Tom Branson - Mon 28th June 2010

GERMANY 4 ENGLAND 1

An embarrassing, humiliating, disgraceful result which shattered all England fans here in the Free State Stadium at Bloemfontein.

The disallowed Lampard goal may well be good reason to hate the dictator Blatter and must surely warrant a reconsidering of the use of video technology to give instant accurate judgements but this cannot account for the final scoreline!

The England team, to a man, have let their country down!

Outclassed and out of the tournament.

We're heading home tomorrow.

Tom Branson - Thurs 24th June 2010

ENGLAND 1 SLOVENIA 0

Last night's game here in Port Elizabeth was slightly heartening - just to see a goal restored some hope if not complete confidence.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is set on the shores of a Lake- one of the newly-built stadiums for the World Cup and was a very big deal for the City here.

I suppose England delivered a result when it mattered in their final group game but in truth it was a pretty mediocre performance and we can only pray that Fabio can pull a Rabbit out of the hat when we face the Krauts on Saturday

Tom Branson - Sat 19th June 2010

England 0 Algeria 0

Yesterdays match at the Greenpoint Stadium in Capetown proved yet another disappointment for England fans everywhere??it's difficult to fathom what's happening.

Before the end, booing had broken out, but we were all agreed -that's just not what supporters should be about. Wayne Rooney apparently said something to the fans as he came off the pitch -no doubt the press will slate him for it -you'd think he was the only guy playing. A really awful performance and the endless cacophony of the Vuvuzela has started getting to us?.

Capello should take a look at himself 'cos if we play like this against Slovenia we're out!

It was good to get out of Johannesburg though -despite the party atmosphere, some of the taxi drivers drive around like idiots and don't come over as very trustworthy.

Maybe I was feeling a bit Para' but Capetown is just a much more relaxed place with a safe nightlife and some great restaurants?..Great hotel right on theVictoria & Alfred Waterfront. Since I was last here the One&only's urban resort has been added -sheer luxury. I had promised myself a visit and last night had a meal at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant `Maze' -Superb and worth the hefty bill - though only Keith agreed with me on that and the others didn't join us.

Yeah, I spent three weeks here last time I was in South Africa but that was in our winter when the weather here was great-but now it's their winter and its wet wet wet!

Tom Branson - Sat 12th June 2010

ENGLAND 1 - USA 1

After Steven Gerrard's early goal we seemed to be cruising to victory at 1-0 when in front of the entire watching world Green let a routine shot from Clint Dempsey slip through him and into the net. ?? From the look of disbelief and despair on his face he must have wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole.

Fabio Capello hadn't decided to play him until late yesterday as Joe Hart's superb displays in training had almost won him over -( I know who I'd have picked) but I reckon Hart should get his chance against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday. To be honest England did not play that well anyway and it is tough on Green, who is a likeable guy. He will now be remembered for the most embarrassing gaffe which will probably give him nightmares for years to come. England really should have won, despite the error, with 18 shots on goal! On the other hand this was far from a disaster for England and they'll be more settled next week. Looking at how the Americans viewed this result though did sting a bit -when the final whistle blew the Yanks rushed to celebrate with their fans as if they had won?!

The Royal Bafokeng Stadium -is named after the Bafokeng people who inhabit the area. Known also as the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, it's in the village of Phokeng, about 10 miles outside of Rustenburg, a mining town. After a legal battle the people won the right to 20 per cent of the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Seems only fair but I couldn't help but think the place looked a bit of a dump.

The coach to the match from Johannesburg took about an hour and a half and was a lively trip to say the least -the journey going back though seemed to take a lot longer and the atmosphere was distinctly subdued.

Tom Branson - Thurs 10th June 2010

Well we've made it- Keith, Paul, Chris and I touched down on African soil this morning. The musical send off from Heathrow was a tickle -England shirts and flags everywhere and a live band playing the `Great Escape' theme as we boarded -beautiful!! The flight started as one big party with singing and good crack that is until the food was served up and the drink finally kicked in then most of us snoozed the rest of the way ?the cabin staff were brilliant - they really joined in the fun. Departing fans had been handed a booklet from the Foreign and Commonwealth office with info about South Africa, including what the British Embassy can and can't do for us?..bottom line if you miss the flight home `cos you've been out on the razzle the night before-forget it -you're stuck there! Paul's travelled around the country before, during his gap year and it's not my first visit either, but Chris was a bit spooked by the crime-rate (the second highest murder rate in the world) but you've gotta watch yourself wherever you are and we're not gonna walk about flashing any valuables.

England's opening match against the USA on Saturday in Rustenberg is expected to be one of the competition's most popular games. We then go to Capetown for a match against Algeria on 18 June and five days later play Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

Pretty sure that my coming on this trip has blown it with Celeste-but hey, a man's got to do???

Met an interesting Mexican Chic at our farewell drinks send off on Tuesday who told me how excited she was about the world cup and about Chicharito's move to United. We agreed that Mexico's team is looking good with some excellent young players like Giovanni Dos Santos, Carlos Vela, and Hernández, though I had to draw the line when she insisted they would win the world cup! From what she told me the whole Mexican nation is really behind the tournament -businesses have apparently been advised to screen matches in order to avoid mass absenteeism and even in schools, teachers are changing lesson plans to feature football themes, while Televisions will be allowed into classes so that students can watch games. Meantime, back in Blighty as millions prepare to skip work to watch the World Cup, profits-of-doom are bleating about loss of revenue?

