Blogs 4
Major League Baseball: Attendance map for 2011 regular season, with percent changes from 2010, and percent-capacities.
22 February 2012, 12:57 am
2011 Major League Baseball average attendance map MLB attendance at ESPN site. On the map, each ball club’s 2011 home ball cap crest is sized to reflect 2011 gate figures…the higher the team’s average attendance, the larger the team’s circular logo is on the map. At the right on the map page are the 30 [...]...2011-12 FA Cup, Fifth Round Proper.
17 February 2012, 5:35 pm
2011-12 FA Cup, Fifth Round FA Cup – results, fixtures, articles (bbc.co.uk/FA Cup). … [Note: the text and the link below were added 1 day after this post was originally posted.] FA Cup 5th Round upsets, from Saturday 18 Feb. 2012 - Norwich City 1-2 Leicester City…25 places and 1 league separate Leicester City (who [...]...2011-12 UEFA Champions League: Knockout Phase, Round of 16 – Match-ups.
11 February 2012, 6:49 pm
‘2011–12 UEFA Champions League/Knockout phase‘ (en.wikipedia.org). UEFA Champions League – results, fixtures, tables (soccerway.com). uefa.com/Champions League. bbc.co.uk/Sport/Football/Champions League. 2011-12 UEFA CL match-ups - Lyon v. APOEL, Bayer Leverkusen v. Barcelona, Zenit v. Benfica, Milan v. Arsenal … 2011-12 UEFA CL match-ups - CSKA Moskva v. Real Madrid, Napoli v. Chelsea, Basel v. Bayern München, Marseille [...]...2012 Copa Libertadores, Second Stage (32 teams) – featuring the Cup Holders, Santos FC of Brazil; and 2011 South American Footballer of the Year: Neymar.
6 February 2012, 3:12 am
2012 Copa Libertadores Second Stage map (32 teams/group stage) After the First Stage has eliminated 6 of the 12 clubs involved in that preliminary round, the 2012 Copa Libertadores Second Stage now begins, with 32 teams in eight groups of four (playing the other teams in the group home and away, for a total of [...]...2011 NCAA Division I Football Rankings – Final AP Poll, Top 10.
1 February 2012, 1:50 am
NCAA Division I Football, 2011 AP Top Ten ‘BCS national championship game: Alabama Crimson Tide stifles LSU Tigers‘, (washingtonpost.com) ‘The Associated Press Top 25 Poll‘, (sportsillustrated.cnn.com). _ Photo credits - Alabama/Bryant-Denny Stadium… http://www.rmbama.com/alabama.html. LSU/Tiger stadium…http://www.collegecharlie.com/stadiums.html. Oklahoma State/Boone Pickens Stadium…collegegridirons.com. Oregon/Autzen Stadium…http://tom.nosleep.ne...
Latest News from the Slovak Football Scene
20 February 2012, 6:33 pm
There are two main news items to start the week. The first is Michal Hipp’s first selection as caretaker-coach of the Slovakia national team, for the away game with Turkey on Wednesday February 29th. The squad is listed below : Goalkeepers :Ján Mucha (Everton), Dušan Perniš (Dundee United). Defenders :Peter Pekarík (Kayserispor), Kornel Saláta (FK [...]...Spring Season Corgoň Liga Build-Up
13 February 2012, 12:15 pm
With just 11 days to go before the planned resumption of this season’s Corgoň Liga, there must be doubt as to whether the first round of games will actually go ahead. True, the Union of League Clubs (ULK) made a ‘decision’ last Friday not to announce an early postponement of all fixtures due to take [...]...Who Will Succeed Vladimir Weiss?
2 February 2012, 5:02 pm
There had been speculation in The Slovakia media over Vladimír Weiss’s future long before his actual departure as coach of the country’s national team. Now that he has actually quit, attention has rapidly turned to potential successors, with three candidates getting the most prominent mentions. The clear favourite is Pavel Vrba. I wrote at length [...]...VLADIMIR WEISS ENDS SPELL AS NATIONAL TEAM COACH
31 January 2012, 7:18 am
Vladimír Weiss’s three-and-a-half year spell as coach of the Slovakia national team ended ‘by mutual consent’ on Monday. Weiss and Ján Kovačík, the president of Slovenský futbalový zvaz, agreed that, upon termination of his contract, Weiss would receive just over 100,000 Euros, the equivalent of three months salary. Praise for Weiss’s achievements and a sense [...]...Slovan Bratislava 2-0 Slavia Prague
28 January 2012, 9:25 pm
For many Slovan fans, ultras, hooligans and friends thereof, this day started early. An all day tournament in a nearby sports hall brought together 5-a-side teams representing-amongst others, Slovan Ultras, Rum Company Brno, Ultras Martin, Ruch Chorzow, Pressburg Boys, Freefight Blue-White and Austria Wien. This event, basically a meet-up of like-minded factions of anti-modern football [...]...
Some Soccer News for Wed Feb 22, 2012
22 February 2012, 11:37 pm
COUNTDOWN TO MLS 2012 - SEASON 17AndComing Sun Mar 11 to NBC SportsSTARTERSJurgen Klinsmann will announce the USA roster on Thursday for the match on Wed Feb 29 at Italy.dNRicardo Clark has been loaned out by Eintracht Frankfurt to Stabaek in Norway. (They are just beginning their preseason now.)dNThe Desert Diamond Cup kicks off tonight in Tuscon AZ with 4 MLS teams: LA, New England, New York and Salt Lake.-See the games live on MLSsoccer.comUEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUERound of 16 - 1st LegBoth Bayern...Some Soccer News for Tue Feb 21, 2012
22 February 2012, 12:26 am
COUNTDOWN TO MLS 2012 - SEASON 17STARTERSIts the worst case scenario for Oguchi Onyewu. He left Sporting's game over the weekend with a knee injury and today it was announced that he has a ruptured ligament and torn meniscus and that will require surgery and around 8 weeks of rehab to recover from. (That means a late April return.)dNJoshua Mayers of the Seattle Times talks to Eddie Johnson about what happened to him at Puebla.-The story from Mexico was that he showed up for preseason out of shap...Some Soccer News for Mon Feb 20, 2012
21 February 2012, 6:00 am
COUNTDOWN TO MLS 2012 - SEASON 17STARTERSTim Ream made his debut for Bolton as they won in the FA Cup.-The Bolton News has words from Ream's head coach who praised his latest signing.dNA brutal debut at Leeds for Robbie Rogers who came on in the 79th min but left in the 90th with a concussion. Damn. Lets hope he recovers quickly.dNIn a fairly risky trade on Friday night Seattle acquired forward Eddie Johnson from Montreal in exchange for forward Mike Fucito and midfielder Lamar Neagle. It will b...Some Soccer News for Fri Feb 17, 2012
17 February 2012, 11:44 pm
STARTERSRumors from England say AEG is making a serious bid for Tottenam.-But Tim Leiweke of AEG denies the story.dNMontreal selected Eddie Johnson in an allocation draft today. Will they keep him? We know how much Colorado wants him.dNPortsmouth joins the ranks of British teams that have filed for protection from creditors, or as the English say, gone into administration. This is the second time in just a few years for Portsmouth. A total disaster of an organization.-Tariq Panja of Bloomberg sh...Some Soccer News for Thu Feb 16, 2012
17 February 2012, 12:46 am
COUNTDOWN TO MLS 2012 - SEASON 17STARTERSBrek Shea has been invited into an Olympic training camp that will happen at the same time the USA senior team is preparing for a friendly against Italy, meaning he is most likely NOT going to be on Jurgen Klinsmann's roster for the first time since the German took over the program.dNDue to all the USA games in late May and early June you should expect any MLS based players on that roster to miss about 1 month away from their club teams.dNOne time USA and...
