he was no 'Scarface' but come on, what are the police doing to protect us from this kind of menace? Or, as I've tried to make the point throughout, should we as residents make a stand against the ills we see around us and not rely solely on the authorities? I'm not saying we should break into his house and seize his herbal remedies as there is the chance he could already be under surveillance, but surely, if it's obvious to the community that there is a problem, it will have come to the attention of the police too?
The majority of us law abiding folk probably don't want to see vigilante mobs taking matters into their own hands. Neighbourhood Watch stickers adorn windows and lamp-posts but are these groups all mouth and no action? There is also the danger that sometimes we can lose sight of the bigger picture and end up focusing our energies on specific tangents ('studentification' comes to mind). Whilst it's admirable to pursue solutions to these problems with a passionate zeal, let's ensure the debate encompasses all aspects of civic life.
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Students Preferred Gas, Not Meow Meow Back in '07-'08
I might be a grouchy young man but even I make the occasional appearance at student house parties. Why, I was present at THAT party back in 2008. Yes, the one that made national news. The Facebook party. Do people still talk about that? Whilst I tip-toed through the houses of Bournemouth's answer to the cast of Skins, I marvelled at the number of empty little cannisters lying on the floor. Back to them later.
There's been a lot of media attention on 'meow meow', a mephedrone drug, that has recently killed two teens. Although techically legal, we know it's deadly. The Echo ran a piece on Thursday about concerns for Bournemouth University students, some of whom were known to be taking the drug for recreational purposes. 'Students in drug-taking storm' is hardly an original story although given recent circumstances, obviously this particular piece is relevant.
As I alluded to earlier, on my forays into studentdom in Bournemouth, those in the Winton house party scene seemed to be getting their kicks from air-filled cannisters. Dozens of them littered windowsills and floors, like empty bullet shells. Nitrus oxide, or laughing gas, certainly seemed to be the drug of choice. Easily available and legal, plus not as harmful as harder drugs, a quick burst can give an ephemeral high. At least you might be led to believe it's not dangerous. Doctors have argued that long-term use can lead to depression and brain damage. So, the comparisons with 'meow meow' are there. Although if you're looking for those types of highs, you're not likely to listen to warnings from a square like me.
There's been a lot of media attention on 'meow meow', a mephedrone drug, that has recently killed two teens. Although techically legal, we know it's deadly. The Echo ran a piece on Thursday about concerns for Bournemouth University students, some of whom were known to be taking the drug for recreational purposes. 'Students in drug-taking storm' is hardly an original story although given recent circumstances, obviously this particular piece is relevant.
As I alluded to earlier, on my forays into studentdom in Bournemouth, those in the Winton house party scene seemed to be getting their kicks from air-filled cannisters. Dozens of them littered windowsills and floors, like empty bullet shells. Nitrus oxide, or laughing gas, certainly seemed to be the drug of choice. Easily available and legal, plus not as harmful as harder drugs, a quick burst can give an ephemeral high. At least you might be led to believe it's not dangerous. Doctors have argued that long-term use can lead to depression and brain damage. So, the comparisons with 'meow meow' are there. Although if you're looking for those types of highs, you're not likely to listen to warnings from a square like me.
Wycombe Prepare for Last Throw of the Dice
Willi's Wycombe
Blimey, it's been a long time since my last Wycombe Wanderers F.C blog. Unfortunately fortunes haven't improved much and Wycombe approach the final ten games of the season eight points from safety at the time of writing. February showed promise with a win against Millwall and a point against Southampton however a gutting 4-3 defeat to bottom club Stockport County deflated any sense of optimism. Wycombe have since won two points so far this month as they drew 0-0 with Carlisle United and 2-2 at fellow struggers Oldham Athletic, after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
Today's match at Adams Park against Exeter City, six points above the Blues in the final relegation spot, represents a last throw of the dice. Failure to beat Exeter will almost certainly condemn Wycombe to the drop, having begun the season with boasts of 'not being in the league to simply make up the numbers'. Close examination of the season's failings had begun long before this weekend with the
ownership battle in the summer and subsequent fall-out causing irreperable damage to events on the pitch. All of the concerns surrounding the club and tensions within the fractious fan-base will need to be put to one side in a last-ditch effort to save Wycombe from relegation this afternoon. On the bright side, the reserves have made it through to the final of the Bucks and Berks Cup having defeated old rivals Slough Town 1-0 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game, defender Alan Bennett has had to return to Brentford, leaving Wanderers short of options in central defence although rumours have since emerged that the Irishman could make a dramatic return until the end of the season. More enouraging for the Blues, Reading defender Julian Kelly has extended his loan until the end of the season having made five starts and he netted the winner against Millwall on his debut.
It's been said before but if Wycombe are to start life in League One next season, they desperately need to build momentum. Picking up a few draws and the odd win simply will not do at this stage. Exeter have an abysmal away record, having won just twice on their travels so far this season and it is the perfect opportunity for Wycombe to kick-start a great escape. Next week is a first trip to the new home of bitter rivals Colchester United. To continue the fightback with a win in Essex would be an especially sweet continuation should Wycombe win today. For now though, the result at 4.55pm today is all that matters.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
Blimey, it's been a long time since my last Wycombe Wanderers F.C blog. Unfortunately fortunes haven't improved much and Wycombe approach the final ten games of the season eight points from safety at the time of writing. February showed promise with a win against Millwall and a point against Southampton however a gutting 4-3 defeat to bottom club Stockport County deflated any sense of optimism. Wycombe have since won two points so far this month as they drew 0-0 with Carlisle United and 2-2 at fellow struggers Oldham Athletic, after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
Today's match at Adams Park against Exeter City, six points above the Blues in the final relegation spot, represents a last throw of the dice. Failure to beat Exeter will almost certainly condemn Wycombe to the drop, having begun the season with boasts of 'not being in the league to simply make up the numbers'. Close examination of the season's failings had begun long before this weekend with the
ownership battle in the summer and subsequent fall-out causing irreperable damage to events on the pitch. All of the concerns surrounding the club and tensions within the fractious fan-base will need to be put to one side in a last-ditch effort to save Wycombe from relegation this afternoon. On the bright side, the reserves have made it through to the final of the Bucks and Berks Cup having defeated old rivals Slough Town 1-0 on Tuesday.
Ahead of the game, defender Alan Bennett has had to return to Brentford, leaving Wanderers short of options in central defence although rumours have since emerged that the Irishman could make a dramatic return until the end of the season. More enouraging for the Blues, Reading defender Julian Kelly has extended his loan until the end of the season having made five starts and he netted the winner against Millwall on his debut.
It's been said before but if Wycombe are to start life in League One next season, they desperately need to build momentum. Picking up a few draws and the odd win simply will not do at this stage. Exeter have an abysmal away record, having won just twice on their travels so far this season and it is the perfect opportunity for Wycombe to kick-start a great escape. Next week is a first trip to the new home of bitter rivals Colchester United. To continue the fightback with a win in Essex would be an especially sweet continuation should Wycombe win today. For now though, the result at 4.55pm today is all that matters.
WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.
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