tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309563712012-01-22T16:38:19.038ZFootball from a Welsh PerspectiveEric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.comBlogger2001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-6958843024030878892010-09-19T18:43:00.000+01:002010-09-19T18:43:37.863+01:00

FAW Chief Executive Jonathon Ford announced today that the hunt was starting for the new Welsh manager. “We really do need to do well in these next two games, but we cannot just sit and wait for the results to determine what we do thereafter." Well he's right in a way. The results of the next two games should not determine anything. Brian Flynn, as caretaker manager will have had a matter of

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-70922471379425319182010-09-19T11:01:00.001+01:002010-09-19T11:01:19.950+01:00

Cooper, Burley, Mills, Wark, Beattie, Hunter, Muhren, Thijssen, Mariner, Gates, Brazil.  That classic Ipswich side will always stay with me. Kids these days will never be able to recite their own team's regular eleven, let alone a team from miles away that weren't even League Champions. But that Ipswich team from 78-81 were class. I'm sure I've amalgamated a couple of Bobby Robson's sides there.

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-6663871133390262008-11-19T21:14:00.002Z2008-11-19T21:26:17.968Z

You know I wasn't surprised. I backed Wales to win this one. I just think that any team with Aaron Ramsey in it can win the game. I know we're not supposed to out too much pressure on the lad, but hey I'm a fan. I jus love watching the kid play.I usually enjoy listening to Ian Walsh's summaries but he had a bit of a poor night tonight. "I mustn't harp on, but Ramsey looks tired". But he did harp

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-47405581334872301372008-11-12T08:47:00.003Z2008-11-12T17:37:14.318Z

Footage of this game and the incidents I describe can be seen at the Sgorio website. I was greeted by a queue of people snaking round onto Farrar Road as I turned up with my camera to this one last night. I snuck through to the press entrance and took my place in front of the Farrar Road stand which Bangor usually attack. Rhyl must have won the toss because they made Bangor swap, and 500 people

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91708195533103143852008-11-05T11:30:00.004Z2008-11-05T11:39:14.432Z

This is an igoal. It's inaflatable.If you run a junior football team, it's more than likely that you will have spent hours on a muddy field in the rain trying to fit together 45 bits of plastic tubing to set up the gols for your kids team. It means that you have to arrive at least 45 mins before everyone else and you pray that all the bits are there.Well we'd had enough, and when my mate Cags

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-24415724995339885342008-11-04T09:13:00.002Z2008-11-04T09:23:17.878Z

This clip from the North London derby fanzone coverage is priceless.

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-30226463154072192532008-10-25T19:39:00.002+01:002008-10-25T19:52:57.393+01:00

I'm having a stinking run on the spread betting. If you need to know which way a game will go, just ask me what I predict. the outcome will be the exact opposite.In my bid to live beyond 50, I am spending a lot of time on the old exercise bike which as you know is very very boring and can only be suffered in front of a live football match. I've taken advantage of the free Setanta offer and I

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-34610235390367964332008-10-25T19:32:00.003+01:002008-10-25T19:38:55.744+01:00

Thanks to Rhys for pointing out the Daily Mail's publication of my Twll Tin Bob Sais story. Obviously , it's not scoop of the century, but you'd think they might have got their own photo to accompany the piece. On their pic, you can even see the Sky+ graphic where I rewound and paused the action for my photo. See where it says -2|| in the bottom left corner? Still at least I know that of the

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-7136997663944620922008-10-20T10:06:00.002+01:002008-10-20T10:17:26.942+01:00

It's been a tough few weeks for the boy wonder. His Spurs side have had a terrible start to the season, and his form has been poor. He's playing without confidence, and Ramos doesn't seem to play a system that suits him.I've been wondering about his best position for a while now. Even Welsh fans have been wondering whether Sam Ricketts is a safer option in a defensive formation with Bale in a

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-38817265585644508342008-10-15T22:08:00.002+01:002008-10-15T22:34:42.626+01:00

Bloody hell it's hard being a Welsh football fan. Ever since Joe Jordan made me cry in 1977, 31 years of utter misery has been interspersed with boredom and half a dozen evenings of bliss.This week's action has been the normal progression from pessimism, pride,fleeting hope and ultimately defeat. Plus ca change. Sometimes I think it's better when we are hopeless.In a way, last night's under

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-35890448222988188352008-10-14T23:46:00.001+01:002008-10-14T23:53:14.000+01:00

Setanta might want to consider employing a Welsh speaker for Wales games.In their pre-match build-up before the Under 21 play-off at Villa Park, they lingered on this happy bunch of Welsh supporters.The camera focused on this flag for a good 10-15 seconds. I don't think it would have done if they had known what i means........ARSEHOLES TO THE ENGLISH!

