Michael Parkinson - Forum / Sports / General sports discussions

Muhammad Ali Sporting Legend or ???????????

MohammedAliFan — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:57:37 GMT

Didn't see all of the programme last night unfortunately but have had an interesting, if unproductive debate, with my daughters boyfriend regarding one the worlds greatest sporting legends. In brief the documentary on More4, focussed on the bitterness felt by Joe Frazier towards his rival Muhammad Ali. The programme seemed to want to portray, in what seemed to me, to be a very biased way, very negative aspects of Muhammad Ali and his strong & somewhat inflammatory views back in the days. My daughters boyfriends was left with a view, which he expressed openly, that Muhammad Ali was racist, an extremist & other nasty slurs & wicked unnecessary comments (I know Muhammad Ali was no angel) but, I objected to my daughters boyfriends use of bad language and the vitriolic nature of his views.

Why am I posting this here? Well in the ensuing heated debate that followed I mentioned Muhammad Ali, was one of your sporting heroes and that I didn't feel you would have interviewed and befriended someone like Ali, if he was such a bad person, as the programme had portrayed him to be. So I'm just curious, as to whether you saw the programme and whether you had any comment, negative or otherwise about the way our sporting legend and hero was portrayed?

With regards

Glyn :)

Summer of Sport

halifaxparky — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:46:25 GMT

Its been a great Summer of Sport if your non british, Englands cricketers excluded.

The World Cup lot were a shower, Murray tried his best but came up short, and Lewis and Jenson couldnt quite provide some consolation. Having said that June was great if you love your sport, kicking it off for me was Royal Ascot, superb occasion brilliantly broadcast by the BBC, then it all went a bit pear shaped, unless of course if your Spanish.

Nevermind, Thursday sees Tiger and his mob invade St Andrews for the British Open, which, even if your not a golfing fanatic, can provide great viewing at its climax.

Time for a British winner, I am no expert but Luke Donalds got my nod at 40-1.

WORLD CUP 2010

halifaxparky — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:52:56 GMT

So today it all starts. The eagerly awaited World Cup. Fabios men breezed into these finals with qualification ease, but that all goes out of the window now as England need a good run, or at least to better themselves than the normal quarter final losses on penalties.

If ever England needed insperation then I hope they tuned into the Bobby Moore Tribute aired on BBC 4 Last night, if so Fabio need not utter a word of pre match talk.

I hope I am way off the mark, but I cant see us doing it. Goalkeeper selection problems, the injury to Rio, Gerrard and Lamps havent really gelled well when playing together, and Rooneys temprement may all prove to curse us.

If we do fail, expect a massive overall in English football starting with with a cap on those ridiculous salaries.

If we pull it off, then perhaps the players can finally say, we are worth what we get !

ALL THE VERY BEST ENGLAND.

Signed cricket tie

Alias — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:46:53 GMT

Good Morning, Victim Support in Manchester will be auctioning a commemorative tie signed by both the England & South African captains: A Strauss & G Smith.
The tie is from the 2009 ODI series in South Africa and should be live online here: [url=http://bit.ly/bROzS8]http://bit.ly/bROzS8[/url] tomorrow morning.

all the best and good luck

[img]http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/109999639.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1275566320&Signature=Hx9ZROc3ESd8JNV7BIWNgF%2BuWFA%3D[/img]

ENGLAND WORLD CHAMPIONS!!

FRANCIS — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:38:40 GMT

20-20 world champs! Who would have thought it a year ago! The Ashes holders have gone from strength to strength and now have their first-ever world one-day title.

Cynics might say they did it with a fair number of South African-born players and one Irishman in the side, but it was a genuine team effort - however, the man I'm most pleased for is coach Andy Flower, the courageous Zimbabwean who defied the regime in his home country, and has now guided England to a high standing in all competitions.

CRICKET LOVELY CRICKET

FRANCIS — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:57:22 GMT

Any cricket lovers out there? I'm looking forward to seeing my beloved Lancashire continue their increasingly desperate quest to win something (anything). England are on the up, having retained the Ashes, impressed in South Africa and Bangladesh, and found a world-class player in Graeme Swann. Pietersen is beginning to find his touch again, and Cook has proved his captaincy potential for the future.

