black lives matter,

The end is nigh brothers!

Hello and good evening, it’s me your Bearded Captain, leader of all beards and flag bearer of all beards on digital media.I am that beard who tries to make people laugh and I am that beard who tries to make people smile. My brothers, I hope you’re well, looking after yourselves and more importantly your beard!

My brothers I want to talk about an important issue in the life of beard. As you are all aware, we are in a lockdown and in a lockdown, not only have the gyms, restaurants, bars and football stadiums to the fans have been closed, but the closing down of barbers has hit us beards hard!

I never think this would be the case, but a lot of us beards have grown the equivalent of afros, but it has been. This lockdown like the other lock down has been a challenge for all beards. Some beards have been better at it than other beards, the grooming of their bead. 

Brothers, I know some of you (me included) are working from home and the perceived need to maintain your beard is seen as not necessary. My Bearded beloved’s it is necessary as the beard is your pride and enjoy. These times of lockdown have been tough, but the end is nigh .. no more botched snipping of the beard (like a certain someone did, mentioning no names). 

Well brothers, the end is nigh! On April 12th, the barbershops will be reopening in the U.K. Form an orderly queue as The Bearded Captain exercises his right for being at the front of the line as I am The Bearded Leader. 

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

Dixy Wythenshawe vs Dixy Chorlton

Hello and greetings my Bearded Soldiers, it’s me your Bearded Captain, leader of all beards, flag bearer of all beards on digital broadcasting media. I am that beard who tries to make people laugh and I am that beard who tries to make people smile. Brothers, I hope you’re well, looking after yourselves and your beard!

I want to talk about an important issue in the life of beards and that is their stance on Dixy Chicken. Dixy, which as I am sure you know os held in high esteem by The Captain, what you also should know is that Dixy Chorlton is the flag bearer of all Dixy shops. The Longsight branch isn’t bad but they don’t do it week in and week out.

The same can be said of the Burnage site too. As mentioned Dixy’s is in Stretford, Whalley Range and now Wythenshawe. It’s the Wythenshawe branch I want to talk about. As you would have read from my previous post where I reviewed Dixy Chicken Wythenshawe, you would be aware of the love I gave it.

If you missed it, give it a read here;

https://ayyazmalik.com/2020/12/30/dixy-chicken-wythenshawe-review/

Ok, so let’s compare the two. Mega mix ve Mega Mix, there’s not a lot in it, but what makes the burger what it is, is the bread and the tenderness of the chicken. With that criterion in mind, the winner for this section is? Dixy Chorlton! Now, there’s no shame in this as the Chorlton boys have been doing their thing for sometime.

Next on the comparison list is the Mini Burger. Just like the Mega Mix, what makes this burger good is the taste of the chicken and the quality of the bun. What I mean is that the bread shouldn’t be too done it’s tasting like toast. This did happen on one occasion in Wythenshawe and never in Chorlton.

No exaggeration I have been going to Dixy South Manchester for 7 years now, I am almost certain it’s longer. In this time, they have never come close to dropping their standards where Wythenshawe did. For the record I have tasted both, when both were relatively new opened.

So, there you have it, all be it fine margins, but Dixy Chorlton is the best Dixy in Manchester. In terms of food shops in their sector, Kansas does give Dixy a good run for it’s money. You may have wiped the floor with all the other Dixy’s that came after you, but in Kansas and even Roosters Altrincham who have spicy chicken burger to die for.

On that note, it’s over and out from your Bearded Captain!

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

The woes of Madrid explained

When you think of the two words Real and Madrid, whether you’re a football fan or not, you tend to to think of a footballing powerhouse and with good reason too. They’re the most successful team in Europe (13 Champions League wins).

Let’s not forget the 34 La Liga title wins in the history that they have won, meaning they’re the most successful team in Spain and the more than respectable 19 Copa Del Rey trophies too. As impressive as that trophy cabinet is, I paint a rather worrying tale.

