Favourite Players- Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar

 Christened the ice rabbit, Edwin van der Sar is one of Holland's most loved football men.  Undoubtedly one of the greatest keepers ever to have played the game and he is also one of the most important

Four Memorable Man Utd Matches vs Spurs

 

 

So, Tottenham away next up for United after a bit of a dull cup tie midweek.  Neverthelss, through to the next round and it was mesmerising seeing Ryan Giggs roll back the years.  The team has enjoyed a very good record vs Spurs and in the table, United are in an excellent position.  Tottenham are in hot form and it is going to be a difficult game.  Spurs have already beaten United this season, at Old Trafford for the first time in yonks- 11 games to be precise.  Anyway, with United in good form, not too many injuries to contend with and getting results they are cetainly on a good run.  Robin van Persie's goals have been instrumental and the attacking play pretty good, can even argue that the team needs to be less careless and more clinical infront of goal.  The game earlier in the season was approached the wrong way, it was annoying points dropped, as when United changed things accordingly they were a-lot better- alas the changes came too late.  Encouraged that they had Spurs on the ropes at times in the second half.  Hoping that this time it is an energetic combination in midfield to match that of Spurs.  Evra has had trouble on occasion dealing with Aaron Lennon, however the Frenchman has improved of late and looks much more like his old self- as long as he concentrates on defending he'll be fine.  Rafael, whom is having a good season has always come out on top in contests vs Bale so no worries there.  The Welshman is having a good season and therefore will be a danger.  Spurs have a good deal of pace in their side, which will need to be nullified.  Vidic and Ferdinand are the likely duo at centre back, both performed very well vs Liverpool. 

Reds in Europe- The Early Manchester United Story

~With Manchester United through to the knock out round of the Champions League, they are set to play a highly anticipated tie vs Real Madrid next month.  It is with great expectation, trepedation and excitement that this match is met- it has been too long since the sides last met.  A time ago, I wrote up a piece that looked at the background of how United really got started on the European scene.  As well as the important role they and their forward thinking manager, Sir Matt Busby played in opening the door of continental, club football.  This changed the face of football in England and opened up new challenges, adventures and experiences for fans and players alike.  I very much enjoy learning about the history of the club, particularly through an author and Manchester United fan named Tom Clare who has seen, first hand a huge portion of the clubs history.  His most recent publication (The Men Who Were The Busby Babes) was released just last year and is a magnificent read- very insightful and he writes so well.~

2012/13 Stand Out Matches(Aug-Dec)

So that is the lovely festive period over for another year, sigh.  Little more than a week into 2013, which will hopefully be a good one and wish it to be for you all out there.


Haven't watched nearly as much football as usual.  Have caught most of Manchester Uniteds matches but even those have been restricted at times, as I've had my Mum staying during the week as she is on secondment here.  Nevertheless, there have been some very good matches to keep me occupied.  Quite predictably it is mostly Juventus, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund that I've caught.

Undoubtedly the biggest highlight, well for me anyway was seeing Celtic getting both those results against the mighty Barcelona.  A Barcelona that is in super form, yet to lose a match in La Liga.  Unfortunately for Celtic the draw does not favour the brave as they have resurgent Juventus up next.  Fantastic achievement, especially when the holders and other moneybags clubs in Europe failed to make it out of their group. 

Football- General/Humour

Football's Seven Dwarfs

 

 

 

Bit of a joke post which fuses fairy tales and football.   The characteristics of the seven dwarf's featuring in the popular Disney film are very well known.  Here is their footballer equivalents!

 

 

-RONALDINHO-

"1. Happy- Ever smiling, jolly with a bubbly personality"

Ronaldinho was the first player thought of for this character.  He always played with a smile on his face and gave such unbridled joy to watch him.  He was a real entertainer with ridiculous skills and tricks.  His personality really shone through on the football pitch, such a sunny player.  Off the field of play, he is said to be full of life, great fun and very bubbly.  He has a real Brazilian spirit, it is just a shame we never seen more of him at the very top. 

Ode To Sir Alex Ferguson- 26 Quotes For 26 Years

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is now in his twenty-sixth season of managing Manchester United.  It is an incredible feat, unlikely to be repeated.  Even if it was to be, nobody could do it quite like Fergie.  To mark the occasion and to celebrate all that he has done for United and indeed football; the club has commissioned a bronze statue to be made in his honour.  The unveiling of this will take place the day before the QPR match, (to be played at the end of the month).  An apt selection, as QPR were the opponents in his first match at Old Trafford.   This statue will stand pride of place in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. 

Cuatro Fantastico El Clasico's!!

 

Player Watch 2012/13

In general I've tended to be more of a player follower than a team one.  But in more recent years it has also extended into following specific teams due to the style of football they play.  In this post I will probably waffle a-lot about the players I shall be watching out for over the course of the season.  The transfer window is still open and more deals are rumoured to be competed before it closes.  Going by the transfers that have happened, am looking forward to seeing how reigning German footballer of the year Marco Reus does for Dortmund.  Enjoyed Mönchengladbach's football last season and the man really stood out.  Be sure to follow Gladbach this season also and was very impressed by their young keeper Ter Stegen.  For Dortmund, getting Mario Gotze back to full fitness and in action will be akin to a new signing considering the year he has just had with injury. Hummels is a player that makes defending look easy, very much like his style.  Staving off interest from the Premier League, Pole Lewandowski is set to have a strong season.  Staying in Germany, Bayern Munich have also made a number of signings.  Dante the highly rated Brazillian centre back has joined and looks a good prospect.  Claudio Pizarro is a good addition to their squad and it will be interesting to see how Shaqiri does.  Mandžukić, outstanding in the Euro's will do very well at Bayern and add some urgency to their attack.  Biggest of all is the capture of highly rated Javi Martinez.  What a midfield they'll have with him and Schweinsteiger.  Be some force with that.  Martinez is a player had hoped Manchester United would make a move for.  It is a big fee but worth it in the long run considering his  age.  Team to watch for, for sure and their signings could prove to be the biggest difference maker in Europe.  So close they have come on occassions, to winning the big trophy.  A club some miles away from Munich have been equally as busy in the transfer market.  Juventus have stregnthened an already strong team.  It is the names already there, I am most eager to watch including Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo, Buffon, Bazagli and Chiellini.  Giovinco has returned to the club, have watched a fair amount of him hope to see him continue to play as he has and to also improve.  In Serie A there are a number of teams I'll watch: Napoli, Fiorentina, Udinese and maybe even some Milan.  Players such as de Rossi, Montolivo, Inler, di Natale, Jovetic and Maggio are ones I will pay particular attention to!

Italian & German Super-Cups & Other Summer Football

Supercoppa

The Olympics football and pre-season matches have satisfied my football needs whilst waiting for the season to start.  Many fans look forward to the summer for persuing the exploits of the transfer market and seeing which players will end up where.  Have never been one to follow it closely and find the whole thing a bit boring.  Know a-few people who'll stay glued to sky sports and count down the days to deadline day; on which they will spend the day charting it from start to finish. 

Favourite Players, Denis Irwin

            Denis Irwin

Denis Irwin was born and brought up in Cork in the Republic of Ireland. He began his footballing life as an apprentice at Leeds United, he played over 50 games for them, having been released he was then picked up by Oldham. He had a successful spell at Oldham playing many games and helping his side make an appearance in the League Cup final and the semi final of the FA Cup. In June 1990 he was transferred to Manchester United for a fee of approximately £650,000. The FA Cup semi final in question was against United and has been marked as the game in which Irwin really grabbed the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.