Fim
8 February 2012, 11:41 pm
<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>...Never in doubt...
16 November 2011, 11:12 am
Photo credit: Jorge Amaral/Global Images...Under the circumstances...Bosnia 0-0 Portugal
14 November 2011, 12:48 pm
<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>...A United Front...
9 November 2011, 10:35 pm
...What's eating FC Porto?
8 November 2011, 5:24 pm
Everything, and nothing. Having entered the Champions League amidst considerable fanfare, FC Porto find themselves in an unexpected position. After four matches, the Dragons are four points adrift of Group G leaders APOEL (where they were defeated 2-1 on Tuesday), and three of second-placed Zenit St. Petersburg, who dismantled them at the Petrovski Stadion at the end of September. After lifting...
Headline of the year
3 January 2012, 8:54 pm
I know we're only three days in, but 'Come on now Jo, walk out Kuffour' will take some beating in the sports headline of the year awards.If such an award existed, obviously....Giving up the festive season
24 December 2011, 3:37 pm
One of the arguments against a winter break in the UK is that the festive fixtures are part of our football heritage.I would agree with that, I love catching a bit of footy on Boxing Day or New Year's Day.The players, however, may think otherwise. After all, they have to give up a bit of exuberance on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve as they will have a game the next day.Obviously we don't feel sympathy for the overpaid stars who take home thousands every week.If you get paid that much you can p...AZ keeper kicks Ajax fan
21 December 2011, 8:52 pm
Blimey......The number one tourist attraction in Colombia...
26 November 2011, 11:20 am
...is surely this. Who would have thought the best statue in the world is of Carlos Valderama?First seen at 500 Reasons To Love Football...Milan Jovanovic is one of the best players in the world
18 October 2011, 10:47 pm
I've not watched Neighbours for many moons, but they always did come out with some cracking lines. Like this one, for example....
Don’t Shoot The Messenger: A Rough Week For Journalists.
3 February 2011, 1:29 pm
You’ve ruined it. All of you. During the last ten days, I have watched various football-related stories ‘break’ on everyone’s new favourite news-stream. Watching Sky Sports News lag around forty-five minutes behind Twitter at the best of times on transfer deadline day confirmed that we don’t need Georgie any more. We don’t even [...]...Viva Anti-Football! Observations On A Blue Backlash.
6 January 2011, 2:43 pm
“I prefer one point and being booed than no points and being applauded off the pitch. We wanted to win, but sometimes the other team plays better than you and if that happens then you must not lose.” Roberto Mancini. Manchester City can’t do anything right, can they? When thoroughly beaten by Arsenal [...]...Josh McEachran: Observations On A First Start.
24 November 2010, 10:29 am
“I think Josh McEachran can play every game. He showed his quality. He was good defensively, won a lot of tackles. And, obviously, with the ball he’s fantastic” Carlo Ancelotti – November 24th 2010. Every talented young footballer suffers from over-hyping at one point of his career or another. When that player is seventeen [...]...Thanks, But No Thanks: Why An NFL Franchise In London Is A Bad Idea.
8 November 2010, 4:01 pm
“I think the next step will be multiple games (in Europe). And if that’s successful then I think the idea of a franchise here is realistic.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell – October 31st 2010. A lot has changed in the last four years for a fan of American Football in the UK. We have [...]...Welcome to Transfer Deadline Day™ 2010. Sponsored by Sky Sports News.
31 August 2010, 8:33 pm
‘MASSIVE news coming in from Stoke, where Eidur Gudjohnsen has arrived for a medical’. Except its not that massive at all, is it Jim? I was relatively interested when Eidur Gudjohnsen joined Barcelona from Chelsea. After watching his career take a small dip in Spain, I was reasonably amused when he joined Monaco, but the breaking story [...]...
Cologne 0-1 Hamburg
12 February 2012, 6:37 pm
José Paolo Guerrero struck three minutes from time to secure another vital win for resurgent Hamburg. The result leaves Thorsten Fink’s side eight points above the relegation zone and five points behind the Europa League qualification zone: ensuring that everybody associated with the club can now at last start looking up rather than down the table. [...]...Mainz 1-1 Hannover
11 February 2012, 4:46 pm
Polish striker Artur Sobiech came off the bench to salvage an 89th minute equalizer for Hannover away at Mainz. It was no less than the visitors deserved after an even, positive and entertaining game between two of the sides bidding to qualify for next season’s Europa League. Mainz had taken an early lead through Mohamed [...]...Cologne-Hamburg preview
10 February 2012, 11:58 am
Two Bundesliga sides who played out one of the 2011/12 season’s most entertaining games meet in the reverse fixture tomorrow afternoon. Going into their original clash back in August, Hamburg and Cologne were joint bottom of the table with a just single point each to their names. Despite Cologne winning 4-3 that day, new coach Ståle Solbakken has not been [...]...Mainz-Hannover preview
9 February 2012, 1:15 pm
Europa League hopefuls Hannover visit a Mainz side still looking over their shoulder on Saturday afternoon. However, only Nuremberg have scored as few goals on the road this season as Hannover (seven), with Mirko Slomka’s side recording just two victories away from home. They’ll be comforted, though, by the fact that 13th-placed Mainz’s form at [...]...Kaiserslautern 0-1 Cologne
5 February 2012, 6:30 pm
Odise Roshi settled a drab relegation six-pointer after coming off the bench to score with one of his first touches. At a frosty Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern did most of the attacking in the first half, with Cologne more concerned about keepings things tight. But, several moments of stupidity by Ariel Borysiuk’s earned the young Pole a [...]...