Here's to the summer!

2010 Grand National

halifaxparky — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:55:40 GMT

I see Mikes sons Nick, has informed us that the Royal Oak will soon have a horse in Training, so that prompted me to see what everyones fancy is for the Great British National flutter on Saturday.

Nick Parkinson has chosen last yeras winner Mon Mome to triumph again.

Ignore the next paragrapgh, here come my selections

1. Snowy Morning

2. Backstage

3. Dream Alliance

4. Black Appalachi.

Outsider.............Majimar.

All the best you Seasonal Punters.

ENGLAND FIND THEIR ONE-DAY FORM

FRANCIS — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:10:26 GMT

Alastair Cook is probably an unlikely choice to captain and open the batting for a one-day side, but his form and that of England was mightily impressive, even if it was against Bangladesh, who are still finding their feet as a Test nation.

Kieswetter and Morgan made excellent contributions, as did Mr.Consistent Paul Collingwood, only the 9th player to pass 1000 runs, 100 wickets and 100 catches in one-day internatiionals. They even covered up the fact of Kevin Pietersen's total lack of form. England's performances in this series and in South Africa as well as the Ashes win last summer all prove that England, in the capable hands of coach Andy Flower, are on the rise again.

Super Reading Knock another nail in Rafas Coffin

halifaxparky — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:33:07 GMT

Great performance by Reading who have now possibly prompted the Liverpool board to kiss Rafa goodbye. Cannot understand how Reading are struggling for Championship survival, perhaps they and Coppell parted company a bit too soon but I hope Caretaker Boss, ex gunner, Brian Mc Dermott gets the job full time. He deserves it on the performances against Liverpool alone. As for Rafa.........................I can hear the Fat lady singing from the back row of the Kop.

MURRAY ON THE TRAIL OF A GRAND SLAM

FRANCIS — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:21:30 GMT

Whisper it quietly, but Andy Murray is in the 4th round of the Aussie Open without dropping a set, and looking, to quote his own oft-repeated phrase, "awesome".

Farewell to the Voice of Rugby Union

halifaxparky — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:51:35 GMT

Farewell to Bill McClaren the voice of Rugby Union who sadly died today. He was a commentor great, up there with the Likes of Kenneth Wolstenhome of Football and Eddie Waring of Rugby League, Harry Carpenter of Boxing. They say the commentator must remain impartial, but I always sensed an air of excitement when Scotland did well against England.

Nothing wrong with that Bill you were brilliant.

The Bad Winter-Sport at a Standstill

halifaxparky — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:27:36 GMT

I am a bit fed up with this weather now. Not only does it effectivly bring much disruption to the country, more importantly for us Sport lovers our pastime has come to a virtual standstill. Even the ALL WEATHER racing was called of at Lingfield and Kempton today. Probably the worst weather for Sport since the 1962-3 winter when a FA Cup tie was called off 16 times. Alright if your team has invested in an underground heating system, but for teams who have not, might as well rent the pitches out as ice rinks.

South Africa 0-1 England

halifaxparky — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:42:41 GMT

Not a Cricketeting nut, but I always look out for the results, and I love any English victory in whatever sport, so well done England in securing an innings plus victory against the South Africans. How I would also love that headline " England win in South Africa " in the 2010 World Cup.

World Cup Draw

halifaxparky — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:36:01 GMT

England must be pleased with the World Cup Draw made in Soth Africa yesterday.

Pitted against the USA, Algeria, and Slovenia, I fully expecting a maximum return of full Points. Prior to the draw, a well known footy pundit said USA were a nation he hoped we would avoid. The stark reality is if we cannot beat teams like the USA we might as well not bother.

The draw is a perfect oppotunity to sound our intent.

World Cup Bid?

Paul Miller — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:59:19 GMT

I am in disbelief at the "Cack handed" way we are going about this World Cup bid.

