tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11246290763607599002012-02-16T00:53:23.001-08:00This site is dedicated to providing news and coverage of all football matters in the UK press and is updated on a regular basis. The focus will be primarily on the English Premier League, with additonal reporting and analysis of European competition.J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-21015095003964658292007-11-23T07:18:00.001-08:002007-11-23T07:24:35.688-08:00

An England team containing several players labelled as the ‘Golden generation’ failed miserably this week to qualify for Euro 2008 from a distinctly average group. Fans from the game’s formative nation will be forced to sit through meaningless internationals next summer. We will have to settle to be entertained by insipid sides such as Poland, Greece, Austria and Switzerland with England absent

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-24069092158529304222007-11-20T04:00:00.000-08:002007-11-20T04:11:37.169-08:00

On Saturday evening a little-known Israeli called Omer Golan became the darling of England when he provided Steve McClaren with a potential reprieve from Euro 2008 elimination. Golan struck the decisive goal for Israel in the final minute against Russia to give his side a 2-1 win in Group E and keep England’s hopes alive. Israel’s result not only re-opened the door for England but may afford

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-90145421887358017792007-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:002007-11-13T05:34:29.443-08:00

Spurs on the riseJuande Ramos is already making a good impression at Tottenham after just a handful of games in charge of the North London side. A convincing 4-0 win over struggling Wigan Athletic on Saturday may yet provide the vital confidence boost that their season requires to turn things around. Off the pitch there is talk of an NBA star wanting to buy the club and pump in his Yankee dollar,

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-47652571568153482162007-11-12T07:05:00.000-08:002007-11-12T07:11:42.572-08:00

England last week launched a bid to host the 2018 World Cup, which was backed by Gordon Brown’s government. With the current England team enduring difficult circumstances, a coach devoid of imagination and the possibility of an embarrassing omission form Euro 2008, what can we expect from our nation in 10 years time?The current crop from a golden generation, including Frank Lampard, Steve Gerrard

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-81607329492289737072007-11-06T04:05:00.000-08:002007-11-06T04:09:20.587-08:00

Chris Hutchings yesterday became the latest in a rapidly growing list of Premiership managers to lose his job, as Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan sacked him after 6 successive defeats in the league. After a tentative start the managerial merry-go-round is now up to breakneck speed. So far 4 have gone, Jose Mourinho, Martin Jol, Sammy Lee and now Hutchings. This figure could soon rise to 5 or

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-11626825696319596672007-11-05T10:38:00.000-08:002007-11-05T10:48:38.865-08:00

Michel Platini, FIFA’s golden boy is fast becoming a dislikeable chap since landing the role of top dog at UEFA. First his plans to give Champions League places to domestic cup winners instead of the next highest league-placed teams was strongly opposed by Europe’s leading clubs and then he angered his French counterpart Arsene Wenger when he criticised the Arsenal manager’s policy of buying

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-84731334831424091402007-11-05T08:11:00.000-08:002007-11-05T08:14:02.251-08:00

The debate over footballer’s wages reared its ugly head again this week after Liverpool player John Arne Riise’s payslip ended up on the internet, revealing his substantial pay packet plus numerous bonuses. Confidentiality is such that we rarely find out exactly how much Premier league stars are paid, although experts and insiders give us a rough idea as to ballpark figures. Riise’s carelessness

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-72779602834181136672007-10-29T06:57:00.000-07:002007-10-29T07:03:27.439-07:00

Blackburn Rovers have been quietly going about business this season, with Mark Hughes making the most from unremarkable resources. Now they are beginning to receive the attention and credit that there play has been deserving of. Currently they lie 5th in the table, level on 21 points with Chelsea but with a game in hand over the Londoners and 3rd place Man City. Indeed a win in their home game

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-85467696471265920452007-10-29T04:06:00.000-07:002007-10-29T04:09:41.524-07:00

