Sir Bobby Robson, 1933-2009

Former Ipswich Town and England manager Sir Bobby Robson has died, aged 76. He passed away this morning after a long and tragic battle with cancer. Everyone at twofootedtackle would like to express our condolences on this immeasurably sad day for English football.

Sir Bobby was knighted in 2002 during his time at Newcastle United. He led Ipswich to UEFA Cup glory in 1981 and also had huge success with PSV Eindhoven, Porto and Barcelona. Between 1982 and 1990 Robson managed England 95 times, taking them to the World Cup semi-final in 1990.

Football is so often about rivalry and tribalism, but when a man like Sir Bobby - a football man through and through - leaves us, mourning is universal. European football has lost a legend.

RIP.

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twofootedtackle podcast is back

It's been a long, long summer. We've been forced to do other things to fill our time between the football seasons. Chris, as you've seen, has been busy creating a blog network. Gary has been spending his time less usefully by growing vegetables and watching cricket. Yes, a sport other than football.

But that's now all out of our systems as we're back to the business that matters, as we're less than 10 days to the new season kickoff.

And with a new season comes the return of the twofootedtackle podcast. We're heading back into the studio next week and we're delighted to welcome back Ollie Irish from the fantastic Who Ate All The Pies.

Ollie will be joining us to talk over all things football including Manchester City's bid for world domination, Newcastle's bid for oblivion, Liverpool fans bid for the club and a full look ahead to the Football League kickoff. Plus there's the usual MLS roundup and we'll all have opinions to voice on David Beckham.

We're also getting a little more interactive this season (well, mildly so) and for the blog post of the week, we'd like your help. Read something you like? Think it deserves to be shared with the world (literally - we have listeners from America to Australia)? Leave the address in the comments below, shout at us on Facebook or email us at twofootedtackle [at] live [dot] co [dot] uk.

Now that we've whetted your appetite, we'll leave you salivating until Wednesday, when the podcast should be available.

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Football 'moments' are sport's most valuable

It may have slipped your notice that today is the 43rd anniversary of England's World Cup win in 1966. To mark the occasion, Panasonic Blu-Ray asked Dr David Lewis (if you work in PR, you'll know who that is) and Mindlab International to come up with a formula which calculates the value of memories. Here it is:

Err...ok. So that's a little difficult for us feeble-brained folk to comprehend, but there was of course a study to go along with it which found that football is more important than any other sport the 1966 win was the most valuable sporting memory (that's £1,249,689 stat fans!), followed by some things that apparently happened in other sports.

Conversely, football occupies the top three spots for "least valuable sporting moments": Hand of God (-£970,970), David Beckham's 1998 sending off against Argentina (-£414,424) and Chris Waddle's penalty miss (-£323,208).

I am considering asking Dr Lewis and Panasonic to calculate the value of Waddle's punditry, but I don't think there is a low enough number.

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Football Americana Week 19

My weekly Major League Soccer round-up is now available at Some People Are On The Pitch.

Check out Football Americana Week 19 for all the Week 19 action.

And it's an early Soccerlens column from me this week, as I wanted to get in before the All-Star game (which Everton won on penalties, by the way).

I've picked the six All-Stars MLS novices should be looking out for, and it seems to have gone down okay.

Introducing MLS All-Stars 2009: Six To Watch

Enjoy.

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twofootedtackle Blog Network

It's time, dear readers - after much a bit of speculation - to reveal today's big news. In truth, it's only really big news for three bloggers and the lawyers of a Major League Soccer rookie.

Nevertheless I am delighted to announce the birth of three new football blogs and the resulting launch of the twofootedtackle Blog Network.

I'm guessing there are some questions being asked at the moment, so here's a bit of an FAQ:

You greedy so-and-so!

Not exactly. The Network is not intended to be a money-making venture in the short or medium term. The idea is simply to create a loose group of affiliated (in the networking sense, not the advertising one) blogs. In essence, I may not know everything about blogging but I feel capable enough to share what I do know to help would-be bloggers get off the ground.

They get a blog built for them (the theme I edit from, by the way, is from Ourblogtemplates), feeds burned, etc. All they need to do is write (for free). I have no editorial power over any of the Network's blogs except this one and another, which I'll come to shortly. But I will try to ensure a certain level of quality.

For the bloggers, it's hopefully going to be beneficial to have my advice on tap. I'm no expert but I have experience.

