Alan Biggs
@AlanBiggs1
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Footy reporter. talkSPORT/ Sky & Sheffield Star/Telegraph columnist. Author of Confessions of a Football Reporter (& others). TV/ vid & event host. Family bloke
Joined August 2011
Sounds like Manchester United are going to have to refocus on being a successful football club rather than a global brand. Because it was being a successful football club that made them a global brand.
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All I know is … if 30,000 people are still in this stadium after 10pm tonight it’ll be one of the most dramatic nights of football any of us will ever have witnessed …
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Must say I found it quite emotional that Newcastle United fans, without prompting, started off the prolonged applause for Maddy Cusack at the end of #SUFC’s eulogy to her. That was such a fantastic & appreciated gesture. #NUFC.
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If the FA risk a penalty & a World Cup place to wear the poppy, that will bring more pride than the team has given us for a very long time.
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There were around 26,000 #SWFC fans in a crowd of 29,000 at Hillsborough on Sunday - to watch a team rock bottom of the Championship. Owls fans also sell out virtually every away game. If that’s not forking out to “save” your club then I don’t know what is.
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Leeds win again. Bielsa has been nothing but brilliant for English football with what he puts on the field & the way he presents himself off it. They’ll do it this time.
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Can offer an insight into Steve Bruce’s Feb 1st start at #swfc. Simply - in 2018, when both his parents sadly died, Steve’s wife spent months helping tend them while he worked at Villa. He pledged to repay her in time off football - before the Owls approach.
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Born in Sheffield. Played for Chesterfield. But belonged to everyone. Gordon Banks RIP.
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Very sad news. Been asked to post on behalf of the family that Don Megson has left us at the age of 86. A Sheffield Wednesday icon (1959-69). Captained #SWFC in ‘66 FA Cup final. Son Gary says Don passed peacefully. Such a fine player & man. RIP
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TV panel making an issue of Bruce starting date when there is no issue. No issue with the club. No issue with the fans. Pre-arranged break. All agreed beforehand. And arranged before the #swfc offer.
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Convinced that #NFFC are a team that will rapidly climb the table. And rapid is the word. Such pace in the team. Electric 2nd half for 3-1 win at Barnsley with goals from Zinckernagel, Johnson & Grabban. Steve Cooper’s 1st win. There will be more.
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How I’ll remember George Baldock. In particular a picture I snapped of him sitting beer in hand, exhausted but elated, quietly celebrating Sheffield United’s last promotion in 2023. #SUFC fans loved him. Thoughts with all George’s family & friends 😥
I’ve looked at this in stunned disbelief for half an hour. Just don’t want to acknowledge or accept it. How? Such a brilliant player for #SUFC, absolutely all in, &, just as importantly, a brilliant bloke.
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Xisco sacked. Understand Neil Warnock would be very attracted to a rescue mission at #SWFC, should he be considered. Suspects most fans would accept him this time. @talkSPORT.
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Don’t care if the technology is accurate “to a toenail” (which I doubt). Don’t care if technically correct. Fans don’t pay to sit in ignorance for nearly 4 minutes while a bunch of blokes find a reason to disallow a goal. As per #SUFC - or anyone. Terrible.
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Three things that have united almost all of us;-. 1/ The Covid cry of “football is nothing without fans.” .Well, so much for that!. 2/ A planned Superleague breakaway. They’re still trying!. 3/ Scrapping FA Cup replays. They have!. Let’s take our ball home!.
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Of Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday & Derby, #RUFC are the only one of the three who could argue they deserve to stay up. Tiny budget by comparison, given everything, dogged by narrow defeats & some terrible officiating. Who could begrudge them surviving?.
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Sparing a thought for Lee Bullen at this time - & what the future holds for him? #swfc could not have had a more loyal & committed servant on & off the pitch, a man sharing a genuine love affair with club & fans. Hope fans show him the love tomorrow.
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Great to see the pyramid shunning diplomacy on this. From the EFL through to Tranmere, Accrington, Peterborough, Grimsby & Crawley, through to Sheffield United’s manager & the Millwall boss here, they’re telling it as it is 🙌. More though!!.
