Archive for May, 2009
Sometimes all you need is a look
Sport offers us many confrontations and battles and one of the most infamous cricketing clashes of the last 20 years is THAT one between Allan Donald and Michael Atherton at Trent Bridge in 1998. The duel in the fourth innings of the match has been described as one of the most intense and electrifying pieces [...]
Guardiola can take his time in ruling the world
In watching Barca stroll to victory in the Champions League final tonight, Rome witnessed the beginning of a managerial reign that could span two decades. Play his cards right and Pep Guardiola may become Spain’s answer to Sir Alex Ferguson, with even more trophies.
Youth is certainly in the Spaniard’s favour. The former Barcelona midfielder was appointed the manager of his boyhood club [...]
You’re only meant to sing when you’re winning Phil
So after all the calculations, debate and predictions all four teams involved in Survival Sunday did exactly what all relegation candidates do best. They all lost and both Sunderland and Hull City survived thanks to the failings of others. Surely then, when the final whistle blew, both Ricky Sbragia and Phil Brown should have breathed a huge [...]
The Damned Town
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Luton Town are the modern day equivalent of The Damned United.
First, they suffered an unprecedented thirty point deduction at the start of last season to leave them with a mountain to climb to even avoid relegation. Then, despite battling valliantly under manager Mick Harford, the Hatters eventually succumbed to the inevitable and were relegated to the Football League. [...]
Separated at birth: Survival Sunday special
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Manchester United have always had a reputation for producing good youngsters but we’re starting to get slightly worried Alex Ferguson has resorted to cloning to prolong United’s domination.
Lee Martin and Richie de Laet, two of the latest crop, played today in the third team put out against at Hull with both displaying the same slight frame, lightening [...]
The Pope and Swift guide to Survival Sunday
Euro 96 all over again
Euro 96 is defined by two iconic images. One sees Alan Shearer, wheeling away, arms outstretch and slightly cocked after scoring his second and England’s third in a thumping group victory over the Netherlands. The other sees Gareth Southgate, the towering centre back at the heart of England’s progress, disconsolate, arms fastened to his [...]
The Pope and Swift guide to Survival Sunday
Was it for this?
On Saturday 13th September 2008, Hull City beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James Park and in doing so, made many spectators and pundits realise that perhaps Phil Brown’s side were actually serious about this whole avoiding relegation lark. The two sides are currently seperated by just one point and the importance of this result is clear for [...]
They are big but its not clever
Jonas Olsson must be a tad disappointed. The West Brom centre back would have been looking forward to this weekend, knowing he would be facing Blackburn’s lumbering emergency centre forward Christopher Samba. The Congo international has been used up front by Sam Allardyce in recent weeks but has failed to score, even when faced with Sylvian Distin. [...]
Only one Cook can spoil this broth
There will be many factors which will determine the winners of the Ashes this summer. How many hundreds Philip Hughes hits for the Aussies, the form of Fred and Kev, the weather, the list goes on. But one factor which may be missed from the endless previews and tips which will be hurled at us by the [...]
Football’s most influential player?
Some players provide sparkle within a team. Others demonstrate grit and endeveaour. And then there are the players who influence the team with their mere presence, simply by just being on the pitch.  Â
Martin Laursen is one such player. Today, Laursen retired at the age of 31 after encountering severe knee problems. In the absence since his last appearance against West Brom, Villa have [...]