Royals Flushed?

Details

Created: Saturday, 24 February 2024 11:08

Written by Christopher Morley

As they continue to stare down the barrel of an uncertain future, just how did Reading find themselves in such rapid a freefall? A third EFL- imposed points deduction in as many seasons, for financial irregularities linked to failure to pay both players and staff on time, comes against the backdrop of owner Dai Yongge's already disastrous stewardship which threatens to plumb new depths. The Sell Before We Dai supporters' group is in no doubt that his stepping aside is the only way to safeguard the future of the club. 

Read more...

Three of the Most Underrated Derbies in English Football

Details

Created: Tuesday, 30 January 2024 13:47

Written by Darren Douglas

A part of what makes football the most loved, and tribalistic, of all sports is the embrace of a good old-fashioned derby. These intense sporting rivalries are often based upon a near geographical connection breeding fierce competition between teams that inhabit the same city or county, but sometimes these feuds are born out of more obscure scenarios. 

Either way, the vast majority of fans understand that however heated these football clashes get, we all love the same game and there’s no excuse for taking things too far. Which is why the violence between West Bromwich Albion and Wolves supporters, when The Baggies recently hosted the latest Black Country derby in the FA Cup 4th round, were roundly condemned.  

Thankfully, this mindless idiocy is a rare occurrence, and football derbies usually concentrate on spirited, good-natured verbal abuse instead! With that in mind, this article looks at three examples of the most underrated derbies in English football...

Read more...

The Rub Of The Green- The Rise, Fall & Rise Again of Plymouth Argyle

Details

Created: Saturday, 27 January 2024 13:04

Written by Christopher Morley

Plymouth Argyle have made a relatively decent effort at reacclimatising to the Championship, after finally making it back up under Steven Schumacher following thirteen long seasons away. But new boss, and former Al Ettifaq assistant, Ian Foster will doubtless be hoping for a return to the comparative glory days of his near-namesake Holloway, not to mention Paul Sturrock’s first spell at Home Park. 

Foster swapped Dammam for Devon in replacing Schumacher, who departed once Stoke dangled the promise of a bigger playing budget under his nose, after similar overtures were made to tempt Alex Neil from Sunderland before him...

Read more...

Playing To The Vissel

Details

Created: Wednesday, 17 January 2024 23:24

Written by Christopher Morley

Now that we've all had time to digest the last of the Christmas dinner leftovers, I can tell the tale of a miracle which actually occurred a month before the festive season even kicked off. Vissel Kobe won the J-League title courtesy of a 2-1 win over Nagoya Grampus, and in so doing became the first ever promoted team to win the country's top division. Remarkably, their story begins as early as 1995, when the entity formerly known as Kawasaki Steel Soccer Club reached an agreement to move to Kobe and turn professional, with the aim of eventually sealing a J-League berth, having previously been in the semi-pro Second Division.

Read more...