Moving On
19 February 2011, 5:47 pm
...John Carew is an idiot
19 February 2011, 3:41 pm
...Manchester City with Rooney, Torres, Ribery, Kaka and Ronaldo
18 February 2011, 8:28 am
...Gaffer, can I stand next to someone besides Kovasevic in the wall?
14 February 2011, 9:11 am
...Ouch! Hernanes Assaults Benzema
9 February 2011, 9:05 pm
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Chile’s New Tactical Set-Up
17 August 2011, 10:16 pm
I was a big fan of Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile team and even wrote them a love letter during the World Cup last year. Bielsa is gone now and Chile have changed their tactical set-up while still retaining the core philosophy of relentless pressing and attacking in numbers. Claudio Bhorgi plays more of a 3412 (or [...]...Barcelona’s Zonal Marking at Corners
7 August 2011, 9:20 pm
Barcelona are on average, the shortest team in Europe but they have an excellent record when it comes to defending set pieces. There is a perception that defending set pieces is a function of height and physicality but Barcelona have challenged this belief by employing an effective zonal marking system when defending corners. THEORY INTO [...]...Guest Article -The Revival of The Libero
7 March 2011, 12:55 pm
This article was written by Jude Ellery – Editor of www.footballfarrago.com. www.twitter.com/footballfarrago When Chelsea paid Benfica €25 million for their defender, David Luiz, it was a signal of intent. Worried about teams learning how to ‘park the bus’ at Stamford Bridge and escape with a point, Carlo Ancelotti forked out for a player who has [...]...External Article – The Increased Value of Versatile Defenders
5 March 2011, 7:06 pm
I wrote an article about the increased value of versatile defenders in the Premiership. You can read it on Football Farrago...Makelele no longer playing the “Makelele Role”
5 March 2011, 3:25 pm
In his prime, Claude Makelele was so good that he got a position named after him. He was not the first ever holding midfielder but he did show the value of such a player in the Premiership which had been dominated by the straight line thinking of the 4-4-2. The concept of a holding midfielder [...]...
The Hidden Perils Of Fantasy Football by Simon Jones
22 February 2012, 6:51 am
What’s ruining football? Manchester City’s ‘moneyball’? John Terry’s foul mouth? The decline of the Big Man up front? Actually, it’s none of the above. Simon Jones reckons it’s something else. His theory is not beyond the realms of fantasy. Read more on The Hidden Perils Of Fantasy Football by Simon Jones… Share/Bookmark...What’s The Point Of Scottish Football?
19 February 2012, 10:56 am
The ignominy of seeing one of Britain’s biggest and most successful clubs this week finally accepting the grim reality of administration was one thing. Glasgow Rangers’ humiliation however, paled in comparison when the disparity that exists within Scottish football became glaringly apparent when the club had ten points deducted for its failure to balance the books. The upshot of this was in many respects the biggest indictment of football north of the border. Rangers were left trailing archr...Don’t Go Harry: Why Redknapp Should Stay At Spurs
12 February 2012, 11:14 am
Here I am, emphatically and unequivocally cementing a u-turn. Like most Spurs fans, my plea is clear: don’t go Harry! Alas, it seems that last Wednesday’s tumultuous events have paved the way for the wrongly accused Mr Redknapp to be the next in line to take up that ominous ‘poisoned chalice’ that is the England manager’s job. After all, if all and sundry are telling us it’s an inevitability, then it must be so. And there’s the little matter of Harry’s stating that he is fully ...In Defence Of Luis Suarez by Rachael Singh
8 February 2012, 6:52 am
Like him or not, Luis Suarez has been the most talked about and divisive character of the season. I had my say a few weeks ago, but Dispatches is nothing if not fair. As this week the law is under the microscope on here, Liverpool fan Rachael Singh pleads the case for the defence. Take cover. Read more on In Defence Of Luis Suarez by Rachael Singh… Share/Bookmark...The Trial Of John T
5 February 2012, 11:01 am
Inspired by Franz Kafka’s The Trial Someone must have been telling lies about John T, for although he had done many things wrong in his life, he was arrested for a crime he claimed he had not committed one fine morning. He protested his innocence to the officials that questioned him with vehemence but it seemed his denials had fallen on deaf ears. How could this have come to pass? John T was a highly decorated and successful member of The Establishment. On many an occasion it had transpired th...
Blogs 5
That feeling of déjà vu at Pompey, all over again
17 February 2012, 2:07 pm
Portsmouth’s return to Administration today (1) for the second time in a smidgen under two years speaks volumes, especially coming in the week that Rangers, a rather more iconic club, suffered the ignominy of Administration too (2). High profile those these events are, the phenomenon of financial problems is not confined to te top clubs. [...]...That elusive number of insolvent football clubs
13 February 2012, 5:24 pm
Today’s breaking news makes for grim reading. First there are the reports that Portsmouth is to go into Administration again (1). With the club’s bank account now frozen, players and other staff unpaid, and an early parachute payment in the offing, this comes as no great surprise. Meanwhile, North of the Border, it is reported [...]...The Magic of Football – still there in the Cups?
27 January 2012, 12:02 pm
It’s increasingly difficult to see any magic in the beautiful game other than black magic, especially when you look at it from a financial perspective. You only need to think of the narrow escapes at Plymouth and Wrexham recently, and both Portsmouth and Darlington are standing on the edge of the precipice. The Cups may [...]...2011 – The Year in Insolvency Events
31 December 2011, 5:42 pm
Below is a round-up of the insolvency events I have logged during 2011. The definition of insolvency event is a debatable one, and I prefer a descriptive rather than prescriptive one. Broadly I would define an insolvency event as one which reflects a discontinuity in the operation of the ‘club as company’ caused by insufficient [...]...Round the Lower Levels Part 2
21 December 2011, 3:34 pm
At last, Part 2 of my overview of what is happening from a broad financial perspective. Part 1 ran alphabetically up to Prescot Cables, and is available here. With a slight jump backwards, we pick it up with: Port Vale An interesting case of ‘fan ownership’. Valiant 2001 bought the club from the Administrators in [...]...
