Category: Football

World Cup Winner, Sir Bobby Charlton, Diagnosed with Dementia

Former Manchester United and England legend, Sir Bobby Charlton has been diagnosed with dementia.

The 83-year-old, who was part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning side, has recently announced, with his wife, Lady Norma Charlton, the details of his condition to be made public to help others suffering the disease.

Sir Bobby is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time and is one of the few Englishmen to have won the Ballon d’Or. With over 250 career goals and a large number of trophies won at Manchester United, the news of his condition is deeply saddening to all.

In a statement, Man United said: “Everyone at Manchester United is saddened that this terrible disease has afflicted Sir Bobby Charlton and we continue to offer our love and support to Sir Bobby and his family”.

Jack Charlton, Sir Bobby’s older brother, died age 85 in July, following a battle with dementia and lymphoma, with three other members of the 1966 World Cup winning squad also having being diagnosed with dementia or memory loss.

In a study by Erika Diehl in 2010, she focused on the long-term effects of concussion in sport, particularly on NFL players, but does point out that the correlation between serious head injuries, or, concussion, does have a link to a future risk of Alzheimer or Dementia.

It’s known that the speed of a ball when a footballer goes for a header can reach up to 70mph. Therefore, a player, regularly heading a football could have lasting and unknown effects on the brain.

Listed by the Football Association (2020) the full updated heading guidance includes:

• Heading guidance in training for all age groups between under-six and under-18
• No heading in training in the foundation phase (primary school children)
• Graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase between under-12 to under-16
• Required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group
• No changes to heading in matches, taking into consideration the limited number of headers in youth games 

A study by Glasgow University in 2019 found former professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to die of dementia than people of the same age range in the general population.

The study began after claims that former West Brom striker, Jeff Astle, died at the age of 59 because of repeated head trauma and compared deaths of 7,676 ex-players to 23,000 from the general population.

We wish Sir Bobby all the best and our thoughts are with him and his family. For more information and help with dementia, visit: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/dementia-helpline-alzheimers-helpline/

Sports Journalists Talk About ‘Competitive’ Industry.

Jacqui Oatley for ITV.

In a talk with second-year sports journalism students at the University of South Wales, journalists, such as, Jacqui Oatley and Matt Murray speak about the way they broke into the ‘incredibly competitive’ industry.

Jacqui Oatley was the first female commentator on BBC’s Match of the Day. She fronted the BBC’s live coverage of the women’s game, anchoring the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups. However, despite now being an MBE and being named 2015 eighth most influential woman in sport, it was not always smooth sailing.

Oatley never believed she’d break into broadcasting and after a nasty knee injury she threw ‘everything’ into her journalism career. She had a number of jobs working with the BBC, working on non-league roundups and bouncing from one lead to another. “Working harder lead to bigger things and bigger opportunities”.

She questioned why so many women stopped at a certain point in the journalism world. That’s when the negative comments began taking aim. After landing a dream role working on Match of the Day and being the first female to commentate on the show, Oatley began receiving hate, such as, ‘how can you let a woman who’s never kicked a ball in her life commentate’.

Since then Oatley had said it’s become far more easier. She put emphasis on making sure to open up as a broadcaster and don’t make it too much painting by numbers. She now works at ITV Sport as a presenter.

Former Wolves goalkeeper, Matt Murray was another to discuss the difficulty of transitioning from a professional sport career to that of a journalist.

After retiring at 29, he slowly transitioned into the industry. He said that his biggest challenge toward the start was commentating on Wolves games because they were “his club”. One useful tool he did bring with him to his new career were his list of contacts. Finding interviews and advice was easy given he’d worked with professional footballers and coaches for years.

The second-year students in attendance took what was said onboard and will now use what they have learnt to shape their careers in a similar way.

Newcastle Win 3-0 in Dominant Performance Against Sheffield United

Newcastle United beat Sheffield United 3-0 in an impressive performance at St. James’ Park. All three goals came in the second half through, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie and Joelinton.

It was the away side who controlled the opening 10 minutes of the game. Two free-kicks from wide areas were both cleared easily enough by the Newcastle defence.

Newcastle then began to find their feet in the game with a chance for Ritchie. The ball fell to the Scot on the edge of the box, who fired one towards goal but Dean Henderson was equal to it, punching it away on the dive.

The home-sides’ best chance of the half came after 17 minutes. Magpies forward, Joelinton was played through and running towards goal, found space to get a shot away but fluffed his lines and his shot was easily gathered by Henderson. A poor effort.