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91178643370873304032008-10-12T12:47:00.002+01:002008-10-12T13:04:07.442+01:00

I was really looking forward to this game after our performance in Russia and the Under 21's performance the previous evening. A shame then that not many people shared my enthusiasm, and it looked like the crowd was lower than the Under 21's attendance.I was pitchside once again, and it's surprising how disconcerting it can be when the atmnosphere is poor. You can here isolated shouts, people

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-43270123806534491032008-10-11T12:41:00.002+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.594+01:00

I was far too emotionally involved in this game.It was an under 21 game game after all. A practise match in effect. Not much more than youth football.But I had been working on some interview clips during the week for Sgorio's website . There are videos of a few of the players on the site and one in particular stood out. The Welsh keeper Owain Fon Williams gave the best interview I've seen for a

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-9927878455667290892008-10-08T20:39:00.002+01:002008-10-08T20:48:36.885+01:00

As you know, my Under 9's team has had a difficult start to the season. 4 games, 0 goals scored 21 goals against. And there wasn't a 0-0 draw amongst those.But you know, it isn't about the winning. it's about fun. As long as they have fun that's great. No, it's not the result that counts. Nope. No way. Never.As long as they develop a passing game, and they improve , well it's worth it. And it's

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-62335533783027841342008-10-07T23:48:00.002+01:002008-10-07T23:58:59.974+01:00

I went to the Racecourse tonight to test out my new lens before the internationals. And it's a good job I did. Memo to self: monopod needed by Friday.I was also interested to see how Dean Saunders would do on his first home game. I've always liked Deano, and I think him and Wrexham are well matched. Both the club and the manager have a history of playing attractive football, and I think he'll be

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-59036748765743828042008-10-05T20:39:00.004+01:002008-10-05T21:19:19.090+01:00

There was plenty of publicity given recently to the English FA's decision to make football non-competitive for U9 teams. Part of this development was the order given that results for these age groups should no longer be published in newspapers.This has been the case in Wales for some time. The English youth policy is famously backward , and Wales' progressive coaching system was rearded years ago

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-8649296231164581182008-10-05T07:28:00.002+01:002008-10-05T07:56:19.570+01:00

I've spent worse afternoons at the football. I was about to say, "but not many", unfortunately that wouldn't be true. My football watching life has been a turgid potpourri of mediocrity and tedium. Yesterday's recipe included lots of cold water.My early morning had been spent watching Y Felinheli Under 7's play against Penrhosgarnedd at Treborth. That was wet too. My middle son Ifan was playing

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-55727255248352784382008-10-02T11:34:00.001+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.595+01:00

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-70570649617518198542008-10-01T08:53:00.003+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.595+01:00

Mystery surrounds an apparent remark made by Olympic Chief Seb Coe yesterday. One eagle-eyed Londoner saw the following report on pahe 5 of thelondonpage.SEB COE : F*** THE SCOTS AND THE WELSH.Part of the report about the 2012 olympic team is "When asked last night about the opposition from the Welsh and the Scots , Coe replied bluntly :" F*** them ! "A few other readers sent me links, but it

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-8555854969803982312008-09-30T11:32:00.002+01:002008-09-30T11:38:14.200+01:00

Interesting to read that Bangor City signed former Felinheli player Kevin Lloyd from Llangefni Town. I watched Kevin regularly at Felin a few years ago when he played in our first team at Welsh Alliance level when he was just sixteen years old.Naturally as a youngster his form was patchy at the time, but he had the pace and quality which made him stand out. When Felin were relegated, he went to

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-80386574531236043372008-09-25T08:43:00.002+01:002008-09-25T09:03:59.107+01:00

That scoreline looks pretty bad, but when you consider that this was only a 30 minute game, it's even worse. 18-0 would be a more realistic scoreline over 90 minutes.We all know what it's like. A strong team with no weaknesses faces a side that turns out mainly for social and leisurely reasons. A midfield bull charges through a petrified defence and creates any number of one-on-one's with a

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-63176878719844789162008-09-24T11:08:00.002+01:002008-09-24T11:26:55.045+01:00

Last night's television pictures have generated media interest in the "swim away" theme so beloved of the modern Swansea City fan.Of course I have a personal interest in all this. I was in that car park post-match when we were attacked by our friends from Swansea. I ran up a dead end in the council offices while another group ran towards the Holiday Inn. The mob decided to chase the other group

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-9476959613341693832008-09-23T21:30:00.003+01:002008-09-23T21:54:49.339+01:00

I don't think anyone could argue that the best side didn't win. After the first 15 minutes Swansea outpassed the City, making the lads so frustrated that they charged and slid and mistimed every tackle. But how stupid is Stephen McFail? How many chances did he want? Yes, I think he won the ball for the crucial second yellow card, but it was inevitable the moment he decided to launch himself.

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-30986314530694973122008-09-23T09:20:00.002+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.596+01:00

After much discussion it appears that the Under 21's will play their crucial play-off game against England at Villa Park. I've got mixed feelings about that one. It would have been nice to get another trip to Wembley, but Villa Park is a fair bit closer. At the moment I fancy going, but that could change. I meet need to wash my hair, cut the grass or any other such diversion which seems to

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-48873216937362160272008-07-18T01:20:00.002+01:002008-07-18T01:22:22.085+01:00

This was an interesting one. I bought a new camera today at lunchtime, and by the evning I was stood on the touchline at the Racecourse wearing a red bib and comparing my tiny zoom with some of the large erections used by the pros. Nonetheless, I got some decent pics which you can see here if you're interested. Which I'm sure you are.http://www.flickr.com/photos/philstead/sets/72157606229894947/

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-16323690117564652862008-05-30T10:57:00.002+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.597+01:00

Further to my post below wondering about the linesman in the stand at Reyjkavic, this picture has come to light.I robbed it without permission from Adam Jones' Facebook page.These people are senior business professionals . They are 40 years old. At least one of them is a politician.They went to Iceland v Wales dressed as match officials. Quality.