🚨 FA Cup replays have been scrapped. They will not take place from the first round onward from next season❌. Millwall boss Neil Harris was not too pleased with the decision. 🗣️ "It is absolutely ridiculous. European football is a joke. It's all about money!". #Millwall
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Delighted to see Steve Cooper keep Forest in the PL. It has struck a huge blow against the culture of “let’s spin the wheel & sack the manager.” But not sure it would have happened without #NFFC fans standing up in numbers behind Cooper. Take a bow 👏.
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I understand Sheffield United have seen enough to enter contract talks with Ravel Morrison. The former Manchester United youngster has impressed Chris Wilder & co during his trial period. With attitude as well as talent. Something seems imminent there. #SUFC.
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I understand Sheffield Wednesday have made contact with Paul Cook regarding the vacant manager’s job. Nothing clear cut as I would imagine #SWFC have sounded out a number of possible candidates. But a good route to take for starters in my opinion.
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@EssexPR That’s what strikes me too & has done for a while. They simply didn’t share the fear they were spreading.
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Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl has conjured one of THE greatest escapes. Bravo the players for rescuing a “wrecked” season. Rohl (manager of season?) & his coaches especially! And #SWFC fans for their huge unswerving support - in spite of everything! 🙌.
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Is this fair on Derby County? They gamble on Frank Lampard & could end up being a managerial nursery for Chelsea. #DCFC gave Frank the kind of job novices could only dream of. And he’s yet to serve his apprenticeship for me. Could be better off staying. .
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Right decisions or not (speaking independently as a football fan) I don’t like VAR. Football’s big moments are goals. The penalty awards. The spontaneity. That’s what it’s about. Not a muffled cheer & a nervous wait.
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You look at Ipswich, you look at Plymouth & you look at Sheffield Wednesday. Promotion & happiness is something to build on, not demolish. There is no mystery. #SWFC.
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That was a heroic performance. Great anyway - but after a shock like that stage invader, a real scare, how fantastic to carry on like that. Brave, gutsy, worth a win for that alone.
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Shocked beyond belief to hear that Trevor Francis has left us at just 69. Besides Trevor’s magnificence as a player, he was an absolute gentleman. An honour to know him at #SWFC & forever indebted to him writing the foreword to my book. So sad.
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I’ve received a message from @carloscarvalha2 , “needing to share” his sorrow with someone he knew on #SWFC’s relegation. “I saw the game on Sky & it broke my heart,” he said. “I like the club & felt like a fan. Hope SWFC find the path back next season.” 👏.
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Hear references to “new manager bounce” at Forest. Don’t agree at all, having seen a couple of their recovery wins - including their first (between managers). For me, with the speedsters at #NFFC, it’s more about releasing the handbrake on a sports car.
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No chance of upsetting anyone today surely … Sheffield Wednesday won last night …& today Sheffield United won, Rotherham won, Barnsley won, Doncaster won & Chesterfield won! Blimey, when did that last happen?!.
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Trevor Francis’s managerial legacy at #SWFC recalled on this sad day;-.* Took the Owls into Europe.* Led them to two cup finals in 1993.* Signed arguably the club’s greatest player in Chris Waddle.* Sacked in 1995 for the “crime” of finishing 13th in the PL.
Shocked beyond belief to hear that Trevor Francis has left us at just 69. Besides Trevor’s magnificence as a player, he was an absolute gentleman. An honour to know him at #SWFC & forever indebted to him writing the foreword to my book. So sad.
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Another dagger through the heart & soul of the game. Unforgivable. The FA no longer run the game. Might as well rebrand itself as Premier League.
FA cup replays scrapped next season the dream the glory financial survival has just been taken away from the lower league to keep the rich clubs happy.Disgraceful.
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Out of respect to the game & in fairness to Michael Oliver & his family, Gianluigi Buffon should have the decency to make a public apology for his outrageous behaviour & statements. Only way for the legend to reclaim some lost respect of his own.
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Not unexpected, but this is so tragic. A future England star struck down in the prime of his career. Never seen a man own the entire left flank, defence to attack, like Jack O’Connell did. Also, from experience, a great bloke. #SUFC & their fans will never forget Jack.