I think Chicharito has a genuine chance of being involved from the start and I won't be the only one who'll be keenly following his progress here, which is bound to be of real interest to 'United fans ahead of next season. Well the troops are rallying at my hotel door -time to get out and discover the delights of Jo'burg.

Tom Branson - Thurs 6th May 2010

Got a text this morning from me 'spurs-mad mate Nick-it read "The tide has turned in Europe-the great names of world football welcome home the most famous name of all Tottenham Hotspur!" I'm happy for him- it's tremendous -I mean it! I'm only sorry he can't come to the World Cup but too many responsibilities?..which I don't have and so I'm wondering why I'm getting such grief from Celeste? It's doing me head in ,I mean she seemed so into footie -I loved that about her-coming from Brazil and all I thought it was in the blood but when I told her about the trip she kicked off just like every other female I know. When she said I should have asked her first well to be honest the hairs stood up on the back of my neck -what's that about?! Well sorry but come England's first game I'll be there with Keith, Paul and Chris who is now confirmed as `in'.

Election day today and did the deed on the way to work - have just watched the late news and there are reports of people who didn't get to vote at all -too long queues and polling stations unable to cope or even know the procedures-and this in Britain ?.

Tom Branson - Mon 3rd May 2010

Met up with Philip Howell again on Friday and we were joined by two other prospective partners for his proposed new business start up. The two, Lydia Masterton-who is from London and Frank Copping, an Aussie from Sydney, had been sounded out by Philip and were coming for an informal chat.

When the idea was first mooted I had agreed to give it some thought but had stressed that, for me, the whole thing would hinge on our finding the right partners.

Who we could get to join us, to create a balanced team comprising of complimentary skills and experience, was going to be crucial. While looking at credentials is major - of equal importance is getting the right fit in terms of social styles, mindset etc of potential candidates. The whole thing had begun to look a bit iffy- We had gone through quite a few possibles in recent weeks- mostly on paper but had sounded out a couple with no success. This was the first time we had met anyone together and we kept it pretty light- a few drinks and a bite to eat-it was well worthwhile.

Both are really self motivated -Lydia's point-why should she have to deal with `Glass ceilings' when she can build her own roof was convincing and Franks self deprecating charm-typical of a lot of Aussies and which often belies the reality-morphed into metal when he answered my question with his own

"Why would you want me as a partner"? before answering "because I'm bloody brilliant mate!"

That worked for me and we're all getting together again next week and we'll see what happens??.

Celeste was working again today- bit of drag that she misses out on most bank holidays -that's the hospitality industry for ya- but she's ambitious and promotion looms so she doesn't want to rock the boat too much.

Met up with Nick at the gym and went for lunch with him -his wife and Kids are away with the Gran' in Spain so it was a bit like old times. While he can and will talk constant football -Nick's one of that rare breed of guys who actually knows what he's talking about and could probably win on Mastermind for his knowledge of Tottenham Hotspur. I almost wanted to apologise for the win last weekend but resisted the urge -after all that game saw us crank up the pressure on Chelsea to move two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a United 3 Spurs 1 score line.

Yesterday's 1-O win at Sunderland saved us from handing the title to Chelsea there and then. The Reds pretty polished performance, now means the title race will now go down to the wire with Chelsea leading by just one point as we head into the final day of the season. They've got Wigan at Stamford Bridge while we've got Stoke City at Old Trafford. As Nick says Miracles can happen! He's a really sound bloke and about the only guy I can take a ribbing from when it comes to footie?.

Told him about the World cup trip and his first question was does Celeste know?-"spoken like a married man mate" I said but I couldn't tell him why I haven't mentioned it yet - Because I don't know myself do I?

Tom Branson - Thurs 15th April 2010

Just watched the first Leaders debate on TV.

Got to do something to get my mind off football-after last Sundays stalemate - Blackburn 0 Man. United 0 If winning a record fourth consecutive league title looked like a bit of an uphill struggle, after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Old Trafford, we must be now looking at climbing Everest!

Sat with Dave,who was dead keen to see it and we had a few beers for the occasion -History in the making and all that.

The idea of a leader's debate is really nothing new. Labours Harold Wilson had suggested one as far back as the general election in 1964 challenging the then Tory Prime Minister Alec Douglas Home who rejected it,on the grounds that it would be like a sort of Top of the Pops contest where it could end up with the country being led by the best actor and scriptwriter. 'Course that was before Hollywood actor Ronald Regan had made it to the Whitehouse in America! Opposition leaders or Prime Ministers have put forward the proposal in successive general elections since. Margaret Thatcher was famously the first to object that "presidential-style debates are alien to Britain."

Since coming to power in 1997, Prime Minister Tony Blair and his successor Gordon Brown had turned down any such suggestions arguing that the weekly session of Prime Ministers question time in the House of Commons was enough. It was Sky TV who, last year, launched a campaign for televised leader's debates and it was around Christmas I think, when they finally got agreement in principle between the three main parties and the three broadcasters, BBC, ITV and BskyB.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg were first to accept with Gordon Brown later agreeing. It took 'til March though and 76 detailed rules before it was finally announced.

Tonight Brown looked like a man on the edge and was definitely not keen to talk about the past?

Victoria had just got home and watched the last ten minutes but thought that Nick Clegg looked really nice? Oh no, don't say we're looking at the Cliff Richards of politics?.! It'll be trial by media now-let's see what the press make of it!

