“We want privacy for this interview,” Phil Neville jokes with Baroness Sue Campbell as he takes his seat in one of the most eastern of Club Wembley’s luxury suites.

The Director of Women’s football has just finished her interview with BCOMS students and up next is the England manager himself, ready to discuss the 2021 UEFA Women’s Euros.

Neville took to the very pitch that lies beneath us for the last time in October 2007, as a 49^th minute substitute in England’s 3-0 victory over Estonia.

The significance of the game? It was a qualifying match for the 2008 Euros.

13 years on, he’s preparing the Lionesses for that same tournament and is aiming to guide them to European glory for the first time in history.

He’s been involved in the coaching set ups of some of the world’s biggest clubs, working at Manchester United and Valencia – but Neville didn’t hesitate to point out his most fulfilling role.

“This one – without a shadow of a doubt,” he firmly responds. “It’s the most rewarding in terms of the impact and the growth in which we’ve seen.

“When I first got the job, I never envisaged to have this kind of attention and exposure for the women’s game.

“You have moments where you just have to pinch yourself about how far we’ve come and we should be proud of the work everybody is doing, from top to bottom.

“When we played a game here there was nearly 80,000, these are special moments that we should relish and enjoy.”

Neville was once an international player looking up to a leader of global repute, enjoying a career that saw him collect ten major trophies, including six Premier League titles.

He is making strides in management now, too, having won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 with England, but it was a certain Scotsman that once taught the England boss to enjoy everything he would go onto achieve.

“That’s the last thing he [Sir Alex Ferguson] used to say to us before we went out to play, is ‘the only thing I want you to do now is to go out and enjoy it,” he continues. “Play as if you were playing in a park with your friends, play with the freedom to express yourself.

“That’s something that I say to my girls [the Lionesses] now and something I try and do myself. I’m at my best when I’m happy and at my best when I’m enjoying it. I think that’s a quality you should have in any walk of life.

“It’s the competing, the hard work and the enjoyment. If you have those three things, then more often than not, you’ll win more than you lose.”

READ MORE: ‘The players love him’: A good manager – but Neville’s big test is as a coach

It was Ferguson that handed Neville his Premier League debut in 1995, at just 18 years of age – and now, as he leads the women’s national team, the England boss has handed 14 players their international debuts since taking charge in January 2018.

The inclusion of Chloe Kelly, Grace Fisk, Lauren Hemp, Ellie Roebuck and Sandy MacIver in the 2020 SheBelieves squad exemplifies the commitment to bedding in young talent.

“That’s exactly why we’re doing it now [including young players] we know that when we get to the Euros these young players are going to be part of the squad, hopefully,” he adds.

“We’ve got some fantastic young players and with young talent, sometimes they need an opportunity.

“If you get that chance then you’ve got to deliver when the moment comes. We’ll give the players a platform to perform and now they’ve got to go out there and deliver.”

Less than 500 days remain until the UEFA Women’s Euros kicks off next summer on July 7, with the opening game set to be played at Old Trafford – a feat that demonstrates just how far the women’s game has come in recent years.

The hope and expectations are that England will be crowned Champions of Europe for the first time at Wembley Stadium on August 1 2021 – but the tournament represents so much more for the women’s game.

“I think in France [at the 2018 World Cup] we got great football, we got great pitches – we probably didn’t always have the best attendances but I think when the Euros come to England our supporters will come out and create something special for every single footballer and supporter that comes to these games and plays a part in it.

“It will be another moment where the women’s game takes another jump forward and England can play a massive part in that.

“And, of course, we want to win.”

Neville and Baroness Campbell may have different job descriptions, but the common vision is crystal clear. Whilst England’s success is paramount, the desire to grow the game and bridge the gap between men’s and women’s football is of equal importance. After all, success breeds further success.

My train pulled out of Harlesden station and Wembley came into clear view in the distance. I looked to the streets below to see young kids playing football, in the shadow of England’s most iconic sporting venue.