And what's in it for you?

It's mostly because I want to see more bloggers enter our little football world, but the reason each blog carries our banner is that I also want to use this as a brand-building exercise. This is largely a selfish idea, but I hope it helps the other blogs to develop faster than they would without it.

What does it mean for this blog?

Almost nothing. I'll be blogging here as normal and continuing the podcast and my columns for Soccerlens and Some People Are On The Pitch. The only slight change is that the Network's other bloggers may occasionally be invited to write here - but then I've welcomed guest bloggers all along.

Get to the point. Who are these bloggers?

I'll start with the writer with whom you may not be familiar and welcome Ian Walsh to the network. Ian is a talented young football blogger and is the author of another general football blog, Touchline Views. Read Ian's introductory post here.

Joining Ian is Gary Andrews. Gary is a regular contributor to Soccerlens and, of course, the host of The twofootedtackle Football Podcast. I'm thrilled that Gary has agreed to take up a blog on the Network: our Exeter City fan blog, Happy As Larry. Read Gary's introductory post here.

And finally, I'd like to introduce...well, me. My second blog is something of an experiment and its premise sounds slightly stalkerish, but that really isn't the case. By putting a focus on one player I am using the blog to play around with search engine optimisation and, when he signs for Real Madrid in five years, putting myself in a position to be his biographer. Just kidding.

So I've chosen a player who (a) is at the beginning of his career, (b) has bags of potential, (c) plays for a team I support, (d) has good looks and star quality and (e) doesn't already have a blog about him. Click here to read Chris Pontius Blog. Okay, it's just a DC United blog really, but it's cleverly disguised!

Weirdo. Right, so can I join?

Maybe. Drop me a line at [email protected] and we'll talk. I'm definitely looking to add a couple of blogs to the roster, but I expect quality stuff. If you or anyone you'd recommend might be interested, let me know. It doesn't even need to be about football.

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Video of the Week #11

Mito Hollyhock of the J-League score while opponents, Sagan Tosu, aren't looking. Classy (via Off The Post).

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Big news on its way

Ladies and gentlemen, things are moving on here at twofootedtackle. With a big fat eye on the future, I'm delighted to announce - in true Sky Sports News style - that an announcement is due.

So keep your eyes peeled this Wednesday evening (UK time) for exciting news from twofootedtackle. It won't change your life, but it's something I'm kinda proud of.

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Player leaves Tooting, gets annoyed, joins Tooting

It's known as "Doing An Unsworth", but Allan McLeod appears to have more justification.

McLeod, a full back for Tooting & Mitcham United, took a big step up into the Blue Square Premier when he signed for Grays Athletic earlier in the summer in a bid to prove himself at the highest level in non-league football. Contract signed, McLeod claims that all went quiet.

Rather than just being a fat waste of oxygen like Unsworth, McLeod believes he has been wronged by Grays. Here's what he told the Surrey Comet:

"I went there, I had my discussions with them and I signed a contract and then nothing happened. I need people to be straight with me and Grays were anything but. They really mucked me about so I just went to see the bosses, shook them by the hand and said that is me out of here."

McLeod called Billy Smith, Tooting's charismatic manager, explained the situation and asked about the possibility of returning. While his signing has yet to be confirmed, he did turn out for Terrors on Saturday afternoon in a pre-season friendly at Imperial Fields...against - you guessed it - Grays Athletic.

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Top 5 Premier League transfers so far

The pre-season programme is well underway and the 2009/10 Premier League campaign is fast approaching. In the era of the transfer window, of course, the summer becomes a whirlwind of transfer speculation: the ins, outs, maybes and sagas.

The Premier League clubs haven't done a whole lot of high-profile business yet, bar Manchester City and the odd hard-hitting transfer here and there (like Michael Owen), but a few cunning signings have been made which might just have slipped under the radar. Taking a little from column A and a little from column B, here are my top five Premier League transfers (in) so far:

1. Gareth Barry, Manchester City

Despite the signings of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, the best signing of the summer so far - for Manchester City or anyone else - has been Gareth Barry. As a Villa fan, I hate the greedy twat, but he is a solid if unspectacular player who could well be the steadying influence needed in the Manchester City midfield.