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-9030425185393030882008-05-29T11:40:00.004+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.598+01:00

This is a list of pubs in Wales which showed England v USA last night, and ignored Iceland v Wales. Please add any other pubs to the list:Cardiff: The ClaudeLlandudno : Every single pubLlanberis : Prince of Wales

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-29555718785268389772008-05-29T09:15:00.001+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.598+01:00

What a goal! Something special to put on my website, www.chedevans.co.uk. I was quite excited by last night's performance. Not because Iceland were any great shakes, but because at last, there is some hope for us. It's going to be a long road, and people like Ched Evans have fallen by the wayside before now. But let's hope he can keep going, and more importantly, that he can find a settled place

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-6746711195753083422008-05-29T08:55:00.001+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.599+01:00

Linesman in the crowd? Originally uploaded by Phil Stead Reyjkavic, May 2008. Iceland v Wales. Carl Fletcher's about to get nobbled. They showed the action replay again and again, but I couldn't take my eyes off the crowd. I noticed them when they arrived, 5 minutes late. You see I know that flag. Inter Ifor was a Sunday League team I used to play for in Cardiff, made up from regulars at

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-61966289723575011302008-05-23T12:54:00.003+01:002008-05-23T13:18:55.010+01:00

While we are all still swanning round in our post-Wembley euphoria, and basking in the adulation gushed upon us by members of the National press, the pre-season tournament in the Algarve seems a natural step for a club on the up. It's certainly a long way from our historic pre-season warm ups against Hednesford and Forest Green Rovers.But it's a big test for this new Cardiff City. Not on the

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-54799553796691496172008-05-22T09:41:00.001+01:002008-05-22T09:41:12.467+01:00

Knocker breaks America Originally uploaded by Phil Stead Somebody sent me this. It seems that the American media took a liking to Knocker. The pic was taken at the FA Cup semi final. Does anyone out there have a hard copy of the magazine they can scan?

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-65794036952188074582008-05-18T07:46:00.005+01:002008-05-18T08:26:44.181+01:00

Well that was some journey. Not from Felin to Wembley, I mean the whole FA Cup thing. But in the end we lost, and that felt right. I was disappointed of course, but it suits me to lose. I'm used to it. Watching Cardiff City lose is like wearing a comfy pair of slippers instead of those Jimmy Choo stilletoes that we've been strutting around in for the past couple of months.There's no doubt that

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-11927894006577037772008-05-16T11:24:00.001+01:002008-05-16T11:24:44.493+01:00

FA Cup Final replica Shirt Originally uploaded by Phil Stead I don't buy replica shirts, but this was a must: This is how it was advertised."Your shirt will be embellished with full details of the fixture, making it a perfect keepsake for years to come. Pre-order shirt will be delivered to your chose address no later than Tuesday 13th May."Well it arrived this morning, the day before I

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-19968557909975777442008-05-14T09:14:00.002+01:002008-10-11T13:16:15.600+01:00

With the build up to the FA Cup Final, the media has gone into overdrive and as the local Welsh-speaking Cardiff City rentagob, I've been doing a few interviews, mainly for Welsh Language media. I did my cabbage-patch kid impression on Sgorio last night, and it got me thinking.There is so much good Welsh language sport coverage that 75% of Wales misses out on. The language problem doesn't make so

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-70752684632005649632008-05-11T22:33:00.003+01:002008-05-14T09:56:55.725+01:00

Back in January, this is what the Reading striker Dave Kitson said about the FA Cup.He said: "We are not going to win the FA Cup and I do not give two shits about it, to be honest. I care about staying in the Premier League, as does everybody at this club. Our Premier League status is not protected by winning the FA Cup and it is as simple as that.Today Reading were relegated. Next Saturday

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-44883405898147472632008-05-07T10:52:00.000+01:002008-05-07T10:53:35.611+01:00

POLICE CHASE PINK PANTHER AND GIANT RABBITMen dressed as superheroes, cartoon characters and cuddly toys were chased by police after reports of football-related trouble in Lincoln.Police were called to Lincoln's High Street at about 1.15pm on Saturday, just before Lincoln City FC's final match of the season against already-relegated Wrexham at Sincil Bank.Several riot vans with sirens blaring

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-80659435803741456432008-05-07T07:43:00.003+01:002008-05-07T07:58:45.465+01:00

A few weeks ago we held a Junior football tournament in Y Felinheli and our Under 9's team reached the semi-final against Menai Bridge.The scores were level at full time and so we went to the golden goal. Two periods of 5 minutes extra time. Still 0-0.We played another four periods and still it was scoreless.People started to ask about penalties to decide the game, but I refused point blank. It

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-40095666313811784422008-05-06T07:37:00.005+01:002008-05-06T08:30:56.369+01:00

It's difficult to get too pompous about the Bangor City fans pitch invasion when they scored their last minute equaliser in the Welsh Cup Final against Llanelli on Sunday. We've all done it. Yes we have, come on admit it.Pitch invasions are thrilling. they allow you to be part of the action for a second. To get right up close. to lose your head and run round a pitch wild in celebration. My last

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-83206362133947320612008-05-05T14:00:00.003+01:002008-05-05T14:07:56.208+01:00

