Welcome to talkingbaws, the website dedicated to producing high quality content on the greatest sport in the world.
With our fantastic team of writers we hope to bring you news, opinions and stories that prompt discussion and debate – nothing is off-limits and along the way we might even take in a view of some other sports…but we all know which is the beautiful game.
This is talkingbaws!
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LATEST ON TALKINGBAWS:
IS ANYONE SAD TO SEE MOURINHO GO? Read here.
With Jose Mourinho now out the door at Real Madrid, we look back at the fights which marred his reign in Spain.
MANCINI SACKING SHOWS SPANISH EFFECT AT MANCHESTER CITY. Read here.
Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain know what they want and the ruthless sacking of Roberto Mancini shows that he wasn’t apart of that.
FROM GOVAN GOVERNOR TO BEARSDEN BRAWLER AT MANCHESTER UNITED. Read here.
With the news David Moyes will be Manchester United manager from the start of next season, we look at what came before his great predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson and the similarities between the old and new.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR WAYNE ROONEY? Read here.
Can the Manchester United forward put a season of playing second fiddle, and the appointment of David Moyes, to the back of his mind and concentrate on finding his form again at Old Trafford?
CAN BOCA RECOVER TO THREATEN RIVER IN THE SUPERCLASICO? Read here.
Both clubs hired former managers earlier in the season with the hope that they could improve performances, but there’s been a drastic difference in how either move has worked out. Tonight’s Superclasico is a huge test for both.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Resident tipster Mark Fitzpatrick is here with his tips for a big Bank Holiday weekend of football.
SUNNY WEATHER IS THE START OF FOOTBALL STREAKER SEASON. Read here.
The best part of watching your team when it’s warm.
CAN DORTMUND HALT BAYERN’S RELENTLESS DRIVE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITLE? Read here.
Bayern Munich were ruthless as they smashed their way past an uninspired Barcelona side in the Champions League semi-finals. Now, there’s only Borussia Dortmund standing between them and the title – but will it be as easy in the final?
MOVE OVER JOSE MOURINHO, JURGEN KLOPP IS THE NEW SPECIAL ONE. Read here.
He was special at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan, but Jose Mourinho’s spell at Real Madrid has ultimately been a failure.
HARRY REDKNAPP DESERVES BLAME FOR QPR’S COLLAPSE. Read here.
QPR have been relegated to the English Championship despite the backing of multi-million pound owners. So who is to blame for their underachievement? There’s only one man for Henry Tydeman.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Mark Fitzpatrick gives you his tips on Saturday’s football.
WHO ARE BRENTFORD? YOU COULD SOON FIND OUT. Read here.
One of London’s less illustrious clubs could be about to take the first step into the big time.
GERMAN SUPPORTERS SHOW HOW IT’S DONE. Read here.
The faith of their fans was among many positives for German football this week.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Richard Beattie has another big winner for you tonight.
LUIS SUAREZ IS A BIT NAUGHTY, ISN’T HE? Read here.
Here’s Lenny Boyle to make sense of the Luis Suarez biting incident. *Not for the kind hearted*.
IS JOHN TERRY A FOOL? OR A WHOLE LOT WORSE? Read here.
Henry Tydeman analyses the Chelsea stopper’s latest controversial comments.
CAN FANS STAND TOGETHER AND MAKE FOOTBALL AFFORDABLE AGAIN? Read here.
Fans have the opportunity to unite and make a stand against inflated ticket prices – when will they do it?
WHAT ‘FAN’ LEAVES THEIR SIDE AT HALF-TIME? Read here.
It isn’t just Hibs fans deserting their team early when the chips are down. Celtic and Rangers fans have done it too. Where is the faith?
THE RACE FOR FOURTH IS THE ONLY RACE ARSENAL RUN IN ANY MORE. Read here.
Can Arsene Wenger get his Gunners side challenging for top honours again, or will it be more mediocrity?
CLUBS GOT COLD FEET BUT LEAGUE RECONSTRUCTION ISSUE GOES WAY DEEPER. Read here.
BBC Sportsound’s Richard Gordon gives us his view on the failed attempt to reconstruct Scottish football.
ONLY THE CROWD SPOILED A WONDERFUL WEEKEND FOR SCOTTISH FOOTBALL. Read here.
