Hey.
10 days to go and I’m currently in the home city of The Beatles. The Mekka of football for many millions of fans worldwide; City of Liverpool. The big derby game is coming up, Everton vs. Liverpool. Blue against red, one of the tastiest derbies in Europe. I have seen derby games both at Everton’s home ground Goodison Park and at Liverpool’s Anfield. Great atmosphere, I can tell you that! A strong rivalry between the two clubs, but there’s also a lot of banter. The local people of Liverpool, the Scousers, are known for their great sense of humour and witty comments. I remember a game back in 2003. Liverpool were 2-0 up early in the 2nd half, and David Moyes told home crowd favourite Duncan Ferguson to get his arse up from the subs bench to start his warm up. Big Dunc in action, matchfit or not, that always gave the Evertonians a big energy boost. The whole stadium off their seats: ’Come on, lad!’ ’Fuckin’ get in!’ ’Yeah, Big Dunc!’. He has always lifted the crowd, the big Scottish fella - for short periods though. You know, the ex Rangers and Newcastle striker picked up some hefty salaries throughout his career, but he was certainly never shy for injuries. He retired after the 2006 season, scoring in his last game of the career. I think during the last 5 seasons the controversial striker played an average of 5 games a season! No, maybe a few more – but let’s go back to the local derby 30th of August 2003 – he was definitely part of the action that Saturday afternoon. He entered the pitch in the 71th minute. As soon as he came on, the thousands of Liverpool fans in the away supporters section started singing: IN FOR A WEEK – AND OUT FOR A MONTH – IN FOR A WEEK – AND OUT FOR A MONTH – DUNCAN IS A TAMPON! Hilarious. I think that ’song’ even brought a few smiles on the faces of some of the Everton fans. The result didn’t. 3-0 to the Reds.
I admit I liked Duncan Ferguson; he was a good old centre forward – and the supporter’s man on the pitch. The player who is willing to sacrifice the whole lot to make sure his team comes out with 3 points after 2 x 45 mins.
Big Dunc was actually the first football star I ever met on my trips to Liverpool. It was back in March 1996. Together with my dad, my debut trip to Liverpool and Anfield. We watched Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-0, and Robbie Fowler & Mark Wright on the score sheet. We stayed at the famous Moat House hotel right in the centre of town, and I wasnt aware it was a popular place also for the football players. On Friday night, we met Duncan Ferguson in the hotel bar. Wow! I was dead nervous, asking him for a picture and autograph, he was a huge star in football and I didn’t want to hassle him too much. However, he was a smashing guy. Quite a sight for a shy Norwegian country boy like myself; Big Dunc was holding a whiskey glass, and had another glass of whiskey in front of him, while at the same time he was enjoying the biggest cigar I have ever seen. He told me to sit down next to him, smile to the camera as my dad was ready to take the picture – and of course, the camera didn’t work! Arrgh! After three unsuccessful attempts, Big Dunc had a look at my dad’s camera. ”Nooo..., I’ve no idea what’s wrong with your camera.” My quick question to him was: Dunc. Everton play Leeds away on Sunday. You injured, eh? The answer from the Scot was short: Oh nooo.
We stood up, said thanks for his autograph and went back to our seats in the bar. A few hours later we went to bed, while Big Dunc was still keeping the bartenders busy. Top man, brilliant to all the LFC supporters who asked for pics and autographs and he was knocking down drinks like there was no tomorrow.
I watched the Sky’s Sunday game in a local Irish bar. Norwich vs. Everton drew 2-2. And Duncan Ferguson? In Sky’s match report it said: Duncan Ferguson played the full 90 minutes for Everton after being doubtful because of a nagging groin strain... Everton’s penalty goal came after a push on Ferguson. The Scot was unbeatable in the air all afternoon and showed some nifty touches and pace.
By the way, rumours say that Superman has a Big Dunc pyjamas... I'm not surprised.
Allan
www.10KingsPoker.com
fredag 26. september 2008
onsdag 24. september 2008
Going to Valhall with Fairclough
Hi.
