FootballFilter

Mooching through my CD collection today (remember CDs everyone?) I discovered an inspired musical purchase that cut me deep, harked me back to the beautiful 90s, to David Lee Benson, Roller Discos, Kickers, Biker Grove, Mighty White, Swing Tennis, air rifles, Pro Set, Euro 96 and Gazza dicking on Scotland  - I am talking about “Gazza and Friends” – the ultimate in cash in Football records, released on BMG, look at his fresh little face:

Football, alchy, friend to Jimmy Five Bellies

But look at the poor sod now, he’s what I envisaged Jakob from Lost to look like until he showed up in the last couple of episodes, or a future bond villain:

 Some say Jimmy Five Bellies is the reason he went astray (check out this link I found on the lad for a little extra info: Jimmy Five Bellies) but he’s just like a lot of footballing geniuses, they are fucking mental: Maradona, George Best spring to mind and of late Ronaldinho has gone the same way. Of course there are plenty of legends that haven’t been led astray but were they as interesting?

So what is Paul up to these days? Well we all know he went nuts and got sectioned but the latest is he apparently appeared on both Loose Women and MOTD 2 looking healthy, considering he apparently “died three times in rehab” I have to say good on him. Anyone remember him sweating his way through a pundit spot during the world cup? The word hellish springs to mind….if only I could find it, please send me a link if you can find it.

Anyway, here’s that free kick what he done:
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Read Gazza’s book if you ever get the chance, its proper good. 

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through the Football Filter this week.

Manchester United claimed the 18th League title last weekend and many of the pictures passing through Football Filter featured the Red Devils. TOM BEWELYS FLICKR PAGE in particular featured the Manchester United fans celebrating that record-equaling achievement.

With the title wrapped up the focus is squarely on the relegation battle this weekend as Hull, Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough all battle to stay in the Premier League. THE INDEPENDENT looks at ten of the best final day moments and also warns any of the clubs who think they are TOO GOOD TO GO DOWN.

The GUARDIAN PODCAST also examines the ins and outs of the relegation dogfight going into the final games of the season.

With relegation, of course, comes sales and THE SPOILER examines which players are likely to leave in the summer if their side drops down to the Championship.

This weekend also sees the three play-off games and Burnley fans are in for an added treat. According to this article in THE MIRROR Clarets fans who have already bought a season ticket for next year will have a refund if their side makes it to the Premier League – though they have to find a way past Sheffield United first.

Another game taking place at Wembley is the FA Cup final on May 30th between Everton and Chelsea. But should Guus Hiddink’s men triumph on the day there will be no open–top bus parade according to this article in THE TELEGRAPH. Apparently  the ‘current economic climate’ means they are  ‘not prepared to undertake the cost of organising a parade and then cancelling it at a few hours’ notice in the event of losing the final.’

The credit crunch affecting Chelsea? Surely not. Or maybe they just aren’t that confident of victory?

And finally…..

Don’t forget you can keep up-to-date with everything on Football Filter on FF’s TWITTER  PAGE.

Hello and welcome to my latest look at what has been passing through Football Filter this week.

Well, it seems a safe football bet that the only place to start is the Champions League semi-finals and stunning wins for Man United and Barcelona.

After another spectacular 40 yard strike on Tuesday THE TELEGRAPH have listed Ronaldo’s  greatest ever goals in pictures – well worth checking out.

The reaction of the Chelsea players after the final whistle grabbed most of the headlines. The likes of Terry, Drogba and Ballack all furiously surrounded the referee after four penalty shouts were turned down. Drogba later apologised for his outburst, which included swearing on live TV, but that didn’t stop THE INDEPENDENT listing the worst ever losers in sport as a tribute to their childish behaviour.

At the other end of the table Newcastle’s slow death continues to make headlines with the TIMES PODCAST debating, among other things, whether Michael Owen is Newcastle’s worst ever signing.

Joey Barton’s latest indiscretion is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of ill-discipline and unprofessionalism according to Mike Walker of THE INDEPENDENT.

The SOCCER POSTCARDS group on Flickr has an interesting collection of football postcards including the impressive collection of grounds used at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

And finally…

With panic about Swine flu spreading quicker than the virus itself REUTERS reports on a Mexican footballer who has been banned for spitting and blowing his nose at a player and then claiming he had swine flu. Classy bloke.