<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" version="2.0">
   <channel>
      <title>Birmingham</title>
      <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/</link>
      <description />
      <language>en</language>
      <copyright>Copyright 2011</copyright>
      <lastBuildDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:11:01 +0000</lastBuildDate>
      <generator>http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.38</generator>
      <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs> 

            <atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/rln/football/clubs/birmingham" /><feedburner:info uri="rln/football/clubs/birmingham" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><feedburner:browserFriendly></feedburner:browserFriendly><item>
         <title>Results : How much would you pay for a season ticket?</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Last week <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/poll_how_much_would_you_pay_fo.php">I ran a poll</a> asking you to vote on how much you'd pay for a season ticket.</p>

<p>So here are the results :</p>

<p>No more than £600 - 13%<br />
£600 to £1000 - 32%<br />
£1000 to £1250 - 13%<br />
£1250 to £1500 - 8%<br />
£1500 to £2000 - 5%<br />
I'd pay anything to watch my team 29%</p>

<p>So whilst I'm not surprised that 32% wouldn't pay more than £1000, I'm surprised that 29% of you said you'd pay anything to watch your team.</p>

<p>So, while many ticket holders are thinking of giving up their season ticket, because for them it's becoming far too expensive, there will always be a large number of fans that are willing to pay, what ever the club demands!</p>

<p><em>We're always on the look out for new writers. So if you fancy writing about your team, <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/about-us/contact-us.php">please get in touch</a>.</em></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/results_how_much_would_you_pay.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/results_how_much_would_you_pay.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:11:01 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>POLL: How much would you pay for a season ticket?</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>So, following on from my post <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/6_reasons_why_i_should_pay_ove.php">justifying the cost of my Arsenal season ticket</a>, I wonder how much you'd be willing to pay to see your team play?</p>

<p><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://s3.polldaddy.com/p/812148.js"></script><noscript> <a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/812148/" >How much would you pay for a season ticket?</a>  <br/> <span style="font-size:9px;"> (<a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com">  polls</a>)</span></noscript></p>

<p><em>We're always on the look out for new writers. So if you fancy writing about your team, <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/about-us/contact-us.php">please get in touch</a>.</em></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/poll_how_much_would_you_pay_fo.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/poll_how_much_would_you_pay_fo.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:02:22 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>POLL: Why do you leave the match before the final whistle?</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>I'm always amazed at the number of fans that leave the Emirates before the final whistle has been blown. </p>

<p>Given the cost and how difficult it can be to get tickets to see a match, I think if you're luck enough to get to a game, then you should stay and see your team through the bitter end.</p>

<p>Anyway, if your guilty of not staying, what's your reason?</p>

<p><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://s3.polldaddy.com/p/394381.js"></script><noscript> <a href ="http://www.polldaddy.com" >polls</a> - <a href ="http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/394381/" >Take Our Poll</a> </noscript></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/poll_when_do_you_leave_the_gam.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/poll_when_do_you_leave_the_gam.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:08:05 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>A week is a long time in football</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>It's not been an easy week for Arsenal F.C.<br />
1. Dumped out of the FA Cup 4-0 by Man Utd. Eboue sent off.<br />
2. 0-0 against Milan when it should've been a win.<br />
3. Eduardo's leg is unceromoniously cut in half.<br />
4. Jammy injury time penalty (which in my opinion wasn't really a penalty) gives 10-men Birmingham a draw. <br />
5. Other results are sore: Man Utd close the gap by rolling over Newcastle 5-1 and in the final where I wanted no winners, local rivals Spurs take the first trophy of the season.</p>

<p>But, every cloud has a silver lining...<br />
1. We can concentrate on europe and the league.<br />
2. A score draw will do in the San Siro.<br />
3. Van Persie is on his way back...<br />
4. We're still three points clear at the top.<br />
5. At least we're not Newcastle. The looks on the faces of their faithful (and Keegan) during the TV coverage for the Man Utd game said it all.</p>

