5 Large (UK) Football Club Sponsorship Deals Spanning a Decade

Who's Behind These Football Club Sponsorship Deals?

English Football Banter, as always, is pivotal in keeping you abreast of the latest football news, topics and debates. In this edition we take a step back and dive into the mud and grit to give recognition to some impressive UK sponsorship deals spanning a decade. For EFB, it's a time to reflect and give credit to sponsorship deals that have acted as supporting pillars in aiding FC clubs and the sport to thrive in recent years; deals that helped shape English football into what it is today.

As a plethora of sponsorships get penned in this game on a perpetual basis, it's often too easy to become ignorant of the businesses that aid and fund the sport.. Just what exactly are some of the entites sponsoring club football teams? Where are they located? What do they do and what role do they play? Listed below (in alphabetical order) are sample case studies giving recognition to some key businesses and driving forces behind club sponsorship deals within the English football arena.

Summary of (UK) FC Club Sponsorships: 

Navigate (UK) FC sponsorship deals that interest you within the article using the anchor tag links provided here:

Alpari (UK) & West Ham United FC - [Undisclosed]

Emirates Airline & Arsenal - £90m approx over 15 years

Etihad Airways & Manchester City - £400m approx over 10 years

Nike & Manchester United - £303m approx (Net) over 13 years

Samsung Electronics & Chelsea - £90m approx over 10 years

#1 Alpari (UK) Limited & West Ham United (WHUFC)

Official Sponsorship Details:

There's much speculation involved regarding Alpari (UK) Limited's involvement with WHUFC. Monetary details remain undisclosed to the public, but it has been rather modestly 'understated' as a major Partnership agreement. The 3 year deal was signed in July 2011 and lasts up until 2013. A timely sponsorship that seems a necessity under the current climate of WHUFC's stadium bid to host the Olympic games and a cash boost to its status due to the revenue loss suffered shortly after relegation..Suffice to say, the grounds 'West Stand' has since become the 'Alpari Stand'. Alpari's brand appears in match day programmes and the company has been given rights to promote 'money can't buy' events at the stadium as a part of its branding campaign. The Communications Director for WHUFC (Barry Webber) had this to say:

“We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Alpari (UK). It will have a significant and positive impact on the club, and the deal demonstrates that West Ham United remains an attractive proposition to prospective partners, especially in the key world of business and finance.”

Cited src: http://www.alpari.co.uk/en/about_alpari/press/release/37.html

Cited src: http://www.whufc.com/articles/20110719/alpari-uk-and-west-ham-united_2236884_2395660

Read more news from Google results: Alpari (UK) and West Ham "sponsorship"

Company Description:

Alpari (UK) Limited are a global foreign exchange ("Forex ", "FX") broker founded back in 1998, currently operating in London's financial distict of Bishopsgate directly in the buzz that is the City of London. Classed as a seperate entity to the other worldwide Alpari companies (present in over 50 countries and employing over 630 people). The London based company offers financial services and utilities such as Forex brokerage, financial spreads and CFD trading platforms to independent financial traders and investors.

Misc Information: Alpari (UK) Limited also have a 5 year sponsorship in the World Match Racing Tour ~ http://www.wmrt.com

(UK) Headquarters: Alpari (UK) Ltd, 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3AB, UK
Website: http://www.alpari.co.uk

#2 Emirates Airline & Arsenal

Official Sponsorship Details:

This partnership between Emirates Airline and the gunners landed way back in 2006. At the time it was the largest of its kind with a record breaking whopping 15 year deal. The deal is set to expire in 2021 and Emirates has been quoted as saying that is hopes to renew the partnership agreement with Arsenal Football Club upon expiry. Publicised figures document that the sponsorship is valued at $160m / £90m GBP over the course of the 15 year agreement. The airline acquired naming rights to the 60,000 seat home grounds in North London and also gained considerable brand awareness outside of the grounds. The 'Emirates' naming rights were estimated at a value of £2.8m for every year in the10 year consectuive period of extension (£28m in entirety). £48m of the deal is estimated to have been distributed towards shirt sponsorship. Emirates truly brandished its airlines identity here as a powerful driving force to a humongous audience. Research suggests that Arsenal's worldwide fan base comprises of over 27 million supporters.

