Columns - Irish Examiner

The Secret Footballer

Don’t close the book on Niasse fairytale

Our man inside the game has never quite understood why some players make it and others don’t

Mon, 25 Sep, 2017

Money insulates any coach against his failings

Our man inside the game was at Wembley this weekend, but cast envious glances towards

Mon, 18 Sep, 2017

Staying grounded on the roller coaster of opinion

Our man inside the game canvassed a few old friends for some Champions League conclusions

Mon, 11 Sep, 2017

Splashing the cash like crazy in the weird and wonderful world of football

The interesting thing about the current transfer market is the trickle down effect, writes The Secret Footballer.

Fri, 01 Sep, 2017

Man in the mirror won’t take Ronaldo to Old Trafford

At a time when the world seems to be having a nervous breakdown it’s very reassuring to note that Cristiano Ronaldo has over 53 million followers on Twitter. People still take the time to read and educate themselves.

Mon, 19 Jun, 2017

No strength or stability on show at insular Hampden

Our man inside the game wasn’t impressed with Gareth Southgate’s attempts to play political football after a poor England showing.

Mon, 12 Jun, 2017

Zizou and Ronaldo: A love story born of humility

The Secret Footballer watched the Champions League final with a group of fellow English professionals. They produced punditry gold and even a little wisdom.

Mon, 05 Jun, 2017

If you can’t beat them, buy them

Our man inside the game is braced for an onslaught of Premier League spending as clubs compensate for poor coaching by expensively filling the holes in their squads.

Tue, 30 May, 2017

And the TSF award goes to...

Our super sleuth recognises the moaners and chancers and spoofers and stars of the season with his inaugural awards ceremony, writes The Secret Footballer.

Mon, 22 May, 2017