Alphabetical numbering systems at the World Cup
First off, a confession. Here at this blog, we’re awful snobs with an inflated sense of self-worth. If you read any article about numbering in football, the chances are that …
Keown and Adams, Adams and Keown
We’ve already looked at Xavi and Iniesta switching their club numbers at international level. There are probably not enough instances to make this a regular (or interesting) feature, but we …
1-11 in the Premier League era
It’s a bit of a trick question: when was the last time a team played in the Premier League numbered from 1 to 11? Watching Arsenal away to Aston Villa …
How it all began
In the course of a conversation with a friend (hard to believe, we accept, that running a blog like this is not a complete impediment to positive human interaction) last week, …
Xavi and Iniesta, Iniesta and Xavi
For Barcelona, Xavi Hernández wears the number 6, while Andrés Iniesta is 8. At international level, however, before Xavi’s retirement it was the other way round. Answers on a postcard, …
The numbers to avoid at Cork City
In the final game of the 2011 Airtricity League Division 1 season, Cork City travelled to face Shelbourne with a lot at stake. Shelbourne were the league leaders, two points …
Steve Harper, the king of pointless changes
1998-2003: Steve Harper, Newcastle United’s number 13: 2003-07: Steve Harper, Newcastle United’s number 12: 2007-09: Steve Harper, Newcastle United’s number 13: After Shay Given left in 2009, Harper finally got the number 1, but …
Roy Keane, Manchester United’s number 7?
For Ireland, Roy Keane was always number 6 (except for one game against Lithuania in 1997, when he wore 4). This was a good fit as he had worn it …
Emiliano Viviano is a philistine
This is Emiliano Viviano. Arsenal fans may remember him, last year he spent what the excellent Arseblog referred to as a “gap year” on loan with the club from Palermo. …
Anyone can be a centre-back
George Graham enjoyed his centre-backs while he was Arsenal manager. Tony Adams, David O’Leary and Gus Caesar were there before he arrived as manager, but Steve Bould, Colin Pates and …