2003

European Nights: Celtic vs FC Porto, 2003 UEFA Cup Final

The final that marked the rise of one of football’s greatest and most controversial managers… Love him or hate him, José Mourinho is one of the most successful club managers in football history. In a coaching career spanning three decades, the man who began his time in the dugout as a long-time assistant to BobbyContinue reading “European Nights: Celtic vs FC Porto, 2003 UEFA Cup Final”

Classic Rugby World Cup Matches: New Zealand 53 Wales 37, 2nd November 2003

Sydney’s Stadium Australia hosts a 90-point group-stage decider for the ages… In every Rugby World Cup, there are specific matches where everybody takes notice. The opening match. The final. The giant-killings. Pretty much any game from the quarter-finals onwards. However, many of the best games from each edition of the Rugby World Cup come fromContinue reading “Classic Rugby World Cup Matches: New Zealand 53 Wales 37, 2nd November 2003”

The Rise of Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 8

Fallen Giants, 2003/04 Manager: Peter Reid Eddie Gray Top scorer: Mark Viduka (12) Premier League: 19th (relegated) FA Cup: 3rd Round League Cup: 3rd Round League Record: 8 wins, 9 draws, 21 losses, 40 goals scored, 79 goals conceded Transfers: £+9 million Transfers in: £0 Jody Morris – Chelsea, 19 July 2003, free Zoumana Camara – Lens, season-long loan,Continue reading “The Rise of Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 8”

The Rise And Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007: Part 7

The Slippery Slope, 2002/03 Manager: David O’Leary Terry Venables Peter Reid Top Scorer: Mark Viduka (22) (20 in the Premier League) Premier League: 15th FA Cup: Quarter-finals League Cup: 3rd Round UEFA Cup: 3rd Round League Record: 14 wins, 5 draws, 19 defeats Transfers: £+49,550,000 Transfers in: £2.75 million Nick Barmby – Liverpool, 8 August 2002, £2,750,000Continue reading “The Rise And Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007: Part 7”

The Time When: Atletico Madrid Went Hollywood

One of the strangest sponsors ever seen on a football shirt… Sponsorship is always a hot topic in football. It is interesting to see how sponsorship changes over the years and what types of sponsors prove popular at particular times. In certain countries, the 1970s and 1980’s saw teams sponsored by cigarette companies, including AustriaContinue reading “The Time When: Atletico Madrid Went Hollywood”