Where were the fans when the Scottish Cup produced one of its most exciting rounds ever?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Resident tipster Mark Fitzpatrick gives you his tips on a good weekend for betting.
HOW THE FA RUINED THEIR OWN COMPETITION. Read here.
With Wigan struggling to fill their ticket allocation for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals, we ask why the competition isn’t as well-received as it should going into the final stages.
EXCITEMENT BOTH ON AND OFF THE PITCH AS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MOVES ON. Read here.
With the final four now decided, we look ahead to an exciting finale to this season’s Champions League.
MANUEL PELLEGRINI; THE MAN WHO GETS CLOSE, BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH. Read here.
Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini has suffered heartbreak before.
WHY ARE PROMISING PLAYERS AT BIG CLUBS LOSING THEIR DRIVE? Read here.
Adam Johnson, Shaun Wright Phillips… the list goes on. Why are promising youngsters making their big move, and failing to live up to their potential?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Resident tipster Mark Fitzpatrick gives you his tips for the Saturday UK football.
FRAN SANDAZA – WHERE’S THE FORGIVENESS? Read here.
Rangers have sacked striker Fran Sandaza for his part in the hoax call which brought unwanted attention to the club. Anton Horan looks at the reasons behind their decision.
FASCISM, NOT AN EASY SUBJECT… Read here.
Paolo Di Canio’s beliefs shouldn’t have an affect on his players, so why the backlash to his Sunderland appointment? Fascism in Italy explained by Gino De Blasio.
ENGLAND CAN’T DO IT WHEN IT MATTERS BUT SCOTLAND AND WALES CAN’T DO IT AT ALL. Read here.
England showed in midweek that they can’t do the business when it matters, while Scotland and Wales just can’t do it at any time.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Here’s our Talking Treble and Goal Rush tips for this Easter Saturday football.
WHAT DO YOU REALLY EXPECT FROM SCOTLAND? Read here.
Was there anything which came out of Scotland’s defeat to Wales last Friday that we didn’t already know? Not according to Jonny Boyle.
WILL BRAZIL BE READY FOR THE 2014 WORLD CUP? Read here.
Not shy of problems, can Brazil ensure football makes a memorable return to its spiritual home?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Here’s our Double Dunter for this Saturday’s snow-hit football card.
ST MIRREN SHOW THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE SEASON FOR SCOTTISH FOOTBALL. Read here.
Armageddon hasn’t quite come as St Mirren exemplify the increase in quality across the Scottish game.
PSG ARE GOING THE RIGHT WAY ABOUT DREAMING BIG. Read here.
Backed by Middle Eastern money, and recruiting some of the biggest players in the game, can PSG put their strong financial position to good use and become a real European superpower?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Here’s our 3.14/1 Double Dunter for the midweek football.
CAN MICHAEL OWEN REALLY BE CONSIDERED A GREAT? Read here.
The Stoke City forward has called time on his career, but can he really be considered one of football’s greatest ever players after several years spent on the sidelines?
ITALIAN FOOTBALL INTRODUCED ME TO THE SMITHS… Read here.
Italian football was doing in-depth football highlights well before SKY monopolised the British game… and it done a mighty fine job too.
IT’S AN ICARDI BREEZE BACK TO THE TOP FOR MAURO. Read here.
He may have been rejected by Barcelona, but could Sampdoria’s Mauro Icardi be proving that was the wrong decision from the Catalan giants?
ENGLISH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXITS DO NOT POINT TO CHANGE. Read here.
Football is a game which can depend on so many factors. It’s wrong to suggest English football has to radically change because of their performance in the Champions League this term.
WE CAN’T REALLY HAVE A WINTER WORLD CUP, CAN WE? Read here.
Qatar may have the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the bag, but just when will they bring it back out?
MY FAVOURITE EVER FOOTBALL KIT. Read here.
We look back at some of the best football strips ever to be worn. What’s yours?
ARE BORUSSIA DORTMUND EUROPE’S NEXT BIG FORCE? Read here.
Their dominance of German football may end with Bayern Munich’s inevitable capture of this season’s Bundesliga, but Borussia Dortmund have bigger fish to fry.
A SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT EL CLASICO. Read here.
Our writer Rob Boulton looks back at his time spent in Madrid during last Saturday’s El Clasico.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Our weekend tipster Mark Fitzpatrick gives you his top weekend bets starting off with a treble from around the UK games.
