Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Naming stadiums can be a bit tricky and sometimes awkward
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 26/07/2025
» When the new Premier League season kicks off, the fixtures will be graced by a brand new stadium courtesy of Everton FC which has finally left the "Old Lady" of Goodison Park after 133 years. The Toffees' new home at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey is called the Hill Dickinson Stadium after the international law firm that holds the naming rights.
Weather could hold key to Royal Liverpool
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 22/07/2023
» The definitive book on Royal Liverpool, Hoylake is entitled Mighty Winds ... Mighty Champions, reflecting the essence of the course. If the winds blow with vigour this weekend at the 151st Open Championship the eventual winner will indeed be a mighty champion.
The charm of team names in Scottish football league
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 25/03/2023
» For all the criticism of the Scottish League, there is no disputing they boast some of the most attractive club names in football.
Mixed results for Thai owners of teams in England
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/06/2022
» Exciting though the past football season was, it has also served as a reminder for Thai owners that it is definitely not all honey and roses running an English club.
Fulham are back, but can they stay there?
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 23/04/2022
» Life is definitely never boring for Fulham football fans. Three promotions and two relegations in the last five seasons sounds like value for money.
Small teams eye upsets in FA Cup amidst coronavirus uncertainty
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 09/01/2021
» In normal times, this week's FA Cup third round would create bit of a buzz.
Things that could have been better said by commentators
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/04/2020
» Following last week's column on the verbal gems football commentators have treated us to in the past, it seems only fair to acknowledge other sports in which commentators have performed heroically over the years.
Wembley play-offs not for weaklings
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 01/06/2019
» Aside from suffering relegation, a play-off final is probably the most stressful experience for any football fan. The very fact they are in the play-offs means the club has experienced a decent season, but everything comes down to one game and a defeat means it's just a wasted year, so near and yet so far. It's the hope that kills you.
Mixed fortunes for Thai-owned clubs
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/05/2019
» Reports that Thaksin Shinawatra has been in talks with Crystal Palace concerning a takeover bid have been denied by the club, according to the Evening Standard.
Spurs move into a brave new world
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 30/03/2019
» As a student in London in the mid 1960s, whenever possible I would take in a game at one of big football clubs. Having been brought up watching Reading in the old Third Division at their modest Elm Park home, just being in a large stadium with crowds of more than 30,000 was itself a thrill.