Showing 1 - 10 of 25
The umpire who became a legend
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 27/09/2025
» The widespread tributes to cricket umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird who passed away this week at the age of 92 show how much he was admired in the cricketing world. It is extremely rare for an official in any sport to be acknowledged in such a manner, but Bird was someone special. He was an eccentric character and the subject of many anecdotes.
Eagles hope to upset the Sky Blues
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 17/05/2025
» When Manchester City and Crystal Palace line up for the 144th FA Cup Final at Wembley today, there is little doubt that the Sky Blues will start as strong favourites. However Palace, who have not won a major trophy in their entire history, will be no pushover and many neutrals would love to see the Eagles win their first-ever FA Cup title. A new name on the trophy is always welcome.
From Jeeno's record win to Federer's tribute: Celebrating the best
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 28/12/2024
» It's that time of the year when Nobby hauls himself out of the armchair and acknowledges the men and women who have graced the sports pages this past year. Here are just a few memorable moments beginning with the Thai successes, particularly the kingdom's female golfers who did themselves proud.
Desperate times for Royals as club fights to survive
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 20/01/2024
» As a life-long Reading fan it was very sad to witness the scenes at my home town club last Saturday. The League One match between Reading and visiting Port Vale was abandoned after 16 minutes when an estimated 1,000 fans ran onto the pitch to protest against Royals' owner Dai Yongge, a Chinese businessman.
Bantams have the fans but unfortunately not the results
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/11/2023
» With another international break, it seems an appropriate time to spotlight a team from League Two which at least has nearly a full programme today.
Referees pay the penalty for disputed decision at Old Trafford
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 19/08/2023
» Although there were no major upsets in the opening weekend of the Premier League, the action wasn't devoid of talking points.
Royals return to their third-tier roots after remarkable 21 years
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 20/05/2023
» It understandably didn't make many headlines but after a miserable season, my home town team of Reading have been relegated to League One -- their first time down in the third-tier in 21 years.
Motty, the voice of football for five decades
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 04/03/2023
» The recent death of legendary English football commentator John Motson at the age of 77 prompted many tributes from fans, players and broadcasters alike.
England have 50-50 chance in enticing clash against Les Bleus
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 10/12/2022
» The World Cup has set up some mouthwatering match-ups in the quarter-finals, two of which were played last night.
Relegation looms as reeling Royals experience a week to forget
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 15/01/2022
» It has not been the best of weeks for my home town team of Reading currently hovering in a precarious 21st place in the Championship.