The Big FourA busy weekend of Premiership action saw a smattering of goals and some good results for all of the big four. Chelsea suddenly sprung to life, the newly installed attacking impetus under Avram Grant’s regime appearing to take shape as they destroyed a bewildered Man City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. Man Utd continued their habit of plundering 4 goals past opponents when, for the fourth

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-48080285378045560842007-10-23T04:53:00.000-07:002007-10-23T05:00:34.675-07:00

Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has drawn up a shortlist of managerial candidates to succeed the hapless Sammy Lee, including Steve Bruce, Gary Megson and Chris Coleman. The Trotters job was once a highly coveted post in England, made so by the spirited Sam Allardyce however, Gartside has struggled to bring in a successor quickly. And now a surprise leader has emerged for the role –

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-73942366655246891562007-10-22T07:50:00.000-07:002007-10-22T07:55:55.845-07:00

Check out the new videos of the week on the left side of this page!Look out for the hilarious Man Utd song and the equally bias pro-Arsenal video balancing out the favourtisim.Also have a look at Blackburn Rover's in form David Bentley as he features in the bottom left video.

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-85320062521330941362007-10-22T06:46:00.000-07:002007-10-22T07:20:00.071-07:00

The Premiership campaign resumed once again this weekend, greeted with welcome relief one would expect from most players, after another forgettable international break for the home nations. And it was business as usual for the top 4 clubs who all won, although at present Man Utd and Arsenal look to be steadily and ruthlessly setting up a two horse charge for the title. Arsenal have now won 11 on

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-7802706455098228782007-10-22T06:35:00.000-07:002007-10-22T06:46:36.950-07:00

Much of the early season plaudits have been going to Arsenal, and rightly so after taking 25 points from 27. However, for me the most dangerous team of the moment is Man Utd who are tearing side’s apart of late; the partnership of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez is becoming lethal and is mesmerizing for both defenders and fans. Utd have now found the way to regular goals after a few low scoring

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-54122360294935022052007-10-18T06:25:00.000-07:002007-10-18T06:27:18.689-07:00

England succumbed to a defeat this week which may end the nation’s hopes of reaching Euro 2008 after being stunned by a second half Russian comeback in Luzhniki. The 2-1 reverse leaves England second in the group on 23 points behind Croatia on 26. England will now have to hope other results go their way if they are to qualify as Croatia and third place Russia (on 21 points) have a game in hand

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-31649330037684807052007-10-15T07:53:00.000-07:002007-10-15T07:59:35.081-07:00

Brief NewsA proverbial mole hill may be turning into a mountain for underperforming Bolton Wanderers, as their beleaguered boss Sammy Lee comes under increasing pressure to maintain control and respect towards his position within the club. Since the resignation of Sam Allardyce many supporters have not been overenthusiastic about the credentials of the new boss, and it now appears that certain

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-71850322450904189802007-10-15T03:24:00.000-07:002007-10-15T03:27:11.019-07:00

This week saw a break from the Premier League campaign as Euro 2008 qualifying reached the business end, providing satisfying results for both England and the Scots. Republic of Ireland’s chances now looked doomed though as they only managed to draw with Germany 0-0 at Croke Park, while Wales were less than majestic, slumping to a 3-1 defeat to Cyprus.So, after much debate and over-inflated media

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-7285399123156670102007-10-09T03:55:00.000-07:002007-10-09T04:14:43.328-07:00

This morning at 11 o'clock this year's UEFA Cup groups were drawn with some interesting placings for the British clubs involved. No doubt the most exciting match up for an English team will be Bolton having drawn the same group as German giants Bayern Munich. They may stuggle to qualify as will Aberdeen. Tottenham and Everton will expect to qualify from average groups, although Alkmaar may pose a

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-88442320993980689162007-10-08T07:55:00.000-07:002007-10-08T08:03:39.741-07:00

