Saturday, March 31, 2007
Hiddink
Guus Hiddink is being lined up to join Chelsea as general manager under a new club structure, as a buffer between Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich.
Consoles
Arsenal fans will soon be able to watch instant action replays of matches by bringing their own mini-games consoles to the Emirates stadium.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Berbatov!
Shirt
England captain John Terry clashed with Andorra skipper Oscar Sonejee in an angry tunnel bust-up after his rival had swapped shirts with Jermain Defoe.Sonejee : “It was a really ugly moment. I had Defoe’s shirt in my hand to swap for mine. But Terry rammed into me with a really hard shove and snatched it.”
Terry was reacting to Andorra’s play-acting and fouling during the 3-0 Euro qualifying win for Steve McClaren’s men on Wednesday.
Sonejee, who also upset England with the way he marked Wayne Rooney, added: “We were down the tunnel. Terry took the shirt and ordered all the England players into the dressing room.”
Bankrupt
Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise has been declared bankrupt at Liverpool County Court today for an unpaid debt of around £100,000. The 26-year-old, understood to earn £50,000 a week, is listed as a bankrupt on the government's Insolvency Service website.
Legally, a bankrupt is a person who has debts they cannot pay. It names Riise, gives his address, but fails to list his occupation, giving the status "Currently Bankrupt".
Riise is involved in a legal battle with his former agent, Einar Baardsen, over how his money has been invested. Baardsen stopped representing the player in 2005.
Legally, a bankrupt is a person who has debts they cannot pay. It names Riise, gives his address, but fails to list his occupation, giving the status "Currently Bankrupt".
Riise is involved in a legal battle with his former agent, Einar Baardsen, over how his money has been invested. Baardsen stopped representing the player in 2005.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Steve McClaren latest betting
McClaren to be in charge for last game of Euro 2008 Qualification:
4/11 Yes
15/8 No
11/2 McClaren to not be England manager for England’s next competitive match (June 6, Estonia away).
To Qualify For Euro 2008:
8/15 Yes
11/8 No
Next England manager:
5/1 Guus Hiddink
8/1 Phil Scolari
8/1 Martin O’Neill
9/1 Sam Allardyce
14/1 Marcello Lippi
14/1 Terry Venables
16/1 Arsene Wenger
16/1 Steve Coppell
16/1 Alan Curbishley
16/1 Jose Mourinho
16/1 Fabio Capello
16/1 Ottmar Hitzfeld
20/1 Alex Ferguson
20/1 Stuart Pearce
33/1 Gerard Houllier
33/1 Alan Shearer
33/1 Gareth Southgate
40/1 Mark Hughes
50/1 Bobby Robson
100/1 Sven Goran Eriksson
100/1 David Beckham
500/1 Clive Woodward
1000/1 Tony Blair
4/11 Yes
15/8 No
11/2 McClaren to not be England manager for England’s next competitive match (June 6, Estonia away).
To Qualify For Euro 2008:
8/15 Yes
11/8 No
Next England manager:
5/1 Guus Hiddink
8/1 Phil Scolari
8/1 Martin O’Neill
9/1 Sam Allardyce
14/1 Marcello Lippi
14/1 Terry Venables
16/1 Arsene Wenger
16/1 Steve Coppell
16/1 Alan Curbishley
16/1 Jose Mourinho
16/1 Fabio Capello
16/1 Ottmar Hitzfeld
20/1 Alex Ferguson
20/1 Stuart Pearce
33/1 Gerard Houllier
33/1 Alan Shearer
33/1 Gareth Southgate
40/1 Mark Hughes
50/1 Bobby Robson
100/1 Sven Goran Eriksson
100/1 David Beckham
500/1 Clive Woodward
1000/1 Tony Blair
Clichy
Arsenal star Gael Clichy has revealed how he ‘died’ on the operating table after a freak accident — on Friday the 13th.The drama began when he lost a finger while attempting to jump a fence on the way to his football academy at Cannes in southern France.
Clichy, 21, recalled: “At Cannes, the stadium was being reconstructed. My friend and I decided to cut through the building site to get back to the academy quicker.
“When I jumped over a metal fence my ring got caught and I tore my finger off.
“I had a seven-hour operation to sew everything back on but at some point I had a problem with my lungs — and my heart stopped for 20 seconds.”
The drama took place on Friday the 13th and the doctor at the hospital said it was a miracle that Clichy, then aged 15, survived.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
£30,000
Andorran skipper Oscar Sonejee drives a VW Golf and works all year as an insurance salesman, earning £30,000 a year before bonuses.
