They don't hit 'em like this anymore...

Because it's not allowed...

Posted by: Lex

It's the big one: Hull v Fulham...

Premier League first day fixtures - Saturday, 16 August
Arsenal v West Brom
Aston Villa v Man City
Bolton v Stoke
Chelsea v Portsmouth
Everton v Blackburn
Hull v Fulham
Man Utd v Newcastle
Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Sunderland v Liverpool
West Ham v Wigan

Posted by: Lex

Friend of Catflap Chappers and his Euro 2008 podcasts...

If you fancy listening to Chappers without the disadvantage of having to listen to Scott Mills too, then his Euro 2008 podcast for the New Football Pools is just the ticket.

Every few days throughout the tournament Chappers and the team, including Graham Poll, Rob Lee and Phil Cornwell, bring you the latest round ups and reviews on the Euro Championships in Switzerland and Austria.

To listen to the podcasts, click here...

Posted by: Lex

Check out the strings on our bow, it's KO! Magazine...

More fun filled ezine frolics from us chaps here at Made Up Media, it's KO! Magazine - the King of Shaves ezine.

Mr. King himself, we get to call him Will, said this of his new ezine:
 
"We've designed KO! to complement the launch of our new King of Blades system razor. We were kicking around ideas how to tell the world about our new razor - one that 'shaves closer, lasts longer and costs less' - and didn't think a print ad or TV commercial would get across why we've developed it, what makes it different, and why it works.
 
So, our friends at Made Up Media said 'Let's produce an online magazine that talks about all things King including the new razor, but a lot more.' And in the process, dispel a few myths, right a few wrongs and tell a few jokes. Maybe some interviews (see my first one with Anna Fowler) and deliver to guys in the know something more than just a razor, but a bit of fun too."

So if you like the cut of Will's jib, or if you've spent the day caressing your face that has more cuts than a take with Will Mellor, then check out KO! to find out how to reduce shaving rash and the like. Or just to see Anna Fowler again...

Read the mag here...

Posted by: Lex

Ah, Zizou, how you will be missed...

Posted by: Lex

They love a good argument those Dutch...

Group C
Holland


Odds to win: 14/1
Previous best: Champions in 1988
Gaffer's pedigree: In a continuing theme about managers' hair, we notice that Marco’s gone for a military crew cut. Which has obviously offended Clarence Seedorf and Mark van Bommel, who have refused to play for him. Which is just so Dutch.
He might do alright: If Robin van Persie stays fit throughout, his left boot could well light up the tournament. Not literally, there are floodlights for that sort of thing.
How did he get in? Wigan’s Mario Melchiot, Blackburn’s Andre Ooijer, Chelsea’s Khalid Boulahrouz. And you wonder why we’ve tipped them to finish bottom.
Stick your money on: More feuds to split the camp. Seedorf and van Bommel may be gone, but there’s still Van Nistelrooy, and he loves a good verbal scrap.
Wag Watch: Rafael van der Vaart is not one for in-fighting. Probably because he comes home to his gorgeous wife Sylvie every night. The swine.
If they were a celeb: Dale Winton. Orange.
Obligatory translation feature: “Laat ons kalme beneden en spreek rationeel het door” (“Let’s calm down and talk it through rationally”)
Prediction: Bottom in their group following a stormy tournament.

Posted by: Lex

Revenge is on the cards...

World Cup winners up for the double...

Group C
Italy


Odds to win: 13/2
Previous best: Champions in 1968
Gaffer's pedigree: Roberto Donadoni is the coolest customer in the Euros, which makes up for his lack of managerial experience.
He might do alright: Fabio Quagliarella. Chappers told us he was half decent, and he should know. Assuming he watches Serie A and doesn’t simply gawp at Laura Esposto anyway.
How did he get in? Constant cry baby Antonio Cassano was this season suspended for five games for threatening to fight the ref. He also cried after being sent off for dissent. Liability is his middle name. Not very Italian is it?
Stick your money on: Luca Toni doing that weird hand thing when he scores. Is he phoning someone? Or just itching his head?
Wag Watch: The delectable TV presenter Alena Seredova keeps ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon warm at night. See her here.
If they were a celeb: Gordon Ramsey. Use their hands way too much.
Obligatory translation feature: “Veramente gloriosaente decisione riferimento” (“Truly splendid decision referee”)
Prediction: They’ll top their group, but lose to France in the semis.

Posted by: Lex

Mutu's in with a sniff...

Group C
Romania


Odds to win: 40/1
Previous best: Quarter-finals in 2000
Gaffer's pedigree: They call him Victor Piturca, and he’s done well to take Romania to their first tournament in eight years. Though a spanking from the three big sides could see him gone.
He might do alright: Adrian Mutu. The chap we all remember over here for being Abramovich’s first Chelsea signing, only to be sacked for taking cocaine. He’s now a reformed character now apparently.
How did he get in? Baggies fans might remember Cosmin Contra, who they signed on loan from Athletico Madrid in 2004. He also spent three years at AC Milan, but only managed five appearances for West Brom.
Stick your money on: Romanian success being directly proportional to the amount of old Gheorghe Hagi clips we’ll be shown.   
Wag Watch: Mrs Mutu is one Consuelo Matos, who is, shock, horror, a model.    
If they were a celeb: Cilla Black. Might surprise a few people.
Obligatory translation feature: “Eşti tu elder acesta este chiar sherry” (“Are you sure it’s just sherbet?”)
Prediction: Third in the group of death.

Posted by: Lex

Group B
Austria


Odds to win: 100/1
Previous best: Never before qualified.
Gaffer's pedigree: His name is Josef Hickersberger. No we’ve not heard of him either. But to be fair at least he’s done what no other Austrian has done before, and got his side to qualify for the Euros. Admittedly they didn’t have to play a single game but take the positives, they are few others.
He might do alright: Werder Bremen’s Sebastian Prodl is one for the future, but the side are about as popular in Austria as Gordon Brown is over here at the minute.
How did he not get in? OK, so Paul Scharner isn’t Pele but he hasn’t half done well for Wigan this season. So falling out with his national manager probably wasn’t a good idea.
Stick your money on: Indifference from the home crowd. Unless they’re successful. Which they won’t be.
Wag Watch: It is Austria, so there aren’t many, understandably. But Boro’s Emmanuel Pogatetz’s wife Mirjam is tidy.
If they were a celeb: Heather Mills. They’ll have a tough time of it at home.
Obligatory translation feature: “Mindestens es war nur fünf” (“At least it was only five”)
Prediction: They’ll avoid complete humiliation by finishing third. In Group B.

Posted by: Lex