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I’ll sign out for the night with this - & I rarely swear, at least not on here. The current brand of football club owner, commonly with no feeling or understanding of our game, can f*** off!.
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Surely no proper fan - of any club - wants to see Derby County wiped off the football landscape. What we do want to see is proper governance & control of all clubs’ finances, even if that takes an independent regulator. Meantime, thoughts with all at #DCFC.
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Highlight of a cold, wet week in Norfolk. visited this lovely little place called Holt . it struck a chord & I said to Mrs. B : “I’m sure the Worthingtons live somewhere round here.” Five minutes later I hear this familiar voice on the street, turn & . !
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Only comment I could make about the headlines surrounding Sheffield United is that somehow, against that background, Chris Wilder got the club promoted back to the Premier League. I think that speaks for itself. Far more loudly than anything said in court.
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Ipswich Town’s double bounce to the Premier League would rank as an incredible feat. Only possible through togetherness as a club on & off the field. Rode the wave of momentum, stuck to the plan. Historically, a proper club too. #ITFC.
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It’s the usual VAR suspect Lee Mason busy-bodying on a non-obvious error that causes a non-penalty to be awarded against Dean Henderson & #NFFC today. Contact (the barest brush in this case) does not automatically equal foul anywhere on the pitch.
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Classic example of why Danny Rohl so highly rated. Down to 10 whole 2nd half, kicking into a gale, rejects going long for Smith hold up. Takes him off, goes to a 5-3-1, keeps it on the deck. So resourceful, so adaptable. Getting the max & then some. #SWFC.
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Slowly but surely the football pyramid we’ve grown up with - giving hope to every club - is being chipped away. And it won’t stop until the big clubs depart for a league of their own. So instead of opposing that we should welcome it. With a boot behind it!.
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Boris Johnson has presided over - & been at the centre of - the biggest degeneration of standards in public life in my lifetime. So anyone telling me to “stick to football” can stick it. I will - mostly. But I feel we all have a duty to call this out.
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Absolute credit & huge credit where it’s due. Four wins in five games against a backdrop of chaos is a wonderful effort from Neil Thompson, Lee Bullen & the #SWFC players. They have screened themselves off & fixed their focus 👏. And why change that?.
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Yesterday I heard from a mate (an Owls fan) on behalf of a pal of his (a Blades fan) who is ill & needed cheering up. I contacted Sheffield United. This morning the chap had a surprise phone call. from Tony Currie. 👏#SUFC @SheffieldUnited #ForceOfFootball.
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Barry Bannan part 1:. * The real truth about his #SWFC wages.* Snubbing chances to join higher clubs - one Premier League!.* It’s a “personal vendetta” to right the “hurt” of relegation.* Wanting to end his career at Owls - in PL!.* And…”it’s a boy!” 🍾.
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I’m sure you’d all wish to join me in conveying sympathy to Chris Turner, the former Sheffield Wednesday player & manager who was due to be among guests on my show tonight. Sadly Chris’s father passed away yesterday. Thoughts with you & your family, Chris.
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10 hours of live Premier League football on TV on Boxing Day! Don’t know about you? All I want on Boxing Day is one match (preferably one I’m going to) & the rest of a festive day spent with my family. I love watching football but some things matter more.
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Good luck to #swfc & their 6,000 fans at Chelsea. Heck of a following as usual. A lot of pride in this club. That’s the main reason it WILL come back. As history shows. Hope a proud performance too. Enjoy.
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Having criticised aspects of #SWFC’s transfer policy, this for balance. On Wednesday night I said the Jacob Murphy loan was unlikely. I now hear it was “dead.” The chairman pulled it round. And I gather he got Reading to double their opening bid for João.
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Sheffield football does not have the luxury of ditching outstanding managers. I’ve seen 53 come & go. NONE has had MORE impact than the current manager of Sheffield United. Which is why I always argue to discourage the game’s mania of the moment.
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Jos Luhukay sacked. Can’t say surprised. Can’t say unjustified. Can say he was unlucky with the timing of & had a bad hand. Made some mistakes but getting to know him a bit (as fans haven’t) I felt a good man at heart. Wish him well. #swfc.