Already down to 12 days left! Time is flying... Work, work, work - welcome to my world. I can’t say I'm bored - never been - impossible to be bored in this business. But stressed... Oh yeah!
I had a good phone chat with Liverpool legend David Fairclough yesterday afternoon. The ex Anfield striker has been a friend for years, a very friendly man; always have time for a chat or a cup of coffee if I come to Liverpool.
Not going to speak about the career of David Fairclough, but he is a legend at Liverpool F.C and his most famous goal came in 1977 against St Etienne at home (quarter final European cup).
For those who need to wipe some dust of their memory cabin, here's a fact file of 'Super Sub': http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/fairclough/
Unfortunately for 10KingsPoker.com, David Fairclough has had to change his plans on the 7th of October. Instead of playing poker, he has to do commentary for LFC.tv when Liverpool reserves face Man Utd reserves. He will come down to the casino after the game though, and our guests will all get the chance to meet him.
Speaking about Fairclough and his good contacts in Norway, I'd like to tell you a story which goes back to February 2006. We were in Oslo discussing a supporters union event, and we scheduled a few meetings with supporter clubs etc. It might surprise a few people, but Fairclough is a very good friend of Kjetil Siem (ex director of Vålerenga and Norwegian Topp Football.) Both have a fantastic network of contacts, and their friendship goes way back. That afternoon Fairclough and I got invited to Valhall (indoor stadium in Oslo) to watch Vålerenga play Hammarby in the Royal League, as Kjetil Siem's VIP guests. I had never met Siem previously, but I've always liked the fella for his charisma, direct approach and he's not afraid of showing feelings.
But listen, I knew Kjetil Siem as a man with close links to the football federation and the national betting company. So I can't say Fairclough's intro of me did me any good. 'Hey Kjetil. Say hello to Allan Aasterud - he works for an online bookmaker company, a real competitor of Norsk Tipping'.
Ha-ha! A fantastic start, or what? Nope... I don’t think Kjetil Siem spoke a single word with me that night.. No, just kidding - fair play to both Fairclough and Siem - I enjoyed spending time in their company. And I did behave. Sort of.
Btw, I met Egil 'Drillo' Olsen, and this was long back before he entered the poker world. Through his good friend and agent, Gunnar-Martin Kjenner, I had previously e-mailed them the main reasons why I wanted our company to sponsor Drillo. The latter was definitely interested, but nothing happened. (A year later, a competitor signed up Drillo.) I just remember Drillo said this to me: Are you a Allan? I thought you were Danish!? For God’s sake, Drillo – I wrote you a document of two A4 pages. Danish? Is my writing really that bad?
While Fairclough was busy writing autographs to supporters, talking about Liverpool and posing in front of the supporters' cameras, I enjoyed a few beers and a very nice buffet. (Well done, Vålerenga - your team isn’t too much to write home about, but the VIP service has always been spot on.)
The match itself ended with a 2-1 win to Vålerenga... Quite boring pre season football, played indoor.
After the game I realized there were a few Swedes in VIP lounge. And this big fella.. Never seen him before. I didn’t hear him talk, just smiling, shaking hands with other guys and lining up for a picture with Fairclough...
Hmm... Swedes... They are funny people... They have come a long way for a boring Royal League game, I thought. And got defeated too.
Anyway, I thought it was time to make a move downtown again; to sum up today’s action and wish Fairclough a safe journey back to UK.
Kjetil Siem must have read my mind. 'Aasterud and Fairclough, follow these gentlemen - there's a taxi waiting for you. Thanks for coming and see you again soon.'
We should follow the 'Swedes'.. Ok, off we go.. It was February, freezing cold and lots of snow. We rushed through the "TV & Media corner", got out of the stadium and made a short cut over to the parking lot. The big guy in front of me... and Fairclough behind me. Hmm.. So let's strike up a conversation. I'm curious what these Swedes were doing here in Oslo. And let's speak English, so David understands him too...
Allan: So how are you, mate?
The big guy: Oh fine... and yourself?
Hmm.. Friendly guy... Not much of a Swedish accent there..
Allan: Boring match, cold weather - but I'm good, thanks.
