iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

“Gianni, are they booing me?” “No, they’re shouting boo-urns, everyone here is a fan of Wes Burns” #itfc

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Ha, yes I’ve seen that clip recently, though I had forgotten about it.

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Infantino now on the phone to VAR to get that overturned…

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I recall the Baggio shoot-out miss from 1994, otherwise I remember literally nothing about that match.

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Given that they’ve had nothing close to a chance, this has Argentina 95th minute winner written all over it.

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Seems a safe assumption that it’s for the US audience and no-one else, to attempt to replicate the SuperBowl halftime experience. I didn’t watch it but I doubt I’m the in the demographic targeted anyway!

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Weekend reading is The Tremolo Diaries by Justin Currie @delamitri.bsky.social , it’s a great read so far although one of the dogs seems keen to read it too @newmodernbooks.bsky.social #booksky

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Ah, a house move is always a good opportunity to cleanse book storage. Good work.

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Dammit, stop producing such appealing books. I can only read so much in one lifetime! Really enjoyed his earlier books, so this one goes on my never-ending TBR list.

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

These are both superb books, This Way Up made me smile a lot. I am jealous that you’re maintaining a small TBR pile, I fear I will have to live a long life to clear mine.

Nothing against him personally, but how did he get VIP tickets for every match, is he friends with Mick Jagger or something?

Player of the tournament: Mbappe FIFA Peace Prize: Ronaldo

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Agree. A goal seemed inevitable for 15 minutes before they actually scored. Gianni will be happy though.

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Unlike most England exits from major tournaments during my lifetime: fair play to the opposition, the better team won and no controversy / dodgy decisions to partially blame the defeat on. On to the pointless 3rd place match.

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It’s the hope that kills you! (See also 1970, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2018, 2021, 2024)

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Yes a couple, but in such a large tournament there statistically has to be a few upsets. Maybe it’s that the predictable semi finals have come to fruition, which makes me feel somewhat “meh” about it, this was always FIFA’s ambition with the seeded pathways etc.

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Cape Verde holding Spain was memorable and Curaçao’s equalizer vs Germany was great (for a few minutes!). On the flip side, things like there seemingly being an obligation to show Infantino at least twice per match, who needs to see that?! Or maybe I’ve simply entered “miserable old sod” era!

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Saying this so it doesn’t sound like sour grapes *if* we lose: is it just me, or is there a distinct lack of genuinely memorable moments during the World Cup, and it will be remembered more for the actions of FIFA rather than the football? Now watch as the remaining matches are all superb…

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Worth sharing as we enter holiday season… #booksky

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Accompanying me on a journey back from Newcastle, as the A1 is a bit dull after the Angel Of The North. Wishing all a good weekend @newmodernbooks.bsky.social #booksky

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Ha, it looks to be a well-read copy though!

Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Some decent stuff there, and also The Salt Path…

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This morning I was on a work call with someone from Australia, who had just read a bedtime story to his 9-year-old daughter. “Ah nice, what did you read to her?” “Some of Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy” I applauded loudly #booksky

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Reading Where The Music Had To Go by Jim Windolf, another fine @whiterabbitbks.bsky.social title. Both dogs are sadly less interested #booksky

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

He’s a one-off isn’t he? If anyone was going to take this stance, it would be him. Surprised he wasn’t suspended for doing it…

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

That’s 2 hours of my life I won’t get back. That said, in 4 years time I’ll look back on this tournament fondly as a time when ITV didn’t go to ad breaks during hydration breaks…

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Just me, or has it been a dull match despite 3 dismissals? Not exactly encouraging me to stay up for the overnight matches over here (not that I would have anyway!)

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It sounds as though we still have some protection from the payoff clause as otherwise it could be seen as a cynical attempt to join another club without them having to pay us. But yes, good luck to him.

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Jeff Allum @jeffallum.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

I felt he would move on during this pre-season when his stock is high, as he’s proved himself at ITFC, but was expecting him to move to another Prem team (Fulham or whoever), but fair play to him for wanting to step away for a while. Suspect he will be linked with any early season vacancies.