Top 100 Football Blogs of the Year

Many thanks to James Dart of the  Guardian for including Football on the Wire as one of the top 100 football blogs to follow in 2011. 

"Token references of one of the Guardian's favourite TV programmes may seem why this makes the cut, but the graphics, such as this, help to make it stand out."

A lovely way to start to 2011 for Football on the Wire. May I wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year.

The Professor of Science

Below is my visual tribute to Arsene Wenger's fourteen full seasons managing the Arsenal, using the periodic table as the framework. It includes every player with appearances and goals. If you like it, the print is available as a limited edition print from onasixpence.bigcartel.com 
Your name can be added to the the top right cell. A lovely present!

Maradona turns out for Spurs

In 1986, Maradona agreed to play in Osvaldo Ardilles's testimonial game at White Hart Lane, for Tottenham against Inter Milan. I was one of over 40,000 who attended. I can remember Maradona's warm up as he kept the ball in the air with ease and his amazing overhead crosses from the corner flag.  Top class. Thanks to the Footballer Blog for spotting the video on youtube. I cannot believe it has been over 24 years. Where have all the years gone?

On a Six Pence

A range of my limited edition gilcee prints, focused on the beautiful game, are now available on onasixpence.bigcartel.com.

They include 'Iniesta Fiesta', my take on world cup wallcharts.  The design includes the results and important statistics of every game, my judgement on the quality of each game and a headline pun. I have created two versions - a bright version and a slightly more subtle design. 

   

I have also added my tributes to Everton Football Clubs 107 full seasons in the top English Division and Arsene Wenger's 14 full Seasons managing the Arsenal. The Everton design can be seen below. Let me know what you think. 

Stringer Strings Us Along

Idris Elba, who plays Stringer Bell in  The Wire, gave Football Focus his score predictions ahead of this weekend's Premier League fixtures. His predictions are nearly as bad as mine.

Not Kamara Shy

The Kansas City Wizards forward, Kei Kamara, shows in the clip below why I love football. Of course, it can be a thing of beauty but, more often than not, it's just a good laugh. I used to play with a forward who made missing open goals an art form. I am glad there are professionals who are maintaining these high standards.

What I Now Know about Football Radio Punters

There is no one better than Jimmy Armfield. The Blackpool legend is an outstanding commentator. He is fair, astute and always worth a listen. His analysis of the game or a player is always fair and intelligent. Mr. Armfield does not believe every player is a superstar.