The big guy: The match was boring. No surprise. So you know Fairclough, right?
Allan: Yeah. A good guy, enjoyed a few business meetings today. Football and beers, never a bad mix although I'm not any fan of Vålerenga...
I continued... while Fairclough must have realized I was kind of lost :-)
Allan: So why are you here on a cold Tuesday night watching boring football?
Fairclough: Allan...
The big guy: You mean, what I do here?
Allan: Yeah... Hammarby fan?
Fairclough: Allan... He is..
The big guy: Ha-ha.. No mate, I'm not Swedish. I just own Vålerenga... !!
Allan turned red faced very quick...
Hmm... What Fairclough actually wanted to say was that .. "Allan, the big guy in front of you is actually Tor Olav Trøim."
Mr. Trøim is the 'right hand' of multi billionaire investor John Fredriksen, who is a mega giant in the shipping world and happens to own Vålerenga Football.
Some key rules for doing networking:
- Pay attention to the people around you
- Make sure you know who they are
- Think before you speak
No harm was done, Trøim is a cool guy and a bunch of us went to downtown Oslo for a few drinks. Later I found out that he was a Man Utd fan! Aaargh, that's an impossible mix; Vålerenga & Man Utd. Speaking about the devil. Ha-ha.
Despite Trøim being a very busy man, well respected and hugely successful, I will definitely try my best to invite to one of future 10KingsPoker tournaments in the UK. Next time I will for sure know his name when this big guy walks through the door! Ha-ha.
Have a nice day.
Allan
www.10KingsPoker.com
Already down to 12 days left! Time is flying... Work, work, work - welcome to my world. I can’t say I'm bored - never been - impossible to be bored in this business. But stressed... Oh yeah!
I had a good phone chat with Liverpool legend David Fairclough yesterday afternoon. The ex Anfield striker has been a friend for years, a very friendly man; always have time for a chat or a cup of coffee if I come to Liverpool.
Not going to speak about the career of David Fairclough, but he is a legend at Liverpool F.C and his most famous goal came in 1977 against St Etienne at home (quarter final European cup).
For those who need to wipe some dust of their memory cabin, here's a fact file of 'Super Sub': http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/past_players/players/fairclough/
Unfortunately for 10KingsPoker.com, David Fairclough has had to change his plans on the 7th of October. Instead of playing poker, he has to do commentary for LFC.tv when Liverpool reserves face Man Utd reserves. He will come down to the casino after the game though, and our guests will all get the chance to meet him.
Speaking about Fairclough and his good contacts in Norway, I'd like to tell you a story which goes back to February 2006. We were in Oslo discussing a supporters union event, and we scheduled a few meetings with supporter clubs etc. It might surprise a few people, but Fairclough is a very good friend of Kjetil Siem (ex director of Vålerenga and Norwegian Topp Football.) Both have a fantastic network of contacts, and their friendship goes way back. That afternoon Fairclough and I got invited to Valhall (indoor stadium in Oslo) to watch Vålerenga play Hammarby in the Royal League, as Kjetil Siem's VIP guests. I had never met Siem previously, but I've always liked the fella for his charisma, direct approach and he's not afraid of showing feelings.
But listen, I knew Kjetil Siem as a man with close links to the football federation and the national betting company. So I can't say Fairclough's intro of me did me any good. 'Hey Kjetil. Say hello to Allan Aasterud - he works for an online bookmaker company, a real competitor of Norsk Tipping'.
Ha-ha! A fantastic start, or what? Nope... I don’t think Kjetil Siem spoke a single word with me that night.. No, just kidding - fair play to both Fairclough and Siem - I enjoyed spending time in their company. And I did behave. Sort of.
Btw, I met Egil 'Drillo' Olsen, and this was long back before he entered the poker world. Through his good friend and agent, Gunnar-Martin Kjenner, I had previously e-mailed them the main reasons why I wanted our company to sponsor Drillo. The latter was definitely interested, but nothing happened. (A year later, a competitor signed up Drillo.) I just remember Drillo said this to me: Are you a Allan? I thought you were Danish!? For God’s sake, Drillo – I wrote you a document of two A4 pages. Danish? Is my writing really that bad?
