The Greatest England Captain We Never Had: An Interview With Manchester City’s Paul Lake
Captain of Manchester City aged just twenty-one, and on the brink of England fame and glory, Paul Lake had the world at his feet until fate delivered him a devastating blow.
Alan McGee Q&A: “Why The Welsh Haven’t Fucked England Off Yet I Don’t Know”
The legendary label owner and ex-manager of The Libertines, Primal Scream and Oasis weighs into Cameron’s Britain, Britpop and why he loves Instagram…
The Worst Thing I Ever Ate: A Terry And June Prawn Cocktail
They may have been the height of culinary sophistication elsewhere in the UK during the 1970s but prawn cocktails only reached some parts of Wales recently. If only they hadn’t.
Gary Speed: The Cool Kid From My School
Unbelievably it’s been three years since Speedo ended his life, I wrote this at the time as a tribute to the kid at my school everyone wanted to be…
A Manchester City Fan On His Love For The Norwich Team That Beat Bayern Munich
As Norwich take on Man City today, a City fan recalls his love for the team which toppled the German giants in ’93
The Wave Pictures - The Greatest Band You’ve Only Vaguely Heard Of
They’ve been around since 1998 and released over 10 brilliant albums. So why has no one heard of The Wave Pictures?
Strictly 2013: Juvenile, Dangerous, and Brucie Needs To Go
Strictly is back, and while it may portray itself as a light-hearted alternative to the X Factor, the truth is, it’s every bit as cynical.
Writer Vs Eagle: Facing My Fear Of Large Birds
It’s my girlfriend’s birthday and I’m about to face head on the perils of falconry.
When We Were Heroes: Man United’s Gary Bailey and the England U21 Champions of 1984
If England U21s have any chance of winning the Euros, they need to match the spirit of ’84.
Charlotte Church On Fame, Kebabs & Being A Bit Weird
Know for having an incredible voice and bashing the paparazzi over the head, we speak to Charlotte Church on how she avoided becoming a Welsh Lindsay Lohan…
My Greatest FA Cup Moment: Terry Phelan’s Riot Sparking Strike For Manchester City
God knows what prompted the left-back to set off on a mazy run the length of the pitch, but the subsequent pitch invasion after he scored one of the greatest ever FA cup goals was historic…
Ricky Gervais’ Derek: Paint-By-Numbers Mush For Idiots
I expected to be weeping at this, but the I draw the line at crying over cartoons, especially ones that force feed the schmaltz…
Mario Balotelli: The Powder Keg Too Powerful For England
He came, he saw, he conquered - a final farewell to the former Manchester City firework that ignited the English skies in a sea of blue.
Good Luck Michael Johnson - Once A Blue, Always A Blue
Although on the surface the story of Michael Johnson carries but one truth – the waste of a promising career – there is another that is far more pertinent than any tutting and clucking…
The 10 Best (And Worst) Things About Festive Football
Christmas and Football, two wonderful events… so why does it go so, so wrong when they collide?
City Fan: United’s Late Winner Didn’t Hurt Because I Expected It
United again left it late to claim all three points, sinking City hearts in the process. But they manage to snatch it at the death so many times that I’m now immune to disappointment…
Racism In Football: The Media Need To Stop Blowing Things Out Of Proportion
The latest furore regarding the t-shirt ‘scandal’ is completely unfounded. We should not let a small minority discount the brilliant efforts from the majority to eradicate racism from football…
James Bond: Lady Gaga & 9 Women Who Should Definitely Be A Bond Girl
The Royal Premiere (yep, we still do them) of Skyfall was last night, and the film and girls have been lauded. But come on, it’s about time the franchise looked further afield for the women who get to bump uglies with Daniel Craig…
When Did The Paralympics Become The Patronising Games?
After the surge of National Pride following the success of the Olympics, why have we transformed into blubbing nervous wrecks for the Paralympics?
Everton Legend Kevin Sheedy: The Genius Who Stole My Sky Blue Heart
The news that the marauding Irishman has been diagnosed with bowel cancer stopped me in my tracks. When I was a kid I fell in love with his elegance, breaking a cardinal rule of football fandom in the process…
Sir Alex Ferguson: From Europe’s Leading Manager To An Old Man Telling Porkies
First he tried telling us that he had a young team, then he said United don’t do un-ethical transfers. Now he claims the Glazers are great. Is Fergie cracking up?