He's the perfect foil for Stephen Ireland, but he has a lot to prove. In a World Cup year Barry will be playing in unfamiliar circumstances for the first time in a decade and will be in the spotlight of a new set of supporters who will soon see the glaring weaknesses in his game. But he's a great player and with the boundless energy of Ireland alongside him could become the first name on Fabio Capello's teamsheet.

2. Michael Owen, Manchester United

Depending on your standpoint, Michael Owen's move to Manchester United is either a clever piece of business or the most bizarre transfer of recent years. Owen has become notoriously prone to serious injury and has lost the pace which made him so dangerous early on in his career, but retains a deadly eye for goal in the penalty area.

Owen would undoubtedly have been a massive gamble for Everton or Villa, the other clubs (reasonably) linked with the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man, who would've required more appearances and more goals than Owen is capable of. But for United it's more a case of picking up a striker in the style of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and eight goals in 20 league games plus a showing in the cups would be a worthwhile return.

3. Kyle Naughton, Tottenham Hotspur

Despite being managed by a massive gobshite, Spurs still pick up a highly-rated young talent every now and again - and not always from Africa. Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton has been hot property in this transfer window and a move to the Premier League became inevitable.

Harry Redknapp snared Naughton's signature despite the attentions of Everton and, reportedly, Villa. And if he gets close to living up to his potential he will be a real bargain for Spurs.

4. Dean Whitehead, Stoke City

Whitehead moved to Stoke from Sunderland for £3m and might well turn out to be a snip. He is a decent enough Premier League midfielder and represents further consolidation by Stoke as they gradually improve their squad. If we assume Stoke's target this season is to finish 14th-17th, players like Whitehead are clever signings.

With the backing of an excellent manager in Tony Pulis and a potentially good partnership to be forged with Matty Etherington, Whitehead will be a key creative member of a midfield capable of supplying the ammunition for resurgent goalscorer James Beattie.

5. Andrew Surman, Wolverhampton Wanderers

This is hardly the most spectacular signing of the summer but for £1.2m Wolves have picked up an absolute bargain. The 22-year-old South African-born midfielder has been capped by England U-21s and has been a bright spot for a Southampton side on a downward spiral.

I know Surman best from his loan spell at AFC Bournemouth, where 6 goals endeared him to supporters with little else to cheer. Is he Premier League quality? We'll see, but I wouldn't be surprised. He's an excellent prospect.

(Pic: Birmingham Post)

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Photo of the Week #10

First Manchester City showed that money can't buy you class, then the fans showed that having super-rich Arabs in charge and throwing money around doesn't make your supporters any good at Photoshop. Funny, though (via Off The Post).

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Pressure mounts on Red Bulls coach Osorio

It's Friday, folks, and that means it's time for another Soccerlens column from yours truly.

Following LA Galaxy's win over New York Red Bulls and my slight obsession with David Beckham over the last fortnight, I decided to let the Galaxy move onto HDC without me and focus on the plight of New York, and the increasing pressure on Juan Carlos Osorio.

Pressure mounts on Red Bulls coach Osorio.

Enjoy, and your comments are always welcome.

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Introducing Socrates...

A little while ago, I was sitting in the pub with my TFT colleague Gary and Terry, Chris and Graham of The Onion Bag, SPAOTP and Fantasy Football Agent fame. We've often talked in the past of the somewhat isolated nature of the footballer blogger, and thought if we joined forces we could get a meetup going.

A few weeks later, Socrates was born. The name was inspired by Tuttle, a social media meetup named after a character in the film Brazil. If social media folk can use a person's name then so can we, and Socrates was the obvious choice.

The idea is a simple one: a meetup for a chat about football and football blogging - nothing more sinister than that.

The inaugural Socrates will be held on September 9th from 7pm at the home of Football3s in Vauxhall, London.

Football3s, by the way, is the sponsor of Socrates, and as well as the venue will kindly be laying on some food and booze. Rock and roll!

If you are a football blogger (or writer, really) and you would like to attend, please email socrates[at]the-onion-bag[dot]com.

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Fantasy Football Fight #10: Carew v Tofting

After a week off, FFF is back - and it's a doozy!

Last week, Cristiano Ronaldo took a beating, losing out to Olof Mellberg who took 81 percent of a staggering 496 votes. I know where that traffic came from, by the way, so much love for that. This week, two hard-as-nails beasts go head to head, face to face and fist to gob: it's John Carew and Stig Tofting.

