Having got used to relegation from the top flight, Huw Richards writes on how Rayo Vallecano are having an unexpected prolonged stay at the top
El Rayo Vallecano está de moda (Rayo Vallecano are in fashion). One can think of more unlikely headlines – “Manchester United back profit-sharing” or “Swansea sign midfield playmaker” come to mind. But few others.
Troubles at Hull City and confusion at Hasting Town and St Leonards
When clubs get rid of an unpopular owner, fans are naturally tempted to greet his successors with a relatively uncritical eye. Few at Hull City were sorry to see the back of David Lloyd and the new regime of chairman Nick Buchanan appears to have restored a measure of stability. However, there may still be trouble ahead.
Brian Kidd has been sacked as Blackburn Rovers manager, but Ray Chenery is not too sure whether it was all his fault
I started watching Blackburn Rovers in 1958. That makes me one of those old codgers whose knowledge and wisdom earn respect and hushed attention.
Despite being unbeaten in September, Stoke City have new owners and a new manager. Penny Stanley tells us why
September was a surreal month for Stoke fans. The team didn’t lose a single league match, earning an award for Gary Megson (Mr Third Choice Manager when he was appointed just two months previously). Kyle Lightbourne, a £500,000 flop throughout the previous 18 months, suddenly looked like a contender for player of the season.
Once again the matter of abuse from fans has been brought to the media's attention, but has it ever gone away?
It’s no reflection on Bobby Robson’s age to suggest that perhaps his memory is failing him in certain respects. The Newcastle Utd manager was apoplectic about the treatment meted out to Alan Shearer by Watford fans at Vicarage Road in November. “Think about what he has done for club and country,” Robson entreated us. “Whatever has happened to our so-called sporting public?”