Forget Gerrard And Terry, Manchester City’s Lescott Is England’s Hero
The likes of Gerrard and Terry are getting all of the praise, but Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott’s contribution has been hugely underrated. Here’s why…
Former Manchester City Striker ‘Lee Won Pen’ Proves That Diving Has Never Been Far From English Football
You often hear that diving wasn’t prevalent in English football in years gone by. But ex-Manchester City forward Franny Lee and his love of hitting the turf certainly prove this myth false…
This Is How It Feels To Be City
Manchester City’s miraculous late finish to secure the title wasn’t just an incredible event in itself, nor a statement for the future - it also laid many ghosts to rest.
Gregory van der Wiel: Why Chelsea Should Fight Real Madrid For The Next Cafu
He’s been in talks with Valencia but now it seems a straight fight between Chelsea and Real Madrid for this energetic right-back…
Newcastle v Man City: Geordies Defeated But The Title Race Isn’t Over Yet
City’s victory over Newcastle was a professional performance that has seen many say the title-race is over. But there is still a chance for that all to change on the final day of the season…
The Myth of Manchester City’s Inexperience and Manchester United’s Mind Games
During their mid-season stumble much was made in the press about Manchester City’s supposed lack of a winning mentality in comparison to Man United. The events of the last few weeks have surely put paid to that theory…
Chelsea v Barcelona: Di Matteo’s Tactical Masterclass Proves He Can Be Mourinho Mk ll
Chelsea might have rode their luck at times last night, but Di Matteo has shown that he is a shrewd tactician. But will he get the credit he deserves?
5 Reasons Why I Hate Andy Murray
This was written just before one of Andy Murray’s regular failures at Wimbledon, but is still as applicable to the French Open that he’s currently competing in…
Why Aly Cissokho Is A Worthy Successor To Manchester United’s Patrice Evra
The flying French fullback has expressed an interest in replacing Evra at Manchester United - here’s why he’s just the man for the job.
Leandro Damiao? Everything Manchester United Need To Know
Manchester United have joined the race for the free-scoring Brazilian, here’s the facts, figures, strengths and weaknesses of the man from Internacional…
Welcome Back To Manchester City Carlos… You Traitorous C***
A goal down with half an hour to play in a must-win encounter is a time for heroes. Manchester City settled for a traitorous villain seeking redemption.
Dear Scum: An Open Letter To The Sun
Disgusted by the Sun once again showing their true colours the Daisy Cutter website wrote an open letter late Saturday evening. The letter has since gone viral and if you haven’t already read it you really should.
Manchester City: Can The Second Half Comeback Reignite A Fractured Team?
A near-miracle comeback shouldn’t disguise the fact that Manchester City are struggling at present. Once running away with it have they now hit the proverbial ‘wall’?
Manchester City Legend Andy Morrison Says He’d Punch Tevez If It Was Worth It
He’s a hero for all true Blues and hard as nails, but Craig Bellamy would give him sleepless nights…
Manchester City: Why We Need To Take The Continental Carling Cup Seriously
It may feel like dating Vince Vaughn after Brad Pitt, but Mancini needs to take Porto seriously tonight. Here’s why…
The Madness Of Leeds United’s Neil Warnock: 5 Insane Rants
After being sacked by QPR Colin is back at Leeds United. These five insane rants show that, whatever fans may think, it’s not going to be dull at Elland Road…
SIx Brilliant Transfer Deadline Day Moments
After weeks of bar room speculation, rumour, counter-rumour and acres of made-up porkies in the press it’s finally here. The gloriously-insane last minute horse trading known to one and all as transfer deadline day.
Why Liverpool Should Answer Moussa Sow’s Come And Get Me Plea Before Anyone Else Does
Moussa Sow has today said that it would be ‘a dream to play in front of the Kop…’ With Liverpool stuttering in front of goal, they should snap him up…
First Half-Blitz Aside, Manchester United Are Miles Behind Manchester City
Forget the sending-off and return of the Ginger Prince, United’s second-half capitulation proved that they are a million miles away from from former glories…
EPL Swapshop: Manchester City’s Tevez for Chelsea’s Torres?
