Much excitement politically. Worried sick at home. Pleased to get tomorrow out of the way
Things aren't letting up. Inside the office there is a huge amount of strategic planning necessary as we assess new research and add it to our own views of where the Echo is going.
There's some fascinating steers in the research and we must realign what we offer our readers if we are to continue to prosper.
Critically we have to make people love the Echo as hard as they've ever done. A challenge but it calls for boldness and creativity and ideas meetings are the only ones I really enjoy.
Did though, enjoy meeting Joe Anderson the leader of Liverpool's Labour Group. Shared some useful thoughts and I think he knows that we'll fall out from time to time.
Hopefully he knows I'll be honest with him and that I expect the same.
David Henshaw's resignation story was a big scoop for us. He is in my opinion a remarkable man, with tremendous vision and purpose. He's made enemies and perhaps became stubborn. But look at Liverpool now compared to what it was 10 years ago and that should tell you a lot.
He's clever, and he's cagey. But he has never (as far as I'm aware) told me an ouright lie.
City must replace him well and quickly.
Had the most fantastic afternoon at Philharmonic for their 10th birthday. Great entertainment and McCartney there too. Show is too good to be put in a box and not repeated.
Great day to as Bill Kenwright's guest at Everton v Chelsea cup tie. Bill was great host...great anecdotes, indiscretions, jokes, and kindnesses. Took Harry my boy, and he was thrilled. I was proud of how well he coped in adult company.
Bill and Keith Wyness the Everton chief executive made a real fuss of him and he'll never forget the day. He also managed Gazza's autograph and Roman Abramovitch's too. Both were Bill's guests and both are clearly tortured by their own fame.
Gazza was wild eyed and nervous, clearly a man on the edge. Roman was shy and shifty. Surrounded by security men, even in the Blues boardroom. They made him stand with his back to the wall.
Upset Reds skipper Steven Gerrard by carrying pic of his new home. Stupid mistake on our part. I wrote to Steven apologising. He's had a lot of trouble with stalker-type nutters. Have introduced policy to stop it happening again and hope not to late for Steven. He's been a huge mate to the Echo over the years and deserves better from us.
Lynne and I at breast clinic tomorrow (Thurs 2nd). Have cancelled all appointments including Warren Bradley, the new leader of the council.
Just need to be with Lynne.
Hoping, praying.