Please vote for your winner in the poll below, and remember I'd love your suggestions for future match-ups - for example, Karren Brady v Charlie Bronson.

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Gill strikes (hopefully) fatal Game 39 blow

Rejoice, all right-thinking football supporters, for the dreaded Game 39 is dead. Almost.

With Manchester City bidding big money for leading players, Diego Maradona (apparently wrongly) linked with Portsmouth and Harry Redknapp somehow dodging a tapping-up charge, it's nice to see that sometimes football's suits can squeeze a little bit of good sense into their days.

Since the initial furore over Richard Scudamore's disgraceful plan for an overseas 39th round of Premier League games - the dreaded Game 39 - things have calmed down a little, but its lingering presence has been more than a tad worrying. After all, the wishes of supporters are now but a minor inconvenience for football's marketing men.

I'm delighted to report the following quote from Manchester United chief executive David Gill, via our friends (puke) at SKY Sports:

"It is highly unlikely. If you are talking about a 39th game how do you get the symmetry? If it was the 38th whose home game would it be? How do you decide where to play? The domestic competition is the domestic competition. The Premier League is the Premier League in England."

United aren't exactly a pillar of footballing good, but it's heartening to read these comments from an important representative of the club which a) stands to gain most from Game 39 and b) is required most to make it viable.

Playing games abroad for marketing purposes, like it or not, is inevitable. United are in the Far East at the moment, while Chelsea have played games in the United States. Everton will soon face Major League Soccer's All-Stars. The status and prominence of the Premier League is such that this is, quite simply, the reality of the situation. No point spinning wheels.

Furthermore, the Premier League may have overstepped the mark by suggesting an idea which threatened the very integrity of the league system, but ultimately it understandably wants to build on a strong global brand (La Liga's making a play for top spot, but it belongs to the Premier League for now). And the clubs are also rightly interested in constructing their own global fanbases.

As a result, Gill's discussion of mid-season friendlies is worthy. If the clubs with a large number of overseas supporters have a 10 or 14 day break mid-season, it's a reality of 00s Premier League football that friendlies will be arranged. That's mid-season, Manchester City. Not mid-August.

That's modern football, folks. But with any luck Gill's comments on Game 39 will spell the end of the ridiculous idea for good.

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Five bosses who'd be better for Notts County than Sven

"Wanted: Old, yet attractive, football club seeks high profile appointment to realise dreams, ambitions and enjoy good times. Money no object."

And thus, Sven-Goran Eriksson answers Notts County’s plea for a big name appointment as the league’s oldest football club looks for the right man to lead them to, er, League One.

The Magpies are newly flushed with cash after being taken over by Munto Finance, the Middle Eastern consortium, and have clearly decided that Sven, whose last experience of lower league football was when he led Degerfors to the third division title in Sweden, is the man to take them to the promised land.

It’s a bizarre appointment, but, as Barney Ronay in the Guardian points out, one that may just work and McParland and Sven could be a natural fit.

On the other hand, as I’ve already said elsewhere, you don’t need an international class manager to escape from the bottom tier of English football.

Sven is an expensive gamble at this level, and Notts County would be better off taking a slightly less expensive gamble with a more experienced big name or a hungry young manager.

So, if not Sven as Director of Football and Ian McParland as manager, who should Munto have chosen to spearhead the first stage of Notts County’s charge towards the Premier League, via Leagues One, Two and the Championship. Here’s twofootedtackle’s suggestions.

1. Gary Brabin

The much-travelled midfielder recently left Cambridge United after a series of boardroom disputes with perennial manager-sacker and U’s chairman George Rolls. Yet Brabin’s just the type of manager that would fit the bill at County.

He’s only been in the dugout for two years, but in that time he led Southport into the Conference North playoffs at the first time of asking, before moving to Cambridge and came within a whisker of snatching the Conference title from Burton Albion, before losing to Torquay in the playoff final.

Brabin is young and ambitious and has already shown that he can handle stepping up a level. Given a decent budget, the former nightclub bouncer would have the drive to match Munto’s cash.

2. Peter Taylor

The former England caretaker may have tarnished his reputation at Crystal Palace and his Stevenage side choked badly in the playoff run-in two seasons ago. But he bounced back with Wycombe last season, guiding the Chairboys to automatic promotion to League 1.

