Author Archives: tyduffy

Sunderland rose to the Premier League two seasons ago with Roy Keane’s magnetism, and it was the same presence that kept them afloat last season.  The reform movement lost steam when Keane left, and Sunderland have been rudderless since Ricky … Continue reading →

This is the second in a series of relegation assessments.  For a similar look at Bolton Wanderers.  Check here. Hull City surprised everyone at the start of the season, winning six of their first nine, knocking off an over-confident Arsenal. … Continue reading →

With Aston Villa’s demise the top of the league once again appears calcified, so, like Kim Kardashian crammed into a designer dress, the bulk of the tension will be at the bottom.  Here is the first of a series of … Continue reading →

Following Liverpool’s 4-0 dismantling of Real Madrid at Anfield last midweek, France legend Zinedine Zidane described Steven Gerrard as “the best player in the world.” “Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Messi … Continue reading →

Forgiving the Gaffer’s scheduling criticisms, ESPN mostly has been wonderful for soccer promotion in the U.S..  Top goals are making the top-ten plays.  Sportscenter features highlight reels.  Yesterday’s Real Madrid-Liverpool match, though it was not the greatest testament, featured on … Continue reading →

Arsenal broke their four match scoreless streak on Tuesday, beating West Brom 3-1.  Arsene Wenger commented afterward that he never lost faith in his squad. Wenger said: “You are quickly questioned, when you don’t score. “There was no open discussion … Continue reading →

Apple’s iPod is a magical little device. It has disseminated knowledge, has alleviated boredom, has provided a personal soundtrack and, most crucially, has eliminated virtually the mutually dreaded “stop and chat” with awkward acquaintances. After last weekend’s rocking Carling Cup … Continue reading →

It would be a sane Premier League week if there wasn’t an outlandish Manchester City rumor, but where is the fun in that? This week’s circulation is a doozy.  Manchester City reportedly are including Robinho in a cash plus player … Continue reading →

From an extravagant Russian billionaire to the post-peak stripper living paycheck to paycheck, the economic crisis has affected all.  At some point, the recession will even reach the insular world of Premier League footballers.  To help these normally fiscally free … Continue reading →

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore rejected the notion of a salary cap, suggested by UEFA. “If you say 60% or 50% can be capped on wages, what it really does is absolutely lock in the natural order,” he told … Continue reading →

Real Madrid manager Juande Ramos, formerly of Tottenham, criticized Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for giving up on Robbie Keane after half a season. “You can’t tell me Robbie will not score goals at a top club,” Ramos is quoted as … Continue reading →

FC Copenhagen chairman Stale Solbakken suggests that Manchester City’s spending will ruin football. “The amounts of money that have been mentioned are incredible,” Solbakken told Ekstra-Bladet. “I think that such incredible sums will take part in destroying football. “They are creating … Continue reading →

Chelsea announced a £65.7m loss for last year, a staggering sum, particularly as it marks an improvement over the loose-pursed past.  Though the tangible sum is less, the impact will be felt more, after Roman Abramovich as billionaire Roman Abramovich … Continue reading →

The firings of Tony Adams by Portsmouth and Big Phil Scolari by Chelsea brought the total number of clubs that have changed managers this season to seven, and the number of managerial changes to eight.  That turnover rate seems quite … Continue reading →