While Fairclough was busy writing autographs to supporters, talking about Liverpool and posing in front of the supporters' cameras, I enjoyed a few beers and a very nice buffet. (Well done, Vålerenga - your team isn’t too much to write home about, but the VIP service has always been spot on.)
The match itself ended with a 2-1 win to Vålerenga... Quite boring pre season football, played indoor.
After the game I realized there were a few Swedes in VIP lounge. And this big fella.. Never seen him before. I didn’t hear him talk, just smiling, shaking hands with other guys and lining up for a picture with Fairclough...
Hmm... Swedes... They are funny people... They have come a long way for a boring Royal League game, I thought. And got defeated too.
Anyway, I thought it was time to make a move downtown again; to sum up today’s action and wish Fairclough a safe journey back to UK.
Kjetil Siem must have read my mind. 'Aasterud and Fairclough, follow these gentlemen - there's a taxi waiting for you. Thanks for coming and see you again soon.'
We should follow the 'Swedes'.. Ok, off we go.. It was February, freezing cold and lots of snow. We rushed through the "TV & Media corner", got out of the stadium and made a short cut over to the parking lot. The big guy in front of me... and Fairclough behind me. Hmm.. So let's strike up a conversation. I'm curious what these Swedes were doing here in Oslo. And let's speak English, so David understands him too...
Allan: So how are you, mate?
The big guy: Oh fine... and yourself?
Hmm.. Friendly guy... Not much of a Swedish accent there..
Allan: Boring match, cold weather - but I'm good, thanks.
The big guy: The match was boring. No surprise. So you know Fairclough, right?
Allan: Yeah. A good guy, enjoyed a few business meetings today. Football and beers, never a bad mix although I'm not any fan of Vålerenga...
I continued... while Fairclough must have realized I was kind of lost :-)
Allan: So why are you here on a cold Tuesday night watching boring football?
Fairclough: Allan...
The big guy: You mean, what I do here?
Allan: Yeah... Hammarby fan?
Fairclough: Allan... He is..
The big guy: Ha-ha.. No mate, I'm not Swedish. I just own Vålerenga... !!
Allan turned red faced very quick...
Hmm... What Fairclough actually wanted to say was that .. "Allan, the big guy in front of you is actually Tor Olav Trøim."
Mr. Trøim is the 'right hand' of multi billionaire investor John Fredriksen, who is a mega giant in the shipping world and happens to own Vålerenga Football.
Some key rules for doing networking:
- Pay attention to the people around you
- Make sure you know who they are
- Think before you speak
No harm was done, Trøim is a cool guy and a bunch of us went to downtown Oslo for a few drinks. Later I found out that he was a Man Utd fan! Aaargh, that's an impossible mix; Vålerenga & Man Utd. Speaking about the devil. Ha-ha.
Despite Trøim being a very busy man, well respected and hugely successful, I will definitely try my best to invite to one of future 10KingsPoker tournaments in the UK. Next time I will for sure know his name when this big guy walks through the door! Ha-ha.
Have a nice day.
Allan
www.10KingsPoker.com
mandag 22. september 2008
Countdown to Liverpool 7th of October
Welcome to Allan's blog - directly from London. The countdown has started:
Exactly 14 days to go! Wow... 14?? Fourteen??
Let's say it this way, ONLY 14 days to go! 7th of October is the big day. 10KingsPoker.com's official debut tournament, our big LIVE final in Liverpool. Feel free to follow my blog, to get an honest inside look in our work, activities and thoughts as we counting down to the BIG day at Circus Casino.
All the key info about the tournament to be found on our own website, and I'm not going to bore you with too many details today. More importantly, we're on schedule and all the guys are up for it. 36 players will participate in our tournament, incl. 11 ex-players from English football and three Nordic sports celebs.
