I would like to submit my application for the role of Graphic Designer at Manchester United Football Club. After carefully reviewing the required Job Role specification, I strongly believe I have the necessary experience and

qualities to justify me for this position.

The job role understandably outlines the need for certain Skills and Abilities, Experience and personal attributes. I have reviewed all of the listed requirements and can confidently state I am able to meet and exceed the roles

expectations. I hope the following document expresses my ability to deliver first rate Graphic Designt an also bring a new unique and creative style to the United Brand. As well as having a creative, innovative and unique approach

to Design, I also have a very good understanding of all Design Software and Platforms, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Within the specification I noticed the job would be based in the London area, I would like

to highlight that I am willing to re-locate from Lancashire to London if needed.

Not only do I have the skills to deliver outstanding Graphic Design, but I bring far much more to the table, I have a committed and hard-working attitude that allows me to maintain focused on a project. I

Also have an ambitious drive, I like to always strive to succeed and exceed, in order to this I believe it is very important to always take on board constructive advice. I understand as well as there being a Strong Team on the

Pitch, the team off the pitch also needs to be as strong, in order for City to maintain and Continue to improve as one of the best Footballing Clubs in the world. Working within in a

Team to achieve a collective goal/target is undoubtedly one of my strongest attributes, again relating To my CV, there are many scenarios highlighted in which I have been an effective team member/leader.

As a enthuastic supporter of Wigan Athletic F.C. I have a understanding of what supporters would like to see

delivered from a football club. Working at Manchester United would allow me to apply my passion of the game to my work, but I would also always deliver this is in a professional manner.

I hope collectively that my CV coupled with the above demonstrates my ability to fulfil the advertised role. If you

require any further evidence, information or details please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Yours Sincerely;

Christopher C.J. Blackburn

Graphic Designer

CV Christopher CJ Blackburn

2 Southdown’s Road

Chorley Lancashire PR7 3EU Aged: 22

Telephone: 01257 231597/07413432464 Email: - Blackybomb@hotmail.com

Website: www.off-the-post.net

Education & Qualifications

Albany Science College

GCSE English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (Double Award), Geography, History, ICT (Double Award), Business Studies

Bolton Sixth Form College

A-Level Mathematics, Physics and Electronics

Other

BTEC Level 2 Aviation Studies

CVQO ILM Level 2 (Institute in Leadership and Management)

Employment

Kukri Sports (Current)

Location: Blackrod Current Salary: Basic £17000

Job Role: Artworker/Creative – Producing High Quality artwork for the online team aswell as for print. Forefront design for a company that specialises in Kit Design for the sporting

community, with a strong international link to China.

Bradley Turner & Co Ltd

Location: Preston Technology Centre Job Role: Advertisement / Senior Claims Advisor/Admin– Dealing with Marketing/Advertising

Campaigns to promote the business. Participating in further training I was educated on the Consumer Credit Act 1974, allowing me to close high value cases.

Work Experience: Reeds Rains Estate Agents / RAF Cottesmore / USAF Ramstein (Germany) Part Time: Applejax Nightclub / Bolton Wanderers F.C Team Leader

Achievements

You can view my Portfolio at: www.off-the-post.net/Portfolio.html

Representing the United Kingdom in the International Science and Space Olympiad hosted in South Africa, I was selected to lead a five man team which was competing against various

international teams to solve various aerospace challenges. The team was also invited to the UK

embassy by the British High Commissioner to discuss the development of Youth Aviation Academies in South Africa.

Awarded Highly Commended Photography Prize – RAF Photography by Prince Charles

Represented Wigan Athletic FC at the Chelsea FC Stamford Bridge Five-A-Side Tournament – Also

represented Wigan Athletic live on Sky Sports Soccer AM

Completed Gliding Scholarship Training at British Aerospace Samlesbury Airfield, cumulating with a solo flight circuits in the Grob Vigilant 109B Powered Glider

Awarded Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze)

Raised £1500 for Help for Heroes Charity, by organising a 20km Mock Case vac and leading a

team off five.

