Manchester United's Paul Pogba is one of the best midfielders in world football. The Frenchman has outstanding technical skill, incredible vision and strong physical attributes, making him one of the most complete footballers in the game. However, he wasn't always as good as he is today. In fact, he left United for Juventus in 2012 due to a lack of regular game time at the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson deeming him not ready to be a regular starter. So, how much has Pogba improved over the years? We've taken a look back at his old FIFA Ultimate Team ratings to find out. Paul Pogba in FIFA 12 Ultimate Team Pogba was actually added to FIFA Ultimate Team way back in FIFA 12, but he wasn't very good at that time, so much so that he was actually given a bronze card. His 55 overall rating made him completely unusable, as did his attributes. He had just 34 shooting, 38 dribbling and 46 passing, which is incredible, even back then. His 55 overall rating only made him as good as former Crewe … [Read more...] about The extraordinary rise of Manchester United’s Paul Pogba
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Paul Whitington’s top 20 movies and TV shows this Christmas
TV showsDecember 22 Watership Down BBC1, 7pm Many a 1970s child was traumatised by the sometimes gruesome plot of Richard Adams’ bestselling novel, but this new two-part animated adaptation handles the story sensitively. A group of rabbits begin the long search for a new home when their warren is destroyed by builders. With the voices of Sir Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton. December 23 The Greatest Show That Never Was RTÉ One, 6.30pm Nothing says Christmas quite like a pantomime and in this brand new one, Digger from RTEjr’s Dig in Diner must pull out all the stops to put on a show for his friends, while the villainous Storm Karl is determined to put a stop to it. Recorded in front of a lively audience at the Tommy Leddy Theatre in Drogheda. Béarín Beag Buí RTÉ2, 6.45am This charming little film from Puca Puppets is aimed at younger children who might be finding it hard to sleep at this most exciting time of the year. Using rod, string and shadow … [Read more...] about Paul Whitington’s top 20 movies and TV shows this Christmas
Mckeown and Murphy canter to Hooky seconds
Thirty Spa Striders got into the festive spirit in the muddy, hilly Hooky Christmas Canter. Each Strider was tasked with coming up with a fancy dress costume that represented a Christmas song. Despite the fancy dress, Chris Mckeown finished in second place in a time of 45:01 over the seven-mile course. Mckeown was closely followed by Ian Allen (4th in 47:35) and Tim Beresford (7th in 48:31). Completing the men’s contingent were David Mills (51:18), Rich Sykes (53:12), David Chantrey (53:45), Ben Cohen (59:57), Simon Reiter (60:40), Matt Leydon (61:33), James Robbins (71:42), Doug Rattray (72:43), Martin Osicka (76:33) and Pete Teevan (84:29).Witney Road Runners’ Sam Upton won the race in 44:04In the ladies’ race, Claire Murphy just missed out on top spot, finishing second lady in 54:02, seven seconds behind Laura Leach (Eynsham Road Runners). Anne Hurrell continued her impressive to form to finish fifth lady in 58:21, closely followed by Dawn Clark (59:48). … [Read more...] about Mckeown and Murphy canter to Hooky seconds
Geordan Murphy backed to revive Leicester in face of ‘brutal’ criticism of team
Geordan Murphy is “absolutely” the man to give Leicester Tigers back their roar, chairman Peter Tom claimed last night. Murphy was upgraded from caretaker to permanent boss on Tuesday despite England’s biggest rugby club losing eight games in a row on his watch. It is Leicester’s worst run for 43 years and Tom spent much of yesterday replying to letters from angry fans. “Many of our fans have been fairly critical to say the least,” he said. “That’s understandable, given our predicament, but it is brutal at that moment. “Some of them make it a bit personal about the players which is not particularly pleasant as nobody goes out of their way to play badly. “But they care passionately and if we’re not going well it goes with the territory that they have every right to complain.” Tigers have often been referred to as the Manchester United of rugby and it certainly looks that way at the moment. Yet Tom insists Murphy is … [Read more...] about Geordan Murphy backed to revive Leicester in face of ‘brutal’ criticism of team
Mattie Murphy: ‘Croke Park have to take some blame’ amid Galway financial controversy
Galway’s six-time All-Ireland minor hurling manager Mattie Murphy believes Croke Park have to take their share of the blame for the financial controversy that has rocked the county.Murphy believes the GAA’s insistence that Galway amalgamate their football and hurling boards in 2012 created a leadership deficit in the county.While the two codes still have boards, their powers were diminished to organising fixtures and fundraising.After Central Council took over the loan from Galway for their aborted plan to develop a hurling centre of excellence in Mountain South outside Athenry, Croke Park ordered Galway to restructure their administration structures.And Murphy believes this move lead to a worrying leadership vacuum in the county.“Did Croke Park bring this down on their own heads because there was a situation, in that for many years, Galway were unique and the hurling board ran the hurling and the football board ran the football and the county board were … [Read more...] about Mattie Murphy: ‘Croke Park have to take some blame’ amid Galway financial controversy