Ten things I love about Las Vegas

Having just returned from a visit to the city that never sleeps, I feel compelled to tell you all just how great it is.

Many a word has been spoken about Vegas and many an image cast, but until you go and sample it for yourself no words can do it justice.

Here are ten things that really summed up this special city for me.

The strip

Scores of neon lights illuminate the stretch that features the majority of the city’s major hotels. Any Google search will show the strip to be one of the most iconic images of the city and just a walk down this metropolis is essential for any visitor and the many bridges across the road offer stunning views for any aspiring photographer.

The people

Having never previously visited the States I didn’t really know what to expect of the people. A popular conception of Yanks here in the UK is that they are loud, boisterous and arrogant. I would like to rewrite the rule book here.

Yes, some Americans are loud, especially after a last minute field goal or big win on the roulette table, but they are no worse than many Brits on tour.

American people are amongst the friendliest people that I have ever met. Attentative to all your customer needs and very open and approachable, such as the friendly roulette dealer we met with whom we put the world to rights over a few spins of the wheel.

Once they find out that you’re English then you are certainly onto a winner. Americans seem mesmerized by the English accent and this resulted in two kind fellows buying all seven of us a round of beers.

Fancy dress seems not to have caught on in the States quite as well as it has here in the UK. Two of our nights out were in fancy dress, an Olympic theme night and a pink night and I kid you not, that is the closest I have ever felt to being a celebrity. Dozens of other revellers approached us to have photos taken with us and join the party spirit.

The hotels

Now I’ve stayed in some nice hotels before but I had never seen anything like the hotels of the Las Vegas strip before. Each one is in competition with the last as to who can be the most extravagant and elaborate.

Every hotel features an extensive casino, various restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and often a unique and spectacular selling point that adds to the overall Vegas experience.

The water fountains at the Bellagio, the Eiffel Tower at the Paris, the light that shoots out of the Luxor that can apparently be seen from space and the Gondolas at the Venitian are all essential viewings, especially at night when they become lit up and glow in the clear night sky.

Freemont Street

Essentially old Vegas where it all began, Freemont is a hive of activity, especially when we visited one Saturday night. Featuring a zip-line that runs the length of the street, numerous bands perform on several purpose-built stages, as well as mime artists and street performers doing their thing. Getting a taxi away from the strip for at least one night is an absolutely must!

The food

I enjoy going out and sitting down for a good feed. I like to think that I make a good attempt to finish whatever is put in front of me and more often than not I succeed in my aim.

However eating in the US is a whole different matter.

I enjoyed mammoth ribs, luscious pork and numerous other fantastic meals during my time in Vegas and a side order can come as a meal in itself. When ordering a side of onion rings I was confronted by around ten rings the size of Yorkshire Puddings, and all this often served by beautiful waitresses. God, I love Vegas!

The Grand Canyon and surrounding lands

Although not even in the same state as Vegas, the Grand Canyon both can and should be visited in a day during a stay in the city.

The drive itself is fascinating. The impressive Hoover Dam is located conveniently on the route and definitely worth a stop off.

After this you continue into what is effectively the middle of nowhere. Long stretches of road, little signs of life, expansive desert and the odd ghost town all make intriguing window gazing and give an indication of just how big and vast  America is geographically.

Before you reach the Grand Canyon, you travel through a town called Dolan Springs. We barely saw a soul and the houses look mostly derelict. A little further research shows that 25% of the town’s residents live under the poverty line and many more have left altogether in the search of work.

On to the Grand Canyon and three hour trekking through the desert is worth it in every single way. Spectacular doesn’t even come close to describing this area and I would insist on any visitor paying the little extra and taking the helicopter over the canyon, as this is the only real way to grasp the sheer magnificence of it.

The service

Hot waitresses, lots of food, free refills. Say no more.

The shopping

Although not normally one for shopping, doing so in Vegas was a completely different kettle of fish for me.

The city pretty much hosts a shop or boutique of near enough every leading brand and product imaginable, all at cheaper prices than you would find here in the UK.

The nightlife

Although really feeling it now, I am so glad that I soldiered through and went out every night.

The city really does never sleep with many bars open around the clock.

Even if you’re not a fan, it is well worth a visit to a bar showing NFL. The passion that it generates is magnificent and you can’t help but be absorbed into the atmosphere. I previously had no time for it whatsoever but am now a convert due to the fans and the players’ explosive play.

Karaoke is also prominent and live bands work the crowd at various locations around the city, many of the casinos and bars also feature table dancers in case you are short of any eye candy, which in Vegas is highly unlikely.

Ferguson the bum
Any homeless gentleman who can be found passed out alongside a bottle of vodka in the middle of the afternoon, and next sighted 12 hours later calling a policeman a ‘fucking retard’ deserves a special mention.

 

VEGAS... the best city in the world

Blink-182, Eden Project, 8/7/2012

Photos by Laura Newbury.