I organised the 2009 Chorley Youth Event at Devonshire Road Park in partnership with Chorley Borough Council. I organised a flypast by the Royal Air Force, Armed Forces Careers, Climbing

Walls, Introduction Parade and helped in the overview planning, organising all Health and Safety reports. (Event Attendance – 2,700)

Completed Royal Air Force Regiments Junior Leader Course. The Course was over duration of

eight months and was instructed by RAF Regiment, Royal Marine and Parachute Regiment Instructors. The course was extremely physical and mentality demanding, with the aim of

instructing candidates in leadership and management qualities within stressful and demanding conditions. Upon completion off the course, I was awarded a CVQO Qualification (Institute in

Leadership and management Level 2), at the RAF Regiments Officers Mess.

Highest Combined targets on FS Campaigns in February 2011

Hobbies & Interest’s

I enjoy Socialising and mainly playing football. I also enjoy fitness training, and gliding. I am currently learning Skiing and hope to take this up as a regular activity.

Skills & Qualities

Excellent Customer Service Skills Good Team Worker and Leader

Good Communication Skills Photography and Video

Good Time Management Skills Enthusiastic and Confident

Professional and Well Mannered Administration and MS Office Specialist

Photoshop and Graphic Design Skilled in Sony Vegas

Driving Licence and own vehicle Photography (Photographic Awards from Royal Air Force)

Referees

(Character Reference) Mark Porter (Training Pilot)

13 Thirlmere Close, Adlington Lancashire PR6 9BU

(Previous Employer)

Nathan Higham Bradley Turner & Co Ltd

Unit G10 Preston Technology Centre

Preston PR1 8

Football is a passion, there is nothing better than sharing that emotion with

thousands others on Match day. It is always my aim to try and incorporate the

emotions of the ‘game’, within my designs, which are hopefully reflected

within my Portfolio.

My ambitious character has led me to some noticeable achievements, such as;

representing Wigan Athletic at Chelsea F.C. within a 5 a-side football

tournament, participating in the NASAs South African International Aerospace

competition whilst representing the UK at the British Embassy, Completing RAF

635 VGS Gliding training cumulating in a solo flight, Completing the arduous

RAF Regiment Junior Leaders course etc..

STAMFORD BRIDGE 5 A-SIDE

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

RAF REGIMENT JUNIOR LEADERS COURSE

I have not undertaken Graphic Design or Art subject at

any educational level, the techniques and creative focus

have purely been self-taught.

My enthusiasm for design/advertisement has led me to

creating my own website (ww.off-the-post.net) along

with various media i.e. Video Editing, Flash editing

etc...

I hope you enjoy my portfolio, if you have any

suggestions, feedback or would like to contact me; you

can do so at marketing@off-the-post.net

REPRESENTING WIGAN ON SKYS SPORTS SOCCER AM

Currently being the youngest club within the premier league and not long ago fighting within the realms of league football, it is truly a fairy-tale that Wigan Athletic have rapidly rose to the heights of top flight

How effective the fans can be, hence the campaign. 'The BIG flag campaign', this initiative was developed by me to help build a visual support aid at the DW. In order for me to build support for the campaign and reach the Cash Target, I have worked very closely with the club and local media (leading me to work very closely with the media and communications department along with securing support from Roberto Martinez and a selection of players). I have effectively used social networking to snowball support from the Fans, most prominently Facebook, along with twitter (@WAFC_BIG-FLAG) and various web apps.

Football. Unfortunately this amazing feat is clouded by low attendances, low tabled standings and deluded media coverage. Demoralised by Rivals, Media and Rugby counterparts constantly questioning the Latic Supporters, I am determined to demonstrate

VARIOUS CAMPAIGN

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

The Flag production cost would total £4214.40, in order to achieve the target, a number of ideas have been introduced: Online donations via PayPal at off-the-post.net Match day collections in the East | West | South Stands, with home attendances peaking 20000, this would add a considerable amount of revenue. Collection Tubs placed around the town i.e. pubs Auction Signed Latics Materials (agreed by club and players) The BIG football tournament: a tournament hosted at Robin Park Arena (£30 buy in for each 5 a-side team), a great way to raise the money as well as allowing youngsters to enjoy the game!