Just as those young people may dream of one day walking out onto the Wembley pitch as a professional footballer, it has always been my dream to write about football and cover the sport from the press box.

It was Saturday November 9 and I was about to live out that dream.

As part of my Sports Journalism degree, I’ve had the opportunity to cover football in press boxes for Premier League through to League Two clubs – but always accompanied by another journalist or as part of a university trip.

As the Lionesses were preparing to face Germany in a friendly, in what was shaping up to be a historical fixture in women’s football, I was preparing to reach a milestone of my own and cover a game from the press box completely on my own for the very first time. To say I was nervous would be an understatement.

You could sense the occasion the moment you stepped out of Wembley Park tube station, met by banners boasting the faces of every member of the current Lionesses squad – faces the nation have grown to recognise and admire.

Touts could be heard around the ground, English and German flags were dotted everywhere and young girls had smiles beaming across their faces, excited to watch their heroes play.

Past all the crowds gathering outside the ground, I headed to the media entrance to collect my pass. It was hard not to feel slightly out of place, especially as the group of journalists that cover the women’s game are close and know each other well. I felt like I was a kid again and it was my first day at a new school.

Too nervous to take advantage of the free buffet provided in the press room, I headed straight out to the stands and took in Wembley for the first time, the empty seats soon to be filled by supporters ready to roar the Lionesses on.

The game itself was a disappointing display from Phil Neville’s side, England fell to a 2-1 defeat to Germany, conceding in the 90th minute.

It was a cold November night in London, but it’s easy to forget that you can’t feel your fingers or toes when you’re sat in a press box, covering football at international level and doing what you love.

I was able to challenge myself, I live tweeted the game whilst also writing a match report ready to be sent off on the final whistle, of course the late winner from Klara Buhl made my job a whole lot more difficult, forcing a late rewrite.

READ MORE: Klara Buhl sinks England with a last minute winner

But this was the environment I’d longed to be in for so long, to experience the intensity of the press box on my own, especially covering a match of this magnitude and significance. For the first time, I felt like a proper journalist.

After the post match press conferences had concluded, a few journalists remained in the warmth of the press room, frantically typing away on their laptops – but I headed back out into the stands one last time.

Wembley was now silent, except for the few groundsmen below – I could get used to calling this place ‘the office’.

Bob Paisley made a rare appearance in front of fans after Liverpool had drawn 1-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday May 7 in 1983. This was his last game at Anfield after 9 successful years as manager.

It was a final farewell to supporters who had watched their team secure their fourteenth league title only a few weeks earlier at White Hart Lane, in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur – a match that exemplified Liverpool’s season under Paisley perfectly.

Clinching the title on a day they lost.

Manchester United’s draw against Norwich meant the Merseyside club’s points total could not be matched and despite a poor run of form, they were crowned champions in April.

Paisley’s final campaign in the hot seat was far from vintage, his side lost five of their last seven league games, yet ended the season 11 points clear of second-placed Watford.

It was the summer prior when the Reds boss informed his players that the upcoming season was going to be his last, health problems playing a key part in the difficult decision.

Despite the manager’s impending departure, Liverpool won five of their opening seven league games and went unbeaten – their first defeat came in a 1-0 away loss to Ipswich Town in early October.

READ MORE: The real Bob Paisley and why he would have loved Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool

A slight dip later that month saw them also lose to West Ham United, as well as only manage draws against Manchester United and Stoke City, which allowed Ron Atkinson’s United side to surpass their Merseyside rivals.

But a storming run of form saw them go on a 19 match unbeaten run in the league, running from mid-December through to mid-April.

After returning to the league summit against Brighton at the end of October, the Reds refused to surrender the top spot for the remainder of the campaign, they ended 1982 with a six point lead.

Liverpool’s consistency was unmatched. Paisley’s ethos was simple and his players knew not only their own strengths, but those of their teammates. The incredible partnership between Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish epitomises this, it was almost telepathic at times.