Another nice bit of passing by Sheffield United gave Oliver Norwood the opportunity to cross the ball into the box but it was poor. Nevertheless, Billy Sharp still managed to get an ambitious volley towards goal but it was over the bar.

The half-time whistle went with both sides starting to get into the game but the score was stuck at 0-0.

Sheffield United didn’t get the start to the second half that they would’ve wanted, as they went down to 10 men after John Egan’s second yellow card. Joelinton was played through on goal but Egan’s pulling of his shirt, and given he was the last man, was enough to earn him his red card.

Not long after the deadlock was broken. A tame ball into the box by Ritchie should’ve been cleared easily by Enda Stevens but instead he misses the ball and allows Saint-Maximin to latch on to it and finish simply past Henderson to put the home-side 1-0 up.

The Blades had the chance to get back into after Baldock’s deep cross found the head of Billy Sharp at the back post who put it wide.

Just after Miguel Almiron missed another easy chance, Newcastle got their second. Ritchie picked the ball up outside of the box and after dribbling through a couple of players fired the ball past Henderson in goal.

78 minutes on the clock and Newcastle managed to get a third goal. Joelinton plays in Almiron who returns the favour who played in the striker in front of goal who simply tapped in to get his first goal at St. James’ Park. The striker was then substituted immediately after but left the pitch with a great deal of relief.

The game finished with Steve Bruce’s side the happier of the two. Sheffield United will be disappointing to have conceded three goals but credit to Newcastle who, especially in the second half, controlled the game.

Sheffield United will travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Wednesday, whilst Newcastle welcome Aston Villa to St. James Park, off the back of am impressive performance today.

Former United Player, Young, Offers Coronavirus Advice from Italy

“Always use gloves from moment you get out of your car!…Keep the gloves on until you are getting back in the car.”

Inter Milan and former Manchester United defender, Ashley Young, has shared advice on his twitter page about how to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

The England defender moved to Italy, in January, the worst affected country in Europe, with more than 6,000 reported dead overall.

The 34-year-old created a thread on his twitter page (@youngy18) and started it by saying, “Hi everyone, just wanted to share my thoughts given I’m currently living in Italy, the epicentre of the virus.”

He went on to discuss the situation in Italy currently, “Realistically a supermarket is now your main risk at spreading this virus and even catching it. Speaking with family and friends at home it sounds like going to get food is just crazy. Remember, lockdown means lockdown!

In Italy going to the supermarket is surprisingly calm… no fights over food, no stripped shelves and most certainly no abusing staff members for limiting food or any reason at all! And in almost every case it’s usually just one person shopping for a household!”

Italy have been under lockdown regulations since the 9th March and since then, the number of new cases has continued to increase but reassuringly at a lower rate.

Other advice Young posted included: respecting the new regulations, in regards to supermarkets’ specific guidelines, using gloves more frequently, keeping a distance from others and arguably his most important point, treat everybody that’s not in your household as if they have the virus, because you just don’t know.

He finished by reminding everyone to stay safe and to stay indoors. A classy touch from the former Premier League champion.

Former Wales rugby captain, Sam Warburton, has also been spreading positivity over his social media platforms.

On Instagram, he has posted regularly during the UK’s lockdown began. His posts have included a video of himself asking people to stay at home in order to stop the spread and also videos of himself playing with his daughter to show how he and his family are staying positive throughout these uncertain times.

He has also given a big shout out to all of the NHS workers working “day and night” to help stop the spread of the virus.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KGUB5pB3U/

Stay home and stay safe!

City Get Huge Away Win Against, European Kings, Real Madrid

Manchester City won 2-1 against Real Madrid in a tight affair at the Bernabeu. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne meant that City would go into the 2nd leg with the advantage.

It was the home side who started stronger. Their first chance came 16 minutes into the half. A ball into the box by Isco was headed out but fell to the feet of Raphael Varane who blazed a shot over the bar.

City‘s best chance of the half came minutes later, on the counter attack. De Bruyne was given some space to run at the defence and in typical fashion played a brilliant through ball to Jesus who cut inside and found his shot saved well by Thibaut Courtois from close range.

Madrid continued to create chances and their best came through Karim Benzema. Ferland Mendy’s pinpoint cross into the box was met well by the Frenchman who headed the ball low but Ederson was down quick to save. His save was however pushed into Vinicius who just couldn’t control it in time and instead fell over the ball giving City the chance to clear.

Pep Guardiola was later forced to make an early change as star centre back Aymeric Laporte was unable to continue through injury, in which he was replaced by Fernandinho in the 33rd minute.

