Sports Illustrated journalist and would-be FIFA President Grant Wahl tweeted just as the transfer window was shutting: "If Arsenal comes away with Arteta , Benayoun , Park , Mertersacker and Santon in last few days, is that enough to finish Top 4?" It's an interesting question, Mr Wahl. Let's try and answer it. From the opening exchanges in the Premier League this season, it seems like the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea are that...
With all the talk of false nines, inverted full backs and double pivots, it’s sometimes easy to forget that football extends well beyond the top international and club game. Every weekend across the world football is played, from the local Dog and Duck to Stamford Bridge via Butlin Road. Butlin Road is, as it goes, the home of Rugby Town FC. They are a team in the Evo-Stik League Southern Division One Central – level eight of the English...
Germany this year again can pat itself on the back for a well organised international football event that has boosted the profile and reputation of the womans game in England. The media painted a picture of courage, passion and true English grit when printing stories of Powell and her teams journey to the World Cup quarter finals, a the polar opposite portrait of the mens last attempt on the World stage. The skill and entertainment that...
Saturday afternoon, along with hangover I was at probably the highest seat in the Liverpool Echo Arena, but it was a seat that did make for a good view of the whole of pitch at the Merseyside Master. Liverpool lifted the trophy captained by a very round John Barnes. His side included FA Cup winner Stephane Henchoz, Paul Jones the Southampton keeper who only ever played 3 games for Liverpool during an emergency loan spell, alongside him Norwegian...
I have watched a bit of Neymar through the Copa Libertadores competiton this season (it's a pity that the final is on so late last night). Neymar has been outstanding as usual. Here is his performance from the final 1st leg, on the ball and off the ball he is excellent, but South America he is afforded so much space and protection from the referees that he would never get in any European leagues, I hope if he does come over he can adapt. But...
