Match of the Dave

Annan Athletic win first League match

dave — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:40:25 +0000

As previously mentioned, I’ll be following the progress of SFL new boys Annan Athletic on this blog over the course of the season. Today they played their first Senior league match, away to Cowdenbeath and it was the stuff of dreams! Despite going behind early on, the debutants rallied and drew level before taking control and ending the game 4-1 winners.

There’s a full match report on BBC Sport, for all the details.

That’ll be a day to remember for the team and hopefully a springboard for the rest of their season.

Which player are you?

dave — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:55:39 +0000

Have you ever wondered which footballer you are most similar to, physically? A new site launched today called “Which Player am I?” allows you to enter your height, weight and date of birth, then shows you which professional footballer you are most like.

A bit of fun for football fans, I hear there will be more features soon including the ability to embed your results on your web page or myspace, etc.

Transfer: Keane moves to Liverpool

dave — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:23:50 +0000

Republic of Ireland and Spurs striker Robbie Keane today completed a £20.3m move to Liverpool on a four-year deal worth in the region of £80k per week for the 28 year old. This is an interesting move from a Spurs perspective as he has been a proven goalscorer for the North London club for many years and will be tough act to follow.

Another big decision by Ramos as he continues his shake-up, the proof will be in the pudding - will Spurs challenge the top four this season? For Liverpool, Keane may provide the perfect folly to Torres - also taking the pressure off the young Spaniard who was responsible for more goals individually last season than all of the club’s other strikers combined.

Annan Athletic

dave — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:43:53 +0000

For those of us chomping at the bit for the new season to begin, don’t forget that the Scottish football league kicks off on Saturday 2nd August. That’s a week earlier than The Championship and two weeks before the Premier League.

This season, the Scottish Football League (SFL) welcome a new side - Annan Athletic. Having read a little about their story, I’ll be following their results this season as they attempt to preserve their newly gained league status.

Transfer: Sunderland to move for Diouf

dave — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:01:27 +0000

Sunderland manager Roy Keane looks to be adding to his workload in terms of troublesome players not known for their manager’s approval with a rumoured bid of around £2.5m for Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf. Formerly nicknamed “The Llama” for his spitting antics, last season Diouf settled in to a pattern of simply disappointing performances in a Bolton side that nearly tumbled out of the Premier League.

I suppose if anyone is going to get him on track it’s Keane, but I don’t envy the task he has ahead.

Source: BBC News

Transfer: Chimbonda signs for Sunderland

dave — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:04:46 +0000

Perennial want-away defender Pascal Chimbonda has moved again, this time signing for Sunderland after no doubt discovering he was not in Spurs’ manager Ramos’ plans for the coming season. Details are scarce at this time on the deal, but I for one will be interested to see whether Roy Keane can have a positive effect on Chimbonda’s attitude.

Transfer: Friedel moves to Aston Villa

dave — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:01:40 +0000

Following Blackburn’s signing of Paul Robinson, Rovers goalkeeper and former US International Brad Friedel has signed for Aston Villa in a deal worth around £2m. The 37 year old has signed a three-year deal and will no doubt be seen as a perfect role model and mentor for Villa’s other pending signing, Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Guzan’s transfer is subject to a work permit hearing, thought to be scheduled for Friday.

Write for ESPN Soccernet

dave — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:36:53 +0000

I found an interesting link online tonight, ideal for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a Football writer. ESPN Soccernet, one of the largest football sites on the web, is recruiting writers for the forthcoming Premier League and Championship seasons. The positions are unpaid but that’s a huge audience for you to get your writing out to - and you can apply to cover your favourite team with a passion.

More details and the application process can be found on the Soccernet site.

Fantasy Football

dave — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:30:47 +0000

With the new season nearly upon us, that exciting time falls to fans throughout the land - Fantasy Football! I still miss the BBC Sport game, cruelly snatched from us by those who decided TV License money shouldn’t be spent on a service offered by many competitors back in 2005/06 - but last season I found a lot of fun in the official game of the FA Premier League, which I’m playing again this season.

Sadly my team, Reading FC, tumbled out of the Premiership last season on goal difference (I’m still bitter, Fulham deserved to go down for being constantly in trouble with the drop!) but I was pleased to find this season there is an official game for the Football League. You can check out my team here.

Playing anywhere else this season? Or maybe you’re playing one of the cash prize leagues? Drop me a comment to share your favourites.

Transfer: Robinson moves to Blackburn Rovers

dave — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:07:10 +0000

Former England number one Paul Robinson today completed his move from Tottenham Hotspur to Blackburn Rovers, ending an unhappy time at the London club where he fell out of favour due to a dip in form mid-season. The 28 year old shot-stopper cost the Lancashire club £3.5m and has signed a five year contract.

Personally I’m hoping this will be a chance for Robbo to rediscover his form as he is a great keeper when he’s at his best. Whether there’s a place for him in the England set-up going forward remains to be seen, but if we see a renaissance in Robinson the likes of that seen in David James after his troubled England career came to an end this can only be a positive thing for English goalkeeping.

This should now pave the way for current Rovers first choice keeper Brad Friedel to move to Aston Villa, who have been courting the experienced American since the transfer window opened.

Source: BBC News