YOU CAN SEE THE FULL CAMPAIGN PACK AT OFF-THE-POST.NET/THEBIGFLAG.NET

Wigan Athletics Big Flag Campaign Facebook Page

1,021 Likes (so far)

2,137 Daily users

Average Post Feedback – 17.2%

Franco Di Santo | Conor Sammon | Nouha Dicko | WAFC Players interact on the page.

Page has been shared by WAFC Defender

Emmerson Boyce

@WAFC_BIG_FLAG

Daily Updates / Retweets

180 Followers (so far)

Retweeted by 5 WAFC Players

Over 500 Tweets

It’s really simple! You can take the interactive game anywhere, you can place it in the town centre, take

it to schools, have it outside during match days etc… A member of public has the chance to bag

prizes/tickets by knocking the ball into either of the holes, the ball could be placed on a patch of fake

plastic turf etc…

Getting into the town and meeting the community is extremely important to improving Wigan Athletics

relationship with the local supporters. The Ali and Mike Tesco meet and greet stood out to the

supporters, it reminded those within the community that club still took valued Fans and were dedicated

to improving that connection. The ‘BEAT ALI’ initiative aims to continue improving the

clubs/supporters connection.

HOW IT WORKS

It’s really simple! You can take the interactive game anywhere, you can place it in the town centre, take

it to schools, have it outside during match days etc… A member of public has the chance to bag

prizes/tickets by knocking the ball into either of the holes, the ball could be placed on a patch of fake

plastic turf etc…

You could involve Team Latics | Mascots | Local Football Clubs could give out joining leaflets (therefore

also improving football within the community). It has a hose of benefits!

DW Stadium – Wigan Athletic Ltd… so why does it not feel that

way?

Supporters are eager to show their pride, some bring their flags and

lay them across the seats, but like myself after witnessing the hassle

and torment of the stewards, is it worth the effort…

Supporters are bemused by the fact that Warrior Supporters are

welcomed to drape the DW in the home teams colours, whilst the

Latics are constantly boxed in, confused to why they cant match the

towns counterparts.

One of the biggest problems at the DW is the relationship between

supporters and stewards, each Steward has a different view, some

disallow flags on Seats, whilst some happily allow. This confusion

regularly causes anger amongst the Fans; with many feeling there

support is not appreciated nor wanted.

I’m sure this issue has been raised in the past but it seems the fans

have not had any answer communicated to them into whether or not

they can bring flags to be hung?

DW Stadium – Wigan Athletic Ltd… so why does it not feel that way?

Supporters are eager to show their pride, some bring their flags and lay them across the seats, but like myself after witnessing the hassle and

torment of the stewards, is it worth the effort…

Supporters are bemused by the fact that Warrior Supporters are welcomed to drape the DW in the home teams colours, whilst the

Latics are constantly boxed in, confused to why they cant match the towns counterparts.

One of the biggest problems at the DW is the relationship between supporters and stewards, each Steward has a different view, some disallow flags on Seats, whilst some happily allow. This confusion regularly causes anger amongst the Fans; with many feeling there

support is not appreciated nor wanted.

I’m sure this issue has been raised in the past but it seems the fans have not had any answer communicated to them into whether or not

they can bring flags to be hung?

The Cherry and Whites may join in on the fun, but as far as we are concerned the DW is Wigan Athletic Ltd’s! When you visit the Emirates, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, the sense of pride the club has is on show for everybody to see, it’s on the walls of the stadium as you walk around, every effort has been made to impose on opposition fans and it works! We may be ‘a small club’ but this doesn’t mean we

have to have ‘small ambitions’, one of the ideas by the fans is to do external advertising on the DW, to give that feel of Pride and Unity.

At the Junction of Stadium Way and Scot Lane, the first thing you notice is a portable trailer advertising Rugby, when you go to McDonalds the first thing you notice is a portable trailer advertising Rugby, yes

the season ticket campaign some good advertising, but this should continue and the club should look for prominent and permanent spots too advertise…

Finally, when you visit Ewood Park, something that has always stood out is the Clubs Crest incorporated onto the

Pitch Entrance / Tunnel Walkout. Would this be possible for Wigan?

A positive that has been highlighted by the fans is the new Pitch Perimeter Advertising Boards!

A MASSIVE OPPURTUNITY!

