MUFC and a new Manager

MUFC will always be the face of British football to majority of outsiders and perhaps to many in the UK especially the younger generation. For some odd reason, the United brand is synonymous with "starting small...", "making something out off relatively little..." and the now all too famous, "shoe-string budget" phrase. United will always be a team of of mediocres ably supported by a sprinkling of potential superstars, who are more or less doomed to remaining on the fringes; and then maybe one or two "breakouts" who would go on to make it big. That is how I always remember Manchester United. You are right to say this identity was only conjured up in the SAF era, but who is to determine how, when and from where an institution gets its identity or what it chooses to adopt!? Really, sometimes, it isn't a matter of choice. As an establishment, you stay true to the values that made you a success - which was what SAF sought to keep up with when he made known his choice of successor. But in our shortsightedness we failed to see this. The perfect case in reference in this thought would be FC Barcelona (arguably Europe's most successful club in the last decade); surely it cannot be a coincidence that they have not "panic" sacked a manager in the last ten years or more. It may be a bit too early to call, but Juventus also seem to be trying to chart the same course after the departure of Conte. Allegri could well have easily been given the boot at the start of the season when results were not particularly pleasing.

If United do have to get a new manager, I'd rather it is someone relatively "fresh"... a "Moyes" kind of signing --- yes, the failed experiment one. Only considered a failure because a huge part of the MUFC fan base didn't like the man's candor, face and (or) demeanor, hence were in no mood to exercise patience or commonsense. Ideally, I would prefer a Brit but there are other slightly less glamorous but appealing, non-Brit prospects in Blanc, Simeone, Laudrup, Pellegrini, Tuchel etc... most importantly however, MUFC need to have patience, a great deal of it too!

MUFC and LVG

From the moment MUFC sacked David Moyes, without giving him ample time in my opinion (I always felt he should have been allowed to finish that season and at worst, the next half season), they set off a chain... Any manager that comes in and isn't getting it right quickly and consistently, has to go almost immediately (the "Moyes" treatment).
But with all the dislike I have for LVG, I do not support that he be given the boot now or anywhere in the near future. He should be allowed to finish the season and then the board makes a decision after on if to give him any more extra time. Same should apply for just about every "struggling" manager. I am aware that some clubs have lower "tolerance" levels than others because they are not financially buoyant and hence want to quickly stem the rot but likes of Chelsea, United, City really do not fall into that category. Like I always said and still maintain, MUFC is too huge a global, financial brand now, way bigger than Liverpool was in the '80s in my opinion; and five seasons (max) of on-field drought (trophy-less) can hardly affect this. For crying out loud, Arsenal previously haven't won a thing in just about a decade and they didn't go under, did they!?

Her Letter...

Hey baby!

It is your birthday in a week or two and I wasn’t really sure what to get you because I want to give you something from my heart and you also said I should be creative so I hope this is creative enough for you.

I have had this in mind for a very long time but I almost didn’t write it anymore because you said something very hurtful to me last night and you didn’t send any message to apologise; and I found that very strange. I also have a weird feeling that something is on your mind and you are not telling me… … anyway, this is supposed to be a love letter and birthday present so I don’t know why I am ranting.

You see, when I first met you, I never thought that we would end up like this, that you will come to mean so much to me and be a part of my life. Sometimes we lose touch of ourselves, make each other cry and say hurtful things, but we always find our way back.

I am not sure how this love happened to me, I can’t tell when I fell in love with you but somewhere along the random chats on Facebook, the long talks on the phone, the big laughs, all the keke rides to my house, the confrontations, the crazy fight and tears, the poems that I always thought were about me (even the ones you wrote before we met) and the jealousy I felt when I realized there used to be someone else (sigh! My life of drama) and the way you stand by me through it all… … somewhere along the line, I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU!

We have been together for a while now and we have some great / not so great memories. When I am with you I feel 100% comfortable and complete. The way you move, make me laugh hard when I don’t even want to smile, you talk all my worries and insecurities away, you make tomorrow worth the wait and yesterday worth remembering.