LUIS SUAREZ WON’T BUT SHOULD WIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR. Read here.
Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie appear favourites to be crowned as the English Premier League player of the year but is there one man who deserves it more? He might not be everyone’s cup of tea but surely Luis Suarez is the only man for the title?
ROY ’JUDAS’ KEANE AND THE OVER-ZEALOUS UNITED FAITHFUL. Read here.
Every United fan and their dog – and Paddy Crerand as well – thought Nani’s red card during Manchester United’s Champions League second-leg defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday was a joke, but what about the opinion of Roy Keane? Was the United legend right to condemn the Portuguese winger’s challenge?
CAN BLOOD WIN THE WORLD CUP? Read here.
The Eufemiano Fuentes trial may not be giving the controversy some expected, but why does there seem to be so much worry surrounding the dodgy doctor’s information?
SHAMROCK ROVERS AND LINFIELD GIVE SETANTA CUP SHOT IN THE ARM. Read here.
In a battle between North and South, Linfield’s visit to Shamrock Rovers could have led to more problems than positives, but Ireland and the Setanta Cup have been given the shot in the arm that they so desperately needed in the weekend encounter.
SEBASTIAN KEHL IS BACK AND GETTING STUCK IN FOR BORUSSIA DORTMUND. Read here.
Ben Loder charts the rise, fall and rise again of Borussia Dortmund and German midfielder Sebastian Kehl.
TUESDAY BLOG – LAST THROW OF THE DICE FOR DUNDEE? Read here.
Dundee may be 15 points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premier League, but can they drag an off-form Hearts side in to a relegation scrap?
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH LOVE? Read here.
From John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood to Full kit wankers, how much love is too much love?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Our Talking Treble for this Sunday’s games across the UK and Europe.
FRIDAY BLOG – WHOLE SQUAD APPROACH EQUALS SUCCESS. Read here.
Football today is a demanding game, a lot of factors have to be taken into account to breed success. Players have to feel at home, as well as having suficient talent. Managers need to be strong leaders and relate to all players and staff. At the business end of this season it becomes apparant which clubs have the recipe for success.
THURSDAY BLOG – BARCELONA WERE LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT THEIR SHEPHERD. Read here.
Without Tito Vilanova, Barca looked lost against a Madrid side ready to finish the season with a bang.
RYAN GIGGS – THE IRREPLACEABLE PLAYER. Read here.
A look into the career and achievements of Ryan Giggs over a 22 year period with Manchester United.
THE PEAKS AND TROUGHS OF STEVE MCCLAREN’S CAREER. Read here.
There are a variety of opinions on whether Steve McClaren has achieved enough in his career to be classed as successful, or whether the glaring failures that he has endured outweigh the silverware he has won. Looking at his managerial career in detail allows us to make a more sound judgement.
SECTARIAN SINGING SPOILING RANGERS’ REJUVINATION. Read here.
On saturday, against Berwick Rangers, Glasgow Rangers fans were heard to be singing sectarian songs which have been banned in the terraces. This minority of Rangers support is damaging a successful return from the brink of non-existance.
THE CHRONICLES OF KENNY HAMILTON: EPISODE 1. Read here.
In the first of the series, Kenny is introduced to Scottish football at the most extreme level.
THE DARK SIDE OF CALCIO MERCHANDISE. Read here.
An AC Milan shirt in the South? There was a time when replicas were the only way to get your side’s top and, even at that, they weren’t always the best.
IS IT TIME FOR SCOTTISH FOOTBALL TO GET REAL? Read here.
Looking at Inverness as an example, why are some attendances around Scottish football so low?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Today’s 7.91/1 Double Dunter for this Saturday’s action.
ONE FINAL CELEBRATION FOR MARCELO BIELSA AND SAN MAMES? Read here.
It’s the final Basque derby at San Mames and Tom Wilde looks at what may happen between Athletic Bilbao and Real Socieded.
FRIDAY BLOG – SUNDAY’S CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL WILL BE SPECIAL NO MATTER WHAT. Read here.
Rob Boulton looks ahead to a historic day for Swansea and Bradford as they face up in the Capital One Cup final.
LIAM BOYCE: FROM A GERMAN DREAM TO NORTHERN IRISH REALITY. Read here.