England Home Shirt for 2012 Unveiled: Official Photos
23 February 2012, 12:37 am
...Financial Situation in British Football Shows the Need for a New Way of Thinking
22 February 2012, 7:27 pm
...Why Manchester City Is Treading On Thin Ice With Carlos Tevez
22 February 2012, 12:40 pm
...Sipping Tea and Watching Premier League Football
21 February 2012, 12:30 pm
...Redknapp is Right for England, But is England Right for Redknapp?
20 February 2012, 3:42 pm
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European Football Weekends
6 February 2012, 12:16 pm
The Last PostThis will be the last post on European Football Weekends. But hey, don't be shedding any tears - it's been a thunderously good ride. At the start of 2012 I decided to take a little break from EFW, and see how things panned out. I've enjoyed that freedom so much that it now feels right to hang up the old keyboard. You don't realise how much time it eats up until you stop. It certainly won't be any great loss to the literary world, but I hope that somewhere along the way you've raised...Merry Christmas from EFW
23 December 2011, 2:31 pm
And a cracking 2012 full of European Football Weekends, peace and happiness to you all. Thanks a million to all of you who have logged on to read these pages during 2011 and huge props to all of you who have contributed articles, photos, useful information and the like either on here or over on the EFW Facebook page or forum. We've built a little community of kindred spirits on EFW and you're all absolute stars. *wipes away tear*.It's been a busy year for EFW judging by all these tickets (...FC Groningen v FC Utrecht
20 December 2011, 1:28 pm
The Pride of the NorthFC Groningen 1-0 FC Utrecht (17:12:11)West Brom fan Thomas Archer sidesteps the usual Dutch red tape for a rare chance to see FC Groningen...As anyone who has travelled to watch football in the Lowlands, and The Netherlands in particular, you will be aware that it is easier to get a visa to enter North Korea than to enter most football grounds to watch some Eredivisie action. Grounds including SC Heerenveen and Roda JC are notoriously hard to get tickets for due to their cl...Legia Warsaw v Cracovia
12 December 2011, 11:46 am
Louder Than BombsLegia Warsaw 0-0 Cracovia (10:12:11)During June of next year the streets of the Polish capital will be pounding with football fans ready to embrace Euro 2012. The Polish FA will ensure that there are ladies dressed in traditional Polish folk costumes stood on every corner, and Uefa will insist that those fans drink only Coca-Cola, Castrol or Carlsberg and that no food should exist in Warsaw outside of McDonalds. 'We care about Football' is the Uefa motto. Not when temperatures d...Crvena Zvezda v Partizan Belgrade
8 December 2011, 10:34 am
The Belgrade Derby: A World PhenomenonCrvena Zvezda 0-2 Partizan Belgrade (26:11:11)The taxi ground to a halt with the floodlights of the Marakana rising in the distance, writes Andy Hudson. A single policeman tried to control the traffic from six different directions; the angles of his hands lost amidst the steam billowing from his mouth. “You should take them to a whorehouse after the match; that’ll relax them and is what everyone should do here at least once,” the taxi driver mumbled to...
The Professor of Philosophy III
8 January 2012, 3:24 pm
...The Don of Elland Road
5 January 2012, 1:21 pm
...The Professor of Philosophy - Part II
3 January 2012, 12:32 pm
...The Wire Returns
2 January 2012, 3:27 pm
...Cypriot Wire Riddle
1 January 2012, 12:07 am
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The Price Of Management
19 February 2012, 9:05 pm
Of the nineteen permanent managers in the Premier League, just one hasn’t played football professionally – Andre Villas-Boas. Even caretaker boss Terry Connor at Wolves has played football as a career. At the dawn of the Premier League, in 1992-93, just Lennie Lawrence of Middlesbrough hadn’t played football – out of twenty-two managers. So is [...]...Weekend Review : Schadenfreude & AVBoo
19 February 2012, 8:50 pm
When my friend and False10 colleague Patrick asked me to fill in for him on this weekly review column, I saw it as a huge hospital pass. FA Cup weekend. Gah! Cagey football, second string elevens and all pieced together with a Murderers’ Row of ‘punditry’ by the likes of Ian Drury, Jim Beglin and [...]...The Glasgow Predicament : Is There A Large Orange Hedge Moving Towards Us?
17 February 2012, 7:49 pm
As a group of Roman generals stood surveying the vista beyond Hadrian’s Wall, Consul Georgius was startled: “I say, this is interesting! There seems to be a large orange hedge moving towards us.” Squinting into the distance, Centurion Blackadder replied, “Uh, that’s not a hedge, Consul. That’s the Scots.” The scene from Blackadder: Back & [...]...Weekend Review : Moving On
13 February 2012, 1:44 pm
Suarez. Evra. Dalglish. Ferguson. Handshakes. Apologies. Right, that’s those out of the way and I shan’t be mentioning them again. Yes, the big event this weekend in the world of football happened at Old Trafford, Manchester, but I for one am absolutely sick to the back teeth of the whole shebang (great slang word) and [...]...Manchester United V Liverpool
12 February 2012, 7:05 pm
Yesterday could have drawn a line under the whole issue and we could all, including both clubs, have moved on (whether or not we should, however, is another matter). As the players lined up for the customary handshake all eyes were on Evra and Suarez. When the time came for both players to shake hands [...]...
Greece EURO 2012 Adidas Home and Away Football Shirts
22 February 2012, 10:28 pm
Hellenic Football Federation launched the new Greece EURO 2012 home and away football shirts made by Adidas. The new Greece EURO 2012 Kits will be available here....England EURO 2012 Umbro Home Football Shirt
22 February 2012, 8:50 pm
This is the new England 2012 home shirt, which will be available here and worn by the senior squad for the first time next week as they take on Holland at Wembley, and the U21s as they face Belgium. So what’s so special about it? Here’s some insight into the new England home shirt, Tailored by Umbro. First of all, this is the first time ever that the England shirt has been purely red and white. That’s tied into the main inspiration behind the new England shirt – th...Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United 12/13 Home Football Kits leaked
15 February 2012, 5:25 pm
These seem to be the new Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United home football shirts made by Nike for the 12/13 season....United States 12/14 Nike Away Football Shirt Leaked
14 February 2012, 6:57 pm
We showed you some leaked pictures of the United Stated 12/14 Home football shirt made by Nike back in November, today we received these pictures of what seems to me the new United States 12/14 away football shirt. *update 15 Feb: new pictures added...France Euro 2012 Nike Away Football Shirt Leaked
14 February 2012, 6:41 pm
This seems to be the new France Euro 2012 Away football shirt made by Nike....