Taylor also did much to set Hull on their way to their climb to the Premier League and knows the bottom divisions inside out. Wycombe currently have a few boardroom issues and Taylor may be tempted by a crack at guiding County up the leagues.

3. Martin Ling

Currently in the frame for the vacant Cambridge position, Ling managed Leyton Orient for five years. During that time he guided them to promotion from League 2 and did an impressive job keeping the O’s free to relegation on very limited funds.

Most Orient fans felt the former Exeter, Southend and Swindon player had gone as far as he could with the club, but his record at Brisbane Road was impressive.

Ling has also done some scouting for Hibs and has an eye for a good player. Remains to be seen how he’d manage with a larger budget but he’d be a good bet to guide the Magpies to promotion.

4. Sammy McIlroy

The former Manchester United player is one of football’s lower league characters and has created a astonishing sense of togetherness wherever he’s managed.

His achievements on guiding Macclesfield to back-to-back promotions is one of the most impressive feats of management in recent years, and since taking Morecombe into the league, he’s made sure the Shrimps have held their own against bigger teams.

McIlroy may have taken Morecambe as far as they can go and would create a real buzz if he moved to County. And, like Eriksson, he has international experience having done a very creditable three year stint in charge of Northern Ireland.

5. Mark Stimson

The former Newcastle defender's record in non-league speaks for himself. He came so close to leading Grays to league football in their first season in the Conference, and has a promotion and two FA Trophies in the cabinet from his time in Essex.

Stevenage would have surely got promoted had he not jumped ship to Gillingham, where’s he’s had somewhat of a mixed time. Although the Gills were relegated under his watch, he had inherited a mess of a team and bounced back at the first time of asking.

Stimson has an uneasy relationship with the Priestfield crowd and isn’t adverse to jumping to a better offer. With his lower league contacts and drive, he would be a perfect fit for Notts County.

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twofootedtackle Fantasy Football 2009/10

It's that time of year again! Football geeks across the globe are starting to put together their fantasy football teams for the coming season and rejoicing at the fact that the whole thing will be interesting again now that Cristiano Ronaldo has gone.

Firstly, I'd like to plug two of the leagues I'll be playing in this season (both on the Premier League's excellent free platform), The Ugly Premiership and SPAOTP.com League.

I'd considered not running a league and sending my readers there instead, but I figure the blog is now big enough to run its own league, what with it being free and all. So I hereby invite you all to join twofootedtackle Fantasy Football 2009/10.

Obviously I can't give out any prizes because I don't currently take advertising (so I'm skint) but it should be a laugh. You can join using the code 23074-88476.

See you there.

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Football Americana Week 18

My weekly Major League Soccer round-up is now available at Some People Are On The Pitch.

Check out Football Americana Week 18 for all the Week 18 action.

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FA Video: Whatever Your Level

The FA has launched a campaign to encourage players to continue their participation in football regardless of the level at which they play. A particular watershed is 16-18 years old, an age band which has a huge drop-off rate. Having quit football at 17, I can confirm that it's a crossroads for youngsters.

I had my first proper girlfriend and a taste for beer, and decided on a rainy afternoon 50 miles from home (on the bench) that I'd rather be spending my time with them.

The benefits of playing football are obvious: it keeps you fit, off the streets and in a social environment which combines banter and competition. It's healthy.

It's difficult to predict how successful the campaign will be, but ultimately it's about awareness that football can be a thrilling business no matter where you play. Scoring a goal gives you the same buzz on Hackney Marshes - where the action was filmed - as anywhere else.

Nice work from The FA. See anyone you recognise?

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Video of the Week #10

The last post for a while about David Beckham, I promise. But there really is sod all else going on, and this is hysterical (via Off The Post).

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Photo of the Week #9

David Beckham returns to LA Galaxy, and faces a hostile reception in his first game - a friendly against AC Milan (Getty/BBC).

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Chris on OGN Minute+5

It's been a long time coming due to a combination of lack of Skype, holidaying in Devon and me being a bit difficult to pin down, but you can now finally hear my short interview with Kevin from the Own Goal Network on its Minute+5 podcast.

Michael Owen to Man United?

Check it out. It's not out of date (transfer had been done by the time we recorded) and with Michael Owen scoring for Manchester United today it's newsworthy again. Sort of. Many thanks to Kevin for getting in touch.