In a Talking Baws exclusive, Cliftonville’s Liam Boyce talks about his meteoric rise to life in the German Bundesliga and what the future holds now he’s back in Northern Ireland.
TALKING CHAMPIONS: THE FOLLOW-UP TO AC MILAN v BARCELONA. Read here.
Three of the Talking Baws team look back at what was a huge night for Milan and a terribly disappointing night for Barcelona.
GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY: POSITIVE OR PROBLEMATIC? Read here.
The debate and discussions from contensious incidents in football are what make football great. The ball crossing the line and a goal being given or not is one of these decisions that can be extremely annoying and detremental to a team.
THURSDAY BLOG – POMPEY PAIR VOLLEY PAST VALDES. Read here.
Anthony Horan discusses last nights surprise Milan victory over Barcelona.
I JINXED A ONE MILLION POUND WIN… BUT MILAN NEEDED TO WIN. Read here.
Gino De Blasio may have jinxed a fellow football fan, but he couldn’t be happier that Milan proved him wrong.
ARSENE WENGER IS NOT THE MAN TO SPEND ARSENAL’S MONEY. Read here.
If there’s a problem at Arsenal then everyone thinks money will fix it, but what if Arsene Wenger hasn’t got the ability to do it? His past record in the transfer market suggests he may not be the man to spend the Arsenal money.
TALKING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: AC MILAN v BARCELONA. Read here.
Three of the Talking Baws team look ahead to Milan v Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.
IT’S TOO HARD TO SPLIT ZINEDINE ZIDANE AND ANDRES INIESTA. Read here.
Debate rages on Twitter, but can Tom Wilde separate two of the greatest midfielders that football has ever seen? Don’t think so.
WILL NEIL LENNON’S LOYALTY TO EFE AMBROSE PAY OFF? Read here.
Lee Clark has shown how publicly criticising one of his Birmingham City players is perhaps not the way forward, but what reaction will Neil Lennon see in Efe Ambrose after backing the Nigerian stopper following his performance against Juventus last week?
OVERALL ACCEPTANCE IMPOSSIBLE FOR ROBBIE ROGERS. Read here.
Robbie Rogers, a former USA international, retired last week at the age of 25 coinciding with his decision to announce his homosexuality. Was his retirement a surprise or is it the only option left to gay footballers operating in an environment which still hasn’t made up its mind?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Here’s our 4/1 double for this Saturday’s football.
DUE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE A REAL CHANCE OF QUALIFYING. Read here.
Tactics aside, player performance has a massive impact on the result of a football match. The performances of certain Manchester United and Real Madrid players are evidence of this.
FRIDAY BLOG – THE EUROPA LEAGUE SAVES LIVES! Read here.
The story of Oscar Pistorius Killing his girlfriend in his home on valentine’s day suggests that it is safer to watch football than to surprise your partner.
EUROPEAN FOOTBALL MEANS THAT BIT MORE TO MANCHESTER UNITED. Read here.
Manchester United are team synonymous with winning trophies at home and in Europe, with their double header against Real Madrid underway its important to reflect on the history of such a European super power.
IS IT TIME FOR A CHANGE TO THE AWAY GOAL RULE? Read here.
Two legged European affairs in football can be marred by defensive tactics and less attractive football. This is a by product of the away goals rule, is it time for a change, such as introducing the most goals scored idea?
THURSDAY BLOG – JUVE GOT TO BE JOKING WITH DEFENDING LIKE THAT! Read here.
The art of defending has been questioned this week as Celtic were subject to rather over zealous defensive tactics on Tuesday night in their Champions league match against the Italian side Juventus.
WHAT WOULD JACK TAYLOR MAKE OF IT? Read here.
Phelim Warren asks what England’s late legendary referee would make of Spanish official Alberto Undiano Mallenco’s performance during Celtic’s 3-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League last night.
TALKING TOP TEN 10 CELEBRATIONS. Read here.
James Ellis gives us his weird, wacky and wonderful celebrations from the beautiful game.
TUESDAY BLOG – WHERE WILL GARETH BALE BE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR? Read here.
Gareth Bale has proven this season that he is one of the most explosive players in Europe. His acceleration, pace, directness and ever improving eye for goal will surely attract Europe’s elite clubs.
IS ‘MONEYBALL’ POSSIBLE IN FOOTBALL? Read here.