Gwilym Boore, Sports Personality of the Week
17 February 2012, 1:49 pm
I found this article by Patrick Collins in the Mail on Sunday, September 5th 1999. It’s fantastic. ———————- FOUR days ago he was an anonymous figure, a man whose virtues were known only to close friends and family. Today he … Continue reading →...Wrexham FC – Founded in 1866?
17 February 2012, 1:01 am
One of the first things I learnt when researching my book at the beginning of last year (The Red Dragons – to be published by Lolfa in October 2012), was that Wrexham’s badge was wrong. It states the year 1873 … Continue reading →...Forget the agendas and respect Speed’s Legacy
15 January 2012, 2:19 pm
Since the death of Gary Speed, Welsh football’s attentions have turned to the possible successor for the role of manager of the national side. Due to the tragic circumstances of the vancancy, there was a long and respectful period of … Continue reading →...Doncaster Rovers 0-0 Cardiff City
15 January 2012, 12:36 pm
This was my first visit to the Keepmoat Stadium and my 3rd Cardiff away game of the season. Like the other two (Blackpool and Coventry) this one ended in a draw, and it highlighted the zip and fluidity that has … Continue reading →...A closer look at Nantporth, Bangor City’s new stadium
7 January 2012, 11:05 pm
I spent this afternoon at Bangor’s City’s new stadium at Nantporth. I had taken a series of photographs when I visited the siteback in July but I hadn’t been to see the completed stands and was pleased to accept an … Continue reading →...
A Tale Of Two Keepers
18 January 2012, 4:48 am
The 1970's. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of Clemence, it was the age of Shilton......The Curse Of The Emu
16 January 2012, 11:35 pm
Man United killed Rod Hull you know. Oh you knew…...What Do You Want To Go And Sing For, Tel ?
12 January 2012, 9:48 pm
It's a question nobody asks and nobody cares for an answer......QPR – Now And Then
12 January 2012, 7:58 pm
Was going to do a mention about them last year when they got promoted, then other things got in the way. But now I'm back and so are QPR......Football and Peelie
24 October 2011, 11:01 pm
Today is October 25th. Today we are #keepingitpeel......
Bundesliga 2 Week 22 - Fortuna on the rocks
20 February 2012, 2:57 pm
The 2011 / 2012 German second division season is turning into one of the most exciting in years. Terry will be providing weekly round ups of the action for the Football Fairground. Fortuna Dusseldorf are definitely a club for the neutrals. They have the moderately cool Die Toten Hosen punk metal band as their celebrity fans and have recovered after years in the doldrums to move into a new stadium. They ended 2011 at the top of the Second Division. 2012 how...Midweek TV Preview: 20 - 23 February 2012
20 February 2012, 12:05 pm
Monday 20 February19.45 Brentford v Carlisle United, League One, Sky Sports 1/HD1King Arthur: "What news of Carlisle?" Sir Eric of the Lake: "They won 3-1..." Those were the days, not just in terms of Morecambe & Wise's vintage era but of also with respect to United's recent form. Three wins from their last nine makes a lie of their current placing - seventh in League One - but at least they face more inconsistent opposition in their hosts today. It's only one win in their last nin...Friday List of Little or No Consequence #228
17 February 2012, 2:23 pm
What a load of Hurlocks...10 Football Players' Names Used As Words To Describe Football Situations In Daniel Maier's Book 'Footypedia'1. agnew(v.) To surreptitiously time a minute's silence to see if it's accurate.2. clough(v.) To swear at the referee but disguise it with one's hand or by coughing.3. dorigo(n.) Supporter who always manages to procure a sombrero on a trip to see his team abroad, even if the match was in Finland or Krygyzstan.4. falco(v.) to bounce up and down, Cossack-like, ...Weekend TV Preview: 17 - 19 February 2012
17 February 2012, 9:16 am
Friday 17 February19.30 Southport v Grimsby Town, Blue Square Bet Premier, Premier SportsSouthport took full advantage of ailing Darlington on Tuesday night, riding goals from Karl Ledsham and Shaun Whalley to a 2-0 victory. The result saw them climb into fourth place, while Grimsby are four points behind them with a game in hand.19.45 Fiorentina v Napoli, Serie A, ESPN/ESPN HDWalter Mazzarri's Vesuviani look to give Edinson Cavani a belated birthday present by re-establishing themselves in the ...England Managers: The clubs they left behind (Part 2)
17 February 2012, 7:02 am
As discussed in Part 1, the effect of a departing club manager enticed by a tilt at the England job can often be detrimental to the club itself. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course, and one of them occurred when Terry Venables stepped down after Euro 96.Chelsea and Glenn HoddleThree years before Glenn Hoddle arrived at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea had finished fifth in the old First Division table. Under Bobby Campbell, The Blues had achieved their highest end-of-season placing since ...
Movers and Sheikhers
31 January 2012, 12:01 pm
It's deadline day for transfers on both sides of the Channel. At PSG, Quatari billions are singeing the immaculately tailored pockets of Carlo Ancelotti and Sporting Director, Leonardo. A commitment to signing football's most celebrated mercenaries - beginning with Beckham and Tévez - has been thwarted. Who knew it would be so difficult to dispose of all that cash? For inspiration, the Ligue 1 leaders could turn to Kenny Dalglish. Twelve months ago, Dalglish ruthlessly maximized the fee Liverpo...Football in France is... Better!
6 January 2012, 11:34 am
Like Thierry Henry - wheezing, limping, in need of a shave - Football in France is Rubbish is back.Last summer I left France and abandoned my interest in French football. Sod's law dictated that the 2011-2012 Championnat would be the most exciting since Chris Waddle's bleached blond mullet illuminated stadia in the early nineties.I've tried to ignore Ligue 1. That was fairly straightforward before the British press took notice of PSG's billions, before Joe Cole moved to Lille on loan, before Bec...Not My Favourite Player
20 May 2011, 10:16 am
Claude Makelele, my favourite player? No chance. My favourite players are flawed fantasists, like Jari Litmanen or late Youri Djorkaeff (at Bolton, when he was half-lame). But, of course, fantasists always function best with the support of a "water-carrier". Without one such teammate, flawed fantasists are simply flawed. Zinedine Zidane was a fantasist whose grip on the reality of the game was cast iron - he relied on nobody, but he certainly benefited from the work of the "water-carriers" at Ju...News Flash
20 May 2011, 5:59 am
The DSK saga took a highly unexpected turn last night when it was alleged that the Guinean hotel maid who fell prey to Dirty Dom's advances was, in fact, a blacked-up Laurent Blanc. A New York-based sports news website claims to have received details of Blanc's involvement from an anonymous source, known only as Long Throw-in. The website, bigappleballs.com, published secretly captured footage of Blanc modelling a series of different pinafores as French football's top brass - including Fernand D...Latest: DSK - Blanc
19 May 2011, 1:23 pm
Fabien Barthez has rushed to defend his former France teammate Laurent Blanc:'Laurent Blanc is not a racist. He does, however, enjoy dressing up as a chamber maid.'Emmanuel Petit also backs Blanc:'If - and I mean if - Laurent was in DSK's bedroom... I'm sure his intentions were innocent.'...
