Teams can pass their way into the Premier League, but Adam Bate thinks that the long ball game is the best tactic to keep them there
It all looks set for an interesting battle at the top of the Championship. While Southampton are heralded for their pleasing football under Nigel Adkins, West Ham continue to power on with the arch-pragmatist Sam Allardyce. The prevailing wisdom is that trying to play football is not practical in the Championship. But history suggests you can pass your way to promotion.
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Sunday, January 1st, 2012 - The Archive
Footballing tensions in Ireland have worsened recently over several cases of defection and perceived poaching, reports Aaron Rogan
Gerry Armstrong’s goal against Spain in the 1982 World Cup finals will live long in the memories of Northern Ireland supporters. His new role within the Irish Football Association (IFA) could be vital for the future success of the national team. Over the last few years, the south’s Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has begun selecting an increasing number of northern-born and capped players to represent the Republic. Armstrong has been appointed as “elite player mentor” to persuade younger players to stay within the north’s set up.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive
Justin McCurry on Japan’s continuing love affair with English football, despite the Premier League shifting its focus to other Asian markets
When Harry Redknapp brought Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi to Portsmouth for £1.8 million in 2001, detractors spied a case of commercial considerations taking precedence over footballing ability. Sure enough, the Japanese goalkeeper departed under a cloud less than two years later after a series of hapless performances that saw him lose his place to the 42-year-old Dave Beasant.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 - The Archive
Mark Sanderson describes how Southampton’s former home has been replaced by flats but their fans have fond memories, and vivid imaginations
Ten years have passed since The Dell was demolished. My memories of watching Southampton play there are based on just how close supporters were to the pitch. I remember being in the front row of the East Stand, as Liverpool’s Steve Nicol prepared to take a throw-in, realising I was only an arm’s length from yanking down his grey shorts.
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Friday, October 21st, 2011 - Book reviews
Fans are raising funds for their clubs through a variety of means, writes Rich Middleton
You would be hard pressed to work out what a gnome dressed in a Mansfield Town home kit has to do with former Stoke and Swansea striker Paul Connor. Saying that, the link between Oxford United’s Jake Wright and a crested mug could be considered to be equally confusing. But both footballers have been direct recipients of creative financing as fans turn to new and increasingly innovative methods to fund players’ salaries.
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Friday, October 21st, 2011 - The Archive