Rio Ferdinand earns that in four days.
Rio Ferdinand earns that in four days.
Andorra
Jobs that the players have ...
Koldo (coaches Andorra’s youth teams)
Ayala (gardener)
Sonejee (insurance salesman)
Lima (technical secretary)
Fernandez (businessman)
Escura (estate agent)
Bernaus (pro footballer)
Pujol (businessman)
Ruiz (FC Andorra coach)
Vieira (businessman)
Toscano (student)
Among the subs:
Xavi (ski-shop sales assistant)
Jimenez (electrician)
Sanchez (wine seller)
Rubio (student)
Koldo (coaches Andorra’s youth teams)
Ayala (gardener)
Sonejee (insurance salesman)
Lima (technical secretary)
Fernandez (businessman)
Escura (estate agent)
Bernaus (pro footballer)
Pujol (businessman)
Ruiz (FC Andorra coach)
Vieira (businessman)
Toscano (student)
Among the subs:
Xavi (ski-shop sales assistant)
Jimenez (electrician)
Sanchez (wine seller)
Rubio (student)
Zanzibar
Only African minnows Zanzibar, who are so bad they are not even recognised by FIFA, have as bad a record in the past five games as England :
England Played 5 Won 0 Drawn 3 Lost 2 For 1 Against 4
Zanzibar Played 5 Won 0 Drawn 3Lost 2 For 1 Against 9
England Played 5 Won 0 Drawn 3 Lost 2 For 1 Against 4
Zanzibar Played 5 Won 0 Drawn 3Lost 2 For 1 Against 9
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Knickerbockers
For 65 years, following the first international match in 1872, England’s players took the pitch with no identification - no numbers or names on their shirts. The players were identified in the match programmes only by their position. Also interesting is the outfits they wore in that first match ...
Scotland - Dark blue shirts with a single-lion crest, white knickerbockers, blue and white striped stockings, red head cowls.
England - White shirts with three-lions crest, white knickerbockers, dark blue caps.
Monday, March 26, 2007
£2.5 million
Sacking Steve McClaren would cost the Football Association only £2.5 million, it has emerged, as England's beleaguered head coach has a severance clause of one year's salary in a contract that expires in 2010.McClaren's future is in doubt, following Saturday's 0-0 draw in Israel and an ensuing angry dispute with Wayne Rooney, hinting at a degree of dressing-room unrest.
Row
England’s faltering European Championship qualifying campaign has been further damaged by a dressing-room row between Wayne Rooney and Steve McClaren. It is understood that Rooney reacted angrily to the head coach’s criticism of his below-par performance in the 0-0 draw against Israel in Tel Aviv and shouted back in a heated exchange.
The Manchester United striker is also believed to have thrown his boots and kit at the wall in frustration, though they did not hit McClaren or any of Rooney’s teammates. The argument was so loud that it was heard by Israel players in the adjoining dressing-room at the Ramat Gan Stadium.
The Manchester United striker is also believed to have thrown his boots and kit at the wall in frustration, though they did not hit McClaren or any of Rooney’s teammates. The argument was so loud that it was heard by Israel players in the adjoining dressing-room at the Ramat Gan Stadium.
Booze ban
Scottish fans have been hit with a Bari booze ban before the Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy.
The mayor of the Italian city has ordered no alcohol be available for sale in pubs, restaurants and other outlets on Wednesday after talks with UEFA and his own security officials.
Euro bosses have deemed the qualifier high risk as a result of the recent violence in Italy that led to the death of a policeman.
The British Embassy contacted the SFA and Tartan Army associations yesterday afternoon with the news the 5000 travelling fans will be allowed to buy soft drinks only.
An SFA spokesman said: "No alcohol will be sold in the city on the day of the game."
The Tartan Army have organised a fan embassy in Bari next week, ironically in a pub, to give the fans the lowdown on the city and other useful information.
The mayor of the Italian city has ordered no alcohol be available for sale in pubs, restaurants and other outlets on Wednesday after talks with UEFA and his own security officials.
Euro bosses have deemed the qualifier high risk as a result of the recent violence in Italy that led to the death of a policeman.
The British Embassy contacted the SFA and Tartan Army associations yesterday afternoon with the news the 5000 travelling fans will be allowed to buy soft drinks only.
An SFA spokesman said: "No alcohol will be sold in the city on the day of the game."