All of these "jumped up nobodies", because that is what they are, who are supposed to be bidding for the World Cup, are only interested in there own "cushy" little numbers.

They are a classic example of what is totally wrong with this country. Faceless, worthless and useless people. They can be replicated at all levels, in every part of the fabric. of the people who run the country.

They are ably governed by the shower at FIFA, who are probably the biggest load of crooks outside of the mafia.

You have to ask yourself why we have not had the competition on these shores since 1966, and why some countries have had it more than once in this time.

Perhaps we have never greased enough palms.

Personally I will be very upset if we dont get it, because by that time I will be in my 70's and may not get the chance to see it in this country again. As a football lover, I think for me, that would be a huge disappointment.

Get your finger out someone. Get this bid on track.

Paul.

World Tennis at the 02

halifaxparky — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:04:13 GMT

The World Masters Tennis finals have been brilliant for Britain this week. Full packed audiences at the 02 arena witnessing fine tennis. Okay Murray was eliminated by the thinest of margins, but I truely hope Britain and indeed London and the 02 can keep the tournament on a permanent basis.

One sour note though the farcical scenes at the end of Del Potros game where he had to wait a painstaking 15 minutes on court while the powers that be scratched their heads as to who would progress to the semis. Murray or Del Potro on games won. That would never have happened at Wimbledon.

Brave Ireland Cheated out of World Cup Glory

halifaxparky — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:27:50 GMT

Poor Ireland last night. Secured a 1-0 away win over France in the World Cup Qualifier only to be eliminated by the hand of Tiery Henry, who blatantly handled the ball TWICE in his assist for Gallas eqalising goal.

Yes its football, yes its World Cup qualification, and millions of revenue at stake.

I like Henry as a player, but call me nieve, silly, or whatever, why coudnt Henry have admitted his offence to the referee for the goodness and true meaning of sport. Its been done before in Football, Tennis, and Cricket, oh but I forgot its no longer a sport its a dirty business.

Cricket a.m. tv show

Alias — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:42:25 GMT

Cricket a.m. are donating Victim Support in Manchester, 4 tickets to go to the studio on a Saturday filming of the winner choosing next summer, to meet presenters & guests and to be in the audience when broadcasting live.
Details (as always) to follow but they will probably be auctioned to the highest bidder on www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk

As the show wont be on until next summer I'm not sure when we will start the auction but I will let you all know.

many thanks and good luck.

David - Victim Support - Manchester

The Ostrich and the Bumble

Alias — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:17:35 GMT

At last months ICC champions Trophy in South Africa, all players and officials were presented with a decorative ostrich Egg.

David 'Bumble' Lloyd had signed and donated his egg to Victim Support in Manchester.

This very special item in now in an online auction here:

http://www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk/charities/Victim%20Support

If you want any more info about Victim Support pls go to:

www.victimsupport.org.uk

Best of luck to all bidders.

English Sporting Woes

GrahamJ — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:21 GMT

Through the way in which we see sports teams perform we see the culture that they represent, although there is usually a time lag between the two. And if we contrast the teams of today and yesteryear we see how the culture is changing.

I watched the England v Argentina rugby match. As on many recent occasions, what I saw was an English team more interested in gamesmanship and cheating than playing the game, and they were very skilful at it. (It actually takes great timing to make a late tackle that is just not late enough for the referee to see it as deliberate. Anyone who has played the game knows the story.)
I don’t believe for one moment that Martin Johnson has had anything to do with this sad state of affairs. He has an impossible job to change what the current culture has produced. But if I was told that Tony Blair was the coach, I would not be at all surprised. Does not the bloodgate affair have parallels with WMD?

Ah the Magic of the FA CUP

halifaxparky — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:39:25 GMT

Okay it may not have been mouthwatering Chelsea v Man Utd match expected this afternoon, but the magic of the FA CUP returned to the sporting calendar this weekend. Bravo for little Blue Square North Strugglers Northwich Victoria. This humble cheshire club, deep in finanacial trouble, ousted the once mighty Charlton Athletic in todays first round.