Liverpool may have been formidable in the league, but it was a different story in cup competitions as they failed to lift their fourth European cup under Paisley.

Polish side Widzew Lodz emerged victorious in the home leg of the quarter-final, ensuring a challenging second leg at Anfield for the hosts. The Reds won on the day, but an aggregate score of 4-3 meant Liverpool’s European campaign was ended.

There was also little success in the FA Cup, the one honour that had always evaded Paisley and it was Brighton and Hove Albion that ended his hopes of ever securing the trophy.

The Seagulls ran out 2-1 winners, ending a 63 home cup match undefeated run for Liverpool. Former Red and Scouser, Jimmy Case, scored the winning goal on the day.

Jimmy Melia had also returned to his old stomping ground as caretaker manager of Brighton, knocking his former club out of the competition.

That said, Liverpool did clinch the League Cup (then known as the Milk Cup) at Wembley against Manchester United. Despite going behind, Alan Kennedy equalised for the Reds with 15 minutes to play in normal time and it was Ronnie Whelan who curled a long-range effort into the back of the net eight minutes into extra time.

Captain Graeme Souness urged Paisley to lead the team up Wembley’s 39 steps to collect the trophy, before also beckoning him to join the team’s celebratory photo – a moment he described as one of the proudest in his life.

Liverpool’s late carelessness in the League may have been explained by the sheer points difference, complacency had become a key factor. At the time of their European Cup exit, they were fourteen points clear of Watford and 18 clear of United.

Standards dropping was not something Paisley was ever thrilled by, even with where they stood in the table. A team meeting at a hotel saw him demand far greater intensity from his players heading into the final stages of the season.

Paisley may not have bowed out in style, but six league titles, three European Cups, three League Cups and UEFA Cup in his nine years as the Liverpool boss complete a feat that makes him the most successful manager in English history and he is still celebrated to this day.

A banner with his face is still displayed on the Kop at every home game, every manager since has struggled to match his dominance and success.

Liverpool Women moved out of the relegation zone after overcoming Bristol City 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

A first half goal from Rachel Furness gave the Reds their first league win of the season and elevated them off the bottom of the table, moving ahead of the Robins on goal difference.

Here’s what we learned from this all important result.

Reds need goals, but defensive stability remains key

Liverpool are yet to lose a game by a significant margin this season. Even when they faced the league’s top sides, they were only beaten by one or two goals. 

Their problems have occurred further up the field, with three goals to their name in 11 games.

Furness’ first half strike rounded off a spell of early pressure. Rinsola Babajide nearly put the Reds ahead in the opening few minutes, denied by Sophie Baggaley pushing her effort off the post.

But it was Liverpool’s performance defensively that decided this fixture.

Of course, City had their chances, not least with a second half penalty. Outstanding goalkeeping, well-timed challenges and control from the back ensured Vicky Jepson’s side kept their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Relegation battle remains wide open

Bristol City had the opportunity to move six points clear of Liverpool should they have beaten them at the weekend and it could’ve been a nail in the coffin for the Merseyside club.

A Liverpool triumph, though, keeps the fight for survival wide open with four teams in the conversation.

The Reds have overcome a massive hurdle, but they must start turning performances into results if they’re to maintain their top flight status.

Bristol City, Birmingham City and Brighton and Hove Albion all risk the drop, the Seagulls are only three points clear of the Robins and Liverpool, who both have a game in hand.

City’s signings fared well, but is there more to come?

Bristol City announced three new signings on Saturday afternoon, two of which made their debuts off the bench.

Faye Bryson and Megan Wynne both took to the field after just one training session with their new club.

Speaking most match, Tanya Oxtoby explained she was pleased with their effort and energy, but that she expects the club to make one more signing before the window closes.

She said: “We’ve still hopefully got another one to come in this window, that can add quality in midfield.

“From our perspective it’s very difficult to play the style and brand of football we want to play when we don’t have recognised midfielders at this level.”

