The FA Cup third round is often portrayed as the most exciting weekend of the football calendar. It’s when David gets to meet Goliath as the Premier League clubs join the fray and non-league clubs have the chance of playing against the elite. This year’s competition threw up a few such contests with the mostContinue reading “The Kids are Alright”
Author Archives: richardfoster60
Footballers’ flaws in flouting the laws
If there is one thing that really gets my goat it is when people describe professional footballers as pampered prima donnas. This stereotype ignores the fact that all these players are operating at the very height of their profession, and a highly competitive profession at that. They have reached that point through hard work andContinue reading “Footballers’ flaws in flouting the laws”
Brentford’s wartime Final: a missing player, Wembley success and a missing trophy
As soon as Brentford had despatched Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final talk centred around the club’s first-ever appearance in a major semi-final in their 131-year history. The Bees’ trophy cabinet is not exactly bursting at the seams but even though this will be their debut in the last four of the two mainContinue reading “Brentford’s wartime Final: a missing player, Wembley success and a missing trophy”
Is Allardyce’s return a step towards normality?
There is something faintly reassuring about Sam Allardyce being appointed to rescue a club that looks destined for the drop. It has happened a few times before and no doubt will happen again. In this season of all seasons perhaps this is what we all need, some familiarity, a return to what we perceive ofContinue reading “Is Allardyce’s return a step towards normality?”
Kenny Sansom’s fight against his demons and dementia
Kenny Sansom was one of my first football heroes. He made his debut as a 16-year-old and was described by club historian Reverend Nigel Sands as “the first tangible product of the youth policy instituted by Malcolm Allison…and was unquestionably Palace’s best ever left-back.” He was an integral member of that enticing, exciting “Team ofContinue reading “Kenny Sansom’s fight against his demons and dementia”
“We Are the Geordies” – a film about fans for fans by fans.
Football documentaries have become all the rage. In quick succession came the “All or Nothing” series at both Manchester City, charting their record-breaking 2017/18 season, and at Tottenham, which coincided with the arrival of Jose Mourinho in November 2019. Before either of those we had the ultimate car crash viewing that was “Sunderland ’til IContinue reading ““We Are the Geordies” – a film about fans for fans by fans.”
Shot to pieces: The strange tale of Spencer Trethewy
As rumours continue to circulate and strengthen about 23 year-old Frenchman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ interest in taking a majority shareholding in their club, Sunderland fans should take note of a cautionary tale from 30 years ago. In 1990 an even younger man came to rescue Aldershot FC. Spencer Trethewy was still a teenager, although already aContinue reading “Shot to pieces: The strange tale of Spencer Trethewy”
The madness of Lombardo, Goldberg and Palace: An interview with Dom Fifield
In November 1997 an aspiring journalist arrived at Selhurst Park on a work internship. No sooner had Dominic Fifield started than things changed. “Originally I was only meant to be there for a month as the editor went on a four-week trip to Australia, but I was kept on as his assistant after he returned.”AndContinue reading “The madness of Lombardo, Goldberg and Palace: An interview with Dom Fifield”
Pulis, Pragmatism and Points deductions
When Tony Pulis arrives at your club in November it usually means you are in a bit of trouble and in need of the footballing equivalent of Red Adair to come to the rescue. Sheffield Wednesday are the latest club to enlist the services of a manager who has famously never been relegated. Considering WednesdayContinue reading “Pulis, Pragmatism and Points deductions”
Escape to Victory : HMP Prescoed FC
Racking up a goal difference of +247 from an eleven-club division is no mean feat. It goes without saying the club in question won every one of their twenty matches. As they have topped the division ten times in the last fifteen seasons their dominance is on a par with Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United whoContinue reading “Escape to Victory : HMP Prescoed FC”
The Football Mine 