There is a huge demand for football related news stories concerning clubs at all levels of the game. But there is one kind of news that really gets the fan talking and that is football transfer rumours. These transfer stories can be speculation, gossip or just complete nonsense although there are some rumours which are more like a well kept secret.
There are new football news stories involving transfer rumours every day. Most of them carry weight while others are dismissed as very unlikely. The reason they are important to supporters is because of the impact a new player can have on the team. A weakness in the team can be identified and then rectified simply by signing a new player.
The thought of your club signing a new player is very exciting for a supporter. After results, it is the one thing that fans always look out for when reading the sports pages in the newspaper. A football transfer can give everyone connected with the football club a huge boost. As well as improving the quality of the team, it also lifts the morale of the supporters.
Supporters can spread football transfer rumours by word of mouth from one person to another. News can travel quickly this way especially if the rumour involves a well known player which can capture the imagination of the fans. If a famous player is seen at a club on a weekday people can immediately come to the conclusion that a transfer is on the cards.
There are now internet websites that cater specifically for football transfer rumours. These are filled with all sorts of rumours from the sublime to the ridiculous. Many of these rumours are gossip although the mere fact that these websites are so popular demonstrates how seriously fans take this subject.
In football, there are always indirect negotiations of some sort taking place behind the scenes. Talks will involve agents and clubs. These discussions are usually tentative approaches which are strictly off the record. By testing the water in this way agents know whether a transfer would be possible before proceeding to a more advanced stage. These clandestine talks and meetings can also cause transfer rumours.
A huge amount of interest is generated by transfer rumours because they represent a unique and exciting type of football news. Football supporters cannot get enough of these stories especially if their club is involved in some way. Newspapers in particular do their best to meet this demand by publishing a large number of transfer rumours.
The author contributes to the English Football Blog website. This is a popular Football Blog that provides soccer news and comment. It covers the premiership and the English football scene in general. He has also worked on the Soccer Wealth website. This is a Soccer Betting Tips service that offers profitable football betting predictions, tips and advice. Information is provided on a range of domestic, European and international football matches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Cronley
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Tradition of English Football on Boxing Day
Many European soccer leagues have a Christmas break but the festive period is always a busy one in English football. As well as the normal scheduled matches, there are also extra games to accommodate into the fixture list. After everyone has enjoyed the festivities on Christmas Day then it is time for some top class football entertainment just twenty four hours later on the following day.
December 26th is well known as the day after Christmas yet sees a full programme of matches in the English football leagues. The tradition of English football on Boxing Day goes back many years. This day is a public holiday and has long been associated with a variety of sports. Boxing Day gets its name from an old custom where the rich gave boxes of gifts to the poor. While some people hit the shops in search of bargains, the die hard football supporter wants to escape the festive celebrations and go to the match instead.
When the fixtures are first released in the summer you can guarantee the Boxing Day game and the opposition concerned is one of the first dates a supporter will be interested in. There have been many famous games played on Boxing Day including numerous local derby matches that have been very bad tempered and short of goodwill to all men. It is one of the few occasions in the season when all of the big name teams play on the same day.
Boxing Day usually marks the halfway point in the league season where clubs can gauge just how well or not their season is progressing. One of the most productive rounds of Boxing Day matches was in 1963 when a total of 66 goals were scored in the top division of English football. Among the results that day was Burnley winning 6-1 against local rivals Manchester United, Fulham beating Ipswich Town 10-1 and Blackburn Rovers winning away at West Ham United by a 2-8 score line.
There have been calls for English football to follow the example of other leagues in Europe and implement a Christmas break. This would do away with the tradition of English football on Boxing Day. This change would not be welcomed by the vast majority of football fans. Going to the match on Boxing Day or even watching a game on television is a huge part of the English football culture. It remains a very special day on the football calendar and allows supporters some temporary respite from the Christmas celebrations.
The author contributes to the English Football Blog website. This is a popular Football News Blog that provides soccer news and comment. It covers the premiership and English football in general. He also contributes to the Soccer Wealth website. This is a Soccer Betting Predictions service that offers profitable football betting predictions, tips and advice. Information is provided on domestic, European and international matches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Cronley
December 26th is well known as the day after Christmas yet sees a full programme of matches in the English football leagues. The tradition of English football on Boxing Day goes back many years. This day is a public holiday and has long been associated with a variety of sports. Boxing Day gets its name from an old custom where the rich gave boxes of gifts to the poor. While some people hit the shops in search of bargains, the die hard football supporter wants to escape the festive celebrations and go to the match instead.
When the fixtures are first released in the summer you can guarantee the Boxing Day game and the opposition concerned is one of the first dates a supporter will be interested in. There have been many famous games played on Boxing Day including numerous local derby matches that have been very bad tempered and short of goodwill to all men. It is one of the few occasions in the season when all of the big name teams play on the same day.