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Chris Wilder tells me he’s told his players “not to walk out through the main entrance but try to find a side door to sneak out of.” Said #sufc fans “should have booed louder.” Called the performance arrogant. As big a disappointment as any in his time.
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#SWFC players join 44,000 fans in celebrating the club’s return to the Championship. And two attempts is good going. Think destined after the semi-final drama. Not that Josh Windass’s great header in the last seconds wasn’t dramatic! Delighted for Darren Moore, club & supporters.
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The frightening thing - the truly frightening thing - about Ipswich’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Wolves is that it looks to be their second team. Only the goalkeeper remained from their league side at the weekend. Some statement by Kieran McKenna & #ITFC.
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Way I see it, a Gregory, a Windass or both & #SWFC don’t lose that game. General performance level deserved better. NML dangerous but not a finisher. Poor defending of two set-pieces also costly - though the first didn’t look a corner to me.
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Not even a soft penalty, this. I’d go for non-existent.
Could Brighton consider themselves unfortunate? 🤔. Lamptey is adjudged to have fouled Batshuayi and Zaha converts from the spot!. 📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL.📱 Follow #CRYBHA here: 📲 Download the @SkySports app!
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Let it be said - loudly - that the sportsmanship of the Australians was outstanding. Those scenes at the end were all the more special for the way Ben Stokes & Jack Leach were congratulated personally by every (gutted) Aussie 👏👍 #Ashes.
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Credit where due. #SWFC’s building of an impressive new management team makes sound sense. It also adds up to a pretty penny. A real signal that long term really does mean long term with this appointment. Whatever manoeuvres made, well done Dejphon Chansiri !.
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Sad, sad day. And while nothing is forever, one of the saddest things is that Chris Wilder can’t leave #SUFC with richly deserved acclaim from a crowd. Or even with a proper farewell bash with staff, players & mates. They’ll have to have one for him 🍺.
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Lewis Wing at 26 is a stunning signing for a 3rd tier club. Well proven in the Championship. #SWFC on a roll with their recruitment. Players you’ve heard of. Emphasis on a younger, fresher group. Signings always bring optimism, in this case understandably.
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Nigel Clough tells me the 5-0 more about how good Leeds were. "Just too good for us," said the Burton boss. "Best team we've played." #lufc.
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Jack Charlton - a long lanky streak of kindness underneath that rough, bluff exterior. Sampled it myself. Saw him lift #SWFC from its lowest depths by sheer force of personality. A childhood hero of ‘66. Tough guy with soft sentiment. RIP.
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VAR at some matches today. Not at others. That’s just not right.
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Dare say some dipstick will say I’m “up his backside” but I call it as I see it & at this moment, for me, Chris Wilder is the top performing manager in the country. “Pound for pound,” (as he likes to say) in terms of budget & performance, no question. #SUFC.
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If you’d looked at tonight’s weakened #SWFC side a few months ago, you wouldn’t have given them a prayer. And I know some were fearful when they saw it tonight. The difference is surely Steve Bruce & the way all the players have responded.
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Look, I can moan with the best . but I’m very grateful for the following I have here . not only the quantity but the quality. Some very nice people out there, far more good than bad. To everyone & your families, a very Happy Christmas & thanks again 👍👏🎄.
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THE moment of victory. The most dramatic football night I’ve ever witnessed at Hillsborough. Saying something! Reaction of #SWFC fan near me: “Fxxxing hell - & you can quote me on that!”
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Been told that, because of the stoppage to live sport, today’s is my last @shftelegraph @SheffieldStar column - for the forseeable future. I’m sad about that but also realistic. Beyond anyone’s control really. Thanks for reading. Mainly, take care! 👍.
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Ched Evans behaved badly but, as it turned out, was far more badly treated by the justice system - & his former club suffered for that too.
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Off for a drink & not staying on here because I’d be stuck all night!.Shameful from both Sheffield teams. All I’d add is what I’ve said before - & there’s no getting away from this. Finger points to the top. Both clubs!.
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Still feel the same as before … if the big clubs want to swan off & indulge in a printing money exercise then let them … won’t be missed by those rooted in proper football … where the game is king.
