Showing 1 - 10 of 136
Old Firm changes leave an opening for 'Nearly Men' Hearts
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 01/11/2025
» At the start of the season probably no managerial seat in British football looked more secure than that of Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park. In his second spell at Celtic he had just won successive titles to go with the other two he earned during his first stint in 2017 and 2018. With Old Firm rivals Rangers in disarray and sacking manager Russell Martin things looked nicely set up for Rodgers to add to the Celtic trophy cabinet.
Isak's long-drawn transfer saga a sign of the times
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 06/09/2025
» It is a relief for all football fans that the sorry saga of the Alexander Isak transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool has finally been resolved. Only time will tell who will benefit most although Isak's agent is no doubt sporting the biggest grin after the record £125 million transfer.
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.
Queens of Europe: Hann and her pride revel in glory
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 02/08/2025
» The public enthusiasm which greeted the victory of England's Lionesses over world champions Spain in the women's Euro 2025 final in Switzerland last Sunday is an indication of just how far the women's game has progressed in recent years. The high standard of football throughout the tournament made it a pleasure to watch.
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.
Wrexham make league history
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 03/05/2025
» While Liverpool were deservedly clinching their 20th top flight title last weekend, just 40km down the road across the Welsh border a less heralded club were making their own piece of history.
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.
Bantams hope for magic touch
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 12/04/2025
» Despite having a population approaching half a million the West Yorkshire city of Bradford has underachieved when it comes to football bragging rights. However, Bradford City are hoping this season will see a much-needed change in fortune, even if it is just a small step.
It's a big day for Preston's Lillywhites
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 29/03/2025
» Outside Preston North End's Deepdale Stadium there is an eye-catching statue of the club's greatest-ever player, the late Sir Tom Finney. The statue is known as "The Splash" as it was inspired by a dramatic photograph of Finney aqua-planing while playing against Chelsea on a waterlogged Stamford Bridge pitch in 1956.
Hughes hoping to save cellar dwellers Carlisle from relegation
Sports, Nobby Piles, Published on 08/03/2025
» As a player, former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Mark Hughes was never one to shy away from a challenge. But he has probably never faced a bigger test than his current task of trying to save Carlisle United from dropping out of the Football League.