United, no issue with called of game

The BBC says it understands that Manchester United have no issue with the postponement of Sundays game with the rent boys. I can't quite believe that, it seemed to far to early for the game to have been called off, and it was no geat surprise to see that the game would probably have gone ahead if the decision had been left until Sunday morning.

Paul Hayard looks at Fergie's reign at United and concludes that unlike all the rest of the great managers Fergie has kept total control of the club. He thinks that more than that, having seen off each and every threat to himself and United he has gained more control of the club each time. He may be indispensable to the Glazer's but does he really think that the next manager will enjoy the same working reltionship that he has with them. I think not.
Viv Anderson looks back at his time at the club under Ferguson and writes that he is hard but fair. He also thinks that the only way that Fergie will relinquish his control of the club is when they put the lid down on the box.

Fergie warns that the rise of agent power is a serious threat to the way that English football is run. The warning would sound better from a more credible source. Although in the case of Blakburn he is surely right.

United communications director responds to all the qatari rumours by rubbishing them.

Tevez changes his mind and withdraws his transfer request one day after his agent , i presume, put out stories of the player wanting to come back to United. Another strange day on planet football. He'll be gone in the summer.

The Telegraph's US editor argues that Obama's head ruled his heart in allowing Bill Clinton back onto the centre stage of American politics at a recent whitehouse pres conference, but it was a good move way anyway. And despite all his problems he is in with a good shout of regaining the presidency in 2012 due to Republican disarray
Alexander Cockburn looks at history repeating itself in Afghanistan as however unpopular the Taliban may have been or are they are not as hated and despised as the US and the coalition.

Matthew Norman looks at Julian Assange and comes to the conclusion that whatever you think of him, the reaction of the USA and its establishment is in danger of cdeing him so much importance they are in danger of hurtin their own cause.

Will Hutton argues that Britain must wean itself of big finance or its economy will never recover, i live in hope but not expectation. Whilst fellow Observer economics columnist William Keegan argues that a mild dose of inflation is a sign of catastrophe averted.

Badly drawn boy gets tired and emotional in LA, well either that or he is going ga ga. I saw him live a few years ago and i was underwhelmed, it has to be said. His first album was a belter but he has never come close to matching it never mind bettering it.

Music
Delta spirit - History from below: A reasonable slice of US indie folk rock, though nowhere near the Fleet foxes of this world. The best tracks are the ones where they let their hair down and switch the volume up.

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lannegan - Hawk: Their third album together, and the quality hasn't dipped, with another excellent album. With a couple of heavier electric based numbers possibly their most varied to date. Their voices still complement each other brilliantly.

Kong - Snake magnet: Manchester isn't really known for heavy rock , but this lot are out to change that. It aint my cup of tea, it doesn't start out too badly, but eventually the vocals just start to get on my tits as they always do with this sort of music. Th first two tracks see a decent attempt at fusing musicianship with the volume but it melds into a sameness for me eventually. This is the best track and i do like this, it sounds like pre Nevermind Nirvana.

Oceansize - Frames: The second album from a Manchester group, more to my taste. It's another good, not great effort. The more you listen the better it gets. 

Richard Thompson - Dream Attic: I have heard bits of pieces of Richard Thopmson and heard from different parts of his career, but never fully got into him. This has changed all that, it's excellent, i knew he was brilliant guitarist, but the band is superb and the tunes showcase it to the hilt.

Steve Reid ensemble - Spirit walk: An excellent fusion of Africa, jazz and some electronica from Kieran Hebden of four tet, this is excellent. With his musical career of playing with some " the " greats of 20th century music influencing this collaboration it is out there, but especially when you can hear the influence of Miles Davis, magnificent. There isn't much of a collection of videos to coose form though,