Independence, Limited

More hate being directed Spurs way in recent days with the keyboard warriors taking to their weapon of choice to berate Spurs (in general) and Gareth Bale (in particular). Bale’s crimes are to (a) be a bit of a diver (true) (b) look like a chimp (yeah, classy commentary there, ironically, from neanderthals) (c) complain […]

Suarez blackens name for good of country

It’s certainly not easy to care about Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, a man who spent the world cup tumbling every time I walked near the television. But his controversial handball that effectively denied Ghana a place in the tournament semi-finals has mobilised a call to ban the player from the final/third place play-off and even extreme suggestions such as […]

What’s next for England’s ageing squad?

There’s always going to be some knee-jerk in the wake of a humbling tournament exit.  But as discussed in my previous post this is not just about getting caught on the break a couple of times and being victim of a gross officiating mistake.  Joe Cole, who originally predicted that England could win the tournament  (and […]

Injustice can’t overshadow England’s failure

I said yesterday that England needed to produce a credible performance to match the bold claims made by the likes of David James and Joe Cole.  They didn’t.  What they produced against Germany was as bad if not worse than the display against Algeria.  The stats might show that England had more possession and more shots […]

Five things: Mancity, Zola, predictors, Henry, Hibs

After a few months off for ‘logistical’ reasons, Five Things returns with absolutely nothing new to say at all. 1. Roberto Mancity Bloody foreigners, coming over here, stealing our women and jobs. I’m not sure if Mrs Hughes was part of the deal but Roberto Mancini certainly did take Mark’s job at Manchester City. The […]

Five things: Trap, Barnes, McParland, Rio, Rooney

1. “Disgraceful” play-offs for Ireland I wouldn’t say Ireland particularly deserved to beat a tidy but unambitious Italian side at Croke Park on Saturday night but it was still a huge disappointment not to be able to hold on to a 2-1 lead for three minutes.  Mind you considering the luck that manager Trapattoni has […]

Five things: County, Sol, Wiley, Rafa, FIFA

Luvfooty brings you what we hope will be at least a new weekly feature where we make a brief analysis of five current football stories out there.  We’re good like that. 1. Notts County reveal the man who wasn’t there Pakistani businessman Anwar Shafi has denied any involvement with League Two side Notts County in […]

McShane scare for Ireland

I don’t wish to be hackneyed – no more than usual, anyway – but the only thing scary about this McShane story is the possibility that he could be fit for selection. I thought the guy was great when he played against Wales in March 2007; so long ago, even Stephen Ireland was playing. Since […]