Jump to content

  • General Football News

    Read article: Gordon Banks: A tribute to a legend
    Gordon Banks: A tribute to a legend

    Gordon Banks: A tribute to a legend

    On the 12th of February 2019, the footballing world was shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of England's World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks. Here at Football Manics, we would like to take a moment and pay tribute to a legendary goalkeeper. Gordon Banks is proclaimed as England's greatest ever goalkeeper, not only because he is the only goalkeeper in England's history to win a World Cup, but because he was an outstanding goalkeeper in every aspect. Who could ever forget that save against Pele during the 1970 World Cup. The ability and athleticism to get down low and tip the ball round the post and over the bar from a perfect downwards header from Pele himself. The commentary in itself suggests how good that save was on its own "what a save". Not only is this save made famous because it was England v Brazil or whether it was because it was Pele in his prime but the way Banks saved the ball which was certainly destined for goal is absolutely astonishing. During his time at Leicester City, Banks had a huge impact on what was to be his successor at both club and international level, Peter Shilton. There is no doubt that Peter Shilton and Gordon Banks are regarded as England's best ever goalkeepers but having been the understudy to Banks for years, it is with no surprise that Shilton was as good as he was. In 1972, Gordon Banks lost sight in his right eye following a car accident which ended his career at both International and Top-Flight level. Not only is the achievement of winning the World Cup with his country and being the only goalkeeper thus far to win the World Cup with England impressive enough, he also has a few other honourable mentions to his name. In May 2006, Banks was inducted as the first legend to be inducted into a new Walk of Fame, where you will see a plaque outside Sheffield Town Hall. In July 2008, outside Stoke City's Stadium there was an unveiling of Banks holding the world cup 4 years before making that incredible save against Pele. Banks was also inducted into the City of Stoke Hall of Fame in March 2011. In 1965, during a game between Leicester City and Manchester United at the old Filbert Street, a stray dog entered the pitch. Who else but Gordon Banks to dive down and get to grips with the dog. The picture of him with that stray dog is absolutely legendary and will never be forgotten. Not only was he a master at saving a football, he shown us that his goalkeeping ability goes far beyond that. Gordon Banks will always be remembered, not only by football fans but by many people across the World. An inspiration to many, a hero to most and a legend to everyone. Rest in Peace Gordon Banks. Thank you for the wonderful memories you have provided over the years.

    Read article: Mick McCarthy confirmed as Republic of Ireland manager with Stephen Kenny as successor
    Mick McCarthy confirmed as Republic of Ireland manager with Stephen Kenny as successor

    Mick McCarthy confirmed as Republic of Ireland manager with Stephen Kenny as successor

    Mick McCarthy has been confirmed as Republic of Ireland manager. The Football Association of Ireland [FAI] turned to McCarthy after Martin O'Neill stepped down last week following a run of one win in 11 games. He will be assisted by former Wolves boss Terry Connor and Ireland's record goalscorer Robbie Keane, who made his debut under McCarthy during the 59-year-old's first spell in charge. A former Ireland captain who won 57 caps and played at Euro 1988 and the 1990 World Cup, McCarthy succeeded Jack Charlton as Irish manager in 1996. After missing out on qualification for two major tournaments following play-off defeats to Belgium and Turkey, McCarthy led Ireland to the 2002 World Cup. He has signed a two-year contract and will be succeeded by Stephen Kenny after the Euro 2020 finals - Kenny has left his post with Dundalk and take charge of the Ireland U21s. "I'm honoured and excited to be back with the Republic of Ireland. I am delighted that the FAI board and CEO have given me this opportunity to lead the team to Euro 2020," said McCarthy. "I have been involved in club football for the last 15 years, so this will be a new challenge but one that I know well. I'm delighted to have Terry Connor, a trusted colleague and excellent coach, and Robbie Keane, one of the finest players who I had the pleasure of managing, helping me as assistant coaches. "I am looking forward to getting started and embracing this challenge to qualify for Euro 2020, where it would be fantastic to play in front of the Ireland supporters in Aviva Stadium." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Martin O'Neill opens up on Republic of Ireland departure
    Martin O'Neill opens up on Republic of Ireland departure