Read more news from Google results: Emirates Airline & Arsenal "sponsorship"

Company Description:

Emirates is considered to be the largest airline in the middle east with 22 years of consecutive profits. Emirates has won awards for its services including "Airline of the Year" in 2011.. Based at Dubai International Airport and having administrative offices all over the world; the company operates at an average rate of 2,500 flights every single week to over 120 citiies in 70 different countries in pretty much every continent besides...well...Antarctica?

Misc Information:

Emirates have a consistent and impressive portfolio of football sponsorships comprising of FIFA 2007-2014, AC Milan, Asian Football Confederation, as well as the US Open Series in Tennis and more.

(UK) Ticket Office: First Floor, Gloucester Park, 95 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DL, UK
Website: http://www.emirates.com/uk

#3 Etihad Airways & Manchester City

Official Sponsorship Details:

Stirring up the football scene in July 2011 was Manchester City's ground shattering record 10 year deal for £400m with airline Etihad Airways. This event was crowned the largest single sponsorship deal signed off in sport full stop! Hence the heat it gained along the way...Tim Payton the Trust spokesman is recorded to have stated: "The deal at Manchester City stretches credulity to the limit." There is no doubt that this deal attracted immense waves of speculation, in both positive and negative spheres - to the point that UEFA were pressured to question the fairness of this 10 year sponsorship deal even after Manchester City consulted with the federation to ensure that the deal stuck to all the regulations that governed sponsorships. To say that this deal simply dwarfed the previous record set by JP Morgan Chase' is an understatement.A vast area surrounding the stadium is renamed 'the Ethiad Campus' that engulfs the training grounds, sports science centre and City Square fans' village. New and major developments are still under negotiation whilst planning applications are under scrutiny.

Company Description:

National airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways began commercial aviation services on route to Beirut in early November 2003. Renowned for putting in a bid for the largest aircraft purchase in the history of aviation totalling a mahoosive $8 million contract for 24 x air buses,4 x A380-800s and 4 x Boeing 777-300ER's. The company has grown immensely and now services cargo and passenger flights to over 82 destinations from its HQ operation in Abu Dhabi.

Misc Information:

The airline has forged partnerships with Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association in February last year and has sponsorship deals with GAA Photos and in Formula 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This coporation seems keen to identify strong allegions in the sporting world and encourages associations to file applications via the online sponsorship form: http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/etihad/global/en/aboutetihad/oursponsorships/Pages/eSponsorship.aspx.

London (UK) Administrative Office: 200 Hammersmith Road, W6 7DL, London, United Kingdom, UK
Website: http:/www.etihadairways.com

#4 Nike & Manchester United

Official Sponsorship Details:

The Nike & Manchester United union was another hefty record breaking sponsorship back in 2002 with Man U netting a colossal £303m from the sportswear manufacturers, Man United were keeping up with the Jones' very well spreading the duration of this advertising deal over a 13 year period. Nike became the official kit suppliers and as the team's offical sponsor retain global rights to Manchester United's merchandise and retail operations. United was expected to receive 50% of Nike's net profits generated from the licensing of the club's merchandise - under the condition that they remained key players in the top half of the Premiership.Already a global brand it seems Nike can't get enough giving an estimated £23.3m a year. Nike's deal whacked Vodafone out of the equation entirely with a whopping 310% increase in sponsorship a year over the previous £30m 4 year contract that expired in August 2002.

Company Description:

Let's face it - we all know about this sports wear legend and powerhouse. In fact it's hard to avoid their branding. Here's a little factoid about the company: It might surprise you to know however that Nike was previously known as BRS (Blue Ribbon Sports) and was originally founded by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman 48 years ago. Bill coached Philip in athletics on the track at the University of oregon. Nike began trading and distributing on behalf of Onitsuka Tiger (a Japanese shoe maker).

Misc Information:

The list of Nike sponsorships are so vast that it's only feasible to list a few examples in this post - for more information refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nike_sponsorships. Recent UK sponsorship deals include the new sponsorship agreement with Everton (A well negotiated kit sponsorship in close union with 'Kitbag' worth £10m over 3 years).

London Address: Nike Id Studio 14-16 Neal Street, Covent Garden London, WC2H 9LY, UK
Website: http://www.nike.com

#5 Samsung Electronics & Chelsea

Official Sponsorship Details:

The year is 2008 and Samsung Electronics extends and renews their multi million pound agreement (first signed in 2005) with London's very own Chelsea (owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich). Again this sponsorship deal was valued at $160m over a 10 year partnership up until 2018. The renewed agreement has had significant impact on the Samsung Electronics brand as Mr SH Shin (President & CEO of Smasung Electronics Europe) stated: "it (the partnership) has raised our premium brand awareness, which has in turn helped significantly increase our sales and market share..." and to quote his attitude towards key business areas in the UK "...our turnover has more than doubled in the last five years".
There is no doubt that this sponsorship deal has been and continues to be a vested mutual affair all round. Chelsea FC lapped up a 400% increase in its global fan base since the sponsorship began in 2005 through its past successes on the pitch. This investment has enabled significant growth throughout the whole squad.

