Showing 1 - 10 of 104
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.
Toffees settle fast at new home
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 30/08/2025
» Everton have enjoyed a successful start at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a spirited 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League followed by a similar score against Mansfield Town in the League Cup.
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.
England-India Test series nicely poised after drama at Lord's
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 19/07/2025
» India and England produced another great advertisement for Test cricket with a tense encounter at Lord's in the third of the five-match series. A packed crowd at the home of cricket witnessed a dramatic final day on Monday in which England held on to win by just 22 runs after an admirable Indian fightback led by Ravindra Jadeja.
Flying PSG pose huge challenge for Chelsea
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/07/2025
» The Club World Cup has had its critics but after a slow start and problems concerning the brutal heat it promises to serve up a tasty climax tomorrow as surprise finalists Chelsea take on strong favourites Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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.
Eagles hope to upset the Sky Blues
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 17/05/2025
» When Manchester City and Crystal Palace line up for the 144th FA Cup Final at Wembley today, there is little doubt that the Sky Blues will start as strong favourites. However Palace, who have not won a major trophy in their entire history, will be no pushover and many neutrals would love to see the Eagles win their first-ever FA Cup title. A new name on the trophy is always welcome.
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.
Plymouth Argyle hope FA Cup success will boost League survival
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 15/02/2025
» Last Sunday saw a huge shock in the FA Cup when Plymouth Argyle, bottom of the second-tier Championship, upset Premier League and Champions League favourites Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park. Admittedly, Liverpool fielded a second-string side, but they still had been expected to win comfortably against the struggling Devon club.
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.