So the clock ticks ever closer to the season of goodwill and as a self confessed lover of Christmas, a word of warning for fellow football fans hoping to receive that special something in their Christmas stocking or under the tree. As the years have gone by, I have sometimes received presents based purely on […]

Ever since Blackpool won promotion in that pulsating Championship Play-Off Final back in May, things have been a little quiet in the North West. Even Ian Holloway, the manager who is known and loved for his bizarre and occasionally weird post match comments has been a little shy. There is no doubt that everyone involved […]

So it's official, Martin Jol will not be leaving the Dutch giants of Ajax to take over at Craven Cottage. Despite Fulham's courting of the likable Jol, Ajax's chief executive Rick van den Boog flew back to deal with the situation. Jol had agreed a contract in principle but after discussions, decided to stay in […]

Excuse the Stephen Colbert reference above (I wish he would return to UK TV screens!). Saturday signals a great day for football with the Champions League final taking place, but before that there is a game that is worth even more money to the victor. The Championship playoff final takes place at Wembley in a […]

If you have seen the news recently regarding parachute payments, you may have also heard that many clubs originally were against the proposal, mainly those who were in league's one and two. It could appear that the football league has somewhat been bullied into accepting this offer, and the implications of such a deal could […]

After Sunday's playoff drama which saw Blackpool just edge their way onto the right side of the line, we now get to one of the most exciting times in English football, as four teams attempt to realise their dream of playing in the top flight of English football. Nottingham Forest V Blackpool and Cardiff V […]

While Cheslea will spend the weekend trying to advance in the FA Cup, Manchester United will have the chance to climb over the Blues and claim the top spot in the Premier League table. Standing in the way is Wolverhampton and a trip to Molineux. Making it three:  United already owns a pair of wins […]

Who are the very best young players in the world?  For the purposes of this article, "young players" are those no older than 22. First there are the obvious: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, Francesc Fabregas, Karim Benzema, etc.  Their class has been established before this mysterious "young" label vanished, and subsequently they command […]

Can Spurs be stopped? Will the real Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa please stand up? When will Pompey spend some of their new found wealth? Oh yeah, we have our first Big Four clash of the year with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford this week as well. Perhaps this week in the EPL will get […]

So less than 24 hours after Promotion to the Premiership and the usual round of tired cliches and articles about "brave little Burnley" are beginning to pop up on-line and in the press. Do they never learn, Do they know the football history attached to this club? Burnley fans will probably laugh in the face […]

With Newcastle teetering over the relegation trap door, skipper Michael Owen will lead a mass exodus at the club, should they fall through it into the Championship on Sunday. With Owen out of contract it is likely that he will leave the club in the summer regardless. The question is where will he go? A […]

Why is it so hard to have a governing body with an ounce of common sense, UEFA just seem bereft of it every time it seems like they'll do the right thing. Are your matches blighted by neo-nazi's forming swastika shapes on the terrace? Here, have a fine of $3 and don't do it again. […]

Well this may come as some surprise, but a film about a manager that only had one season in the Premiership may not garner the most interest outside of the United Kingdom but Brian Clough is a legend in European football. Today sees the film version of David Peace's tome have its World Premier in […]

I’ve wondered for a long time what it is that managers see in Stewart Downing, particularly England managers. Since his first call up in February 2005, Downing has been pretty much been a regular in the England squad, but why? I don’t understand how one player can have gained 22 caps without ever making an […]

Sky Sports News seems to be having a strange day today as it winds itself up again over the information that certain sports betting agencies have suspended betting on Rafa Benitez leaving Liverpool after tonight's match. Now whilst I've been highly critical of Benitez this season, this is another ludicrous situation developing  at Anfield. Sure, […]