Southend United are embroiled in a relegation scrap at the foot of League One. With five games remaining, they have it all to do following a second half capitulation away at Leeds United at the weekend.

Jimmy Bullard, where do you start? On and off-field prankster, dead-ball specialist, golden-locked Soccer AM favourite, the likable Eastender has won countless plaudits for his care-free attitude to the game.

The final day of the Barclays Premier League season saw Newcastle United and Middlesbrough join West Bromwich Albion in the second tier of English Football. Sunderland and Hull City narrowly avoided such fates and will now hope to build on retaining their top flight statuses. Relegation from the Premier League has never guaranteed an immediate [...]

Earning your respect

While the boos rang around Wembley Stadium back in the autumn, one could be forgiven for believing they were being directed at a team who had been struggling against a Kazakhstan side placed 131th in the world. As it was, the jeers were reserved for a solitary figure. Right or wrong, Ashley Cole was singled out amongst a squad of players that increasingly look detached from reality and from the public who continuously inject their hard-earned cash into the game. A right to boo? You bet they do.

Good afternoon, and greetings from Vietnam. Despite this nation not being renowned for its footballing excellence, the natives have adopted the Premier League as their very own. In fact, the same could be said of several other countries in South-East Asia I have encountered in the past three weeks. They live, breathe and sleep football. No exaggeration. Walking along Nha Trang’s main high street today I was regularly stopped and informed that Tim Cahill, whose name proudly adorns my back, is the best player in the world AND that Everton are the best team in England. Now although you would be hard pressed arguing for either cause, they did an excellent job attracting me into their respective bars and restaurants.

How the True Spark of the FA Cup Remains

14th April, 1999 – perhaps not a date that immediately triggers a response. If I were to say it was the date a flying Welshman picked up on a misplaced pass from one of France’s greatest centre midfield players of the modern day, it will certainly reawaken the memory. Ryan Giggs’ trickery, balance, composure and his venomous left footed drive that bedazzled the watching millions, let alone the majority of the Arsenal team, helped United on the way to an unprecedented treble. The greatest FA Cup goal of all time? That is open to some debate. What is without question is that ever since this moment of wizardry, the cup seems to have lost its edge…until now.

Brand Beckham rolls into Milan

This weekend, David Beckham was unveiled as an AC Milan player during the Rossoneri’s 5-1 home victory over Udinese. While it is yet another example of Brand Beckham embarking on a new project, as the boy from Leytonstone further cements his status as a global icon, the move is essential for Beckham the player. The star will be looking to regain his match-fitness and prove to Fabio Capello he is worthy of a place in the next England squad for the qualifier against Ukraine. If selected, he will pick up his 108th cap and in doing so equal Bobby Moore’s outfield record.