Latest news with #BestWorstTeam
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Most memorable football moments from Maradona's ‘Hand of God' to Beckham's '98 red card, survey shows
DIEGO Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' has been crowned the most notorious football moment, according to a poll of fans. The diminutive Argentinian broke English hearts in 1986 when he rose above Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. 6 Charman Craig Doughty said: 'Sometimes being rubbish at football really pays off' Credit: PA Media 6 It went on to have its fortunes turned around by Specsavers with the help of Ella Toone, Gary Neville and Luke Littler Credit: Anthony Upton © 2024 6 'We were struggling to get a team together last season,' said the team, after a 17-0 losing run Credit: Anthony Upton © 2024 This was followed by Luis Suarez inexplicably biting I Also making the top five were David Beckham's red card for kicking Diego Simeone and Frank Lampard's shockingly disallowed goal against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. The study also revealed many amateur players had experienced their own horrors on the football pitch, with 23 per cent enduring a Ronnie Rosenthal-style open goal blunder. The research was commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team series - inspired by such football faux pas, from missed goals to not hearing the refs whistle. Read more in Football The list of infamous moments on the pitch also highlighted Thierry Henry's blatant handball against Ireland in World Cup qualifying in 2009, often cited as a key reason for the introduction of VAR. Club football was also represented, including the time Carlos Tevez didn't come off the bench as a substitute for As was Darren Bent's famous 'Beach Ball Goal' – when the But for those playing in parks and pitches up and down the country, 22 per cent have been left red faced when they wildly celebrated a goal, only to realise it had actually been ruled out. Most read in Football Whereas 12 per cent of goalies have let in an absolute howler and were left lying on the ground wishing it would open to swallow them. The research, conducted via went on to find 78 per cent believe these unbelievably memorable moments are part of what makes football iconic, even if they can feel unfair. Over a third (35 per cent) prefer football when it is 'unpredictable and chaotic', as opposed to a quarter (25 per cent) who'd rather a 'fair and structured' contest. Tunley Athletic – which previously lost all 26 games, shipping 137 more goals than they scored in the process – took part in the Best Worst Team series. Maradona scores infamous 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter final against England It went on to have its fortunes turned around by Specsavers with the help of Ella Toone, Gary Neville and Luke Littler. Charman Craig Doughty said: 'Sometimes being rubbish at football really pays off. 'While it sounds funny to say it, being crowned the Best Worst Team is honestly the best thing that ever happened to us. 'We were struggling to get a team together last season and we were on a 17-0 losing run. "Team morale was at an all-time low, and we were close to folding the club. 'But this money-can't buy experience surpassed all our expectations – it was on another level. "It's given everyone such a boost, and we actually started seeing better performances on the pitch. 'The whole community is still buzzing, and we've got loads of new players joined for the new season." TOP 20 MOST MEMORABLE FOOTBALL MOMENTS EVER Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal vs England (1986) Luis Suárez biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup (2014) David Beckham's red card for kicking Diego Simeone (1998) Frank Lampard's disallowed goal vs Germany – despite the ball clearly crossing the line (2010) Brazil's 7–1 World Cup semi-final defeat at home to Germany (2014) Thierry Henry's handball vs Ireland in World Cup qualifying (2009) Rivaldo's fake injury theatrics against Turkey – getting a player sent off by feigning a face injury (2002) Carlos Tevez refusing to come on as a substitute for Manchester City (2011) The Battle of Nuremberg – Portugal vs Netherlands World Cup clash featuring 4 red cards and 16 yellows (2006) The beach ball goal – Darren Bent's strike for Sunderland deflecting off an inflatable (2009) Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer sent off for fighting each other as Newcastle teammates (2005) Gazza's dentist chair celebration (1996) The phantom goal scored by Reading against Watford that went through the side netting (2008) Jimmy Glass, a goalkeeper, saves Carlisle from relegation with a 94th minute goal (1999) Rene Higuita's scorpion kick (1995) Ronnie Rosenthal's open goal miss for Liverpool (1992) Graham Poll issuing three yellow cards to Josip Šimunić before sending him off (2006) Loris Karius' double howler in the Champions League final (2018) 19. Robert Green's goalkeeping howler gifting the USA a goal in the World Cup (2010) 20. Graeme Souness plants a Galatasaray flag on Fenerbahçe's pitch (1996) 6 'Team morale was at an all-time low, and we were close to folding the club' 6 Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal vs England (1986) was first in poll Credit: Getty 6 78 per cent of fans say unforgettable moments – fair or not – make football truly iconic
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Maradona's 'Hand of God' named most notorious moment in football history
