In a move that has shocked absolutely no one at the Red Lion, local legend and self-proclaimed football tactician, Big Mick, has announced his application for the England manager role, vowing to replace the outgoing "Wokegate" regime of Gareth Southgate.
Bar Mat Manifesto
Big Mick, who has spent the last three decades propping up the bar at the Red Lion after an 80s career of crunching tackles in Sunday League matches, believes he’s the ...
Cloudy Skies and Cloudy Feelings
When I saw yesterday's weather forecast predicting a cloudy and wet day, I couldn't help but think England would lose last night. It always seems to be gloomy the day after an England defeat. While this might not be true, it certainly feels that way. However, the loss last night didn't carry the same desperation as that wet night at Wembley three years ago. That evening, after a day of anarchy, ended with a ...
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 ...
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 ...
