Showing 1 - 10 of 141
Hard road ahead for Leeds and Burnley
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/04/2025
» While the hectic Easter schedule resolved some key promotion and relegation issues in the English Football League there are plenty of teams that still don't know what division they will be in next season. It will all be sorted in the coming days whether by direct promotion, relegation or through gruelling playoffs.
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.
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.
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.
It's a big day for Preston's Lillywhites
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 29/03/2025
» Outside Preston North End's Deepdale Stadium there is an eye-catching statue of the club's greatest-ever player, the late Sir Tom Finney. The statue is known as "The Splash" as it was inspired by a dramatic photograph of Finney aqua-planing while playing against Chelsea on a waterlogged Stamford Bridge pitch in 1956.
Newcastle just want some big silverware
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 15/03/2025
» It is no secret Newcastle United are in desperate need of silverware and they have the opportunity to pick up their first trophy in 69 years when they appear in the Carabao Cup (aka League Cup/EFL Cup) at Wembley tomorrow.
Wintry backdrop to FA Cup 3rd round
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/01/2025
» Although the appeal of the English FA Cup has waned over the years, the third round is still eagerly anticipated especially for the smaller clubs that have battled hard just to get this far. It is the time the heavyweights join the competition and when a minnow takes on a Premier League giant it is the essence of the Cup.
Liverpool dominate as difficult times befall Manchester clubs
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 03/01/2025
» We're midway through the Premier League season and the top half of the table is not exactly what most pundits would have envisaged at the start of the campaign. It is actually a refreshing situation unless you are a supporter of the two big Manchester clubs who have suffered a particularly unsettling time.
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.
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.