Blogs 6
The End of Piffle
23 March 2011, 5:55 pm
Dear Reader, You’ve probably noticed that the frequency of updates here has dropped off significantly in recent weeks. This, I feel I must explain. The majority of the piffle was unsubbed versions of columns published by The New Paper in Singapore. In the early days, this was perfectly acceptable as the articles only ever attracted a handful of [...]...EXCLUSIVE – @thebig_sam Speaks Out!
21 February 2011, 5:29 pm
Twitter stalwart @thebig_sam is mad as hell and he’s not going to take it anymore. Speaking for the first time since he was suspended from the popular social networking site, he unleashed a volley of Northern Fire at an opportunistic impersonator and pledged that, one way or another, he’ll be back online within a week. [...]...Don’t Take Our Big Sam Away
19 February 2011, 10:41 am
Dear Twitter Overlords, We turn our faces to heaven, but our brightest star no longer twinkles. Your decision to shut the Twitter account of @thebig_sam has caused great upset in the Twittosphere and I write to you today, on behalf of many, to demand an explanation. @thebig_sam was a creeping finger of sunlight, rising up [...]...More Summerbee, Please
14 February 2011, 11:00 am
(This article appeared in The Irish Examiner, February 14) In the wake of Andy Gray’s demise, is it time to redefine the concept of the pundit? Mike Summerbee certainly seems to think so. From a Sky sofa at Old Trafford, the former Manchester City man blazed a glorious trail for all the infuriated, myopic ranters [...]...Football’s Soul Survives
7 February 2011, 7:57 am
(This article appeared in The Irish Examiner, February 7) We didn’t hear the roar of the crowd at first, we felt it. It was a heavy vibration on the ribcage, the shockwave of a distant explosion. We saw Cheick Tiote’s boot flash, like the muzzle of a rifle. We saw the ball whipping through the [...]...
UEFA Champions League Last 16 1st-Legs: What In The Stands Learnt
23 February 2012, 1:17 am
So the first-leg of the much anticipated UEFA Champions League Last 16 ties have come and gone and having spent hours glued to our TV sets In The Stands picks out 5 things we learned. 1. Arsenal Are No Longer An ‘Elite’ European Club Controversial to say the least but true nonetheless. The ease, brutalness [...]...Defeat To Marseille Leaves Inter Reeling & Ranieri On The Verge Of Sack
23 February 2012, 1:06 am
Andre Ayew scored a 93rd minute header to give Marseille a precious 1-0 win over Inter Milan at the Stade Velodrome leaving coach Claudio Ranieri fighting for his job. In a tight and edgy encounter, both sides struggled to muster up any significant chances as the pair clashed for the first time since their UEFA [...]...Carlos Tevez Apologizes To Manchester City
21 February 2012, 10:05 pm
Carlos Tevez has issued a public apology to Manchester City six months after the striker was exiled from the club following a bust up with coach Roberto Mancini. The Argentine issued the apology to the club after a lengthy meeting on Tuesday night with Man City Football Administrator Brian Marwood at City’s training ground. Tevez [...]...What Ever Happened To?…Vegard Heggem
21 February 2012, 8:00 am
Football is built on memories. it’s those footballers we grow up with that truly define the way we watch and enjoy football throughout our lives. But where are they now?… During a daily internet browse, sodden with nostalgia to an extend that I really shouldn’t admit to, I find myself listening to N*Sync. The song; [...]...10 Strange Premier League Transfers
20 February 2012, 5:57 pm
Since the Premier League formed in 1992, there have been thousands of players coming in and out of the various clubs over the past 20 years. Some transfers work out spectacularly and some flop but most are made with the best of intentions. However, sometimes, certain transfers make you stand up and take notice. They [...]...
Murder in Port Said – The day a revolution turned cold
20 February 2012, 2:29 pm
Murder in Port Said – The day a revolution turned cold is a post from: Just Football Murder in Port Said – The day a revolution turned cold is a post from: Just Football Just days after the one year anniversary of the revolution, Egyptian football was plunged into despair by the tragic events in Port Said. Adam Moustafa reports on events that shook the game. The views expressed in this article are those [...]...Sexo y droga y Penarol
19 February 2012, 3:30 am
Sexo y droga y Penarol is a post from: Just Football Sexo y droga y Penarol is a post from: Just Football We at Just Football love nothing about the game more than when supporters come together to create imaginative and visual labours of love to express passion and support for their club. Tifos, banners, choreographed stunts – anywhere in the world. It’s what makes the game [...]...Talking tactics: Liverpool highlight importance of closing down Manchester United’s midfield
16 February 2012, 3:38 pm
Talking tactics: Liverpool highlight importance of closing down Manchester United’s midfield is a post from: Just Football Talking tactics: Liverpool highlight importance of closing down Manchester United’s midfield is a post from: Just Football by Sam Thompson Manchester United defeated Liverpool last weekend in a game where matters off the field were talked more about than those on it. Wayne Rooney continued his good run of form, after his performance against Chelsea the previous [...The Question: Should the away goals rule be scrapped?
14 February 2012, 12:33 pm
The Question: Should the away goals rule be scrapped? is a post from: Just Football The Question: Should the away goals rule be scrapped? is a post from: Just Football by Jake Miller Since 1969 the European Cup has used the away goals rule to separate sides that have drawn on aggregate. The tie-breaker, applied after 180 minutes in UEFA Competitions, gives extra weighting to goals scored away from home (as the [...]...Africa Cup of Nations final preview – Zambia are winners regardless of result
12 February 2012, 1:13 pm
Africa Cup of Nations final preview – Zambia are winners regardless of result is a post from: Just Football Africa Cup of Nations final preview – Zambia are winners regardless of result is a post from: Just Football With the final today, here is my latest Africa Cup of Nations 2012 column for FourFourTwo.com on Zambia and their remarkable journey to the final: Together they walked slowly to the coastline, singing in unison. Once there, and [...]...