The Tartan Army have organised a fan embassy in Bari next week, ironically in a pub, to give the fans the lowdown on the city and other useful information.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Krankie
A bronze statue of former Southampton footballer and manager Ted Bates was removed yesterday just days after it was unveiled outside the club's St Mary's ground.The statue became the object of derision from the Championship club's supporters, who raised more than £45,000 towards the £112,000 cost of the figure. They called it an insult to Bates's memory and complained that his arms were too long, his legs too short and his head too big. Some said it looked like former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric, or the comic character Wee Jimmy Krankie. The club said a new statue would be needed if it could not be altered. The statue was erected by the Ted Bates Trust in tribute to the man who served Southampton for 66 years before his death in 2003.
Fist
The Dutch Football Association has reminded its match officials not to show public shows of emotion or jubiliation in the wake of referee Eric Braamhaar's apparent delight at an Ajax goal against PSV last week.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Lucky charms
Struggling Primera Liga side Celta Vigo have called on their fans to loan their lucky charms to the club in the hope they can beat Real Madrid and stave off the threat of relegation.A plea on the club’s Web site said: “Bring your garlic, holy water, rabbit’s foot or even a whole rabbit to the club offices between March 19 and April 1 and leave it there until after the match against Real Madrid.
“Let’s see if together it can bring us some luck at Balaidos.”
Paying to play
Ex-Scotland boss Craig Brown has revealed how midfielder John Collins loved turning out for his country so much he paid to play at Euro 96.
He said: "I'll never forget how John paid to take part in Euro 96.
"He had just agreed to go to Monaco on a Bosman and had three weeks to go before his contract at Celtic ran out, so he had big fears over the insurance implications of being injured in training or during a game.
"The SFA insured him but the policy only covered the remaining wages of his Celtic contract and a pay-out of around £2million to his club for a career-ending injury.
"I advised him to take out his own policy. For a month it cost him £3600 and he only got £1500- a-game appearance money for Scotland before tax.
"So in effect it ended up costing John to play for us against the likes of England."
He said: "I'll never forget how John paid to take part in Euro 96.
"He had just agreed to go to Monaco on a Bosman and had three weeks to go before his contract at Celtic ran out, so he had big fears over the insurance implications of being injured in training or during a game.
"The SFA insured him but the policy only covered the remaining wages of his Celtic contract and a pay-out of around £2million to his club for a career-ending injury.
"I advised him to take out his own policy. For a month it cost him £3600 and he only got £1500- a-game appearance money for Scotland before tax.
"So in effect it ended up costing John to play for us against the likes of England."
Missus
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says it is not his decision as to whether he stays at the club next season - it is up to his missus.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Drog Jr.
Didier Drogba’s younger brother Joel is hoping to become a Premiership star too.
Drog Junior, 22, is on trial at League One Orient and played 90 minutes for the reserves in a 0-0 draw with Norwich on Tuesday.
Pitch
2,356 days after England players last performed on the hallowed Wembley turf - and the new pitch cut up just minutes into their training session on Wednesday.
Bongo
Israel may have Uri Geller to motivate them, but England has it's own secret weapon ... funnyman magician Ali Bongo. It turns out that recent call-up David Nugent is his great-nephew.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
England training at the new Wembley Stadium
Dinner
A dinner for 16 at Claridge's - cooked by Gordon Ramsay and hosted by Sir Alex ferguson - went for a cool £45,000 at the charity HMV Football Extravaganza on Tuesday evening
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Nugent
David Nugent could become the first man from outside the top flight to play for England since Sunderland’s Michael Gray in 1999.If he plays, Nugent, 21, will become the first Preston player to represent the Three Lions since Tom Finney back in 1958.
Training session
England will get their first glimpse of the new-look Wembley tomorrow — they will hold a training session there, so the players can get to know a stadium that has been out of commission since 2000.
Strike
A general strike will close Tel Aviv's main airport to most international flights from tomorrow and could lead to long delays for England fans travelling over for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel. The England team's flight will not be affected, however, as the general workers' union has promised to allow it to land.
A similar strike in September 2004 led to the postponement of a Uefa Cup game between Maccabi Petah Tikve and Heerenveen and Avi Luzon, then chairman of the Israeli club, promised to take his revenge on the union and its leaders, but his first major task as the new head of the Israeli FA is to avoid another public-relations disaster.
