Author Archives: Michael Scallon

It is never surprising to hear Sir Alex Ferguson saying something ‘controversial’. Whether it’s emotional, pointless sniping at a beleaguered enemy or an attempt some kind of Jedi Mind Trick deployed to ‘psych out’ Liverpool and their players is up to you. An interesting … Continue reading →

After a successful, if occassionally indifferent 4-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday, England have won 11 successive home games. Before this game, the British tabloids were ready, knives sharpened, to cut England’s manager to pieces. In his England-Bulgaria preview last … Continue reading →

Articulate, funny and an enthusiastic celebrator of his team’s goals, Martin O’Neill is one of the most popular men in football. Having done a superb job at Leicester City, and a very good one at Celtic (despite quite heavy spending) … Continue reading →

The last three permanent managers of Liverpool have all overseen a familiar pattern of events. Roy Evans, Gerard Houllier and Rafael Benitez all enjoyed moderately successful starts – Evans had a decent first full league season, Houllier a distant third … Continue reading →

There can no be no denying that Rafael Benitez has done a good job at Liverpool. His ever growing number of acolytes of the Liverpool persuasion would of course point to Istanbul, Cardiff, Old Trafford and Fernando Torres. He further … Continue reading →

If, as is his reported wish, Cesc Fabregas is sold back to Barcelona, it would without doubt be a sad moment for the Premier League. Not only would it be a damning indictment of ‘The Best League In The World … Continue reading →

That’s it then. Arsenal have officially turned the corner. In the same way that Eduardo’s injury, Stuart Parnaby’s dive and William Gallas’s teary outburst reflected the collapse of their 2007-08 title challenge, so Ramsey’s injury, Danny Pugh’s waving arms and … Continue reading →

It all looked so easy on Sunday. Despite losing the titanic battle for possession and corners, Chelsea garnered enough wherewithall to dismiss title rivals Arsenal 2-0, moving solidly to the top of the table. Arsenal were dead and buried; United … Continue reading →

Gary Neville is many things to many people: a legend; ‘a red who hates Scousers’ in the eyes of United fans; an insufferable manc in the eyes of opposition fans; and to that list you may well add ‘bootlicker’ - kissing the feet of … Continue reading →

Jermain Defoe hit five goals yesterday in Spurs’ demolition – the word doesn’t seem strong enough, at times – of Wigan Athletic, but has he done enough to merit a place in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad next summer? Many pundits … Continue reading →

Almost everything is going wrong for Liverpool. I say ‘almost’, because last week they beat Manchester United at Anfield, and the gloom was temporarily lifted. “Liverpool have turned a corner… This will kick-start their season… etc” in the end, it … Continue reading →

February 2nd 2002 was a pretty non-descript day in the History of Football, or indeed the history of anything – Prince Willem -Alexander of Orange, heir to the Dutch throne got married, Euro-Monarchy Fans will tell you (and, er… wikipedia) … Continue reading →

There is history, here. England’s two greatest football clubs lining up on the hallowed turf of Anfield, some of the World’s greatest players are there; two of the World’s greatest managers are there; but this is worth more than simply … Continue reading →

For “Collymore closing in…” in 1996, you can read “It’s Michael Owen…” in 2009. Both games were littered with brilliant goals, pathetic defending and some of the most exciting football the Premier League has seen. Now though, two days on … Continue reading →