...I feel compelled to write something regarding a football club which I have supported, albeit mainly from a distance, since I was a boy. The last disgraceful episode in the history of Aston Villa Fc was the 3-0 defeat at Doncaster in the league cup. I can take nothing away from Doncaster, who played like lions on the night. They were full of running and pressurised us from the word go. However the point here is that a team of Aston Villa's obvious size, standing and sometimes glorious past should have been far too much for even the bravest of lower division teams. This was not a one off; sadly it was indicative of the general malaise which seems to have set in at the club over the last two years.

Here is a good example. Our 9million pound club record signing, Juan Pablo Angel strolled round the park (when he did actually move) looking like he did not want to be there. For the most part he loped towards the opposition penalty area when we got forward and then stood around waiting for something to happen. I am no expert in the art of striking, but from many hours watching some of the best strikers in the world even I can tell that a good striker will make something happen, not wait for it to fall into his lap. The fact that he has only managed to score this season against lowly Wickham Wanderers, in an earlier round of the cup, I think says it all.

Liam Ridgewell had a nightmare against Doncaster, giving away a penalty and being lucky not to concede another only a few minutes earlier, however, the fact that he was so noticeably bad at least confirmed some effort on his part. Thomas Sorenson played well throughout and the 3-0 score line will look badly on his record, but was mainly down to shambolic defending. Gareth barry also had a good game, frequently getting down the left on Doncasters wide pitch. However whenever he did so the moves were broken up by the fact that no one was making the runs into the centre for him ...more

Soccer Drills Kids Will Love!

...re and more players should gradually enter and cross the square. As in many soccer drills, repetition is the key. This is one of the soccer drills to help make children concentrate on the direction they are headed in and where other players are in relation to them, otherwise called traffic.

Ball Control: Driving School

You will need a lot of space (at least 20 square yards) to play this game and complete this drill. Similar to many soccer drills, every player has his/her own ball. By making sure everyone has their own ball during soccer drills, you will give them responsibility and they will be less likely to lose interest in watching others practice as they observe. In this drill, you (the coach) are the driving instructor. The players must do exactly what yo...more

FIFA World Cup 2006 England Glory - 1966 / 2006

...It surely has a nice ring to it and would be a dream come true for the plethora of England fans who have never yet witnessed the creator of the beautiful game bring home the goods.

Although England have a pretty favourable group, with Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago, and the dreaded Sweden; they will come through the group stages to the finals and then, with a bit of luck, stomp all over the opposition with verve and tenacity; if Wayne Rooney keeps his head that is.

As well as being a serious contender for the coveted Golden Boot Award, if England do indeed progress, Wayne Roon...more

Championship Betting Review - 26 February 2006

...United sunk Luton Town at Elland Road. Two goals in four second half minutes from Jonathon Douglas and Eddie Lewis put Leeds in the driving seat before Steve Howard pulled one back with seven minutes remaining.

Crystal Palace hammered Norwich City 4-1 as they maintained their fifth placed position. Andrew Johnson and Ben Watson gave the 5/6 Eagles a half time lead before Clinton Morrison and Fitz Hall piled more misery on Nigel Worthingtons side. A Darren Ward own goal two minutes from time was the only consolation for the Canaries.

In the battle at the bo...more

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