Columns - Irish Examiner

Sign in

David Shonfield

David Shonfield

Football politics in France: From there to here

Football politics in France: From there to here

It is 11am on the evening of July 12 1998. France have just beaten Brazil 3-0 to win the World Cup, and an entire city is going crazy.

Wed, 08 Jun, 2016

Louis Van Gaal was never going to be a quick fix

Louis Van Gaal was never going to be a quick fix

A lot has changed in the two years since Manchester United appointed Louis Van Gaal, but one thing has not: The man himself.

Tue, 24 May, 2016

Sevilla hoping for perfect away day in Basel

Sevilla hoping for perfect away day in Basel

Has a team ever lifted a European trophy after going an entire season without winning an away game in their own league?

Tue, 17 May, 2016

Ajax get cake but lose Dutch title to PSV after final day shock result

Ajax get cake but lose Dutch title to PSV after final day shock result

No sporting event this week can quite compete with the crowning of Leicester City.

Tue, 10 May, 2016

Claudio Ranieri File Photo

How modest family man Claudio Ranieri pulled off a sporting miracle

Claudio Ranieri has always been a modest man, as well as a family man.

Tue, 03 May, 2016

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City - Barclays Premier League - Vitality Stadium

Will Real Madrid's dreams be haunted by Manuel Pellegrini?

Half the Real Madrid side have links with Manchester declared Marca yesterday, as always the voice of Madrid, cranking up the volume about tonight’s match against Manchester City.

Tue, 26 Apr, 2016

Hillsborough Memorial Service

Families show truth can have no boundary

Never give up.

Tue, 19 Apr, 2016

Cesare Maldini: The Italian who turned defending into an art

Cesare Maldini: The Italian who turned defending into an art

A football match lasts 90 minutes but the memories can stay with you for a lifetime.

Fri, 15 Apr, 2016

Still all to play for with a tasty Spanish dish to savour

Still all to play for with a tasty Spanish dish to savour

Unexpectedly, all four of this week’s Champions League ties are still in the balance.

Tue, 12 Apr, 2016

Antonio Conte one of the hardest taskmasters in football

Antonio Conte one of the hardest taskmasters in football

When Antonio Conte checks in at Chelsea’s Cobham training centre sometime in early July he will be the latest in a unique management line.

Tue, 05 Apr, 2016