It’s fair to say that this year’s Eden Sessions line-up has been comfortably the most impressive in its ten year history. Marking the milestone birthday have been performances from Plan B, Example, Chase and Status, Labrinth and Noah and the Whale, but undoubtedly the main highlight of the sessions was the visit from pop-punk legends Blink-182 on Sunday.

The band consisting of Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker and Tom DeLonge arrived at Eden in the midst of their extensive European tour which had already seen them perform throughout the UK as well as at numerous other locations across the continent.

Following the announcement that Blink were set to make their maiden visit to Cornwall, Eden’s phone lines were jammed and demand by far outstripped supply leaving many fans disappointed.

Those lucky enough to get their hands on tickets were treated to a show that befitted the reputation of a band with just under 5million Twitter followers between them.

Bands performed throughout the day with the main support coming from Cornish group The Crowns. The Crowns have a growing reputation and are due to perform at the Reading and Leeds festival in August. The band was treated to a good audience for their set due to the many early arrivals who hoped to get a good spot for Blink.

Anticipation grew as the crowd packed into the intimate arena right back to the grass banks and the glowing domes of Eden helped create a unique and mesmerising atmosphere.

Blink exploded onto the set opening with hit song Feeling This, before Mark Hoppus took to the mic and after surveying the scene around the arena asking the crowd; “Where the fuck are we?”  After all the Eden Project probably is a far cry from the likes of the 02 Arena and NIA where Blink had performed just days before.

The Californian punk rockers continued to work through their entire back catalogue, blasting out hits spanning six albums and eighteen years.

Rock Show, What’s My Age Again and I Miss You all went down particularly well in the early parts of the set with the crowd belting back every word with vigour and the mosh pits typically chaotic.

In between songs the band happily shared their trademark rude jokes and other trash talk with an amused audience.

As the daylight began to fade the atmosphere intensified and the audience were treated to a number of hits from the new album Neighbourhoods.

Listening through Blink’s back catalogue you will hear examples of the increasing maturity they developed throughout the years which reflected in the music they produced. Some tracks off Take Off Your Pants and Jacket hinted at a more mature and less punk-rocky approach, before the following self-titled album consisted mainly of darker sounds. Neighbourhoods however, attempts to encompass both approaches and new song Hearts All Gone in particular, rolls back to the years to their earlier material and went down well amongst the lively crowd.

From my experience whenever a big name rock act comes to Cornwall the crowd compensates for the usual lack of such bands in the region and the audience at Eden on Sunday certainly did this. Some of the crowd sat and even stood on other people’s shoulders, bouncing and shouting at the top of their voice.

The rowdyness reached a crescendo when Blink performed arguably their biggest hit in All The Small Things with everybody jumping and singing along.  They then performed early single Josie before retiring briefly backstage before returning with a spectacular encore.

The encore began with Travis taking centre stage for his drum solo Can a Drummer Get Some which underlines his credentials as one of the world’s best drummers, the audience left in a state of disbelief by the rapid movement of his arms.

Following Travis’ solo he was once again joined by Mark and Tom as they completed the set with Carousel, Dammit and Family Reunion, before taking five minutes to toss numerous items into the scrambling crowd.

As the audience began to slowly leave, they departed safe in the knowledge that they just had witnessed an astounding performance from one of the biggest bands ever to come to Cornwall.

Blink-182’s visit to the enchanting Eden Project displayed to Cornwall just why they can be classed alongside Green Day as one of the biggest punk-rock bands on the planet.

Book Review

Graham Hunter: Barca – The making of the greatest team in the world

If you were contemplating buying this book but have since decided against it after Guardiola’s departure and Barcelona’s surrender of both the La Liga and Champions League crowns, then you’ve made a bad decision. A really bad decision.

Hunter’s book closely examines goings on behind the scenes at the Camp Nou and the chain of events that led to the construction of what many believe to be the world’s greatest ever team, a journey not so simple as many will believe.

The book is neatly divided into chapters, with each of Barca’s key players featured, as well as a an examination of a number of other important factors in the story. Hunter examines the journeys of the likes of Messi, Xavi and Iniesta from their early days at La Masia right through to their recent achievements at the height of the game.

My favourite chapter is the one detailing the recently departed Pep Guardiola. The section really emphasizes how Barca early on believed that the Catalan had all the right credentials to eventually become the first team manager and how their belief was eventually rewarded with success. All of this despite the fact that Guardiola had no managerial experience before initially being appointed as manager of Barcelona B.

Hunter’s knowledge about the club is unparalleled, stemming from the fact that he has spent over a decade working in and around the club and as a result has become good friends with many of the players and key powerbrokers at the club.

Away from the chapters featuring Guardiola and his former charges, are detailed accounts about the sewing of the seeds of the Barcelona ethos and La Masia, Barca’s famed academy amongst others.

Each section is slick and smooth reading and enlightening with facts that are guaranteed to surprise the reader, such as the fact that both Messi and Iniesta were once on the verge of sealing loan moves to Glasgow Rangers!

Some chapters do overlap chronologically, but this is a necessity in providing such extensive coverage of each respective subject.