The last chance of the half came again from Manchester City. A corner came in, which Courtois came out to punch clear, but didn’t get the contact he wanted and allowed Jesus to get a shot towards goal but thanks to the number of players on the goal line, Madrid were able to clear. The half time whistle came soon after.

Both teams picked up where they left off in the first half. City with the first chance. A powerful run by De Bruyne through the middle led to him playing in Riyad Mahrez, who could’ve passed, but instead he saw as his curling shot went wide.

Another shot by Mahrez is saved well by Courtois, who had to get down quick. Madrid found themselves on the counter once again but City dealt with it, with Ederson saving a simple header in the box.

The home side found themselves ahead in the 60th minute after a mistake by City. An intercepted pass by Luka Modric gave them the chance to pounce. The midfielder played in Vinicius who spotted Isco free in the middle. He picked him out and Isco, who took a touch before shooting, expertly fired Madrid ahead making it 1-0.

Both sides were clearly amped up by the opening goal. Sergio Ramos had a chance to get their second later on after a pass back into the box by Isco but he couldn’t direct it on target.

Substitute Raheem Sterling got immediately involved. He picked the ball up outside in the Madrid half and passed the ball to De Bruyne who looked up and saw Jesus running into the box. The Belgian dinked a ball towards the far post and Jesus was able to get there ahead of Sergio Ramos and headed it past Courtois in goal. City had their vital away goal.

Sterling involved again. Just minutes after their equaliser City were awarded a penalty after Dani Carvajal took down Sterling with a lunging challenge. The penalty was scored by De Bruyne who sent Courtois the wrong way, making the score 2-1 to the away side.

Madrid found themselves in even deeper water after their captain Ramos was sent off for taking down, the last man, Jesus, outside of the box. The resulting freekick was saved simply by Courtois.

The full time whistle meant Pep Guardiola would be the happier of the two managers. Madrid will travel to City in two weeks time 2-1 down with two away goals conceded. All eyes on that game.

Bayer Leverkusen Comeback to Win 7 Goal Thriller Against Dortmund

Lars Bender’s winning goal.

Bayer Leverkusen beat Borussia Dotmund 4-3 in an exciting end-to-end game at the BayArena, which will have a big impact on the title race.

Leverkusen took the lead, Dortmund were then able to hit back with two goals but the home side Leverkusen were able to equalise before the break. Dortmund took the lead once again but Leverkusen were able to seal the win with two quickfire goals.

The earlier chances fell for Dortmund. Jadon Sancho and Julian Brandt the men involved with the majority of those chances. Lukas Hradecky was the first keeper to be properly tested after a powerful effort by Erling Haaland at the near post.

Despite their early efforts, Dortmund found themselves behind after a terrific counterattacking breakaway. A through ball played just ahead of a sprinting Kevin Volland allowed him to get away from his defender and finish into the bottom corner to make the score 1-0 to the hosts.

Immediately after going behind Dortmund had a chance to score but Brandt’s effort was pushed out for a corner. The corner which was superbly whipped in by Sancho found the head of captain Mats Hummels who was able to direct it in to the far corner of the goal and Dortmund found themselves on level terms just two minutes after conceding.

Leverkusen did then have a goal disallowed for offside. A cross found Moussa Diaby who volleyed it in but it was not to be on this occasion.

Minutes later, Dortmund found themselves ahead. The ball fell to Emre Can and on his league debut for Dortmund, he whipped the ball in to the corner from distance, giving Hradecky no chance.

The away side thought they were going in at half time ahead but just before the break, Leverkusen took a short corner and whipped the ball towards the back post. A clever flick back in to the middle by Jonathan Tah fell to Volland who smashed it in for both his and Leverkusen’s second of the game.

Shortly after the break the away side thought they had taken the lead once again. Brilliant play from Sancho who passed the ball out wide to Achraf Hakimi who eventually cut the ball back out to Sancho who was able to direct his finish under the keeper and in. However, after a pitchside VAR check, the referee was able to spot an off the ball foul in the build up to the goal and disallowed yet another goal.

Moving in to the 64th minute, Leverkusen came close to taking the lead after Kai Havertz hit the post, but after the ball was cleared, Dortmund, on the counterattack, passed it around the box and eventually, Hakimi was able to play it in to Raphael Guerreiro who passed the ball in to the bottom corner to make the score 4-3.

With just 10 minutes remaining, Leverkusen were able to find their equaliser. After Can was able to tackle Volland just before he could get his shot away in front of goal, the ball fell fortunately for substitute Leon Bailey who finished it simply.

