When reading some recent comments about Gareth Southgate, I noticed a pattern. Those who were particularly nasty towards him used terms like "Wokegate" to be derogatory, similar to how they speak about politicians or other disliked figures.
Upon examining the profiles of those who claimed they could manage better than Southgate and expressed intense dislike, a similar demographic emerged. These individuals appeared impulsive, angry, and ...
When Germany thumped Scotland 5-1, amidst all the euphoria and the "Germany will take some beating" hype, a few people dared to whisper that it’s how teams finish a tournament, not how they start it, that counts.
It’s true as well. It always has been. Over the years, anyone who has watched football will have seen teams start strong before running out of steam. Brazil were specialists at it, notably in 1982 when they were regarded as ...
Ever heard of the term "NIMBY"? No, it’s not the latest tech gadget or a quirky new dance move to rival twerking. NIMBY stands for "Not In My Backyard," a term that perfectly captures the sentiment of residents who are all for progress—just not when it happens close to their homes. Think of it as the neighbourhood equivalent of wanting your cake and eating it too. “Oh definitely…but not near my gaff”.
The Core of NIMBYism
At its ...
A Journey into the Beautiful Game
Many years ago, a friend of mine was guiding his son towards a career in professional football. I went to watch him play a few times, and he became a local star around Oxford, attracting interest from several clubs. He was a very good player but seemed to flit in and out of games like a Wi-Fi signal at a Turkish hotel.
The Reality of Professional Football
As the trials took place, my friend, who had ...
Yesterday, I pried myself off the chaise lounge, breaking a long-standing habit and watching the football at Oakley Cricket Club. Given that it’s a place where many of my personal disasters unfold, it felt rather fitting to be watching England there. For reasons I can’t explain, I was quietly confident that England would win handsomely. I thought that with the mundane ‘win once and you’re through’ group games done with, England would ...
