Latest news with #TimetoSayGoodbye
Spectator
09-07-2025
- General
- Spectator
Being a prep school mum? I won't miss i
My younger daughter finished prep school last week. These years are often billed as the best of one's life. Indeed, I know the most charming 18-year-old whose pleasingly unfashionable dream is to teach at his old prep school – such were the halcyon times he enjoyed there. At my daughter's leavers' assembly, I shed a few tears – as did she, since she's been exceptionally happy there since she was two years old. There hasn't been a single day when she hasn't wanted to go in. She's had some inspirational teachers, and the occasionally eccentric nature of the educational offering has really suited her. (Another reason I cried was because I'm a sucker for anything remotely mawkish, so a group of kids warbling the chorus of 'Time to Say Goodbye' is catnip.) But my overriding feeling is one of relief. I've been a prep school parent for well over a decade and, while much of that time has been wonderful, it's all the associated trivia that's been so taxing: the school gate politics and the class WhatsApp groups. Nits are a seemingly unavoidable feature of childhood, but having discovered a company which will divest you of lice – and vast sums of money – with clinical professionalism, I'm marginally less neurotic about them than I used to be, knowing I can sink further into my overdraft to have them dealt with. Verrucas still make me queasy, though we've mercifully avoided ringworm and impetigo, with the latter heading up the terrifying pantheon of childhood infections, to my mind. But it's not just the fact that small people are essentially petri dishes of bacterial and viral experimentation. They can be vile to each other – especially the girls, so many of whom seem to relish withholding party invitations and excluding each other from friendship groups. At my elder girl's boarding prep, she was horribly bullied for homesickness by the only other girl in her year who'd been anything like as miserable. And yet it's the other parents who really complicate the prep school years. Why read a school email when you can exchange 84 WhatsApp messages before breakfast as to whether it's uniform today or PE kit as usual? And despite being hopelessly disorganised, I've been class rep twice, so I know that these same channels go awfully quiet when volunteers are needed for a summer fair. Mercifully, one can mute WhatsApp notifications. Or just do what my husband has always done: refuse to join the groups on the basis that only one spouse needs them – and then rely on the recipient to disseminate any relevant information. But it's the social minefield that other parents create that's so wearing. At my elder daughter's socially smart, academically indifferent pre-prep, the parental interaction kicked off within the first few days of Reception. One mother invited all the others for lunch in the first week, which seemed like a lovely gesture. As we tucked into the sorts of morsels that wouldn't touch the sides for anyone without a chronic eating disorder, she explained that it had been five years since she'd redecorated, and she wanted to 'consult the hive mind' with regards to knobs for the new units. As almost all the other mothers ooh-ed and aah-ed over her selection, the gravity of the situation began to sink in – not least that I could be mistaken for someone who could give a flying turd about even her own knobs. I was careful to clock which other mothers were similarly unmoved, conducting my own social Rorschach test while eyeing up the possibility of a second mouthful of quiche. Why read a school email when you can exchange 84 WhatsApp messages before breakfast? Sure enough, it wasn't long before daily conversations between these women started (who all seemed to sport identical athleisure wear and were invariably married to men with third-rate degrees from fourth-rate universities – yet who somehow boasted eye-waveringly lucrative jobs in the intellectually stifling spheres of property or insurance). These conversations revolved around nothing more profound than handbags, reformer Pilates and Verbier vs Val d'Isère. There's a time and a place for such discussions, obviously – but all the time and everywhere? Even if one manages to avoid such chat, as we did with our younger girl's no-frills prep, the sucker punch that is the 11-plus soon leaves even the toughest of us winded and bruised. A lack of transparency reigns. Nobody admits to coaching – and yet everyone does it. When I volunteered (in a class WhatsApp exchange, obviously) that my younger daughter had just started maths coaching, about a dozen others quietly confessed that their child had been seeing a tutor for several years. Similarly, everyone plays their cards close to their chest about their child is applying for senior school, lest they increase the competition by encouraging an extra applicant or two. The pressure placed on children in Year 6 as they jostle for position is unbearable, and encourages faux modesty and mindless bragging on the part of their parents in equal measure. (When I once commented on an acquaintance's impressive four-year-old daughter, she simply said, 'Yes, she'll either be an Olympian or Prime Minister.') Don't get me wrong, I've met some truly wonderful parents at my girls' prep schools – but they tend to be the ones who aren't too obsessed with their own and their offspring's friendships and education. The ones who realise that whichever highly selective school their child ends up at won't make a massive difference to their exam results. The ones who don't see prep school as a networking opportunity. Essentially, the ones who can see that it'll all come out in the wash anyway – or, in the words of Julian of Norwich, that 'all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well'. About a month ago, an email arrived from my younger girl's new senior school, sounding out interest in acting as a class rep for Year 7. I quickly closed my laptop.