Tom Branson - Thurs 8th April 2010

Unbelievable! Despite the final score-line at Old Trafford on Wednesday night Manchester United 3 Bayern Munich 2. We've crashed out of the Champions League on the away goals rule finishing up 4-4 on aggregate.

After a blistering start we looked set to storm through to the last-four of the competition With Wayne Rooney making an unexpected return to the starting line-up the atmosphere in the stadium was buzzing Darron Gibson scored inside three minutes and the crowd was delirious when Nani added another goal just four minutes later. By twenty five minutes Valencia had made it made it three and The Bayern goal from Ivica Olic which came just before the half time whistle was unimpressive, but just five minutes into the second-half, Rafael was sent off when he was shown his second yellow card for a tug on Ribery's shirt ! That guy's so skilled but he really needs to grow up and fast - I reckon he cost us the game when he lost the plot! Rooney who had been visibly struggling since taking two heavy hits on his right ankle in the first half was finally replaced by John O'Shea a few minutes later. With him gone though the Germans just upped the ante and with ten men we just couldn't threaten. Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov were brought on in place of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, but it was too little too late.

We looked completely helpless when Arjen Robben hit what was, it has to be said, a superb and pivotal, second away-goal for the Germans 16 minutes from time. Nearly 75,000 of us were packed into the stadium last night and most of us left gutted! It is without a doubt the manner of the defeat that makes it so hard to swallow?.

Tom Branson - Thurs 5th April 2010

A brilliant day yesterday-everything went well at the Church-though there were about six other infants and toddlers being baptised at the same time as our Mattie and it all happens now during Mass -so it was a long one. Mam and Sarah were crying and I got pretty choked myself for a bit-It was pretty awesome really I mean the responsibility I feel now what must it be like to be a Dad? The little fella was great though and didn't cry once. Julie, the Godmother had her outfit messed up when he spewed up on her at the meal later- but whenever I had him, and I bounced him on my knee plenty - it was as if he new that this suit was pure quality-he must have inherited that innate sense of style gene! It was quite a do -about eighty people -just as well it was in a hotel- it wound down about tea-time but then it was back to Rogers parents where the party continued. Family and friends celebrating a new life - there was a real love vibe going on???.

It left me really mellowed out and even the dire result on Saturday seemed to lose significance-without a doubt our 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Old Trafford-including a controversial offside struck a hammer blow to Man. U's title chances but for now I just can't feel bitter.

Spoke to Celeste this morning and she sounded a bit down think I'll drive back and surprise her tonight as she's off work tomorrow and I'll just drive back up for the game on Wednesday??.

Tom Branson - Wed 31sth Mar 2010

Well after last nights score Bayern Munich 2 Man. United 1 We've certainly left ourselves with a hill to climb next week!

The night started perfectly as a goal from Rooney swept us into a second minute lead at the Allianz Arena Franck Ribery equalised from a free kick in the 77th. Minute then two minutes into injury time, Bayern striker Ivica Olic scored .We just didn't match Bayerns intensity and it must be said that goal was a bitter pill to swallow. Salt in our wound was the sickening sight of Rooney being helped off the pitch at full-time having taken a blow to the ankle. We're now looking at a probable injury lay-off with Chelsea next on the agenda and the Premier League title showdown on Saturday it's not looking good add that to the fact that the Germans will be coming to Old Trafford next week full of confidence and it's definitely not looking good???.

Picked up my suit today - am I pleased with it? Put it this way GQ have just launched a nationwide search for the Best-Dressed Man in Britain They're looking for discerning sartorial know-how --an innate sense of style-- a genuine, deep-rooted flair for fashion Me a contender? Watch out David Gandy! O.k. maybe that's stretching it a bit - but man do I look crisp!

Tom Branson - Mon 29th Mar 2010

Saturday evening's results brought cheer- Bolton 0 United 4 In response to Chelsea's earlier slaughter of Aston Villa this saw us reclaiming pole position good style!

Bolton gifted us a half-time lead when Jloyd Samuel scored an own goal! Three big points were made certain for United with Dimitar Berbatov scoring twice and a late fourth goal from substitute Darron Gibson to finish?..

Tom Branson - Mon 22nd Mar 2010

Went for the final fitting today for my new suit -well for little Mattie's baptism and as the Godfather I thought I'd splash out a bit! It's the first time I'd gone to Spencer Hart -one of the new-breed of tailors on Saville- row but so far I'm well pleased-should be ready for collection next week?..

Last night went over to Islington for fish and chips up at Park Street as Celeste had been banging on about trying Traditional English food. Thought she'd be disappointed but she loved it -mushy peas, wallies and all!. She was saying that it didn't look like she could get the time off work to come up with me at Easter - I said that was O.K.-understandable really with her in the Hospitality business but then she had a face on her all night!?

Tom Branson - Thurs 11th Mar 2010

Got back really late last nigh from Manchester but it was worth it to see the Reds breeze into the last eight of the Champions League with a convincing 4-0 victory against AC Milan at Old Trafford that sealed a 7-2 aggregate win. Ji-Sung Park and Darren Fletcher scored a goal apiece while Wayne Rooney scored twice - it was good to welcome him back into the line-up after he'd had to miss the 1-0 win at Wolves because of a knee problem.