Yes that’s right the Wigan v Liverpool fixture is a massive opportunity this season to get the ball rolling for the New Year. With the 21st

December maybe not the ideal date for families to start shedding out money to watch a Football Match and Sky Sports Covering the live

fixture the last thing we want is a typical Empty Seat Backdrop being posted around the worlds Television.

So why not…

Run a Crimbo Pressie Promotion; get into the community and run free ticket competitions. Invite face painters and scarf sellers to the DW for

the fixture, even do a Christmas Flag and Scarf reduction? This all heads for a fantastic atmosphere, an enjoyable family evening and

should keep the crowd coming back during the following year.

I’m not totally naïve and I understand a higher attendance will result in more Stewards and Police Officers to be funded, along with the risk of

supplying the towns ‘glory supporters’ with a free pass to watch Liverpool. But with a full stadium and the BIG flag in attendance, along with the Above Idea of hanging flags would begin to rival the Anfield atmosphere. With the biggest benefit being that the all the above is

being relayed to thousands at home and finally answering those who stereotype the DW as a tumble weed nest!

INTERACTIVE ADVERTISING Getting into the town and meeting the community is extremely important to improving Wigan Athletics

relationship with the local supporters. The Ali and Mike Tesco meet and greet stood out to the

supporters, it reminded those within the community that club still took valued Fans and were dedicated

to improving that connection. The ‘BEAT ALI’ initiative aims to continue improving the

clubs/supporters connection.

HOW IT WORKS

It’s really simple! You can take the interactive game anywhere, you can place it in the town centre, take

it to schools, have it outside during match days etc… A member of public has the chance to bag

prizes/tickets by knocking the ball into either of the holes, the ball could be placed on a patch of fake

plastic turf etc…

You could involve Team Latics | Mascots | Local Football Clubs could give out joining leaflets (therefore

also improving football within the community). It has a hose of benefits!

INTERACTIVE ADVERTISING VE ADVERTISING

Getting into the town and meeting the community is extremely important to improving Wigan Athletics relationship with the local supporters. The Ali and Mike Tesco meet and greet stood out to the supporters, it reminded those within the community that club still

took valued Fans and were dedicated to improving that connection. The ‘BEAT ALI’ initiative aims to continue improving the clubs/supporters connection.

HOW IT WORKS It’s really simple! You can take the interactive game anywhere, you can place it in the town centre, take it to schools, have it outside during match days etc… A member of public has

the chance to bag prizes/tickets by knocking the ball into either of the holes, the ball could be placed on a patch of fake plastic turf etc…

You could involve Team Latics | Mascots | Local Football Clubs could give out joining leaflets (therefore also improving football within the community). It has a hose of benefits!

Fergie makes a stand

Black Cats ‘Brown and out’ as birthday boy hunts down the blue moon

Manchester United 1 – Sunderland 0

Awaited by a guard of honour, a supreme figure trudges onto the carpet of green, applauded by thousands, the man gleamingly reaches the Arenas centre, greeted by a familiar towering being, he is directed to the face of the structure, peering

through his transparent mechanism, six figures unfolded a piece of beguiling magic in the Theatre of Dreams.: SIR ALEX FERGUSON

Of course, all this pomp and pageantry was just a prelude to the main event: a Barclays Premier League fixture the Reds were

desperate to win, but it began with a unfortunate and freakish ankle twist for Conor Wickham, leaving the ‘Liverpool’ fan to be stretchered off in under barely a minute.

The Black Cats Where on the prowl and within the first ten minutes, Bendtner took a powerful low shot, only for fellow

countryman Lindegaard to gather up the effort. It took the devils 31 Minutes to muster a shot on goal, with Rooney firing a shot directly at the newly promoted Kieran Westwood.

Jones and Nani then went on with a great link down the right, the Portuguese sniffed an opportunity, but Westwood was up to the task, getting down safely too deflect the wingers trickery. From the resulting corner, the reds fired up, as a neat cross was

headed home by the former wearsider loanee Danny Welbeck, only to be helped along by the familiar ex-devil Wes Brown. The goal left the home side leading in the first half injury time, sparing them the ‘hairdryer’ half time pep talk.

