Image Skills test

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This image of Deepdale shows Preston North End's Sir Tom Finney Stand. This image has been modified to a 200x500 size showing the Preston North End badge on the stadiums pillar along with one of the stadiums four iconic floodlights.



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This image of Deepdale shows the top of the Sir Tom Finney stand. This image has been modified to 400x300 size showing the Preston North End badge overshadowed by the floodlight.



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This image has been modified to the 100x100 size to show the Preston North End badge on one of the pillars on the Sir Tom Finney stand.



Original Picture

This is the original image taken of Preston North End's ground Deepdale. The image shows the Sir Tom Finney stand and the main entrance to the ground. Towards the top of the picture is the structure of the stadium including one of the grounds four floodlights and the Preston badge on the side of the stand.

jn2053 the digital newsroom - maps skils test blog

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This is the google maps link to the four stories which have been taken from the Lancashire Evening Post.

The four stories include a man who was nearly kicked to death outside the Wilthy Trees pub in Fulwood, a headteacher from the Willows Catholic Primary School near Kirkham who will now face 21 counts of making indecent images of children after appearing in court for the first time, a talk about a former Preston radical MP called Henry Hunt at the Harris Museum in Preston and Kirkham Grammar Schools Rugby Union team beating Lancaster Grammar School 22-7.

Each story has been pinpointed onto a map and each pinpoint contains a brief description of the story, with links to the article and a link to a relevant website

Englands Golden Generation have failed us

Several years ago the BBC when they had England games advertised the games with The Who’s song “my generation” as the new “golden generation” of players came through. Steven Gerrard (below), Frank Lampard, Ashely Cole, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, John Terry, Ledley King… the list goes on. However, last night we saw what was probably the end of that golden generation, who could and probably should have won a major tournament.



Now the axe will fall on certain individuals as we try and find the reason England performed so badly. However, maybe it is more than Fabio Capello and his players’ fault why England have underperformed in the last 20 years.

The pool of English player’s for Capello or any other England manager just isn’t there to pick from anymore. If you look at teams like Spain, Brazil etc they have players who are capable at international level at home whilst having players also playing abroad in Europe’s top league including the Premier League. England just doesn’t export players. In fact only four England players in the last decade have gone abroad and out of them arguably only David Beckham has been a success.

What’s to blame for the lack of English players? The Managers of the football clubs or the FA? Neither. It all comes down to the Premier League itself.

Ever since Rupert Murdoch’s millions entered into football in the 1990’s and the Premier League was formed we have seen a steady decline in the amount of English players in the English Premier League. Chelsea were the first team in 2000 to play a side which didn’t consist of a single Englishman and in 2010 two of the “big four” in Arsenal and Liverpool only played three players between them week in and week out who were English.



Of course many will say that prices for good English talent are over-inflated. Where in the world would you see Glen Johnson go for £18 million? Shaun Wright-Phillips (above) goes for £24 million? That’s why you have seen a number of average foreign players coming into the Premier League taking places that could be given to young talented English players. But instead due to the pressure of winning from football chairman’s and fans not much English talent is given opportunity unless they are very fortunate.

In fact most young talent players are really only given opportunities when the football club they play for is in dire financial circumstances like James Milner (below) at Leeds or when there are a lot of injuries like Dan Golsing and Jack Rodwell at Everton or in the League cup which has seen the bigger teams give their youngsters a chance including the very talented Jack Wilshire at Arsenal.



It also doesn’t help that the Premier League isn’t controlled by the FA, meaning that it can take decisions which are beneficial to the Premier League itself and not English football in general. This is why English Football needs change, but sadly I can’t see it happening. The 20 Premier League clubs will not want to be under control of the FA, which as an organisation has seen a fair share of scandal over time. Those 20 Premier League clubs are in it for themselves and not for the benefit of English Football.

