Thursday 13 August 2015

Results day, university advice and more!

All that hard work for your A-Levels has now paid off and here comes one of the most important life decisions you will ever make - do I go to university or not?

Obviously that depends on if you have enough UCAS points to go and each university will have their own required number of points in order to study. But if you have got enough the decision is definitely not one to be taken lightly.
     

Let me presumably bore you all to death with a story that occurred three years ago when I was in this same position: I was waiting to find out my grades. I had completed two different A-Levels in Film Studies and Media Studies (two different courses I assure you) at South Tyenside College (from two of the best teachers I've had the pleasure of being students for - Jon Burton and Martin Charlton) as well as two AS classifications in English Literature and Sociology.

I didn't know until results day if I'd have enough points to take the plunge. I wanted to stay on and finish Sociology as I loved the teacher and the course. But as it turned out I did have enough points to go to the University of Sunderland to do a journalism degree. But Alistair Robinson, head of journalism (for want of a better title description) had 'recruited' me and got me into the idea of doing a degree.

Cue open day at uni. I explored the St Peter's Campus to see what they had to offer and spoke to staff members there so I could make a more informed decision on what I wanted to do.

One of the lecturers there called Guy Starkey introduced me and when I spoke to him about the two minds I was in, he asked me one question which almost single-handedly influenced my decision: 'You can go back, but if you do, would you be treading water?'

I took a while to decide what I wanted to do but that question kept haunting me and eventually I realised that if I declined this opportunity I was presented with, it may not come up again. So, I went for it and chose to go to University. And now, looking back on it, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

The point of that story is that I'm sure everyone will be in that transition stage where it hits you that this is a big turning point in your life. I know people will tell you how important it is but I can't stress it enough.

But now for some poorly-worded advice!

Although it varies on which degree you do, usually the first year of uni doesn't have much bearing on your final degree mark when you graduate. But first bit of advice, don't worry about that yet. Your first year is purely about getting settled in, getting used to the environments and familiarising yourself with the academic requirements (such as referencing and bibliographies etc). 

Your first year is more or less a taster for what is to come. Well, it was for me anyway. So if you're going to have your weekly nights out and Sunday morning hangovers, get them out of the way in your first two years, but particularly your first.

Second year is when the grades start to count, although only a small percentage towards your degree. Nevertheless you still have to put in genuine work. I slacked off heavily in the first semester of my second year and it (rightly so) bit me on the rear end later on. Thankfully I pulled my finger out and worked tirelessly hard from then on but my point is that, although you can somewhat get away with it, don't slack off. Do the work to the best ability you can and if you haven't got great grades, at least you know you tried.

Third year is judgment day for uni students. This is where everything counts. Every assignment, every module. Although it may seem miles away, it will come around quickly. When it does come, take it seriously as that year alone will shape your degree for the most part.

As for other bits of advice, take advantage of your tutors/lecturers. They are paid to give you the best possible education there so make the most of them. If anything is bothering you or if there's anything you're unsure about, ask them or talk to them; that's what they are there for.

On that note though, you have to attend lectures, seminars and workshops. Attendance is vital in order for you to do well. Not only does it look good for you, but it gives a better idea of what is required for assignments and you'll be thankful later on that you attended.

                                

People will probably be wondering about reading academic books given that you will have so many of them. Here it is, you don't have to read books BUT before you all cheer and sign will relief, you do have to research into academic books in order to good and relevant references as well as finding a good range of them for essays and other assignments. I didn't read many books and I got through it! As long as you research well enough and put the work in, you will be fine.

Another bit of advice is getting involved with other things at uni, not just doing your degree. For example, I worked for SportsByte which is the sports website done by students at Sunderland University. I covered Sunderland AFC Ladies for two-and-a-half years although I will be quitting at the end of the season to let someone else take over. But honestly, it will look better on your CV when you get a job or start searching after graduation. Not to mention it's a nice break from reading academic reference books anyway!