Dave Jones has to be taking the piss when he says that Fowler might get a place in his Cup Final squad. I don't care if he can climb Snowdon in 5 minutes, he doesn't deserve a sniff of a place.Has Jones forgotten what the football was like with Fowler in the team. Has he forgotten how badly the midfield were stifled because Fowler just couldn't make a run ? Cardiff's resurrection this season has

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-86125894802203062492008-05-05T11:22:00.004+01:002008-05-05T11:24:52.694+01:00

I'm writing about the incidents at yesterday's Welsh Cup Final in my column for Golwg this week, so there won't be any discussion on that here. Well done though, to Bangor for a fantastic win.But I'm writing this as more of an appeal. Can anyone find a match report, or even any mention of the game on the BBC website? It's bizarre. It's like the biggest story in Welsh football this weekend never

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-40256941250426604452008-05-02T09:05:00.004+01:002008-05-02T13:06:46.802+01:00

Time for a review of the offerings served up by various parties as the Cardiff City FA Cup Final song.1. James Fox - Bluebirds Flying HIghYou know it's strange. I couldn't wait to mock this effort and when I heard the liune about Peter Ridsdale, I knew I could be safely cynical and rip the piss mercilessly. BUt I watched it again yesterday, and I welled up. Bloody Hell. Once you get past that

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-11827165222037859492008-04-30T12:38:00.002+01:002008-05-02T13:05:40.872+01:00

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-27309808787840572512008-04-30T09:31:00.003+01:002008-04-30T14:33:49.310+01:00

Mansfield were relegated from the 3rd Division last night. Thank God for that. Hopefully I'll never have to go to Mansfield again.There are some places you just take against. I remember going to Mansfield for the first time in 1993, the Saturday after we had been to Liege to watch City in the Cup Winner's Cup. If I remember correctly, a week earlier we had played Millwall away. And then we had to

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-64001725647652439142008-04-29T09:00:00.002+01:002008-04-29T09:32:53.812+01:00

I popped into a City Centre sportshop the other day on the lookout for a football. Just a normal ball for a seven year old lad. You think I could find one?It wasn't that they didn't have balls, they had loads. they had one that cost £75. (Because it had Euro 2008 stamped on it. Don't UEFA know how to look after their football family?). But they didn't have any footballs for children.I then nipped

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-30448925547593491172008-04-26T16:29:00.001+01:002008-04-26T16:29:26.320+01:00

Caernarfon Wanderers v Y Felinheli Originally uploaded by Phil Stead After an unfulfilling season, Felin managed to reach a Cup Final this afternoon when they beat the newly formed Caernarfon Wanderers 3-1 on a windy and exposed Cae Top.Felin were up against it from early on when they lost two influential players, Jason Bayliss and Danny Hughes to injury within the first ten minutes.

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-36786598005596447982008-04-25T09:40:00.002+01:002008-04-25T10:02:26.244+01:00

Well, well, well. In the news today:An FA statement said: The board has given full approval for Cardiff City to participate in next season’s Uefa Cup as one of England’s representatives, should they win this season’s FA Cup. It was also decided that the Welsh national anthem would also be played ahead of the game.”This is a turnaround that has surprised me greatly. Firstly the news that Cardiff

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-26311639925044311842008-04-23T09:58:00.003+01:002008-04-23T10:05:14.533+01:00

It was quite a performance. If you haven't heard Tom Jones' attempts at the National Anthem before Joe Calzaghe's fight in Las Vegas against Bernard Hopkins this weekend, then here it is.Now I love Tom. But this was embarrassing. He's a professional singer. Opera singers might learn to speak a dozen languages fluently. It wouldn't be unusual for Bryn Terfel to have to sing a 3 hour show in

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-19927985225969085792008-04-23T09:30:00.003+01:002008-04-23T09:54:48.829+01:00

So at least they have been put out of their misery. Wales' oldest surviving professional club have been relegated into the Conference, following Newport County who went awol twenty years ago.So let the mud slinging begin. Who's fault is it? Dickens the Chairman? Brian Little the Manager? Complacent players sloshing around Chester's bars suuporting the rumoured piss-up culture at the club last

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-64457554225921591692008-04-22T11:43:00.002+01:002008-04-22T11:59:52.371+01:00

According to reports, former Swansea defender Izzy Iriekpen gave the swim-away gesture to Cardiff fans at Scunthorpe on Saturday, as they were celebrating Joe Ledley's equaliser.You may be wondering what that's all about. Well it's a simple breast stroke action performed to provoke Cardiff fans, relating to an incident between two sets of supporters back in the day. Back in which day? Well I'm

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-77470593310453723972008-04-22T08:55:00.002+01:002008-04-22T09:19:27.418+01:00

A match against Bangor Reserves gives our village footballers the opportunity to play in a proper stadium with seats and a tunnel and everything. And don't they enjoy it.This was the Quarter Finals of one of the 632 Cup Competitions run by the Gwynedd FA every season. We have more Cup matches than League. A big crowd of 74 , including a travelling support of 23 watched the Caernarfon League side

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-3962936158288335942008-04-22T08:33:00.002+01:002008-04-22T08:55:40.328+01:00

