With stout geese about the nation’s farmyards, it’s been an explosive period when it comes to off field activities in the lower leagues. I chronicled some of the reasons behind Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Reading yesterday but that’s far from the only story occupying column inches as we await the last pre-Christmas fixtures. The following issues are also prominent:A managerless Sheffield WednesdayOur occasional correspondent and Football Lexicon author John Leigh is currently holed up in Italy attempting to finish a biography of Voltaire, but his thoughts are rarely far from Hillsborough. It’s been a torrid period for the Owls, with…
All posts tagged Stadia
Slow Decline at Coventry
There was always an air of unreality surrounding Coventry City’s three decade stint in the top flight. The Sky Blues rarely troubled the top half of the table and indeed, appeared to be attending multiple auditions for a remake of the film Flatliners. Their most dramatic escape of all came with a 4-1 victory over already crowned Champions Everton in 1985, long after other fixtures had been played and a situation that would never be allowed to occur nowadays. Only with FA Cup glory and John Sillett’s dancing in 1987 did the Midlands club rise above the humdrum, although they…
What’s in a Name?
This is a guest post from Ben Woolhead, co-founder of the esteemed Newcastle United Blog, Black and White and Read All Over. Ben turns his attention to the ongoing furore surrounding the naming rights to St. James’ Park.Earlier this month it was announced that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley had taken it upon himself to rebrand St James’ Park with an unwieldy new name, crowbarring in a reference to his sports firm for the duration of the season to demonstrate the value of naming rights. Cue a storm of outrage from fans, myself included, and a chorus of guffaws from everyone…
Green Gartside
Bolton Chairman Phil Gartside has popped his head above the parapet again. An article in today’s Guardian has once again floated the idea of a two tier Premier League. This would involve the co-opting of the current Cocaleague into the EPL structure, with those Bhoys and Gers from Glasgow added to taste. It’s not the first time the 68 year old businessman has weighed forth on the matter, but his previous plan has now been substituted with one that is only slightly less self-interested. This time, relegation from the Orthrus-like beast would be permitted, provided ground and facilities are up…
The demise of the ‘home end’
Recently, Lanterne Rouge discussed the poor position away fans are often given at Championship grounds.To that, I add: what about the poor position home fans are often given?If this sounds bizarre, it is prompted by yesterday’s visit to the Ricoh Arena for a turgid 0-0 between Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.It was a rare occasion when I was watching from an executive box, and from this somewhat detached location, I was able – when not admiring the Marbella tans and golf club blazers – to observe how much atmosphere the two different sets of fans generated during the afternoon.Among…
Frank Heaven: I had no idea Telford was so big. As you say, it is close to the West ...
Lanterne Rouge: I didn't know these nuggets - cheers for enlightening us Alexandriang...
alexandriang: Another factor is probably that both the TItans and Panthers played th...
P Squires: Interesting read, but '...which by train is comfortably further from L...
Lloyd: An enjoyable, snappy piece of writing Will.
Going through Worcester...