Work experience was crucial to me graduating, as it is for many students but, again, that's dependant of which degree you do. The best advice I can give is, if you can, try and do work experience before your final year. I did mine during the summer between second and third year which definitely helped me as I had more time to focus on my studies. Work experience is good, but it's a nightmare to organise and it is time consuming too.

But the final bit of advice I want to give is don't be afraid to go for it. Although university was very stressful and draining at the worst of times, I don't regret going one bit. Not only am I happy with my mark, but it's helped me to grow as a person and it's given me so much more confidence. I've definitely left a different person than when I started.

                          

Obviously this advice wouldn't be applicable to everyone because every degree is different and has their set of requirements but even if it doesn't help you directly, I hope I've at least given good advice to one person. If so, this blog has done what I wanted it do. Well done to those clever clogs on results day and whatever grades you got, good luck in your future.

Friday 7 August 2015

Premier League Table Predictions

It's finally here! After a two-month break, football is back. And as always, we have predictions for the new season. So I thought I'd just join in.

You know the drill! I predict where I think each team will finish even though 9 times out of 10 (or more accurately 18 times out of 20) I'm wrong. Also, this is as of right now as each team will still have time to bring in new players that will improve them. Both this month and in January. Still, here we go…



1ST - Chelsea

Usually I predict the current champions to lose their crown but I think Jose Mourinho's side will retain it for two reasons. 1) If anyone can win back-to-back league titles, it will be Mourinho and Chelsea. 2) Although their rivals have strengthened, I don't think they're good enough to outright win the league. But Chelsea have a defensive solidity which Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal lack in comparison.

The only lose Chelsea have had is losing veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech to Arsenal but they have replaced with with Asmir Begovic from Stoke City and Thibaut Courtois is a better keeper mainly because of how many years he has in him. Radamel Falcao could be a big hit this season after an underwhelming one with Utd last season.

Overall, I think they will be pushed a lot harder this season but I think Chelsea will win the Premier League this season…. just!

2ND - Manchester City

For me, the biggest surprise at the Etihad is that Manuel Pellegrini is still in the job, having just signed a two-year contract extension. City's board aren't usually this patient!

As far this season goes, I don't think they've convinced with transfers. Raheem Sterling has fantastic potential but signing Fabian Delph baffles me because I don't know how he would improve them as a team. Yes they need more English players but Delph, while a good midfielder, isn't Champions League or title-winning standard.

Pellegrini is under serious pressure though himself after a limp title 'defence' in 14-15 and the club needs to deliver at least a trophy this season plus a serious title challenge. But they have a level of complacency about them which I think will have them fall short this season. As for the Champions League, they're still adapting to that competition and, if they get a generous draw, then I expect them to go further.

3RD - Manchester United

Will Utd challenge for the title? Yes. Will they win it? No. Signing Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin will improve them hugely in my opinion and out of the top four, collectively, I think Louis van Gaal has done the best business so far this window.

They still need a leader in the back four and possibly a new goalkeeper if David De Gea leaves for Real Madrid. He should stay at Old Trafford to continue his development because I'm not sure if he is ready for Real Madrid yet but of course that's his choice.

But Utd also have the Champions League to think about, assuming they get past Club Brugge in the playoffs so that will make it harder for them but I think they will be in the race until the last month or two of the season and then fall away late on.

4TH - Arsenal

Petr Cech is, as far a single transfer is concerned, the best signing of the transfer window in the Premier League so far the season. He is an experienced leader and if he and back four work well together then they will have more of a chance this season.

BUT they haven't strengthened across the park. Their defence for me is stretched as in if one of their main players is missing their strength in depth isn't as good. In midfield terms, I think they're fine but they need a 20-30 goal a season striker to seriously mount a challenge. Like they have done recently, I think they'll challenge for the first two-thirds of the season and then fade away in the last two or three months.

Still, steady progress for Arsene Wenger and the faithful at the Emirates Stadium.

5TH - Liverpool

Last summer, Brendan Rodgers came under deserved criticism with his signings, if they were indeed his. But as for last season, considering they lost Luis Suarez, who used to make Liverpool tick almost single-handedly, Daniel Sturridge missed most of the season through injury and their top scorer in the Premier League was the since-departed Steven Gerrard with nine league goals, I think the Reds did well to finish sixth.