Boxing Day usually marks the halfway point in the league season where clubs can gauge just how well or not their season is progressing. One of the most productive rounds of Boxing Day matches was in 1963 when a total of 66 goals were scored in the top division of English football. Among the results that day was Burnley winning 6-1 against local rivals Manchester United, Fulham beating Ipswich Town 10-1 and Blackburn Rovers winning away at West Ham United by a 2-8 score line.
There have been calls for English football to follow the example of other leagues in Europe and implement a Christmas break. This would do away with the tradition of English football on Boxing Day. This change would not be welcomed by the vast majority of football fans. Going to the match on Boxing Day or even watching a game on television is a huge part of the English football culture. It remains a very special day on the football calendar and allows supporters some temporary respite from the Christmas celebrations.
The author contributes to the English Football Blog website. This is a popular Football News Blog that provides soccer news and comment. It covers the premiership and English football in general. He also contributes to the Soccer Wealth website. This is a Soccer Betting Predictions service that offers profitable football betting predictions, tips and advice. Information is provided on domestic, European and international matches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Cronley
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Promotion and Relegation in Football
In domestic football leagues all over the world promotion and relegation happens at the end of the season. Teams move between the respective divisions based on how well or badly they have performed over the course of the season. The better teams get promoted while the poorest sides suffer the heartache of being relegated.
You will not find two more contrasting experiences in football than promotion and relegation. Promotion allows a football club to play at a higher level against bigger clubs. From a players, point of view they have the opportunity to test themselves against a better standard of player.
Promotion is great for the supporters and is the perfect way to end a long football season. Fans always want to see their team do well and promotion represents the ultimate success in league football. The euphoria of winning promotion lasts for several months until the new season gets underway.
When a club wins promotion revenue increases as a result. There are higher season ticket sales, lucrative sponsorship deals and a bigger share of any television rights deal. Crowds will increase because the club will be playing at a higher level against better opposition. This means new fans are picked up and existing ones who may have become disillusioned return.
Relegation is a terrible experience for everyone connected with a football club. It usually takes time to come to terms with the reality of knowing that the team was not good enough to survive. After the dust settles there, can be doubts over whether players will remain and play at a lower level. In some cases, players will ask for a transfer to another club.
When a football club is relegated there is usually a big drop in revenue. This is down to several factors but the main ones are lower crowd attendances and a significant fall in sponsorship revenue. There is also less money available to the club from any television deals.
Promotion and relegation in football usually involve the top and bottom three teams. The top three are promoted while the bottom three is relegated. There is also a play off competition where the top two teams win automatic promotion and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams play each other until a winner is found. The winner of the play offs takes the third promotion spot.
The author contributes to the English Football Blog website. This is a popular Football Blog that provides soccer news and comment. It covers the premiership and the English football scene in general. He has also worked on the Soccer Wealth website. This is a Soccer Betting Tips service that offers profitable football betting predictions, tips and advice. Information is provided on a range of domestic, European and international football matches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Cronley
You will not find two more contrasting experiences in football than promotion and relegation. Promotion allows a football club to play at a higher level against bigger clubs. From a players, point of view they have the opportunity to test themselves against a better standard of player.
Promotion is great for the supporters and is the perfect way to end a long football season. Fans always want to see their team do well and promotion represents the ultimate success in league football. The euphoria of winning promotion lasts for several months until the new season gets underway.
When a club wins promotion revenue increases as a result. There are higher season ticket sales, lucrative sponsorship deals and a bigger share of any television rights deal. Crowds will increase because the club will be playing at a higher level against better opposition. This means new fans are picked up and existing ones who may have become disillusioned return.
Relegation is a terrible experience for everyone connected with a football club. It usually takes time to come to terms with the reality of knowing that the team was not good enough to survive. After the dust settles there, can be doubts over whether players will remain and play at a lower level. In some cases, players will ask for a transfer to another club.
When a football club is relegated there is usually a big drop in revenue. This is down to several factors but the main ones are lower crowd attendances and a significant fall in sponsorship revenue. There is also less money available to the club from any television deals.
Promotion and relegation in football usually involve the top and bottom three teams. The top three are promoted while the bottom three is relegated. There is also a play off competition where the top two teams win automatic promotion and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams play each other until a winner is found. The winner of the play offs takes the third promotion spot.
The author contributes to the English Football Blog website. This is a popular Football Blog that provides soccer news and comment. It covers the premiership and the English football scene in general. He has also worked on the Soccer Wealth website. This is a Soccer Betting Tips service that offers profitable football betting predictions, tips and advice. Information is provided on a range of domestic, European and international football matches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Cronley
Monday, December 8, 2008
Shopping for Football Shirts by Soophott Lert
When one is looking for football shirts, your mind can start to race a little with decisions. Are you looking to buy one that is authentic, make your own or just an everyday shirt that you can wear? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself before you start shopping.
