My life lived through football has not been in vain
Turns out I’ve been at quite a few major societal events.
ByFootball
Dive into the world of football with our collection of columns, articles and longer-read features.
In defence of the Premier League – and the new Man Utd stadium
There’s far too much whinging about the dark side of English football – let’s celebrate a rare national success story.
By I attempt peak football-viewing: two live games at once
There were competing sets of replays and live-action excitements. My head swivelled so much I got dizzy.
By Could Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United be relegated?
It’s hard not to gloat when the mighty come a-tumbling down.
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The Premier League must give more to grassroots clubs
Also this week: Rachel Reeves as Elmer Fudd, a chocolate windfall, and why England’s landmarks are crumbling.
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Badenoch two-footed tackles her own party on football governance
Your weekly dose of gossip from around Westminster.
By Half-time honours for the Premier League season 2024-25
Highlights include: Jude’s flair, long hair and the end of an earpiece for Gary Lineker.
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Sven-Göran Eriksson’s struggle
The football manager’s posthumous memoir A Beautiful Game reveals his battle to make England’s golden generation shine.
By Why be depressed about the state of football?
The pleasures of the game are everywhere, from its integration into the English language to Ally McCoist.
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In praise of herd mentality
The best crowds are joyful expressions of democracy and belonging. So why do we fear them so much?
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Inside Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day exit
Also this week: keeping shrimp and a new role for Hugh Grant.
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David Peace: “There aren’t enough working-class stories around”
The great chronicler of England’s traumas on class, national identity and the importance of football novels.
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Erik ten Hag couldn’t save Manchester United from itself
Self-flattery is no way to salvage an institution hollowed out by managerial failure.
By Why has no one gotten back to me about managing England?
I’m more than qualified: I’ve got time and I like money.
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How black Arsenal changed football
For fans and players, the north London club has come to offer a sense of belonging.
By Pep Guardiola’s gift to his team is a world away from the football of old
I remember the days when footballers earned £10k a year and lived in a modest semi-detached.
By Arsenal Women must regret letting go of their star player
The news that Vivianne Miedema was let go on a free transfer to Man City was met with incredulity from…
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Starmer wisely resists going to watch Arsenal vs Man City
Your weekly dose of gossip from around Westminster.
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The hostile takeover of English football
From the row over Premier League regulation to Hollywood investors, the national game has never felt more distant from its…
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David Peace’s footballing saints
The novelist laureate of English football succumbs to hero-worship in his reimagining of the Busby Babes’ tragic demise.
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