A quiet game from Ebony Salmon

One of the Women’s Super League’s breakthrough stars this season, many were expecting Salmon to cause Liverpool a host of problems in this game.

The 18 year old scored the opening goal in the reverse fixture and also netted the winning goal in City’s win over United earlier this month.

She was dangerous and carved a number of opportunities, using her pace down the right flank.

But her threat was sounded out by the Liverpool defence and she was kept quiet across the 90 minutes, having little influence on the game.

Both teams have winnable games up next…

When the WSL returns at the end of the month, both teams avoid the top teams in their next fixtures.

Liverpool will be looking to right the wrongs of their defeat to Birmingham City earlier in the season whilst Bristol City face newly promoted Tottenham, also seeking revenge from the loss of the reverse fixture.

Every game matters going forward, with top flight survival remaining in the balance for two teams fully established in the top division for the last three years.

Date written: January 20th 2020 | University work – News week

Sunday felt like a decisive day in the Women’s Super League fixture calendar with Bristol City hosting Liverpool in an all important bottom of the table clash and Arsenal facing Chelsea in a fight for the title.

The results aren’t necessarily season defining, with plenty of football still left to be played, but they’re likely to have some say in what happens come May.

Arsenal out-gunned by Chelsea

Chelsea punished opponents Arsenal in the London derby, emerging with a 4-1 away win.

Emma Hayes’ side were 3-0 up before half time, with some fantastic goals from Beth England, Sophie Ingle and a first goal for new signing Sam Kerr.

Guro Reiten extended their lead on 68 minutes and Beth Mead’s 74th minute goal proved to be merely a consolation on an embarrassing afternoon for the Gunners.

The win has bridged the gap at the top of the table and has left the race for the title wide open, with only a point separating three of the league’s heavyweights.

Chelsea are now third on 32 points, closing in on Arsenal and Manchester City who are on 33 points.

Liverpool off the mark

Liverpool earned their first league victory of the season after overcoming relegation rivals Bristol City 1-0 at the Stoke Gifford Stadium.

Rachel Furness gave the Reds an early lead, but a fantastic second half penalty save from goalkeeper Anke Preuss ensured they returned to Merseyside with all three points.

This result means Vicky Jepson’s side move ahead of the Robins on goal difference, with both sides on six points.

Manchester United return to form

Katie Zelem was on fire for United in their 3-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The two sides were promoted to the top division last season and Casey Stoney’s side put a disappointing defeat to Bristol behind them to return to winning ways.

It took until the second half, but Zelem was composed from the penalty spot to give the hosts a lead just shy of 70 minutes.

Jess Sigsworth made it 2-0 minutes later and the United captain found the back of the net once again on 87 minutes.

Job done for Manchester City

City travelled to the Midlands to face Birmingham City and an early goal from Ellen White in the first minute led to a routine win for the league leaders.

Keira Walsh fired home the visitors’ second on 65 minutes with a fine finish from the edge of the box.

With Arsenal slipping up in their respective fixture, Nick Cushing’s side now sit top of the table on goal difference, level on points with the Gunners.

Chloe Kelly’s outstanding display for Everton

22 year old Chloe Kelly netted a hat-trick for Everton in their 3-1 home win over Reading.

An early strike was cancelled out just before half time as the Royals drew level from the penalty spot.

But two second half goals from Kelly moved the Toffees up to fifth in the table.

West Ham edge closer to safety

It’s not a conversation the Hammers want to be in, but Sunday’s 2-1 win over Brighton means they move further away from the relegation zone.

Brighton took the lead in the first half, but two late goals from Alisha Lehmann inflicted heartbreak on the Seagulls.

With Liverpool and Bristol City both having a game in hand and Birmingham City with two, Brighton’s three point lead could diminish in the coming weeks.

Date Written: January 20th 2020 | University work – News week

This year’s Ballon d’Or has sparked controversy and debate across the internet as fans reacted to Megan Rapinoe being crowned winner for the women’s prize on Monday night.

She was closely followed by England’s Lucy Bronze and USWNT teammate, Alex Morgan.