Company Description:

Samsung Electronics Europe; a subsidary flagship to the Samsung Group, are maufacturers and industry leaders in hi-tech electronics markets throughout Europe and the world. Dedicated in inventing and creating ground breaking products amidst the digital revolution the company has been in operation for over 70 years. Samsung are true pioneers of the digital age. Recent successes include the launch of OMNIA 7 (the first Windows 7 phone) and 'Winners of 5 European EISA Awards'.

Misc Information:

Samsung is a bonfide sponsor of the Olympic Games through to 2016, other sports related sponsorships include title sponsorship for 'Honda UK's British Superbike team' for the 2012 season, and a 3 year deal with sports personality Maria Sharapova (the worlds top paid female athlete) which began (1st April 2012) this month.

(UK) Headquarters: Samsung House, 1000 Hillswood Drive, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS, UK
Website: http://www.samsung.com/UK

Where to Find Sponsorship Deals:

Need to source sponsorship deals or build relations with companies? Need to find suitable partners to sponsor? Have a look at this online database of UK sponsorship opportunities: http://www.uksponsorship.com/spt1.htm - a place where sponsors and sports associations negotiate and interact.


Clubs and sporting associations can get the visibility they need to receive sponsorship enquiries by getting listed on the aforementioned website. Companies and Coporations interested in increasing brand awareness via a wide spread audience can get feeds of the latest applicants directly via RSS for the latest in UK sports sponsorship opportunities.
Alternatively you can strtategically query search engines for such sponsorships using specific terms like: sponsor | sponsorship "proposal request form" [+ your chosen sporting field] (click link to view search result).

History of Football Sponsorship Deals in the UK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_football_sponsorship

A vast topic to be covered in another post - perhaps a timeline infographic would be more suitable in this instance?

Could Milan Mauling be the Final Nail in Wenger's Coffin?

Arsenal face a near impossible task in their bid to advance in the 2012 UEFA Champions League following their humiliation at the hands of Italian giants AC Milan last night. Outclassed in every department against experienced European opposition, an agitated Arsene Wenger condemned and lamented his side's performance - conceding that Arsenal failed to acquit themselves during any stage of the tie and were adequately punished by their superior opposition.
     Wenger has already faced away day humiliation earlier this season having seen his side torn apart 8-2 at Old Trafford in August, but this defeat in many ways emphasised his team's shortcomings to an even greater extent than that memorable afternoon in Manchester - in spite of a marginally less outlandish looking scoreline.
     Arsenal's defensive frailties - so often an Achilles heel of the team as a whole under Wenger - were highlighted throughout the fixture and continuously exploited by Milan, while even in attack The Gunners were unusually ineffective against what proved to be stereotypically well drilled and highly organized Italian opposition. Even Robin Van Persie - so often a prolific goal scorer, the “Go To” player and to some extent, a beacon of hope for Arsenal in a fast fading this season - proved woefully ineffective, and was replaced by an aging Thierry Henry at the half way point. The substitution was not to have any bearing on the result however, and left the French forward (with what will surely now be his last appearance for the club at which he excelled on countless occasions) with a final Arsenal sendoff he would surely rather forget.
     The English sporting press this morning were unsparingly scathing of the Arsenal manager – with The Daily Telegraph dubbing last night's performance a "watershed filled with tears" for Arsene Wenger - for so long now regarded as a continually successful, pioneering and forward thinking figure in the English game. However, unless Arsenal can rally quickly for their now all important FA cup tie against a resurgent Sunderland side this weekend, Wenger- for so long a staunch defender of his football philosophy of developing youth and promoting attacking flair (sometimes critics would argue at the expense of winning trophies) - must surely now face up to the almost inconceivable prospect of leaving his post at the end of the current campaign as Arsenal look to reassess and rebuild.

