...ld make on Manchester United, football throughout the world and society as a whole.

On the recommendation of Bishop this "genius", George Best, was packed off to Manchester along with another prospect, Eric McMordie, for a two week trial. Fazed by their journey into the unknown and immediately homesick the youngsters scarpered back to Belfast before the fir...more

England? You Must Be Kidding

..., you are playing as both full-back and wide midfielder the way Cafu and Roberto Carlos did when their star player was sent off in 2002 against england. I can picture it if Svens lot were to win the World Cup. I see Beckham striking a pose with the trophy, sticking out his chest and allowing a lock of his hair to fall across his face, Frank Lampard and John Terry grinning behind him, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand in the background on their mobiles to their agents demanding pay-rises com-mensurate with winning the tournament. To cut a long story short, if england wins the 2006 World Cup, Ill run semi-nude around the Merdeka Square on the next rainy day after the tournament, if, the authorities allow it of course.more

The Continuing Demise of Aston Villa Fc - Defeat at Doncaster

...ny other clubs are in deep financial trouble. Unfortunately the world of football has moved on from when Doug started and it is time for a fresh injection of cash and some new faces to try and revive the club. I sincerely believe it is time for a wholesale change in personnel at the club, players and manager alike.

Irish property developers the Comer Brothers and Michael Neville who are looking to purchase Villa for around 64million will certainly inject some cash to be spent on players, but my cynical side tells me giving it to a manager who fails to inspire his team will merely lead to a squandering of a golden opportunity. Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against David O'Leary as a manager and I think in the right circumstances he is very capable. I am suggesting, however, that he has become associated with the failures of Villa over the past couple of years and retaining him for much longer will keep that link to the bad days, when the club needs much more positive input. Likewise Juan Pablo Angel. He is simply another in the long line of expensive strikers who have moved to Villa and failed to live up to their potential. He is a very talented individual and I think perhaps he would benefit from a change of clubs. It is time to cut our losses.

For the Villa fans, we can only hope that the new year brings a new attitude at the club and that things will improve - lets face it, they cant get much worse after a 3-0 defeat at Doncaster!more

November nfl Thoughts

...me all the time in sports, and most move on to another team for a few years where they often wear out their welcome again. Lost in the shuffle of the Owens' saga is a similar thing that happened in the nfl four years ago. Early in the 2001 season, Patriots All-Pro WR Terry Glenn was being a problem child, missing practices and complaining about a variety of topics. Coach Bill Belichick laid down the law and suspended Glenn. At the time it was a surprise, as New england was short on offensive speed. However, the team showed they were better without Glenn, recovering from an 0-2 start and the sideshow antics by winning the Super Bowl, all without Glenn.

In Cleveland, first-year coach Romeo Crennel has the Browns playing hard. A defensive expert, the Cleveland defense is allow...more

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