There is something exceptionally unique about about this fantastic club competition

DAVID SHEPHERD - Umpire supreme

FRANCIS — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:27:13 GMT

I remember David Shepherd as a big-hitting batsman for Gloucestershire. He was a rotund gentleman then, when sport could accommodate players of ample girth, like Jack Simmons.

He was always well liked, and gained the affection and respect of everyone in the game. It's to the game's credit that officials like him and Dickie Bird are every bit as famous as the players. Whenever a team's total reaches 111 or any multiple thereof, there will always be a lot of smiles.

Fergie Pleas stop moaning

halifaxparky — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:40 GMT

I do wish Sir Alex would stop constantly moaning at Referees. The man who I think is a great manager has one huge fault, his continued aggreivence with the men in the middle. He is already in hot water with the FA, and despite admitting that Liverpool were the better team in yesterdays match, he could not avoid having another go at Officials. The timing of his outburts on the Refs are similar to the Officials time keeping when United play at Old Traford they go on and on and on.

Happy Birthday George Cohen

halifaxparky — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:49:39 GMT

Happy birthday to George Cohen, Englands World Cup Winning Fullback. If you have forgoten who he is, he was an extremly underatted right fullback. Mike quite rightly says, Cohen and his fellow World Cup winners were rewarded in peanuts compared with todays big earners. As a result many of the team were forced to sell their prized World Cup Winners medals. Recently the FA Tried to redeem themselves by giving all the non playing squad a medal which were previously given to the starting 11 only. Fair enough their 1000 cash payment in 1966 might have been a lot of brass then, and indeed messers Hurst and Bobby Charlton might have gone on to earn a decent living out of the game, but what of the likes of Cohen and Wilson the latter of which returned to Huddersfield to be an undertaker. Surely the FA could have compensated these boys in a retrospective cash payment in these footballing cash sodden days.

Burnley, Barnsley and a Gender Bender

halifaxparky — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 01:03:36 GMT

Congratulations to Burnley for beating miulti million pound Manchester United 1-0 at Trurf Moor in the Premiership. Make the most of it Clarets, at least you can bathe in your glory untill the next defeat comes along. Probably at the weekend.

The same cant be said for Caster Semena ( allegedly Usain Bolt in Drag) who the IAAF doubt should not have been in the ladies race she won at the World Championships. The pressure heaped on the lass/lad before her event must have been horrendous for her/him but she/he duly obliged and won by a distance.

Rumours are rife that the board of directors at Barnsley, after the team struck rock bottom of the championship, are to question the genders of the entire first team, alleging that the starting eleven in their last match consisted of eleven butch females from Barnsley Girls Grammar School. !!

Flintoff, Watson, Sir Parky and Sir Parky.

halifaxparky — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:43:01 GMT

First the horse. Richard Hannon the trainer of Sir Parky, with his son in law rider Richard Hughes in the saddle, look to have a nice horse in the making with Sir Parky, a horse owned by David Seal whose interests include Barbados, and Garfield Sobers. Perhaps Mike has a Race horse named after him due to these interests.

Well done Watson, Flintoff, and Sir Micheal, your reputations are second to none. The equine Sir Parky, who we wish wel,l has a while to go to reach legend status.

HUGHES' BLUES IN THE NEWS!

FRANCIS — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:53:58 GMT

I don't have much time for football - I fell out of love with it in the late 70s with the increasing bad behaviour by players and fans, and the increasing dominance of money. I prefer to keep my memories of Matthews, Best, Moore, Hurst, Lee, Law, Bell, Peters, Summerbee, Bobby Charlton etc.

However, I notice that Man City are threatening to have a really good season, and keep the same manager for at least a year, for a change. United have had it their own way for too many decades now - Manchester can afford two successful clubs, and long may it continue. Will Mark Hughes revive memories of genial Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison? Perhaps not, but nice to see the Blues faithful being given something to shout about.

