Showing 1 - 10 of 65
Lincoln's Imps the first English side to celebrate promotion
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 11/04/2026
» We are at the business end of the 2025-26 season in the English Football League and the first club to celebrate promotion are Lincoln City of League One. The Imps' 2-1 win at Reading last Monday was enough to guarantee a place in the Championship, the first time they have been in the second tier in 65 years.
Gunners and Black Cats prepare for a scrap at Stadium of Light
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 08/11/2025
» Arsenal fans certainly do not need reminding that it has been 21 long years since their club last won the Premier League title. That 2004 success was historic with the Gunners being the first team to achieve the title without a single defeat in a 38-game season.
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.
Liverpool look to be in the driving seat
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 16/08/2025
» After being bombarded by transfer news for weeks, it is something of a relief that the 2025-26 Premier League season is finally getting underway this weekend. One game has already been played, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield last night. It would be nice if they could all start the season on the same day.
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.
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.
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.
Midweek goal fest: 35 strikes, thrilling ties
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 07/12/2024
» For many years there has been something special about matches between Newcastle and Liverpool that guarantees entertainment. Fans were not disappointed in the midweek clash at St James' Park as they witnessed a 3-3 thriller in a game that some called the best of the season.