It also worries me that this may be the last time we go past the group stages in the World cup as we just aren’t producing the players. Of the squad who played in the European under-21 championships in 2000 we have had 13 players play full internationals for England, whilst youngsters Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand were already involved with the senior English team. Of the 2009 team who made the final and lost to the Germans, six have made full international appearances whilst only two of the players were taken to South Africa in Joe Hart and James Milner. Compare that to the winning German side last night who had four of those under-21 players in the starting line up.

The Premier League’s focus on winning without producing English talent is harming football and as much as you can blame Fabio Capello’s poor tactics, stubborn management and poor team selections along with poor performances from the players, with Premier League managers signing average foreigners like Hasan Yebda, David N’Gog and Bernard Mendy and then playing them, young English players will never develop.

So long England’s Golden Generation.

Will the English Wicket-Keeper debate ever end?

Ever since a certain Alec Stewart retired in 2003, England have struggled to replace a fantastic 'keeper-batsman. First they tried Chris Read and then he was replaced to some success with Geraint Jones, then Read again before Matt Prior had a chance. He faltered at first so Tim Ambrose stepped in only for Prior to regain the gloves and impress since returning to the England fold, including being named as one of Wisden's players of 2009.

Sadly England seems to have lost the sheer competitiveness and quality in the 'keeper department. During the mid to late 1990's England could chose from Alec Stewart, Jack Russell, Richard Blakey and Warren Hegg. All international class 'keepers and in Stewart and Blakey fine batsmen as well.

Even though England have two of the highest regarded 'keepers in world cricket in Chris Read and James Foster (below), both have never been given the opportunity due to apparently being weak batsmen.



However, this season has seen Foster start off in great style both behind the stumps and in the middle. Against Durham he shared a record 5th wicket stand for Essex scoring 169 against bowlers such as Mark Davies and Liam Plunkett who both have been involved with England this winter. He also managed 88 against Hampshire in the opening fixture and seems in good nick.

Matt Prior's place has also again started to come under scrutiny. Although since returning to the England side his glove work has improved, certain people still feel it is under-par especially compared to someone like Foster who reminded cricket fans what he can do in last years world 20/20 when he stumped Yuvraj Singh, something most keepers wouldn't have been quick enough to manage.



Prior (above) has lost his spot in the 20/20 team to Craig Kieswetter, the South-African born 'Keeper-Batsman who impressed in Bangladesh and for England Lions with the bat but again many feel his glove work is not up to scratch and he has failed so far in the county championship with the bat.

The other rival for the 'keeper spot is Steve Davies. After an impressive summer for Worcestershire last year he was called up as a replacement for Prior in the Champions Trophy and made his ODI debut against Australia managing just 5. However, he toured with England as the back-up 'keeper to Prior suggesting that his name is in the frame.

One name that could possibly be on an England team sheet in years to come is Yorkshire's Jonny Bairtsow. Jonny is the son of former England and Yorkshire 'Keeper David Bairstow and is follwowing in his dad's footsteps in taking the role on at Yorkshire at with some success. The 20-year-old made his debut last season as a batsman and impressed with three half centuries along with replacing Yorkshire's first-choice 'keeper behind the stumps.

Although many will say Prior will hold onto the gloves for this winter's Ashes, Foster has reignited his hopes of challenging for the place along with showing his class as a potential international all-rounder. If England also continue to play with 6 batsmen and the 'keeper going in at 7 would Foster look out of place? This one will last until someone finally nails down the place.

Is Beckham's injury a blessing in disguise?

A mundane Sunday was brought to life with news that former England captain David Beckham had torn his Achilles tendon whilst kicking a ball unchallenged for AC Milan against Chievo.




But whilst some in the media are saying it’s a huge loss and the facebook groups springing up in the wake of the news, you have to question how much of a loss he is to England and whether he would have been on the plane at all going to South Africa.

It also appears that he will now not add to his previous 115 caps as an England player or achieve another landmark is a glittering career of becoming the first England player to play in four world cups.




Beckham (above) has worn his heart on his sleeve for England for the past thirteen years scoring important goals such as his free-kick to help take England to the 2002 World Cup against Greece, the penalty to defeat Argentina in that world-cup and another free-kick to beat Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup. His tears when resigning the captaincy for England showed how much he loved playing for England and leading his country, something which all England fans admire.