A fascinating look at how the world famous Baseball scouting technique could be set to prompt a re-think amongst Football teams about how they recruit their players.
SATURDAY BLOG – WHY ALWAYS YOU, MARIO? WE’RE NOT SURE ANYMORE… Read here.
His controversial time at Manchester City was well covered, but since returning to Italy he’s made all the right moves on the park so why does his moves off it still attract more attention?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Our betting tips for this weekend’s games across Britain.
FRIDAY BLOG – REMEMBER FOOTBALL FANS, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. Read here.
Who’d have thought Chelsea would end up European champions? City looked out the title race last February, Rangers will still a Scottish Premier League club. Don’t throw your hopes away yet, there’s still plenty left of this football season left to play.
IS MARIO BALOTELLI WORTH THE FUSS? Read here.
He’s a superb player, but too often that’s hidden by the trouble caused by his personality. Now he’s back in Italy, is he worth the hassle for AC Milan?
THURSDAY BLOG – GOOD RESULT FOR SCOTLAND LAST NIGHT, BUT IT WASN’T PITCH PERFECT. Read here.
Gordon Strachan’s managerial tenure started with a 1-0 win in a friendly at Pittodre against Estonia. A winning start is always great for morale but the state of the pitch at Pittodre was more noteworthy than Scotland’s performance.
WEDNESDAY BLOG – WHAT DOES SCOTT BROWN OFFER AS SCOTLAND CAPTAIN? Read here.
Everyone talks about Scott Brown’s capabilities off the park, but will that be enough to lead a Scotland team desperately trying to return to prominence under Gordon Strachan?
A LIFE LESS ORDINARY FOR UWE ROSLER. Read here.
Rob Boulton looks at a demanding career for Uwe Rosler, but one the German boss is loving at Brentford right now.
THE INTERVENING FORCE BEHIND ZINEDINE ZIDANE’S RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL. Read here.
Something spoke to Zinedine Zidane in 2006 which forced him to return to the France national team, but what was it? Justin Bryant looks at the Divine Intervention.
TUESDAY BLOG – DOES SCOTLAND HAVE THE PLAYERS TO GO 4-5-1? Read here.
Everyone’s doing it so why can’t Scotland?
THEO WALCOTT WAS WRONG TO SAY THIS IS THE BEST ENGLAND EVER. Read here.
The Arsenal forward thinks Roy Hodgson’s current crop of England stars is the best he’s played in, but we don’t think so.
MONDAY BLOG – ALAN HANSEN IS SHOWING HOW OUTDATED MATCH OF THE DAY IS. Read here.
Where is the relevance in one of British television’s most iconic shows?
SATURDAY BLOG – CHARITABLE DAVID BECKHAM OR AN ATTENTION SEEKER? Read here.
Gino De Blasio shoots down the cynics after David Beckham’s decision to donate his Paris Saint Germain salary to a children’s charity in the French capital.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
We’ve had two winners in a row with the weekend Double Dunter, can we make it three?
FRIDAY BLOG – PLAYERS LIKE PETER ODEMWINGIE ARE LIKE A CANCER TO FOOTBALL.Read here.
Peter Odemwingie’s actions in trying to engineer a move from West Bromwich Albion to Queen’s Park Rangers on transfer deadline day backfired spectacularly, but how can his club now possibly move on from the whole fiasco?
UEFA HAS TO STOP MEDDLING WITH THE TECHNICALITIES OF FOOTBALL. Read here.
With Euro 2020 set to be revamped in to a multi-country tournament, why is UEFA insisting on so much unnecessary change?
CAN RAMON DIAZ AND CARLOS BIANCHI TURN BACK TIME IN ARGENTINA? Read here.
Ramon Diaz and Carlos Bianchi have returned to River Plate and Boca Juniors respectively, but they will have a tough task finding the form which made their previous spells at the club so successful.
THURSDAY BLOG – IS THE TRANSFER WINDOW GENUINE EXCITEMENT OR TOO MUCH RAZAMATAZ? Read here.
Anton Horan asks whether the transfer window really is another unique aspect to football or something simply taken too far?
IF A PLAYER IS A MERCENARY, WHY CAN’T HE BE HONEST TOO? Read here.