Chelsea’s Fernando Torres’ days look numbered at the Bridge while Manchester City’s rebel-in-exile Carlos Tevez will surely be moved on. Can two birds be killed with one stone here?
Yaya Toure’s Metromonic Passing Makes Manchester City Tick Like Barcelona
It was all too easy for the pass-masters Manchester City as they tick-tocked their way to the Christmas number one slot. Where was the bullying Stoke City of old?
Panel Show Whores
A harmless couple of hours watching a few panel shows used to be a guilty pleasure. That was until the same familiar faces started appearing in every single one cashing cheques their mouths cannot cash.
A Tale of Two (Manchester) Cities
Manchester City v Arsenal was a game that neither side could afford to lose. So often such mutual desperation results in a boring stalemate. On this occasion it was a pulsating end-to-end thriller.
AC Milan vs Arsenal and Napoli vs Chelsea: Ties To Drool Over, Not Fear
The Champions League draw has been made for the last 16 and has thrown up two mouth-watering English/Italian affairs. Arsenal vs AC Milan and Chelsea vs Napoli. Bring them on.
Casio Ediface: The Watch Designed By Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel
A cool, understated watch partly designed by Sebastian Vettel and built to evoke Formula 1 racing? Yeah, go on then.
Tough Times Ahead For Manchester United, Manchester City And Stoke City
The Europa Cup draw for the final 32 has not exactly been kind of the remaining English sides. Manchester United, Manchester City and Stoke City all face extremely tough opponents as the maligned tournament bares its teeth.
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Drogba back To His Bullying Best
Chelsea v Manchester City was a heavyweight title fight refereed by a pompous pygmy but ultimately it was the most stylish bruiser of them all who won out.
Manchester United: A City Fan On Why Fergie’s Fledglings Are A Fallacy
The media’s attempts to create another golden age for Manchester United is coming unstuck. A young, inexperienced side in transition? Not true. They’re just no longer a formidable force.
Man City v Bayern Munich: One Eye On Ribery, The Other One On Villareal
It’s do or die for Manchester City tonight against a superb Bayern Munich side. If results go their way it’s the knock-out stages of the Champion’s League. If they don’t its numerous dates with a stalker with acne.
RIP Socrates, The Brazilian Colossus of Cool
This morning, after a long battle with illness, the great Socrates passed away, in 1982 he made me stare saucer-eyed at the television set in pyjama-clad wonderment.
Manchester City v Norwich City: The Football Equivalent Of The Beatles Hello, Goodbye
Manchester City and Norwich City both endured tumultuous times to reach the top and are kindred spirits in their love of mercurial good football. They should be the best of friends. Let’s have it.
Jason Manford Interviewed: “My Uncle Is Funnier Than Me”
Jason Manford is a natural born comic who has just made hundreds of thousands of strangers piss themselves laughing on a nationwide sell-out tour that finishes this evening…
Manchester City: Mancini’s Tactical Acumen Shines Through
It was the proverbial game of two halves for the Carling Cup quarter final between Arsenal and Manchester City. Though neither were particularly entertaining.
5 Things We Will Definitely See At Liverpool v Manchester City
The outcome of a top six battle at Anfield is anyone’s guess but there are certain things we can predict from Liverpool v Manchester City. Let’s hope it’s not Dirk Kuyt’s sex face.
Manchester City: The 8 Best Tunnel Cam Moments
The Manchester City tunnel cam is a regular feature found on their official website and is a must-see for every football fan regardless of club affiliation. It’s reality tv at its finest.
Manchester City: Down And Nearly Out In Naples
In a must-not-lose situation Manchester City lost their recent magic in intimidating Naples and are now fighting for their lives in a group of death.
Raging Bull At 31
Martin Scorsese’s brutal but sumptuous masterpiece Raging Bull turned thirty-one this year. Though many boxing films have since attempted to take it on toe-to-toe none have ever quite gone the distance.
Manchester City v Newcastle United: The Battle Of The Unbeatens
It’s first v third this Saturday at the Etihad as Manchester City take on Newcastle United. Both are unbeaten but something has to break. Unless it’s a draw of course.
