Sir Alex Ferguson – Redefining football for more than two decades
So Sir Alex Ferguson has finally announced his retirement. Over 26 years at the helm of the good ship Manchester United, a club the Scot has steered through choppy waters, transforming them from one of...
View ArticleMore battles ahead for FC United of Manchester after Play-Off heartache
FC United of Manchester have now suffered the heartache of three successive Evo-Stick Northern Premier League playoff final defeats after last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Hednesford Town. A bumper crowd of...
View ArticleMancini dismissal is natural progression in modern football’s quest for success
If ever there was an example of how fast things can change in modern football, it came on Monday afternoon when Roberto Mancini was relieved of his duties as manager of English Premier League side...
View ArticleSUBSTANCE OVER STYLE – Is winning all that matters in football?
Does the end justify the means? If you achieve your goals and objectives, does it matter how you went about it? If one side dominates their opponent, creating but not taking their chances whilst...
View ArticleTALENT SCOUT – Three future stars of the English national side
English fans have an ethos of negativity when it comes to the national team. Many moan about unnecessary friendlies, the lack of young talent and the performances of Premier League stars when they don...
View ArticleNO ONE LIKES US – Millwall, Media and Misconceptions
There were few surprises when reading the national newspaper headlines on Sunday 14 April 2013, the day after Wigan Athletic had secured a spot in their first FA Cup Final after beating Championship...
View ArticleTRUST ISSUES – Liverpool sceptics still need convincing by Fenway Sports Group
Trust is a wonderful thing; that faithful bond of integrity between two parties that exists without conditions or obligations. It takes time to build trust but it only takes seconds to destroy it and...
View ArticleA lament for lost loyalty in modern football
The ball stuck to his feet, he makes mincemeat of two boys in white just after the halfway line. Perturbed, the glassy-eyed mortals scramble after him, but they know their belated efforts are futile –...
View ArticleSorry Herr Blatter, but Qatar aren’t ready for the biggest show on earth
In December 2010, Sepp Blatter and his colleagues at FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. It was a decision that was viewed suspiciously from the out-set, and with good reason. The oil rich Gulf...
View ArticleSHADOW PLAY – Manchester United, Wigan Athletic and memories of the Azteca
A massive shadow the size of Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy cabinet was cast over half the Wembley pitch during Sunday afternoon’s FA Community Shield match between Manchester United and Wigan Athletic....
View ArticleTransfer Deadline Day sees Manchester United in transition
Yet another summer transfer deadline day is upon us. An idea that is supposed to give some sort of stability to clubs, to let them know who their playing staff are for the next few months, bizarrely...
View ArticleFootball shamed as Fifa allow anti-gay Russia and Qatar off the hook
So Fifa’s new anti-discrimination task force has urged President Sepp Blatter to pressure both Russia and Qatar over their controversial anti-gay laws ahead of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. As noble as...
View ArticleWill Chelsea’s Premier League title charge be derailed by a lack of strike...
Jose Mourinho will have returned to Stamford Bridge with an understandably strong desire to win the Premier League. The problem which stands most glaringly is his way, and for which he is at least...
View ArticleGETTING SHIRTY: Why the latest celebration law is a step too far
It simmers within the pit of your stomach and is fuelled by your wildest dreams. Every football fan has it, but each is different from the next. A relentless illusion replayed over and over, yet it...
View ArticleWhy Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has finally gone too far
There have been some fairly predictable responses coming out of St James’ Park following the head butt Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew aimed at Hull City’s David Meyler during their Premier League...
View ArticleAdriano: the Emperor who missed his chance to strike back
Before the dawn of wireless headset warriors and learning to taunt your 11-year-old online opponent by boastfully chanting, “We are the champions, no time for losers” in a host of languages, from...
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