Other news that got my attention in a busy week of football were...Chelsea striving for stability, Joey Barton playing the hero, Ronaldo gets in the wars, Owen can't say no and Dida disgraces himselfTwo valuable wins for Chelsea this week loosened the noose around Avram Grant’s neck, although the player’s and fans are yet to convince of their support for their new manager. The ever-smiling

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-26640269208177065882007-10-08T05:31:00.000-07:002007-10-08T05:32:29.121-07:00

Man City fans are on cloud 9 right now as the Citizens lie 3rd in the league after nine games, a feat which owes much to the renewed defensive strength and solidarity installed by Sven Goran Eriksson, supplemented in no small way by the exquisite creativity and sharp shooting of the Brazilian Elano, who is already proving one of the buys of the season. There is now genuine feeling from not just

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-15531845000526823322007-10-08T03:06:00.000-07:002007-10-08T03:08:06.287-07:00

It was a highly exciting and ultimately a mixed bag of emotions for the British clubs involved in European action this week. Blackburn, who have looked so solid recently were inexplicably felled by minnows Larissa, of Greece. Chelsea finally returned to winning, and scoring, ways with a hugely impressive away win (2-1) at Valencia, while it was business as usual for Arsenal and Man Utd against

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-54154364033713369442007-10-01T06:26:00.000-07:002007-10-01T06:40:45.766-07:00

Bruce takes a moment, Rafa hits back, Players take blame and Austrians revoltSteve Bruce was caught looking misty-eyed at the Birmingham City training ground this week as he prepared for an emotional reunion with his former charges Man Utd. Despite the tensions which surround the build up to an important league fixture such as playing the reigning league champions, Bruce was happily discussing

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-67830142669977594422007-10-01T03:25:00.000-07:002007-10-01T03:27:19.112-07:00

We were all surprised by Emile Heskey’s bizarre return from the international football wilderness last month and happily so when he more than helped England to wins in the vital Euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia. However, many would agree that this is simply not a viable or forward thinking long term venture. Heskey may have an impact on mediocre teams such as Israel but at the top end of

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-6778311721694370452007-09-26T09:36:00.000-07:002007-09-26T09:38:36.125-07:00

O’Neill’s All-England MidfieldAfter almost a decade of mid-table obscurity, things are finally starting to look bright for the resurgent Aston Villa under Northern Irish oddball Martin O’Neill. In recent weeks they have beaten the mighty Chelsea and then the stubborn Everton both 2-0 and find themselves in 8th place with a game in hand over their nearest rivals. The team has an even balance,

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-69686847604235473382007-09-25T04:28:00.000-07:002007-09-25T04:33:10.175-07:00

Currently it is the turn of Liverpool fans to be the latest supporters completely mystified by bizarre tactical squad rotation. In the summer Fernando Torres arrived at Anfield for a club record £26.5million signing and has worked like a Trojan to adjust to the more physical and demanding aspects of the English game. He was duly rewarded with a fine solo goal against Chelsea and a brace against

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-23862821417939900202007-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:002007-09-24T10:19:23.815-07:00

Jose Mourinho has provided some classic quotes during his time in Enlgish football, from the enraging and amusing to baffling and ludicrous, the 'special one' will no doubt leave us longing for a successor to the Pied Piper of the Press. Here are a selection of his greatest quips... ‘Please don’t call me arrogant, but I’m European champion and I think I’m a special one.’ – June 2004 opening press

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124629076360759900.post-5924825262911656532007-09-24T09:57:00.000-07:002007-09-24T10:10:17.128-07:00

It’s been quite some week in football over the past seven days, we’ve seen Chelsea’s ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho depart from a fraught clash of egos at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal returned to their scintillating, free scoring form of 3 years ago and Man City’s Stephen Ireland has taught us a valuable moral lesson. Outside the Premiership, the UEFA Champions League and Cup competitions have begun

J.L.Edwardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10816390783389629847noreply@blogger.com2