Blue Union Interviewed: “Kenwright Must Sell Everton Now”
With the club is long-term financial plight Everton supporters are planning a further protest march ahead of this Saturday’s game against Wolves. Ignored by the local press the heartbeat of a great club are demanding to be heard.
Ballon D’Oh Nominations 2011: Manchester City’s Mario ‘Two Scooters and a Trampoline’ Balotelli
Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli is the mad genius who is good at darts, has an allergy to grass and can’t be relied to buy a hoover from John Lewis.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey Shows He’s Now The Welsh Xavi
Wales’ transformation into a stylish passing side of genuine promise can be credited to the brave decisions of a rookie gaffer and a young Arsenal maestro who represents his country’s future.
Remembrance Day Should Be About Respect, Not Hatred
Anger towards poppy-burning protesters is one thing but when they become the main issue aren’t we giving such people exactly what they want? Division and hatred instead of dignified remembrance.
Tottenham’s Gareth Bale And The 7 Most One-Footed Footballers
We’ve all seen them, the player so scared of using their weaker foot that they twist and contort their bodies into hideous positions. This lot are some of the worst…
Ballon D’Oh Nominations 2011: QPR’s Tweet And Tender Hooligan Joey Barton
Some say reformed hard man, others say born-and-bred thug. All we know is that Joey Barton looks like a 1940′s spiv and is embrrassingly bad at cheating.
QPR v Manchester City: Our Title Mettle Is Made Of Silva
For the first time this season Manchester City had to dig for victory and show they had the resolve to go with the fantasty football. They passed the Loftus Road test. Just.
Five Reasons Why Newcastle United Will Implode
Newcastle United are currently confounding all expectations and pulling up trees in the top four but it can surely only be a matter of time before it all falls apart. He is why it more than likely will.
Manchester City Legend Dennis Tueart: “Replacing Pele Was A Shock…”
From replacing Pele in America to that overhead kick ex-Sunderland, Manchester City, New York Cosmos and England legend Dennis Tueart looks back on a fascinating and unique career.
Villarreal v Manchester City: The Assassins In Carpet Slippers
A must-win away game to Villarreal became a walk in the park for Manchester City. But was it due to their continued excellence or their hosts’ all-too-easy surrender?
“We’ll Score When We Want” How Manchester City Became The Goal Kings
With forty-five goals in fifteen games Manchester City are running riot this term, scoring for fun and playing sublime football to boot. So much for the boring tag.
Manchester City v Wolves: Welcome To the Stuart Attwell Show
An intriguing rematch played out only three days after a one-sided Carling Cup clash was unfortunately dominated by a whistle-happy weirdo who probably once had posters of Clive Thomas on his bedroom wall.
Manchester City’s Abdul Razak: The New Michael Essien
Last night’s Carling Cup clash between Manchester City and Wolves gave Mancini an opportunity to assess his 18 year old midfielder Abdul Razak - whose size, mobility and of course nationality have led to comparisons with the Chelsea enforcer.
How To Save The Carling Cup
Forever trailing behind it’s bigger, shinier cousins the Carling Cup is in dire need of a tranformation. Or at the very least a subtle nip-and-tuck. Here’s how it could be achieved.
Manchester United v Manchester City: Now You’ve Played All The Big Teams, Ferguson
A 6-1 routing of Manchester United in their own back yard confirmed that City aren’t just a collective of individual superstars - they’re a genuine force to be reckoned with. The revolution will be televised.
What The World Was Waiting For: The Stone Roses Remembered
While half the country goes nuts trying to secure tickets for next summer’s Stone Roses reunion the other half might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Read on, ride on.
The Most Important Goal I Ever Saw: Manchester City’s Kun Aguero vs Villarreal
With a five-yard prod Sergio Aguero brought uncontained delirium to the Etihad Stadium last night and kept Manchester City’s Champions League dream well and truly alive. Here’s why it was far more than ‘just’ a match-winner.
Manchester City v Aston Villa: Believe The Hype, Not The BBC
Manchester City soared to the Premier League summit and did so in some style, not that the BBC cared to notice, concentrating their coverage on an entirely fictionalised account of the ‘mad, bad’ Balotelli.
Manchester City v Aston Villa Preview: The Revenge Of The First Wives Club
A returning player set on revenge is always a nightmare for any club. This Saturday Manchester City have three such disgruntled ex-employees to contend with ahead of a critical season-defining week.
