With David Beckham’s imminent retirement, it is time to celebrate the wonderful art of the direct free-kick. There is not one football viewer who hasn’t attempted to replicate one of Beckham’s curlers into the top corner, but footballers themselves have their own individual techniques. Here’s a selection of the most eye-catching efforts.
It’s often said that goals win matches, and statistically speaking that is obviously true. However, a great save can help avoid a defeat – and in some cases provide a team with the inspiration and confidence needed to go on and win a game. Let’s take a moment to looks back at some of the greatest saves caught on camera.
One annoyingly loveable question surrounding English international campaigns in the Noughties was when were the country’s alleged world-class players going to add up to the sum of their parts? The question must be asked – was too much expected of them or was the problem ineffective management? A look at the individual club records of each would suggest the latter to be true, but can there ever be a decisive answer, as David Beckham, Golden Balls himself, announces his retirement?
As we prepare to enter the whirlwind of speculation that is a tournament-less odd-number summer, the rumour mill is turning fast. No area is more saturated at present than the subject of managerial changes. One move that is often the subject of debate is promotion from within. Nigel Adkins’ journey from physio to boss at Scunthorpe is the most referred to example of recent times, but are there any other success stories, or is Terry Connor’s nightmare stint at Wolves the norm?
Harry Redknapp’s move to QPR midway through the Premier League season was supposed to inspire a Lazarus-esque rise from the ashes, and a climb towards safety for the Loftus Road outfit. For many reasons this did not transpire, but as QPR face up to life in the Championship is Redknapp likely to stay on?
Music and football are never far apart, with the most egotistical fans undoubtedly claiming credit for victories due to their well-timed chants. Others are a bit more insulting towards referees, opposing managers, or returning ex-fan favourites. But what do players like to listen to when they get back to the changing room, or on their lavish Ferrari journey home?
We all love a good comical own goal, unless the guilty party is from our own team, and even then we can laugh about it eventually. Frank Sinclair once scored two own-goals in consecutive weekends, and Richard Dunne too is a prolific scorer, with nine in his own net. Here’s a collection of some of the best worldwide howlers.
Loan signings are one of football’s great dividers. Used correctly and sparingly, they can be the difference between success and failure, like any addition to any squad. Used too liberally, like in Watford’s case this season with eleven signings, and criticism can be expected. Here are some of the most successful loan signings in English football.