Rapinoe is undoubtedly an ambassador for the game, lifting not only herself and her teammates, but encouraging players and women across the world.

Her and Morgan’s inclusion is understandable after the USA lifted their fourth World Cup in the summer and they both ended the tournament as joint top goal-scorer alongside Ellen White.

But, debate surrounds what happened outside the World Cup and the fact she’s played in only six games for Reign FC in the NWSL this year, failing to score or assist throughout the season.

It can be argued Lucy Bronze is a more deserving candidate after reaching the World Cup semi-final with England and playing a key role in her club, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, winning another Champions League trophy and lifting the Division 1 Féminine title for the fourteenth time.

But there are a number of players who have performed consistently throughout the entirety of 2019 as opposed to a one-off tournament, that placed lower than expected (or not at all) in the rankings.

Vivianne Miedema: Arsenal’s goalscoring machine

The Arsenal forward topped the Women’s Super League’s goalscoring charts last season with 22 goals, helping her side win their third league title.

The Gunners currently sit top of the WSL, though Chelsea do have a game in hand, but Miedema has already recorded 10 goals and four assists before the campaign has even reached the halfway point.

The dutch star, of course, receives appreciation from fans and the media in this country as she dominates the English game.

She is also the Netherland’s star player and helped them to the World Cup final, only on an international level is her brilliance overlooked.

Quiet and modest, Miedema doesn’t have the image and popularity boasted by the USWNT captain.

Miedema does her talking solely on the pitch and she’ll continues to prove why she should be regarded as one of, if not the best in the world.

Miedema was only ranked 5th in the standings, behind Ada Hegerberg in fourth.

Sam Kerr: Australia’s finest

Seventh place for a player of Kerr’s quality seems absurd, given she’s played extremely well throughout 2019.

Kerr became the only Australian player, man or woman, to score a hat-trick at the FIFA World Cup when she put four past Jamaica in the Group Stage of the tournament.

The Matildas missed out on a place in the quarter-finals after Norway overcame them on penalties, but the 26-year-old was without a doubt one of the stand-out players of the summer.

At club level, Kerr has scored 19 times in 23 appearances for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, to earn them a second-placed finish in the 2019 season.

She’s set to take the English top flight by storm when she joins Emma Hayes’ Chelsea in January and will be determined to pip title rivals Arsenal to the WSL title.

Julie Ertz: The USWNT actual best player

The immediate names that come to mind when the four-time World Cup winners are mentioned is, of course, Rapinoe and Morgan.

But, social profiles and popularity doesn’t necessarily coincide with technical ability and performances on the pitch.

Julie Ertz isn’t a player in the limelight, but her tenacity and talent highlight exactly why she should’ve made the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

The 27-year-old wasn’t even named in the top 20.

Rose Lavelle, who did in fact make the cut in 8th, can also be hailed as the heartbeat of the US National team – along with Ertz.

Forwards typically get more recognition but the oversight of the midfielder is almost criminal, especially given she captained the Chicago Red Stars to their first ever NWSL final.

She was also instrumental to the USA’s World Cup triumph, but it was Rapinoe and Morgan that took the headlines and that ultimately led to them claiming the individual prizes this year.

Rapinoe may have been the star off the pitch, but it was undoubtedly Ertz that was the star on it.

Date Written: December 5th 2019 | University work – News day

Eight of the ten midweek Premier League games have taken place over the last two days, throwing up some huge results at both ends of the table.

Pressure is mounting on Silva

45 minutes of madness at Anfield saw last night’s Merseyside derby become the highest-scoring since Liverpool’s 7-4 victory over their rivals in 1933.

Divock Origi netted twice with Xherdan Shaqiri and Sadio Mane also contributing to the goals, followed by a late fifth from Georginio Wijnaldum to seal the 5-2 victory for the Reds.

Michael Keane and Richarlison’s first-half strikes became mere consolations, leaving Marco Silva looking deflated on the touchline.