Saturday Soccer - There's Nothing Quite Like It

You have to love Saturday mornings. Having a lie in, cooking a fry up, sticking on the telly and getting amongst all the hype and build up of the next round of games in the Premiership and Football League - then off on the train, to the pub for a few with your mates and then scuttling to the ground to watch your beloved local team get a good stuffing by some super rich oil baron owned team that puts your first 11 to shame. For me and thousands of others across the world, this is football - and there's nothing quite like it.

     In my opinion, the build up and banter with your mates you enjoy every weekend is as much a part of the big day as the match itself - winding them up, having a joke and voicing your know-it-all opinions on who's going to come home with the points up and down the country. If you enjoy football banter as much as I do you'll probably also enjoy a little flutter now and again - and with sites like Luxbet soccer betting has never been so easy - whether you team play in The EPL, The Bundesliga, Seria A or the Australian A-League. 

     There's no better feeling than proving your mates wrong and winning yourself a few beer tokens to spend on Saturday night after the game - and lets face it EVERYONE wants the bragging rights to be their own. Football is a social game and enjoying the banter that goes with it is what makes it so special.

     

Best Football Jokes and Banter for Manchester City Fans

Warning: Man United fans who don't want to know the score please look away now! :-P

After what has been surely already been nothing short of an incredible week in the life of all the Manchester City fans out there following your superb 1-6 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, as we move towards day 3 of the working week you may now sadly be running short of new and exciting ways of ribbing all your United supporting work colleagues - now that all the viral email jokes have already done the rounds. Well worry not, help is at hand as here are some more belters I have received here at EFB, consolidated nicely into one place that should help you to keep the fires of fun burning in your workplace. Sincere apologies to the red half of Manchester...

It was a tough night for United - their defence was at sixes and Evans

United have been beaten 6-1 - but don't worry there's still 2 sets to play for

I was asked on Sunday morning "when do Man United kick off?" - I replied "about every 5 minutes"

Whats the difference between David De Gea and a black cab driver? - The cabby only lets 5 in

Recent supports suggest Fergie is in some bother with her majesty - apparently something to do with a "sick swan"

The Glazer family were said to be keen to get the true Man United fan experience on derby day - they were on their way back to London 20 minutes before the final whistle.

I'm sure you will agree these are some funny jokes for Man City fans that should provide some inspiration for further hours of torment :-)

However, if you want to make sure you can remain the truly "noisy neighbour" of the office or schoolyard for many long weeks to come (or at least until they get their own back and win the title ;-) ) why not check out the blog 1000 reasons to hate man united for some further inspiration!

DISCLAIMER: Please note not all contributions on the above are family friendly (although many are very funny) and I do not control the content of this site.

Feel free to comment further on these below and share any other Manchester derby jokes you may have right here at EFB - but please keep your football banter clean!

Chin up Fergie.....

Spurs Maintain Hard-Line Stance Over Modric Transfer

Spurs are set to continue their hard-line stance against rival clubs as they continue to pursue the signing of their midfield star Luka Modric – in spite on the insistence of the player that Tottenham chairman Levy has now reneged on an agreement made with the Croatian.

Modric insists he struck up a verbal deal with his club’s chairman in Dubrovnik during the summer of 2010 that would allow him to leave White Hart Lane, should a higher profile club come in for his services and the North Londoners could agree a suitable fee. Modric insists that this was a key reasoning behind him extending his contract with the club, and that by refusing to open negotions about his future, he alleges that Levy has gone back on his word.

What is clear however at this stage, is that Levy has publically insisted the club’s prize asset is currently not for sale at any price, having already beaten away a £22 million pound bid from London rivals Chelsea – a bid which Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing as as “ridiculous”.

Although Modric had earlier this week refrained from handing in a formal transfer request, he has openly revealed this weekend that Levy has essentially presented him with the option of carrying on playing for Tottenham or becoming a non-participating spectator at White Hart Lane, as the club refuse to entertain any offers for the player from Premier League rivals or from overseas.

Fergie: No Fear of Barca - But We Would be Better with Brechin

A couple of nights ago as Manchester United achieved with the greatest possible ease the result even the most sceptical football follower could not have denied - a 4 - 1 victory in front of their own fans allowing a second string 11 to cruise their way past an over achieving Schalke side - most football fans across the world had long since shifted their thoughts to the mouth watering prospect of the Champions League final that awaits us - long before the final whistle was blown at Old Trafford. Wednesday night's semi final second leg fixture was almost a formality for United - who had built such a dominant platform from their 2 - 0 first leg victory away from home that they could afford to rest the majority of their first team with one eye on the weekend's critical league clash with Chelsea. However, as Alex Ferguson's men strode into yet another final they surely know the ultimate test of their footballing credentials still lies ahead - a clash of the titans at Wembley stadium against the imperious Barcelona.