The general chronology of the book is as follows; the coming of Cruyff and the instillation of the Barca philosophy, the baron years of foreign imports and financial mismanagement under Van Gaal and Gaspart, the arrival of Rijkaard and his early success and then subsequent decline and then recovery and prosperity under Guardiola.

Throughout the book runs the obvious theme of Barcelona being a vehicle of Catalan identity and how many of the players are proud Catalan’s and proud supporters of Barca. I witnessed this first hand during my recent visit to the Camp Nou, with the museum outlining just how important the football club has been to Catalan identity, pride and even at times resistance.

Above all I feel that the book teaches that Barcelona really is more than a club. How the likes of Ibrahimovic came and failed but a far less talented individual like Pedro can be an undoubted success because firstly from graduating from La Masia he understands the Barca system and its requirements and secondly, he possesses the right mental steel and winner’s mentality.

Writing this review I found it impossible to analyse all aspects of the book. The book simply covers so much, in such detail that to really grasp the whole concept of Barcelona you must read the book yourself.

However, what I can promise is that this book will make you cherish the players that form this fantastic team and appreciate Barcelona’s unique identity and means of operation.

Whatever the post Guardiola years hold, this book superbly tells the story so far of the best team that many of us have seen in our lifetimes, not missing a step along the way.

The defensive midfielder – responsible for disrupting attacks or the first point in setting them up?

http://www.footballspeak.com/post/2012/05/02/The-Contrasting-Role-of-the-Defensive-Midfielder.aspx

The role of the defensive midfielder is one that is open to many interpretations. On the one hand you have the ‘water carriers’ typified by the industrious Didier Deschamps after whom the phrase was coined, and on the other the conductors of the orchestra, the deep-lying playmakers.

Both roles represent hugely contrasting styles; however which occupation is of the biggest benefit to the team?

The role of the water carrier is simple. Hassle and harass the opposition, disrupting their flow and consistently attempting to unsettle them until either they are forced into a mistake or the tackle is made. Then once the ball is recovered, offloading it simply to a more gifted teammate.

A contemporary example of this position is Nigel De Jong. De Jong has I believe, acquired a somewhat unfair reputation as a dirty player. Yes De Jong is a tough cookie and his hard but fair ethos has caused injury, however he operates perfectly within the rules the majority of the time, with the exception of his near execution of Xabi Alonso in the World Cup Final.

De Jong has been used somewhat sparingly this term but Mancini still identifies the time and the place to unleash his Rottweiler. Leading United 1-0 in the recent Premier League clash, Mancini brought on De Jong to tighten up the midfield and although United didn’t create much in the way of chances throughout the game, De Jong’s grip on the midfield meant that City were able to comfortably see out the remainder of the match.

Perhaps two of the most successful ‘water carriers’ were Frenchmen Didier Deschamps and Claude Makelele. Both these players played alongside Zinedine Zidane and Zizou was the first to acknowledge the worth of both players.

Of course Deschamps and Makelele are not the most technically gifted of players, but their hard running and ability to break up the play warranted their places in some of the world’s great teams, allowing those around them to operate to their full potential.

The ‘water carriers’ can also to be referred to as destructive midfielders and in no place is this more common than the Premier League.

The fast and frenetic pace of the Premier League often calls for somebody who can quickly break up an attack and immediately launch a counter,  a vital strategy in the fast paced end-to-end nature of the Premier League.

Admittedly this role isn’t exclusive to England, and teams across the globe have benefited from players who can simply win the ball and offload it to more gifted teammates.

At the other end of the defensive midfield spectrum is the deep-lying playmaker.

In Argentina this role is referred to as the ‘number 5’. Here is a player responsible for orchestrating the play in front of them, knowing the best time to maintain possession with a sideways pass and when to launch a probing 30-yard ball into the path of an onrushing attacker.

For me players who have excelled most in this position in recent years include Fernando Redondo, Andrea Pirlo and Xabi Alonso.

I was only lucky enough to see Redondo play a few times as when my interest in football really sparked; he was in the later days of a career prematurely cut short by injury. I remember Redondo dictating a Champions League quarter final at Old Trafford, as United fell to Real. Everything that night went through Redondo, and he even laid on a goal for a teammate after embarrassing Henning Berg on one of his rare forays forward.

A more contemporary example of the deep-lying playmaker is Andrea Pirlo.

Pirlo, like many others in this role, was not immediately recognised for his effectiveness. Pirlo was largely unused at Inter and was sent out in a series of loan moves and it wasn’t until moving to cross town rivals AC Milan that he flourished.

I think that Pirlo is underrated defensively, but undoubtedly his main qualities are his range of passing, dead ball and organisational skills.

By sitting so deep Pirlo offers defenders a way out without having to hopelessly hoof the ball upfield and risking possession, while he also offers shape and protection sitting in front of a back four.

When he receives the ball he immediately plots the best means of attack, whether it be a short and simple pass, or a direct longer ball.