No excuses this season though. Christian Benteke is a good signing as he has the eye for goal and strength about him too. Roberto Firmino looks promising and James Milner is essentially a replacement for Raheem Sterling. Danny Ings I question why Liverpool signed him but he did get double figures for a championship-level team (no disrespect to Burnley) so he will get the service.

There is promise at Anfield but Rodgers need to challenge for the top four but alternatively take the Europa League seriously as I think it represents their best chance of getting back in the Champions League. Also, a domestic cup trophy wouldn't do any harm either. But generally at the moment, Liverpool simply aren't a top four team.

6TH - Tottenham

Like Liverpool, I don't think Tottenham are a top four team either. Mauricio Pochettino did a good job last season for me. Spurs have good players but no-one really stands out as world-class, at least not yet.

Yes Harry Kane had a fantastic season but there is the question of whether or not he is a one-season wonder. I hope he produces again.

But Spurs finished fifth and got to the Capital One Cup final as well. They need to take the Europa League more seriously though as that's probably their best chance of getting in the Champions League. Once that happens, foreign players will be more tempted to choose White Hart Lane when moving to England.

7TH - Everton

Judgement Day season for Roberto Martinez for me. Had a great first season but last season really struggled to deliver when required to.

Romelu Lukaku is still a great striker but the Europa League undoubtedly hindered their season. Without that this season, there's no excuses. Everton at best as a team are European level i.e. 5-7th but they definitely should be in the top 10.

Gerard Deulofeu looks like a candidate for bargain of the season. Leaving Barcelona for £4.2m is a steal. However, increasing reports of John Stones leaving to go to Chelsea are affecting the dressing room, which can disrupt the rhythm of the team. If Everton resist, then they should easily be in the top 10 this season. If not, Martinez may well find himself looking elsewhere.

8TH - Stoke City

Mark Hughes has got his reputation back and he seems to get better and better with each season. The last two seasons Stoke finished ninth in the table and have now established themselves as a top 10 Premier League side.

He has balanced the defensive side of things which were there under Tony Pulis but he introduced a more attacking side on a consistent basis. Their 6-1 hammering of Liverpool at the end of last season is proof enough of that.

The only thing I wonder is how much can he improve them. Finishing eighth is an improvement but I can't see them finishing higher than that. Still, they may make Champions League sooner or later with all the Barcelona prospects they are signing. But a solid top 10 season awaits the Britannia Stadium...

9TH - Swansea City

Gary Monk is one of the Premier League up-and-coming managers as he has improved Swansea, who have also established themselves as top 10 club.

Even last season when they lost Wilfred Bony to Man City, Swansea still attacking teams and scored goals. They are a force to be reckoned with but I do wonder how they can continue to improve.

Another top 10 finish and a good cup run would be considered a good season for the Swans and I think more good times await at the Liberty Stadium.

10TH - Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace's journey has been remarkable. They've come from the Championship and now have a pretty decent team, of which the main thing is pace.

But Alan Pardew signing Yohan Cabaye is a major coup for them and if he can play to his best consistently, the fans at Selhurst Park should easily see a top 10 finish this season.

Connor Wickham joining from Sunderland is a big thing as well. Although at the Stadium of Light he was playing in a wide position, I imagine he'd be playing for the Eagles up front and with the creative players they've got, he will score goals and I wouldn't be surprised if he got double figures this season.

11TH - Southampton

The Europa League curse may strike again for the Saints, who did brilliantly under Ronald Koeman last season. But they are preparing for it, assuming they get past FC Midtjylland that is.

But still, losing Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin are huge although I do think their squad will have enough to be comfortably in mid-table again.

Can they deliver knowing more is expected of them this season? I hope so but Koeman has already worked with what he has before so I think he will do the same again. Jay Rodriguez being back I think is huge because he is a big player for Southampton. Comfortable mid-table mediocrity along with, hopefully, a good Europa League run.

12TH - West Ham

In their last season before their big move to the Olympic Stadium, I really don't know what to expect from West Ham this season.