      

     Whatever the "Special One" and his Real Madrid counterparts may have to say on the subject, few could deny Pep Guardiola's team boast majestic talent, and have fully deserved their reputation as the best club side in the world. And now the world awaits the Champions League final every neutral dreams of. In the press conference following United's victory, Ferguson had staunchly defended his team's Champions League credentials - claiming that while they had the ultimate respect for Barcelona as a fantastic side in terrific form, they would enter the tie without fear of the Spanish giants. However with the sublime talent of Messi in their ranks, even the great Glaswegian must surely fear a recurrence of their 2009 final defeat against the Catalan club - a night in which his side were left chasing shadows.

     When asked who he would like to have faced in the final and as to whether his team were out to avenge their 2 - 0 champions league final in Rome some 2 years ago, Fergie joked that a meeting with Scottish minnows Brechin City would have been preferable over the Spanish masters. Whether he opts for a combination of Anderson, Fletcher or Carrick in the centre of the park he will know they have to somehow stop Barca's playmakers Xavi and Iniesta from dominating possession and controlling the match as they have done so on so many occasions for both club and country over the last few years. With both sides boasting attacking full backs, the game may be open down the wings and could lead to an exciting fixture full of goals. Ferguson will hope however he can draw on the experience of solid centre back pairing Ferdinand and Vidic as well as ever-green keeper Edwin Van Der Sar to try and keep Barcelona at bay.

The Beautiful Game Made Better With Money?

What do Beckham, Ronaldo, Tevez and Messi all have in common? The hottest women by their sides? The top teams in the world fighting for not only their skills but also their brand? More money than the mere mortal can ever imagine? Tick, tick and triple tick.

While there are many footballers out there who are admired, some are still yet to shine. Some have not been tainted by the wealth and keep the game close in their hearts, others have seen their finances grow incredibly as they themselves become a household name.

These success stories are borne out of some incredibly smart financial decisions (though there have been some howlers along the way, as can be seen here). In terms of the players' personal fortunes, the current rich list is nothing short of astounding:

10) Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and England - £11.1 million
9) Frank Lampard, Chelsea and England - £11.9 million
8) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Barcelona and Sweden - £12.4 million
7) Carlos Tevez, Manchester City and Argentina - £12.6 million
6) Ronaldinho, AC Milan and Brazil - £14.2 million
5) Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls and France - £14.8 million
4) Kaka, Real Madrid and Brazil - £15.4 million
3) Christiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal - £24.8 million
2) David Beckham, LA Galaxy and England - £25 million
1) Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina - £27.2 million

In Messi’s season 2009/2010 he scored 47 goals, at just 23 years old he has made history for Barcelona in becoming the top goal scorer in European competitions. Not only are Barcelona fans impressed at the skills of Messi, but football fans throughout the world are anticipating just who will become the top scorer of the Spanish League in 2011, Messi or Ronaldo. At 27 goals each the competition is fierce.

Their skills are quite frankly out of this world and millions would risk everything to watch them live for five minutes. However, should they really be paid millions to play a game many people throughout the world love and spend their Sunday’s having a fun kick about on the field?

Perhaps, perhaps not. But one thing we all know is that Messi may be paid a fair wedge, but he certainly has unbelievable tekkers.

Footballers Using Cycling Sessions to Boost Fitness

As the English football season heads towards another exciting and intriguing finale, the top clubs from the Premiership and particularly in the Football League are finding their squads becoming increasingly stretched as key playing staff are lost through injury and suspension as their clubs press for trophies and promotion on a multitude of fronts. For lower league squads in particular who are often constrained by limited budgets and smaller playing squads, the loss of key players through injury can have a devastating impact on the overall success of their season.

     For these key reasons it is perhaps not surprising that clubs across England place paramount importance on the fitness regimes of their players - ensuring that all year round they are fit and ready to give 110% in fighting for their team and its cause - be it trophies, promotion or the battle against relegation. This focus on fitness is undeniably one of the key reasons that has made the English Premier League in particular, arguably the highest level of club football in the world today and as such is able to attract top professional players from around the globe. Professional players will go through set regimes on the training ground with their squads each week, taking part in various drills and exercises - but away from the training pitch top players will put in numerous hours in the gym and taking part in other training activities to maintain there fitness during the critical final period of the football season.  