Yes, they won the league title last year, and yes they’re second, but they’re seven points behind their neighbours and arch-rivals Atletico Madrid , but Diego Simeone’s side have two games in hand. Defeats to Levante at home (2-1) and a shock loss in the Copa Del Rey to Alcoyano too (2-1 after extra time) are signs of worrying times at the Bernabeu.

Alcoyano, are a third tier team and in that game despite manager Zinedine Zidane resting players, there were still full internationals on the pitch, which made this defeat against the Spanish minnows the more embarrassing.

So what’s the reason for this slump in form? Well, we must understand this isn’t a slump this season, this decline has been happening over the past few months. The main reason for this seems to be that Real manager Zidane, is struggling to replace several ageing stars.

Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Marcelo have been great players but Los Blancos have been too reliant on these players. As great as these players are, age waits for no one, and in the case of this quintet this is also the case.

To be fair to the Madrid board, Ferland Mendy has come in as a replacement for Marcelo and has performed well, but players like Militao have had limited playing time in central defence. Zizou’s preferred central defensive partnership tends to be Ramos and Rafael Varane.

As good as Madrid captain Ramos has been, there’s an over reliance on him, so much so that Real look half the side without him. Other signings such as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, hasn’t been a good one, which is the same as Luka Jovic.

It can be argued, and I still argue, if Real would have given him more game time, then the young Serb would have come good. Real Madrid can’t rely on Benzema forever for goals and Jovic is a goal scorer. Yes it’s early days, but the former Eintracht man has returned to his former club on loan and has grabbed three goals in three games, which I feel proves my point.

So what’s the solution? It seems like an easy one, but Real really need to go back to basics and look to recruit from within. Their academy had been baring fruits, especially when players like Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio were coming out of the production line.

From the defensive side of things, two players have been produced from the Real academy in recent times, Dani Carvajal and Nacho being those two players. These are just two further examples that Real Madrid have the players that are good enough to come through the ranks and into the first team. The Spanish giants don’t have the financial clout as they once did, especially with the cost for the revamp of the stadium to consider too and the revelations of the extent of the debts that they’re in (approx €900 million)

Sometimes, things have to get worse to get better, this example I feel applies too, but Real will be coming back stronger, they always do.

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

T-shirts now available ❤️

Hello and greetings my Bearded Soldiers, in this video, I give you more info on how you can get your hands on some Bearded Products.

It’s over and out from your Bearded Captain!

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

The match made in heaven?

Love, is a very special thing when you are able to feel it in its entirety. Whether it be the appreciation, or the support, love is a magical thing. Premier League giants Manchester City were too in love. They though were yearning for love.

That love and support was what they craved so dearly, in the form of a reliable centre back. They went through a lot of ‘relationships’ (central defenders). When long term lover Vincent Kompany left for another woman (Anderlecht), City had to do the thing that no one likes doing … moving on and finding a new partner.

City and Kompany had so many memories together, they seemed inseparable, but this is life – nothing lasts forever. The Cityzens began the unenviable task of trying to find a new love. Elaquim Mangala, was a relationship that never worked and the French defender was dumped by City even before they could truly go public as couple.

Nico Ottamendi, Nathan Ake are a string of other defenders that Man City tried to settle down with, but it just didn’t seem natural. Emerick Laporte had been a reliable centre-back and still is, but he didn’t count on John Stones’ resurgence.

Former Everton defender Stones, looks like a player reborn ,but to keep with this analogy City needed a stable relationship .Manchester City spent money, gave them gifts, but these centre-backs couldn’t find a way into City’s heart of hearts.

Then came Ruben Dias, a signing from Benfica. The 23-year old Dias seems to have been the wish to all of City’s prayers and already seems to be the dream partner to have in a relationship. AKe, Ottamendi (who joined Benfica as part of the Dias deal) and Mangala are to name some expensive relationships that haven’t worked and ended with them splitting up from each other.

Here’s to hoping that Dias and Man City, remain the happy couple that they are. I don’t think City could handle the end of another relationship.