The Argentinian legend's controversial goal against England at the 1986 World Cup has been named the most notorious moment in footballing history, according to a poll of fans Diego Maradona' s notorious 'Hand of God' has been voted the most infamous incident to ever occur on a football pitch, according to a survey of fans. The Argentinian legend shattered English dreams in 1986 when he outjumped Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. This was closely followed by Luis Suarez of Uruguay biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup. The list of also spotlighted Thierry Henry's handball against Ireland in the 2009 World Cup qualifiers, often pointed to as a key factor in the introduction of VAR. Meanwhile Carlos Tevez's refusal to come off the bench as a substitute for Manchester City in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in 2011 also made the list. But it isn't just professionals who have faced controversial moments on the pitch. The study also found that many amateur players had experienced their own nightmares on the pitch, with one in four admitting to a Ronnie Rosenthal-style open goal mishap. The research, commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team series, was inspired by such football blunders – from missed goals to failing to hear the referee's whistle – and is now searching for a new team in need of assistance to participate. For amateur players across the nation, 22 per cent have experienced the embarrassment of celebrating a goal, only to discover it had been disallowed. Yet, three quarters of fans agree that these unforgettable incidents are what contribute to football's iconic status, even when they seem unjust. More than a third of enthusiasts favour the 'unpredictable and chaotic' nature of football over the quarter who prefer a 'fair and structured' game. Tunley Athletic, a team notorious for losing all 26 matches and conceding 137 more goals than they scored, featured in the Best Worst Team series. Their luck changed thanks to Specsavers, with assistance from Ella Toone, Gary Neville, and Luke Littler. Chairman Craig Doughty remarked: "Sometimes being rubbish at football really pays off." He added: "While it sounds funny to say it, being crowned the Best Worst Team is honestly the best thing that ever happened to us." "We were struggling to get a team together last season, on a 17-0 losing run – team morale was at an all-time low, and we were close to folding the club." "This money-can't buy experiences surpassed all our expectations," Craig said, "It's given everyone such a boost, and we actually started seeing better performances on the pitch. "The whole community is still buzzing, and we've got loads of new players joined for the new season." THE 20 MOST NOTORIOUSLY UNJUST FOOTBALL MOMENTS EVER: Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal vs England (1986) Luis Suárez biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup (2014) David Beckham's red card for kicking Diego Simeone (1998) Frank Lampard's disallowed goal vs Germany – despite the ball clearly crossing the line (2010) Brazil's 7–1 World Cup semi-final defeat at home to Germany (2014) Thierry Henry's handball vs Ireland in World Cup qualifying (2009) Rivaldo's fake injury theatrics against Turkey – getting a player sent off by feigning a face injury (2002) Carlos Tevez refusing to come on as a substitute for Manchester City (2011) The Battle of Nuremberg – Portugal vs Netherlands World Cup clash featuring 4 red cards and 16 yellows (2006) The beach ball goal – Darren Bent's strike for Sunderland deflecting off an inflatable (2009) Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer sent off for fighting each other as Newcastle teammates (2005) Gazza's dentist chair celebration (1996) The phantom goal scored by Reading against Watford that went through the side netting (2008) Jimmy Glass, a goalkeeper, saves Carlisle from relegation with a 94th minute goal (1999) Rene Higuita's scorpion kick (1995) Ronnie Rosenthal's open goal miss for Liverpool (1992) Graham Poll issuing three yellow cards to Josip Šimunić before sending him off (2006) Loris Karius' double howler in the Champions League final (2018) Robert Green's goalkeeping howler gifting the USA a goal in the World Cup (2010) Graeme Souness plants a Galatasaray flag on Fenerbahçe's pitch (1996)
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Sunday League players banned from local pub the night before game
Players of Tunley Athletic have been banned from visiting their local pub the night before a Sunday morning match - and for good reason A study has revealed a staggering seven in 10 Sunday League footballers have played their matches hungover. The survey of 1,000 amateur players found the majority of players make a visit to their local pub the night before a match, with each pub session involving around four and a half drinks. While six in 10 confessed they overestimated their ability to play the following morning, there were others who said that a few drinks helped enhance their performance. According to the poll, 15 per cent said they played better after a few drinks and 26 per cent managed to score a goal even feeling a little delicate. But hangovers aren't the only hindrance. A whopping eight in 10 players admit their performance was often compromised by poor preparation including skimping on warm-ups, missing practices or even forgetful moments like leaving boots at home. There were also occasions when players showed up on the incorrect field. The research was commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team campaign. The campaign shines a light on the struggles of teams like Tunley Athletic. In a bid to turn the team's fortunes around, The King William Inn, a local pub for Tunley players, has forbidden Tunley's squad from drinking there the night before games. Landlord Tom Watson said: "We've pulled more pints for this team than they've scored goals – so we figured it was our turn to switch tactics." "Banning the lads the night before a match is our way of showing tough love. We're not saying no to beers, just not before the final whistle," he added. "Hopefully next season, the only thing they'll be losing is their losing streak!" Cognitive slip-ups are also common, with 19 per cent misjudging distances, 28 per cent passing to the wrong team, and 22 per cent struggling with headers often due to fatigue, dehydration or lack of focus. When it comes to pre-match nutrition, one in four players opt for junk food on matchday morning, while 12 per cent go for