     One such activity the can be very effective for footballers seeking to boost their aerobic fitness both during the season and in the period between seasons is cycling. Whether you are a keen amateur or one of the worlds top professional players, including regular bike rides in your training plans can be great for boosting your fitness. In order to make the most of your cycling sessions, ensure you use the best equipment you can afford. Top level equipment such as mavic wheels are always a great way that can help pros and amateurs alike reach their personal peak performance levels when on a road bike session.

Game Snowed Off? Pass Time Playing Soccer Games Online

With the latest bout of bad weather once again hitting the fixture list up and down the country over the weekend many unfortunate football fans from the lower leagues (and particularly north of the border) have once again been hit by the devastating prospect of facing up to a painful and boring weekend without being able to watch their beloved teams in action. Faced with prospect of no live soccer games, dads and kids across the land come up against the nightmare prospect of being forced to go shopping with the wife/girlfriend/mother, or equally uninspiring tasks such as cleaning the car/their bedroom. It goes without saying; these are things that football fans must seek to avoid at all costs!

Without football, this is what your Saturdays would be like.

Luckily if you want to beat the fixture postponement blues and get your regular fix of football during bad weather you can enjoy these online football games from the comfort of your own bedroom (they are also of great amusement for anyone stuck in a boring office). Younger football fans may also enjoy these games for kids to help keep the snowy blues away or pass away one of those boring Sunday afternoons. With a whole 3 days to wait from the weekend until the next round of Tuesday night football fixtures you’ll need something to keep you occupied, so try these games online to break up the mundane existence of life without football. 

9 Year Unbeaten Home Record Makes Mourinho Truly Special

This weekend marks another incredible landmark in the sparkling career of Jose Mourinho. The self dubbed “special one” can celebrate an incredible 9 years unbeaten at home in league football – a record that stretches across 4 countries and 4 of the world’s top football clubs: Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and his current club Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager has not exactly been starved of success, records, trophies and accolades over the last few years – but to go the best part of a decade without succumbing to defeat in front of your own fans is something that even he must surely have not realistically expected.



Mourinho’s Magical Home Record: -

• FC Porto – Played 38, Won 36, Drawn 2, Lost 0 
• Chelsea – Played 60, Won 46, Drawn 14, Lost 0
• Inter Milan – Played 38, Won 29, Drawn 9, Lost 0
• Real Madrid – Played 11, Won 11, Drawn 0, Lost 0

The last team to beat one of Mourinho’s sides was Beira Mar on the 22nd of February 2002 when Porto were beaten 3 – 2, but even then Jose’s team finished the game with only 9 men. The harshest critics would argue that Mourinho’s record is somewhat influenced by his counter attacking style and – particularly in his time at Chelsea and Inter – a strong focus on keeping clean sheets and shutting out the opposition. However, it is also a testament to the man’s unwavering desire and drive to succeed, to win trophies and prove to the footballing world that he is truly special. 

Blackpool Heap More Misery on Liverpool

The latest chapter in the ongoing terrifying saga of humiliation and mediocrity for Liverpool football club unfolded last night in front of a jubilant crowd at Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders – enjoying the first taste of top flight football in their history – completed an improbable double over their North Western counterparts to pile further misery on Kenny Dalglish and his beleaguered side, winning 2 – 1 in front of their home fans.

     The match had started well for the visitors when Fernando Torres showed Liverpool fans what they had been missing in recent weeks – clinically smashing the ball home after being put in the clear by one of Liverpool’s hopes for the future; Martin Kelly. The full back has showed promise in recent games having stepped in for England international Glenn Johnson who’s form has seemingly deserted him in recent weeks and with the opening goal coming inside 3 minutes it looked as though Liverpool had perhaps started to turn a corner under new boss Kenny Dalglish.

     However, after such a promising start, things went rapidly downhill for Liverpool. Shabby defending allowed Gary Taylor-Fletcher to level matters for the home side. Liverpool looked shell shocked and as the match wore on the confidence and self belief that had been instilled in their players from their early lead soon evaporated as they descended into the kind of abject performance they have subjected their fans to on numerous occasions away from Anfield this season.

     Liverpool’s misery was complete when more abysmal defending allowed DJ Campbell to head hoe from close range in the 69^th minute, with the result condemning the Merseysiders to a 5^th successive away defeat – unthinkable for a club of such stature in English football. Even with an Anfield legend at the helm having replaced Roy Hodgson, it seems on the evidence of recent displays against Blackpool and Manchester United there is little to suggest that Liverpool will improve significantly on their lowly 13^th position in the Premier League.