A similar strike in September 2004 led to the postponement of a Uefa Cup game between Maccabi Petah Tikve and Heerenveen and Avi Luzon, then chairman of the Israeli club, promised to take his revenge on the union and its leaders, but his first major task as the new head of the Israeli FA is to avoid another public-relations disaster.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Wembley stats
- Four acres of the 11-acre roof are moveable
- 98 kitchens and 2,618 toilets
- The arch weighs the same as ten jumbo jets and is wide enough to let a train pass through it
- The rubble from the old Twin Towers forms part of the foundation of the new stadium
- A one-off fee of £18,918 plus £6,404 per season will buy you a seat on the halfway line for ten years
- There are now 107 steps to the royal box, in place of the famous 39 in the old stadium
- 98 kitchens and 2,618 toilets
- The arch weighs the same as ten jumbo jets and is wide enough to let a train pass through it
- The rubble from the old Twin Towers forms part of the foundation of the new stadium
- A one-off fee of £18,918 plus £6,404 per season will buy you a seat on the halfway line for ten years
- There are now 107 steps to the royal box, in place of the famous 39 in the old stadium
Quotes
“Sullivan stopped everything that came his way… it’s Wimbledon 1 Manchester United 1” – Barry Davies
“Germany are a very difficult team to play… they had eleven internationals out there today” – Steve Lomas
“I think the referee should be allowed to blow up now – as a mercy killing, if you like” – Ron Atkinson
“it’s hands on hips and heads in hands for the Charlton players” – commentator, Radio 5
“Michael Owen, he’s got the legs of a salmon” – commentator, Sky TV
“It’s a conflict of parallels” – Sir Alex Ferguson
“Dunfermline have a difficult month ahead over the next 2 or 3 weeks” – Dick Campbell
“I’m not a believer in luck, although I believe you need it” – Alan Ball
“Germany are a very difficult team to play… they had eleven internationals out there today” – Steve Lomas
“I think the referee should be allowed to blow up now – as a mercy killing, if you like” – Ron Atkinson
“it’s hands on hips and heads in hands for the Charlton players” – commentator, Radio 5
“Michael Owen, he’s got the legs of a salmon” – commentator, Sky TV
“It’s a conflict of parallels” – Sir Alex Ferguson
“Dunfermline have a difficult month ahead over the next 2 or 3 weeks” – Dick Campbell
“I’m not a believer in luck, although I believe you need it” – Alan Ball
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Wem-ber-ley
After the years of delays, budget overruns and endless rows, it was inevitable that Wembley Stadium contrived to be late when it finally reopened yesterday - albeit only by 16 minutes.'It's fantastic, incredible, absolutely magnificent - an awe-inspiring place that will lift the fans and the players,' said 39-year-old Barry Clements.
He and his son Daniel, aged 10, were among the 60,000 people happy to be part of the first event staged at the rebuilt venue, a Community Day for the local residents of Brent and members of the England team's official fan club.
Brum
Birmingham are facing the threat of a points deduction that could destroy their promotion challenge.
Brum have been charged with failing to fulfil their home tie with Leeds on January 13 and must attend a Football League disciplinary commission on April 20.
The game was called off as the St Andrew's pitch was unplayable after it was relaid.
Brum have been charged with failing to fulfil their home tie with Leeds on January 13 and must attend a Football League disciplinary commission on April 20.
The game was called off as the St Andrew's pitch was unplayable after it was relaid.
Geller
Israel have called in Uri Geller to help with positive thinking ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with England
Friday, March 16, 2007
Celery
Chelsea have banned celery from Stamford Bridge and ordered fans to stop throwing it during matches after the Football Association launched an investigation into instances of salad tossing at their recent matches.Blues fans have been bringing the vegetable to games for over two decades in homage to their terrace chant 'Celery', but the club reminded them today that throwing the vegetable was, in fact a criminal offence.
"The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record," read a statement on the club website. "In future, if anyone is found attempting to bring celery into Stamford Bridge they could be refused entry and anyone caught throwing celery will face a ban."
The statement went on to direct fans to a hotline they could call to report others seen carrying celery, promising that "all calls will be treated in confidence".
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Vodka
Two Belarus stars could have blown their chances of signing for Hearts by being caught drunk on a train.
Oleg Strahanovich was thrown off and sent to a cooler after allegedly pushing and threatening a female conductor.
And fellow target Vyacheslav Hleb, brother of Arsenal star Alexander, was only allowed to complete his journey after calming down.
Any moves could now be in jeopardy due to Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov's strong views on alcohol misuse.
According to reports in Belarus the two players spent the entire journey raucously drinking vodka, before Strakhanovich was thrown off the train.
Oleg Strahanovich was thrown off and sent to a cooler after allegedly pushing and threatening a female conductor.
And fellow target Vyacheslav Hleb, brother of Arsenal star Alexander, was only allowed to complete his journey after calming down.