We held a Junior football tournament in my village last weekend for teams of Under 9's and Under 7's. 22 teams from across Gwynedd and Anglesey played short games of 10 minutes on 2 small pitches. It was great to see so many boys and girls playing football, but other aspects of the tournement were less edifying.My over-riding memory of the whole thing is the frenzied barking of some team coaches

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-36168187684883068382008-04-16T09:31:00.006+01:002008-04-16T13:14:05.843+01:00

Let me nail my colours to the mast. I've voted Plaid Cymru all my life. For a short time I was treasurer of the Adamsdown branch. But sometimes, the flag-waving nationalism gets a little embarrassing. That's why I've ignored Rhodri Glyn Thomas's call for Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau to be played at Wembley.Firstly, I'm not sure what platform Rhodri is using when he decides to comment on the issue. As a

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91147171403920120722008-04-15T12:39:00.002+01:002008-04-15T12:53:47.474+01:00

It was always going to be tough for Cardiff City to allocate their Cup Final Allowance fairly. And to be fair, I think that they have got it mainly right, balancing the need to reward loyal supporters with maximising the opportunity to sell season tickets for 2008/09.But I just have one axe to grind. 2007/08 Ambassadors (i.e. fans who bought season tickets at the end of the previous season when

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-10732706161852266932008-04-15T10:38:00.004+01:002008-04-15T11:06:33.237+01:00

The FAW has announced today that it will split into two divisions from season 2010/11. According to John Deacon, the league is stagnating and the feeling is that the introduction of a two tier structure will boost crowds and improve facilties. well he's right on his first point, the League is stagnating. But I'm not convinced that the new proposals amount to anything more than a reduction of

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-27250823993101115882008-04-15T10:17:00.002+01:002008-04-15T10:21:45.237+01:00

More PicsOriginally uploaded by Phil Stead I'll be totally honest with you. And this is hard to admit. I went to Llangefni v Bangor on a Friday night for one reason mainly. I wanted to update my visited grounds list on Facebook. The "football grounds" application is one of the few places that allows you to add Welsh Premier grounds to your tally.Sad I know. Really sad. but it gets worse. I had

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-67226019725283075742008-04-12T14:21:00.004+01:002008-04-12T14:25:06.524+01:00

Chambers with his FA Cup Semi Final ticketOriginally uploaded by Phil Stead This is a man called Karl Chambers.Karl lives in Holyhead, on the North Western tip of Anglesey, 10 miles from Dublin, 200 miles and five hours away from Ninian Park. Yet despite this obstacle, he has been one of Cardiff City's most committed fans since his first game, away at Wigan in 1982.In the past 25 years his face

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-75617546616399042812008-04-11T12:10:00.004+01:002008-04-11T12:18:31.140+01:00

James Fox has released the official Cardiff City song for the FA Cup Final. And a shocker it is too.Take this section of lyrics from the opening verse:We were in seventh Heaven, Back in 1927Now we're ready for a new taleAt the helm is Peter Ridsdale.I kid you not. It's that bad.However, fear not. Word has reached me of a much more exciting release that is currently in production. This one is

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91067064959954961892008-04-11T10:37:00.002+01:002008-04-11T11:04:12.977+01:00

The famous recording of the crowd at 1927 has a version of Abide with Me that has seldom, if ever, been bettered. This was the first time it was sung at the final after a ceremony earlier in the day to remember Welsh Guards lost in the WW1.It has always been a tear jerker for me. the tune is now synonomous with Wembley and I never thought that I would be one of those people singing it. Never. Not

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-17093807549811703122008-04-10T09:10:00.003+01:002008-04-10T09:47:15.862+01:00

So the police have arrested David Sullivan and Karen Brady with allegations of false accounting and conspiracy to defraud. I can hardly claim that I spat out my tea in surprise. I'm currently reading Tom Bower's book on corruption in football called Broken Dreams. It seems undenyable that football has been living in a world of backhanders, bungs and false declarations for a long time now.

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-30477960928497990382008-04-07T11:38:00.005+01:002008-04-07T11:52:42.919+01:00

Well what can I say? Cardiff City won their FA Cup Semi Final. I am laughing even while I type this. It's absurd. Cardiff City are in the FA Cup Final. My keyboard doesn't even want to type it. It's ridiculous.This man in tears is my friend called Knocker. He's been following Cardiff since about 1979. In the early 90's we travelled all over together, usually on cushions in the back of a

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-5118982737188838022008-04-05T09:04:00.002+01:002008-04-05T09:17:22.454+01:00

This scene will be familiar to anyone who watches junior football in Wales. It's not uncommon that we have to stand on the side of a windy, unprotected pitch watching 22 dripping blocks of ice aim frozen legs at a football.This one was particularly horrible. Cae Glyn v Y Felinheli Under 17's played last week in Caernarfon. Poor old Gwil here is sodden. Match was abandoned with Felin 3-1 up after

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-88528974386366332362008-04-05T08:28:00.002+01:002008-04-05T08:48:27.555+01:00

Like anyone else who speaks over 3 words of Welsh and has visited Ninian Park at least once, my views have been much in demand by various welsh language outlets this past couple of weeks.I got the call from "Ar y Marc" yesterday. That's BBC Cymru's football programme which goes out at 8.30am every Saturday morning. Which means that you actually record your interview at about 7.15am.After a few

