Columns - Irish Examiner

The Secret Footballer

Football must learn to care for minds as much as hamstrings

The Secret Footballer knows too well that depression can take root with no regard to profession or income...

Mon, 08 May, 2017

Joey Barton pays the price for football’s wages of sin

The Secret Footballer has been immersed in gambling culture all his career and knows Joey Barton is an easy fall guy.

Mon, 01 May, 2017

Antonio Conte knows enough to leverage ‘posh boy’ advantage

Money dictates most things at the business end of Europe’s top leagues, but the Secret Footballer believes there’s still a place for knowledge.

Mon, 24 Apr, 2017

I worry about Russia. So should English hooligans.

Leicester City’s fans showed that English hooliganism hasn’t gone away. Which is worrying what with the World Cup in Russia coming up next year, writes The Secret Footballer.

Mon, 17 Apr, 2017

Divine Pochettino dragging Spurs towards the mountain top

Tottenham runs in the blood of The Secret Footballer. And Mauricio Pochettino has got pulses racing for a family affair...

Mon, 10 Apr, 2017

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League - Old Trafford

Time Jose Mourinho took himself on in the blame game

After another turgid home draw, Jose Mourinho turned on a BBC journalist and then on his attacking players? After lavishing a fortune on an average squad, isn’t it time he held his own hand up?

Mon, 03 Apr, 2017

Put away the noose. No way Taylor was thinking about hurting Coleman

Our man inside the game says Seamus Coleman’s universal popularity and the upsetting nature of the break make it tempting to lynch somebody but hanging Taylor won’t help the Ireland captain.

Mon, 27 Mar, 2017

Let Simeone spray blood on the crumbling walls that Arsene built

Our man inside the game says Arsene Wenger has fostered the kind of cosy, cushy dressing room that lacks the backbone to fight for his own future.

Mon, 20 Mar, 2017

Jose Mourinho needs a new enemy more than he needs a win tonight

Our new signing from inside the game enjoys the mind games being played by the managers of the Premier League’s top teams as much as the games on the field...

Mon, 13 Mar, 2017