Michal Bílek refused to step down as coach of the Czech Republic, after his side was handed a 3-0 beating by an average Norway team – their worst defeat in 17 years. Bílek still stands by his claims that he wants to lead this team to Euro 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. But, judging by the performance… [Read more…]
July 17, 2011
by marksmith81
The young great Czech hope, Václav Kadlec, needs to hit the ground running this season. Václav had a hugely underwhelming season last year; he collected more tattoos than league goals. In 25 league appearances Kadlec only mustered 4 solitary goals, of course playing out of his favored central position didn’t help his goal tally, but… [Read more…]
July 5, 2011
by marksmith81
Gael Clichy became the 65th left back on Manchester City’s books as he signed this week for 7m from Arsenal. And proves that two years is a VERY LONG TIME in football, especially for those with short memories. Clichy in 2009… “If you really believe you are a player who thinks only about money then… [Read more…]
June 28, 2011
by marksmith81
Probably not. But the new season will represent a chance for Slavia to put right some wrongs from last season. It appears the club is on more stable footing than last year. ENIC have been paid a zillion krowns, or whatever they were owed and the joint owner Aleš Řebíček is looking forward to the… [Read more…]
June 3, 2011
by marksmith81
Its been a while, but the Big Man is back in a job. West Ham made the decision to appoint Sam Allardyce as their manager. West Ham “saviours” Gold and Sullivan have finally made a sensible decision, all David Sullivan needs to do now is ditch the velvet suit jacket. I am a massive fan… [Read more…]
May 22, 2011
by marksmith81
Viktoria Plzeň finally confirmed what they have threatening to do for ages, and win the Gambrinus Liga. Although for a brief moment, Ostrava gave the home side a bit of a scare after taking an early lead. I went to Plzeň yesterday to witness the title celebrations, it was the first time I have seen Plzeň play… [Read more…]
May 13, 2011
by marksmith81
Kenny Dalglish has officially been handed the keys to the LFC managers office, on a permanent basis. King Kenny has signed a three-year contract it was announced this week, about blooming time. The job Kenny and his backroom staff have done since taking the reins in January has been remarkable, transforming an underperforming squad to… [Read more…]
May 8, 2011
by marksmith81
This morning I followed my usual Sunday morning routine. Coffee, breakfast, check my emails and login to Twitter. My timeline included a retweet from Gary Neville, who has just joined the social networking site along with brother Phil Neville. The two bumbling brothers from Manchester are the latest players (ex player in Red Nev’s case)… [Read more…]
May 3, 2011
by marksmith81
Monday night saw Simone Jackson score the winning goal for Norwich which sent them back to the top flight. The canaries have guaranteed their place in next seasons Premier League, alongside Champions QPR. It’s great to see these two sides back amongst England’s elite. It brings back memories of watching football as youngster, seeing Liverpool… [Read more…]
April 22, 2011
by marksmith81
Slavia Praha number 3 Bassirou Dembele has taken a second job handing out leaflets for restaurants in Wenceslas Square, such is the need for money to send back home to his family in Mali. News broke this week about 21 year-old Dembele’s troubles. I’m sure most people have thought about taking a second job to… [Read more…]
April 17, 2011
by marksmith81
Blackburn Rovers slumped to another defeat yesterday, an uninspiring 2-0 defeat at a depleted Everton. Whilst the result itself was not a surprise, Rovers boss Steve Kean post match press conference was. After just mustering 2 shots on target over 90 minutes, and forcing one corner, Kean said “I don’t think it was a worrying… [Read more…]
April 13, 2011
by marksmith81
Chelsea suffered their annual Champions League heart-ache last night, although by Chelsea standards it wasn’t their usual dramatic exit. No “ghost-goal” from Luis Garcia this time, or a John Terry slip which sent Chelsea packing. We didn’t even have the pleasure of Didier Drogba screaming at the camera after refusing to accept defeat. Last night… [Read more…]
April 9, 2011
by marksmith81
This week saw an unlikely partnership emerge with NBA icon LeBron James acquiring a stake in Liverpool FC. On the surface of the deal it looks like LFC owners (Fenway Sports Group) have given LeBron a piece of Liverpool in return for representing the NBA star, which has angered many Liverpool fans. Why should LeBron… [Read more…]
April 4, 2011
by marksmith81
I am on my way to recovery after the Prague half-marathon on Saturday. It took me 2hr 38m to run just over 21km, around the city of Prague. The pain I felt during the last 6km was excruciating, I didn’t know whether to walk, run, collapse or cry. I was hoping to clock a time around… [Read more…]
April 1, 2011
by marksmith81
Gerard Houllier may be public enemy number one with the Villa fans, but the club must stick with the Frenchman. Understandably the fans will be frustrated with Villa’s season, especially with the recent 1-0 home defeat to neighbours Wolves. But Houllier couldn’t have picked a tougher time to take over the manager’s job at Villa. He… [Read more…]
March 29, 2011
by marksmith81
Brazilian star Neymar wasn’t just claiming the worst haircut of the decade at the weekend; he also claimed he was racially abused by the Scotland fans. Such claims can cause huge damage to the accused parties, even if found to be untrue. Scotland’s fans are notorious for their travelling support, the Tartan Army travel in… [Read more…]
March 23, 2011
by marksmith81
I hate this time of the season, International week. I just don’t have the same enthusiasm for England as I do for my club side. England games just get in the way of the Premier League season. Even a qualification game against Wales doesn’t inspire me. In fact, I found myself more excited by the… [Read more…]
March 18, 2011
by marksmith81
Liverpool limped out of the Europa League with a whimper last night. Struggling to break down an organized side in Sporting Braga proved their downfall. In 360 minutes of knock-out football, Liverpool only managed 1 goal – against Sparta Prague. When the draw was made for the knockout ties, Liverpool couldn’t have asked for a… [Read more…]
March 14, 2011
by marksmith81
When I used to think of Bolton, I thought of long balls, El Hadji Diouf, Phil Gartside and getting the shit kicked out of you for 90 minutes. But thankfully, these are all a distant memory – except Phil Gartside – unfortunately. The Wanderers have made massive strides over the last 10 years or so,… [Read more…]
March 10, 2011
by marksmith81
This year’s North London representative in the Champions League quarter finals, are surprisingly Tottenham Hotspur. Harry Redknapp has masterminded victory’s over current holders Inter Milan in the group stages, then followed that up with a nervous 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the knockout stages. Whilst neighbours Arsenal won the plaudits two weeks back, after… [Read more…]
August 11, 2011
by marksmith81
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