    Martin O'Neill opens up on Republic of Ireland departure

    Martin O'Neill has stated that he left his role as Republic of Ireland manager "with a heavy heart", having fulfilled one of his "lifetime ambitions" by taking on the role. His five-year tenure as Republic boss ended on Wednesday after Ireland failed to win a game as they were relegated from Nations League Group B. The Football Association of Ireland said O'Neill's departure, and that of Roy Keane as his assistant, was by mutual consent, adding that its board "will meet promptly to discuss the process of recruiting a new manager". In a statement released by the League Managers' Association, O'Neill said: "I have had the great honour of managing the Republic of Ireland national football team for the past five years and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this role. "It was one of my lifetime ambitions to take charge of the Irish senior squad and I would like to thank the FAI board for giving me that opportunity. "I will not forget the night in Lille when we beat Italy to secure the nation's best-ever achievement in the Euros competition, the terrific night we beat the world champions Germany at home in Dublin, or James McClean's goal in that euphoric win against Wales in Cardiff that put us through to the play-offs for this year's World Cup. "The Irish fans have been a source of motivation to myself, the team and the whole backroom staff, embodying the passionate Irish spirit, and I thank them for their fervent support of the team. "I am also very proud of the relationships I have built with the players, who have carried that very same spirit, imbued by the fans, on to the field of play." O'Neill added: "A special thanks to Roy Keane my assistant, an inspirational figure in the world of football, Seamus McDonagh, Steve Guppy and Steve Walford for their brilliant contributions and to those backroom staff at the FAI that were of enormous help to me. "Knowing that the past year would be a transitional phase for the squad, I have capped 12 new players in the last nine games, with the aim that they become significant international contributors in the coming campaign. "To the players, I reserve great praise and admiration for the phenomenal commitment they have shown whilst wearing the Irish shirt. Having had these great experiences in my spell as the Irish international manager, I am looking forward to my next adventure in football." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Ryan Giggs accuses Wales players of complacency against Albania
    Ryan Giggs accuses Wales players of complacency against Albania

    Ryan Giggs accuses Wales players of complacency against Albania

    Wales manager Ryan Giggs has hit out at his "complacent" players after their 1-0 friendly defeat in Albania. Tuesday's loss in Elbasan was Giggs' fifth in nine matches in charge. Wales wasted several chances before conceding a second-half penalty, which Bekim Balaj converted to condemn the visitors to defeat. “The performance was not good enough, we deserved what we got,” said the Wales manager. “We totally controlled the first half and we thought it was going to be easy. It’s nothing to do with hard work or the ability of the players. “Quite simply, it was concentration and complacency. We just turned up thinking we would win, someone would score the goal, someone would get us out of trouble.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Corry Evans: 'Northern Ireland can learn from Nations League campaign'
    Corry Evans: 'Northern Ireland can learn from Nations League campaign'

    Corry Evans: 'Northern Ireland can learn from Nations League campaign'

    Corry Evans has claimed that Northern Ireland can take confidence from their Nations League campaign even if things did not go their way. Valentino Lazaro struck a stoppage-time winner for Austria as Norn Iron lost 2-1 on Sunday evening, making it four defeats out of four for Michael O'Neill's men who have suffered relegation to League C. Evans had earlier scored his first international goal in eight years to cancel out Xaver Schlager's strike, and it had looked like being enough to give Northern Ireland their first Nations League point. "It's always disappointing when you lose the game with the last kick of the ball," the Blackburn Rovers man told Sky Sports. "But we can take a lot of positives out of the performance. "The manner of the way we played; going a goal down we came back to level the game and at that stage it looked like we were the only side going to go win the game, but it wasn't to be. "We have to take great confidence from the way we have been playing in the campaign and take that into the Euro 2020 qualifiers." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Gareth Southgate calls Harry Kane "best goalscorer in world"
    Gareth Southgate calls Harry Kane "best goalscorer in world"

    Gareth Southgate calls Harry Kane "best goalscorer in world"

    Gareth Southgate has described Harry Kane as the "best goalscorer in the world" after the Tottenham Hotspur star's late winner sent England into the inaugural Nations League semi-finals. The Three Lions came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley on Sunday to pip Spain to top spot in group A4 and relegate their opponents. Kane's 85th-minute strike came at the perfect moment for England, and ended an eight-game goal drought with the national team for the captain. Southgate told Sky Sports: "He's the best goalscorer in the world. You're always loathe to take a player off of his ability. "He's our main penalty-taker, leader and his hold-up play is critical. We have huge belief in him and he is so hungry to lead the team further." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic claims "it's coming home" for England
    Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic claims "it's coming home" for England

    Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic claims "it's coming home" for England

    Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has praised England following their UEFA Nations League defeat on Sunday by saying "it's coming home very soon". The Three Lions ran out 2-1 winners over the Vatreni at Wembley to secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition and relegate their opponents. Croatia beat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup last summer and made it clear afterwards that they were irked by talk around England of 'football coming home'. However, Dalic has now suggested that Gareth Southgate's team have the chance to win silverware. "They have a young and fast team. It's coming home, very soon," he told Sky Sports. "I think England showed already at the World Cup. They, I think, exceeded expectations. They have a really young and very fast team, which is very important in modern football. "I'd like to congratulate England on a deserved win and for qualifying for the final four of the Nations League." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Jordan Pickford: 'England have improved since 2018 World Cup'
    Jordan Pickford: 'England have improved since 2018 World Cup'