Any moves could now be in jeopardy due to Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov's strong views on alcohol misuse.
According to reports in Belarus the two players spent the entire journey raucously drinking vodka, before Strakhanovich was thrown off the train.
£250m
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is in the middle of a divorce that could cost him £1.5bn, could end up another £250m out of pocket if he decides to sack manager Jose Mourinho and bring in another boss this summer.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Loan
Thomas O Hicks and George Gillett Jr, the two American businessmen who are close to completing their takeover of Liverpool, have borrowed almost £300m from the Royal Bank of Scotland to finance the deal.The bank has loaned the money at 1.5% above the current standard lending rate, meaning that about £21.5m interest will be payable this year.
Meanwhile, the club's chief executive, Rick Parry, will now be paid a bonus of £500,000 for securing the takeover deal.
The Liverpool board decided the day before the takeover was publicly announced last month to pay Parry the bonus "in recognition of his additional responsibilities" over the previous two years "particularly concerning Liverpool's search for suitable investors, and his enormous contribution and great commitment to Liverpool".
Walk-off
The most famous walk-off in Uruguayan football history happened in the derby between Peñarol and Nacional in 1949.
In the first half Peñarol scored twice and Nacional had two players sent off. It is not clear whether it was the players or the chairmen who took the decision, but Nacional did not play the second half and retired.
They claimed the referee was not capable of doing a good job, accusing him of incorrectly awarding the penalty that resulted in the second goal and of punching one of their players.
In the first half Peñarol scored twice and Nacional had two players sent off. It is not clear whether it was the players or the chairmen who took the decision, but Nacional did not play the second half and retired.
They claimed the referee was not capable of doing a good job, accusing him of incorrectly awarding the penalty that resulted in the second goal and of punching one of their players.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Poll
Monday, March 12, 2007
Anthrax
Eggert Magnusson and West Ham suffered a bizarre security scare when the Icelandic chairman was sent a letter containing a mysterious white powder.Fearing an anthrax attack from a very angry fan, West Ham called the police immediately upon Magnusson's secretary opening the envelope.
However, the substance turned out to be nothing more dangerous than bath salts, sent by a kindly Greek monk who did not know Magnusson but thought from his stern demeanour he might benefit from a relaxing soak.
Toe
Preston have confirmed that Simon Whaley will miss the rest of the season after suffering a freak injury during the squad's trip to Spain.
The winger banged into a coffee table in his hotel room after heeding a call of nature, which in turn resulted in the marble top of the table falling off and breaking his toe.
The winger banged into a coffee table in his hotel room after heeding a call of nature, which in turn resulted in the marble top of the table falling off and breaking his toe.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Gambling
West Ham say that problem gambling within the squad is 'an area of concern' that they hope to 'eradicate'... meanwhile, still going strong is the club's exclusive endorsement deal with Pinnacle Casino.
"Pinnacle Casino reflects the strong values our football club represents," West Ham director Scott Duxbury said back in September.
"Pinnacle Casino reflects the strong values our football club represents," West Ham director Scott Duxbury said back in September.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Burger
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho surprised burger bar staff by taking his kids for a McDonald’s in Clacton.Sean Hillier, 25, met Mourinho at the Essex restaurant on Wednesday night.
Sean said: “I asked if I could have my picture taken with him. He was a really nice guy. He had his kids with him and a friend.
“I got him to sign my McChicken sandwich bag but I didn’t tell him I’m a Liverpool fan.”
Becks
David Beckham's first match for LA Galaxy could be against Chelsea.
The Premiership champions will tour the United States this summer, and the Blues are taking part in a four-team tournament which also includes Beckham's new club.
The other clubs taking part are Mexico's Tigres and South Korea's Suwon Bluewings.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Big Ron
Ron Atkinson (On why he moved from the stand to the touch line during a game in which his Aston Villa side were playing Sheffield United, 1993) :
"I just wanted to give them some technical advice. I told them the game had started."
"I just wanted to give them some technical advice. I told them the game had started."
Quinn
In recent weeks, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has written to 7,000 lapsed Sunderland season-ticket holders, inviting them to meetings scheduled for halls and bars, to listen and be chivvied and cajoled. He speaks and takes questions.
The first, on Tuesday night, was attended by 300 fans and by the next day, 200 seats had been renewed.
The first, on Tuesday night, was attended by 300 fans and by the next day, 200 seats had been renewed.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A game of three halves
On the first day of the 1894-95 season Sunderland were at home to Derby County. The official referee was late, and the game started with a deputy in charge. The two teams played for 45 minutes and then the official referee arrived.
