Author Archives: James Beckett

England’s poor 2010 concluded as they slid to a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to France, but the night may be remembered for the “Club v Country” debate returning once again. Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry and captain Rio Ferdinand all picked … Continue reading →

Sunderland’s shock win at Stamford Bridge has sent shockwaves rippling through English football. How could a side that are a usually so brutally clinical be out-played and out-classed in their own backyard? In many ways it would be unfair to … Continue reading →

Supporters of Premier League clubs often pride themselves on their nicknames, but do you really know the origin of them? Do you know the origins of the Baggies, Gunners, Red Devils, Toffees, Trotters, Hammers, Lilywhites and Citizens? Let’s take a … Continue reading →

Fabio Capello has announced his squad for Wednesday’s friendly with France and one name in the squad will certainly cause England fans to raise an eyebrow. Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd has received a surprise call-up and while it is a … Continue reading →

Newcastle United may have slipped to a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers, but their star striker Andy Carroll did manage to enhance is ever-growing reputation with another goal. Carroll’s equaliser was his seventh goal of the … Continue reading →

Owen Hargreaves suffered another injury set back just six minutes in to his Manchester United comeback. The likeable midfielder was making his first start in over two years, but was forced off early on with a hamstring complaint. Speaking after … Continue reading →

After their stunning victory against reigning Champions League holders Inter Milan in midweek it’s  back to the Premier League for Harry Redknapp’s men this weekend and a tough trip to Bolton. A visit to the Reebok Stadium will be a … Continue reading →

Steven Gerrard gave us all a timely reminder of his quality with a stunning hat-trick to help Liverpool overcome a stubborn Napoli side. Will this performance mark the general return to form of midfielder and could he be the inspiration … Continue reading →

The ever increasing pressure on Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has reached a new height after City’s disappointing Europa League defeat at Lech Poznan. It is now three straight defeats for Mancini and now means Sunday’s trip to West Brom, … Continue reading →

Once again Gareth Bale starred for Tottenham in the Champions League, with two stunning assists that helped the Champions League new-boys to a memorable 3-1 win over the tournament holders Inter Milan. Bale had already sent out a warning to … Continue reading →

Blackpool may have got their first home league win in the Premier League after they edged past West Brom. But the 2-1 win was a lot closer than many would have expected after the Baggies were reduced to ten men … Continue reading →

Roy Hodgson finally saw his Liverpool side climb out of the bottom three with a hard-fought win at Bolton. It certainly wasn’t easy for the Hodgson’s men as the hosts frustrated Liverpool for long periods only to be undone by … Continue reading →

In an announcement that is sure to thrill managers of several Premier League clubs, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed his ambitions of playing in the Premier League.  The German midfielder has a contract with the Bavarian club until … Continue reading →

By all accounts it has been a rollercoaster week for Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton. After an impressive win away to West Ham, bookmakers suspended betting on Hughton been the next Premier League manager to lose his job. The pressure was … Continue reading →