David Beckham, got a good reception from the crowd and must have been choked to be back where it had all started for him and to face the team again who, in his own words, were his first love. As it went he sat on the Milan substitute's bench for most of the match, coming on midway through the second half but by then the match was lost.

Keith and Paul are looking for two more to make up numbers for South Africa? They reckon they've got tickets and everything sorted already- think I'll have a word with Nick who might well be up for it - but have said I'm definitely in?.

Woke up this morning to the news on the radio telling of a big fire in the city which had started in the night and was still going on. With the roads apparently sealed off round Finsbury square and Moorgate I walked to work via Smithfield and Farringdon and all the way heard the wail of fire engines.

It made the main story on tonight's TV news a whole building on the corner of Tabernacle Street -it apparently started at around 4am in the kitchen of the Sosho bar and took 20 fire engines and more than a 100 fire-fighters to bring under control .Took 'til 10 am this morning. Miraculously no one was hurt - but hey what a blow to our nightlife -Sosho won Time Out's best bar of the year. This was a great bar-part of the elite Sosho nightclub frequented by celebs and us! Gone-completely destroyed!

The East room restaurant, which has the same owner, was also burnt down as was the Prophet restaurant on Worship Street - some offices above were damaged but not as badly. Amazing really just gone in a flash- cause of Fire? Unknown! Stuff happens but what a bummer!

Tom Branson - Mon 7th Mar 2010

Got a call today from Philip Howell -he wanted to arrange a meet A.S.A.P. hadn't seen him since before Christmas but he stressed it was urgent and could I manage lunch? Didn't want anywhere we might be overheard so ruling out any of our usual haunts around Paternoster Square I suggested St.Pauls café-right down in the crypts. Had forgotten though about the school trips and we could hardly hear ourselves over the racket coming from a bunch of French kids. Anyway the gist of it is Phil' didn't jump ship, neither did he get the push, but is now totally dissatisfied with his job and wants to start something up himself. He has just divorced from his wife -which was news to me- and is ready to totally immerse himself. Well- not exactly himself -he reckons on three partners and wants me as one of them? His enthusiasm was infectious though I wondered about his sense of urgency ?.. I promised to get back to him soon.

It has already occurred to me that wherever there is chaos there is also opportunity. A financial services start up when he Banks are in such a mess has certain possibilities -clients will be more inclined to try a new player, setting up costs will be low with properties having had a hammering and lets face it if our bonuses are stuffed then why keep working for someone else? Hmm?.. definitely worth thinking about.

Tom Branson - Thurs 18th Feb 2010

Our flight home from Milan didn't get in `til 2 am and I had to make a 9 am client meeting today. Consider though: Manchester United came from behind to beat AC Milan 3-2 at the San Siro stadium and edge ahead in their European Champions League last-16 tie ?. So who needs sleep?

At least the trip out was quite straightforward this time, as in, we arrived at Linate the nearest airport -about 12 km from the Stadium instead of Malpensa which is something like 45km !

Before the game, which was to be the first match for David Beckham against his boyhood team, Ferguson had talked pointedly of avoiding the `Circus' that inevitably surrounded the event -but whether they got caught up in all the hype or were maybe just overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the San Siro stadium - the Reds hardly got out of first gear and were a very nervy looking side in the opening half hour-in fact a shadow of the one that had gone nine games unbeaten. . . this was the twitchy and fragile United of pre-Christmas again-Weak in possession, timid in attack and disorganised in defence! Rio Ferdinand's first outing since becoming the new England skipper looked like turning into something of a nightmare and we looked pretty poor when a deflected Ronaldinho goal gave Milan an early lead.

Now I have to say- Paul Scholes is famously one of the crispest strikers of a ball Old Trafford has ever seen, but it was a pure fluke that got him the equaliser in the 37th minute and let us all breathe again! God only knows what magic Ferguson worked in the dressing room at halftime but they came out fighting and Wayne Rooney saved the night with two fantastic headed goals in the second half, giving the Reds command. Despite a late strike from Seedorf, which I expect will have given his side a glimmer of hope, for the return match at Old Trafford, we managed to hold on to secure a vital first-leg lead, extending Manchester United's unbeaten run in Europe to a record 16 matches. I had to smile too, in the knowledge that Beckham wasn't going away with fond memories of his first match against his old club.

Tom Branson - Mon 8th Feb 2010

Celeste got quite excited when I invited her to spend a weekend with me in Manchester and Mam was over the moon when I told her we were coming. Had to calm her down a bit and stressed that we'd be out for most of Saturday?.. Drove down early Saturday and met up with some of the crowd before the match-eyes were out on stalks when they spotted Celeste!- everyone was making a big deal -first girl I'd ever brought to Old Trafford etc ?.but hey she's Brazilian it's in the blood. What can I say 5.0 for the Reds against Portsmouth-she can come again!

It did prove difficult though at home- by Sunday afternoon I had, practically, to prise her away from the family and seeing her with little Mattie on her lap, dribbling down her Prada blouse, was strangely disturbing?

Tom Branson - Thurs 28th Jan 2010

At home to City last night but couldn't make the match. Things pretty hectic work-wise but I'm not feeling the same buzz these days -need to think about that?.. Anyway we ended up with a 3-1 win (4-3 on aggregate) Goals from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick put us ahead until Carlos Tevez scored putting the Blues back in contention. However the hammer blow came when Wayne Rooney scored the third goal in added time, to send City home heartbroken once again and Manchester United into the Carling Cup final..