a full English. Three in 10 have skipped a pre-game breakfast altogether, according to the research. Despite this, an overwhelming 89 per cent agree that good preparation – including proper nutrition, hydration and sleep – is essential, even at grassroots level. In a bid to help Tunley Athletic turn things around, Specsavers has enlisted top sports nutritionist Ted Munson to create a bespoke nutrition plan for the team. Ted added: "Nutrition plays a key role at any level - from grassroots to the Premier League – allowing novice athletes to prepare, execute and recover more effectively. "What we put into our body within 48 hours of a match directly impacts our physical output on the pitch." "I'll be working with Tunley Athletic on the fundamentals - ensuring their pre-match meals are carbohydrate-rich and eaten at least 2 hours before kick-off, focusing on hydration habits which can make or break performance, and helping them fuel properly during games." Ted promotes the 80/20 rule: get 80 per cent of your nutrition right and enjoy the other 20 per cent with treats. He says this means players can enjoy a beer or takeaway, but should save it for after the game, not before. The final episode of Specsavers' Best Worst Team Season 3 is now available to watch on YouTube, as the 2024/25 season draws to a close.
North Wales Live
20-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Gary Neville launches mission to improve the UK's worst football pitches
Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville has launched a Best Worst Pitch Initiative to breathe new life into underfunded grassroots football pitches. The Best Worst Pitch initiative will provide line painting and pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to 50 UK grassroots clubs. Specsavers has partnered with Man United and England legend to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative. Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play. Gary Neville added: " Anyone who has played football at one point or another has played on a dodgy pitch. Grassroots football is the foundation of our sport and it's great to be a part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative supporting the communities and volunteers who make it possible.' The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having documented the journey of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign - highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand's long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community. Speaking about the struggles of Pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: 'It's a real slog sometimes - every week, rain or shine, I'm out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked. 'The equipment we've got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind's howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.' Alongside providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs - aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches. The goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come. Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, commented: 'Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we've noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about. This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley. By making faded lines more visible, we're helping players see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!'
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Gary Neville launches mission to improve the UK's worst football pitches
Gary Neville launches mission to improve the UK's worst football pitches The Best Worst Pitch initiative will provide line painting and pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to 50 UK grassroots clubs Specsavers has partnered with Man United and England legend to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative (Image: PA Media ) Former England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville has launched a Best Worst Pitch Initiative to breathe new life into underfunded grassroots football pitches. The Best Worst Pitch initiative will provide line painting and pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to 50 UK grassroots clubs. Specsavers has partnered with Man United and England legend to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative. Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community (Image: PA Media ) Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play. Article continues below Gary Neville added: " Anyone who has played football at one point or another has played on a dodgy pitch. Grassroots football is the foundation of our sport and it's great to be a part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative supporting the communities and volunteers who make it possible.' The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having documented the journey of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign - highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand's long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community. Speaking about the struggles of Pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: 'It's a real slog sometimes - every week, rain or shine, I'm out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked. 'The equipment we've got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind's howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.' Article continues below Alongside providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs - aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches. The goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come. Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, commented: 'Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we've noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about. This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley. By making faded lines more visible, we're helping players see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!'
