Showing 1 - 10 of 50
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.
Doomed Vale dare to dream against Blues at Stamford Bridge
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 14/03/2026
» The best thing about the FA Cup is that it briefly puts the spotlight on clubs that would normally hardly receive a mention and this season it has been refreshing seeing teams like Mansfield and Macclesfield enjoying their moment in the sun. Last week's fifth round didn't let us down either with struggling League One side Port Vale upsetting Sunderland from the Premier League.
A sporting year of cheers, jeers and tears that will be remembered
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 27/12/2025
» It's that time of the year to acknowledge the men and women who have graced the sports pages over the past 12 months. It has been a year of mixed emotions. Here are a few of those who have contributed to the memorable moments of 2025.
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.
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.
A mixed bag at the Club World Cup
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 21/06/2025
» The opening week of Fifa's Club World Cup in the United States has at times felt more like pre-season warm ups for the clubs involved rather than a serious competition featuring some of the top clubs in the world. However, despite the oppressive heat there have been some decent games and things are expected to pick up when it gets to the business end of this four-week tournament.
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.
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.
New boss Tuchel has a tough task ahead
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 19/10/2024
» The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England coach has been met with mixed reactions. While it has generally been well received by fans, some of the tabloids are unhappy the job hasn't gone to an Englishman. They are particularly upset at Tuchel being German, digging up fallacious archaic arguments going back to World War II.