It's hard enough to remember our opinions without remembering the reasons for them

Hail The World Cup Chief

As the countdown for the December 4^th draw gathers pace and our client Thomas Cook Sport gears up for the rush to buy the perfect match action package, a recent trip to Cape Town convinced me South Africa is ready and excited to stage the continent’s first World Cup. 

The excitement is not restricted to the UK football fan. While driving from vineyard to vineyard,  every five minutes the local radio station was booming out competitions to win 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets.  The only issue for me was the presenter’s lack of knowledge on how to talk the language of our beautiful game, offering fans the chance to win ‘double’ tickets!

The new 4.4 million Rand Green Point Stadium in Cape Town is really taking shape.  Fans will be able to marvel at the incredible Table Mountain backdrop and enjoy the numerous restaurants and bars of the Victorian and Alfred Waterfront, which is only a short walk from the new 69,000 capacity ground.

South Africa is a special place, especially Cape Town, and if you are a Leeds United fan like myself, just hail Lucas Radebe, the country’s most famous football export, and you might just get the best seat in the house!  I hope the Three Lions end playing in Cape Town, so I can book my return to soak up the atmosphere and action.

Posted by jason in Hatch, Jason, Thomas Cook Sport / Tue 11/09 / 17:11

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Free kick behind the scenes at Anfield

 There aren’t many girls who can say they’ve scored a trip to the players’ dressing room at Anfield, but I can now proudly say I’m one of the select few. As a Red myself, it was a bit like an out of body experience, standing where so many of the greats have stood and patted one another on the back after many a great win.

After a bit of an, albeit girlie, flutter, I swiftly pulled myself together and substituted giddy excitement for a professional decorum. To thank fans for their support this season, Liverpool FC’s Official Travel Partner, and one of our newest clients, Thomas Cook Sport gave football supporters from across the country the chance to play on the hallowed turf.

Competition winners aged between 21 and 45, who’d travelled from as close as Anfield and as far as Kent, took on Thomas Cook Sport employees in a gripping 90-minute game, which saw the debut of football’s latest talent. Yes, our very own Mr Madeley was proud to be chosen as the comp winners’ manager, affectionately known as “Raffa”, for the day.

Not famous for inheriting his Dad’s footballing genes, we were surprised and impressed by Jason’s “tactics” and solid managing technique (and an uncanny Premiership sideline presence), with his team leading 2-1 at half time. Move over Benitez! Had he been hiding his talent for all this time I hear you ask? Was he really destined to replace PR luvvies, stunts and photocalls for a life of tackles, pundits and transfers?

Alas, Jason’s visions of sporting grandeur were short lived when the team was pipped to the post in the last minute, losing 4-3.

Although Jason only briefly got to step into Benitez’s shoes, it’s safe to say dreams came true for several people that day…and not just me!

Posted by Katie in Jason, Thomas Cook Sport / Thu 06/09 / 10:02

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The lost art of head shot photography

In the wonderful world of PR we are often asked to organise photography for a whole plethora of things. Events, launches, stunts and of course the ubiquitous cheque presentation, are always being briefed into our ever-helpful photography colleagues.

But out of all these photo necessary situations, the humble head shot is often the most difficult to master.

Luckily our fearless leader, Mr Jason Madeley, has kindly created a very simple ‘how to’ guide for photographers everywhere.

The basic premise of the guide is to try NOT to recreate any of the shots below.

So, if at any time your client/model/new staff member turns up to a photo shoot bringing with them a Morrissey-esc haircut, an appallingly patterned tie, a green crushed velvet background and someone else’s hand to put under their chin, I beg you, please, kill them.

Posted by James in Fun stuff, Hatch, Jason, Photography / Thu 04/09 / 15:27

Tags: jason madeley, pr guide, photography

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