Leader Live
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Mike Fondop played for Wrexham during non-league era
In the build-up to The Latics' thrilling 3-2 win over Southend United that secured the Lancashire club promotion back to the Football League, what was Fondop listening to? "I love Andrea Bocelli, Time to Say Goodbye is one of my favourites," former Wrexham striker Fondop told BBC Radio Manchester "On game-days I listen to gospel and that is what calms me. I love jazz music as well, I don't have one specific type of song, I love a bit of everything. "Usually in my downtime I can listen to opera and jazz. I don't like listening to things that give me headaches." Fondop, who played for Wrexham in the Sam Ricketts era in the 2018/19 season, scored 18 league goals as Oldham made it through to the National League play-offs where they beat Yorkshire duo Halifax and York before coming from behind in extra-time to beat Southend last Sunday. He's been at Boundary Park since 2022 when The Latics became the first former Premier League team to be relegated to non-league. Fondop could have been tempted away with Football League clubs looking to sign him but the 31-year-old Cameroon-born frontman stayed loyal to The Latics. "The manager at the time, John Sheridan, called me after the end of the season and said 'I need you to come back," added Fondop. "You owe me because I signed you and you only played two games, 'I want you to get this club back where it belongs.' "So that has always been an objective because I came and I didn't have a chance to help them stay in League Two. Oldham now have new owners in place with businessman Frank Rothwell taking over from Abdallah Lemsagam. "The club is absolutely different now," said Fondop. "The ownership now is more family orientated. The owners are approachable and want everyone to feel part of a family," he added. "In the past it felt toxic. As a player I was focused on what I was signed to do but the environment at the time felt toxic. Now it is so different. "If a club doesn't treat its players well you might think in the long run you can get away with it, you might for a period of time, but eventually it is going to affect results. Now the treatment is completely different." MORE WREXHAM AFC NEWS Fondop, who lists Halifax, Chesterfield, Burton Albion and Hartlepool as his former clubs, can now look forward to life back in League Two. "It has been 34 years since we experienced promotion. I'm 31 so last time they won promotion I wasn't even born," Fondop added in the build-up to their tremendous win at Wembley. "After the gaffer said that I went home and wrote down 34 years in bold on a piece of paper with my goals for the season and I put it on my kitchen wall. It's always in my mind. "It's in my head every day because I want to be part of history and I want the fans to get back into the feeling of what Oldham deserves."
Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker breaks down in tears on Match of the Day farewell
Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio. A comprehensive video was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. Post-retirement, it traced his journey as a presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam. Several of his colleagues - Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all honoured Lineker both as a mate and a presenter. His children also shared their thoughts, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster. Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also paid their respects. Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker" while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him.", reports the Mirror. The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, also paid tribute. He is best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye." Lineker's final words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier." He also quipped: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits". BBC presenter Gary Lineker's tenure has been cut short following a backlash to his social media activity. His final appearance on Match of the Day took place on Sunday. Lineker had been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme for over 20 years, but his departure brings an end to an enduring relationship with the broadcaster. Hosting his final show, he quipped, "it wasn't meant to end this way", referencing both the Premier League season and his own BBC exit. The opening credits included a montage of Lineker's football career. Throughout his time at the BBC, the 64 year old had faced calls for dismissal, notably after posting criticism of the Government on social media. However, it was his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict that led to his eventual departure. Lineker recently faced criticism for sharing a Palestine Lobby post on Instagram that featured a picture of a rat, with the Campaign Against Antisemitism subsequently calling for his dismissal. BBC Director-General Tim Davie stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker released a personal statement, admitting: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gary Lineker left in tears at legends' words in emotional BBC Match of the Day farewell
