Full-zip jacket with zippered front pockets and taping across the chest. Includes stand-up collar design and embroidered logo.

So here it is: A reasonably stylish black training jacket with a white stripe across the chest. It's a good fit…not too tight, so as to restrict movement, but not too loose so as to feel baggy.

So with the first impressions out of the way, it's time to put the jacket through its paces on a 25 minute run through southwest London. Despite a chilly evening it keeps me warm enough (with a long-sleeved running shirt underneath). However it's not an all-weather jacket; I occasionally felt the cold wind through the jacket and after 25 minutes at full-out pace, it's noticeable that while my t-shirt has managed to get rid of most of the ensuing moisture, the jacket has not been as successful. Nevertheless, I return home warm and relatively dry, so mission accomplished.

It's fair to say that it is to be recommended for what it is: an affordable, comfortable warm-up (and warm-down) jacket, perfect for pre-match practice or light training, but not really suited to prolonged strenuous sporting activity.

A final word of caution though, the front pockets on my jacket, were not zippered, contrary to what was advertised, so perhaps not the best place to put keys, etc. if you're planning to run around.

Many thanks to the boys at SoccerPro.com. See also Nike Soccer Gear and Nike Soccer Training Gear.

Labels: review

After watching Andy Townsend get on his soapbox on ITV4 this evening and defend Harry Redknapp from the police, I've been spurred on for the first time in ages to get on mine again (something not England's ineptness managed to do).

Apparently, he didn't like the police knocking on his door at 6am surrounded by photographers. The latter is irritating admittedly, but then Harry loves to play the media game more than anyone else, so he was very naive if he thought that the media spotlight would shine elsewhere if matters took a turn for the worse.

However, while fraud investigations are frequently hard to get to court and even harder to get a successful prosecution, the evidence usually has some factual basis. If one believes the police when they say that their investigation has run on different lines to the Stevens inquiry (although in some cases it has looked at the same transfers), it's fair to say that something stinks.

It's this point that should be recognised. While people should feel free to defend Redknapp, they shouldn't be telling police forces not to arrest him, simply because he is being mentioned as the next England manager. This is much the same as asking them not to interview a cabinet minister for dodging dealings purely because that might affect their future career. If the police believe someone has committed fraud and they feel that they can prove that it has taken place, then let them do their job.

Personally, I feel the police have done everyone a massive favour by eliminating Redknapp's chances of becoming England manager, but that is an issue for the next sporadic post.

Labels: England, fraud, Redknapp

Round And White is back and will be posting articles in its usual erratic fashion. First up, is the now traditional season opener for Black And White And Read All Over.

So Big Sam, he hasn't disappointed so far. With a bit of cash behind him and some sensible purchases the future looks bright; Viduka on a free? Bargain! Although Alan Smith and Geremi ... bargains? Hmmm ... we'll see. The same question might be posed of Allardyce's ability to tame Joey Barton (if the latter stays out of jail that is).

While his defensive acquisitions look promising, there's definitely a factor of the unknown there. José Enrique and Claudio Caçapa have good reputations, but they may need time to acclimatise to the cliché that is "the pace of the Premiership". PSG's David Rozehnal for £2.9m could be real steal though.

The rest of the post is, as usual, here.

Labels: Allardyce, Newcastle, Premiership

And a couple of thousand Gooners weep.

Labels: Henry Barcelona Arsenal

With England's U-21s going further than their first team counterparts in a European Championship (albeit after only 4 games in), it's back to the transfer market, but apart from the odd quickly resolved transfer such as Man U's purchases and the to-ing and and fro-ing of Darren Bent, the transfer market has been relatively subdued so far. Unfortunately then for Thaksin Shinawatra that he chose these last few days to push on with his takeover for Manchester City, thus focusing the media's attention on him more so than ever before.

Some of you may remember the a huge uproar when the other team in Manchester was bought by an American businessman whose money was considered by most to be legitimate, however, curiously enough there've been no similar protests so far this time round from Man City fans, despite Mr Shinawatra's highly dubious record. Truly, any moral ground has been lost by the fans.

However, it's worrying to say the least that the FA have so far (to my knowledge) not said anything on the matter. Bizarrely, one might say, as their Fit and Proper Person Test has a whole shopping list of offences which might prevent the former Thai Prime Minister from passing, including Section 109 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001: Bribery and corruption committed outside the UK. And what has the good man been charged with in his home country? Corruption.

It's not a pretty sight.

On a slightly lighter note; Spurs, why are you wasting 16 large ones on Darren Bent?

And finally: David Beckham: the man has no shame.

Labels: Man City, Thaksin, transfer news

Apologies, but I've had to add comment moderation to prevent idiots posting religious psychobabble. I may remove it again in the future.

Labels: fricking weblog spam comments

So Newcastle fans…from an outsider's point of view 2006-2007 seemed like the usual story: a season that never really promised much after the first few weeks had passed. A manager whose ability was frequently questioned, eventually became a victim of Mr Shepherd, while Titus Bramble continued to patrol (if I may use the term loosely) the back four. Nevertheless, there were signs of hope throughout the season. Obefami Martins' form (while it lasted) showed that the team might have acquired a half-decent forward to partner Mickey Owen (more on him later), and Emre and a few others occasionally put in a good performance. And to cap it all, Big Sam turned up at the very end.

The rest of this post can be found at Black And White And Read All Over.

Labels: football, Newcastle, Premiership