1. John Aldridge (Liverpool / Ireland)
2. Jan Mølby (Liverpool / Denmark)
3. Lee Martin (Man Utd / England)
4. Frank McAvennie (West Ham / Scotland)
5. Dean Holdsworth (Wimbledon / England)
6. Georgi Kinkladze (Man City / Georgia)
7. Graham Roberts (Tottenham / England)
8. Kerry Dixon (Chelsea / England)
9. David Fairclough (Liverpool/England)
10. John Wark (Ipswich/Scotland)
11. John Durnin (Portsmouth/England)
Quite a line-up, and we're proud to get them all together for a one-day tournament. In the days to come, I will introduce you to some of these special guests and offer you some interesting interviews. I'm also made up to see three Vikings joining us in October.
* Ivan Benes is a Danish football agent with a bunch of good names in his 'squad'
* Henrik Elvestad is a top comedian and TV host in Norway.
* Tor-Kristian Karlsen is an international football scout with a tremendous CV.
Let me use this opportunity to congratulate Tor-Kristian Karlsen as the new Sports Director of Fredrikstad FK. A great signing by the club! And for a local guy like TKK, I'm sure this is his 'dream job'. The club is doing really well, 3rd place in the Norwegian top league, the fans support have always been great and Karlsen's fantastic network of contacts and ideas will give Fredrikstad FK a real boost. And last but not least, I think TKK will set a new standard when it comes to scouting young players and bringing in new signings. He has been far from impressed by the Norwegian clubs' hit & miss activities in the transfer market (i.e. Ham-Kam, Vålerenga, Brann and also Fredrikstad have been criticized)
When you have been involved in bringing Brazilian power house Lucio and Bulgarian star striker Berbatov to Bayer Leverkusen and Bundesliga - you certainly know your way around Europe. TKK does! The former East Europe and South America, TKK knows 'em all. Analytical, detailed and the ability to speak several languages, that's a winning combination.
On behalf of 10KingsPoker.com, we've proud to welcome Tor-Kristian Karlsen to Liverpool in October. Our invitation was sent almost a year ago, so we go back 'a long way'. More about that later. Good luck with the new job, mate!
Writing a blog gives me an opportunity to stay in touch with friends and family, maybe give a friendly advice to new UK tourists and receive feedback and tips from you people out there. I know my honesty and direct approach will also leave me open for criticism, but hey I don’t give a damn. I write what I want in my diary :-) Freedom of speech, right? Feel free to get in touch with me, if you have a question, a comment or fair criticism. I will deal with it. (I think so. Ha-ha.)
One of the questions I got the other day: 'Allan, what's the difference between London 2008 compared to London during my previous stay between 2001 and 2004?
Ha-ha... Sorry to say it, but it's the number of Poles!
There are Polish people everywhere. There are millions of them in UK; you could really say they have taken advantage of the boundaries opening up in Europe. Polish workers, Polish shops, Polish 'areas' - and you can now see that even the most arch British banks and phone shops have employed minimum one Pole. The Polish shops are quite popular, and you will those shops everywhere. Good workers though, and they get a lot of praise over here. Maybe we'll soon get a few of them over to our online poker tables? :-) Ok, from Poland... to China...
I'm off. It's time for my 'tea', for an English man that means dinner time. Today's food will be a Chinese buffè at a local restaurant. Not sure how interesting this blog post is, but it's a start. 14 days to go, soon 13. And if you really want to know to know if I'm nervous or worried... Hmm... I can't be. This is business, and we have things to do, to prepare, to look after and we need to be focused and ready. But yeah, I can feel the pressure... It's a massive event for a new company like 10KingsPoker.com, and we have quite a few legends on our guest list. Problems? No... We know we will have to face a few challenges, but that's expected. We have worked day and night for many months, and now it's time to roll out the red carpet, deal the cards and let people enjoy a fun day at the casino.
Ok, that's all for now. Pictures, links and honest comments to come.
Allan / Liverpool
Exactly 14 days to go! Wow... 14?? Fourteen??
Let's say it this way, ONLY 14 days to go! 7th of October is the big day. 10KingsPoker.com's official debut tournament, our big LIVE final in Liverpool. Feel free to follow my blog, to get an honest inside look in our work, activities and thoughts as we counting down to the BIG day at Circus Casino.
