0 Have your say The most surprising thing to emerge from Saturday was not that Sheffield United ended the day as Championship leaders. But the fact that Blades captain Billy Sharp – a striker who has netted over 200 goals in his career – ended a 10-year wait for a hat-trick.The 32-year-old has made a career out of being a goal-poacher at the likes of Scunthorpe United, Doncaster Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, but before Saturday’s 4-2 win over Wigan, Sharp’s last hat-trick came in 2008 for the Blades against Queens Park Rangers.“QPR here when I was 22, that was my last hat-trick, in 2008,” Sharp told The Yorkshire Post after his three goals secured the win that took the Blades back to the Championship summit. “I’ve had a few chances since, a few braces, but fortunately I got it out there.“The win is the most important thing, the hat-trick was a bonus.”Since 2008, Sharp has played for five … [Read more...] about Sheffield United 4 Wigan Athletic 2: It’s well worth the wait as Billy Sharp’s hat-trick sends Blades to the top
Some things are worth the wait
Keita was worth the wait
Keita worth the wait Almost 12 months have passed since Naby Keita agreed a move to Liverpool, a time during which hype and anticipation among supporters grew to almost unprecedented levels. So when the Guinea international finally stepped out at Anfield for his competitive debut, expectation weighed heavily on his shoulders. Has Keita been worth the wait? On this initial evidence, the answer is most certainly in the affirmative. Having caused a stir with some early performances in pre-season, a neck injury had the welcome effect of shifting the spotlight away from the former RB Leipzig man. Here, though, he was centre stage. And how. This was the reason Jurgen Klopp was willing to sanction a £52.5million deal and then wait a year. Read More Liverpool 4-0 West Ham Keita's dynamism has already brought something different to Liverpool's midfield, along with his willingness to run at the opposing defence from deep. Such a burst paved the way for Liverpool 's opener while close … [Read more...] about Keita was worth the wait
Are the French really obsessed about the rules of etiquette and ‘la politesse’?
When you first come to France, being faced with a whole set of unspoken rules about how (and how not) to speak, greet people and even cut cheese can be a bit daunting. From the traditional greeting kiss to the use of vous over tu, the question of where to put your bread when you're eating, or how to greet shop workers, there are potential slip ups where ever you look. Part of the problem is that English is a more informal language, both spoken and written and the social culture in English-speaking countries is a lot more flexible and less rigid. Hence why so many foreigners commit faux pas in France and why there's so much talk (and so many books) about French etiquette and politeness (la politisse). But if you're unfamiliar with local Gallic customs, it's important not to worry too much, times have changed and things are more laid-back in France than they used to be, especially among the younger generations. Plus, if you're foreign, you'll be forgiven for committing a faux pas or … [Read more...] about Are the French really obsessed about the rules of etiquette and ‘la politesse’?
Stoke transfer news: Rowett frustrated by wait – but targets will be worth it
Gary Rowett admits Stoke City are having their patience tested as they wait for doors to open to complete transfers. Rowett was quick to bring in Etebo and Benik Afobe and Adam Federici arrived last week but he still has a lot to tick off before deadline day. Stoke are keen on James McClean but it is believed West Brom want to line up a replacement before letting him leave – and are in no mood to do any rival a favour. They also want Matt Ritchie from Newcastle but in that case a chain is holding up proceedings. “I think what’s frustrating at this point is that we’ve been edging nearer for two weeks and then every day it feels like another day when it hasn’t happened,” said Rowett in an interview for the Stoke website. “Actually in a lot of the cases with the players we’re looking at it’s not necessarily that we don’t want or aren’t capable of doing a deal… it’s the fact that circumstances dictate the … [Read more...] about Stoke transfer news: Rowett frustrated by wait – but targets will be worth it
Is going to a big concert in Ireland worth the effort and expense anymore?
Such irks have nothing to do with the quality of shows that artists like Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, or Taylor Swift give their fans, the spectacle, the atmosphere, the experience – you can’t beat a live stadium gig from an artist at the top of their game. Michael Bublé plays Croker tonight and the man is a remedy for modern times, “I’m going to come back to a world that needs love and romance and laughter more than it has in a long time,” he told Irish media on Friday. “I’m going to be a conduit for that I hope, not that I can fix things [but] if I can be a little band aid, just to be part of the healing process.” You can’t argue with that. Everyone who leaves Croker after his gig tonight will undoubtedly feel the show was more than worth their time an effort. However, even the most scintillating of shows can be tarnished somewhat by the other issues that sometimes emerge in the wake of big … [Read more...] about Is going to a big concert in Ireland worth the effort and expense anymore?