Oh, dear, in trouble again, Sven? Caught talking out of turn, ah yes: You’ll quit England and manage Villa if England win the World Cup. And what if we don’t win the Cup? Will you continue as England’s no. 1, must try harder, your report card will say. The FA: “We’ll back you, Sven, you’re […]

Last year at this time I wrote here for all to read: “The proud history of the F.A. Cup’s besmirched when Premier League clubs put out their reserve side, –with results to match. . . now who’s surprised? Manchester United reserves Nil, Exeter amateurs Nil!” At that time, Sir Alex apologized and made a vow: […]

We’d do better this year, maestro Rafa said, I’ll put out the first team. We take the field at Luton with our glamour names, and sure enough, seize the lead on a Stevie G rocket, . . . only began to look rocky again, facing a swift Luton side. . . Sammi Hyppia starting to […]

Liverpool’s last season nadir: when Jimmy Traore failed to clear, hoofed into his own net at Turf Moor for a shameful exit in the Third Round of the FA Cup. Now it’s different, vows Rafa, Champs League magician. Yet, we failed in Japan, frustrated knocking on the door of the Sao Paulo goal. . . […]

Boxing Day, 2005: a Peter Crouch header goes down as a keeper’s own goal, and video shows lots of Premiership handballs the refs don’t see; the fans see them and the commentators agree: clear penalties not given. Milan Baros appears to handle then pops it in the net to Villa cheers. What’s the matter, ref, […]