DURHAM DYNAMO

FRANCIS — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:03:04 GMT

Not long ago, Steve Harmison was unfairly criticised for doing the right thing, i.e. attending the birth of his child rather than an England tour.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and Harmy was there to help the Ashes come home. Shortly afterwards, he grabbed the wicket that saw Durham retain the county championship - double vindication!

Cracking Manchester Derby

halifaxparky — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:03:40 GMT

Schorcher of a Manchester Derby yesterday, as City fight back from behind on three occasions only to be denied by that "WRITE OFF" Micheal Owen deep into injury time.

Sadly, some idiot then runs onto the pitch and is befronted by another idiot by the name of Citys Caig Bellamy. In no way do I condone a potentionally danergrous stituation when a crazed fan runs onto the pitch, but Bellamy was out of order, and his professionalism went well out of the window. The situation was under control with the stewards doing a fine job and detaining the offending fan, for only CB to promptly slap him in the face. Grow up Bellamy.

Adebayor

Paul Miller — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:08:33 GMT

What do the forum think of Adebayors behaviour at the weekend. I cannot believe that anyone can defend his actions.

Ok the Arsenal fans had been giving him stick, I thought that was part and parcel of being a footballer. I am not condoning it, but it has gone on long enough for it to be part and parcel of the game, and if you are in the game you know it is going to happen.

His mad charge towards the Arsenal fans, and the subsequent mayhem that followed, was I believe more than enough to require the referee to ask the bench to substitute him in the interests of ground safety. This happens in pre season friendlies because I have seen it happen. If that had been an opposition fan winding the Arsenal fans up he would have been arrested. These people are a law unto themselves, and I would like to see him prosecuted by the police.

As for his "mugging" of Van Persie, that alone, in a street, outside a bar on a Saturday night would get you 6 months. Dont anyone tell me that was 'nt meant. It was deliberate and the sad thing is his manager has stuck up for him.

I remember Kenny Burns playing for Nottingham Forest, and in the wall for a free kick he head butted an opposition player from behind. The referee did'nt see it but his manager, Mr.Clough did, result, 2 weeks wages gone, and he would'nt pick him for a few games.

We used to have a game that was pretty clean, its just a cesspit now.

Paul.

Defoe or not Defoe that is the Question

halifaxparky — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:33:48 GMT

Jermaine Defoe is currently on hot form yet still he is unsure whether he will be picked for Wednesdays crucial qualifier against Croatia. Who do you fancy up front Defoe/Heskey or somebody else up front ?.

I would personally go for Crouch and Defoe up front with Rooney hanging in behind. So who do you sacrifice from the middle 4 ? Personally it would be Gerrard for me, sounds a bit harsh dosent it, but as individually brilliant as they both are, when Gerrard and LAMPARD are combined in the England team it just dosent work for me.

Whatever the team I hope we will be celebrating World Cup Qualification come 10pm Wednesday night.

Magnificent Murray

halifaxparky — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:50:40 GMT

Well done to Andy Murray. Barely into 2009, and he has bagged two titles already. Probably more importantly, he has secured important wins over Nadal, Roddick, and dare I even say it, the upper hand over the greatest of them all Federer. He wont be adored till he pulls off a grand slam title starting in Oz next week, so good luck Andy and just do it your way.

20-20 WASHOUT

FRANCIS — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:28:56 GMT

The controversial washout of the 2nd 20-20 international at Old Trafford illustrates the fact that there is still a gulf between sport and the paying public.

Lancashire's chief exec Jim Cumbes was quite rightly furious that two small wet patches on the ground prevented any play. 20-20 is meant to be fun, but nobody seems to have told the players, administrators and umpires. Lancashire are trying to get back on the Test list with a major redevelopment, and the danger is that the powers-that-be may look elsewhere. Slow bowlers could have been used to prevent any possible injury to bowlers.

Yes, refunds are available, but you can't put a price on needless inconvenience.