PYLON: Managerial Scrapeheap
14 June 2011, 10:46 am
Frequent Twitter followers and readers of this blog will be very aware of my hatred for firing managers without giving them at LEAST two seasons to implement their ideas, put together the framework of a team etc. But, sadly, chairmen rarely consult me before they act. The trend in modern football to act now and think later is down to a number of factors. Any of the following on their own or combined have contributed to managerial change;Change of ownershipFan powerPoor run of resultsDressin...The Lost Art of Empire Building
20 May 2011, 12:37 pm
God I love me a footballing empire. Examples Only one place to start really.Manchester United were triumphantly crowned Premier League Champions last Saturday. Sir Alex Ferguson had manged to knock Liverpool off `their fucking perch`. An unbelievable achievement from one of the greatest managers of all time. Ferguson made his comments in 1986 and has been at the helm for 25 years winning 12 Premier League titles, 2 Champions Leagues, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, Cup Winners Cup, Super Cup, Intercon...Its Goal-Line Correctness Gone Mad
3 May 2011, 9:03 am
This weekend’s controversy at Stamford Bridge once again opened up the debate on goal-line technology. There is absolutely no valid argument for professional football at the highest level not introducing goal-line technology. That is simply all that can be said on the matter.Now the main arguments against its introduction are simply pathetic. Firstly FIFAs claim that because the system could not be implemented throughout all levels of the game is a convenient excuse. But really in 2011 should...Too Late for the Hammers
15 April 2011, 10:20 am
West Ham have been on an incredible run of form. Since that shameful home defeat against Arsenal where rumours of Avram`s usurping swept around the Boleyn along with the harsh January winds, the Hammers have won 6 of their last 8 games in all competitions. This run of form has seen them advance into the FA Cup Quarter Finals and most importantly gain key victories over Blackpool & Liverpool that has seen them clamber to the verge of the relegation zone.The recent run of form has been a resul...Miracle Needed. Apply Within.
13 April 2011, 9:18 am
Even the most optimistic Spurs fan shall look at the pending 2nd Leg against Real Madrid and fear the worst. Four nil down from the first leg, missing a suspended first choice striker in Europe & playing Real Madrid. This is not any Madrid, this is a Mourinho Madrid motivated by the prospect of a meeting with Barcelona in the semi finals. There`s no hope. Or is there? Here are some examples of footballing comebacks in the European Cup!European Cup Final 2005Liverpool 3 AC Milan 3 Liverpool w...
Gannin' Away has moved...
6 July 2011, 6:58 pm
You can follow the site at the new home over at www.ganninaway.co.uk.See you there!...
In The Stands: Alex, Lilly-Ella & Lexie Gerrard
22 February 2012, 8:46 pm
Image from 28.01.2012....The Midweek Mmm: Cristian Tello, Barcelona
22 February 2012, 7:00 pm
Someone asked in yesterday’s YG post what colour Cristian Tello’s eyes are. We’re thinking hazel, maybe?...The F5 Rejig: How’s Marco Coping?
22 February 2012, 6:00 pm
Image: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images Europe. We know how important the Finest 5 list is to you guys. Our beleaguered comments moderator’s refusal to come out from underneath her desk when we do an update tells us that. But in your haste to complain at us for leaving out the likes of Sergio, Aaron, Fernando and David James [...]...Champions League Observations, Part I: We’ve Got Questions That Need Answers
22 February 2012, 3:40 pm
Three unexpected bottoms were planted on the Chelsea bench for last night’s game vs. Napoli. We smell conspiracy, although it very well could’ve been cake fumes. Images: SkySports.com. It’s a little early in the Champions League knockout stages to start changing up our posting tactics, but then it’s a little early for all the EPL clubs [...]...Nicklas Bendtner Is Trying To Get Back Into Our Good Graces…
22 February 2012, 2:33 pm
Image via Yfrog. Cheers for the spot, N! …and it’s working. Representing for the backwards cap and shirtless crew, Nicky B’s spotty driving record suddenly became inconsequential after we caught sight of his hip dips (and medium sized jacuzzi tub). We certainly approve of how low his bottoms reside in relation to his midsection. Kickettes, which [...]...
Interview with a Celtic Legend
13 October 2011, 3:13 pm
I wanted to bring your attention to this excellent interview with Celtic legend Sean Fallon. Not only was he Celtic’s captain in the 1950′s but he played in the famous Celtic 7 Rangers 1 and then worked as Jock Stein’s #2 as The Bhoys won the European Cup in 1967. The interview was conducted by [...]...Yorkshire Football Trivia
10 September 2011, 10:33 am
Here at gibfootballshow you may have noticed I enjoy a trip to one of Yorkshire’s lesser known teams. You will find reports from lesser known teams Osset Albion to the big guns at Sheffield Wednesday, who were once part of the Yorkshire League. But how much do you really know about the Yorkshire Football league? [...]...Non League Day meets YFW
7 September 2011, 6:05 am
How do you pick between Osset Albion and Osset Town? Both are small teams near Wakefield in Yorkshire. They both play at the same level of football. What? Osset Albion has a fantastic pub two minutes from the ground and Osset Town is next to a bus station. Ladies and Gentleman, we have ourselves a [...]...Non League Day – 3rd September
1 September 2011, 11:15 pm
After the roaring success of last year it is time for another fantastic Non-League Day. If you don’t know what that is…shame on you. More information coming in a second. Since today was pay day there was simply no excuse to try and arrange a game to watch on Saturday, after a quick tweet I [...]...Six Games, Five Wins…This is Bramall Lane isn’t it?
1 September 2011, 10:17 am
My Father-in-law and long time Sheffield United fan Richard Aisthorpe brings us the latest update to the Blades League One campaign…funny thing is, it’s going pretty well. Here I am again, the Sheffield United ‘cup half empty’ merchant. OK, before the season started I wondered how things would go and pointed out some of the [...]...
LaLigaUk
12 August 2011, 8:43 pm
laligauk.com is now up and running. This site will no longer be used, for all the posts on here with Pictures and Professionally presented go to laligauk.com New content is also available....Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero: 101 and Out ?