The Everton boss has been under intense pressure in recent weeks with only one win in their last five – a run that sees them slip into the relegation places.

His successor has been discussed widely in the press with David Moyes heavily talked about to take over at Goodison Park.

After sparing his job earlier in the season, a defeat to their fiercest rivals could be the nail in the coffin for Silva as the Everton hierarchy are set to discuss his future at the club.

Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford ends in defeat

It had been a positive start to life at Tottenham for Jose Mourinho in his first management job since he was sacked by Manchester United a year ago.

He’d won his opening three games, beating West Ham, Olympiacos and Bournemouth – but that came to an end last night when his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of his former club.

It was all square at half time after Dele Alli’s superb equaliser cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s sixth minute opener.

But just minutes into the second half Moussa Sissoko brought Rashford down in the box and conceded a penalty, which the 22-year-old calmly slotted past Paulo Gazzaniga.

Mourinho’s successor at United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, had been one of many managers under pressure as his side sit sixth in the league table.

Last night’s victory will have bought him more time heading into the intense winter period and it was a victory that will have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the former Reds boss.

Things look bleak for Watford and Norwich

Last night’s games ended in a loss for both Watford and Norwich as relegation is on the cards for both sides.

Watford have overseen two managerial changes already this season and yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Leicester sees them remain rock bottom of the league table with only eight points and one win to their name.

Jamie Vardy and James Maddison’s goals inflicted yet another defeat on the Hornets and things are only going to become more difficult as they face some tough tests against Liverpool and Manchester United in upcoming weeks.

On the south coast, a huge game in the battle for survival was played out between Norwich and Southampton.

Both sides have been within the conversation of getting relegated across the first few months of the season and last night’s fixture was a must win for both Daniel Farke and Ralph Hasenhüttl.

The Saints were two goals to the good at half time, courtesy of Danny Ings and Ryan Bertrand.

Norwich were handed a lifeline on 65 minutes as Teemu Pukki reduced the deficit, but the Canaries were unable to find an equaliser and it was Southampton that ultimately elevated themselves out of the relegation spots.

Title race taking shape

Liverpool, of course, extended their unbeaten run with their Merseyside Derby victory over Everton.

The Reds sit eight points clear at the top of the table, but with both Leicester and Manchester City winning their respective games it’s shaping up to be an exciting Christmas in the Premier League as the title race will become more intense.

The Foxes are an unlikely inclusion as they’ve remained a comfortable mid-table team over the last few years.

But Brendan Rodgers has injected excitement and consistency into a star-studded squad that are impressing week in week out and they’re now being tipped to be Liverpool’s closest challengers this season.

Manchester City, of course, will always be talked about after winning back-to-back titles and boasting one of the most expensive squads in Europe.

Pep Guardiola has dealt with injuries and set backs in the opening fifteen match days but his side will undoubtedly remain in the conversation for the majority of the season.

A 4-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor ensures the Citizens head into a difficult spell full of confidence as they look to close the gap on their rivals.

Crunch time for Arsenal

Match day 15 will conclude tonight as Sheffield United host Newcastle and Brighton travel to to the Emirates.

Freddie Ljungberg drew his opening game as interim coach at Arsenal in their 2-2 draw at Norwich, but his side will have the chance to leapfrog Crystal Palace, United and Spurs with a win over Brighton.

Mid-table for a club the size and stature of Arsenal isn’t acceptable and that, paired with the toxicity around the team and fans ultimately led to Unai Emery’s sacking a couple of weeks ago.

Ljungberg will be tasked with steadying the ship throughout the busy winter period and ensuring his side remain in touching distance of European places and don’t slip further down the league.

With games against West Ham and Man City on the horizon, beating Brighton at home is crucial for the Gunners as they look to turn their season around.

Date Written: December 5th 2019 | University work – News day

With Liverpool’s contract with New Balance expiring in the summer, the Reds are in line to strike a new kit deal with Nike ahead of the 20/21 season.

