Showing 1 - 10 of 37
There's plenty to fight for as Championship nears climax
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/04/2026
» You can usually rely on the Championship to provide drama at this stage of the season and this year is proving to be no exception. While Coventry City only need a point from last night's game at Blackburn Rovers to clinch a return to the Premier League after 25 years, there is a major scrap going on for the second automatic promotion place.
Call grows for third National League spot
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 07/06/2025
» As Oldham Athletic celebrate their return to the Football League after defeating Southend United in a thrilling Wembley playoff there have been strong calls for the National League to be given three promotion slots to League Two as opposed to the current two.
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.
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.
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.
Wembley hosts Moors and Bromley Boys
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 04/05/2024
» This weekend is crunch time for two little-known teams who will be battling for a place in the Football League for the first time when Solihull Moors take on Bromley in the National League play-off tomorrow at Wembley.
Leicester poised for return to top flight
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 27/04/2024
» In similar fashion to the Premier League there is an intense three-way battle for the honours in the Championship although Leicester City look like a good bet for a speedy return to top flight action.
Tough times for clubs in the ‘Steel City’
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 13/04/2024
» Football fans in Sheffield can be forgiven if they are currently feeling a strong sense of déjà vu. Three seasons ago in March 2021 the opening paragraph in this column read: “It has not been a good year for football fans in the city of Sheffield, with United almost certain to drop out of the Premier League and Sheffield Wednesday clinging on by their fingernails in the Championship relegation battle.”
Premier League's bottom trio face daunting season
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 30/09/2023
» Just take a glance at the English Premier League table and there are ominous signs for the three newly-promoted Championship teams who occupy the bottom three places.
Can anyone stop Manchester City this season in Premier League?
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/08/2023
» In the early days of the Premier League a common headline at the start of each season was "Who Can Stop United?'' It was a reference to Manchester United who won the title a remarkable eight times in the first 11 seasons, with only Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal preventing complete domination.