Peter Odemwingie looks set to move to Queen’s Park Rangers, a side below West Brom in the league, for a new challenge in his life. There may be more (money) to the move so why can’t the player, like many before and after him, just be honest about the move?
Aston Villa are struggling, but Paul Lambert still appears to be the right man to turn things around. Will he go for experience with days left of the transfer window or stay with his inexperienced side in the hope that a change in form just round the corner?
INTRODUCING…THE MC25. Read here.
The definitive list of the top 25 players in Scotland.
SATURDAY BLOG – ARSENE THE ECONOMIST HAS ARSENAL TAKEN CARE OF. Read here.
He may be criticised for his strict approach to spending money at Arsenal, but has Arsene Wenger got the grasp of economics which could see the club go one step ahead of the rest?
FRIDAY BLOG – TRANSFER WINDOW MADNESS BEGINS. Read here.
Rob Boulton looks at who could be on the move over the next week of transfer window madness.
THURSDAY BLOG – HAZARD MISPERCEPTION AT LIBERTY STADIUM. Read here.
Looking back at Eden Hazard’s controversial kick on a Swansea ball boy last night in Chelsea’s Capital One Cup semi-final defeat to the Welsh side, Anton Horan asks if it was really that bad?
CAN YOU HEAR THE DRUMS FERNANDO TORRES? Read here.
Rob Boulton considers a better life away from Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s misfiring Fernando Torres.
WEDNESDAY BLOG – WOULD STAYING AT CELTIC BE A RISK FOR GARY HOOPER? Read here.
He could stay and become a hero against Juventus, or lose form and see his value diminish – what should Gary Hooper do?
IS FOOTBALL’S DOPING SCANDAL JUST AROUND THE CORNER? Read here.
Eufemiano Fuentes everyone: the man who could blow apart the squeaky clean image of the modern-day footballer.
THE SWANSEA CITY STORY: HUW JENKINS’ VISION. Read here.
Colin Millar looks at the story behind the success of Swansea City.
TUESDAY BLOG – CAN MANCHESTER UNITED AFFORD TO GIVE DAVID DE GEA MORE TIME? Read here.
The Manchester United signing is still struggling to adapt to certain aspects of British football, exemplified by his failed punch which led to Tottenham’s late equaliser against the league leaders on Sunday, but how long will Sir Alex Ferguson continue with the goalkeeper?
DO MILAN REALLY NEED KAKA? Read here.
There may be more to Real Madrid midfielder Kaka’s potential return to AC Milan, where it all started for the former Ballon d’Or winner.
HERE LIES THE BOX-TO-BOX MIDFIELDER. Read here.
What happened to the midfielders who could do it all?
WHY ATLETICO MADRID ARE ABOUT TO BLOW APART THE SPANISH DUOPOLY. Read here.
Can Atletico Madrid win the first Spanish title in ten years? Maybe says Adam Baldwin, but not this season.
WESLEY SNEIJDER: THE MAN EVERYONE SHOULD WANT, BUT DON’T. Read here.
Since falling out with the Inter Milan hierarchy months ago, Wesley Sneijder has been linked with every top club in Europe as he pursues happiness away from Italy. So why are Galatasaray now set to sign the midfielder?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
We tip a 3/1 Double Dunter across both Premier Leagues north and south of the border.
SATURDAY BLOG – IS GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP DEAD? Read here.
After Luis Suarez’s admission of diving against Stoke City this season, Gino De Blasio wonders whether sportsmanship is dead?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
We tip a 10/1 Scottish Premier League and Championship treble this weekend.
IS THE BUNDESLIGA TO BENEFIT MOST FROM BAYERN’S PEP GUARDIOLA APPOINTMENT? Read here.
He’s expected to bring glamour, style and success to Germany, but who will get most out of Pep Guardiola’s appointment at Bayern Munich? The club? The league? Or the manager himself?
FRIDAY BLOG – HOW DO WE COPE WITH THE COLD SNAP? Read here.
Rob Boulton spares a thought for pre-technology fans who had to rely simply on a radio transmission to plan their weekend of football in the cold.
THURSDAY BLOG – ARE MANAGERS IN THE DIRECTOR’S BOX A THING OF THE PAST? Read here.
Walter Smith, Billy McNeil and Alex Ferguson – they all done it. Why now do we never see any managers managing from the stands?
THERE’S NO MAGIC IN THE FA CUP. Read here.
