2005

In The Lions Den: The 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand

“…quite simply, the tour, the most anticipated for many a year, was a curious mix of anti-climax and bizarre underachievement, not just for the ambitions of the players who boarded the plane for the Antipodes, but for the entire rugby community.“- Clem and Greg Thomas, The British & Irish Lions: The Official History (2013 edition)Continue reading “In The Lions Den: The 2005 British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand”

European Nights: The Chelsea-Liverpool Quartet (2005-09)

Four Champions League knockout meetings in five seasons… In 2021, the Champions League quarter-final draw would pair Liverpool with Real Madrid and Chelsea with FC Porto. Due to specific logistical reasons, the draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals would take place simultaneously, meaning that the final eight teams in the tournament would know the twoContinue reading “European Nights: The Chelsea-Liverpool Quartet (2005-09)”

The Rise and Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 10

So Close, 2005/06 Manager: Kevin Blackwell Top Scorer: Rob Hulse (14) Championship: 5th (play-off final) FA Cup: 3rd Round League Cup: 3rd Round League Record: 21 wins, 15 draws, 10 defeats, 57 goals scored, 38 goals conceded Transfers: £-2.65 million Transfers in: £3.9 million Rob Hulse, West Brom, 9 May, £1.1 million Ian Bennett, BirminghamContinue reading “The Rise and Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 10”

The Rise and Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 9

New Territory, 2004/05 Manager: Kevin Blackwell Top Scorer: David Healy (7) Championship: 14th FA Cup: 3rd Round League Cup: 3rd Round League Record: 14 wins, 18 draws, 14 defeats, 49 goals scored, 52 goals against Transfers: £+17.595 million Transfers in: £955,000 Danny Pugh – Manchester United, 26 May, swap deal Julian Joachim – Coventry City, 14 June, free Michael Ricketts – Middlesbrough,Continue reading “The Rise and Fall of Leeds United 1996-2007, Part 9”