Although if they somehow get Javier Hernandez from Man Utd, then I think they will have a comfortable season. But they signings they have made already, including Angelo Ogbonna, seem to be go good calibre but aren't Premier League proven.

As for the manager, Slaven Bilic will need to earn the dressing room after Sam Allardyce lost it during the second-half of last season. Now they're out of the Europa League there's no reason for them to under perform.

13TH - Newcastle

Thank goodness John Carver has left Newcastle. Say whatever you want about Alan Pardew I still think he had the club clear of relegation. But after last year, there was no way Carver was going to stay or should stay.

Steve McClaren isn't the most exciting manager to have but he will at least be an upgrade. Newcastle have spent over £30m this summer in Georginio Wijnaldum, Nikola Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba so the Toon have to deliver a better season this time.

Newcastle underachieved last year and although they stayed up, they never should have been in a relegation battle in the first place. There needs to be ambition on Tyneside and a derby win over rivals Sunderland would be help too.

14TH - West Brom

Tony Pulis has done it again. He kept the Baggies up last season and now it's his first full Premier League campaign at the Hawthorns.

Although he is good at keeping teams up, what can he do to take West Brom to the next level. He signed James McClean, James Chester and Rickie Lambert from Wigan, Hull and Liverpool respectively but none of those are names which would get me tremendously excited.

Still, I think West Brom will be comfortably safe and in mid-table category. Nothing outstanding but solid nonetheless.

15TH - Sunderland

After the last three seasons, Sunderland have become the new Wigan Athletic and look how well just being happy with survival ended for the Latics.

Dick Advocaat has stayed on Wearisde for another season at least and Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews, Younes Kaboul, Jeremain lens and Yann M'Vila have followed him to the Stadium of Light.

For the size of the club, the stadium and the continuously overwhelming support that Sunderland get, they really shouldn't be hovering around or above the relegation zone and the main objective this season will be to not be involved in a battle to avoid the drop.

I think the Black Cats will be hovering above the dotted line however. But I still think they will stay up even though I doubt they will get much more than that!

16TH - Aston Villa

Ron Vlaar - gone. Fabian Delph - gone. Christian Benteke - gone. Tim Sherwood has a rebuilding job on his hands at Aston Villa as his three best players which helped him to avoid relegation last season have since departed from Villa Park.

Aston Villa were really goal-shy or indeed creatively shy before Sherwood came in through the door. But he has moved quickly to add to his squad, including Scott Sinclair, Micah Richards, Jordan Ayew and Rudy Gestede.

He has replaced those who have left but whether he has replaced the quality that Vlaar, Delph and Benteke bring is a different question altogether.

I think they will be hovering just above the drop zone but will be ok.

17TH - Norwich City

I watched Norwich's well-deserved win at Wembley over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final at the end of May and I think they've got the best chance of staying up. But I said that last season about QPR and look how that turned out!

Manager Alex Neil seems to have earned the respect of the dressing room and got them focused on their jobs.

But I think the Canaries have good players in their side such as Nathan Redmond amongst others, who could prove to be match winners. A relegation dog fight but I think they'll just survive.

18TH - Leicester City

If the Foxes still had Nigel Pearson, I'd say they'd be safe. But I don't know what to expect from them this season.

Estiban Cambiasso not renewing his contract at the King Power Stadium will be a miss for Leicester too as in many ways he was the heart pumping blood through the soul of the team last season.

Claudio Ranieri now takes the helm and he needs to find a way to get the team playing for him. If Leicester maintain their attacking mentality they showed during last season's great escape then they have a decent chance of doing well. But I can see second-season syndrome affecting them.

19TH - Bournemouth

Bournemouth's story from almost going out of business to coming into the top flight of English football and Eddie Howe will be relishing this opportunity.

Mark Lawro said that he thinks Bournemouth will be this year's Burnley. I think a more accurate description is they will be this year's Blackpool as in they will give teams a good go, after all they will be used to winning games and having a go at teams but will ultimately fall short because of the lack of quality.