I am not the prettiest woman, not the perfect / ideal girlfriend, but remember I will always love you (even the times when you are not so loveable, like last night), I will always take care of you and always be there for you, cheering you all the way; whether you are winning or losing. I am your number one fan, I will always stand by you no matter how big the problem may be. Though times are tough right now and circumstances are keeping us apart, as long as we are together, nothing else matters.

Happy birthday baby. Happy birthday my boothang. The winds beneath my wings, my break from the world, my happy ever after. Yes it is your birthday, but I got the gift… … you in my life for another year… … you are priceless!
May God continue to bless you in all your endeavours and cause strange me to favour you!

I LOVE YOU
                MY FAIRYTALE PRINCE!

He and Her (1)

He backed off and turned away from her, vigorously shaking his head as if to ward away ghost fingers that were icily creeping across his face to cover his note and shut out the air supply. But this was no dream - it was real and she would not go away.
"Can't you see...?" She said as she rounded the table which had been a physical barrier between them to stand in front of him again. Her eyes boring deep into his. Then she said the words which up to that point, no one else had mustered enough courage to say for fear of breaking him any further. "If she wants out, then it means her heart has drifted far, further away than you can ever reach. There is no other explanation!"
The gloom re-settled on his face and the earth-shattering howl inside could have been heard a thousand miles away but the demeanor outside did well to shackle it in the hallowed chambers. For a long time, he stared back at her with foreign, glassy eyes. Long and hard, distant and dead. She whispered to him gently as moved closer and a soothing hand placed gingerly on his shoulder; soft, blue eyes pleading to be let in to offer more comfort and warmth. "She doesn't deserve you. You don't deserve to be treated so, let me..."
"No!", retorted sharply and took a step backward beyond her touch. "If anyone is undeserving, it is I!" With that, he turned slowly and reached for the door, leaving it open and not once looking back.
With tears in her awe-struck eyes, she stared at the hunched frame and bowed head as he sauntered away into the welcome embrace of grief; and wondered how a man could love a woman so that in his eyes, she could do no wrong!

Doesn't feel like a 'Happy' New Year...

In many ways, it's been a start to the year I would have wanted and then again, it's not. It is a total mix bag I cannot explain... every experience, utterly memorable in striking, varying contrast. Evoking emotions, way too far apart they cannot be mistaken or mixed. Different instances, places and people; yet so closely inter-woven and close to home they hit with a blend of raw pleasure and pain.

First of, one of my elder brothers finally takes the big step over the mythical broomstick and ties the knot with his soul-mate. A second brother and cousin who I haven't seen in years, both return home for the event and a joyous reunion. Two bosom friends finally commit to their long time flames and two more, welcome their very first bairns - as one of them aptly put it, his "heir". Our sick dad finally has something to cheer, something to lift his spirit and boost his health. Mum is smiling; proud and joyous. The ladies are not at each other's throats' as everybody basks in the euphoria of peace, unity and love once again!

Through this all, just when I finally begin to feel the tide of happiness tugging at my ankles, showing me the way to go; I somehow conspire to lose the one thing away from family that gives me the greatest joy. The one person in all of the world that can put a stop to all of my troubles with a smile; wipe that scowl off my face and wrap my heart in the warmth of sunshine without even saying a word. The one companion I want to have while navigating through life's many swivels, twists and turns!
Well, what can I say... all of a sudden, it just doesn't feel like a "Happy New Year" anymore!

Elusive

Well... 
I can only hope the things I see aren't as they seem. Sometimes they make me just want to turn around, look back at all the not-so-clear mileage that has already been covered and seriously consider heading that way, rather than towards the ever thickening mist that appears to loom ahead.
I see good happening to everyone else around but never to me it seems. The smiling faces, happy lives, the certainty of knowing what belongs where... No blurred lines or blank spaces; just clarity - one that eludes me, still!

The Dream

It was a gathering, a meeting of sorts. We were inside the living room of a house - the setting very much like the living room of my family house. I was seated in the dining section, chair half-turned to a position which enabled me to see the only access door as well as other people the room seated in the reception area - people, whose identites, I coud not make out. Somehow, I felt like I was not meant to be a part of the group; that I was a mere observer, on the outside looking in.
You walked in carrying a tray, probably to serve something to the people gathered around. What was on the tray, I cannot tell. What followed is the mystery. Some guy stopped you right after you stepped in and you exchanged pleasantries. Apparently you were both well acquainted. Then you shared a hug and he made an attempt to kiss you, I thought I saw you try to resisting... at this point, things were a bit fuzzy.