The FA Cup needs a makeover and Henry Tydeman has the perfect treatment for it.
WEDNESDAY BLOG – WILL CHELSEA’S FRANK LAMPARD LOSS BE SOMEONE ELSE’S GAIN? Read here.
Frank Lampard looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, but will Chelsea’s decision not to renew his contract alert other top clubs?
TUESDAY BLOG – NO TOON REMY-DY. Read here.
Newcastle United need a striker and Marc Eadie looks at who they may turn to.
Swansea City’s in-form forward can’t surely be close to a Spanish call-up, is he?
CHARLES GREEN SFL CHAMPION. Read here.
He’s the man uniting Scottish football one rant at a time, but can he make a big enough noise?
WHY HAS DAVID LONGMUIR GONE FROM BATMAN TO NICK CLEGG? Read here.
He was once the only man we could trust among the hierarchy of Scottish football. Now, he’s just like the rest of them.
12+12+18 = Success for Scottish Football. Read here.
Richard Gordon believes that the proposal to revise the structure of Scottish football has real merit, even if Charles Green disagrees.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Our Saturday tips here for your pleasure.
CLAUDIO MARCHISIO DIVIDES ITALY. Read here.
Everyone has to sit back and put the Marchisio comments about Napoli in to perspective says Gino De Blasio.
FRIDAY BLOG – IS IT TIME UP FOR PAUL SCHOLES, RYAN GIGGS AND JAMIE CARRAGHER? Read here.
Could Manchester United’s visit to Liverpool at the weekend be the last time their ageing players feature in the historic British fixture?
THE RISE AND RISE OF BORUSSIA DORTMUND. Read here.
Why every football club should be like Borussia Dortmund.
ARE LAZIO THE SCUDETTO-ELECT? Read here.
Vladimir Petkovic’s Lazio side are creeping closer to Juventus at the top of Serie A and they look set to go the distance.
THURSDAY BLOG – IS IT TIME FOR CHARLES GREEN AND RANGERS TO HIT THE ROAD? Read here.
After plans to reconstruct Scottish football advance, Charles Green has recommended Rangers leave the game for good. Is it time to wave bye-bye?
JAMES MCARTHUR - FROM BARROWFIELD TO THE BIG TIME. Read here.
We talk exclusively to James McArthur about his journey to the Premier League and how he plans to stay there.
TUESDAY BLOG – THE RIGHT WAY TO RECONSTRUCT SCOTTISH FOOTBALL. Read here.
Reconstruction is on the agenda again for Scottish football and Marc Eadie gives you his view on how best to change.
IS DEMBA BA THE END FOR FERNANDO TORRES? Read here.
Could Chelsea’s new signing be set to push Fernando Torres out the Stamford Bridge door?
GUS PROVES POYET WRONG. Read here.
After branding the Championship average, Gus Poyet goes and leads his Brighton side to a shock FA Cup win over Newcastle. Was he wrong to criticise the league?
LIONEL MESSI SHOULD BE THIRD FOR THE BALLON D’OR. Read here.
He may be favourite to be crowned the best player in the world, but do his rivals deserve the title more?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Our Saturday tips here for your pleasure.
HOW FAR CAN EVERTON GO? Read here.
David Moyes has built another competitive Everton side, but how far can he take them?
2012 AT TALKING BAWS. Read here.
A message from the editor.
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
We’ve tipped a 7/1 treble in the last bet before 2013. Can we get a winner?
BOXING DAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND. Read here.
Why Boxing Day football is so good in Northern Ireland.
TALKINGTIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
A 6/1 shot sure to get you a new jumper this Boxing Day!
CAN MAD MARIO MATCH ENTERTAINMENT WITH PRODUCTIVITY. Read here.
He might be one of the most entertaining players in the game, but that doesn’t win trophies. Will Mario Balotelli ever realise his potential?
THE RISE OF THE ISCO DANCER. Read here.
The Malaga boy is turning in to a man as he leads their charge domestically and in Europe. Here’s how Isco has made it to the top.
FRIDAY BLOG – CHRISTMAS IS A TOUGH OLD TIME FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS. Read here.
Rob Boulton sympathises with the hectic schedule; do you?
TALKINGXI – LEFT STRIKER. Read here.
He’s the ideal man to lead the line. Colombia and Atletico Madrid’s main marksmen; El Tigre.