The best players in this position also organise those around them and Xabi Alonso can often by seen pointing and gesturing, almost as if to say “I know best, the ball goes this way”.

Alonso occupies a similar role to Pirlo, pulling strings and more often than not being the starting point of the majority of attacks.

To perfect the deep-lying playmaker role, a candidate needs to have accurate passing ability and a sound football brain. Knowing the best way of planning an attack and having the ability to deliver the right pass is a must.

It is not a coincidence that many of these players are often responsible for dead ball duties in their respective teams, such is their highly advanced passing accuracy.

The water carrier and the deep-lying playmaker are hugely contrasting ways to operate in defensive midfield. The simple disruption and donkey work up against beautiful methodological grace.

However, I do also feel that they both have more in common that one would initially think. They both provide a team with shape and a certain level of insurance for those operating further up the field.  Teammates know that when play breaks down, they are unlikely to be left desperately short as the opponent advances.

Once the ball is recovered this is when the differences become apparent. The ‘water-carrier’ quickly gives the ball to those more gifted around him, however the deep-lying playmaker is responsible for initiating attacks himself.

To choose which discipline of the defensive midfielder is more effective is impossible, however I am sure that many teams in the future will benefit from the tactical discipline and organisational qualities that both roles undoubtedly bring.

                                                                                                                                          

Cornwall Living

Hello all, been a hectic few weeks here at Cornwall Living but the first issue is now out and about and you can view it online at www.cornwall-living.com.

You will even find a few articles and photographs courtesy of yours truly.

Barcelona Images

Will upload Barcelona images as soon as my laptop decided to stop being the biggest pile of shit ever to roll of a production lines.

Barcelona

I have long since been fascinated by FC Barcelona.

The team’s football enchanting, its history intriguing and home to several of the world’s top
footballers.

Couple this with my Mother’s will to visit the city; I had indeed come up with the perfect Christmaspresent.

So last week me and mum packed our bags and headed to Barcelona for a short break.

Barcelona is a city that has it all, highlands surrounding the city offering stunning panoramic views, stretches of beaches, spectacular architecture and Europe’s biggest football stadium.

The weather couldn’t have been kinder, barely a cloud was present in the sky during our four days in the city and the hotel’s location was perfect.

Situated just off the bustling Las Ramblas and Catalunya Square, the Hotel Nouvel was also just a few steps away from a metro line, very handy for exploring the city.

The city certainly feels more Catalan than Spanish, and it is refreshing to see that the city managed to maintain its identity during the civil war and Franco years.

Prior to his death architect Gaudi was responsible for many of the unique, colourful and creative building that feature throughout the city. My favourite being the half built church which is a melting pot of styles and although Gaudi didn’t get time to finish it, it is expected to be completed around 2020.

Las Ramblas is a hive of activity, featuring everything from mime artists, to street stalls selling mice and guinea pigs. Although well known for its pick-pocketting problem, I found that as long as you remain vigilant then you should be able to keep hold of your belongings.

However the main event was undoubtedly catching a game at the 98,000 Camp Nou. Although it wasn’t quite full, the visit of Sporting Gijon was still one of the most magical experiences
that I have been a part of.

Barcelona is a club steeped in tradition and although today’s team currently arguably the best team to have ever played the game, things haven’t always been so rosy.

During the civil war period FCB were seen as a vehicle of Catalan nationalism and as a result, the
government authorities cracked down and changed their name and altered club badge to make it more Spanish.

FCB also suffered at the hands of referees and corrupt officials despised the Catalans and did everything in their power to favour Real Madrid in particular.

However, the club rode through the storm and once again FCB are a proud Catalan emblem.

Experiencing a game in the Camp Nou is quite something. The locals are used to a high standard of football and demand nothing less, a misplaced pass during the second half of the Gijon
game prompted grumbles of discontent amongst in the stands.

Lionel Messi, the world’s best player, unfortunately picked up his fifth booking the week prior to our visit.

Although it was disappointing not to be able to see Messi play, Xavi and Iniesta in particular
were absolutely incredible to watch. The way Xavi moves the ball and uses his body as a shield when in possession is a lesson to any midfielder. Iniesta snakes through the smallest of gaps and always seems to have the ball glued to
his foot.

Even for the game against one of La Liga’s smaller teams, the atmosphere was great and the whole aura of FCB was mystifying.

Iniesta, Keita and Xavi netted the goals in the 3-1 win and I’m sure it would have been even more
emphatic has Pique not saw red just after half time.

Barcelona is a lively, vibrant and beautiful city and I can’t wait to visit again. Hopefully next time
Messi will be fit and available for selection!

A new dawn

Well a lot has changed in my life over the past couple of
months.

I have now scaled the mountain and can finally say
that after three years of training, several stints of various work experiences
and lots of persistence, that I am a paid journalist.

I have been given the break by Cornwall Living Magazine, put
together by Engine House Media.

Cornwall Living is a new venture set up by the man
responsible for founding Bath life and a number of similar titles. Andy Forster
loves Cornwall having had a holiday home here for several years and after
selling his media empire, he has relocated and is looking to replicate the
success he experiences further up the line.