<p>As regards Eduardo, the Brazilian press have covered this story extensively. Much is made of Eduardo's Brazilian roots in the slums of Rio de Janiero and sometimes the mass media here have even suffered from collective amnesia, forgetting to remind their readers, listeners and viewers that he is in fact Croatian. Eduardo has given interviews from his hospital bed to the Brazilian press and replays of the incident and graphic pictures have been plastered everywhere. One blogger for the national website globo insists if Eduardo wants to repent of his nationality switch he would be welcomed back with open arms to Dunga's national team. I suspect that will have to be after his leg heals. </p>

<p>Either way, Eduardo's horrific injury has been (surprsingly in my mind) deeply felt by the football community in South America. In the comments following an article about him, average Jo Brazilian reveals passionate comradery with Eduardo. If the mob ever got their way, the "criminal" Martin Taylor would be hung, drawn and quartered if he ever set a toe in Brazil. </p>

<p>In my opinion, I don't think Taylor should be banned from football (as Wenger initially offered). A red card was fair as his studs were up and he lives with the consequences of his rash challenge. But, as I see it, this was one mistimed tackle from a player who has generally conducted himself well in the past and has shown genuine remorse for his recent actions.<br />
</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/a_week_is_a_long_time_in_footb.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/a_week_is_a_long_time_in_footb.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:32:27 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Arsenal's Eduardo leg break</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>It's no wonder the team were downhearted in the first half after Eduardo was stretchered off. Take a look at this video, a really nasty injury!</p>

<p><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/optZxIy57sI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/optZxIy57sI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/arsenals_eduardo_leg_break.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/arsenals_eduardo_leg_break.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:09:45 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Promotional video for FIFA Street 3</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>I guess if you're an Arsenal or Man United fan you're used to watching some great football week in, week out. But if you're not that fortunate, then check out this video promoting FIFA Street 3!</p>

<p>I particularly enjoyed watching the guys football skills on the bridge and look out for the dangerous kick - ball off top of the head!</p>

<p>Watch the video and you'll see what I mean!<br />
<object width="425" height="373"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWk9VJ3wVX8&rel=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWk9VJ3wVX8&rel=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="373"></embed></object><br />
<em><br />
If you fancy writing about your team or football games, then <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/about-us/contact-us.php">get in touch</a>.</em></p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/promotional_video_for_fifa_str.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/arsenal/promotional_video_for_fifa_str.php</guid>
         <category>Arsenal</category>
         <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:34:50 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>The Battle To Avoid The Drop Hots Up</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Managers involved in the battle to avoid the drop have played their last cards with the closing of the transfer window. All are now stuck with the players at their disposal, so who is best placed?</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/charlton/the_battle_to_avoid_the_drop_h.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/charlton/the_battle_to_avoid_the_drop_h.php</guid>
         <category>Charlton</category>
         <pubDate>Sat, 03 Feb 2007 02:21:25 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Season’s end descends on the Reebok</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Post match musings and match preview: Bolton v Birmingham City, Sunday 7 May, 3.00pm</em></strong></p>

<p>Well, it’s all spluttering and quaking to a dull end, with little to play for but the Intertoto Cup spot, and even that’s dangling by a rapidly unravelling thread. We deserved more from the season, but that’s for next week (hints at season review). </p>

<p>The game against Middlesbrough’s under-seven reserve team was a total anti-climax, with an apparently disinterested Wanderers having the ineptitude to go behind to a wee bairn (cheers again, Nicky) before our own wobble-meister Vaz Te actually managed to get one on target for once minutes later. The rest of the game passed by in a blur, with a succession of poorly taken chances, the story of the season in many ways.<br />
</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/bolton/seasons-end-descends-on-the-re.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/bolton/seasons-end-descends-on-the-re.php</guid>
         <category>Bolton</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2006 12:42:33 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>European bid looks over as Newcastle grab a draw</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>Yesterday Newcastle condemned Steve Bruce and Birmingham to relegation by holding the Blues to a draw at St Andrews. At the end of the game it looked like it could have gone either way; a breakaway for United sadly ended up with Titus Bramble being the man clean through on goal, and his touch was heavy. At the other end Given pulled off a double save right at the death, reminding us exactly why he is in the EPL team of the year.</p>

<p>This draw, combined with Blackburn's win at the Valley, means we lost the 6th place we held momentarily and Europe now looks unlikely. Blackburn, who are two points ahead of us, have a game in hand over us, and after the Middlesbrough win in their UEFA Cup semi there is a chance that only 5th place in the league will be good enough for a UEFA cup spot. In fact potentially it could even be fourth place, if Spurs finish fourth and Arsenal and Boro both win their European finals.</p>

