One of the most anticipated managerial appointments of the past twelve months has finally been done and dusted, much to the bereavement of Newcastle supporters the world-over. Alan Pardew was announced as Newcastle United’s next manager early this afternoon, signed on a massive five and a half year contract and charged with the task of […]

Usually when a team has top spot in the Champions League group stage locked up going into the final matchday, there is little emphasis put on the result of that team in that final group fixture. Not so when you are Chelsea and are currently mired in a run of form that better suits the […]

All four English Premier League clubs in UEFA Champions League are through to the knock-out round, though not all advancements are made the same. Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea topped their groups, but thanks to Arsenal finishing second in Group H, the Gunners can be drawn against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona in the […]

Bayern Munich were always going to be expected to beat FC Basel, especially at home, and they did just that. Thomas Kraft started in goal for the home side and he was called to action on a number of occasions but performed very admirably. Louis van Gaal will be delighted with his side's performance, but […]

The first round of the MLS re-entry draft is in the books, and the result of the new process to improve player movement among clubs is......meh. Every club had a chance to select the 35 players who, due to time in the league and contract status, were available for selection. All but two passed until […]

Today's video features Manchester United players in an ad for a popular vodka. Poor Rio barely gets a touch though. Thanks to Off The Post for the good find. Here's the links: Ray Wilkins speaks [Vital Football] Everton secure young midfielder [Guardian] Pardew leads manager race [Soccer News] Mike Ashley's Pardew checklist [Transfer Tavern] True […]

Louis van Gaal's Bayern Munich are set to host an FC Basel side that, with a win, could qualify for the round of sixteen. Die Roten booked their place in the next round of Europe's elite club competition weeks ago, but Louis van Gaal has stressed the importance of winning every game. Bayern Munich have […]

Congratulations to FC København for becoming the first Danish club through to the last 16 in the UEFA Champions League era. This goes down as one of their biggest successes in European club competition since they reached the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup (1991/92) prior to their merger. Ah yes, the merger. Many don't […]

Several readers have asked me to share recommendations of what gift ideas would be perfect for soccer fans this time of the year, especially those who follow English Premier League teams, so here are 9 great holiday gifts for you, or for the soccer fan in your life. Editor's note: I included a variety of […]

Although the third round is still a month away I have decided to honour the achievements of Crawley Town's achievements encourage all the other potential giantkillers out there by running a series of posts looking back at some of the classic ‘cupsets’ over the years, which I have in vain humour entitled 'FA Cup Upsets and Cupsets'.

The Champions League group stages have been extremely exciting this season, and as the knockout stages draw nearer, we're beginning to see the sides which will take part in the latter stages of the competition. Right now, the sides which have qualified are: Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Schalke 04, Lyon, Manchester United, Valencia, […]

Although Rafa Benitez's Inter has qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League in the same position that Mourinho's did a season ago, things look very different for the Spaniard. This is after their 3-0 loss away against Werder Bremen, and Benitez's team played poorly. With this latest loss, Benitez has racked up seven […]

With a few days perspective, Christopher Riordan and myself are set to give our thoughts on the decision to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup. On this edition of the Major League Soccer Talk podcast, we talk about the decision, FIFA corruption, American entitlement and exceptionalism, press failings, and how to move forward. Then, Chris […]

With top spot on the line for Schalke, a win was imperative in Portugal against a Benfica side who have looked far from their best in the Champions League. Elsewhere, Werder Bremen were playing for pride in front of their home fans against last year's European champions, Inter. SL Benfica 1 – 2 Schalke 04 […]

Occasionally a player will rely upon another player so much that they're less than half the player they could be without said player who compliments them so well. If you're confused by that word amalgam, don't be. Just make sure you watch Manchester United's next match on Monday at home against Arsenal and pay special […]