Cornwall Living comes with a
precise game plan. We will be producing a glossy magazine filled with editorial
gold and will be distributing 35,000 copies strategically across the county.

The plan targets the more
affluent areas of Cornwall with copies being delivered through letter boxes,
into hotels and holiday homes and into local businesses.

It is estimated that each
copy will be read three times, meaning an overall readership of over 100,000.

By targeting the more
affluent readership, we address those with disposable income, a point that
helps sell advertising to fund the magazine and gives it a more upmarket feel.

I have now been working here
for a few weeks and have written about a number of different things that I have
never covered before, such as art and housing. I am also responsible for a
large section covering the RNLI and have honed my interview skills quite
considerably.

As we approach the first
launch, it is certainly an exciting time to be working here at Engine House
Media and I am delighted that I finally got my break.

Never give up!
www.enginehousemedia.co.uk

The Top 20 Derbies in Europe

Causing a bit of a stir at http://footballspeak.com/post/2012/01/27/The-Top-20-Derbies-In-Europe.aspx

Each year when the fixtures for the forthcoming league campaign are announced, fans skim through searching for the date when they are to meet their most fierce rivals.

Derbies are the most anticipated and often controversial clashes of the season and regularly see tempers boil over, both on the pitch and in the stands.

Derbies exist because of a number of factors. Geographical rivalries are the most frequent reason for a derby, what better feeling is their than going into work on a Monday morning having seen your side secure local bragging rights that weekend and subsequently rubbing salt into the wounds of your rival-supporting work-mates.

As much as pundits like to distance football and politics, the two often go hand in hand and create some of the most intriguing derbies in the world today. With a mutual difference already established in the views of both the club and the fans, differences soon spill into hatred when these teams clash.

Success can also be a major catalyst for hatred in the derby world. If two teams compete for the same title year-in, year-out, then surely that is a good a reason as any to despise a rival team?

I have examined a number of derbies in Europe and have attempted to give a countdown to the most explosive clashes in Europe.

20. CSKA Sofia v Levski Sofia

The battle of the Bulgarian capital sees the countries two most successful sides go head-to-head. CSKA were originally the team of the Bulgarian army and were often viewed favourably by the Communist authorities. Levski, on the other hand, historically draw most of their support from the working class. These fanatical guidelines are no longer particularly accurate, however the hatred and animosity hasn’t altered.

Clashes between these two often spill into violence, with the 1985 cup final between the two sides ending in a mass brawl, because of which many players received lengthy bans.

The violence hasn’t always ended on the pitch however; in 2001 a fan was left dead after clashes between the two sets of supporters.

19. Basle v Zurich

Although separated by a train journey of around 90 minutes, the clash between Basle and FC Zurich has seen numerous incidents of crowd violence in recent years. These two clubs hate each other for seemingly no other reason than the fact that they have both been fighting it out for the Swiss league crown in recent years.

Basle’s hatred used to be reserved for FC Zurich’s city rivals Grasshoppers, but as Grasshoppers have faded as a force, FC Zurich has eclipsed them as the main object of Basle fans hate.

No other club has won the Swiss Super league since 2004 and in 2006 on the last day of the season, all hell broke loose. The two teams met at St Jakob Park, the home of FC Basle, with Basle only needing a draw to secure the title and the visitors needing a win. The score remained 1-1 with the clock ticking down. Just as Basle’s subs and coaching staff gathered on the touchline ready to invade the pitch in celebration, FC Zurich notched an injury time winner securing them the title. Basle fans then invaded the pitch attacking FC Zurich players and were forced to play their first three home games of the following season behind closed doors.

18. Betis v Sevilla

Perhaps the most fierce local derby in Spain. Although both teams have only won La Liga only once, this derby has been controversially ferocious since the teams first met in 1915.

Sevilla’s Sanchez Pizjuan ground is situated in the well-off commercial district of Nervion whereas Betis are based in the working-class Heliopolis.

Unlike rivals such as Lazio and Roma, these two clubs could not even bare to share a stadium and as a result the Olympic stadium in the city stands unused for much of the year.

Sevilla FC were founded in 1905 by employees from the nearby Rio Tinto mines and after a disagreement amongst members, a revolt saw the formation of Betis. Betis then merged with another club, Sevilla Balompie in 1914, just in time for the first Seville derby in 1915.

17. Benfica v Porto

A Portuguese saying reads “Lisbon shows off while Porto works”. The common conception is that Porto come from the hard-working Northern Port of the same name, whereas Benfica represent the cultured and laid-back capital.

These two clubs have the two largest stadiums in the country, the highest average attendances and the most titles between them, with Porto having lifted the trophy 25 times and Benfica 32 times.

Benfica were the dominant force in Portugal in the 1960s and 70s and only since have Porto challenged that status. The clash between these two is often billed as the battle of the traditional strong force and the new order.

