Showing 1 - 10 of 1,003
Hard road ahead for Leeds and Burnley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/04/2025
» While the hectic Easter schedule resolved some key promotion and relegation issues in the English Football League there are plenty of teams that still don't know what division they will be in next season. It will all be sorted in the coming days whether by direct promotion, relegation or through gruelling playoffs.
Playing from the back takes skill
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 19/04/2025
» Back in the old days when football was a straightforward game our school coach had an equally straightforward golden rule for defenders -- "Never pass the ball around in your own penalty area. Just hoof it!" That might explain why we did not win any medals.
Bantams hope for magic touch
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/04/2025
» Despite having a population approaching half a million the West Yorkshire city of Bradford has underachieved when it comes to football bragging rights. However, Bradford City are hoping this season will see a much-needed change in fortune, even if it is just a small step.
Nervous times in England as lower division clubs battle for glory
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 05/04/2025
» As the English football season approaches the business end there are some terrific skirmishes going on in the lower divisions of the Football League. Much depends on how the players can adapt to the pressure of striving for promotion or fighting relegation. It is grassroots football at its best.
It's a big day for Preston's Lillywhites
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 29/03/2025
» Outside Preston North End's Deepdale Stadium there is an eye-catching statue of the club's greatest-ever player, the late Sir Tom Finney. The statue is known as "The Splash" as it was inspired by a dramatic photograph of Finney aqua-planing while playing against Chelsea on a waterlogged Stamford Bridge pitch in 1956.
Redemption for striker Joelinton thanks to 'best coach' Howe
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 22/03/2025
» Just about everything has been said about Newcastle's historic victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last weekend. It might surprise some that Eddie Howe is the first English manager to win a domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp lifted the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.
Newcastle just want some big silverware
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 15/03/2025
» It is no secret Newcastle United are in desperate need of silverware and they have the opportunity to pick up their first trophy in 69 years when they appear in the Carabao Cup (aka League Cup/EFL Cup) at Wembley tomorrow.
New corruption scandal roils EU parliament
AFP, Published on 13/03/2025
» BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) - A new graft scandal rocked the European Parliament on Thursday after police carried out several raids in Belgium and Portugal, detaining multiple suspects as part of a probe into corruption masqueraded as lobbying.
Hughes hoping to save cellar dwellers Carlisle from relegation
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 08/03/2025
» As a player, former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Mark Hughes was never one to shy away from a challenge. But he has probably never faced a bigger test than his current task of trying to save Carlisle United from dropping out of the Football League.
It's desperate times for Luton
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 01/03/2025
» In the Premier League there is a distinct possibility that the three newly promoted sides could be going straight back down, although Ipswich and Leicester fans might dispute that. Rather ominously the same thing happened the previous season.