Another great weekend in the Premier League, with shocks left right and center. Who would have
thought Man United would have scored in the 94 minute to clinch another late victory?
With Liverpool winning yet again, Spurs failing to win after Champions League week, &
Flapinanski dropping another blooper.
The arrival of the latest England squad on Monday afternoon brought with it the sad realisation
that Fabio Capello is just not the right man for the job anymore and it probably is in the
country's best interests to dispense with him.
The notion that any manager should be given a ‘practice' tournament (e.
The 2010 World Cup must be one to forget for the French national team. With unrest rife
throughout the camp, the team slumped to a bottom of the group finish with one point and one goal
scored. The all-too-familiar strike by the French didn't help matters as they refused to train
following Chelsea striker Nicholas Anelka's much publicised falling out with, then manager, star
sign enthusiast Raymond Domenech.
It's funny how quickly transfer speculation spreads. Two weeks ago, Gareth Bale was just an
in-form left-winger playing for Tottenham. It was a simple as that. Now, he's the hottest property
in Europe and has to ‘clarify' his future in regards to interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and
friends.
Patrick Vieira's comments on Thursday that the Premier League is going backwards wasn't just the
withering criticism of a star on the slide.
It seems the legendary Arsenal captain has made good use of his time on the bench in Manchester
by wryly observing the state of the competition and the failings of his contemporaries and has come
to the conclusion that the league isn't as good as it was in his hey-day.
It was becoming an all too similar situation for West Brom fans, promotion from the Championship
one season, relegation from the Premiership the next (bar, of course, the ‘Great Escape' of 2005
and the Championship Play Off Final defeat to Derby in 2007). Yet, under the guidance of former
Chelsea midfielder, Roberto Di Matteo, West Brom have made a solid start to the 2010/11 campaign as
they find themselves in 6th, level on points with Champions League new boys Spurs with a game in
hand.
It was becoming an all too similar situation for West Brom fans, promotion from the Championship
one season, relegation from the Premiership the next (bar, of course, the ‘Great Escape' of 2005
and the Championship Play Off Final defeat to Derby in 2007). Yet, under the guidance of former
Chelsea midfielder, Roberto Di Matteo, West Brom have made a solid start to the 2010/11 campaign as
they find themselves in 6th, level on points with Champions League new boys Spurs with a game in
hand.
It was becoming an all too similar situation for West Brom fans, promotion from the Championship
one season, relegation from the Premiership the next (bar, of course, the ‘Great Escape' of 2005
and the Championship Play Off Final defeat to Derby in 2007). Yet, under the guidance of former
Chelsea midfielder, Roberto Di Matteo, West Brom have made a solid start to the 2010/11 campaign as
they find themselves in 6th, level on points with Champions League new boys Spurs with a game in
hand.
"Clattenberg robbed Spurs at Old Trafford again," has been a recurring meme from commentators
and pub regulars since Nani poked the ball past Heurelho Gomes in the Saturday tea-time kickoff.
Both aspects of this statement are, to be frank, complete bollocks.
Firstly, because the ref was not overly to blame for the goal standing.
"Clattenberg robbed Spurs at Old Trafford again," has been a recurring meme from commentators
and pub regulars since Nani poked the ball past Heurelho Gomes in the Saturday tea-time kickoff.
Both aspects of this statement are, to be frank, complete bollocks.
Firstly, because the ref was not overly to blame for the goal standing.
"Clattenberg robbed Spurs at Old Trafford again," has been a recurring meme from commentators
and pub regulars since Nani poked the ball past Heurelho Gomes in the Saturday tea-time kickoff.
Both aspects of this statement are, to be frank, complete bollocks.
Firstly, because the ref was not overly to blame for the goal standing.
One week on from Wayne Rooney's transfer tantrum, and this week's news is all about some proven
players. Carlos Tevez is said to be missing Argentina and wants out, while Pepe Reina and Fernando
Torres are probably just missing the feeling of winning games – hence the duo's supposed wish to
get out of Anfield.
One week on from Wayne Rooney's transfer tantrum, and this week's news is all about some proven
players. Carlos Tevez is said to be missing Argentina and wants out, while Pepe Reina and Fernando
Torres are probably just missing the feeling of winning games – hence the duo's supposed wish to
get out of Anfield.
One week on from Wayne Rooney's transfer tantrum, and this week's news is all about some proven
players. Carlos Tevez is said to be missing Argentina and wants out, while Pepe Reina and Fernando
Torres are probably just missing the feeling of winning games – hence the duo's supposed wish to
get out of Anfield.