I really hope I'm wrong though but I think the Cherries will be fun to watch this season.

20TH - Watford

How many managers have Watford had over the last year or so? I know they had four in promotion to the Premier League which I find incredible.

As for Quique Sanchez Flores, he needs to hit the ground running otherwise he could be in for an early exit at Vicarage Road. Watford I think will enjoy the ride of being in the Premier League but I don't think their squad is good enough for survival.

Rock bottom for me, but I could easily be wrong.

Monday 27 July 2015

Why Sunderland should sign Charlie Austin

Well, how long it's been.

I last posted last August and since then a number of things have happened in my life but most proudly I have graduated from the University of Sunderland and since joined Blyth Spartans AFC media team on a voluntary basis. But I was so focused on finishing my Sports Journalism degree that I didn't think to post on here!

Sunderland celebrate Premier League safety following their 0-0 draw at Arsenal. Picture Credit: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk
But on the subject of sport, Sunderland completed their annual escape from relegation from the Barclays Premier League - again! They finished 16th in the final top-flight table.

After an extremely underwhelming season - which only saw seven league wins across the whole campaign with only four home league wins in 19 - Dick Advocaat his U-turned and stayed on Wearside for another year despite originally declining the Black Cats' contract offer after he successfully steered them to safety last term.

Along with Advocaat, four new players have arrived at the Stadium of Light this summer - Jeremain Lens, Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews and Younes Kaboul.

It's a good start to the transfer window but more is needed to avoid battling the drop yet again in 15/16. Sunderland are now reportedly looking for a creative midfielder and a striker to add to their ranks which I believe is correct for them given the lack of attacking threat in the current side.

Charlie Austin's first Premier League goal of 2014/15 was against Sunderland last August. He scored 18 league goals but was unable to save QPR from relegation from the top-flight. Picture Credit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

But, as the title of this blog suggests, a player I'd be going all out for is QPR striker Charlie Austin. Considering their relegation from the Premier League last season, Ranger's £15m valuation of him may seem too much, which is what is supposedly putting a lot of club off signing him - including Sunderland's arch rivals Newcastle United.

To a degree, I can understand why Sunderland are being cautious of paying that much money for him given that they have invested big money in the past and it hasn't worked. Steven Fletcher and Jack Rodwell are two names which spring to mind.

But Austin single-handedly carried QPR throughout last season and scored 18 league goals for them - only Diego Costa, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero scored more in 2014/15. David Jones from Sky Sports agrees as well, as demonstrated in an article he did for the Sunderland Echo.

Although the midfield needs to be provide more service to them, the strikers have lacked goals and as a result Sunderland have generally failed to find the net consistently.

Jermain Defoe is one of the Premier League's top scorers and I do believe he will have a part to play this season. Connor Wickham I'm willing to give leniency with as he has been played out of his main position and he is still only 22. But Danny Graham and Fletcher are two strikers that must leave this summer.

Fletcher had a good first season as he scored 11 league goals and was Sunderland's top goalscorer since moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2012 but has only scored eight times in the previous two campaigns combined. In Sunderland's recent 0-0 draw at Arsenal which kept them up, he missed three excellent chances and you'd have expected him to tale at least one of them.

Graham only scored his first Sunderland goal in a 2-0 win at Everton in May and that was a lucky goal anyway. As much as he tries hard, he's simply not good enough for the top-flight.

Now onto Austin. Sunderland clearly need goals. Although £15m is a bit steep, I believe he is worth going for because I doubt he'll want to stay in the Championship and he's clearly a Premier League goalscorer. This is the type of natural finisher Sunderland need and it would be criminal if they did not even attempt to sign him.

Not only can he score, but he can assist and create chances too. He brilliantly set up Matt Phillips for QPR's first goal in a 2-1 home win over Newcastle in May and has five assists for last season.

He is the complete centre-forward and should Sunderland sign him, I wouldn't expect 18 league goals but I can see him getting double figures and overall adding much-needed Premier League quality to their forward-line.

I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get him, but the club may already be looking at him and we just don't know much, which in itself maybe a smart thing.