Showing 1 - 10 of 53
Tudor faces huge challenge in first match at Tottenham
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 21/02/2026
» The north London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal has always been a hard-fought affair but this weekend's clash is even tastier than usual with the outcome crucial for both sides, if for totally contrasting reasons.
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.
Call grows for third National League spot
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 07/06/2025
» As Oldham Athletic celebrate their return to the Football League after defeating Southend United in a thrilling Wembley playoff there have been strong calls for the National League to be given three promotion slots to League Two as opposed to the current two.
'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.
From the Ammies to the Posh
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/10/2024
» While most football fans know the nicknames of clubs in the Premier League and Championship they are probably less familiar with those in the lower divisions. Some simply reflect a team's colours or a variation on the club name. But many provide an insight into the cultural and economic environment of towns and regions where the clubs first developed.
Club anthems play inspirational role
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 28/09/2024
» When the Leicester team came out onto the pitch at the King Power Stadium last Saturday it was good to hear they are still greeted by the stirring strains of the Post-Horn Gallop. It must be the most traditional piece of music to grace a football stadium in the English League and quite appropriate for a team nicknamed the Foxes.
It's a stable season for managers
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 08/06/2024
» One of the more intriguing aspects of the recently concluded Premier League action is that there were only three managerial changes during the entire season. This was in sharp contrast to the previous season which proved to be a merry-go-round with only nine of the top-flight teams keeping the manager they had started with.
Can the Hammers upset the applecart on last day of season?
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 18/05/2024
» Only West Ham stand in the way of Manchester City picking up a record fourth consecutive Premier League title tomorrow although it would be fair to say not too many football fans can see the Hammers upsetting City at the Etihad Stadium.
Feathers will be flying in Battle of the Birds at Amex stadium
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 03/02/2024
» There are plenty of tasty Premier League matches this weekend but it is unlikely that any will match the intensity of the clash between Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at the Amex stadium on the south coast today.
It's a big weekend for Shots and Stones
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 06/01/2024
» Although the appeal of the English FA Cup is not what it used to be, the third round still produces one of the more entertaining weekends in English football, especially for clubs in the lower divisions.