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-75661180503814668402008-04-03T16:37:00.002+01:002008-04-03T16:43:02.159+01:00

Well I've bought some stupid pieces of memorabilia in my time but this beats the lot I think. This is a square of carpet that used to be on the floor in the old FAW offices in Westgate Street in Cardiff.It was sold to me by Neil Dymock of the Welsh supporters charity, Gol. I am assured that it has been professionally cleaned since it was trod on by the likes of Terry Yorath and Gavin Maguire. And

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-47957052305659214012008-04-03T11:19:00.005+01:002008-04-13T08:25:52.465+01:00

I arranged a meeting in Cardiff so that i could get to the game against West Brom on Tuesday. And I was glad I did. It was a fantastic game, with high skill levels and a superb atmosphere generated by a crowd looking forward to Wembley. But 13,000? Don't insult me. I've been going to Ninian for 30 years now, and there were 16,000 in that ground.Things have changed in cardiff. Before the game I

Eric The Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06862113602706737740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-35251156770301439922008-03-29T09:38:00.001Z2008-03-29T09:38:58.334Z

FA Cup Semi Ticket Originally uploaded by Phil Stead Well I never thought I'd see one of these. It arrived in the post this morning. And it's pretty big.Like everything else these days, expensive things have got bigger so that you feel like your getting more for your money. Little things like memory sticks and watch batteries come wrapped in massive cardboard and plastic displays which

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-15168707983182848272008-03-28T15:44:00.001Z2008-03-28T15:44:08.955Z

DSC00070 Originally uploaded by Phil Stead I'm not sure what came over me. Three kids in a Caernarfon barbershop, and I think the excitement of Wembley got the better of me.This was something I'd always wanted as a kid, but I didn't know how to ask for it. Well it's half term, and better for him to look stupid now than later on in his life.I do feel guilty honestly. This is a case for

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-49963440611069559312008-03-28T12:41:00.001Z2008-03-28T12:41:27.116Z

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-40988547301559748322008-03-28T11:26:00.001Z2008-03-28T11:26:26.034Z

Sums it u

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-63053472049572202852007-07-02T12:59:00.000+01:002007-07-02T13:05:09.192+01:00

Ever less frequent, Eric's contributions to this blog will grow silent for a time, while I shift allegiance to the Welsh language magazine "Golwg".I will now be writing regular sports features for Golwg, and for the first time ever, I will be using my real name; Phil Stead.

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-49403262476024643192007-06-04T09:11:00.000+01:002007-06-04T09:43:14.875+01:00

This was a memorable event, if not such a memorable game. Giggs' last game surprised me with the emotions it dredged up, from the crowd, from the man himself , and from me. I was a little choked as he walked off, but I can't put my finger on the exact reasons behind that. It was a combination of things. It was a sad conclusion to a famous international career - Giggs is probably the first player

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-83438868063302755652007-05-30T10:15:00.000+01:002007-05-30T14:15:39.905+01:00

The news that Ryan Giggs is to retire after Saturday's game against the Czech Republic has left me reeling. My first reaction is one of panic, disappointment, and even mortality. That young lad who was scoring free kicks against Belgium in the early nineties is to stop playing for us. How can this be? Does everything have to stop? It seems so.The decision is another kick in the teeth for Wales.

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-67489284809400906492007-05-02T09:20:00.000+01:002007-05-02T09:41:46.230+01:00

Last night, Y Felinheli Under 17s went to Holyhead and drew 0-0, a result which made them Champions of the Anglesey League (there is no league in Gwynedd).It was a result which gave me as much pleasure as any professional game in my long history fo watching football. The distinction between the grassroots game and the professional game is become increasingly blurred for me. And on a night when

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-80641086043262275582007-04-02T16:33:00.000+01:002007-04-02T16:54:00.115+01:00

Flicking through the programme at Llanystumdwy yesterday, I came across an intriguing little editorial which invited further investigation:"Last Tuesday we were in front of the FAW disciplinary board in our 2nd appeal against our omission from the junior cup. We again lost the appeal so we now go on to the 3rd appeal against the FAW.We feel strongly as a club that we want to see justice done, not

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-77332278281723379792007-03-31T22:21:00.000+01:002007-03-31T22:51:53.087+01:00

He had just scored an underserved goal to take the lead against Bethel Under 7's when it happened. Around about the half way line, there was a ball to be won and in he went. Bethel's biggest and best player had the same idea. There was a clear and horrible "krakk" and my son stopped moving.He had his back to me and I couldn't see his face. But the look of shock on the ref's face, and the quick

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-77517949591787174642007-03-29T09:37:00.000+01:002007-03-29T09:51:55.914+01:00

Well the game went as expected in many ways. San Marino shouldn't be playing football at this level, Wales were profiligate, and 18,000 turned up to vindicate the FAW's decision to use the Millennium. Yes, the atmosphere was poor, but what can you expect with such a non-event.The return of Jason Koumas was the big story for me. Koumas is now such an influential player in this side that he

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-4811844059245401682007-03-27T09:12:00.000+01:002007-03-27T09:48:19.284+01:00

Wales midfielder Jason Koumas says Wednesday's game with San Marino shouldbe at Cardiff's Ninian Park. The Euro 2008 qualifier will be held at the72,500 capacity Millennium Stadium in the city, but, as of Monday, just 15,000tickets had been sold. "It'll be surreal, none of us can understand why thegame isn't at Ninian where the atmosphere would be better and moreintimidating," said Koumas. Thank