Football Holidays in South Portugal

Portugal, which shares parts of the Iberian Peninsula of southern Europe with Spain, is a country rich and unique in culture. The cities are lively, and its beautiful countryside is famous the world over.  There are numerous Lisbon hotels that you can stay in when visiting the country from the more affordable variety to 5-star luxury hotels.  Being one of the more popular areas in which to enjoy a holiday, there are also several Cheap Hotels in Algarve that you can choose from.  However, with football being the major sport of the country, south Portugal is an excellent setting for football holidays and vacations.

Family Attractions Close to Lisbon

Portugal is one of the more family-oriented countries in Europe, allowing for plenty of family attractions within close distance to Lisbon, as well as in the city itself.  Holidaymakers will easily find numerous activities and entertainment venues for teens and tots alike, while the city is filled with play areas for younger children as well.  Some of the recommended attractions include:

Parque das Nações – with numerous attractions suitable for all age groups, this district is known as the entertainment centre of Lisbon.  This traffic-free district with its many riverside paths and walkways is the ideal setting for a family day out.

Colombo Shopping Centre – if shopping is your passion, this is the primary venue to explore.  Take the kids as well because there is a huge children’s play area on the top floor of this shopping mall.

Estrela Gardens – with its exotic plants, numerous ponds, and a children’s playground on the premises, this is another must-see family venue.

Football Season in Portugal

The popularity of football in Portugal began in the latter part of the 19th century, when Portuguese students returned from England and brought the sport home with them.  For the most part, the football season in Portugal lasts about 8 months starting in September and continuing into April.  However there are competitions and playoffs that continue through the summer.  During the regular season, a number of monthly awards are handed out such as Fair Play Award, Player of the Month, and Young Player of the Month.

The Current Football Leagues and Score Tables, Upcoming Games, and Rivalries

The 2010-2011 season is now underway and it should be an exciting one again as it has been in past years.  Along with the Portuguese National team there are two entities in the league systems which are:

Primeira Liga – founded in 1934 and comprised of 16 teams, this is the primary domestic competitive league of the country with Futebol Clube do Porto, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and Sporting Clube de Portugal being the dominating clubs of the league. 

Liga de Honra (League of Honour) – there is also 16 teams in this league which has been in operation since the 1990-91 season.

One of the things that make the sport of football so exciting is the rivalries that occur every year.  In Portuguese football, the two biggest rivalries are Benfica versus Porto and Benifica versus Sporting.  Known for continual animosity between Benifica and the other two clubs, these always prove to be major clashes whenever these teams compete.

Owls Tax Deadline Extended by 28 Days

League One side Sheffield Wednesday have been given a boost in their bid to avoid administration and a mandatory 10 point deduction having been granted an extra 28 days to come up with the cash they need for an unpaid tax bill to HMRC. The South Yorkshire club were staring down the barrel of another winding up order from the taxman who is chasing £1.4 in unpaid bills, but the High Court has granted a 4 week extension in what it has called exceptional circumstances. The Owls are desperately seeking a buyer to help clear their total debts that are thought to be in the region of around £27 million, and to inject new cash into the club to buy players that can help launch them back to the upper levels of English football.

Although there have been several interested parties, only Leicester city chairman Milan Mandaric has so far shown proof of funds that were required by the clubs main creditor the Cooperative Bank – but he has now seemingly shied away from the deal having failed to make an arrangement with former Wednesday chairman Dave Allen over a reported £2.4 million pound debt. In spite of such public off the field financial problems Wednesday have made a reasonable start in League One following their relegation from The Championship last season and currently lie in 9th position - just 2 points outside the playoff places.

Geordie Powerhouse Carrol Ready for England Call

Geordie powerhouse Andy Carroll looks likely to receive his first England call up by national team manager Fabio Capello when the Italian selects his next squad for their friendly match with France at Wembley on the 17th of November. The Newcastle United striker has made an excellent transition from Championship football to life in the Premier League and has already netted 6 league goals this season - with his most recent the winner against Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. In spite of numerous recent problems in his private life that may have hit the form of some other well known English strikers in recent months (not mentioning any names of course!), Carroll has maintained his excellent start to the season with continuing consistent displays of power and aerial dominance.

