CRITICS of the Uefa Champions League will tell you it is a misnomer and should be re-titled. They base their argument on the comparative lack of domestic champions in the group stage and increased number of guaranteed places allocated teams from elite leagues under the altered system. However it must be acknowledged that this stance, while ideologically pure to some, is a minority view.
CRITICS of the Uefa Champions League will tell you it is a misnomer and should be re-titled. They base their argument on the comparative lack of domestic champions in the group stage and increased number of guaranteed places allocated teams from elite leagues under the altered system. However it must be acknowledged that this stance, while ideologically pure to some, is a minority view.
In recent years, the Uefa Champions League group stage has tended to be an exercise in the predictable for Europe’s biggest clubs. The format is forgiving and allows for a defeat or two.
In recent years, the Uefa Champions League group stage has tended to be an exercise in the predictable for Europe’s biggest clubs. The format is forgiving and allows for a defeat or two.
FOR those of us of a certain age, Watford means ascending the English football ladder from fourth tier to first. It is synonymous with Graham Taylor, John Barnes and of course former owner, Sir Elton John.
FOR those of us of a certain age, Watford means ascending the English football ladder from fourth tier to first. It is synonymous with Graham Taylor, John Barnes and of course former owner, Sir Elton John.
I CONFESS to being something of an obsessive when it comes to the intricacies of competition rules. Part of a commentator’s preparation for any major tournament is knowing exactly how teams progress to a future stage.
On Friday night I found myself back occupying the same commentary position where I ended last season just three months ago.
THERE is a certain vibe about Cologne that has little to do with the architecture. Yes, it has an unmistakable cathedral of which the city’s inhabitants are immensely proud, and an elegant Belgian Quarter and old town.
THE Premier League has no intention of starting this season subtly. Not content with a new, earlier closing of the transfer window, another high-profile Friday night opener and six games yesterday, there are three more matches to fill out a bustling Sunday schedule.