The referee decided to give Derby, who were losing 3-0, the option of starting the game again. They took it, and it became known as “the game of three halves”.
Derby lost the toss twice and were forced to kick against a strong gale for the first two halves. The press had already reported that Sunderland were leading 3-0 at half time.
Fortunately Derby helped them out by doing it all over again.
The game eventually finished 8-0, Sunderland actually winning 11-0 over the three halves.
The referee decided to give Derby, who were losing 3-0, the option of starting the game again. They took it, and it became known as “the game of three halves”.
Derby lost the toss twice and were forced to kick against a strong gale for the first two halves. The press had already reported that Sunderland were leading 3-0 at half time.
Fortunately Derby helped them out by doing it all over again.
The game eventually finished 8-0, Sunderland actually winning 11-0 over the three halves.
Late change
France were forced into a late change during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Despite the efforts of public television executives the year before, Argentinian broadcasts were still in black and white during the tournament (the first national colour broadcasts came in 1980), and France's blue shirts were deemed too similar a shade to Hungary's red strip for monochrome TV.
The French - asked to find an alternative - borrowed green and white-striped shirts from local club Kimberley, and went on to win 3-1.
Despite the efforts of public television executives the year before, Argentinian broadcasts were still in black and white during the tournament (the first national colour broadcasts came in 1980), and France's blue shirts were deemed too similar a shade to Hungary's red strip for monochrome TV.
The French - asked to find an alternative - borrowed green and white-striped shirts from local club Kimberley, and went on to win 3-1.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tannoy announcements
At Elland Road a few years ago there was an announcement for a “John Smith” to go home “because your wife is stuck in the toilet”.
It was particularly cold and wet and near Christmas when the announcer said “would Reverend Thomas please contact the nearest official. The roof of the church has collapsed.”
At an Irish international match at Lansdowne Road a few years ago : “If there is a John Smith in the ground, his wife says he is to come straight home after the game and not go to the pub.”
At Bournemouth v QPR a while back the announcer asked for an electrician to report to reception. One minute later another announcement came out asking for a plumber. At this point, the QPR fans started signing “Bob The Builder”.
It was a Merseyside derby when a message came over the tannoy saying “would all the supporters here who went to the previous game against Man City, and the last two away games against Villa and Coventry, please report to the nearest steward as they would like to know where you get the money from.”
It was particularly cold and wet and near Christmas when the announcer said “would Reverend Thomas please contact the nearest official. The roof of the church has collapsed.”
At an Irish international match at Lansdowne Road a few years ago : “If there is a John Smith in the ground, his wife says he is to come straight home after the game and not go to the pub.”
At Bournemouth v QPR a while back the announcer asked for an electrician to report to reception. One minute later another announcement came out asking for a plumber. At this point, the QPR fans started signing “Bob The Builder”.
It was a Merseyside derby when a message came over the tannoy saying “would all the supporters here who went to the previous game against Man City, and the last two away games against Villa and Coventry, please report to the nearest steward as they would like to know where you get the money from.”
Quotes
'This will be their 19th consecutive game without a win unless they can get an equaliser.' - Alan Green
'Such a positive move by Uruguay - bringing 2 players off and putting 2 players on.' - John Helm
'It's now 1-1, an exact reversal of the scoreline on Saturday.'- Radio 5 live
'Poland nil, England nil, though England are now looking the better value for their nil.' - Barry Davies
'It's headed away by John Clark, using his head.' - Derek Rae
'And with just 4 minutes gone, the score is already 0-0.' - Ian Darke
'The USA are a goal down, and if they don't get a goal they'll lose.'- John Helm
'I predicted in August that Celtic would reach the final. On the eve of that final I stand by that prediction.' - Archie MacPherson
'McCarthy shakes his head in agreement with the referee.' - Martin Tyler
'Such a positive move by Uruguay - bringing 2 players off and putting 2 players on.' - John Helm
'It's now 1-1, an exact reversal of the scoreline on Saturday.'- Radio 5 live
'Poland nil, England nil, though England are now looking the better value for their nil.' - Barry Davies
'It's headed away by John Clark, using his head.' - Derek Rae
'And with just 4 minutes gone, the score is already 0-0.' - Ian Darke
'The USA are a goal down, and if they don't get a goal they'll lose.'- John Helm
'I predicted in August that Celtic would reach the final. On the eve of that final I stand by that prediction.' - Archie MacPherson
'McCarthy shakes his head in agreement with the referee.' - Martin Tyler
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Off-side
The term off-side derives from the military term "off the strength of his side". When a soldier is "off the strength", he is no longer entitled to any pay, rations or privileges. He cannot again receive these unless, and until he is placed back "on the strength of his unit" by someone other than himself.
