All in the game
A Soccer Miscellany...
Merchandise of the week
A couple of weeks ago – and we’re certain you’re still grateful – we told you about the black and white striped “Adult Onesie” (aka BabyGro) for sale in the Newcastle United online store. Well, it’s always nice to see clubs specifically targeting their female followers too, so hats off to Newcastle for their lovely “NUFC Toon Totty Dress”. Be warned, though: “The mini topper hat is not included”, but you can buy it separately if you think it’s essential to complete the look.
Match of the day: Stirling manager in clash of fixtures
Greig McDonald’s wedding was on, of all days, Saturday. And while he was doing his “I do” thing, the club he manages, Stirling Albion, were beating Rangers, of all people.
When the 30-year-old was planning his big day with fiancee Jennifer Phin, Stirling were due to be playing Stranraer, which he didn’t seem to be too pushed about missing. But then after Rangers’ summer woes, the fixture list was changed and Stirling were paired with the Glasgow behemoths on the day.
“I asked Jen to put the wedding back, but she was having none of it,” he said. “Some things are more important than football, though,” he lied.
He had the team well prepared, though, so he can at least take some credit for their display. “It has been a lot easier to find out information on Rangers than it was on last week’s Scottish Cup opponents Dalbeattie Star,” he said.
You’d imagine so.
Mind games: Mancini has the perfect solution for Balotelli's problems
“Mario needs two. And then after that, another two.” – Roberto Mancini on being asked if Mario Balotelli needs a psychiatrist.
“I don’t know if it is the best performance in football history, but he did very well.” – Mancini again, this time not getting too carried away by Joe Hart’s performance against Borussia Dortmund.
“The moment I realised it was a penalty, I was so sad. I thought I was in a nightmare and asked myself: ‘What can I do? Cut my hands off?’” – Dortmund’s Neven Subotic on conceding that penalty against City.
“I have no immediate intention to relieve anybody of their duties.” – Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell giving manager Paul Groves a vote of confidence. (Two days later? Yep, Groves was clearing out his desk).
“Maybe it’s because I don’t speak English or something.” – Luis Suarez trying to figure out why Liverpool’s young players don’t ask him for advice.