All the key info about the tournament to be found on our own website, and I'm not going to bore you with too many details today. More importantly, we're on schedule and all the guys are up for it. 36 players will participate in our tournament, incl. 11 ex-players from English football and three Nordic sports celebs.
1. John Aldridge (Liverpool / Ireland)
2. Jan Mølby (Liverpool / Denmark)
3. Lee Martin (Man Utd / England)
4. Frank McAvennie (West Ham / Scotland)
5. Dean Holdsworth (Wimbledon / England)
6. Georgi Kinkladze (Man City / Georgia)
7. Graham Roberts (Tottenham / England)
8. Kerry Dixon (Chelsea / England)
9. David Fairclough (Liverpool/England)
10. John Wark (Ipswich/Scotland)
11. John Durnin (Portsmouth/England)
Quite a line-up, and we're proud to get them all together for a one-day tournament. In the days to come, I will introduce you to some of these special guests and offer you some interesting interviews. I'm also made up to see three Vikings joining us in October.
* Ivan Benes is a Danish football agent with a bunch of good names in his 'squad'
* Henrik Elvestad is a top comedian and TV host in Norway.
* Tor-Kristian Karlsen is an international football scout with a tremendous CV.
Let me use this opportunity to congratulate Tor-Kristian Karlsen as the new Sports Director of Fredrikstad FK. A great signing by the club! And for a local guy like TKK, I'm sure this is his 'dream job'. The club is doing really well, 3rd place in the Norwegian top league, the fans support have always been great and Karlsen's fantastic network of contacts and ideas will give Fredrikstad FK a real boost. And last but not least, I think TKK will set a new standard when it comes to scouting young players and bringing in new signings. He has been far from impressed by the Norwegian clubs' hit & miss activities in the transfer market (i.e. Ham-Kam, Vålerenga, Brann and also Fredrikstad have been criticized)
When you have been involved in bringing Brazilian power house Lucio and Bulgarian star striker Berbatov to Bayer Leverkusen and Bundesliga - you certainly know your way around Europe. TKK does! The former East Europe and South America, TKK knows 'em all. Analytical, detailed and the ability to speak several languages, that's a winning combination.
On behalf of 10KingsPoker.com, we've proud to welcome Tor-Kristian Karlsen to Liverpool in October. Our invitation was sent almost a year ago, so we go back 'a long way'. More about that later. Good luck with the new job, mate!
Writing a blog gives me an opportunity to stay in touch with friends and family, maybe give a friendly advice to new UK tourists and receive feedback and tips from you people out there. I know my honesty and direct approach will also leave me open for criticism, but hey I don’t give a damn. I write what I want in my diary :-) Freedom of speech, right? Feel free to get in touch with me, if you have a question, a comment or fair criticism. I will deal with it. (I think so. Ha-ha.)
One of the questions I got the other day: 'Allan, what's the difference between London 2008 compared to London during my previous stay between 2001 and 2004?
Ha-ha... Sorry to say it, but it's the number of Poles!
There are Polish people everywhere. There are millions of them in UK; you could really say they have taken advantage of the boundaries opening up in Europe. Polish workers, Polish shops, Polish 'areas' - and you can now see that even the most arch British banks and phone shops have employed minimum one Pole. The Polish shops are quite popular, and you will those shops everywhere. Good workers though, and they get a lot of praise over here. Maybe we'll soon get a few of them over to our online poker tables? :-) Ok, from Poland... to China...
I'm off. It's time for my 'tea', for an English man that means dinner time. Today's food will be a Chinese buffè at a local restaurant. Not sure how interesting this blog post is, but it's a start. 14 days to go, soon 13. And if you really want to know to know if I'm nervous or worried... Hmm... I can't be. This is business, and we have things to do, to prepare, to look after and we need to be focused and ready. But yeah, I can feel the pressure... It's a massive event for a new company like 10KingsPoker.com, and we have quite a few legends on our guest list. Problems? No... We know we will have to face a few challenges, but that's expected. We have worked day and night for many months, and now it's time to roll out the red carpet, deal the cards and let people enjoy a fun day at the casino.
Ok, that's all for now. Pictures, links and honest comments to come.
Allan / Liverpool
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