Gary Lineker left in tears at legends' words in emotional BBC Match of the Day farewell Gary Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day after an emotional farewell before the show, which included a video tribute from a number of high-profile figures Gary Lineker was emotional during his last appearance on Match of the Day (Image: BBC ) Gary Lineker was moved to tears as his tenure on Match of the Day concluded with a heartfelt tribute led by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in the studio. A comprehensive video was shown, starting with his footballing days that saw him shine at Barcelona. Post-retirement, it traced his journey as a presenter, where he had the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary Des Lynam. Several colleagues - including Richards, Shearer, Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson - all lauded Lineker both as a mate and a presenter. His children also chimed in, highlighting his qualities as a father as well as a broadcaster. Notable figures like Pep Guardiola and Virgil van Dijk also offered their tributes. Richards stated: "When you think of Match of the Day, you think of Gary Lineker," while Shearer asserted: "He loves it, it means the world to him," reports the Mirror. The renowned Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, best known for the iconic song "Time to Say Goodbye", also paid homage. Article continues below Lineker's parting words were: "Let me take this opportunity to thank all the pundits I've worked with over the years, you've made my job a lot easier." He added with a touch of humour: "Rather like my football career everyone else did all the hard work and I got all the plaudits." The broadcasting career of the former England striker with the BBC has come to an abrupt end following a massive backlash over a social media post. Earlier this week, it was announced that his final appearance on Match of the Day would be on Sunday night. This marks the end of a relationship with the corporation that spans over two decades. He's been a mainstay of the Premier League highlights programme but will pass on the baton next season. Lineker began the show with a quip "it wasn't meant to end this way", which could also be interpreted as a comment on his sudden departure from the BBC. This followed the opening titles featuring highlights from Lineker's illustrious playing career. The 64-year-old has had several brushes with controversy at the BBC, surviving calls for his dismissal after criticising the Government in a social media post. His outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict ultimately led to his downfall. He posted and then removed a message on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, accompanied by an image of a rat, which led to demands for his dismissal from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, stated: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season." Lineker released a statement saying: "Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. Article continues below "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gary Lineker's emotional farewell marks end of an era at BBC
Gary Lineker , the face of BBC 's ' Match of the Day ' for over 26 years, bid an emotional farewell on Sunday, May 25, 2025, concluding a broadcasting chapter that began in 1999. His departure follows controversy over a social media post that sparked accusations of antisemitism and led to his early exit from the corporation. Lineker, 64, opened his final broadcast with a poignant remark: 'It wasn't meant to end this way,' subtly referencing the circumstances surrounding his departure. Throughout the show, tributes poured in from colleagues and football legends, including Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Ian Wright, and Peter Shilton. A montage celebrated his dual legacy as a prolific striker and a beloved presenter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Throw Away the Water After Boiling Eggs - The Reason is Genius! Tips and Tricks Undo At the program's conclusion, Lineker was presented with a commemorative cap and a golden boot by Shearer and Richards. Fighting back tears, he expressed gratitude: 'It's been an absolute privilege to have hosted Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It's been utterly joyous.' He added, 'Rather like my football career, everyone else did all the hard work, and I got the plaudits.' Potential reason for his departure Live Events Lineker's departure was precipitated by his sharing of an Instagram video from the Palestine Lobby, which featured a rat emoji, a symbol historically associated with antisemitic propaganda. Upon realizing the offensive nature of the imagery, he promptly deleted the post and issued an apology: 'I have stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.' Lineker will lose out on an estimated £800,000 (NZ$1.8m) after being forced to leave without a pay-off. Sources close to the corporation say the decision to drop him was made primarily by BBC chiefs who had run out of patience with his outspoken political views. Despite initial plans to continue hosting the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, Lineker and the BBC agreed to part ways entirely. BBC Director General Tim Davie acknowledged Lineker as 'a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.' Future of 'Match of the Day' The BBC has announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over presenting duties for Match of the Day starting next season. Lineker offered his well-wishes: 'I'd like to wish Gabby, Mark, and Kelly all the very best when they sit in this chair. The programme is in the best of hands.' As the final credits rolled, Andrea Bocelli's 'Time to Say Goodbye' played, underscoring the end of an era in British sports broadcasting . The former England captain became the BBC's highest-paid presenter, having initially started out as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter. He also worked on Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting. His podcast, The Rest Is Football, will have its last episode on BBC Sounds this week, but The Rest Is History will continue on the platform.