16. Spartak Moscow v CSKA Moscow

Despite there being numerous other clubs doing battle in the Russian capital, the clash between Spartak and CSKA has become the prominent rivalry over recent years.

During the communist reign CSKA were traditionally viewed as the team of the railway workers, and at the time enjoyed their most fierce rivalry with Dinamo Moscow, the team of the KGB. Spartak, the country’s most successful club, steered clear of state intervention and were primarily funded by a food production group.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union, CSKA have emerged as Spartak’s main city rival. They now have their own ground and some serious investment has seen them win the league in 2003, 2005 and 2006 and the UEFA cup in 2005.

CSKA also have an extreme right-wing following and fans of these two have often taken the fight away from the stadium to various locations across the city.

15. Tenerife v Las Palmas

With every away trip involving a flight to the mainland, the clash between Tenerife and Las Palmas must be classified as one of the most localised derbies in Europe.

The Canary Islands are situated just off Morocco meaning these two clock up more air miles than your average club during the course of the season.

Tenerife represent the island of the same name, whereas Las Palmas are from neighbouring Gran Canaria and when these two meet the affair is as passionate as anything else on offer around Europe.

Derby day sees fans make the short hop across the water to see the sides do battle.
Both sides have made sporadic appearances in the top-flight, but it is the Second Division where they primarily do battle.

Match day at Tenerife’s Helidoro stadium sees various acts of provocation aimed at riling the Las Palmas fans. Stuffed canaries (canaries being the symbol of Gran Canaria and Las Palmas) are hung from lampposts and attached to firecrackers in an attempt to goad their rivals as sides go head to head to determine who is crowned as ‘the kings of the Canaries’.

14. Wisla Krakow v Cracovia

Krakow is well renowned as being the most beautiful and cultured city in Poland, having remained relatively untouched throughout much of Poland’s turbulent history.

However beauty is far from prevalent when the city’s top two clubs do battle in what is one of the most violent derby days in Europe and dubbed as ‘the Holy War’.

Wisla Krakow eclipse their city rivals Cracovia in terms of success, with Wisla having lifted the Polish title 14 times and often featuring in European competition. Cracovia operate on a far smaller budget and have been crowned champions five times, the most recent occasion way back in 1948.

Derby day tension is evident days and even weeks before kick-off as groups of fans from both teams patrol the city looking for fans representing their rivals. They then steel any club-related merchandise and proceed to set light to it on derby day in the ultimate act of provocation.

13. Ferencvaros v Ujpest

With Hungarian football in poor general health, the clash between Ferencvaros and Ujpest is one of the only events that can guarantee a big crowd and a lively atmosphere.

Both clubs hail from Budapest and are named after the respective districts in which they are based.

Ferencvaros, known affectionately as ‘Fradi’, are the country’s most successful team with 28 Championship wins and Ujpest have also won the title a commendable 20 times. Another Budapest side, MTK, are sandwiched between with 23 crowns.

During Communist times, Ujpest were widely regarded as the team of the police, whereas ‘Fradi’ had no links to the authorities and these political differences resulted in huge friction which often caused violence between both sets of fans.
Since the fall of communism the hatred between the two has not abated and violence at the games is still rife and has even split over to Ice Hockey games between the clubs.

12. Red Star Belgrade v Partizan Belgrade

Another fiery Eastern European affair.

Fans of these two capital city outfits fought side by side during the Yugoslav wars between 1991 and 1995, and also joined forces to help topple leader Slobadan Milosevic back in 2000.During these periods the terraces were actively used as a recruiting ground with troops drawn from both Red Star’s Delije fan group and Partizan’s Grobbari, however any camaraderie has long since evaporated and violence between the two groups is a common occurrence.

When Serbia’s most successful teams meet it is quite a spectacle. Spectacular pyrotechnics greet the arrival of the players and impressive displays of choreography add to the occasion.

Violence between the two sets of fans is not confined to match days and often occurs whenever Red Star and Partizan fans cross paths. In 2006 a street fight between younger fans of both clubs ended with a Partizan fan lying dead after being stabbed by a Red Star supporter.

11. Olympiakos v Panathinaikos

With all away fans banned from attending this fixture, it is little surprise that this derby ranks right up there with the Istanbul derby in terms of hostility and sheer animosity.

Violence between the two sets of fans is not just confined to football and fights regularly break out at any sporting fixtures between the clubs, whether it is handball, volleyball or basketball.

Derby day sees an incredible noise and piercing whistles whenever the away team are in possession.

As well as being the two most successful clubs in the history of Greek football, a historical class difference can be attributed to the hatred between the fans.

Olympiakos are based in Piraeus and traditionally attracted a following of working-class employees who worked at the port. Alternatively Panathinaikos are based in the wealthy suburb of Ambelokipi just North-West of Athens and historically gained a wealthier following.

10. Paris Saint-Germain v Marseille

Despite being separated 481 miles and this fixture having no historical context, these days this clash is comfortably the most hostile in France.

Paris St-Germain were only formed in 1970 after the merger of several smaller clubs from the capital. By this time Marseille had already won several titles and cup wins and were well established as a serious force in French football.

