Bradford City have had their fair share of strong centre-backs over the last few seasons. When Andrew Davies left for Ross County in the summer of 2015, everyone feared for the team’s defence. In came Reece Burke, who showed a maturity far beyond his 18 years of age. Burke swept up the end of season… Read more →
Jonathan Hogg had endured a challenging 2015-16 campaign. He had faced numerous injury problems while a large proportion of fans questioned his performances, particularly his perceived lack of ability in possession and reluctance to pass forward quickly. His competition was strengthened when David Wagner added to the midfield this summer. Jack Payne signed from Southend, Ivan Paurevic from… Read more →
It has been a rollercoaster two years for Jake Livermore. His 2014/15 campaign was darkened by Hull City’s relegation and evidence that he had tested positive for cocaine, earning suspension from the club and the FA in May. To his credit, Livermore bounced back quickly. He helped the team to promotion from the Championship at… Read more →
Goals from George Birbeck and Ruben Kane gave Lounceston a 2-1 win at Helston Athletic. Tom Russell grabbed a goal back in an improved second half from the hosts, but the Clarets held on for a third win in six games in the South-West Peninsula League Premier Division. Helston tried to play out but that… Read more →
Jackson Irvine’s first half header gave Burton Albion a 1-0 win in their first ever league game against Derby County. The local visitors had by far the more expensively-assembled squad, but their players showed a lack of bravery and desire, qualities shown in abundance from the hosts. Early on, Burton allowed Jason Shackell and Richard… Read more →
Manchester City have won their first two Premier League games, but interestingly, they have only scored one domestic goal directly from possession build-up play. When Pep Guardiola was in charge of Barcelona, his side faced teams that gave them a lot of respect and they would score three or four goals from moves that involved 50-odd passes.… Read more →
A few Manchester United greats from the 1960s once did an interview, in which they were asked about Sir Matt Busby’s tactics. Their unanimous response was a hearty laughter – Busby didn’t have tactics, he simply trusted the 11 players to do what came naturally to them. As the game has evolved over the last… Read more →
Robert Page might not be setting foot in the away dugout at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, were it not former Coventry boss Micky Adams. Page was signed by him for the Sky Blues back in 2005, then became captain a year later. Adams then offered the ex-centre-back coaching work at Port Vale, before Page ultimately… Read more →
Three years ago, Doncaster against Yeovil was a Friday night Championship fixture, and it was an eventful contest. Dean Furman scored a goal and got sent off, Gary Johnson made an unforced sub before half-time, Byrom Webster netted against his old club and Mark Duffy sealed a man-of-the-match display with a winning free-kick. Of the… Read more →
Aston Villa have had a stuttering start to life in the Championship, winning only once. With more arrivals expected, the club has acted to bring in right-back Ritchie De Laet from Leicester City. De Laet may not improve the team defensively. In three of Villa’s five games in all competitions, they have let in a soft… Read more →