Tom Branson - Mon 18th Jan 2010

2010 is shaping up very well so far! Spent New year with Keith and Anna - turns out they've had a thing going for a while now - I would have thought an unlikely pairing but hey, it seems to work. We were at Anna's for the New Year countdown- she had quite a crowd in. It wasn't exactly my scene and I was just about to make a move and suddenly there's Anna introducing me to her friend Celeste -a a graduate in hospitality and hotel management now working over here for one of the big hotel chains??a real Beauty from Brazil. Seeing a bit of her -had a brilliant night out in China town at the weekend for the Chinese New Year of the Tiger ? Life is sweet!

Tom Branson - Wed 30th Dec 2009

Came back to London today -decided I'd spend the New Year here- wanted to see that Big Mac was O.K. too as Emma is heading up to Edinburgh for New Year to meet this new fella she's got in tow. Christmas was great made all the sweeter by having little Matthew -Okay the train set was probably a bit previous but his little face lit up when I set it up for him - well I'm sure it did ??...everyone reckons he looks like I did as a babby but I don't think Roger's best pleased about that.

Good thing about Christmas is that nearly everyone comes home for it and it was great to catch up with everyone- even ran into Jimmy Seater who I hadn't seen since school.

He's living in L.A. -went out to work in silicone valley initially and now runs his own chauffeur drive business-sounds pretty cool -invited us over ?..

After the previous week's horror show at Fulham I was definitely not up for the Hull city match on Boxing day, but as it went after a few drinks and reminding ourselves that injuries had heavily influenced the outcome of the London tie, I was persuaded to join Keith and a few of the lads on the trek to Humberside. The weather made the drive a real drag and after suffering two defeats in their previous three Premier League outings -the team that turned out at the KC Stadium in Hull looked like wounded-animals.

They were rarely at their best but thanks to Rooney, Berbatov and an own goal from Dawson we managed to close the gap at the top of the Premier League to just two points with the final score Hull 1 Man. United 3

However, the Manchester United fans turned out in force for the home game on Monday and were well rewarded when we crushed Wigan athletic with a United 5 Wigan 0 result.

Thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Rafael Da Silva, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia we are left just two points behind leaders Chelsea going into the New Year!

Chelsea will know, despite some roller-coaster form from the Reds in the first half of this season, they'll never shake the champions off!

Tom Branson - Tue 22nd Dec 2009

Driving home for Christmas today- heading up to Manchester earlier than planned. After yesterday's disaster can't wait to get out of the city - I come close to hating London some times and after a scoreline at Fulham's Craven Cottage yesterday that read Fulham 3 - Man United 0 this is one of those times.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson acknowledged: "?We were fortunate in that we played against a very wounded United but we couldn't do more than try to take advantage of that."

Sir Alex Ferguson was without Nemanja Vidic, sidelined by a calf injury, and Ryan Giggs was also out with a hamstring problem. Boy we missed them- but goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak should have done better!

Tom Branson - Wed 2nd Dec 2009

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0

Had to drive up for the game at Old Trafford yesterday!

After the defeat against Besiktas that ended their 23-game unbeaten home record in the Champions League and the stick Ferguson got for his use of home-grown talents I just had to be there.

22 yr old Darron Gibson defied the critics of Manchester United's young brigade by scoring twice and seeing off the Spurs side in eloquent fashion sending us, the current holders, into the Carling Cup semi-final

To be fair Spur's got off to a bright start but our defender Nemanja Vidic provided experience and a formidable barrier on the rare occasions when the Londoners did threaten.

The first goal came in 16mins when Anderson got possession on the left flank and set up Gibson with a beautiful pass which the midfield man then drilled low into the bottom corner of the net leaving goalie Gomes well beaten.

Another United youngster, Ritchie de Laet, made a crucial contribution as Spurs swiftly attempted to restore parity, making a vital block when it seemed certain Defoe would equalise.

Gibson demonstrated his quality again to double United's lead seven minutes before the interval- when he was involved in a slick exchange with Danny Welbeck before curling a precise 20- yard finish high and out of the reach of the despairing Gomes. The second half was tame with Spurs seeming to go down quietly once United had established the two-goal cushion - I left before the final whistle as I had the drive back to London -things at work are a bit frenetic so I couldn't stay over and anyway I was really looking forward to greeting my spurs colleagues bright and early next morning

Payback time!!

Tom Branson - Mon 8th Nov 2009

Great stuff! Arrived in Manchester lunchtime Thursday and went straight round to see Sarah and the baby who were just out of the hospital. The little lad is a picture of health with quite a bit of hair -thought babies were born bald! They were still undecided about names with Oscar, Matthew, Zack and James as the final four. Roger's on paternity leave but was up at Sainsbury's getting shopping in so I made us a cuppa and rustled us up a cheese toasty - what with Sarah having her hands full, besides she was ravenous-must be all that feeding the babby.

It was nice to have a quiet half hour with her and good to see her now a mam. She got a bit `teary' and seemed really upset about not having chosen a name - asked my opinion and I had to think fast -couldn't risk saying the wrong thing and the poor little mite ending up an Oscar or Zack-had a flash of future school bullying and the stick he could get - so I lied through my back teeth- they were all great but in different ways I said. Knowing that our Mam was probably praying to the two Saints involved - I added a quiet Amen.

