We are a society obsessed with superstars. The brilliant, outlandish consistency of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s achievements have focussed the football world’s attention on individuality and personal success more than ever before. Since 2008 the pair have won five Ballon d’Or trophies each. The previous record was three. Much like in boxing, where each […]
Blog
Champions League group draw creates intrigue
It’s an often repeated sentiment that the World Cup and the Champions League only really come alive after the group stages. Once the initial excitement subsides, it’s best to wait until the phoney wars are over and the true drama of the knockout stages commences. This year’s Champions League may be a rare exception though. […]
Manchester United’s transfer policy in the spotlight again
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed Manchester United manager in March, this summer’s transfer window has been pinpointed as a vital opportunity to revitalise the squad. A centre-back, a full-back, a winger and a central midfielder were just some of the positions urgently in need of examination. The club also faced a pressing need […]
King of Queen’s
Even his few remaining critics found it hard to begrudge him victory on Sunday. Back in January, as Andy Murray sat sobbing at a press conference ahead of the Australian Open, it was almost impossible to imagine that he would taste success on court again. After all, he was finished, wasn’t he? Not quite. Murray […]
Club success gives Southgate Nations League dilemma
While English football looks forward to the prospect of four domestic clubs competing in two European cup finals next week, the historic achievement threatens to overshadow the national side’s appearance in the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League. When Gareth Southgate’s men qualified for the latter stages of the tournament back in November, the country […]
Dubois v Joyce can reignite interest in British heavyweights
Just when it appeared that heavyweight boxing was about to go mainstream again, with intriguing fights between Tyson Fury, Detonay Wilder and Anthony Joshua all in prospect, the sport’s torturous internal politics have put on hold plans for fights between any of the three heavyweight champions of the world. Instead, Fury is set to fight […]