Showing 1 - 10 of 11
A sporting year of cheers, jeers and tears that will be remembered
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 27/12/2025
» It's that time of the year to acknowledge the men and women who have graced the sports pages over the past 12 months. It has been a year of mixed emotions. Here are a few of those who have contributed to the memorable moments of 2025.
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.
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.
Feathers will be flying in Battle of the Birds at Amex stadium
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 03/02/2024
» There are plenty of tasty Premier League matches this weekend but it is unlikely that any will match the intensity of the clash between Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at the Amex stadium on the south coast today.
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.
Mixed emotions in aftermath of England’s defeat at Wembley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/07/2021
» The headline for this column last week read “Let’s hope Three Lions v Azzurri showdown doesn’t go to penalties” — and we all know what happened.
Mixed emotions in aftermath of England's defeat at Wembley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 17/07/2021
» The headline for this column last week read "Let's hope Three Lions v Azzurri showdown doesn't go to penalties" -- and we all know what happened.
Spurs move into a brave new world
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 30/03/2019
» As a student in London in the mid 1960s, whenever possible I would take in a game at one of big football clubs. Having been brought up watching Reading in the old Third Division at their modest Elm Park home, just being in a large stadium with crowds of more than 30,000 was itself a thrill.
The Tangerine Army is on the march
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 09/03/2019
» Blackpool supporters are planning a major celebratory parade from the seafront to their Bloomfield Road stadium before today's match against Southend after winning a crucial victory... off the pitch. The festivities featuring the mighty Tangerine Army have been prompted by the news that the extremely unpopular owners, the Oyston family, have finally been ousted from the club following a High Court order.
The Hive ready for Battle of the Bees
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/01/2019
» The third round of the FA Cup earlier this month witnessed more than the usual number of upsets with six Premier League sides falling by the wayside, including league leaders Liverpool. There are unlikely to be as many upsets in this weekend's fourth round action, but there are potential banana-skins facing some of the more fancied teams.