@footballcliches.bsky.social An article on football podcasts in today’s Observer says “Football Cliches is for the discerning obsessive.” Can a real obsessive be “discerning?” I reckon a feature of true obsession is a lack of self-awareness of that condition.

The best Marriage of Figaro production I’ve seen, last night @operanorth.co.uk at the Leeds Grand Theatre. Exuberant performances and a terrific orchestra.

@footballcliches.bsky.social The attached advert has just appeared. Can a player be “capped” by a club? www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/2561265...

@theobserveruk.bsky.social Speedy Crossword no. 1545 - capital of Sweden! Not quite.

@footballcliches.bsky.social When did managers start to lead their team up to receive the FA Cup and winners’/losers’ medals. My memory might be wrong but surely that hasn’t always happened. I thought they followed their teams up the Wembley steps.

@ianleslie.bsky.social I loved the audio version of John and Paul. I paused listening, to play each song. The book confirmed my belief that they were equal music geniuses. And that Paul’s “it’s a drag” comment after John’s death was the self-defence of a traumatised friend. Terrific work Ian.

The Britons Protection, Manchester

@footballcliches.bsky.social Watching series 5 of Grace which starts with scenes supposedly at Brighton’s ground. Looks like Plough Lane to me. Am I mistaken?

@footballcliches.bsky.social This was in Sunday’s Observer. Is 100 “goal involvements” a true “milestone”?

Hocus Pocus by Focus in Bury

Foliage and bike in Harrogate.

Rob Burrow street art in Leeds.

Half Man Half Biscuit at the Picturedome in Holmfirth.

At the Apollo to see Australian Pink Floyd. I think this must be the Light Side of the Moon.

Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays

Canalside colours in Littleborough

Aviva Studios, Manchester - I haven’t met anyone yet who likes this building. Just £224 million. Very jumbled surroundings too.

Towards the right side of the tracks.

Moist Manchester, Monday.

Lang Lang, arguably the world’s greatest pianist, played Bach’s Goldberg Variations in Manchester last night. Sublime.

Felixstowe beach huts

Orford Ness, through on old window.

Reflections on the Rochdale Canal