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No matter where he goes - & how much success - I doubt Danny Rohl will ever have a closer bond with fans than those of #SWFC. They’ll even accept him leaving & the reasons why. Time to salute DR for the best job ANY manager could have done there in his time!.
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Brendan Ingle. The word legend doesn’t come close. Boxing his life & love but just an outstanding man - & character - whose gifts to life in general were all the greater. Always kind, generous & left you smiling. Thoughts with Alma, Dom & all the family. RIP.
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So impressed with Leeds today. If this isn’t a promotion team I don’t know what is. 3-0 v a woeful Watford & could have been many more. Such intensity, pace & style. And a 36,000 crowd took the roof off as the goals finally arrived in the 2nd half. #LUFC.
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Beyond shocked. Tragic news. Harry a wonderful broadcaster & just as importantly a very nice bloke. Someone I always looked up to & who helped me along the way. RIP Harry.
Our much loved friend and colleague Harry Gration died suddenly today. We are absolutely heartbroken to give you this news. Tonight our hearts go out to Harry's wife Helen, their children and all of Harry's family and friends.
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“Do’s” & Don’ts” for #SWFC’s owner this week;-. DON’T make public criticism of Xisco Munoz when you unveil your next manager. DON’T keep undermining managers you sack (Pulis, Moore). But DO own up to your mistakes. People respect that far more.
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A few Forest fans thought I was just referring to beating a poor Barnsley. But I’d also seen them win at Huddersfield. And after more evidence at Birmingham today, watch for #NFFC pushing for top six.
Convinced that #NFFC are a team that will rapidly climb the table. And rapid is the word. Such pace in the team. Electric 2nd half for 3-1 win at Barnsley with goals from Zinckernagel, Johnson & Grabban. Steve Cooper’s 1st win. There will be more.
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Yes, referees must do better. Yes, Mike Dean got it wrong - again. Yes, VAR is an absolute monstrosity. But then so, on Saturday, was the behaviour of Aleksandar Mitrovic. His theatrics, & those of others, annoy me even more. Players have a responsibility too.
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Cameron Dawson has virtually barricaded himself in #SWFC’s goal. “Rival” David Stockdale would need to hire an assault team to get him out. And yet look at Stockdale’s reaction to Dawson’s latest clean sheet yesterday. Says a lot about this Darren Moore TEAM.
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You hope Lewis Travis reflects on the rescinding of Massimo Luongo’s red card. #SWFC’s Luongo either caught Travis late or he didn’t. If he didn’t (as judged) why did he roll around? A clue in what followed? FA should consider not just clearing but punishing.
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I’ve looked at this in stunned disbelief for half an hour. Just don’t want to acknowledge or accept it. How? Such a brilliant player for #SUFC, absolutely all in, &, just as importantly, a brilliant bloke.
Greek media are reporting tonight that George Baldock was found dead in his home swimming pool on Wednesday night. Absolutely tragic news.
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Another big statement. Carlos Carvalhal allowed his #swfc players to spend Christmas Day at home with their families. They rewarded him.
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I believe Jermain Defoe & Shane Long are among strikers on Chris Wilder’s radar for the January window. Two types of attacker are being sought - including a Duffy duplicate or similar. More in my #sufc column online tomorrow. #twitterblades.
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Neil Warnock 70 tomorrow - 18 years after he told me he was retiring at 55. He’ll be telling you he’s retiring at 80 next! Happy birthday, Neil. Feel free to boo & hiss this tweet. He’ll be bitterly disappointed if you don’t:).
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Just asked Darren Moore how he’s coped with calls for his head: “You know my faith - by leaning on that, & believing in what I’m doing. Trying to energise. Everything I do is for the good of the club. It’s a real special moment. Everyone can feel proud” #SWFC.
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The Wolves goal. Personal opinion only. But also referring to the Laws - which state a handball has to be deemed deliberate. No way in my view was that a deliberate handball. You can argue morally wrong. But that’s not in the Laws. So goal!.
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Club owners get what they deserve but football fans don’t. What’s happening to Derby County, & others before them, goes way beyond tit-for-tribalism. It’s about the whole game. Football needs all clubs. No set of supporters is immune without a total reset.
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