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

Thank me later

Hello, and greetings my Bearded Soldiers, it’s me your Bearded Captain. Leader of all beards and flag bearer of beards on digital media.

I am that beard who tries to make people laugh and I am that beard who tries to make people smile.

My brothers, I pray you’re well and looking after your beards and in the process of growing them too!

Brothers, I want to talk about an important issue, it’s the issue of some hidden gems that you might not have been aware of.

Have you ever thought what the top pocket of your shirt is for? It’s for putting your beard comb in you’re welcome.

Traditionally you would wear jeans/trousers and you would have pockets in those, but think about it. Top pocket is more practical right?

Brothers, you can’t put it in your jeans/trouser pockets. That’s for your phone and wallet and the smaller section for change change (or so they tell me).

For the bald headed people amongst you when you shave your head, you most likely use shave foam right? Well when you next time do apply at on your beard too.

No, it’s not what it sounds like, but when I do this, I have realised it adds a nice surprising shine to my beard.

Just like what Vaseline does. You have to try it to love it as they say.

Brothers, red salted chips are a game changer, especially with a chicken burger. Oo and that chicken burger of yours, surely needs to be spicy, once you go spicy the others aren’t nicey.

I did actually just type that, maybe this lock down is getting to me. Thankfully I have enough sanity to keep my beard and cherish it. All is not lost!

There are many more examples of some hidden knowledge gems out there no doubt. But I will just share the few here. It’s over and out from The Bearded Captain.

Stay blessed, stay beard!

To help keep wonderful content coming through and help maintain project Bearded Captain , you can help fund me here;

https://www.paypal.me/AyyazMalik86

Three Lions roar on as England win series 2-0

England’s cricketers beat Sri Lanka 2-0, to clinch the two match series against Sri Lanka, with six wicket win. Tourists England, showed one change from their first test win as Stuart Broad made way for all-time highest fast bowling wicket-taker James Anderson.

The hosts Sri Lanka, who were well beaten in the first test, fared better with the bat in the first innings this time round. Dinesh Chandimal’s side scored 381 all out, largely helped by 110 by star all-rounder and former captain Angelo Matthews.

Wicket-keeper batsmen Niroshan Dickwella (92) and skipper Chandimal (52) provided support for Matthews as the hosts Sri Lanka for the first time in the series frustrated England’s bowling attack. Spinners Jack leach and Dom Bess were wicketless, and only were able to dismiss Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, largely due to veteran James Anderson’s brilliance (6-40).

In response England, got their reply off to the worst start as England’s openers Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley again feel cheaply. Just like in the first test, The Three Lions were indebted to their captain supreme Joe Root. The 30-year old Root, who scored a brilliant 228 in the first game, backed this up with another superb knock of 186.

It was only Jos Buttler (55) who was able to offer any kind of support for his captain. Despite this, England were still able to get close to Sri Lanka’s first innings total and ended up being just 37 runs behind Sri Lanka’s total.

Having been in a position of dominance, inexplicably the home side self destructed and in their second innings scored 126 all out. Star bowler Lasith Embuldeniya , who has starred with the ball in this series, ended up top scoring with the bat, the spinner top scored for the Sri Lankan’s with 40.

England were left with a low target to chase of 164 to win the second test and complete a whitewash over their hosts. Just like throughout the series opener Zak Crawley fell cheaply, but just like the first test in the second innings, the tourists England had a wobble.

From the English perspective, thankfully Dom Sibley (56 not out) was able to return to form and Jos Buttler (46 not out) were able to guide the tourists home, winning by six wickets. Tougher challenges await Joe Root’s side, who play India 5th February in Chennai’s Chidambaram Stadium.

Chelsea sack Frank Lampard

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, has been sacked after 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Former midfielder Lampard who took over the reigns in West London after the departure of former boss Maurizio Sarri, leaves his role with the club ninth in the Premier League.

It’s been reported that former PSG manager Thomas Tuchel, is in line to take over at the West London club.

Frank Lampard’s job has been in jeopardy for some time, especially after looking like he hadn’t been able to motivate a squad that had £200 million injected into it over the summer.