Over the regular morning coffee today, I was reading that Liverpool's new multi-millionaire
owners NESV have told reporters that come January, the board will be spending-smart, and not
splashing out on any big-money signings. Now, although this may sound like the complete antithesis
to what the Liverpudlians had been hoping for, I cannot help but back John W Henry's decision.
There's been enough column inches filled about Wayne Rooney in recent days to fill Old Trafford
five times over (how the Glazers must wish they could charge those columns entry). So, relax, I'm
not going to add my two cents here. Rather, I'm going to relate my experience of going to the game
last night with 'corporate executives' and mull over how this relates to United's current woes.
Well, as they say, the writing is now on the wall for everyone to see – Wayne Rooney wants out
of Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's 2pm (GMT) press conference confirmed the reports that had
been circulating for days now in a brief and frank statement outlining Rooney's intent to not sign
a new contract, 20 months before his current deal expires in 2012.
Manchester United's win at Valencia was the first time in ten years or so that we have seen such
success. No, not a win in Spain, rather Alex Ferguson throwing on two strikers who go on to win a
game for him at the death. Ferguson's ability to successfully rotate four strikers was key to
United's success in the late 90s, culminating with Ole Solskjaer getting his toe to a Teddy
Sheringham header for United's second late, late goal in the Nou Camp in 1999.
Watching the spectacle that unfolded at White Hart Lane this Champions League week, whilst
shocking and pleasing me in equal measures, it also led me to question the credentials of the other
contender for the coveted fourth place in the English Premier League; Manchester City. Whilst every
single Spurs player played like it was a case of do-or-die (at this point I do not believe it
necessary to add any more superlatives to the abundance that already exist surrounding the ‘if
only he was English' wonder-kid that is Gareth Bale), and with Redknapp (soon to be England
Manager), getting the tactics absolutely spot-on; I was proud to be the son of a Spurs fan.
Watching the spectacle that unfolded at White Hart Lane this Champions League week, whilst
shocking and pleasing me in equal measures, it also led me to question the credentials of the other
contender for the coveted fourth place in the English Premier League; Manchester City. Whilst every
single Spurs player played like it was a case of do-or-die (at this point I do not believe it
necessary to add any more superlatives to the abundance that already exist surrounding the ‘if
only he was English' wonder-kid that is Gareth Bale), and with Redknapp (soon to be England
Manager), getting the tactics absolutely spot-on; I was proud to be the son of a Spurs fan.
Watching the spectacle that unfolded at White Hart Lane this Champions League week, whilst
shocking and pleasing me in equal measures, it also led me to question the credentials of the other
contender for the coveted fourth place in the English Premier League; Manchester City. Whilst every
single Spurs player played like it was a case of do-or-die (at this point I do not believe it
necessary to add any more superlatives to the abundance that already exist surrounding the ‘if
only he was English' wonder-kid that is Gareth Bale), and with Redknapp (soon to be England
Manager), getting the tactics absolutely spot-on; I was proud to be the son of a Spurs fan.
Newcastle's triumphant return to the Premier League was underlined on Sunday with a 5-1 thumping
of rivals Sunderland. Back to work yesterday, Hughton still wasn't summoned to the board room to
put pen to paper on a new contract, and the reason is that Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias have
decided to use the relegation and subsequent return to the Premier League as means of finding a new
way to run the club.
Newcastle's triumphant return to the Premier League was underlined on Sunday with a 5-1 thumping
of rivals Sunderland. Back to work yesterday, Hughton still wasn't summoned to the board room to
put pen to paper on a new contract, and the reason is that Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias have
decided to use the relegation and subsequent return to the Premier League as means of finding a new
way to run the club.
Newcastle's triumphant return to the Premier League was underlined on Sunday with a 5-1 thumping
of rivals Sunderland. Back to work yesterday, Hughton still wasn't summoned to the board room to
put pen to paper on a new contract, and the reason is that Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias have
decided to use the relegation and subsequent return to the Premier League as means of finding a new
way to run the club.
The performance and movement of managers has become something that faces perpetually closer
scrutiny as the years wear on. No longer does it do for a boss to merely take charge and ensure
that nothing adverse happens to the club, they must possess foresight, be dynamic, charismatic and
know how to win games.