The hatred comes as a result of a geographical North versus South rivalry, as the provinces from the South come up against the capital from the North.

Ever since TV channel Canal Plus’ investment in 1993, the two have often come up against each other in the upper echelons of Ligue 1. Although both have often underachieved, Marseille have finished first and then second in the last two seasons and PSG’s recent takeover from the Qatar Investment Authority has catapulted them instantly to title challengers. This rivalry shows no sign of easing off.

9. Schalke v Borussia Dortmund

With both teams boasting top talent and huge attendances in the ultra-competitive Bundesliga, this Ruhr derby is always likely to be a passionate affair.

Last year’s champions Dortmund regularly fill their 80,000 capacity Westfalenstadion and around 61,000 fans flock to Schalke’s Veltins Arena to watch the likes of Raul and young starlet Julian Draxler.

Dortmund is well renowned for being the beer capital of Germany and Gelsenkirchen for its coal mining heritage.

Historically Schalke have had the upper hand winning the Ruhr derby on 55 occasions to Dortmund’s 46.

8. Lazio v Roma

An occasion synonymous with passionate support and impressive choreography, as Ultras of both clubs seize their moment in the smoke-filled Olimpico.

This fixture is frequently a scene of football’s most impressive terrace displays, as fans hold up various coloured cards and banners that can take up the hold end of the stadium.

Roma fans are typically left-wing and working class, whilst Lazio fans are usually suburban right-wingers, hence Paolo Di Canio’s controversial fascist salute after scoring in the derby in 2005.

Lazio fans frequent the Curva Nord terrace and Roma’s following traditionally occupy the Curva Sud.

Unfortunately, violence is commonplace at this fixture and is directed either between rival groups of fans or at the police.

The most notable example of violence came in 2004, when the match was forced to be abandoned when riots broke out in the stands after rumours had spread that a young boy had been killed by the police.

Although the rumour was later proven to be false, fireworks were fired between fans and at the police, leaving over 170 injured police officers alone.

7. Hajduk Split v Dinamo Zagreb

Founded in 1991 after the breakup of Yugoslavia, the Croatian League has been won by either Hajduk Split or Dinamo Zagreb on every occasion bar one, with NK Zagreb upsetting the applecart in 2002.

Dinamo Zagreb hail from the capital and seat of the countries government, a city known for dull architecture and having limited nightlife for a capital city.
Hajduk meanwhile, represent a city renowned for its beauty and culture, situated on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Despite both coming from contrasting surroundings, the ‘Torcida’ followers of Hajduk and the ‘Bad Blue Boys’ of Dinamo, actually used to get on quite well with every meeting between the two a vibrant display of Croat nationalism against their Yugoslav rulers.

Since the breakup of Yugoslavia and with no subsequent league meetings with the despised Belgrade clubs, Croatia’s big two have instead directed all hatred towards each other as they fight it out for the championship on a yearly basis.

6. Ajax v Feyenoord

With the death of a fan after a motorway service station fight, fans brawling on a live TV talk show as well as clashing regularly in the stands, it comes as little wonder that all away support is banned from this fixture from 2009.

Ajax come for the cosmopolitan, glitzy Amsterdam and their supporters have little time for fans of Feyenoord, from the working class port of Rotterdam.

Feyenoord fans accuse Ajax fans of being stuck up and snotty and the culture clash doesn’t end there with Feyenoord supporters regularly mocking Ajax’s Jewish heritage. Ajax followers hit back with the term ‘cockroaches’, a term that they reserve for their most fierce rivals.

5. Liverpool v Manchester United

With both Liverpool and Manchester United having their own city derbies, this rivalry exists purely because of their status as the two most successful teams in the history of English football.

Separated by just a 45 minute drive, these North West rivals are comfortably the best supported clubs across the nation.

United’s 19th title win last season saw them finally eclipse Liverpool’s previous record haul of 18.

Liverpool picked up the majority of their title wins in the 1970s and 1980s, where they also won the European Cup on numerous occasions. United had spells of dominance in the 1960s before really clicking into gear in the 1990s and firmly establishing themselves as the contemporary force in the English game. United were the first English team to win the European cup in 1968, however Liverpool have won the competition five times to United’s three.

Sir Alex Ferguson targeted Liverpool when he took over at Manchester United, aiming to “Knock Liverpool off their f*****g perch”. It seems that at the moment he has succeeded.

4. AC Milan v Internazionale

AC Milan were formed 1899 by English immigrants; however in 1908 several members became disillusioned by the fact that the club was exclusively for English members and broke away to form a club of their own with the obvious name of Internazionale.

Since then both teams have been hugely successful in both Europe and domestically and regularly find themselves fighting it out for both honours.

AC Milan are traditionally the outfit with the larger base of working-class supporters but the rivalry is defined by successes, with AC Milan last season ending Inter’s run of five successive titles.

Both teams share the steep-sided San Siro stadium and derby day often features incredible choreography and displays for the ultras of both sides.