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Why David Beckham will be good for Major League Soccer

Greetings from not-so-sunny North Devon, where a lovely week with my good lady in an apartment with a staggering view over Westward Ho! beach has been soured by weather wetter than paper shoes in the gents at the old Wembley.

My only contacts with football have been a sly eye over the transfer of Stewart Downing to Villa, occasionally seething at the image of Harry f*cking Redknapp and - like many observers of Major League Soccer - reading Grant Wahl's book The Beckham Experiment from cover to cover. Well worth it for anyone interested in the American game, it's fantastic.

Anyway, by way of a review my Soccerlens column this week was Beckham-centric. So, now he's returned to the scene of such uneasiness, check out my article:

Why David Beckham will be good for Major League Soccer

Enjoy - I enjoyed writing it immensely.

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Introducing Global Futbol Initiative

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed a linked logo over there on the left between Drew Carey and the FSF banner. That logo belongs to Global Futbol Initiative (GFI), a charity which got in touch with me a couple of months ago. You'll like.

The premise is a simple one: to donate footballs to children living in poverty all over the world. I can relate to GFI's approach because I believe that football is a great bringer of joy, and although these are areas with bigger concerns, every kid whose life is improved even a little by a football is a small victory over adversity.

Here's GFI's objective (and here's their website):

"We believe that futbol is more than just a sport. It is an international language, a universally shared passion, and a component of character development. We firmly believe that promoting and nurturing the sport can lead to positive advancements and create meaningful connections that will help make the world a more peaceful and reciprocal place."

Through a network of volunteers, GFI is currently working in Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palestine, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad, and Zambia. Its target is to have a presence in every impoverished region by the 2014 World Cup.

The charity is expanding and developing, so if you are looking to make a charitable donation this summer please consider this one. Help football bring happiness to the kids who need it most.

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Video of the Week #10

If you haven't seen this yet, it's about time you did. Sepp Blatter...well, I'll let you watch it (The Spoiler).

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MLS Cup v Supporters' Shield

My weekly Major League Soccer column at Soccerlens is now available. This week, I look at the pros and cons of the playoff system and ask whether the Supporters' Shield will one day be more important than MLS Cup.

Swing on over and have your say: MLS Supporters’ Shield: the real glory?

For the next eight days I'll be on holiday. I'll still be putting up a few posts, but I won't be particularly easy to contact. Enjoy your break.

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Fantasy Football Fight #9: Ronaldo v Mellberg

How could I pitch footballers against one another in a fantastical fight club without ensuring that C-Ron gets a booting? This week is the moment.

Last week, Paolo Maldini destroyed fellow retiree Pavel Nedved with a huge 79% of the vote. This time around, smug twat Cristiano Ronaldo faces a challenge once unwisely met by Seattle Sounders midfielder Freddie Ljungberg: King Olof.

Please vote for your winner in the poll below, and remember I'd love your suggestions for future match-ups - for example, Karren Brady v Mike Tyson.

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Football Americana Week 16

My weekly Major League Soccer round-up is now available at Some People Are On The Pitch.

Check out Football Americana Week 16 for all the Week 16 action, including a productive week for FC Dallas.

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twofootedtackle Update

It's an exciting time for me at the moment. This blog is slowly growing and taking up more and more of my time. It's recently afforded me the opportunity to take up weekly Major League Soccer columns on Some People Are On The Pitch and Soccerlens, and Gary and I are starting to get invited onto podcasts and the like.

But none of that even compares to the thrill of now having a twofootedtackle messageboard! No doubt it'll be a little quiet because we're already on Twitter and Facebook, but it's surrounded by a whole bunch of other boards which will be ideal for fans of American football. There are English football boards too, and the twofootedtackle board will be the same as the blog: a mixed bag.

I'd like to extend my thanks to Scott, Zach and Sandra, the Winning Ugly Radio crew for giving me my own little corner of their experiment.

A couple of people have asked about the podcast. The twofootedtackle Football Podcast will be offending your eardrums on a weekly basis from 5th August, just in time to preview the start of the Football League season. We're as yet undecided as to whether we'll squeeze in a show before then - but we'll try.

Finally, if you're a big YouTuber, you can now follow our Videos of the Week - and a few other funnies - on our YouTube channel.

Elsewhere, a big shout out and a bit of linky love for Who Ate All The Pies, now sporting a brand spanking new look. Pies is back, yo.