The Second Half was a brighter experience for the home crowd, Nani blasted a 30-yard free-kick just wide of the post and Ji-sung Park posed Sunderland's left side plenty of questions with some direct running. But it was another corner that almost

yielded a second goal. This time, another former Red, Kieran Richardson, headed off the line to deny Hernandez. Keeper Westwood then ensured United did not extend their lead with 16 minutes left when he produced a magnificent double

save to deny Wayne Rooney and then Patrice Evra, jumping to his feet to regain position and turn the defender's effort over the top. SIMPLY SENSATIONAL!

The biggest talking point of the second half was when Sunderland substitute Ji Dong-Won, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic

where on the end of a curling cross, with the referee firstly choosing to give the Cats a penalty, only to find by the Line Assistant that it was indeed Dong-Wons hand the ball rebounded off.

For all the inaccuracies and dogged bravery by Sunderland, it was the hosts who toasted the score line to the relief of Fergie.

If I could exceed the 500 word limit I would add the following: The acerbic Govan hard man would of never imagined his unrelenting success when he first took the reins of the Mancunian

empire , the date was November 8th 1986, location Manor Ground, the outcome, a 2 nil defeat leaving Mr Ferguson defending his bottom three league position. 25 Years and 12 League Titles, 2 European Cups, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 2 Cup Winners

Cup and 1 World Club Championship later on , Fergies dynasty has developed, adapted and reformed, endlessly producing and procuring the finest calibre of footballers. His winning outlook and unrelenting chase has cemented his name along with the

greats, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alf Ramsey, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Jock Stein. Now there’s just the small matter of toasting the day with a defeat over 1993 Red Devil League Winner, now Black Cat manger, Steve Bruce…

Thou shall not pass – Woodwork denies Moses and Figueroa Wigan Athletic 0 – Fulham 2

Clinical Fulham leave Wigan ruing missed chances, as the cottagers first away win sink the host’s to the bottom of the

Premier League.

Wigan find themselves out of answers as they slump to their eighth successive defeat, leaving them occupying the increasingly familiar relegation zone. The home side controlled long periods of the game, but from the off, they

realised the intensity of the fore coming misfortunes as Mohammed Diame bared the brunt of Steve Sidwell, being substituted by counterpart, James McArthur.

Wigan could have gone ahead when Ben Watson expertly volleyed towards the crowded Fulham goal, only to find it

tipped over by Mark Schwarzer. From the resulting corner, Dave Jones whipped the ball in towards unmarked Caldwell, leaving the captain unable to get the latics of the mark, from just eight yards out.

After the half hour mark the game really started to open up, with Johnson finding space down the right, but the shot just snuggled straight into Al Habsi’s hands. The home side grew in confidence with Moses making a trademark run,

shooting at Schwarzer, who in turn fumbled the shot, leaving unmarked Rodallega wondering ‘what if’ as the ball bounced just wide of the post.

But it was left to Climp Demsey at the 41st Minute too shatter the Latics already fragile confidence. Danny Murphy’s perfectly weighted long ball found Bobby Zamora breaking down the left, who in turn executed a simple low pass,

leaving Dempsey knocking it into the top of net despite the best efforts of Al Habsi.

Riddled with Frustration, the Latics started the second half with a real desire to find answers. Moses kicked off the inquest with a stunning volley in the 54th Minute beating Schwarzer only to find the wingers exodus halted by the Post. Fulham found themselves contained by the host’s possession, but Déjà vu loomed as Zamora got on the end of another

precision long ball and unleashed a terrifying volley which ricocheted of the top bar.

The framework was yet again greeting the hosts as Figueroa strove forwards and struck the ball that swerved past Schwarzer but left Maynor trying to figure out what else was needed as it helplessly struck the post and went wide. Wigan contributed to their final downfall as Dembélé made a unconvincing run but was allowed to progress as the

Wigan Defence backed off, the forward then weakly shoot but despairingly the sparse home crowd saw it creep into the bottom corner, surprisingly beating the prolific Omani keeper.

Wigan will need to capitalise on the following fixtures as they pay a visit to fellow strugglers Wolves then host a

disjointed Blackburn team before facing the top four in what has been labelled ‘the black December month’. Let’s hope Martinez starts seeing a host of ‘positives’ soon…