<p>Michael Owen's long awaited return was marred by news after the game that he was feeling the pain in his foot, which coupled with Rooney's injury yesterday will have England fans worried ahead of the World Cup.</p>

<p>On the plus side, another clean sheet for our much maligned defense means we now have 12 for the season, quite a haul considering the amount of criticism that is aimed our way. It goes to show that earlier in the season it was our inability to score that cost us, although since Roeder has taken over the goals have been flowing more freely. </p>

<p>On the subject of goals, Owen confirmed the other day that he will be playing for us next season, hopefully putting to bed worries from some fans that he will go to his old club Liverpool. It would be nice to think that he feels he owes the club something, after paying his high wages for a whole season in which he barely played for us.</p>

<p>On a final note, people may well have noted Roeder has been given permission to manage us until the end of the season but no further, and yesterday Alan Curbishley resigned from Charlton as from the end of the season. Whether there is anything odd about this or not remains to be seen, quotes from the man such as "I'm tired of football and need a break" probably suggest not though.</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/newcastle/european-bid-looks-over-as-new.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/newcastle/european-bid-looks-over-as-new.php</guid>
         <category>Newcastle</category>
         <pubDate>Sun, 30 Apr 2006 10:02:54 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Everton in another stalemate despite workings of Leon</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<blockquote>Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success.  Bo Bennett.</blockquote>

<p>Bo knows Everton.</p>

<p>So a pretty damn irritating day at the office with Everton the better side throughout but unable to get that elusive next goal in our history.</p>

<p>We started pretty brightly with <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/everton/archive/confidence/take-a-bow.php">Leon Osman </a>by far the best player on the pitch.  Whilst everyone else huffed and puffed the little Wiganer was outstanding, linking up the play and turning, prompting and probing at every opportunity.  Birmingham’s meaty defence, including the always gormless and freakish looking <a href="http://www.tvacres.com/images/lurch_butler3a.jpg">Martin Taylor</a>, found him too much to handle.  But still we couldn’t get a goal.</p>

<p>It’s too simple to say we miss Arteta, although of course we do, but the balance of the side has been upset with too little creativity in the current line up.  This means that <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/everton/archive/villa-home/the-passing-fad.php">McFadden </a>and Beattie have to get involved in the build up play too much and then are not in the box when we need them.  For Faddy this just meant him having one of his ‘Scottish Premier League’ days.  He blew hot and cold throughout and his day was typified by the fact that seconds after he made his most telling contribution, tricking his way past about 3 players, he got subbed.  </p>

<p>Beattie’s creative involvement, which in fairness looked pretty neat at times and miles ahead of what he was doing when he first signed, too often resulted in him being on stuck the wing when crosses were going into the box.  </p>

<p>You couldn’t really accuse Everton of not going for it, with <a href="http://www.toffeeweb.com/players/current/Ferguson.asp">Duncan</a>, Beattie and <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/everton/archive/birmingham-home/victor-an-inspiration-but-ever.php">Victor Anichebe </a>all ending the game on Goodison new hallowed yet strangely crop circled (is this the jinx?) turf.  </p>

<p>As for Birmingham, well haven’t we all missed the sight of Emile Heskey rolling around on the floor appealing for non-existent fouls.  Hopefully it’ll be a bit harder to track down next season because it’ll be on Friday nights on Sky Sports 9.  Pennant, <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/everton/archive/birmingham-home/victor-an-inspiration-but-ever.php">identified as a danger man by Real Life Blues on Friday</a>, was utter garbage, conceding one corner spectacularly unnecessarily in front of the Park End, prompting suggestions that it ‘bounced off his tag’.  Apparently he was barely fit to play and it showed.</p>

<p>Regular readers will be pleased to read that the <a href="http://www.reallifenews.com/football/everton/archive/chelsea-away/chelsea-away-as-everton-fade-o.php">fractious corner of the Park End</a> was very quiet with both of last weeks protagonists mysteriously absent.  Maybe they're in a '<a href="http://www.libertyfilmfestival.com/libertas/wp-content/RockyIV_FF_300x225_02122004.gif">Rocky IV</a> style Siberian training camp’ readying themselves for some top pugulism at the last home game.  </p>

