Michael James

Michael James

Stadium Guide to West London Clubs: Chelsea, QPR and Fulham

Stadium Guide to West London Clubs: Chelsea, QPR and Fulham
By Michael James on May 18, 2012

(Author’s Note: This is the first of a four-part series highlighting the major football stadiums in London, as well as their surrounding environs. Today’s feature is on grounds in West London, with pieces on North, South, and East London still …

Why Goal Difference Is Not the Best Tiebreaker for the Premier League Table

Why Goal Difference Is Not the Best Tiebreaker for the Premier League Table
By Michael James on May 14, 2012

Caught your breath yet from Sunday’s Premier League season finale excitement? What a way to end the 2011-12 season. After 38 games, the table doesn’t lie, or so says the time-honored cliché, and Manchester City is deserving champions. With that …

What It’s Like To Experience English Football Games In Person

What It’s Like To Experience English Football Games In Person
By Michael James on December 8, 2011

As a 22-year-old American postgraduate student at the University of Reading, I’m in heaven. Let me explain. Like an already massive and ever-growing number of American kids, I grew up playing soccer, and continued playing until I went to college. …

No Excuse for Attack of Manchester United Team Bus

By Michael James on September 22, 2008

Shortly after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea yesterday, their team bus was attacked by an as-of-yet unknown assailant, who cracked the bus’ front windshield (as pictured here) with a thrown bottle. No one was hurt, and United continued their …

Two Academy Subs Would Be a Mistake

By Michael James on September 17, 2008

According to an article on ESPNsoccernet, the Premier League will explore the possibility of implementing a rule that would require its 20 member teams to include at least two academy graduates from that particular club in the seven available substitutes …

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Has Retired

By Michael James on September 16, 2008

The Premiership’s 8th-leading goalscorer of all time, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, retired today, and I’m amazed at how quietly the whole thing has gone down. The Dutchman is one of two players never to have played in the Eredivisie and still …

Mike Ashley Got the Message

By Michael James on September 14, 2008

After a week of protest and criticism from fans and neutrals alike, myself included, current Newcastle owner Mike Ashley finally got the message: he’s not wanted anymore. Here’s the complete transcript of the statement he made earlier today: “I have enjoyed …