Wow, I started this update on Christmas Eve and it’s already a month on. Much seems to have happened but, sadly, one thing has not changed. Despite all our best efforts, the refugee crises around the world seem to become more and more acute. To be honest, I feel quite helpless but it’s not my

So, this is it. What the last two and a half years have been about – this is the Shirt in all its glory in Oslo. As you can see it take two cranes to lift it now. If your shirt is there – THANKS. If your shirt is not there – PLEASE get in touch.

There is lots happening in 2012 and over the next few days I will be commenting on the activities for this spring and summer. Hint? Poland and The Ukraine. Bigger hint? No, sorry…..coming soon!

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Breaking News

Spain will play France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland in the World Cup Qualifying round. They are in the ONLY group (I) that has only five teams. All the other eight teams had six teams competing. Psycholigically, will that aid or harm Spain’s chances of returning to Brazil to defend the World Cup they won last year in South Africa.

There are many who think that as defending champions they should automatically return but that is not the way FIFA ruled so they have eight games to battle through to confirm their place in Brazil.

¡Mucha Suerte! ¡A por ellos!

I won’t try to hide it. I am struggling to come to terms with the horrific atrocities in Oslo and Utøya.

I was at a torch procession in Halden, 120 kms south of Oslo and it was a very emotional evening for all.

This photo taken by Bjørn explains how the people of Norway feel.

I am will keep this very simple. Today I heard from Bjorn. He and his family are all well and were not involved in the Oslo atrocities. I had not heard from him for 48 hours since Friday. The relief was immense.

“TODAY WE ARE ALL NORWEGIANS!

As I said, the other day, it’s always good to be in touch with any Friends of The Shirt project. Today I got an email from the guys at Bloodrun. By complete coincidence this very week I was in Middlesbrough and was regally hosted at their impressive stadium and of course met Mark and John.

So, they have something very interesting:

“Now this is going to be one of those posts where you’ll keep reading, or you’ll switch off, but please bear with me, it’s all for a good cause!

I know not everyone who reads the blog is a football fan, and even those who are may not have the acquired taste that allows them to support Middlesbrough, however Simon Smith has managed to get his hands on a signed Middlesbrough Football Club football, complete with certificate of authentication (so you can be sure Jon hasn’t been set loose with a football and a Sharpie!) and has very generously agreed to sell it on eBay with all the proceeds being donated to keeping the Bloodbikes on the road.

So place a bid and stand a chance of bagging yourself your very own piece of local footballing history, would look great on the mantelpiece, or if you’re a Newcastle fan, give it to the kids to kick about in the garden with the dog!

In all seriousness though, thank you very much to Simon and MFC for being so generous and helpful to the cause.

Now all that’s left to say is Get Bidding!!”

Click here to view eBay page

BTW, if you win the auction you are “allowed” to donate it to “The Shirt”!

It’s always great to hear from supporters of the Shirt Project and even more exciting when it’s somebody who has actively supported Björn and I. So, I was especially pleased to hear from Glossop North End today. They have been upgrading the ground this summer and I was delighted to see the photos! By absolute coincidence I saw them play this Saturday last summer at Whitley Bay

Congratulations to all the Hillmen for the terrific new facilities at the ground.

If you want to follow the club please check here Look what trophy they currently hold so proudly!

What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours …as the song goes
What a difference a year makes, little hours

So, exactly one year ago today

1) I was allowed out of hospital after my cycle crash …..I can’t say I remember much about that

and

2) Spain won the World Cup against Holland with a great goal by Iniesta

….and to be honest, I can’t remember a single thing! I don’t even remember whether I watched the match live. I do know that my great friend over many years, David Blight and his family were kind enough to host me as I recuperated but did I watch the match? I guess I should ask David. If we did watch it where were we? At your home, in a bar? I have zero memory.

BUT

365 later. All is well, I safely finished my ride after 137 days Manchester United have won the Premiership again, Real Madrid won the Copa Del Rey and Man City and Arsenal flattered to deceive ….once more. Oh and Gillingham threw away promotion when it was easier to go up than stay down! Some things never change.

Also Björn has done another MEGA-ride.

Here’s what the Shirt looks like today. Unbelievable. It takes TWO cranes to lift it.

Please follow Björn as always at www.theshirt2010.net

No wonder he is smiling!

It’s 1 in the morning on Sunday 10th July 2012 and I have just heard that Bjørn has made it. He has reached Mysen at the end of his epic cycle journey from the most northern point in Norway to the most southern point. He started off with snow, freezing temperatures and horrific winds and ended up in Østfold in the sun.

More soon from both of us but I wanted to get this news to you.

Congratulations to the “Bold, Bald, Brave Man Of The North”

Tweet

Yes, I know. I am sorry. I have been quiet. There was really not too much happening and not too much to report on BUT I did not want to add just for the sake of it.

Anyway, here are some updates

1) Björn has nearly finished his epic journey from the northern most point to the southern most point of Norway More details here

2) My great friend Mike CJ from Lanzarote has just been appointed group sales director of Booost Oxygen in the UK and he immediately offered to send a shirt to support Björn and me. Top man and he has a great product. If you want a personal introduction to Mike just ask. I wish him well in his new role as Group Marketing Director. I’m sure he will be a HUGE success.

3) Last and not least, I shall be announcing the next step of the DoingThe92 project to support The Shirt in the next few days. It’s still a bit under wraps but you will be the first to hear of it on this site. So, please pop back regularly.

Keep enjoying the summer and to my friends in Argentina I hope the winter is not too bad.