Friday I spent the morning with Keith and was pleasantly surprised to see the new revamped renamed restaurant.

Mint Café -offering Mint Meals and Music Mancunian style!

Bringing Anna in to consult was a good move - Keith has certainly taken on board all of her suggestions and together they've put some ideas into action. The menu has been revamped with a back to basics traditional grub theme and fixed price dinner menus and lunchtime specials. A few less tables have made space for a carry out counter by day and some live music at night ?the takings are up and they've still got lots of new things to try. Have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Saturday night was the official wetting of the baby's head and all the family turned out .Mum and Dad, Sister Kate with partner Darren, Uncles Owen, James, Dominic and Joe, Aunties Theresa, Maureen and Kay. A lot of the cousins came and went during the evening and friends and neighbours too.

It was a good thing we didn't wait for Roger to start the celebrations as it was ten to nine before he showed up looking pale and anxious poor lad and then he kept checking his watch every five minutes?but he brought good news! He confirmed that the newest edition to the Branson clan (albeit his surname is Heaney) will be named Matthew -after his grandfather, St.Matthew and football legend Sir Matt Busby ??..Result!!!

Tom Branson - Tue 2nd Nov 2009

I am an Uncle!! My sister Sarah gave birth today to a boy! A healthy 8lbs 4 oz little lad as yet unnamed! But, as if that news couldn't get better, it turns out that Wayne Rooney has just become a Dad -Colleen gave birth today to a boy as well -what a fantastic coincidence ! They have called their babby Kai Wayne Rooney - apparently Kai means ` The Ocean' in Hawaiian and `Big Water' in Japanese - it's a bit different but still pronounceable. Phoned home a few times spoke to Sarah and Roger -thought he'd be out wetting the babby's head but no, he's at home getting stuff ready - as I suspected a new man.

Says we'll maybe have a drink when I go up at the weekend.

Yeah sis' has definitely got him nailed.

Mam says they're still arguing about the name and is warning me not to interfere -as if-? Apparently Sarah wants `Oscar' but Rog' wants to carry on his family tradition -well recent custom really of naming offspring after footballers - not just any players but the famous `Busby Babes' who were killed in the 1958 Munich air disaster when 23 out of 43 passengers died including so many of the young Manchester United team. When Rogers's dad was born later that year granddad named him Matthew after the manager Sir Matt Busby and when he became a dad himself he too named all his kids after one of the team. Roger got his name from Roger Byrne who was the team captain, his two brothers are Duncan (after Duncan Edwards- no.6), David (after David Pegg no. 7) and his sister Jacqueline was named after Jackie Blanchflower -who survived the crash but never played again. According to my father I was named after the centre forward Tommy Taylor but my mother reckons it was after Saint Thomas. Don't know where the `Oscar' idea has come from -think I'll see about an annual - leave day and try to head up home on Thursday.

Tom Branson - Mon 26th Oct 2009

Liverpool 2 United 0 could it be any worse!

A complete disaster!! What had promised to be a great weekend turned into an absolute nightmare!

Arrived back in Manchester teatime Saturday to find Mum and Dad in the midst of a full blown argument and no dinner cooking..? Popped round to see Sarah where my, affectionately funny, `beached - whale' reference to her advanced state of pregnancy went down like a lead balloon...

I ended up eating with Keith at the restaurant which I had hoped to avoid this trip given that I'm close to making a decision about my share in the business that he's definitely not going to like?.

Met up with the lads later and all the pre- match talk in the pub that night and on the drive over to Liverpool next day centred on the return of Wayne Rooney. He'd been out of action since the international break with a calf injury, but had just come through Saturday's training session unscathed and was in Sir Alex's starting eleven. Yeah, we were pretty confident and upbeat despite Sir Alex's message re Sundays clash that "form counts for nothing in these matches" How prophetic that turned out to be with Liverpool taking three points in a game which, it must be said, we never looked like winning.

Ferdinand was useless, Berbatov doesn't even deserve to wear a united shirt and despite the best efforts of Scholes and Giggs they just cant keep up with the match pace of a game against any of the big teams - I'm a big fan but they just can't hack it like they used to. Michael Owen, facing his former club, was severely booed when entering the game from the bench on his return to Anfield - a punishing reception from the fans who once worshipped him. Unbelievably Jamie Carragher avoided a red card when pulling down Michael Owen - a sending-off offence if ever I saw one!

We need Fletcher back - he is the only United midfielder who will take a game by the scruff of the neck! He gets about the Pitch -he's a real Box to Box player who wins balls and makes tackles! We missed a fully fit Hargreaves too for that bit of class we need in the midfield! It certainly seems to be taking Berbatov time to shine given his cost and Rooney's work ethic seems to be covering for his settling in period.

There was generally just too much reliance on Rooney and Evra - the consistent performers. Other players have to step up and show what they're made of!!

True, it's only October and with a trip to Stamford Bridge in a fortnight there is an opportunity, in all probability, to wrestle back the lead. But there is little place for logic here and no, this is not only a blow to the momentum Sir Alex's men had built up over the last two months this is a matter of pride!!

