Liverpool marks the last game of the season for me as I fly out to Toronto for the summer next week.. fingers crossed tha lads see me off with 3 points to show for their efforts. I'll still see quite a few of the remaining games live on TV (for sure any cup games) but of course it's not the same... although the stress, joy, despair and loss of voice will be very similar! Anyway here's to a good send off and to doing the double over Liverpool clubs by the end of next weekend Haway the lads!
so whats the story, Sunderland, Toronto, is it work or just a jet set life you live, if its non of my business then just say.
Semi-retired and the missus is Canadian so we split our time between both places for now... although she's more or less full time in Toronto I tend to spend 3 or 4 months a year in UK.. during the footy season. At some point I suppose I'll make a permanent move but I still enjoy the UK and having a few months a year as a virtual bachelor suits me too (by which I mean eating too many take-aways, having more beery fun than is good for me and enjoying my own company)
How can this happen in the days of CRB checks etc? Byline: ROB KENNEDY; LISA HUTCHINSON A CRICKET coach is today unmasked as a pervert who abused young children. Michael Strange was a respected club captain and also did coaching and scouting work for Durham County Cricket Club. But today dad-of-two Strange is behind bars and facing years in prison after he was convicted of a series of indecent assaults at Newcastle Crown Court. All of the offences happened in the 1990s and Strange had denied them. His shocked cricketing colleagues have told how he deserved what he got. Junior co-ordinator Bryan Arkle, based at Gateshead Fell Cricket Club, said: "It is fair to say we are pleased that this issue has come to light and been dealt with in an appropriate way by the courts. "When Michael came to us he was a respected man and we had no suspicions. It was a complete shock when we found out that he had been arrested and he was suspended by the club from all activities and he then just stopped coming." John Windows, Durham County Cricket Club academy manager, said: "It is very shocking news to hear this. He started off being a parent helper and developed into helping with the coaching with the junior teams. "He was with us about 10 or 12 years ago when his son played. I am pleased that this has come to light and he has got what he deserved. If he was found guilty then it is reassuring that people like him aren't in contact with children any more." Peter Brown, club chairman at Bill Quay Cricket Club, said: "Our sympathy goes out to the victims. There is a much better system in place now as everyone has to be CRB checked. "We were aware through rumours and hearsay that Michael was being investigated for assault. "However, we received no formal notification from the police or otherwise with regards to the alleged assaults. Michael played here back in the 90s but left to pursue his coaching and playing career elsewhere. He left our club on good terms with the committee and we wished him all the best. "Since that time we have had minimal contact due to the different levels of cricket we played at, which meant Michael only returned to the club as a spectator." During his playing career, Strange was club captain at Bill Quay Cricket Club, in Gateshead, where he went on to become coach. He was regarded as an expert and did specialist coaching sessions. Strange, 51, of Sherburn Way, Wardley, Gateshead, was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child. He was remanded in custody while presentence reports are compiled and will be sentenced on March 5. Judge Roger Thorn told him: "These young men were damaged by you and there will inevitably be a long prison sentence. The sooner you start serving the prison sentence the better so I'm remanding you in custody."