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-2221891541542833132007-03-26T09:14:00.000+01:002007-03-26T09:25:51.665+01:00

Choose pitiful. Choose apathetic. Choose pathetic. Choose unimaginative. Choose impotent. Choose guileless. Choose clueless. Choose amateurish. Choose negative. Choose unambitious. Choose limited. Choose bad. Choose sad. Choose criminal. Choose lifeless. Choose shameful. Choose embarrassing. Choose destitute. Choose hopeless. Choose talentless. Choose directionless. Choose spineless. Choose

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-35837759406887173812007-03-25T10:59:00.000+01:002007-03-25T11:37:58.398+01:00

This is how football should be. Four thousand Wales fans travelled to Dublin for yesteday's match and received a welcome from their hosts that I haven't experienced in 32 years of following football. From the moment our party stepped off the early morning ferry at Dun Laghoire till we boarded the slow boat back to Holyhead late in the evening, we were enbosomed into Dublin's thriving pub life

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-18034231465609755092007-03-22T09:53:00.000Z2007-03-22T10:18:39.412Z

Every Thursday morning I pore over the results page of the Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald like I once did the South Wales Echo. A single league table can keep me fascinated for an hour. And occasionally a statistic peeks out of the print that conjurs up a story of drama and intrigue that makes me want to investigate further.And there it is today: The Silver Star Holidays Gwynedd League.Cemaes

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-92099884503752926362007-03-20T09:08:00.000Z2007-03-20T09:36:47.461Z

At about 10pm last night, a million pairs of half-interested armchair football fans opened their eyes a little wider as it became apparent that Chelsea's millionaire golden boy, Frank Lampard was about to be whacked by a skinny Tottenham supporter. (Oops, I mean "so-called" supporter, because these people are not true fans blah blah).Another tedious affair between glove-wearing nancy boys was

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-41080897170967113802007-03-12T10:19:00.000Z2007-03-12T10:41:26.529Z

There has been much discussion recently about the use of a "3rd eye" to adjudicate on crucial decisions in football matches. If the recent history of rugby is in indicator of the potential success of this idea, it should be consigned to the scrapheap.Firstly, we had the Wilkinson try against Scotland. At a crucial juncture of the game Wilkinson took a curving run on the outside and placed the

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-23588950796080392652007-03-12T09:32:00.000Z2007-03-12T09:50:55.658Z

There is a pressing issue that is arising through Junior football in Wales that is causing much anxiety and confusion, not to mention a good helping of scepticism amongst the people running the teams.The word is spreading that from next season, the one player - one club rule will be strictly enforced at Junior level. From next August, and player that is registered with an academy will not be

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-92218868548697461472007-03-04T07:50:00.000Z2007-03-04T08:06:36.532Z

I was disappointed for Port Talbot yesterday. For years, Afan Lido were the main club in the town. It seems strange to think that Lido, now playing in the confusingly named Welsh League were one of the early European qualifiers from the early days of the League of Wales.But I have always preferred Port Talbot, though I can never remember if they are Town or Athletic these days. Lido was never a

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-40182553584586065092007-03-03T13:40:00.000Z2007-03-03T14:02:18.433Z

One of the disadavantges of following a grassroots team is the amount of postponements that you suffer throughout the season. The slightest shower, frost, or dark cloud, and a game is likely to be called off, such is the standard of playing field below semi-pro level.And so it was that Felinheli's game at Machno United was postponed ealier this morning. With clear skies and a sunny day, we were

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-88276724442817786092007-03-01T09:37:00.000Z2007-03-01T10:08:03.073Z

So today is St David's Day. And all across the country, little children are being sent to school in National Costume. Which used to mean a pointy hat for the girls , or a waistcoat and cravat for the lads. But more and more our national identity is being expressed through sport, a point that politicians would do well to heed.The school yard is full of red shirts. Some football, but overwhelmingly

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-41769353250386894132007-02-24T07:44:00.000Z2007-02-24T08:03:50.567Z

About five years ago I was working in the press box at Ninian Park when David Moyes' Preston team scored four and completely destroyed the home side. I interviewed David Moyes who cut a very impressive figure even at that stage of his career. But when Frank Burrows bravely appeared to face the music, I kinew that I wasn't cut out for the harsh world of sporting journalism.City had been on a poor

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-22138175448359440442007-02-21T19:59:00.000Z2007-02-21T20:20:53.278Z

For somebody who professes his support of grassroots football, I don't half love my Champions League. I love the theme tune, I love the glamour, and I even enjoy the sheer unabridged commercialism of the big world-wide sponsorship deals.This week has given me the opportunity to watch the teams that I consider to be the three greatest clubs in Europe, which in my blinkered football horizons, means

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-1454461141706216212007-02-20T08:23:00.000Z2007-02-20T08:50:59.801Z

Two games took my attention over the weekend. Firstly I saw Felinheli battle to a 3-2 win over Llanrug Utd Reserves at Cae Seilo. Then on Sunday I watched the highlights of Cardiff v Leeds on Soccer Sunday, a programme which has now remained true to its extraordinarily low production values for the past 10 years.Both games were were seemingly dominated by a refereeing performance, when this need