In football, if a player is off-side, he is said to be "out of play" and thereby not entitled to play the ball, nor prevent the opponent from playing the ball, nor interfere with play. He has no privileges and cannot place himself "on-side". He can only regain his privileges by the action of another player, or if the ball goes out of play.
In football, if a player is off-side, he is said to be "out of play" and thereby not entitled to play the ball, nor prevent the opponent from playing the ball, nor interfere with play. He has no privileges and cannot place himself "on-side". He can only regain his privileges by the action of another player, or if the ball goes out of play.
Brawl
Just eight days after the brawl in Cardiff, reserve teams of Arsenal and Chelsea got involved in a brief yet equally ugly confrontation.
The unseemly mass confrontation took place in the second half when most of the players ran in, pushing and shoving, in the Arsenal penalty area after Mart Poom, the Arsenal goalkeeper, dropped a ball in the six-yard box.
This time there were no managers on the field but there were three cautions - Chelsea's Ben Sahar and Sam Hutchinson and Arsenal's Abumere Ogogo. The match ended 0-0.
The unseemly mass confrontation took place in the second half when most of the players ran in, pushing and shoving, in the Arsenal penalty area after Mart Poom, the Arsenal goalkeeper, dropped a ball in the six-yard box.
This time there were no managers on the field but there were three cautions - Chelsea's Ben Sahar and Sam Hutchinson and Arsenal's Abumere Ogogo. The match ended 0-0.
Sir Bob
Merseyside MPs today backed calls for Bob Paisley, the former Liverpool manager, to be granted a posthumous knighthood.George Howarth, the Labour MP for Knowsley North and Sefton East, has tabled a Commons motion for Paisley to receive the award 11 years after his death.
"Bob was the most successful football manager in the game's history in the UK... highly respected and held in great affection for his outstanding knowledge and experience of the game and for his modesty," Howarth said.
Paisley won six league titles and three European Cups between 1974 and 1983 and almost 30,000 football fans have signed a petition on the 10 Downing Street website calling for the move.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Dalglish
Avi Cohen (to Kenny Dalglish on the day that Cohen joined Liverpool) :
"You, me, same."
Dalglish, perplexed, just nodded. But when the next day Cohen said the
same thing. Dalglish said :
"What are you talking about, Avi?"
Avi replied "You, me, same. Both learn English."
"You, me, same."
Dalglish, perplexed, just nodded. But when the next day Cohen said the
same thing. Dalglish said :
"What are you talking about, Avi?"
Avi replied "You, me, same. Both learn English."
Doodles
Adidas intend to mount a nationwide art exhibition of the doodles Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham and other sports stars have made for the company's latest advertising campaign.
Darts
England skipper John Terry, who boasts a best check-out of 160, could concentrate on a darts career when he hangs up his boots.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Meet the players
Celtic club shop staff were left red-faced after trying to sell players Paul Telfer and Lee Naylor tickets to enter a draw for a chance to meet the players and tour the stadium.
Gambling
A culture of reckless high-stakes gambling is causing division within West Ham and rupturing morale to such an extent that the first-team squad, already riven by cliques, is 'spiralling out of control' - and the players, manager and directors already know that they can do nothing to stop the club being relegated. That is the damning view from inside the dressing room at the Premiership's most troubled club.
Players are haemorrhaging vast amounts of money to each other at the card table, as much as £50,000 in one sitting. They have won and lost these staggering sums on the team coach to matches. 'How can they be in a good frame of mind for a match after that?' says one first-team player, speaking on condition of anonymity.
One senior player, an established international, is said to have won £38,000 from two of his team-mates in one afternoon recently. The losers had to pay up and manager Alan Curbishley is no longer speaking to the player who won the money. Two members of the squad have undertaken counselling and treatment for gambling addiction, and a third player is also believed to be seeking professional help.Sick grandmother
Anton Ferdinand lied to West Ham after flying halfway round the world for an all-night party in America. The England Under-21 star abused a four-day break to party with pals until dawn in a South Carolina nightspot — but told his club he had been visiting his sick grandmother on the Isle of Wight.
Ferdinand has now been forced into a full apology, admitting: "I have made a stupid mistake — one I will not make again."
Friday, March 02, 2007
On average ...
