8
May

Trecker’s Travels, Day Five: Bank on it

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Photo: Getty Images

By Jamie Trecker

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

Bank holiday. It’s the hottest day of the year to date in England. Shops are closed. Englishmen, and their dogs, are recumbent across the nation. There is absolutely nothing going on, and that’s exactly how this nation likes it.

I took a walk from Salford round Manchester’s city borders and back. Greater Manchester’s about 500 square miles, but the old city, bordered by two rivers – the Irwell on the west and on the east by the Medlock  — remains compact. Even an out-of-shape writer can go from Deansgate to the Rochdale Canal, then back from Great Ancoats through the Northern Quarter in a couple of hours.

Just across the river, tucked into a small neighborhood just across the river, is Castlefield, the old Roman heart of the city. A small reconstruction of the fort – which was originally made out of timber – stands on the site, dwarfed by the neighboring bridges. Some folks walked around to see it, but Castlefield is better known today for its vibrant weekend market and burgeoning bar scene. That Market starts on the edge of what once was called Mancunium in two weeks time.

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24
Apr

The many hairstyles of Cristiano Ronaldo

To say Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo cares about his appearance would be the understatement of the century. When you are one of the best players on the planet, however, you can pretty much do whatever you want.

From Sporting CP to his days at Old Trafford to his time with Real Madrid, he has tried out many a different styles. It would be a fair assumption to say that his hairstylist is one of the highest paid people in their profession.

Only time will tell which style he will unleash for their Champions league semifinal match vs. Borussia Dortmund, but it’s a safe bet he won’t touch the pitch before there’s gel in his hair.

5
Apr

Noise complaints…

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We’ve all heard of people complaining about the noisy neighbors next door, but this might be the first time we’ve heard of an official complaint about the lack of noise.

That’s right, Manchester United’s famous “Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford, has received complaints about a lack of atmosphere at home matches. The club’s response? They’re bringing in an ‘atmosphere expert.’ Read more about the story here.

What exactly is an atmosphere expert anyway?!

8
Mar

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried his best to squash reports of Wayne Rooney’s possible exit from the club by addressing the media early Friday morning.

The United boss left Rooney out of the Red Devils’ lineup for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, prompting many to speculate Fergie’s willingness to accept a transfer bid later this summer.

“Wayne will be here next year, you have my word on that. There is no issue between myself and Wayne Rooney. To suggest we don’t talk is nonsense.

“He understood the reasons completely. Tactically we got it right. We don’t always but we did then. There are no issues with the player and he will be involved on Sunday.”

Of course he understood, Fergie. Tuesday’s match was nothing “special.” It’s not like players want to showcase their skills in big stages, right?  We don’t buy it, and you shouldn’t either. So we gotta ask, is Rooney staying or leaving Old Trafford?

Chime in!