3. Fenerbache v Galatasary

No other derby can in any way rival the clash between Fenerbache and Galatasary in terms of sheers noise and intensity.

Not a game for the faint-hearted or casual supporter, derby day in Istanbul hosts one of the most intimidating atmospheres as the crowd never ceases with ritual chanting and constant drumming.

What also makes this derby unique is the fact that these two city rivals are both situated on different continents.

Galatasary are based on the European side of the Bosphorus River and attract a more middle-class support. Fenerbache meanwhile, sit on the Asian side and are the team of the people and the best supported team in Turkey.

Fenerbache are narrowly the most successful team in the country, boasting 18 league titles. Galatasary sit just behind with 17 triumphs.

One notable derby day flashpoint came when then Galatasary boss Graeme Souness planted a Gala flag in the centre of Fenerbache’s Sukru Saracoglu stadium, after seeing his side triumph in the 1996 Turkish Cup Final over their great rivals. A riot was narrowly averted and Souness has yet to return to the scene of the crime.

2. Rangers v Celtic

The Old Firm can meet as many times as six times in one season in both league and cup, this however does not in any way dilute proceedings when the two meet.

The Glasgow giants enjoy an unprecedented level of dominance within Scottish football. Rangers have won the championship a record 54 times, Celtic 42 times and to put it into perspective the next in line is Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs with four wins.

This clash pretty much always has a great deal of bearing when it comes to the handing out of silverware, as well as the importance of local bragging rights.

Unfortunately, this clash is synonymous with Northern Irish sectarian politics.

Celtic’s roots originate with the Irish immigrant community and as a result still attract a predominantly Catholic following. Rangers alternatively, are traditionally followed by a Protestant core of support and this adds further spice to this rivalry.

Initially the squad lists of the clubs adhered to the religious boundaries of their support until practicing Catholic Mo Johnston joined Rangers in 1989.

On several occasions the clubs have been fined by the authorities for sectarian chanting during games.

1. Barcelona v Real Madrid

Without a doubt the biggest game in world football, “El Clasico” is a battle in contrasting styles, contrasting philosophies, and contrasting politics.

More an international game than a domestic one, the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid is a battle between the state and the nation.

Barcelona are the showpiece of the Catalan region, a region which claims to have suffered repression at the hands of their Spanish rulers and often make noises in favour of independence.

Bobby Robson famously once said of the game: “I felt like I was leading the Catalan army into battle”.

Nobody represents Spanish rule better than Real Madrid, the team supported by former ruler General Franco. During Franco’s reign Madrid were believed to enjoy subsequent investment and favourable refereeing decisions.

The visit of Real was formerly seen as the Catalan’s opportunity to vent their anger at the authorities.

Although politics and the ideological differences of the two clubs are still important, another currency places huge importance on “El Clasico”, trophies.

Real and Barcelona currently dominate La Liga as a result of being able to negotiate their own television deals, leaving them head and shoulders above the rest of the field in terms of investment.

Players of these two teams account for the majority of the Spanish national team and it is also widely believed that they also boast the two best players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, although the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta at the least deserve honourable mentions.

The current Barcelona side is believed to be one of the best of all time with their beautiful brand of ‘tiki-taka’ passing football.

Real Madrid under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho do not play in quite the manner, however they currently just lead their great rivals in the La Liga table with one ‘Clasico’ to play.

Barcelona do appear to have the edge in games between the two, having already beating Real in the league and cup this season.

When Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the Camp Nou in April, it could possibly be the most important yet.

Just want to quickly link a fantastic website I found that shows a visual catalogue of some of the world's most stunning locations, courtesy of some stunning photography.

Maybe one day, with a bit of Photoshop practice, my images might also feature on this site!

http://beautifulplacestovisit.com/category/cities/

Enjoy.

2012

Apologies for the lack of updates over recent months.
The hectic Christmas period has prevented me from cracking on with any articles lately, in fact it has prohibiting me from posting at all.
I hope you all had an enjoyable festive period and are now proceeding successfully with all kinds of new years resolutions.

2012 is set to be a monumental year in my life. Hopefully it will be a year where I am able to find a job more specific to my journalistic aspirations, one which offers stability and prosperity in the long term.

I hope 2012 allows me to be able to continue to travel to some of the world's most fascinating places. Already lined up is a trip to the Catalan capital of Barcelona where I will also be visiting the magnificent Camp Nou to watch Messi and co in action. I vow to take many photographs as I have done on my previous jaunts away from these shores to add to my photographic portfolio.

Also in the pipeline is an epic looking stag-do, unfortunatly I can't divulge much information on here in case the stags happen to stumble across it and I would hate to be the one responsible for ruining the surpirse!

Thailand has also been discussed with friends, a trip that if it did come to fruition, would be a massive cultural eye-opener.

2012 will no doubt also be a massive year in the world of football and with Euro 2012 just around the corner, hopefully I will be able to bring more analysis on the footballing topics away from the popular gaze.

Happy new year!