Whilst many will say his experience would have been invaluable and his set-pieces could have changed games even former England internationals like Gary Lineker are saying Beckham isn’t a huge loss and some football pundits saying it's no loss at all. You also have to question whether experience and set-pieces would have been enough to take him to South Africa as England have a wealth of competition for the right and left wing positions, especially since Beckham seems to have lost that little bit of pace he did have.

If Beckham had gone to the world cup where would Capello play him? Gerrard, Lampard and Barry seem certainties in the middle and Michael Carrick impressed against Egypt. Lennon and Walcott have played a lot under Capello down the right and Milner has impressed this season and don’t forget Shaun Wright-Phillips or David Bentley.




Now Capello must turn his attention to that once taken right-wing slot with players injured, coming back from injury and some just not performing. Aaron Lennon may miss the rest of the season with injury, Theo Walcott (above) has started only seven games for Arsenal this season, Joe Cole is returning from injury and struggling to get in the Chelsea team and Shaun Wright-Phillips hasn’t been in best of form. Two players who have impressed are David Bentley who has played well since coming in for the injured Lennon and the other James Milner. Add to that other wingers in Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Adam Johnson and you have to question how big a loss Beckham is.



James Milner (above) may be the man to finally nail down that right-wing position that has been vacant ever since Beckham’s imposed international exile by Steve McLaren. The young Aston Villa winger has impressed this season playing out of position in the centre of midfield and whilst playing for England has appeared on the left wing and at right-back. He just may be the versatile player that England need in a small squad of twenty-three.

Beckham injury probably means the end of a marvellous England career spanning thirteen years. Whilst personally he wouldn’t have been on the plane to South Africa for me, he did inspire many and led his country by example and always gave his best.

However, England and Capello can now move on and leave the shadow of David Beckham behind them.

Bangladesh v England 1st Test Preview: Rock Hard Beds and Injuries Galore

England’s two match test series start tomorrow against Bangladesh and it hasn’t been the easiest of lead ups to a test series.




Kevin Pietersen (above) seems very much out of form and is struggling to cope with Bangladesh’s left-arm spinners, one department where they are not lacking. England are also without three of their frontline bowlers with James Anderson at home resting after injury, Ryan Sidebottom again is back home injured and Graham Onions unavailable after a back injury and on his way home. Stuart Broad also remains a doubt after suffer back spasms.




Broad’s injury hasn’t been helped by the beds used in the hotel where the England team are staying. Broad (above) described them as being as hard as advertising boards and if it wasn’t for a hotel worker suggesting to England ‘keeper Matt Prior some foam for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Broad and his fellow team-mates have followed suit and now Broad is edging toward full fitness though he still remains doubtful and told Sky he wouldn’t play unless he was 100% fit.

If Broad doesn’t play it will most likely leave Tim Bresnan (below) as England’s senior fast bowler. The Yorkshire all-rounder, who has impressed in the one-dayers against South Africa and Bangladesh, was promoted to number four in the batting order in the warm-up match suggesting that he may take the number 7 role against Bangladesh.




It also seems like England will go into the first test with 5 bowlers, although many don’t know what the line up will be. Definite starters will be Graeme Swann and James Tredwell on the turning Bangladeshi pitches and most likely Broad and Bresnan with one of Steve Finn and Ajmal Shahzad and if Broad doesn’t make the first test it seems like both Finn and Shahzad will start with Liam Plunkett missing out all together.

If Bresnan and Finn (below) both start it will be very tough on Plunkett and Luke Wright, as both Finn and Bresnan weren’t in the original test squad. Sadly, Plunkett has failed to impress in either his sole appearance in the one-day series or the warm-up game, whilst Wright hasn’t really been looked at by England for the five day format. Finn is also seen as a future star after he made his debut for Middlesex aged 16 and last season took 53 wickets.



