Pub Bullshitter Big Mick Throws His Flat Cap in the Ring for England Manager Role

Posted on July 17, 2024

In a move that has shocked absolutely no one at the Red Lion, local legend and self-proclaimed football tactician, Big Mick, has announced his application for the England manager role, vowing to replace the outgoing "Wokegate" regime of Gareth Southgate. Bar Mat Manifesto Big Mick, who has spent the last three decades propping up the bar at the Red Lion after an 80s career of crunching tackles in Sunday League matches, believes he’s the ...

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A Roller Coaster of Emotions: Reflecting on England’s Loss to Spain

Posted on July 15, 2024

Cloudy Skies and Cloudy Feelings When I saw yesterday's weather forecast predicting a cloudy and wet day, I couldn't help but think England would lose last night. It always seems to be gloomy the day after an England defeat. While this might not be true, it certainly feels that way. However, the loss last night didn't carry the same desperation as that wet night at Wembley three years ago. That evening, after a day of anarchy, ended with a ...

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The Prefrontal Cortex: Trying to Understand Angry Impulse and Calm Logic

Posted on July 12, 2024

When reading some recent comments about Gareth Southgate, I noticed a pattern. Those who were particularly nasty towards him used terms like "Wokegate" to be derogatory, similar to how they speak about politicians or other disliked figures. Upon examining the profiles of those who claimed they could manage better than Southgate and expressed intense dislike, a similar demographic emerged. These individuals appeared impulsive, angry, and ...

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England Stay Calm and Resilient to Create History

Posted on July 11, 2024

When Germany thumped Scotland 5-1, amidst all the euphoria and the "Germany will take some beating" hype, a few people dared to whisper that it’s how teams finish a tournament, not how they start it, that counts. It’s true as well. It always has been. Over the years, anyone who has watched football will have seen teams start strong before running out of steam. Brazil were specialists at it, notably in 1982 when they were regarded as ...

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Understanding NIMBY: Starmer’s First Gamble

Posted on July 10, 2024

Ever heard of the term "NIMBY"? No, it’s not the latest tech gadget or a quirky new dance move to rival twerking. NIMBY stands for "Not In My Backyard," a term that perfectly captures the sentiment of residents who are all for progress—just not when it happens close to their homes. Think of it as the neighbourhood equivalent of wanting your cake and eating it too. “Oh definitely…but not near my gaff”. The Core of NIMBYism At its ...

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