One aspect I have neglected thus far to comment upon in my survey of twenty years of fan voices is the conversation topic that dominates every message board and phone in down the land: the perceived inadequacy of referees.For most of us, eyes glaze over during these rants. Few of us have the stomach to listen to another Manchester United fan complaining of Drogba’s theatrics and partisanship prevents us from really caring, even if the moaning is justified.When our own club is involved, we are a little more outraged of course but, in a conscious attempt to conform to the…
All posts tagged Norwich
The Thursday Preview: Reading Vs Norwich
This week’s Preview marks Norwich’s second airing in this column in 2010-11, after Lanterne Rouge correctly predicted a slender home win against Barnsley back in September. In fifth place going into Saturday’s early evening trip to the Silicon Valley, the Canaries have been lingering around the play-off berths for most of the intervening period and their position in the form table speaks of a discreetly competent first third of the season.If they haven’t quite managed to ratchet the entertainment up to the levels of last season’s remarkable League 1 title stroll, then at least Norwich are a long way clear…
The Monday Profile: John Ruddy
John Ruddy’s career CV to date reads similarly to several footballers his age. A protégé at Cambridge United, Ruddy made his debut aged 17 on the final day of the 2003-4 season. After establishing himself as the U’s No. 1 the following season, Ruddy was sold to Everton for an initial £250,000 (rising to £500,000 depending on appearances). Heralded at the time by Toffees manager David Moyes as a future England international, Ruddy nevertheless spent large parts of the next five years in the reserves, being farmed out to numerous lower-league clubs. Now 23, Ruddy has recently signed for Championship…
TTU 2010/11: Season Preview: Championship (Part Two)
See Part One of the TTU 2010/11 Championship Season Preview here.MiddlesbroughHeadline of the Summer’Scottish Invasion!’ in relation to the number of players from across the border Strachan has recruited.Ins/OutsINAndrew Halliday (Livingston)Kris Boyd (Rangers)Nicky Bailey (Charlton)Stephen McManus (Celtic)Kevin Thomson (Rangers)Tarmo Kink (Győri ETO)OUT:Chris Riggott (released)Emanuel Pogatetz (Hannover 96)Jérémie Aliadière (released)John Johnson (Northampton)Mido (Ajax)Any major worries?Gordon has rightly strengthened the spine of the team but the flanks look a little bare . More signings are promised, having been spearheaded by Estonian winger Tarmo Kink, who agreed terms just to meet our publication deadline. Goalkeeping remains a concern. Brad Jones is yet to…
Steve: @Lanterne Rouge
All the players were born on the island or have moved...
Lanterne Rouge: Fascinating post Chris. Reading this, I found my hostility to the proj...
Frank Heaven: LR – I think 'one club' counties besides Norfolk would include Heref...
Wimb: Ahhh Zico-Black! watched him play for Lancaster many times during my s...