24 May 2011, 6:18 pm
Changes in football, like life, can alter everything in an instant. One day it’s normal then out the blue SMASH. A clubs turned upside down, there team-mates are in shock (if they didn’t already know) and the fans are the most let down. Every team has … Continue reading →...Maxi Rodríguez: Another poor Rafa signing ?
12 May 2011, 2:38 pm
Rosario, Santa Fe is the third largest city within Argentina. Located 187 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, Exporters of wheat, flour, hay, linseed, corn, sugar and wool. It’s unclear whether its imports include ITV Yorkshire set dramas of the 60′s gender. Maximiliano Rubén Rodríguez is probably a little … Continue reading →...The Subbuteo Pitch: Raúl (Schalke) v Manchester United (Home) 26/4/11
27 April 2011, 11:22 am
Background The record scorer in the Champions League history found himself in the unlikely situation of another European semi-final. Having scored in both legs of the quarter finals, Raul was rolling back the clock once again. How they line up … Continue reading →...Four Clásico’s: Overjoy or Overdose ?
14 April 2011, 9:45 am
The thought of the best two teams in Spain if not the world locking horns is certainly something to savour. But if it happens 4 times in 18 days is it a footballing spectacular or does the familiarity breed boredom? … Continue reading →...
We are Rangers
19 February 2012, 12:22 am
When I was a teenager I spent most of my school holidays in Moniaive, a small, picturesque town in Dumfries and Galloway. It is a beautiful place and I would commend it to you all. It is in that little bit of Scotland that people speed through on their way to somewhere busier. That is a mistake. The whole area is quite wonderful.On average I spent twelve weeks a year there and made friends with lads in the village. I spent endless hours playing ''English crossing'', ''Cuppy'' and all the ot...The Professor
15 February 2012, 9:47 pm
As a tribute to AC Milan's thumping of Arsenal a little video clip of one of the most under-rated players of the last 20 years: Clarence Seedorf.Not only was he almost perfect technically, not only has he been phenomenally successful over the course of his long-career across Europe but he is also cool as a mountain stream.The sort of player every team would love to have and one who has been consistently excellent.Enjoy!RCM...'Arry
11 February 2012, 12:16 am
Most English managers leave the post with a defining, specific heartache - a heartache that not defines their entire time in charge but also themselves.For Fabio Capello, one of the most gifted managers ever to wear the England manager's sheepskin coat, it will be a series of images from the 2010 World Cup. The Terry-led palace coup? Rooney turning on his own fans who had spent a fortune travelling around the world to watch him and his touch of a landmine routine? The image of a joyous Germany r...Big Jan: Fat men can dance
7 February 2012, 11:53 pm
A little trip down nostalgia avenue tonight.I've covered this before but how often do you see a goal better than this?How often do you see a goal better than that scored by a man who knows his way around a doughnut?Tonight, I want to focus on a player often overlooked when considering greats at Anfield: Jan Molby. I think the English footballing populous has become better informed over the last 5 to 10 years and, I think, if Molby had been playing in that time he would have been appreciated...Is Howard Webb biased?
5 February 2012, 11:35 pm
The only answer to the question posed in the title is ''No''.I do not believe that Howard Webb is biased in favour of Manchester United or biased against any of the other teams in the league. One can question his competence and can do so with no little evidence but to question his neutrality is unfair.I have previously made a pact not to criticise referees. I do not intend to do so here. I do not wish to analyse every moment of the game because I don't think it is helpful. I do not think it is p...
Clausura 2012: Tigre get a big win in their relegation struggle, and all the weekend’s scores (video)
21 February 2012, 4:34 pm
Tigre finished off the second round of matches in the 2012 Torneo Clausura on Monday night with an impressive 3-1 win over San Martín de San Juan to keep up their courageous fight against relegation in Argentina’s silly three-season-long average … Continue reading →...Clausura 2012: Boca held, Lanús win again and more (goal videos)
20 February 2012, 6:12 am
Saturday’s and Sunday’s matches in the 2012 Torneo Clausura saw eleven goals, four victories and only one side on six points at the end of the weekend (though it could be two by Monday night). Lanús beat Independiente 1-0 away … Continue reading →...Clausura 2012: Olimpo and Vélez thrash Belgrano and Banfield (goal videos)
18 February 2012, 4:09 am
The second round of matches in the 2012 Torneo Clausura is already underway, and there were two high-scoring matches on Friday night to get the round started. Olimpo beat Belgrano 4-1 after going in level at the break, before championship … Continue reading →...Clausura 2012: all the scores and scorers
14 February 2012, 6:15 am
The first round of the 2012 Torneo Clausura brought with it no shortage of draws; six of the ten matches finished all square. Boca Juniors and Lanús were the most impressive performers, Rafaela and San Martín are the other winners, … Continue reading →...Clausura 2012: Rafaela thrash Banfield, and in Nacional B River go joint top with a win (video)
13 February 2012, 7:01 am
The first round of the 2012 Torneo Clausura continued apace on Sunday, with four more matches. In the first, Atlético de Rafaela beat a woeful Banfield 3-0 to creep closer to 30 points for the season, and later on there … Continue reading →...
Case Study: Sunderland 2-0 Arsenal 18/2/2012
21 February 2012, 6:01 pm
By Theo Sakyi Arsenal were coming into this match after their 4-0 battering at the hands of AC Milan, where, bar a magical moment of link up play between Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry, they didn’t look like they would create anything and could not handle the movement of Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin Prince-Boateng. Sunderland had narrowly lost to the same Arsenal side the Saturday before and were looking to make amends with a win after showing some good form under Martin O’Neill...African Cup of Nations 2012 Awards
15 February 2012, 1:13 pm
Theo Sakyi picks out the highlights of the recent tournament....Case Study: Siena 2-1 Napoli 9/2/2012
10 February 2012, 9:24 pm
Although Napoli have disappointed somewhat this season, it wasn’t unfair to suggest they drew a long straw when they were lined up against relegation battlers Siena in their first ever Coppa Italia semi-final while Juventus and Milan locked horns in the other tie. However, clearly the advantage still wasn’t enough, with Giuseppe Sannino’s men emerging with a narrow lead for the return leg at the Stadio San Paolo. The two sides lined up in broadly the same formation: Napoli in t...Bates in no rush to fill the Leeds hot seat
9 February 2012, 6:29 pm
Declan Bull on the options available to replace Simon Grayson at Leeds....2012 January transfer window: What will the new recruits bring?
4 February 2012, 5:14 pm
Theo Sakyi has a look at some of the transfers from the most recent window....