Montenegro v England: Why Capello Has To Qualify In Style With Sexy Football
England take on Montenegro tonight requiring only a point to guarantee automatic qualification to Euro 2012. Let’s hope Fabio Capello doesn’t revert back to the missionary 4-4-2 for the campaign’s climax.
Newsnow: The Most Addictive Thing Since Crack and Pringles
It’s essential reading every day and I can’t help revisiting it 20 times a day. For a football fan, Newsnow is the most moreish site on the internet and a hell of a lot better than Ceefax.
Why Arsenal Should Outbid Spurs For M’Baye Niang, The New Thierry Henry
Sixteen year old French sensation M’Baye Niang has been linked with a string of interested clubs but it’s Arsenal who currently lead the chase. Could he represent a bright future at the Emirates after a dismal start?
Manchester City Should Let Cancerous Carlos Tevez Rot
Project Manchester City was brutally exposed last night for still being a work in progress by the dazzling Germans. But all the drama was occurring in the dug-out.
6 Things We Learnt From Manchester City v Everton
Despite Everton parking the bus for ninety minutes in this grudge match the right team won and the hex is finally broken for Manchester City. No amount of post-match trouble-making from Moyes can change that.
Have Barcelona Plundered History To Reinvent The Concept Of Defence?
At times this season Pep Guardiola has sent Barcelona out in a 1-5-3-1 formation, but is this a visionary approach, a cyclical tactical change or simply rooted in the days when teams set up with one centre back and two wing-halves?
Fulham vs Manchester City: The Battle Of The Miserable Strikers
The Law of Manchester City states that when the sky is perfect blue along must come a shower. With beatable Fulham next up this fan is looking to the heavens with suspicion.
Manchester City: Now It’s Time To Scare Europe To Death
The past few years has been a surreal fairytale for Manchester City fans and last night was the start of an important new chapter.
Why Did Ian Wright Stick The Boot Into Manchester City’s Garry Cook?
The gaffe-prone ex CEO was certainly the architect of his own downfall, but the ex-England striker took what appears to be more than a passing interest in the furore, and he wasn’t the only one…
A Highly Sensational Manchester City v Wigan Athletic Preview
Despite the international break it has been a typically volatile week for Manchester City in the press, but can they put broken hands and dodgy emails behind them to sort out the sturdy Wigan Athletic this weekend?
England V Wales: Don’t Make Fabio Sleep With The Fishes
A lacklustre England performance is normally the cue for national outrage and derision. But with Capello finally allowing his players to express themselves maybe we should put such criticism on hold for once.
Why Mikel Arteta Will Be Better For Arsenal Than Captain Cesc
Wenger’s eleventh hour swoop for Everton’s Mikel Arteta finally brought some optimism to despondent Gooners. But what if the Spaniard’s arrival signals more than just a cause for cheer? What if he’s an improvement on their departed idol Fabregas?
England v Bulgaria: WBA’s Ben Foster Is A Selfish, Spoilt Traitor
After failing to oust the superior Joe Hart for the England jersey Ben Foster threw a ridiculous strop last May and ‘retired’. But now that his country needs him on the bench v Bulgaria shouldn’t he reconsider?
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United: Which Squad Is Best?
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have thundered in an astonishing twenty-four goals between them in the past three days. There is only one way to find out who’s best and it’s not the method Harry Hill employs.
Dzeko Is A Nuclear Warhead And Other Lessons From Manchester City v Tottenham
With twelve goals in their opening three matches Manchester City have come out flying, playing the kind of fantasy football a fantasy budget merits. Meanwhile all is not right down the Lane…
Gwyneth Paltrow May Be A Macrobiotic Luvvie But I Worship Her
Gwyneth Paltrow is a mung-bean loving, straight-laced wretch of a woman. So why the hell do I love her so?
Kevin Davies Is A Film Buff And Other Lessons From Bolton v Manchester City
Seven goals in two games and sitting pretty at the top of the league is cause enough for celebration, but it was the manner of yesterday’s win that really excites this Manchester City fan.
Wigan Athletic To Sign Cruyff Shocker
Wigan Athletic have offered a trial to an eighteen year old unknown who has yet to kick a ball professionally. So why are the fans so excited?
