Showing 1 - 10 of 112
Another FA Cup opportunity for the Silkmen
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 14/02/2026
» With seven Premier League teams away to lower league sides in this weekend's fourth round of the FA Cup, there is the potential for an upset or two, which is the essence of this competition.
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.
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.
Cod almighty! Promising times for magical Mariners
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/09/2025
» League Two Side Grimsby Town continued their sparkling run in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) last week by reaching the fourth round after defeating struggling Championship side Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 away at Hillsborough.
Mixed emotions on Ange's departure from Tottenham
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 14/06/2025
» There have been differing reactions to the departure of Ange Postecoglou as manager of Tottenham Hotspur. However, the reality was that winning the Europa trophy was not enough to disguise what had otherwise been a grim season with Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League.
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.
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.
'3 B's' give hope to the smaller clubs
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 14/12/2024
» Back in the 1960s as a teenager I would regularly visit Elm Park to watch my home town team Reading in the old Third Division. Among the visiting sides were Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford. Just like Reading, these clubs looked destined to stay in the lower divisions forever although by some miracle Reading made it to the Premier League in 2006 for an all-too-brief stay.