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-84109270206723133692007-02-16T09:31:00.000Z2007-02-16T10:22:06.038Z

One of the more realistic aspects of FIFA 06 on Playstation are the crowd chants and team banners waved by the virtual crowd. Except that in Cardiff City's case, the two most prominent flags, which travel all over the virtual world following City's friendlies even in China, were apparently made by two groups that might surprise a few people."Llanishen Blues" are at least a known entity. There has

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91776204352457515862007-02-14T09:24:00.000Z2007-02-14T09:44:24.619Z

When Kevin Morgan walked off the pitch at Murrayfield on Saturday, it didn't look like he would be coming back. He walked gingerly to the touch line, cradling his jaw, but at the same time afraid to touch it. His mouth was stained with dark blood and it hung at a strange angle. Yet ten minutes later there he was, diving at the feet of a 19 stone forward, and bravely trying to assert himself in an

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-76381532312372951142007-02-13T09:01:00.000Z2007-02-13T09:00:57.480Z

With due respect to the estimable Brian Williams, the Neath prop who died last week, the Welsh rugby team wore black armbands for their match against Scotland. But it wasn't a band really, it was more of a strap.Armbands used to be at least 4 inches wide, and were made of heavy cotton material. This style lasted for years after being popularised by the trend setting Nazi party and their

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-70210922787622477542007-02-12T09:19:00.000Z2007-02-12T09:19:25.466Z

I've known Ali Yassine a long time now. He was watching Cardiff when it wasn't so easy to be a black face at Ninian. He is a Somalian Welsh speaker who has been prominent in changing the public perception of the Welsh language. He is also an actor who I have worked with professionally, and I've got a lot of respect and no little admiration for the man.It was a shame then to read a backhanded

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-43804104418692217742007-02-12T09:01:00.000Z2007-02-12T09:01:10.338Z

I don't know what to make of this game. Wales were outgunned undoubtedly, but I always thought we were going to win right up until the last 10 minutes. We are obviously a more talented side than the Scots, and I am not faulting our application. I am concerned that there is a much deeper problem than a sluggish attitude.The props have proved that they can mix it with the top teams, all four of

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-84672598625819755142007-02-12T08:56:00.000Z2007-02-12T08:55:59.046Z

Thanks to those of you who have written bemoaning the lack of recent updates on this blog. But it's not my fault honest. Ever since Blogger was taken over by Google I've been unable to get into my blog. Still, I've sorted it all out now, and we should be all back regular again. And as we're in the 6 Nations season, and I've been watching a lot of rugby, I've decided to write about that as well.

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-23975802479404814802007-01-19T06:34:00.000Z2007-01-19T06:48:19.655Z

There have been a couple of disciplinary actions taken recently which may have surprised observors.Firstly, Newport County were fined £3,000 for failing to control their fans after a linesman was hit by a coin during their turbulent and high profile FA Cup match against Swansea City. The linesman in question commented that the fine seemed a little low, but £3,000 to a club like newport is far

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-19197527790091214832006-12-10T09:34:00.000Z2006-12-10T09:58:29.519Z

It has been easy to criticise David Temme, the former Chief Executive of Cardiff City. Conveniently placed to take heat off Hammam, he became the public face and scapegoat for any of the unglamorous and unpopular difficult business decisions taken by the club.But many of the Ninian Park improvements for which Sam happily took the plaudits were in place before his arrival. Apart from the bars,

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-23103531254041975812006-12-08T09:22:00.000Z2006-12-08T10:17:51.664Z

There is a certain breed of football fan who watches the teleprinter on a Saturday evening and yearns to visit places like Stenhousemuir, to watch the Accies play, and to find out for themselves who exactly are Accrington Stanley.It was in this spirit that I went to watch Lokomotiv Llanberis on a trip up North about five years ago. I remember nothing of the game, except that it was poor - the

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-73095315937249421392006-12-06T10:05:00.000Z2006-12-06T10:43:49.255Z

That hilarious episode with the LWPCSF2L last night got me thinking. Why does it need a "W" ?Why do we have to identify it as Welsh ? Why is it the Welsh Premier? Or for that matter, the Scottish Premier League when we only refer to the English competition as The Premiership? (Of course I can also argue that The Premiership, as a derivative of The Football League is no more exclusively English

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-51625935307696880032006-12-05T20:48:00.000Z2006-12-05T21:39:09.327Z

During half-time of the Barcelona v Werder Bremen game this evening, where Barca are thankfully destroying brawn with their brains, I turned over to Sky Sports One where the results are preceded by the related competition.Hence;PREM Charlton 0 Blackburn 0A lower divisionwill be represented like this;FL2 Torquay 1 Wrexham 1A match from the BG Business League;BGB Banbury 1 Yate 1But then this one

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30956371.post-91905132612412795832006-12-05T11:52:00.000Z2006-12-05T16:41:06.072Z

Cardiff City have just announced the ticket priority scheme for the 3rd Round FA Cup tie against Tottenham in January. Unbelievably, after Ambassadors(sic) and season-ticket holders have taken their allocation, those who attend Saturday's game with Ipswich have the next chance.Then why have I paid £20 for membership ? Is there no advantage to becoming a member other than the "privilege" of

Eric the Redhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17074416415101254909noreply@blogger.com0