With the 2010 World Cup draw just made, I thought there was no better time for some bold predictions. It was Pelé who once said – in that conceited manner of his – that an African nation would win the World Cup before Y2K. Then again he once infamously predicted Columbia would win USA ’94, […]
So, England got off to a nervy start in South Africa (surprise, surprise), with question marks lingering over Capello’s team selection and style of football. Most telling, however, was England’s lack of composure in possession. Something which all the big favourites have in their locker. What irks most, though, is the English media’s constant over expectation, dreaming England can play like […]
Whilst we’re all well briefed on the mega-stars of Spain, England and the Netherlands, and seen as though seven is my favourite number, here are seven stars in the making to watch out for in South Africa. All seven are widely tipped for big things. With some notable stars absent, could World Cup 2010 be […]
Recently I was generously invited to submit haiku (ancient Japanese poetry) to The High IQ Haiku World Cup project; and, to my surprise, was later made a member of the (currently) twelve-strong haikuworldcup.blogspot.com editorial team, which includes our very own Jon Greenbank (Thanks Matthew, your enthusiasm is an inspiration). Have you ever tried World Cup Haiku? You should. Delighted to […]
The 2010 World Cup makes it twenty years since I was self-diagnosed with football fever. An innate curiosity heightened only by my father’s halcyon tales of Pelé, Eusebio and, of course, our very own Geoff Hurst: whose unique contribution crowned England’s finest ever moment in the summer of ’66. Fortunately for us, and for you […]
I’ll begin by apologizing for my lack of blogging over the past six months and sincerely promise a more productive summer. Last September, seeking some deeper sense of fulfilment, I embarked on a surprise return to university as a mature student in the land of saints and scholars which proved a far greater commitment than […]
Just when we were all enjoying a summer free from the fickle world of football, like low budget reality television – it’s back, in our faces, and sucking us all in. And, though there is something so intrinsically sickening about modern football, I cannot hide my exuberance as the big kick-off draws ever closer. I […]
So here it is, the much anticipated match of the season: Manchester United v Barcelona; touted by many as the dream European final. Spanish against English, the Counts of Catalonia against the Mancs of Lancashire, effervescent exuberance versus tireless industry, free-flowing attack against resolute defence, Messi and Ronaldo; and more duels besides. Xavi has the big match temperament to win it for Barca For me this […]
What is it about the underdog I admire so much? When we started The English Football Post, Stoke City were an outside bet for the play-offs – in the Championship, and Everton had all but relinquished any hope of ever dislodging England’s untouchable ‘Big Four’. Fast forward eighteen months and Stoke City have […]
For Stoke City supporters, this season has been an extraordinary journey. Stoke have come along way since that reality biting opener at Bolton and the harsh lessons dished out during two away trips to Manchester and another in Blackburn. When the fixture list came out last June many scoffed at Stoke City’s chances […]