You then have to decide if you want to buy one that has already been made or are you going to create one yourself. Maybe you want to have one specially made. Before you run out to the store to start looking, you may want to do a little research on the internet and see what your options are.
If you look hard enough, you will even find shops that you can purchase authentic football shirts. These shirts are usually not worn on a daily basis. People tend to purchase this type of shirt to have as a collector's item. You can get them from your favorite team or even your favorite player. Some that are big fans will even hang there football shirt on a wall for display or put it in a frame.
If you are a coach of a little league football team and need to get shirts for the little guys, you can have your own specialty shirts made to reflect the name of your team. You can also have the individual names and numbers put on the shirts for each player. The choice of color and design is up to you as well. Being able to design your own can make them really special.
You can also go to a sports store to purchase your shirts. These may not be authentic or even specially made to your design but, you can find many different kinds. You still have the option if finding your favorite team to player. These shirts are generally worn on a special occasion or even during game day to root for your team. Showing team spirit with your very own shirt can be great.
When looking online, you can even find football shirts that are from other countries and even other cities. If you have moved from one place to another, you can order online from a shop and have it delivered right to your front door. This can take the hassle out of getting in your car and driving around looking for a place that actually sells shirts for teams that are not local.
Always keep in mind that a little research can go a long way when shopping for a football shirt. If ordering online, make sure that the company is reputable so that you don't get ripped off. Where you decide to shop, wear your shirt with pride and glory.
About the Author
For more information about football apparel please visit http://www.thefootballshirt.com
You then have to decide if you want to buy one that has already been made or are you going to create one yourself. Maybe you want to have one specially made. Before you run out to the store to start looking, you may want to do a little research on the internet and see what your options are.
If you look hard enough, you will even find shops that you can purchase authentic football shirts. These shirts are usually not worn on a daily basis. People tend to purchase this type of shirt to have as a collector's item. You can get them from your favorite team or even your favorite player. Some that are big fans will even hang there football shirt on a wall for display or put it in a frame.
If you are a coach of a little league football team and need to get shirts for the little guys, you can have your own specialty shirts made to reflect the name of your team. You can also have the individual names and numbers put on the shirts for each player. The choice of color and design is up to you as well. Being able to design your own can make them really special.
You can also go to a sports store to purchase your shirts. These may not be authentic or even specially made to your design but, you can find many different kinds. You still have the option if finding your favorite team to player. These shirts are generally worn on a special occasion or even during game day to root for your team. Showing team spirit with your very own shirt can be great.
When looking online, you can even find football shirts that are from other countries and even other cities. If you have moved from one place to another, you can order online from a shop and have it delivered right to your front door. This can take the hassle out of getting in your car and driving around looking for a place that actually sells shirts for teams that are not local.
Always keep in mind that a little research can go a long way when shopping for a football shirt. If ordering online, make sure that the company is reputable so that you don't get ripped off. Where you decide to shop, wear your shirt with pride and glory.
About the Author
For more information about football apparel please visit http://www.thefootballshirt.com
Friday, December 5, 2008
Who Invented Soccer? Do You Mean the Game - Or the Word?
Ready for a surprise? English are the ones who invented soccer.
Both - the game and the word (that's the surprising part).
Yes, I am not making this up. I know, you probably assumed like most people that "soccer" is an American word. I did. Until my son asked me who created the word: soccer, because his PE teacher told him it is an English word. I was sure the teacher was wrong, but I didn't want to compromise his authority and ruin my status of super soccer dad, so just in case the teacher was right, I told my son that I'd look into it. The teacher...you guessed it...was absolutely correct.
"Soccer" is an English word invented by students from Oxford. It is a derivative of the word 'association'.
How is this possible? How did it happen?
Actually it's very interesting, so let's go back in time to see how it all started. No, not to ancient times, even though there were some forms of a 'kicking' games being played back then. I don't consider this however, as an invention, rather an origin of soccer.
Dribbling Game
In the early 1800s, a number of versions of football were being played in private schools throughout England . Soon the game was adopted by many public schools. The ball games weren't called neither football nor soccer yet, but 'dribbling game' and it was nothing like the game we all know now. Kicking the ball was the main technique to play the game, but use of hands was allowed to stop or catch the ball in the mid-air. No one was allowed to pick up the ball with their hands and run with it.
Rugby Football
It all changed when during the 'dribbling game' one of the student from a public school of Rugby grabbed the ball and ran with it over the goal line. The goal was disallowed but many people picked up on the idea and formed a new game, you guessed it, 'rugby football'. The popularity of dribbling games and rugby spread throughout the country. New clubs and teams were formed, distinct from schools and universities.
