http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/ Brian Reade Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-John-Terry-affair-scandal-hitting-England-and-Chelsea-just-proves-the-best-footballers-are-ones-with-the-devil-inside-them-plus-the-irony-of-Manchester-United-fans-idolising-Scouser-Wayne-Rooney-article312607.html Thanks to John Terry there are many things I now know which I didn't a week ago.There won't be a more unfortunately titled, or priced, book out this year, than the one just released by Blake Publishing for £17.99 entitled: "JT: Captain, Leader, Legend."  When Chelsea fans sing about five men, four men, three men, two men, one man and his dog heading to a meadow for some physical activity, we now know who, and what, they're talking about.And there DOES exists a sure-fire way of England winning... Thanks to John Terry there are many things I now know which I didn't a week ago.There won't be a more unfortunately titled, or priced, book out this year, than the one just released by Blake Publishing for £17.99 entitled: "JT: Captain, Leader, Legend."  When Chelsea fans sing about five men, four men, three men, two men, one man and his dog heading to a meadow for some physical activity, we now know who, and what, they're talking about.And there DOES exists a sure-fire way of England winning... Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:02:49 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-John-Terry-affair-scandal-hitting-England-and-Chelsea-just-proves-the-best-footballers-are-ones-with-the-devil-inside-them-plus-the-irony-of-Manchester-United-fans-idolising-Scouser-Wayne-Rooney-article312607.html 2010-02-06T06:02:49Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Peter-Shilton-should-have-saved-his-John-Terry-outrage-after-all-he-was-caught-playing-away-too-article312663.html I've really been enjoying the reaction to Terrygate from former players. Dave Bassett's angry response could have been plucked straight out of a script for Carry On Chirpy Cockey: "John Terry’s a wrong-un. There’s an unwritten rule that you don’t start messin' with players’ missuses. It sticks in the throat." Ph-naar, ph-naar.Paul Merson's attempt to seize the moral high-ground on Sky, was a beaut: "Don't get me wrong, I don't condemn what he did for a minute" (when asked if he meant to say c... I've really been enjoying the reaction to Terrygate from former players. Dave Bassett's angry response could have been plucked straight out of a script for Carry On Chirpy Cockey: "John Terry’s a wrong-un. There’s an unwritten rule that you don’t start messin' with players’ missuses. It sticks in the throat." Ph-naar, ph-naar.Paul Merson's attempt to seize the moral high-ground on Sky, was a beaut: "Don't get me wrong, I don't condemn what he did for a minute" (when asked if he meant to say c... Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:01:43 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Peter-Shilton-should-have-saved-his-John-Terry-outrage-after-all-he-was-caught-playing-away-too-article312663.html 2010-02-06T06:01:43Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Something-s-wrong-when-Leeds-United-are-in-the-third-tier-and-fanless-Wigan-Athletic-are-in-the-top-flight-article312653.html I've never bought into the over-romanticised cliche about the magic of the FA Cup. Some games are spell-binding, most are quickly forgotten. But this year there has been magic, as we've witnessed pride being pumped back into the heart of a once-great club - Leeds United. Even if you've hated them since their dirty days, you have to admit we've missed them. And that a club with their history and following deserves to be in the Premier League. Despite being in the third-tier of English football... I've never bought into the over-romanticised cliche about the magic of the FA Cup. Some games are spell-binding, most are quickly forgotten. But this year there has been magic, as we've witnessed pride being pumped back into the heart of a once-great club - Leeds United. Even if you've hated them since their dirty days, you have to admit we've missed them. And that a club with their history and following deserves to be in the Premier League. Despite being in the third-tier of English football... Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:00:58 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Something-s-wrong-when-Leeds-United-are-in-the-third-tier-and-fanless-Wigan-Athletic-are-in-the-top-flight-article312653.html 2010-02-06T06:00:58Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Manchester-United-s-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-Artsenal-s-Arsene-Wenger-and-co-can-dish-out-the-stick-but-they-can-t-take-it-plus-how-I-d-save-Sunderland-s-season-and-why-Brian-McDermott-will-save-Reading-article305427.html Some of the world's greatest insults have been spat out by football managers:From Bill Shankly saying if Everton were playing in his garden he'd draw the curtains, and Brian Clough telling Italian journalists "no cheating b******s do I talk to" through to Giovanni Trapattoni claiming he'd think about selecting Paolo Di Canio for his World Cup squad "only if there's an outbreak of bubonic plague," they've always packed a verbal haymaker.Thing is they also knew how to take it, too. Alas, no lon... Some of the world's greatest insults have been spat out by football managers:From Bill Shankly saying if Everton were playing in his garden he'd draw the curtains, and Brian Clough telling Italian journalists "no cheating b******s do I talk to" through to Giovanni Trapattoni claiming he'd think about selecting Paolo Di Canio for his World Cup squad "only if there's an outbreak of bubonic plague," they've always packed a verbal haymaker.Thing is they also knew how to take it, too. Alas, no lon... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:02:16 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Manchester-United-s-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-Artsenal-s-Arsene-Wenger-and-co-can-dish-out-the-stick-but-they-can-t-take-it-plus-how-I-d-save-Sunderland-s-season-and-why-Brian-McDermott-will-save-Reading-article305427.html 2010-01-29T23:02:16Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Chelsea-have-passed-their-African-Cup-of-Nations-test-plus-Liverpool-should-adopt-United-scarves-in-protest-at-Tom-Hicks-and-George-Gillett-and-how-Sky-s-3D-is-a-new-boon-for-plastic-fans-article305403.html Remember in autumn when Chelsea were flying, and every Tom, Dick and Hansen claimed the real test of their title credentials would come in January, when they lost key players to the African Nations Cup?Well, in the absence of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou this is how they've done this month: Played 4, won 4, scored 17, conceded 2.No other proof needed that they have the strongest squad in the country and when those Africans return, the title is theirs to throw... Remember in autumn when Chelsea were flying, and every Tom, Dick and Hansen claimed the real test of their title credentials would come in January, when they lost key players to the African Nations Cup?Well, in the absence of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou this is how they've done this month: Played 4, won 4, scored 17, conceded 2.No other proof needed that they have the strongest squad in the country and when those Africans return, the title is theirs to throw... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:01:25 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Chelsea-have-passed-their-African-Cup-of-Nations-test-plus-Liverpool-should-adopt-United-scarves-in-protest-at-Tom-Hicks-and-George-Gillett-and-how-Sky-s-3D-is-a-new-boon-for-plastic-fans-article305403.html 2010-01-29T23:01:25Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-no-transfer-window-activity-is-good-for-the-game-plus-the-bin-man-who-thinks-Liam-Gallagher-is-rubbish-and-a-Burnley-fan-sounds-off-on-Owen-Coyle-article305379.html January's transfer window the following big names moved for fees topping £100 million: Andrei Arshavin, Wayne Bridge, Jermain Defoe, Wilson Palacios, Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy, Nigel de Jong, Shay Given, Hugo Rodallega and Emile Heskey.So far this month we've seen erm, well, hardly anything really. As I write, Benni McCarthy, Michel, Craig Gardner and Younes Kaboul  have all moved or will move for fees between £2m-£4m, but the vast majority of transfers have been loans or frees, most of the... January's transfer window the following big names moved for fees topping £100 million: Andrei Arshavin, Wayne Bridge, Jermain Defoe, Wilson Palacios, Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy, Nigel de Jong, Shay Given, Hugo Rodallega and Emile Heskey.So far this month we've seen erm, well, hardly anything really. As I write, Benni McCarthy, Michel, Craig Gardner and Younes Kaboul  have all moved or will move for fees between £2m-£4m, but the vast majority of transfers have been loans or frees, most of the... Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:00:41 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-no-transfer-window-activity-is-good-for-the-game-plus-the-bin-man-who-thinks-Liam-Gallagher-is-rubbish-and-a-Burnley-fan-sounds-off-on-Owen-Coyle-article305379.html 2010-01-29T23:00:41Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Manchester-City-fans-should-be-nervous-over-Carlos-Tevez-s-obsession-with-Manchester-United-plus-Owen-Coyle-Sam-Allardyce-and-Harry-Redknapp-talking-rubbish-to-cover-their-sides-flaws-article296979.html Of course Carlos. Now it all becomes clear.When you ran back to the half-way line, cupped your ears and gave a defiant stare at the Manchester United bench and directors box, you weren't really saying: "Listen up you thick mugs. You ditched a world-class striker, against his will, and those roars from your detested neighbours is payback."No, as Mr Tevez explained, he was simply paying homage to Argentinian kids' puppet Topo Gigio who happens to have big ears.And it's an easy-enough mistake to... Of course Carlos. Now it all becomes clear.When you ran back to the half-way line, cupped your ears and gave a defiant stare at the Manchester United bench and directors box, you weren't really saying: "Listen up you thick mugs. You ditched a world-class striker, against his will, and those roars from your detested neighbours is payback."No, as Mr Tevez explained, he was simply paying homage to Argentinian kids' puppet Topo Gigio who happens to have big ears.And it's an easy-enough mistake to... Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:02:55 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Manchester-City-fans-should-be-nervous-over-Carlos-Tevez-s-obsession-with-Manchester-United-plus-Owen-Coyle-Sam-Allardyce-and-Harry-Redknapp-talking-rubbish-to-cover-their-sides-flaws-article296979.html 2010-01-23T06:02:55Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Everton-are-the-Premier-League-s-most-under-rated-club-plus-a-shopping-tip-for-Stoke-City-s-Tony-Pulis-and-Anfield-flop-Ryan-Babel-s-overlong-goodbye-from-Liverpool-article296965.html Is there a more patronised big club than Everton?They've been in the top flight longer than any other team, are the last to break up the Big Four, have had five top six finishes in the past six years, made last season's FA Cup Final and their boss has won three Manager of the Year awards since 2003.Yet they are passed off as a plucky "traditional" side, who are no longer worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Manchester City, Spurs or Aston Villa. I was guilty of it in last week's co... Is there a more patronised big club than Everton?They've been in the top flight longer than any other team, are the last to break up the Big Four, have had five top six finishes in the past six years, made last season's FA Cup Final and their boss has won three Manager of the Year awards since 2003.Yet they are passed off as a plucky "traditional" side, who are no longer worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Manchester City, Spurs or Aston Villa. I was guilty of it in last week's co... Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:01:05 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Everton-are-the-Premier-League-s-most-under-rated-club-plus-a-shopping-tip-for-Stoke-City-s-Tony-Pulis-and-Anfield-flop-Ryan-Babel-s-overlong-goodbye-from-Liverpool-article296965.html 2010-01-23T06:01:05Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-football-fans-must-join-likes-of-Spirit-of-Shankly-and-IMUSA-and-rise-up-to-stop-being-ripped-off-plus-Arsenal-boss-Arsene-Wenger-s-double-standards-over-William-Gallas-s-tackle-on-Mark-Davies-article296943.html I agree with my colleague Olly Holt's sentiment that the only way football will stave off death by corporate greed is through fans' solidarity.I, too, applaud the likes of Spirit of Shankly and IMUSA who are fighting for their club's soul against profiteering sharks and the overwhelming apathy of their own fans.Too many fellow Liverpool and United supporters spit these groups' names out, dismissing them as troublemakers who are in it for their own notoriety, who should shut up and get behind ... I agree with my colleague Olly Holt's sentiment that the only way football will stave off death by corporate greed is through fans' solidarity.I, too, applaud the likes of Spirit of Shankly and IMUSA who are fighting for their club's soul against profiteering sharks and the overwhelming apathy of their own fans.Too many fellow Liverpool and United supporters spit these groups' names out, dismissing them as troublemakers who are in it for their own notoriety, who should shut up and get behind ... Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:41 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-football-fans-must-join-likes-of-Spirit-of-Shankly-and-IMUSA-and-rise-up-to-stop-being-ripped-off-plus-Arsenal-boss-Arsene-Wenger-s-double-standards-over-William-Gallas-s-tackle-on-Mark-Davies-article296943.html 2010-01-23T06:00:41Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Tom-Hicks-Jnr-was-the-only-person-at-Liverpool-with-any-balls-and-is-it-time-to-unleash-the-management-dream-team-of-Graeme-Souness-and-Ronnie-Whelan-article288583.html Say what you like about Tom Hicks Jnr but at least he showed balls. In a missive, dripping with crude contempt, he told one of the hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans currently suffocating in fear and disillusion, that he didn't give a damn for his misery. At least the frat-brat wasn't indulging in an activity which is as popular at Anfield today as collecting trophies was in the 70s and 80s. Hiding.When the owners aren't taking cover behind each other's lies they hide behind their manage... Say what you like about Tom Hicks Jnr but at least he showed balls. In a missive, dripping with crude contempt, he told one of the hundreds of thousands of Liverpool fans currently suffocating in fear and disillusion, that he didn't give a damn for his misery. At least the frat-brat wasn't indulging in an activity which is as popular at Anfield today as collecting trophies was in the 70s and 80s. Hiding.When the owners aren't taking cover behind each other's lies they hide behind their manage... Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:02:08 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Tom-Hicks-Jnr-was-the-only-person-at-Liverpool-with-any-balls-and-is-it-time-to-unleash-the-management-dream-team-of-Graeme-Souness-and-Ronnie-Whelan-article288583.html 2010-01-16T05:02:08Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Read-column-Why-it-s-too-early-for-Manchester-City-to-be-talking-about-winning-titles-and-how-the-USA-will-ruin-the-World-Cup-forever-article288589.html No, no, no signore Mancini, monsieur Vieira and meneer De Jong. You've clearly been led into Eastlands with your eyes fixed firmly on the sheik's shekels, and have no knowledge of the team you now represent. So let me fill you in. It's Man City. A club nobody outside of Old Trafford has had cause to dislike these past 40 years, mainly because of their fans' honesty and self-deprecating humour.So to proclaim, after a new manager wins his first three league games, you will win this year's title... No, no, no signore Mancini, monsieur Vieira and meneer De Jong. You've clearly been led into Eastlands with your eyes fixed firmly on the sheik's shekels, and have no knowledge of the team you now represent. So let me fill you in. It's Man City. A club nobody outside of Old Trafford has had cause to dislike these past 40 years, mainly because of their fans' honesty and self-deprecating humour.So to proclaim, after a new manager wins his first three league games, you will win this year's title... Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:00:34 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Read-column-Why-it-s-too-early-for-Manchester-City-to-be-talking-about-winning-titles-and-how-the-USA-will-ruin-the-World-Cup-forever-article288589.html 2010-01-16T05:00:34Z http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Liverpool-and-Manchester-United-fans-should-support-their-local-teams-and-Reading-FA-Cup-referee-Phil-Dowd-suffers-from-Small-Man-Syndrome-article288597.html The final hour of Nicky Campbell's excellent Five Live morning show is usually reserved for debating the topical news item of the day. Global warming, Third World debt, MPs' expenses. On Thursday I expected it to be the Haitian earthquake. But they found a subject even more earth-shattering. The imminent implosion of Liverpool and Manchester United and thus English football.They teed up the hour by playing complaints from three angry Liverpool fans. Not one was Scouse. They then played angry ... The final hour of Nicky Campbell's excellent Five Live morning show is usually reserved for debating the topical news item of the day. Global warming, Third World debt, MPs' expenses. On Thursday I expected it to be the Haitian earthquake. But they found a subject even more earth-shattering. The imminent implosion of Liverpool and Manchester United and thus English football.They teed up the hour by playing complaints from three angry Liverpool fans. Not one was Scouse. They then played angry ... Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:00:07 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-reade/Brian-Reade-column-Why-Liverpool-and-Manchester-United-fans-should-support-their-local-teams-and-Reading-FA-Cup-referee-Phil-Dowd-suffers-from-Small-Man-Syndrome-article288597.html 2010-01-16T05:00:07Z