Capello may see the 21 year old as an excellent option as a target man for England - and with the striker also banging in the goals at club level it is understandable that the Geordie born star has caught the England manager’s eye. Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has been keen to keep Carroll’s feet on the ground, but would not begrudge his young star for making his debut for England in the coming months: "He has still got a long way to go. Andy is working hard on all aspects on his game and he is certainly going in the right direction…For me, being picked for Newcastle United is the most important. Anything which comes from that means he has earned it." If he can keep a lid on his temperament it is almost certain Andy Carroll will be one to watch for the future.

Arrogant Platini Turns Nose Up at Technology

Eufa president Michel Platini has arrogantly snubbed the use of modern technology in football suggesting that it widespread implementation could result in what he called "Playstation football". Football’s world governing body FIFA had recently performed a major U turn on the subject of goal line technology after initial tests had proved poor and ineffective, but in the wake of Frank Lampard’s “goal” against Germany at the 2010 World Cup there had been great pressure for the technology to be scrutinised further.

However, former French superstar Platini dismissed Fifa’s decision to re-investigate the possibility of goal line technology as “nonsense”, instead suggesting that employing extra referees to assist the man in the middle was instead the best way of moving football officiating forward. Platini was quoted as saying "One referee is not enough, not in the modern era where you have 20 cameras…It is a logical step with so many cameras that can pick up incidents: the more eyes there to assist the referee, the better the chance of spotting those incidents."
Such a casual dismissal of advanced technology is sure to incense England fans who felt their chances of success in the World Cup were dashed by a poor decision from the assistant referee leading to Lampard’s strike not to stand when replays showed it had clearly crossed the goal line.

Capello’s England Boosted By Rooney Inclusion

Fabio Capello’s England squad have received a huge moral boost this afternoon after England striker Wayne Rooney travelled with the squad to Switzerland prior to Tuesday night’s all important European Championship qualification match. In spite of potentially damaging allegations surrounding the Manchester United striker’s private life, the England coach confirmed that England’s star man would travel and play for his country against the Swiss as England seek to keep up the momentum after a promising 4 - 0 win over Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday.

The news will no doubt be music to the ears of England fans who are now seeking much improved performances from the scouse forward after what was by the player’s own admission a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign - and many fans seem to think that such distractions off the field may ironically in fact help focus more Rooney when on the pitch. Rooney showed glimpses off his best form with critical assists in England’s group opener against the Bulgarians and English fans will now hope for more quality play from their star man as he seeks to end a poor run of games without scoring for the national side.

Blackpool Prepare for True Test of Premier League Credentials

Before the start of the new Premier League season there was surely little doubt even that amongst even the most die-hard Blackpool fans that the Lancashire club’s first season in English Football’s elite would surely end in relegation back to the Championship. However, after a fairytale 4 – 0 away win on the opening day against a seemingly shambolic Wigan side, their hopes of achieving the near impossible will have been some what lifted. Goals from new signing Marlon Harewood as well as Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste sent the men in orange into dreamland as they brushed Wigan aside with ease.

Blackpool now travel to the Emirates stadium to face the multi million pound Arsenal side on Saturday afternoon – but will head south on a high after their opening day win. Seasiders boss Ian Holloway will however know that this fixture will pose a much greater test of his players ability and mentality as Arsenal seek to build on their opening day draw at Anfield. It is arguable that fixtures such as this are hardly likely to define Blackpool’s season, but it will give Holloway’s side a true test of their Premier League credentials.

Brazil Still Struggling with Challenge of New Infrastructure for 2014 World Cup

After the excitement and glamour of World Cup 2010 begins to fade it is perhaps not surprising that football fans and governing bodies across the globe will gradually become more and more focused on their team’s preparations for the next World Cup event set to be held in Brazil in 2014. The event should be a true celebration of Samba football as the game’s biggest global sports event returns to South America after a prolonged absence – and to the nation of Brazil for the first time since 1950. Few teams across the globe inspire the football fan more than Brazil in full flow – and the prospect of such a talented and historic football nation hosting the event is surely one that any football lover would saver.

However, their is growing concerns raised by footballs world governing body FIFA about the host nations preparation for the event, with Brazil’s 12 host cities apparently under increasing pressure and scrutiny to meet the demands of hosting such a prestigious event. Many development projects across the host nation are thought to be falling behind schedule and although World Cup Brazil is still nearly 4 years in the future their has already been growing concerns that the planned improvements to grounds, transport infrastructure and surrounding facilities are struggling to stay on course to meet the heavy demands that such a large influx of visitors would bring to the nation.