Having said that in my own humble opinion, in a previous article, which can be found here;

https://ayyazmalik.com/2021/01/03/lampard-for-the-sack/

I feel it was a tad harsh to disperse of the services of manager Frank Lampard.

Thomas Tuchel, who himself was sacked by PSG, will be coming into the Stamford Bridge hotseat, with unfinished business at the highest level.

If Tuchel, is indeed appointed, this will mean another high profile manager will be hired, after the one before them was fired.

Sri Lanka vs England; tourists edge out day two

England, thanks to James Anderson’s superb bowling figures of 6-40 helped the tourists keep in touch with their hosts on the second day of the second and final test against Sri Lanka. Anderson, who was rested for the first test win in Galle, rolled backed the years with a superb spell of bowling.

Anderson, the world’s leading wicket taker for seam bowlers made a mockery of his age and became the oldest player (38) to take a five wicket haul in tests. Critics had been circling the ‘Burnley Express’, saying that he wasn’t able to replicate his performances in home tests, away from home.

The Burnley Brian Lara, as he is also affectionately known by, has taken an impressive 49 wickets in just 14 tests away from home. Anderson’s brilliance was needed as spin twins Jack Leach and Dom Bess toiled. To put into context the pair send down 65 overs and conceding 195 runs.

To put that into context, their joint economy (Leach and Bess) was three runs over, which was more than double James Anderson’s (1.38 an over). Mark Wood was able to chip in with three wickets and Sam Curran one wicket as hosts Sri Lanka added another 152 runs to their total, before being dismissed for 381.

After their first innings showing in the first test, where they were shot out for just 135, hosts Sri Lanka will be delighted with their showing here. In reply to that impressive first innings total, England again fell into trouble as out of form pair of Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley both fell cheaply Lasith Embuldeniya.

Just like in the first game, England were indebted to their captain. Root, who scored a first test double century (228), followed that effort up with a counter attacking 67 off just 77 balls. That enterprising knock, helped Jonny Bairstow play a more watchful innings at the other end.

The Yorkshire man, will join his captain on 24 not out. An interesting days play, which leaves the test finely balanced.

How you can wear confidence

Hello and greetings my Bearded Soldiers, it’s me your Bearded Captain, leader of all beards and flag bearer of all beards on digital media. I am that beard who tries to make people laugh and I am that beard who tries to make people smile.

My brothers, I hope you’re looking after yourselves and I hope you’re looking after your beards! Bearded Beloved’s I want to talk about an important issue. The thing I want to talk about is confidence, in other words to feel good and act … well confident.

Brothers, there are many ways this can be achieved, in this blog I want to discuss them. Goes without saying, one of the ways to feel confident is to make your face handsome and beastly, so grow a beard. Don’t take my word, when I say this, it’s been proven in studies too, that it’s better to grow a beard.

So if science proves it, it’s information not to be snuffed at. Just in case you’re asking and wondering, the Dr who carried out the study for this wasn’t Dr Pepper, he specialises more in the study of sugar intake into the body.

Confidence is also a trick of the mind in my humble opinion. For example when you get a fresh haircut, you feel better about yourself, you’re groomed for a start. This is something, I would encourage to get your haircut every so often, pampering yourself is a great feeling for outside and inside too.

Make sure you take time and effort in your general appearance too. That means dress well and even smell well too. I will be doing a blog on fragrances separate, so keep an eye out for that. A good fragrance and a really good one, it makes a massive difference.

Just a few squirts of your favourite aftershave, can work wonders, you will need to try it to believe it. Brothers, the need to eat well and avoid binge eating on junk too, it’s not good. In moderation is acceptable, but even that’s up to a point.

This brings me on to my final point, which is exercise. Brothers, exercise is powerful as it increases endorphins (happy hormones I call them) . To bring it back to my point brothers, you feel good , you look good, they go hand in hand.

There’s my examples of stuff to do, to help with confidence. Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments brothers, it’s over and out from The Bearded Captain.