This morning -no this week - I have never felt more like going back to bed and `pulling a sicky'

Tom Branson - Mon 14th Sept 2009

Had to laugh at the `Celebrities Turn Traders' day on Friday... This, now annual, charity event was originally founded as a way of honouring all those employees who died in the World Trade Centre eight years ago. Basically, what happens is, on the BCG trading floors around the globe Stars from the worlds of T.V. ,Sport etc. attempt to trade and any commissions the company takes for each trade or brokerage fee is donated to a charity of choice. This year I think money went to Barnados, Breast Cancer care, The Variety Club and Help for Heroes. Jonathan Ross really had a laugh- said he didn't have a clue what he was doing and joked that he'd felt more like Gordon Brown than Gordon Gekko he managed to trade about £20,000. Sir Alex Ferguson, on the other hand calmly traded a billion pound deal despite saying afterwards " I had no idea what I was doing but I know it was successful" Yes sir Alex that same understated magic you've worked at Manchester United !

Tom Branson - 22nd JUNE 2009

Grand Prix on our home turf at Silverstone. Enjoyed the drive up to Northamptonshire - nice county- lots of country estates and bomber bases. Chris grew up in the area and there was no stopping him on the drive up. Apparently the aerodromes were built in World War II to house the squadrons of British and American bomber aircraft which pounded Nazi Germany into submission. When the war ended most of the bases were left to rot but a few racing enthusiasts came across Silverstone which as a training base had not been as well known as the others and they started using it for fun. Legend has it that during the first "race" one of the competitors collided with a sheep? This sort of info' is what makes Chris in such demand on Quiz nights?..

Great race with Sebastian Vettel RBR-RENAULT the convincing winner -fantastic atmosphere and in the final laps we were all cheering for him! The guy got really emotional saying:

"The British fans are fantastic. They were standing cheering me during the final laps and I wanted to wave back. The atmosphere is great and I began to regret that I'm not an Englishman. It must be amazing to win your home race here."

On Sunday night at Silverstone, Jenson Button must have been wondering whether his dream year really has come to an abrupt end as he only made it home in sixth place, his worst result of the year!

Lewis Hamilton was messing about at the back and he ended the afternoon in a shocking 16th.place! But there is no such thing as a cake walk in Formula One. There are simply too many things that can go wrong. It'll be interesting to see what happens in Germany next month Hope I can make it?.

Tom Branson - 8th JUNE 2009

Weekend back up in Manchester with Paul for the Oasis tour opening concert at Heaton Park - I mean how could I have passed that up??

All the usual suspects showed even the married ones came with their wives. Met in the Woodthorpe hotel -great landlord really hospitable - reckoned he'd tripled his takings with people coming from as far away as Scotland and Ireland for the gig - and no sign of any of the predicted trouble. Never one to shy away from controversy Liam Gallagher had earlier launched a blistering vocal attack on a local newspaper reporter for saying the event shouldn't take place at all as it might disturb residents?! .bet she lost a lot of readers with that one! Oasis are a Manchester treasure if not a National one..!

Despite the weather (which was so bad?.it could have been a disaster) the highly-charged performance left us all delighted. Might try to get to Dublin for the Slane castle gig - Brendan and Kieron said they're gonna' be driving over ?.

Tom Branson - 29TH MAY 2009

Got back from Rome (6 am flight) and made it in to work. Don't think I'd even been missed! Had to put up with stick all day from London guys about the match-

Still I wouldn't have missed it?. I'd booked as soon as I knew we'd made it to the final! To be precise the Uefa Champions League final in the Olympic Stadium, Rome, Italy on the 27th MAY.

Manchester United v Barcelona.Kick-off: 7.45pm

I had to be there -no question!

On the night it was manic! Traffic-chaos even by Rome's congested standards, I thought I wasn't going to make the kick-off and I'd be surprised if all the fans did. It was after seven when we finally got into the stadium- beautiful, pristine playing surface?perfect conditions. The atmosphere was phenomenal. Andrea Bocelli sang and the at the United end, there was a tribute to Sir Matt Busby, who would have turned 100 on the eve of this game-coloured cards were held up spelling out 100 Sir Matt - I was choked.

Full time: Manchester United 0 Barcelona 2

Ferguson's dream of defending the trophy won in Moscow last year is no more. Quite simply the best team won! With sober heads and reflection even the die-hards will realise that?..? United have played better and will do again! This match though was won in midfield where Xavi and Iniesta were sensational?..Not a bad start for Guardiola - he ends his first season in charge with the Spanish League, Cup and European Cup treble. Maybe he'll want to retire now?

Tom Branson - 11th MAY 2009

Great weekend in Barcelona - Formula One is still as glamorous and exciting as it`s always been so how could we not be there? Especially sweet to see Britain's Jenson Button win his fourth grand prix of the season and there have only been five, so far! It's been a stunning start to the season for both Jenson and Brawn GP. Meanwhile, poor old Lewis Hamilton, last year's world champ' - looks like a man buckling under the pressure of defending his title? Brawn GP and Red Bull definitely have the best cars?.

Not a bad Hotel (district just off the `Ramblas') - buzzing place - great stuff! despite Chris losing his Blackberry and Paul unable to account for twelve hours?? (hope no one's going to tell Lisa !) Think we're all up for Germany in July and of course the home turf in June?.