Disgusting Football Violence

halifaxparky — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:25:50 GMT

Sickening scenes at Upton Park last night, when West Ham clashed with Millwall in the Carling Cup. The Millwall manager said there was not one Millwall hooligan on the field, but facts, and banning orders, reveal that these two clubs including Leeds United are the three worst Offenders but all our clubs have banned supporters. Whats up with these no brainers, do they not want to see World Cup football return to these shores, because by hell they are doing their best to ruin it for all genuine football supporters.

Whats the solution to nip in the bud a major problem before it starts esculating into the football crowd violence we witnessed in the 70 and 80s.

For me unfortunately, it is football behind closed doors for the offending teams.

BRING ON THE AUSSIES

FRANCIS — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:31:28 GMT

It looks as though the Ashes really could be anybody's this time. An almost totally rebuilt Australian side with patchy recent form, against an England team improving all the time, but with various question marks hanging over them.

The chief question is the form of Flintoff - bowling OK, batting may be OK (but only one decent knock lately). It looks as though he will bat as low as number 7. Pietersen has had a few low scores recently; one can only hope the status quo will be restored quickly. The Aussies will be delighted that England have chosen to leave out Harmison who is in great form. Monty Panesar will need to take full advantage of the spin that is likely to be offered by the Cardiff pitch. The Aussies will also be pleased that Old Trafford, which has been a happy hunting ground for England in recent years, has inexplicably been discarded.

English Football

halifaxparky — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:55:36 GMT

Good on Mike to speak up about that poser Ferditland, and Garth Barry who made footballing sucide errors that would have embarassed Sunday League players in the midweek friendly against the Netherlands;

He has also come up with bold predictions for the up and coming 9 month slog, commonly known as the start of the foootball season;

Why dont you try beat his predictions, here are mine

PREMIER CHAMPS CHELSEA

PREMIER CHUMPS AND FOR THE DROP PORTSMOUTH, BURNLEY, BIRMINGHAM.

CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONS READING

DIVISION ONE MILWALL

DIVISION TWO ROTHERHAM UNITED

CONFERENCE OXFORD UNITED

Transfers for Trillions

halifaxparky — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:52:07 GMT

How Correct Sir Micheal was about tall his close season Transfer madness. Man City, Real, Ronaldo Tevez, Barry and Adeybaore are all to blame for the current crazy prices which will signal one certain thing, the folding and demise of the basement clubs.

Gone are the days when the top flight boys delve down a division or two to pluck a rising star to create a record fee for that recieving club, ensuring the clubs survival for a year or two. By all means sign Oversea players, but rich club chairmen take note, everytime you do, you knock another nail into the likes of the Barnets Macclesfields and Acrringtons. Thank God weve still got the FA Cup

Keith Macklin RIP

halifaxparky — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:34:20 GMT

Its been a sad week with the passing or Sir Bobby Robson. My apologies to you south of Watford, but a local football comentator Keith Macklin unfortunatley passed away today in Blackburn Hospital. Keith was Yorkshire televisions man on Sport, similar to Gerry Sindstat at Granada and Huw johns from the midlands or was if Norfolk ?

Keith a little excitable with his commentries was always committed, and in the days when you were chuffed if your team made it to Match of the day screens, I shall cherish Keiths commentry on Halifaxs 2-2 draw with Barnsley at Oakwell at the begining of the 70s.

The British Open

halifaxparky — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:44:11 GMT

So Sir Micheal has stuck his neck out. He has with some hope, tipped Lee Westwood to lift the claret jug. What do you think ? Ill go justin Rose at a tasty 125-1. My head says Jim Furyk though

Michael Vaughan

halifaxparky — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:07:07 GMT

I am no great boff on Cricket, but I will be enjoying this years Ashes series. Sadly Micheal Vaughan will not be in the team. He has today officially retired, and I have to heap praise on this honest Yorkshire Lad from Sheffield. Vaughan was man enough to admit that due to his current form he is not good enough to bat for England and Yorkshire. For someone who was a National hero in the 2005 Ashes win, that takes some doing.

Sculptures in Sheffield get ready, Vaughan deserves a statue for this admission alone. Good old Dickie Bird will be today unvieling a deserved stone potrait of himself in hometown Barnsley.