Belgian football on the way up as exciting new talent emerges

By Richard French

Not generally considered as a powerhouse of world football, Belgium have largely had to look on with envy as their prestigious neighbours, France and Holland, have had success at international level. But could that be about to change?

Football: Just a game?

By Richard French

“Whoever invented football should be worshipped as a God”

- Hugo Sanchez, former Mexican footballer

It unites and divides communities, families and nations. It provides endless hours of waiting room small talk and heated debates in pubs and on radio talk shows. It gives some people their raison d’etre, so why is it that so many people write off football as a mere game?

Arsenal deserve more credit after coming of age against Manchester City

By Richard French

Arsenal went to big spending Man City yesterday and played them off the park, but today all the praise is going to Roberto Mancini’s team for their ‘battling’ performance with ten men. Arsene Wenger must be pulling his hair out.

Sir Alex Ferguson. Defeated at last or master of the Art of War?

By Richard French

“If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

There is no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson is rarely beaten.

Football’s last taboo... Gay Players

By Richard French

Of all the footballers in the United Kingdom, not one is Gay. Either you believe that or you admit that the game is closed off to openly homosexual men and that there are plenty who live secretive lives in the ‘closet’.

How can we finally rid football of hooliganism?

By Richard French

Each season sports news channels and radio stations will inevitably report that violence has occurred up and down England. While it is not as frequent or widespread as the dark days of the seventies and eighties, there is still a problem with the ugly side of the beautiful game.

Art, culture and beauty. Why it is so refreshing to have Ajax back in the Champions League...

By Richard French

The glory days of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels may be long gone, but Ajax Amsterdam have still held onto their traditions and philosophy.

Who cares about adultery? The ‘Football’ press, that’s who!

By Richard French

It is some years now since football has been reported for what it truly is; the most beautiful competitive game human beings have ever created.