TALKINGXI – RIGHT STRIKER. Read here.
We couldn’t exactly leave out the best player on the planet could we?
THURSDAY BLOG – HAS THEO WALCOTT OUTGROWN ARSENAL? Read here.
Arsenal have tied down five of their most promising young British players, but Theo Walcott remains the final player they want to get signed up on a long-term deal. Has the forward outgrown the club or is there more to achieve in the North of London?
ADEL TAARABT - MOROCCAN MARMITE. Read here.
Love him or hate him, QPR’s Moroccan playmaker is worth the hassle.
IT MAY BE AVERAGE, BUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP IS FAR FROM BORING, GUS! Read here.
Gus Poyet labelled the Championship as an “average” league, but does that matter when the competition is so entertaining?
#TALKINGXI – CENTRE MIDFIELD #2. Read here.
Partnering Xavi in the centre of the #TalkingXI midfield, we give you the bearded genius lighting up Italian football with Juventus.
#TALKINGXI – CENTRE MIDFIELD #1. Read here.
He’s the one-club man ready to make the #TalkingXI tick.
TUESDAY BLOG – IS THREE GAMES ENOUGH FOR MAROUANE FELLAINI? Read here.
Marouane Fellaini got away with a series of pushes, punches and head-butts on Ryan Shawcross in Everton’s away tie against Stoke City at the weekend, but is his subsequent ban enough?
A SERIOUS CASE OF PATO-LOGY: THE MILAN CONUNDRUM. Read here.
He may be on his way back to Brazil, but is one of the brightest talents in football worth the effort?
#TALKINGXI – LEFT MIDFIELD. Read here.
He had to be included at all costs and, thankfully, he’s made it in to the team. We give you Barcelona’s chief creator.
IS MICHEL PLATINI TAKING THINGS A BIT TOO FAR? Read here.
As UEFA mull over another controversial restructure in one of their key football competitions, Charlie Stockton looks at the latest in a long line of nonsense from Michel Platini.
#TALKINGXI – RIGHT MIDFIELD. Read here.
He’s one of the greatest players ever, but have we voted him in to the wrong position?
TALKING TIPS WITH LADBROKES. Read here.
Here’s our Saturday double dunter with the chance to make you money before the festive period.
FRIDAY BLOG – THE FAN WHO WOULD. Read here.
Rob Boulton tells the story of the Udinese fan who made the lonely trip to support his team away to Sampdoria last week.
TALKINGXI – LEFT CENTRE-HALF. Read here.
Partnering Vincent Kompany in the centre of defence is an Italian stalwart who looks every inch a classic Calcio defender.
TALKINGXI – RIGHT CENTRE-HALF. Read here.
We’re looking to build big from the back and your votes haven’t disappointed. He’s the first of our central defenders, and it was a tight race, so who made it?
EURO 2020 AND UEFA’S TRAVELLING CIRCUS. Read here.
Could UEFA’s proposals for a multi-country Euro 202 format scupper any chance for the real fans to see their country succeed?
Adding the fourth player to the #TalkingXI, we announce who you chose at left-back.
PEP GUARDIOLA AND ARSENAL – A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN? Read here.
Both are considering their futures, but could all be rosy at the Emirates if Pep Guardiola was to replace Arsene Wenger?
HOW GOOD IS LIGUE 1? Read here.
Will the French top division ever be considered among the best in the world?
FOR ARSENE WENGER READ RAFA BENITEZ. Read here.
Dave Martinez compares Arsenal of 2012 to the Liverpool of 2009 and how a rash decision to sack Arsene Wenger could lead to worse for the London club.
WEDNESDAY BLOG – WHY NEIL LENNON COULD COPE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE. Read here.
Neil Lennon hasn’t ruled out leaving Celtic for the bright lights of the English Premier League one day and Nicky Boyle looks at how suitable he would be for any potential employers.
TALKINGXI – RIGHT-BACK. Read here.
The second player in the #TalkingXI comes at the right-back slot and it was a fairly unanimous decision for the winner. Step forward…
TALKINGXI – GOALKEEPER. Read here.
He’s the first player in to the #TalkingXI, so who has gone and grabbed the coveted number one jersey?
With your help we’re going to try and pick the greatest eleven on the planet between December 10th and 21st.
