Football

From the Guardian today: “I try to stay in the moment,” Frank Rijkaard says quietly as he studies the thick cloud of smoke hanging over his head. “Whether the moment is one of joy or difficulty or just sitting here right now, in my office, talking to you, I always think it’s best to stay … Keep reading

John O’Farrell on the dearth of English players in the Premiership, following Arsenal’s all-foreign efforts this week: This week, another football landmark was reached when a Premiership team fielded an entire squad of foreign players. “What is Arsene Wenger doing?” said the pundits. “I mean, OK, so Arsenal are 4-1 up, but they completely lack … Keep reading

From The Guardian: The last time Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur met in the FA Cup, it was the 1991 final. Wembley was filled with Puffa jackets, videos were set for Saturday-night favourite Noel’s House Party, and Cher’s Shoop Shoop Song poured out of the stadium speakers. If that doesn’t date the scene, maybe this … Keep reading

Interesting, well written and very depressing article about Forest on Soccernet. Tottenham Hotspur versus Nottingham Forest is a fixture of historic significance. In 1991, it was the FA Cup final, a match remembered for Paul Gascoigne’s self-destructive tackling. But for an official of questionable probity, it could have also been the 1984 UEFA Cup final. … Keep reading

Roy Keane has confirmed that he’ll be retiring when his contract runs out in 18 months’ time. Obviously, as a Forest fan, I’ve followed Keane’s career over the years, and I have to say I have never felt much antipathy for him since he left us. I’m just pleased that he has come back and … Keep reading