There is still the possibility of the club remaining with the Boston-based manufacturers, however, depending on the outcome of the High Court Battle.

But, instead of delving into the legalities of the situation, we’ve decided to look back over the years and highlight Liverpool’s best and worst kits of the Premier League era.

The Best

Goalkeeper Kit 19/20

Now, it might be debatable whether goalkeeper kits should be included in this, but the black and gold strip for this season is impossible to leave out.

Fans responded incredibly well when the kits were announced back in April and this has definitely been a favourite.

Black kits can be difficult to get right, but New Balance hit the jackpot this year.

Home Kit 04/06

This one is definitely memorable, as the kit Liverpool wore when they lifted the Champions League trophy for the fifth time in 2005.

Reebok have been one of the Reds’ better kit manufacturers, with a simple yet stylish design.

Combined with the famous ‘Carlsberg’ sponsorship, this strip is one of Liverpool’s most iconic.

Home Kit 08/10

When anyone thinks of Fernando Torres at Liverpool, they most likely picture him in this kit.

Long sleeves, headband and the small matter of 32 league goals over the two seasons this was the home strip.

Manufactured by Adidas, they more than made up for some horrific designs in the past with this classic.

Home Kit 17/18

This kit had a real retro vibe about it, largely down to the white ‘V’ neck.

Liverpool fans can also associate this kit with the season Mo Salah announced himself on the world stage, netting 32 league goals in a single season and breaking all sorts of records.

Home Kit 19/20

If this turns out to be Liverpool’s final season with New Balance, they really did go out with a bang.

This season’s strips are dedicated to the late Bob Paisley, with each shirt imprinted with his signature.

This kit is based off the 82/83 season, where Paisley led Liverpool to their 13^th league title.

The iconic pinstripes, the round collar and shade of red make for a fantastic design and Liverpool fans will be hopeful this kit is remembered for a victorious season.

The Worst

Away Kit 95/96

Away kits will be a common theme among the worst kits of the Premier League era, starting with the 95/96 away strip.

Green can most definitely be done correctly, take Adidas’ green away kits from 91-95 as examples.

The ‘Adidas’ stripes on the sleeves clash with the green, the boxes of colour look dreadful – along with the Carlsberg logo looking like its’ been pasted on with the white background.

This really is one to forget.

Home Kit 06/08

Another blip in the road for Adidas. This one was awful.

Collars on football kits have to be done right, this one looks scruffy and ruins what could’ve been a very reasonable kit.

This was also the kit Liverpool wore in the 2007 Champions League Final in Athens, that saw AC Milan inflict revenge for their 2005 defeat.

Maybe another reason Reds’ fans would want to forget this one.

Third Kit 08/09

Oh look, another dreadful looking collar and questionable shade of green.

Adidas maybe didn’t quite learn from their mistakes from 06-08, but at least this was a third kit rather than home strip.

Thankfully this wasn’t worn all that often and the home kit at the time more than made up for it.

Third Kit 12/13

When ‘horrible kits’ is mentioned, this one immediately springs to mind.

The 12/13 third kit was a strange one that thankfully only once saw the light of day in the League, although it was part of horrible set of strips that year for Warrior.

Regarded on Merseyside as the ‘wheelie bin kit’ due to bins being purple in Liverpool, this really was one of the worst.

Third Kit 13/14

Another strange combination of colours in a Liverpool third kit, a common theme for Warrior.

The Reds’ 13/14 season was a positive one, a second-placed finish, over 100 goals – but this kit most definitely wasn’t part of that.

There is way too much going on, but at least it can make opponents dizzy, right?

Date Written: October 18th 2019 | Part of university work

In the couple of weeks where Tottenham recorded their first win at their brand new stadium and Real Madrid announced the redevelopment of the Bernabéu, I visited one of England’s most iconic and oldest grounds.

Located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and overlooking the River Thames, Craven Cottage has been home to Fulham Football Club since 1896.

It may not have the largest capacity, the most incredible facilities or even the comfiest of seats, but it definitely has character and that is arguably what is most important.