Association Football
There was a big desire of teams to play each other, unfortunately schools and clubs had a hard time agreeing on the same rules. After many failed attempts to unify the rules of the game, in 1863 several teams and clubs came to agreement and formed the Football Association with one set of rules. Sort of a mix of 'dribbling games' and 'rugby'. The game was called 'association football'.
That's where we come to the part of who invented soccer, the word. English students used to like to nickname and abbreviate words. Also they had the tendency to add an "er" to the end of many words. For example, instead of "breakfast" they would say - "breaker", rugby was "rugger".
The name "association football" was way too long for them, therefore they called it "assoc" which soon evolved to the name "soccer".
And so, the word "soccer" was used in England since the mid-19th century. Most people however, used more frequently the word "football", which was more descriptive of the new sport, although at that time the game of football was still far from the game we play today.
Soccer reached the world
Association football or simply football or soccer was exported by British workers, students, and soldiers all over the world, where the game and the names were adopted pretty quick. Some countries modified the rules of association football to give the beginnings of the new type of football. American football, Canadian football, Australian Rules, Rugby League just to name few, they all evolved from association football, therefore soccer.
Today word "soccer" is most commonly used in the US, Canada and Australia in order to keep a distinction from their own football games. Everywhere else people use the term "football", including those who invented soccer, the game...and the word.
If you think this was interesting and valuable to you, don't wait and check out My Youth Soccer Guide for more facts about soccer history, as well as other useful soccer information.
Adrian Gumowski is a passionate expert on soccer gained from 30 years playing, coaching kids, and developing a web site all about soccer, including soccer history at http://www.my-youth-soccer-guide.com/soccer-history.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Gumowski
Both - the game and the word (that's the surprising part).
Yes, I am not making this up. I know, you probably assumed like most people that "soccer" is an American word. I did. Until my son asked me who created the word: soccer, because his PE teacher told him it is an English word. I was sure the teacher was wrong, but I didn't want to compromise his authority and ruin my status of super soccer dad, so just in case the teacher was right, I told my son that I'd look into it. The teacher...you guessed it...was absolutely correct.
"Soccer" is an English word invented by students from Oxford. It is a derivative of the word 'association'.
How is this possible? How did it happen?
Actually it's very interesting, so let's go back in time to see how it all started. No, not to ancient times, even though there were some forms of a 'kicking' games being played back then. I don't consider this however, as an invention, rather an origin of soccer.
Dribbling Game
In the early 1800s, a number of versions of football were being played in private schools throughout England . Soon the game was adopted by many public schools. The ball games weren't called neither football nor soccer yet, but 'dribbling game' and it was nothing like the game we all know now. Kicking the ball was the main technique to play the game, but use of hands was allowed to stop or catch the ball in the mid-air. No one was allowed to pick up the ball with their hands and run with it.
Rugby Football
It all changed when during the 'dribbling game' one of the student from a public school of Rugby grabbed the ball and ran with it over the goal line. The goal was disallowed but many people picked up on the idea and formed a new game, you guessed it, 'rugby football'. The popularity of dribbling games and rugby spread throughout the country. New clubs and teams were formed, distinct from schools and universities.
Association Football
There was a big desire of teams to play each other, unfortunately schools and clubs had a hard time agreeing on the same rules. After many failed attempts to unify the rules of the game, in 1863 several teams and clubs came to agreement and formed the Football Association with one set of rules. Sort of a mix of 'dribbling games' and 'rugby'. The game was called 'association football'.
That's where we come to the part of who invented soccer, the word. English students used to like to nickname and abbreviate words. Also they had the tendency to add an "er" to the end of many words. For example, instead of "breakfast" they would say - "breaker", rugby was "rugger".
The name "association football" was way too long for them, therefore they called it "assoc" which soon evolved to the name "soccer".
And so, the word "soccer" was used in England since the mid-19th century. Most people however, used more frequently the word "football", which was more descriptive of the new sport, although at that time the game of football was still far from the game we play today.
Soccer reached the world
Association football or simply football or soccer was exported by British workers, students, and soldiers all over the world, where the game and the names were adopted pretty quick. Some countries modified the rules of association football to give the beginnings of the new type of football. American football, Canadian football, Australian Rules, Rugby League just to name few, they all evolved from association football, therefore soccer.
Today word "soccer" is most commonly used in the US, Canada and Australia in order to keep a distinction from their own football games. Everywhere else people use the term "football", including those who invented soccer, the game...and the word.
If you think this was interesting and valuable to you, don't wait and check out My Youth Soccer Guide for more facts about soccer history, as well as other useful soccer information.
Adrian Gumowski is a passionate expert on soccer gained from 30 years playing, coaching kids, and developing a web site all about soccer, including soccer history at http://www.my-youth-soccer-guide.com/soccer-history.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Gumowski
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