A welcome

Wow! Our first Premier Sports & Leisure blog - this new "social networking" thingy is beginning to take over my life! Okay, so what are we all about and why Premier Thoughts of Pleasure? Well, the second one first. For years we have jokingly called our business "Premier Thoughts of Pleasure" cos it rhythm's - geddit? And what are we all about? Well, this is the blog of Premier Sports and Leisure, so there is a kind of business link there, but in reality it will simply be a way of sharing my views on the sporting world and giving you an opportunity to join in the great debate. Please make sure you sign up (which I understand is easy enough) and give me all the abuse you want - though for obvious reasons we will have to delete any truly slanderous comments.... So, let's talk sport. This is a wicked week to be starting this blog. It's the Australian Tennis Open this week and I'm sure like me you have been following the efforts of Andy Murray. The great thing with the Australian Open is the timing of the evening matches. I can wander into work at 8.30am, turn on the TV and away we go. David (he who must be obeyed) thinks I am busy developing our new website but in reality it's all about game, set and match. So can he do it? Or will the ginger one crack under the pressure? I'm going to be positive and go for a five set final on Sunday morning with Murray scrapping through.... Talking about scrapping through, what has happened to English Cricket? When they brought in central contracts a few years ago I was totally opposed to the idea (not that the E.C.B. listen to me, they have answered my calls or emails for years!). Why? Simply because how can you say that a player who plays well for example early in the 2009 domestic season is going to maintain that form for the remainder of the season or through the winter months? Also, it's like guaranteeing someone a job even if they aren't particularly good at it. Bring back the old days when a test side was selected from those that were performing well at the time, then dropped if they weren't doing the business. I certainly don't agree with Andrew Strauss having a rest - what is that all about? Not exactly a captain leading from the front... Anyway, here's an odd fact fact you - did you know that during the recent tour to South Africa there was a point at which there wasn't a single Englishman on the field of play - just 13 South Africans? Yep, when Trott and Pieterson were batting.... bizarre! Anyway, let's close off with this weeks BIG event - yep, it's Arsenal V Man U! As you can work out by by nickname I am a total Arsenal nut and totally biased - everything in my world is red and white. We have had a strange run in this season, with lets be honest most pundits writing off our chances. What has Lawro got against us? I think he's just frustrated cos Liverpool are sh**e again! People have been banging on about this 4 match run Arsenal face after the FA Cup disappointment against Stoke. Well, I had as down for 3 wins and a draw. I seriously (yeah, I don't you won't believe me!) had us down for a draw against Villa. They are a tough team to beat at their place and the nil all draw reflected that. Against Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool are think we have the opportunity to win each match. All three teams will want to attack, all three teams need to win - Man U and Chelsea to keep up their position in the league, Liverpool as they fight for fourth place - and when teams attack us, it gives plenty of room for Arsenal to play their best football - fast, attacking play. I'm going for 3-1 against Man U - up yours Lawro! Catch you next week.