During a game the ball is ‘dead’ 136 times (108 in pro game)
The game is stopped by the referee 46 times (45 pro)
The ball goes over the over the boundary lines 93 times (pro 63)
There are 43 free kicks, 55 throw ins, 19 goal kicks, plus corner kicks kick offs and offsides.
There are 38 – 42 fouls in European games but only 28 – 32 in Premiership games.
Referees issue an average of 4.5 yellow cards in European games but only an average of 3 in the Premiership.
The game is stopped by the referee 46 times (45 pro)
The ball goes over the over the boundary lines 93 times (pro 63)
There are 43 free kicks, 55 throw ins, 19 goal kicks, plus corner kicks kick offs and offsides.
There are 38 – 42 fouls in European games but only 28 – 32 in Premiership games.
Referees issue an average of 4.5 yellow cards in European games but only an average of 3 in the Premiership.
Reprint
More than 30,000 tickets for April's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final between Bristol Rovers and Doncaster will have to be reprinted - because they had the wrong date on them.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Quotes
'Cole should be scoring from those distances, but I'm not going to single him out.' – ALEX FERGUSON
'Glenn is putting his head in the frying pan.' - OSSIE ARDILES
'I would have to be deaf not to read the allegations.' - BOBBY DOWNES
'We're not used to weather in June in this country.' - JIMMY HILL
'He went through a non-existent gap.' – CLIVE TYLDESLEY
'Peru score their third, and it's 3-1 to Scotland.' - DAVID COLEMAN
'The ref was vertically 15 yards away.' – KEVIN KEEGAN
'England now have three fresh men, with three fresh legs.' - JIMMY HILL
'With news of Scotland's 0-0 victory over Holland...' - SCOTTISH TV
'The Dutch look like a huge jar of marmalade.' - BARRY DAVIES
'A game is not won until it is lost.' – DAVID PLEAT
'I'm not disappointed - just disappointed.' – KEVIN KEEGAN
'Glenn is putting his head in the frying pan.' - OSSIE ARDILES
'I would have to be deaf not to read the allegations.' - BOBBY DOWNES
'We're not used to weather in June in this country.' - JIMMY HILL
'He went through a non-existent gap.' – CLIVE TYLDESLEY
'Peru score their third, and it's 3-1 to Scotland.' - DAVID COLEMAN
'The ref was vertically 15 yards away.' – KEVIN KEEGAN
'England now have three fresh men, with three fresh legs.' - JIMMY HILL
'With news of Scotland's 0-0 victory over Holland...' - SCOTTISH TV
'The Dutch look like a huge jar of marmalade.' - BARRY DAVIES
'A game is not won until it is lost.' – DAVID PLEAT
'I'm not disappointed - just disappointed.' – KEVIN KEEGAN
Coincidence ?
1955-56 and the 3 rd round of the FA Cup. Leeds United v Cardiff City .
1956-57 and the 3 rd round of the FA Cup, Leeds United v Cardiff City .
1957-58 and the 3 rd round of the FA Cup, Leeds United v Cardiff City .
This was extraordinary to say the least, with the chances of it happening something like one in two million. It gets better ...
1955-56 and Cardiff beat Leeds 2-1 after a goalless first half.
1956-57 and Cardiff beat Leeds 2-1 after a goalless first half.
1957-58 and, although the first half wasn’t goalless, with a minute to go the score was… 2-1 to Cardiff . Wilbur Cash was brought down and Leeds appealed for a penalty. Not given, and Cardiff win 2-1 in the same fixture for the third season running.
1956-57 and the 3 rd round of the FA Cup, Leeds United v Cardiff City .
1957-58 and the 3 rd round of the FA Cup, Leeds United v Cardiff City .
This was extraordinary to say the least, with the chances of it happening something like one in two million. It gets better ...
1955-56 and Cardiff beat Leeds 2-1 after a goalless first half.
1956-57 and Cardiff beat Leeds 2-1 after a goalless first half.
1957-58 and, although the first half wasn’t goalless, with a minute to go the score was… 2-1 to Cardiff . Wilbur Cash was brought down and Leeds appealed for a penalty. Not given, and Cardiff win 2-1 in the same fixture for the third season running.
Walk-off
Burnley's game at home to Blackburn on December 12 1891 had to be abandoned because the Rovers players left the field ... complaining of the numbing cold.Shortly after the interval, all of Blackburn's outfield players returned to the changing room, leaving only their goalkeeper Herby Arthur on the pitch.
Upon the resumption of play, Arthur even successfully appealed for offside, then, with no one to pass to from the subsequent free-kick, he began time-wasting, leaving the referee with little alternative but to abandon the game.