Enter the next frame and you were on your back on a sofa, he was on top of you grappling, still struggling, it seemed, to get that kiss. There was nobody else in the room but me, yet somehow it felt like I was not actually there. I was still seated, frozen, stuck in a trance staring at it all; didn't move, couldn't even breathe. Then some obstacle got into my line of sight and blocked my view off completely, so I couldn't see anymore. I looked up and was staring into the face of your brother. By the time I got a clear view again, you were back on your feet, the tray you were carrying was nowhere, nothing was spilled, destroyed or out of place. You were in tears, yelling at the guy while pointing in what I thought to be my direction and saying, "my boyfriend is over there…"
Then you stormed out sobbing, the guy was there for a couple of seconds addressing the other unidentified, still entities in the room, as though in defense. "But she wanted it...", is all I could hear. Then he went out the door too. At this point, I snapped out of whatever vise that had held me and went after him, you, the both of you... I am not sure. I turned the corner by the side of the house, you were not there but he was. Curiously, my elder brother and two close friends I could identify (even in the dream), were seated in a car outside. Calmly, I approached the fella, extended my hand to him which he took and while still locked in the shake, I said to him, "abeg free her, na my girl..." I cannot tell if replied or not, I did not hear any but he left me standing there, rounded the corner and entered a car. Again another grey spot; it was unclear if he entered a different car or sat at the back seat of the one my brother and pals were in, but what was clear was he did not leave that vicinity immediately. All this while, you were still nowhere in sight. So, I signaled my bro and pals, they came and I narrated to them all that had transpired. It seemed I was very bitter about the whole incident despite my calm disposition while confronting the guy because apparently I suggested that we; myself, bro and pals gang-up and accost the guy again. My brother seemed to be in opposition, because he said, "I dey see two of dem since. Dem dey go up and down here na..."
At this point, I woke up.

Groundhog Day

You wake up early with the rest of the "white collar household" - parents, relatives, older (or younger) siblings - actively participate, directly or indirectly, in getting them all set for work. All the usual chores; clean the cars if any,  sort out the work attires, assist to fix meals, package the take-away packs or food flasks and perhaps even play chauffeur, joining that early morning throng rushing to beat traffic and make it to their various workplaces in time.
Then you return home and almost the very same applies for the kids; nephews and nieces most likely. The wee, adorable "brats" you can never seem to get enough off - still young enough to be in kindergarten, but definitely old enough to leave a room looking like it has just been hit by a tsunami. If you are fortunate, there is already a grand-ma, nanny or relative on hand who has already tended to most of their needs and you just have to weigh in your bit before they are ferried off to their school or playgroup. If you are not, well... it is all on you!

After all of this, of course, it is highly probable that your family living quarters would need some major face-lift - who would bother much about the mess they are leaving behind when they are in a race to beat the clock at work!? So from your perspective, that is just some more work that sadly cannot be overlooked. You are absolutely swarmed by it all - the house needs tidying; all the strewn toys and stray pieces of clothing have to be put back in place. The bathroom, toilet, bedrooms, living room, cleaned up, water to be fetched, laundry and errands perhaps... the list is potentially exhaustive. 
Without warning, there goes the day, trickling away slowly, "sand-in-hourglass-like" and before you know it, noon has passed, heading well into the afternoon and the sun is over-head, blazing fiercely, scorching the earth as though in a fit of rage over some wrong-doing; and you... you have barely had a bite, talk less of a bath. From there onwards, witnessing the transition from into nightfall is nothing short of frustrating by the minute, before your eyes are other things you may have wanted to do or achieve are all strewn by the wayside and everybody else returns at nighttime to meet you in more or less the same state you were when they left in the morning. It is like everybody, everything else is moving forward and you are just stuck on one particular spot without a prayer.
The worst part of it all is, you arise to do it all over again tomorrow. Everyday is the same day!