Showing 1 - 10 of 68
Lincoln's Imps the first English side to celebrate promotion
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/04/2026
» We are at the business end of the 2025-26 season in the English Football League and the first club to celebrate promotion are Lincoln City of League One. The Imps' 2-1 win at Reading last Monday was enough to guarantee a place in the Championship, the first time they have been in the second tier in 65 years.
Gunners and Black Cats prepare for a scrap at Stadium of Light
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 08/11/2025
» Arsenal fans certainly do not need reminding that it has been 21 long years since their club last won the Premier League title. That 2004 success was historic with the Gunners being the first team to achieve the title without a single defeat in a 38-game season.
In Frank we trust! Lampard enjoying a big change of fortune
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/10/2025
» It is no secret that former great footballers do not necessarily enjoy the same success in their role as managers or coaches. The most recent example has been Wayne Rooney, who has discovered being a gaffer can be a very demanding job.
Delap Special! Long throws back in business in Premier League
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 13/09/2025
» Ever since the rules of football were introduced the humble throw-in has been the poor relation of the free-kick. The throw-in has always been a convenient uncontroversial device to keep the game moving rather than providing any great advantage to the team awarded the throw.
Sounds of Prokofiev inspires Black Cats in Premier League opener
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/08/2025
» The most interesting aspect of the first week's results in the Premier League is that two of the newly promoted teams won their opening games, unlike the clubs involved last season, all of whom were later relegated. It is only the third time the newcomers have experienced such a good start since the Premier League was established in 1992.
Naming stadiums can be a bit tricky and sometimes awkward
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/07/2025
» When the new Premier League season kicks off, the fixtures will be graced by a brand new stadium courtesy of Everton FC which has finally left the "Old Lady" of Goodison Park after 133 years. The Toffees' new home at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey is called the Hill Dickinson Stadium after the international law firm that holds the naming rights.
A mixed bag at the Club World Cup
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 21/06/2025
» The opening week of Fifa's Club World Cup in the United States has at times felt more like pre-season warm ups for the clubs involved rather than a serious competition featuring some of the top clubs in the world. However, despite the oppressive heat there have been some decent games and things are expected to pick up when it gets to the business end of this four-week tournament.
Playoff joy for Cats, Addicks and Wombles
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 31/05/2025
» While attention last week was naturally on the final day of the Premier League, we must not overlook some intriguing playoffs that have been going on at Wembley. A playoff final can be a stressful experience for both club and fans alike. The very fact they are at Wembley means the club have experienced a decent season, but everything comes down to one game. A defeat feels like it has been another wasted year, so near and yet so far.
It's a brave move by Alexander-Arnold
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 10/05/2025
» It has been a hugely emotional time for Liverpool fans in recent weeks. The joy of running away with the Premier League title has been tempered somewhat by the pending departure of one of their finest players, Trent Alexander-Arnold, almost certainly to Real Madrid.
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.