A minute later, Leverkusen picked the ball up out wide and it was eventually whipped in to the box where their captain, Lars Bender, was there to meet it with his head and find its way in to the back of the net to make it 4-3.

Dortmund had a chance to get a point out of the game in the final minute but Axel Witsel was unable to get his header on target. The final whistle blew meaning that it was Leverkusen who would take all three points from a thrilling game.

The win pushes Leverkusen up to 37 points, 2 behind Dortmund, 4 behind second placed RB Leipzig and 5 behind Bayern Munich who are currently top. Munich and Leipzig face eachother tomorrow in the Bundesliga with top spot up for grabs.

BRE SPORT MAN OF THE MATCH: Kevin Volland. Could have gone to a number of players. Volland gets it for his two first half goals, his commitment throughout the game and his runs off the ball.

Kevin Volland.

CARDIFF WIN 4-1 AGAINST STRUGGLING ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

Cardiff City Women came out on top, as they won 4-1 against league strugglers Aberystwyth Town Women at the Cardiff International Sports Campus.

The first chance came for Cardiff when Lisa Owen made a run through the middle and played in Kate Joanna Jeremiah but the defender was able to put her off and it rolled out for a goal kick.

A couple minutes later, Aberystwyth winger Tania Wylde found her self with space to shoot and, from range, fired a fierce shot towards goal but it was superbly saved by the diving Amelia Forkings in goal and Cardiff were able to clear.

The first goal of the game came in the 9th minute after a great bit of play. Owen made a sprinting run of the wing and was able to get a low cross into the box which fell to the feet of Jeremiah who simply tapped it in to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

The chances continued to come for the home side. A shot from Jeremiah was just over the bar and a minute later they had a shot cleared off the line.

Zoe Atkins’ run from the halfway line resulted in her low driven shot to be saved well by the feet of Aberystwyth’s Ffion Ashman and Owen was unable to finish the rebound, putting it over for a goal kick.

Despite having very little of the possession, Aberystwyth found themselves on level terms at the 34 minute mark. A sublime ball over the defence was latched on to by a fast Emily Thomas who, one on one with the keeper, dispatches it expertly in to the corner.

It wasn’t long until Cardiff had a chance to take the lead again as a good passing play gave Jeremiah the chance to play in Atkins at the far post but she scuffed her shot and missed the open goal.

Just before the half time whistle, Cardiff had their final chance of the half when a cross in to the box by Owens fell to Jasmine Simpson who volleyed over the goal, the whistle was blown after the miss.

The sides came back from the break and it was Cardiff who had the chance to take the lead first as Jeremiah has her shot blocked.

In the 56th minute, Cardiff took the lead through an absolute rocket. After an attempted clearance from the defender but it comes to Kanisha Underdown and she fires a shot in to the top corner leaving the keeper stranded.

The home side had more chances to extend their lead but were unable to until the 73rd minute of the game. Substitute Danielle Green, running towards goal, finished it past the keeper to make it 3-1.

It wasn’t long until Cardiff got their fourth.

After a number of chances to finish it off, forward, Alana Murphy, expertly placed it into the bottom corner. Stamina levels began to show from the away side.

Cardiff had chances to score a fifth but the game ended 4-1 with the home side coming out on top. Aberystwyth remain without a win in the league.

South Wales Derby Serves Up an Exciting 0-0 Draw

Cardiff and Swansea were forced to share the points in the second South Wales derby of the season. The game finished 0-0 with both sides having good chances to win the game.

The game started quickly with Swansea getting the first chance. The ball was played through to Wayne Routledge who’s shot was saved by a rushing out Alex Smithies, however, it was then ruled offside.

A few minutes later, a throw in from Swansea was awkwardly flicked on by Curtis Nelson in the defence and it fell on the volley to Routledge, but his shot was put over the bar from close range.

The home side, Cardiff, then experienced a few good chances with Robert Glatzel and Nelson both having efforts at goal but neither found their way past Freddie Woodman in the Swansea net.

It was again Swansea’s turn to create chances with Bersant Celina having the best of the lot. A counter attack from the away side led to Celina being played through and his whipped shot was denied by the far post.

Into the 34th minute, an altercation took place. Swansea defender Ben Cabango came in hard on Glatzel causing him to react, from this, both sides came to the aid of their player. After some pushing and shoving, the referee handed out a yellow card to both Cabango and Glatzel.

Both sides continued to create chances before the half-time whistle blew but ultimately both sides went in at the break feeling they could be ahead.

Swansea came out in the second half clearly the more energetic of the two. A snap shot from George Byers took a deflection on its way through and went out for a corner.

