Showing 1 - 10 of 89
Smiles to sorrow: Leicester City's stunning fall from EPL glory
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 25/04/2026
» At the start of the 2016-17 Premier League season there was a wonderful moment when Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri escorted onto the pitch Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who went on to sing Nessun Dorma to the joyful crowd at the packed King Power Stadium.
Robbo, the man who made Forest dream
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 03/01/2026
» Tributes have been pouring in for the late Nottingham Forest star John Robertson who passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 72. The Scot's death brings back memories of Forest's extraordinary achievements in the late 1970s which included winning two successive European Cups (now Champions League), in which the hugely talented left-winger played such an important role.
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.
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.
Queens of Europe: Hann and her pride revel in glory
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 02/08/2025
» The public enthusiasm which greeted the victory of England's Lionesses over world champions Spain in the women's Euro 2025 final in Switzerland last Sunday is an indication of just how far the women's game has progressed in recent years. The high standard of football throughout the tournament made it a pleasure to watch.
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.
Nervous times for under pressure bosses
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 21/12/2024
» It's that time of the year when managers of struggling teams start getting a bit nervous about their immediate future. These fears are not unfounded as witnessed last weekend when two Premier League gaffers were axed on the same day.
Dominant Manchester City aiming for five titles in a row
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 17/08/2024
» With Manchester City having won the Premier League title six of the last seven seasons, the league could really do with a different name at the top just for a change. The current situation sparks reminders of the early days of the Premier League when City rivals Manchester United dominated the league, winning eight of the first 11 titles.
Watkins adds spark to England attack
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 13/07/2024
» Considering all the negative comments they have been subjected to throughout the tournament it seems quite remarkable that England have actually made it to the Euro 2024 final. They have achieved this with a mixture of good fortune, battling spirit and a most timely goal courtesy of Ollie Watkins.
A 'strange environment' for Southgate
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 29/06/2024
» England's progress at Euro 24 has a strong soap opera feel to it. They must be one of the few teams ever to top their group at a Euro tournament and still get booed off by their fans and pilloried in the media. To be fair, the fans cheered their team during the game and saved the boos for after the final whistle... all very English.