Tradition and history were the thoughts that came to mind as our coach made it’s way down Finlay Street and as the Johnny Haynes stand came into view.

In a strange but incredible way, it felt like I’d stepped back in time as I took in the old, narrow turnstiles, the archaic architecture and the top of the cottage which has “The Fulham Football Club” written over it.

Inside the ground, it was no different. The concourse was small and dated and I’d imagine it’s extremely cramped on a first team matchday when filled with people – but the atmosphere must be electric.

Unlike most of the ground, the media room is modern and clean, although considerably smaller than most other media and press conference rooms I’ve seen.

The press box itself was pretty large and is situated in the Johnny Haynes stand, known for it’s old-fashioned, traditional wooden seats.

The game soon got underway, Reading’s U23 side putting in a solid performance against a Fulham side determined to prove a point and move higher up the Premier League 2, Division 2 table.

It wasn’t meant to be for Mark Pembridge’s side, however, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat.

Once back in the press conference room, we were joined by 18-year-old Matt O’Riley, who answered some questions about the team’s performance as well as his experience at the club and what he wants to achieve as a player.

Our visit was then concluded with a talk from University of Gloucestershire graduate Adam Micklewright, who went straight into his dream job of academy media officer at the club he’d grown up supporting.

Craven Cottage, personally, reminded me of why I love Anfield so much.

It’s homely, full of character, surrounded by residential areas and in the heart of a community. One that is extremely proud of it’s club and history.

It may not have been the dream season for Fulham and their fans, as they were unable to cement their status as a Premier League side, despite considerable investment.

It may not be the biggest and most impressive stadium London has to offer, but it’s certainly one of the best and one that all football fans should visit, even if it’s just once.

Date Written: April 8th 2019 | Part of university work

Third year Physical Education and Coaching student and fly-half for the University of Gloucestershire’s Rugby team, Gavin Deane, is set to take part in his second Varsity fixture against the University of Worcester next month.

“ I played in my first Varsity game last year,” the 21-year-old said. “It was a good game, played at Sixways in Worcester, which is a Premiership Rugby stadium.

“The atmosphere was electric, it was amazing.”

In preparation for this one-off game, the 30-man squad endure an intense 5-6 week training schedule, which includes a drinking ban.

“There’s been a lot of early morning, but it’s worth it,” Deane said. “You see a lot of the boys come up from the second team and really start to develop.

“As a unit, as a team, we’ve become a lot closer. All the training is really starting to pay off.”

On the drinking ban, Deane commented: “It has been hard, obviously with the Six Nations going on, the nice weather as well.

“Usually you’d go out with the boys, have a beer and watch the rugby. With the drinking ban, we can’t do that.

“But it’s good because we’re constantly switched on, you’re not getting drunk and waking up the next day feeling horrible when you’ve got training.”

The first team have enjoyed a successful season, becoming BUCS Rugby Union Western 1A Champions last month.

But for a lot of the team, including Deane, winning Varsity means that little bit more.

He said: “It means a lot. For me personally, if you get selected, it means you’ve been doing something right throughout the year. You’ve earned the right to get the chance to play in the shirt.

“When we won it last year, for myself, it was a huge sense of achievement because in my first year I was playing in the third team all year.

“To go from that to Varsity, I was really proud of myself.

“For the team, it’s what we work towards all year. It’s always in the back of our minds and it’s an amazing feeling when you win.

“It’s difficult to beat that feeling.”

There was a huge sense of positivity and confidence among the players as they sat down for interviews at the Pre-Varsity Media Day and Deane was no different.

“We’re pretty confident,” he said. “Not complacent, but we’re confident in the structures and the player’s we’ve got that we can go and make it four in a row.

“We’re wary that they (Worcester) will want to win their first Varsity in three years.

“They’ll come with fire in their bellies and passion, so we need to match that and be confident in ourselves.”

Date Written: March 25th 2019 | Part of university assessment