    Jordan Pickford: 'England have improved since 2018 World Cup'

    Jordan Pickford has claimed that England have got better since reaching the World Cup semi-finals. The Three Lions play Croatia in a winner-takes-all clash in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, with a place in the last four of the competition up for grabs. Croatia beat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup and the two sides drew 0-0 in a behind-closed-doors match in Rijeka last month. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, goalkeeper Pickford said he thinks England's level has increased since the summer. "I think it had to. We want to progress as a group and progress for England and become better and better. "We couldn't just rest after getting knocked out in the semi-finals; that was the start to move forward and become as good as we can as a group. "We are definitely progressing and the first hurdle was we wanted to beat these top teams in the world. "Some people said we don't beat the top teams and we know we are capable of doing it." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

    Read article: Ronald Koeman hails "enormous steps" for resurgent Netherlands
    Ronald Koeman hails "enormous steps" for resurgent Netherlands

    Ronald Koeman hails "enormous steps" for resurgent Netherlands

    Ronald Koeman has proudly declared Netherlands to have taken "enormous steps" after they beat world champions France 2-0 on Friday in the UEFA Nations League. The three-time World Cup finalists have failed to qualify for the last two major international tournaments, but have enjoyed a resurgence under Koeman. A draw on Monday against Germany will be enough for them to finish top of their Nations League group due to their superior head to head record with France. Former Southampton and Everton boss Koeman said: "This was a complete match at the very highest level. "I was not expecting a perfect match from our side but that's really what it was. We were very, very good. "I was surprised by the France line-up and the way they played, but our match was perfect. We dominated the match for 90 minutes. "I also did not expect that this team would be as far in their reading of a match. We have shown on such a night that we have made enormous steps. From the beginning to the end we played really well." Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

  • FM's Featured Writers

    Read more about Should the League Cup be scrapped?

    Should the League Cup be scrapped?

    The talk of Fixture Congestion in English football, most notably in the Premier League, has led to discussions about how the issue could resolve. This has seen the Winter Break come in to play for the first time this season as it’s been used for many seasons in other European leagues. It has also been spoken about that FA Cup Replays should be scrapped as well as the League Cup competition all together. But now, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has had his say by claiming it would be better for everyone if the English FA scrapped the League Cup. France have already agreed to scrapping their League Cup as from next season which might put pressure on England to follow suit. The whole point behind scrapping the League Cup is too “Help reduce fixtures and prevent congestion”. But, look at the bigger picture which is the fact that UEFA want to expand the Champions League. When you consider this proposal of an expanded Champions League and scrapping of the League Cup, it only benefits the bigger clubs in England. There is already a huge divide within English Football between the Premier League and the EFL so this would just add to the division. UEFA are also looking at the option of having a summer competition. Some of those teams in talks with joining the tournament, are the same teams who are the ones that believe the footballing calendar is already congested. But, rather than reject the proposal of a expanded Champions League or a Summer European club competition, the Premier League and “Elite” teams in the Premier League would rather see competitions like the League Cup scrapped. Money talks in football and that can surely be the only factor driving this. Rather than scrapping the League Cup, just have those who are participating in European competitions exempt from the League Cup. That way, the tournament will have back that competitive edge it so desperately needs after years of negativity resulting in the tournament being referred to as the Mickey Mouse Cup. Competiveness would definitely be brought back by this because of the end result that the winner would have European Football the following season which in more ways than one would be beneficial to many teams lower down. It would also mean that the competition is guaranteed a new winner every season due to entry to European competitions. In cases like these with UEFA looking to interfere with the English game and thinking of new competitions as well as expanding an already existing tournament in the Champions League, are we growing ever closer to the possibility of a European Super League? The “Big Dogs” that play European football are the only ones being considered by this. Those teams lower down are losing out because of the actions from those higher up which are pandering to the “Elite”. There is a way of adapting to scenarios without completely ridding of a competition. Whether it’s received negativity or not, the fact remains that the League Cup is still part of English Football Tradition. Share your thoughts about this feature article on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

About FM

newfmlogo.png.98660c3ccc6540744e28b0db90

Football Manics is an independent football fan site that aims to provide a platform for every football lover and supporter to discuss anything and everything about the beautiful game, regardless of which team they support.

Useful Links

Support FM

Enjoy the content FM offers? Want to help us grow? Please consider donating to our site, it will go a long way towards improving the content FM writes!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
Cotton84 Cotton84 Administrators
ARLukomski ARLukomski Administrators
KB1862 KB1862 Media
Aneesh Aneesh Media

Social Media

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Football Manics uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept'. Terms of Use.

  I accept