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Video of the Week #9

David Mitchell and Robert Webb, of Peep Show and That Mitchell & Webb Look fame, send up the plastic, part-time football supporter. I have to suffer these bastards all the time, and this sketch nails it. If you only watch football in May, you're no football fan.

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Nike uses Photoshop to improve Almunia

Picked up from VillaTalk.com's thread on next season's new kits, here's how to improve a goalkeeper using a simple graphic design package.

Nike's marketing materials for some of their partner clubs has involved Photoshopping new kits over old and making shots look more dramatic. Having seen it done for Villa, I rather like the approach.

But there's something else that's been changed in their shot of Manuel Almunia in Arsenal's new clobber. Spot the difference.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

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Photo of the Week #8

Real Madrid unveil Kaka as their new number 8 (Telegraph.co.uk).

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Hannover 96 kit 2009/10

Here at twofootedtackle we've been lucky enough to get an early heads-up from Under Armour when they've got something shiny to look at. This time round, it's the new Hannover 96 kit, launched this week.

Here's a selection of shots from the launch (home kit is the red one), including an arty shot of Hannover forward Mike Hanke, a popular bod over at Under Armour, which I kinda like for no apparent reason.

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Take the FSF National Supporters' Survey

On Friday's I usually post just to pimp out my Soccerlens column (this week being a look at DC United's rookies), but I want to tell you about the Football Supporters' Federation National Supporters' Survey 2009.

As a member of the FSF, I'd really like you to complete the survey. It only takes five minutes, and covers some of the most important issues facing football fans in England and Wales. If you care (either way) about standing, policing, ticket prices and...well, standing...then you need to have your say.

If you can, give the FSF a boost too. Write about it on your blog, tell your friends and stick it out on Twitter. Cheers.

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Fantasy Football Fight #8: Maldini v Nedved

Italian football lost a couple of legends this summer with the retirement of Paolo Maldini, my second favourite non-Villa player of all time, and Pavel Nedved. What better way to pay tribute to departing idols than to have a vote on which one would triumph if we got them to kick the shit out of each other?

Last week, Edwin van der Sar and Peter Crouch battled out a stalemate. Unconfirmed reports suggest Crouchinho downed his foe with a spiderish bicycle kick to the chops after the bell.

So it's Milan v Juve, Italy v Czech Republic, brunette v blonde. Let's get ready to rumble.

Please vote for your winner in the poll below, and remember I'd love your suggestions for future match-ups - for example, Karren Brady v Zodiac.

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Ronaldo joins Real Madrid

And in a flash, he's gone. One year after Manchester United and Real Madrid agreed a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo, the £80m move is finally complete.

Few outside Salford-on-Thames will be sad to see him go.

What do we lose?

A significant proportion of football fans in England want the Premier League to be home to the world's best players, and in losing Ronaldo that is certainly undermined. At times he was a joy to watch - gliding through defences like they weren't there, scoring spectacular goals and occasionally delighting us with a bit of showboating.

But it wasn't until he added an end product to his game that Ronaldo became the player he is today. His incredible scoring record over the last two seasons speaks for itself, and if he can continue that form in Madrid than Real will at least have been justified in spending a fraction of that ludicrous transfer fee.

I don't buy into "The Best League In The World" status. I value factors like competition and integrity above simply paying top dollar for the world's biggest stars. However, if such a status has any meaning at all, the Premier League has now lost any claim it had. Think on this: Ronaldo, Leo Messi, Kaka, Xavi and Andres Iniesta now all play in Spain.

Why I'm pleased

None of this will be new or unique, but I am delighted to see the back of Ronaldo. I genuinely think we're better off without him.

Ronaldo is rightly disliked by a huge number of English football supporters. His cheating, diving and petulance won't be missed. He has also developed a knack of talking to referees throughout the game in an effort to influence decision-making, a trait I hate more than anything else in football. That's why I despise John Terry so much.

C-Ron's arrogant streak is what makes him a great player but also makes him a complete bell-end. He also, in my opinion, badly disrespected Manchester United on a number of occasions, though their fans won't agree with me on that. Furthermore, if I crashed my Ferrari, I'd get locked up.

So cheerio, Ronaldo. The bad memories far outweigh the good ones.

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Football Americana Week 15

My weekly Major League Soccer round-up is now available at Some People Are On The Pitch.

Check out Football Americana Week 15 for all the Week 15 action.

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