Another uncapped player likely to miss out is Michael Carberry. The Hampshire opener who has been selected in place of the resting Andrew Strauss didn’t impress too much in the warm-up match and with it looking like England will play 5 bowlers Jonathan Trott looks set to open the batting alongside stand-in skipper Alastair Cook and Ian Bell coming in at three.

Kevin Pietersen though needs to score runs after failing in South Africa and in the one-dayers in Bangladesh. It seems that the Bangladeshis have found a flaw in his batting especially against left arm spinners and it is key that he along with the rest of England’s batting line up score if England are to play five bowlers.

Certain key England player’s lack of form and an inexperienced bowling line-up makes for interesting reading for this test series. It all kicks off on Friday at 3am (available on Sky Sports)

Probable Line Up: Alastair Cook (c), Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior (wk), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Steve Finn.

A Team Full Of Englishmen... Kind Of

Last Friday England’s one day side completed an expected series whitewash over Bangladesh in the three match series thanks to Craig Kieswetter (below). However, some are criticising the amount of non English born players, such as Kieswetter, in the current test and one day teams.

The criticism first started after England’s triumph in the 2005 ashes with Australian’s claiming South Africa had won the Ashes and not England after Kevin Pietersen’s century at the oval. Pietersen though has been criticised more due to his criticism South Africa’s non-white player quota which led him to come to England to look to play cricket. However, Andrew Strauss and Matt Prior, both South Africa born, have cemented their places in the England squad over the past 6 years and they haven’t been as largely criticised until now due to both growing up in England.

Now the issue has been brought back into the limelight with the debut of Jonathan Trott (below) in the 2009 Ashes series and last week Craig Kieswetter who was drafted into the one day side to open alongside Cook after Joe Denly failed to score big runs in the warm-up games in Abu Dhabi. Both players have played for South Africa Under-19’s and Trott for South Africa A and this has left some England fans angry.

One former captain in particular has criticised the use of players who have made the switch from South Africa to England. Michael Vaughan last summer accused Trott of having celebrated with his native South Africa side after their victory at Headingley when he was supposed to be 12^th man for England. Even though he denied the argument it does show the issue with playing for an adopted country.

Vaughan (below) amongst others have also criticised the current England team after the selection of Craig Kieswetter. The Somerset Wicket-Keeper had been groomed by England ever since he declared he wanted to play in England and not for South Africa and was immediately in the England Lions squad as soon as he was eligible to play. However, some former players have questioned this along with the Kolpak ruling which allows foreign players to stunt young English player’s development. Vaughan again has backed this calling for England to put out a “pure” English eleven.

Although not classed as English by many fans all those South Africans are technically English. Kevin Pietersen’s mother is English, England Captain Andrew Strauss’ mother is also English and he moved to England at the age of six, Matt Prior’s father is English and he moved to England aged 11 and Craig Kieswitter’s mother is Scottish and he lived here 3 months of the year before moving to England to do his A-levels. Jonathan Trott on the other hand has no close relation with England which many fans and critics of England have taken issue with.

Queries have also been raised about Eoin Morgan (above). The Irish born batsman chose to play for England as he is unable to play at the top level for his native country. However, the point to make is that England has used players not born in Britain before as have other nations and the fuss is only about the amount of non-English players in the squad. Former England players Allan Lamb, Tony Grieg and Basil D’Olivera all were from South Africa and Andy Caddick was a New Zealander.

Whilst other nations may complain about England using players born in different nations some nations in particular forget they also do this. A prime example is Andrew Symonds the Australian all-rounder who was born in Birmingham.

Questions do need to be asked about why England needs to turn to Trott and Kieswetter. Is there not enough talent within English cricket? Are the selectors missing out an giving good young batsmen the opportunity to play? It seems the former although many will ask why players such as Michael Carberry and Joe Denly aren’t given more of an opportunity.

Although the ECB seem to have won the battle with Kolpak players it seems that it is neglecting to take the same standards when selecting England squads. It seems that until this is rectified young English talent may be neglected.