The performance and movement of managers has become something that faces perpetually closer
scrutiny as the years wear on. No longer does it do for a boss to merely take charge and ensure
that nothing adverse happens to the club, they must possess foresight, be dynamic, charismatic and
know how to win games.
The anguish of Liverpool fans is completely understandable, but by venting their frustration
during matches they are hindering their team's chance of recovering from their worst start to a
season in over 50 years. As their side stuttered again, this time against a Blackpool side who
conceded ten on the road to Chelsea and Arsenal, the boos coming from the Liverpool fans cannot
have helped a team so short of confidence in the first place.
I've just watched Graeme McDowell sink the crucial putt to clinch the Ryder Cup and send the
Americans packing. It went right to the last hole; the Yanks, in their efforts to hold on to the
trophy, displaying remarkable intransigence in the face of almost certain defeat. How Liverpool
fans must be hoping that this story of stubborn Americans holding on the last but eventually losing
their grip is replicated with the owners of their club.
Breaking down the stereotypes
Stunning, intelligent blonde football champion with an incredible singing voice seeks winning
title of Miss UK Football Finder 2010.
It sounds like a classified advert made in heaven.
But for those who have kept their watchful eye on Miss UKFF finalist, angelic 18-year-old Claire
Capon, they know that her many talents are completely real.
Breaking down the stereotypes
Stunning, intelligent blonde football champion with an incredible singing voice seeks winning
title of Miss UK Football Finder 2010.
It sounds like a classified advert made in heaven.
But for those who have kept their watchful eye on Miss UKFF finalist, angelic 18-year-old Claire
Capon, they know that her many talents are completely real.
Breaking down the stereotypes
Stunning, intelligent blonde football champion with an incredible singing voice seeks winning
title of Miss UK Football Finder 2010.
It sounds like a classified advert made in heaven.
But for those who have kept their watchful eye on Miss UKFF finalist, angelic 18-year-old Claire
Capon, they know that her many talents are completely real.
Fans invited to test their nerve at the home of football
Ever dreamed of emulating your football heroes and scoring at Wembley in front of over 70,000
fans? This dream will become a reality for three lucky fans as they step up to the penalty spot
during half-time at the England v France international on Wednesday, 17th November 2010.
Seven wins out of seven, 18 goals scored, three points clear at the top. Mainz have a one
hundred per cent start equalling a Bundesliga record orchestrated by a bright, young manager with
20 something starlets setting the league alight. Where it is all going so right for the
O-Fives?
Scan over the league tables abroad in Europe right now and you would be pleasantly surprised to
see some of the less fancied sides setting the pace and making the European heavyweights play
catch-up.
My Left Foot Podcast 001 Introducing the Team
Read Charlie Coffey's brilliant blog at my11.com.
Play our free fantasy football and predictor games to win great cash prizes.
England calls Germany for a football rematch
England's most capped player, Peter Shilton, and Holiday Inn search for ‘new look' national
squad to bring victory home
Today, football legend, Peter Shilton OBE, MBE, is launching a national recruitment drive to
find the right team to go head to head with the Germans in a five-a-side football rematch.
Come the final whistle at Wembley last night, England's players trudged off with an increasingly
familiar sound ringing in their ears: the boos of their own supporters. There was no Rooney address
to the camera this time, no "nice to see your fans booing you" schtick.
But leaving aside the irony of "once a blue, always a blue" and "tabloid revelation's" Rooney
lecturing anybody on loyalty did he have a point that night in Cape Town?
Here we are again, another b****y international break.
I cannot help but feel that this Premiership season hasn't yet gained any momentum. It is the
most stuttering start to a footballing season for as long as I can remember. Just three weeks into
the new season, and the domestic leagues are broken up with a quick-fire demolition double by the
same England team that found themselves demolished during the summer; I digress.
Where next for Italian football? The reason for the question is because last night Liverpool
supporters, in Naples for the Europa League match, were targeted by supporters of Napoli. Italian
police confirmed reports of Napoli Ultra's roaming the city in gangs hunting for Liverpool, four
Liverpool fans required hospital treatment, two for stab wounds.
Tottenham last night made a remarkable almost-comeback against Internazionale of Italy in the
Champions League, and there was one man that was regarded as the primary catalyst for that was a 21
year-old Welsh winger named Gareth Bale.
The ITV commentary team last night lustily salivated over Bale's exquisite hat-trick, even going
as far as to call him 'the best left-winger in the world' endemic hype attributed to any young
player that shows any promise in the British game.
