Author Archives: Chris McQuade

Dimitar Berbatov is less a divisive figure amongst United fans and more a Red Herring, any time his name is rolled out by rival fans it’s along the lines “you could have had Torres or Tevez for less money”. His … Continue reading →

During the excellent world cup coverage on my home channel RTÉ, two ex-footballers decried the rise in the defensive midfielder. Johnny Giles and Liam Brady are two certified legends of Irish football both won multiple trophies at club level and … Continue reading →

Manchester United are becoming ‘ze Germans’ of club football. Regardless of their squad’s supposed weaknesses, debt-worries or the omens of bad form, United are always there-or-thereabouts when it comes to the title. This season shall prove to be no different. … Continue reading →

So it’s come to this, a once-great European side reduced to selling their best players and bringing in a crocked creative midfielder? This isn’t going to be Inter Milan’s best year. Wait, that was last year, it’s Liverpool this time.

After a return to the summit of the Premier League and retaining their FA cup, Chelsea enjoyed a successful season. The bitter sting of being Mourinho’d out of the Champions league was quelled as Chelsea put that set-back behind and … Continue reading →

Explanations after the jump.

Asamoah Gyan will be remembered for this: Rather than this: Which is a shame because he is a much better player than I ever knew.

In short: Everywhere. Though that won’t do. England’s problems were numerous and solutions are not easy to come by. It’s best to look at the team and the manager as a whole. Hang on, that sounds awfully familiar, oh well … Continue reading →

In short: Everywhere. Though that won’t do. England’s problems were numerous and solutions are not easy to come by. It’s best to look at the team and the manager as a whole. Firstly, England played their usual tactics against Algeria … Continue reading →

When Germany lost Michael Ballack coming into this world cup, some commentators were writing them off, or at the very least not touting them as tournament favourites. Despite an excellent qualification campaign in a less than forgiving group Germany emerged … Continue reading →

When Rafael Benitez was chosen to succeed Gerard Houllier it was considered a smart move by both parties; Liverpool had signed a master tactician who had proven success in Europe Continue reading →

When Chelsea signed Michael Ballack as a free agent in the summer of 2006, it was regarded as a coup. With both Manchester United and both Milan clubs apparently tracking the dynamic German Midfielder, reports actually indicated a fear for Lampard’s presence in the Chelsea midfield. Continue reading →