7 Lessons Learnt From Manchester City vs Swansea
A half-hour masterclass from Kun Aguero should rightly be savoured but the hour of toil that preceded it mustn’t be overlooked as Manchester City struggled to break down the impressive Premier League debutants Swansea.
Manchester United: A Comparison of Sneijder, Cantona, Scholes And Ronaldo
If the on-off transfer saga of the summer is ever resolved Wesley Sneijder would surely light up Old Trafford. But could he become a Manchester United legend? Can he walk in the footprints of giants…
Manchester United: Tom Cleverley’s England Call-Up Was A Farce
Called up after 45 minutes of football? Nonsense. But he’s not the first Manchester United player to have picked up caps simple because who he plays for…
Manchester: The Greatest Place On Earth Whether You Support Manchester City Or Manchester United
From the humour to the music, the politics, the football and the clothes: Manchester is the greatest city in the world. Carlos Tevez wants to leave having played for both Manchester United and Manchester City - he clearly doesn’t know what he’s missing.
Miralem Pjanic Is The Jewel To Replace Tottenham Hotspur’s Modric
A darling of the Football Manager faithful, Miralem Pjanic could be an affordable and like-for-like replacement for Tottenham Hotspur if Modric joins Chelsea…
Barcelona Are No Longer The Good Guys And The 8 Other Things We Learnt This Summer
With no major championships these were supposed to be a quiet few months. A chance to unwind and switch off. But football never sleeps and the lessons keep coming.
Bring On The Revolution: Kun Aguero Is Manchester City’s Che Guevara
After a relatively quiet summer suddenly Manchester City are flexing their spending power and bringing one of the world’s most exciting talents to the Premier League. You’re welcome.
A Manchester City Fan Pays Grudging Respect To Manchester United And Roy Keane
To any Manchester City supporter Manchester United’s Roy Keane is the devil incarnate. A glorified thug who epimitomized everything that was detestable about their hated rivals. But can there also be respect there too?
Nil Money, Nil Optimism: Everton Are Squatters In The Premier League
Everton’s last signing - excluding loans and free transfers - was over one year and ten months ago. How long until the toffee men buy new blood?
We Won’t Cry For You Carlos Tevez: A Manchester City Fan Says Farewell
Following Carlos Tevez’s latest public statement declaring his desire to leave Manchester City a blue writes says bon voyage to the littlest hobo with the scruples of a prairie dog…
Manchester City Can Topple Manchester United With The Signings of Arsenal’s Nasri And Clichy
Manchester City have been unusually quiet on the transfer front until the recent news that they could sign Clichy and Nasri from Arsenal. These two purchases could now mean they are ready to overhaul Manchester United…
RIP Mike Doyle: The Granite Heart And Soul Of Manchester City
Manchester City legend Mike Doyle sadly passed away yesterday. A hard man who never shirked a challenge, he represented a by-gone era when players were fans in shirts.
Devante Cole And 4 Other Manchester City Stars Of The Future
A look at Manchester City’s youth set-up and their five most promising prospects.
England Under-17s 2 - 0 Uruguay Under-17s: The Three Lion Cubs Roar
The England Under 21s recently disappointed in Denmark but there’s a new extraordinarily talented batch ready to show disillusioned fans that it’s not yet time to stop supporting the Three Lions.
England U-21 vs Czech U-21: Blame Pearce Not The Players
England have produced a series of limp, turgid, and uninspiring displays at the Under-21 Euros. And there is only one man to blame…
The Shadow Line: TVs Best Kept Secret Featuring The British Omar Little
The Shadow Line finishes tonight at BBC Two at 9pm, if there is one thing you do this weekend, watch the whole series on the iPlayer, it’s the best thing on TV…
A Case of Boys Against Babies: 5 Things We’ve Learned From Spain vs England
Despite the result it was boys against babies last night, but in attempting to go 442 against 433, Pearce got it wrong from the off.
Lies, Damn Lies And Cricket: How To Survive A Football Free Summer
These are bleak football-free times ahead. With the season now officially concluded our only sporting morphine will consist of a scowling Scotsman doing quite well at Wimbledon until he inevitably succumbs to Nadal, and laughing at the daftly-dressed Henriettas at Royal Ascot.