Again both sides had chances to break the deadlock and Cardiff’s best chance to win it came later on, in the 77th minute. Substitute Josh Murphy ran up the line and was able to get his cross in which found the head of fellow sub Callum Paterson who’s header was against the bar.

The two teams showed they still had energy left in the late stages of the game but neither team was able to find a way through and it ended 0-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Both teams will feel they could have taken all three points from that game but Swansea will be the happier of the two sides playing away from home. Cardiff travel to Carlisle for their FA Cup replay on Wednesday, while Swansea’s next game will be at home to struggling Wigan.

What’s to come?

It’s the start of 2020 and that means that more content will be added to this site more regularly. Here’s what you will be seeing in the coming weeks:

University of South Wales (USW) sports reports coming directly from the USW Sport Parks. This will be either a match report of one of the games covered or a quotes piece with one of those involved in one of the games covered. As well as this, the photography from one of the games may also be uploaded. To see more of the USW sport news, check out the official website – Expo Sport.

I will consistently be uploading the results from games in the Premier League and also, the Champions League (round of 16 games begin on February 18th). Uploading the results of the games will help me keep my uploading regular and consistent.

Match reports from select games from around the world. I will try and upload as many as I can. My most recent comes from the Brighton v Tottenham on Boxing Day. To check it out go to the ‘Football’ tab in the menu.

Also, I will, for the next couple of weeks, be uploading a review of some of the top teams in the Premier League. This will involve discussing how their season has gone so far, my thoughts on their current team, what business I believe they should do during this January Transfer Window, where I think they’re going to finish and just a little more information I think may be worth mentioning.

Big things to come…

Spurs Win 2-1 in Tight Affair Against Brighton

Tottenham came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Brighton in the opening Boxing Day game of the day. Goals coming from Harry Kane and Dele Alli to help them get all three points at home.

It was Brighton who came out the faster and more energetic of the two teams showing some great passing displays. Their first chance coming through Aaron Connolly, after a cross from the left forces Jan Vertonhen to head it out but only to the edge of the box to the feet of Connolly who’s shot goes wide.

More chances for Brighton coming later on with some simple passing in Tottenham’s half gives Steven Alzate the chance to fire his shot at goal but fortunately for Spurs, Paulo Gazzaniga parried it out.

Their next opportunity to take the lead came a little later with Aaron Mooy involved. Mooy received the ball on the edge of the box and seeing the space, he took the shot on but Davinson Sanchez was able to get a slight touch on it to ensure it went out for a corner.

A minute later Kane had the ball in the back of the net. A ball over the top of the defence by Harry Winks finds the feet of Kane who running towards goal taps it past the rushing out, Matt Ryan. However, after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed due to a very narrow offside, the game went on.

Spurs had a couple decent freekick opportunities but it was Brighton who were able to take the lead thanks to a freekick from out wide. In a counter attack from Brighton, Ezerquiel Schelotto ran up the pitch and won the foul off Winks, despite replays showing it to be a dive. The freekick was whipped in by Pascal Groß and headed into the back of the net by Adam Webster.

The half time break gave manager Jose Mourinho the chance to regroup with his players and in the second half, Spurs began to show a bit more confidence.

Brighton had the first chance of the half with Connolly just heading over but in a good bit of play from the home side they found their way back into the game. A terrific weaving run from Lucas Moura allowed him to play in Kane who’s first shot was well saved by Ryan but he made no mistake with the second, firing into the net, despite being off balanced.

Tottenham’s equaliser had clearly encouraged the players and with more chances coming from both sides, it was Spurs who got the next goal.

A terrific bit of play, seeming as if all the Spurs players were involved in some way. Quick passing eventually falling to substitute Christian Eriksen, who plays a smart ball out wide to the sprinting Serge Aurier who plays a simple pass to Alli who finishes it over the head of Ryan into the corner of the net. A great passing display which was finished off with a deserved goal.

Brighton had a couple more opportunities to equalise but Gazzaniga did enough to keep out their efforts. A small altercation between Dan Burn and Moussa Sissoko meant Sissoko would be booked.

In the dying minutes of the game Spurs had chances to wrap it up, the best of which coming through Alli. Kane played him through and after a superb first touch Alli’s shot was saved over the bar by the finger tips of Matt Ryan, the game then finished 2-1 to Spurs.

Tottenham travel to Norwich in the next game and Brighton will host Bournemouth, both games taking place in just two days time.

BRE SPORT NEWS MOTM: Harry Kane, a difficult one but it’s the Spurs captain who gets it. A true leader today, great hold up play and got the goal to get them back into it.

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