<p>A final mention goes to <a href="http://www.geocities.com/uk_soaps/Pictures/Crossroads_Benny.jpg">Birmingham’s half-witted fans</a>, with their telling insight into the employment and crime situation on Merseyside.  And, it’s all very well singing ‘your support is fucking shit’, but it’s quite difficult to get excited about playing Birmingham at home when your season is over and you ain’t scored for a few hours.  Anywhere, our support isn’t ‘fucking shit’ enough to fail to sell out anywhere when we’re equal 3rd bottom with 3 games to go, never mind just up the M6.  </p>

<p>Here’s hoping they don’t have to endure our ‘fucking shit’ support for many years to come.  As for Everton, Boro away on <a href="http://www.evertonfc.com/boxoffice/index.php?page_id=87">Saturday or Sunday next week</a>, does anyone actually know?<br />
</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/everton/everton-in-another-stalemate-d.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/everton/everton-in-another-stalemate-d.php</guid>
         <category>Everton</category>
         <pubDate>Sun, 23 Apr 2006 11:36:17 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Victor an inspiration but Everton have little in reserve</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p>  <blockquote>Minor things can become moments of great revelation when encountered for the first time. Margot Fonteyne</blockquote></p>

<p>Before a look ahead to the Birmingham game, a look back at Leeds v Everton ressies from Wednesday night.  </p>

<p>Whenever you read reports it always talks of an inexperienced and young reserve side and this was no exception.  Only Iain Turner had seen first team action, about 101 minutes at a guess, and the only other within reach of the first team squad was <a href="http://www.evertonfc.com/players/firstteam/index.php?profile_id=141">Victor Anichebe</a>.  Turner looked pretty sound all night but our Vic was the star.  Feeding on scraps, as Everton strikers tend to do, he showed loads strength and won a large proportions of the headers from the long balls lumped his way.  Obviously there was no-one reading the flick-ons but I think that must now be official club policy at all levels by now.</p>

<p>Victor’s strength set up Everton’s only decent chances, with the big man himself forcing 2 good saves from the dirty Leeds keeper.  He also earned boat loads of free-kicks as the Leeds defence found his physical strength too much to handle.  It says a lot for him that the 400-ish crowd (which included Kevin Blackwell and curiously <a href="http://www.affichescinema.com/insc_b/bad_santa.jpg">Mr and Mrs Bates</a>) deemed his nuisance value enough to start booing him.  A compliment indeed from the moaning Yorkies in attendance.  This is not a bid to get Victor into the first team by the way, the management of the club should have that sussed, but his display suggested there is more to come.  <br />
</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/everton/victor-an-inspiration-but-ever.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/everton/victor-an-inspiration-but-ever.php</guid>
         <category>Everton</category>
         <pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2006 07:15:57 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
            <item>
         <title>Football. Bloody Hell!</title>
         <description><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Post match musings, and pre-match nerves..</strong>.  Bolton 1 Man United 2; Birmingham City v Bolton, St Andrews, Tuesday 4 April, 8pm</em></p>

<p>Well, that was crap. I felt in my heart it was our 'time' to finally give United the spanking we owe them, lord knows we've been mugged at home enough times by the red hordes. No such luck, sadly, and the practical head won the day. After a great start, we did an 'England against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup quarter final', that is meekly moving to one side whilst the opposition were there for the taking. </p>

<p>Valuable ground has been conceded in the race for Europe, with the inability to take advantage of Tottenham's patchy form, and the can-do-no-wrong Blackburn and Arsenal's ongoing prosperity. The risk now is that we stay stuck in seventh, or worse, flutter aimlessly into mid-table, an outcome we don't deserve - we are, in my opinion, worth another tilt at Europe given our exploits and arguable improvement this year, which is where the two games in hand come in.</p>]]></description>
         <link>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/bolton/football-bloody-hell.php</link>
         <guid>http://www.reallifenews.com/football/archive/clubs/bolton/football-bloody-hell.php</guid>
         <category>Bolton</category>
         <pubDate>Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:11:49 +0000</pubDate>
      </item>
      
   </channel>
</rss>