Tom Branson - 14TH APRIL 2009

Happy Easter weekend - went straight from work on Thursday got there just as Gran' arrived .She's losing it a bit but is brilliant for eighty odd - reckons she's coming to see me in London -fancies seeing a Musical. Usual family stuff - few squabbles as well - good news is Sarah's pregnant - not only that she's having twins- I'm liking the sound of Uncle Tom?.. all the fun without the fear that goes with fatherhood! ;

Mum got upset when gran told father Mike that our turning out together was nothing short of a miracle said it made us sound like we were lapsed - er ?? Well I'm back in training now for the Godfather position.;

Had words with Keith - when I put my money in the deal was I would be a silent partner but as I told him nobody could say nothing about the present state the restaurant seems to be in??? ??had a quick bite there on Friday night and it didn't need Gordon Ramsey to point stuff out - sloppy service, sloppy staff, no atmosphere and that was just for starters. Will check some things out and get Keith linked up with my friend Anna whose from an Italian family and a long line of successful Café and Restaurant owners in London.

Tom Branson - APRIL 4th 2009

Though in a better position than many of my former colleagues I've been thinking about the future and was wondering about my now seemingly limited options when by chance I ran into Pete Clarke (who was a few years ahead of me at Uni') hadn't seen him since his wedding in 2004. We got together on Tuesday for a drink and a bite over at Shoreditch

He's living in Hackney - married to a former colleague (nobody I knew) and they've got a toddler. A house right on Victoria Park-sounds good. He was telling me that in 2005 he'd started his own trading company using his own capital - something he'd always fancied doing, to kind of test himself professionally he said. After a good six months start he took a really bad hit and couldn't seem to bounce back. I suppose all that new-found family responsibility and working on his Jack? - he reckoned he was so down that it prompted him to look more at the subject of behavioural finance. He started seriously researching academic psychology and decision making through the Open University library - he says this had almost instant results with a quick return of performance and his old confidence back. He was hooked and went on to do a full study of Behavioural Economics with the O.U. -says he hardly gets really stressed at all now. Sounded good to me?I have always seen psychology in decision making as an integral part of any overall strategy so this really appeals to me. I suppose Dave will be covering this stuff as part of his M.B.A - hmm must get reading up on the subject.

Tom Branson - MON. 2ND MARCH 2009

"How to stay warm in the credit crunch -BURN A BANKER!"

Scotland Yard and the ministry of defence are said to be concerned and looking into the notorious anarchist website CLASS WAR which features the question /threat?

I'm asking myself now-should we all be dressing down around Canary Wharf...?

So all the crap we've heard over the past few months about how well placed we are to weather the financial storm and how the U.K. is going to lead the world out of recession appears to be ?.just crap!!

The U.K. is particularly sensitive to the financial crisis because our banks are just massive in comparison to our GDP - assumptions that we should have an easy ride out of this mess then are just so wide of the mark!

Checking on my investments in Manchester-the flat I bought has taken a dive in value?the tenants are sound though-only letting to female students was a good move too- so no prob's there.

Different story with my investment in Keith's Restaurant though- think we need to have a chat??.will get a bit of time back home over the Easter hol's but fancy getting to Grand Prix in Spain at the beginning of May- Chris is making arrangements and will see whose up for it.

Had another bit of bad news- Paul's caved in and is marrying Lisa?? Apparently it all happened in Rome when they were on a last minute weekend break - (not so cheap after all !)

Never one for subtlety - he proposed at the Trevi fountain and a whole crowd applauded when she said yes - cheesy or what?!! I blame the Spumante - some blokes should really stick to beer. So another mate has fallen?

Tom - February 2009

Looking ahead? You'd need a crystal ball. Just watched a bit of the select committee grilling the HBOS and Royal Bank guys on T.V. wouldn't want to be in their shoes - though they all seem to be Teflon coated -I hear they are using the same P.R. Company as Heather Mills (Paul McCartney's ex-wife!) The blame game is bound to rumble on and the news is full of Big-Bonuses and lay offs?.staff morale for those still in jobs must be at rock bottom. Flicking through last years Diary had to reread this and showed it to Dave last night ????we looked at his too and all we could agree on was what a bloody mess we're in and we need to keep a clear head and steel ourselves for more of the same!

Tom - 16th September 2008

What a month and it's not over yet...all the Lehmans crowd in the pub last night everyone drowning their sorrows.

Ex Lehmans that is - they reckon 100, 00 jobs gone -just like that!

Everyone knew things were looking dodgy but on Friday night we reckoned there'd be a deal done by Monday with the South Koreans who were looking to buy??.so shellshock all round. Nobody seems to know where the bottom is in all this and how much more there is to come. Looks like my career move in March to Linkman bros. was the right one after all. I had wondered whether it was prudent to change jobs then especially to a much smaller player but on the other hand Linkman's have been on the go for nearly three hundred years. Old George Linkman was a Goldsmith, originally from Manchester so it seemed like a good omen too -so far I've been lucky but Warren Buffet put it brilliantly when he said `You don't know who's swimming without trunks until the tide goes out' Still all the old team stuffed now-desks cleared-no notice, not even sure they'll get paid at all let alone bonuses. Worse for the guys with Mortgages and Kids to feed or for that matter me old mate Nick -the 'Spurs supporter, he was joking that he was going to try and get a refund on his season ticket???I suppose it was laugh or cry really.

As for me I miss the buzz on the trading floor -it's been so quiet lately, but on the other hand I'm living a bit of history in the making?..The first thing I was ever taught about this game was that throughout time, from the South Sea Bubble on, `crashes' are inevitable??it's how you recover that counts. I suppose a bit like musical chairs really- when the Music stops, you'd better make sure you have somewhere to sit!

Looks like David s luck is holding too- he's obviously with the right Scottish bank!