Premier Memories

Postma Takes One For The Team

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:28:00 GMT

Postma On The Receiving End Of Tough Tackle

The Premiership has seen its fair share of sex scandal's and debauchery in its fairly short history, much of which has been revisited after John "Scum" Terry dived in late on Wayne Bridge's ex. The stories of Premiership naughtiness range from numerous gang bangs to "that" vibrating phone, however the most humiliating and graphic of all tales lands at the feet of former Villa and Wolves keeper Stefan Postma.

Even though Postma graced the English game for 4 seasons, it will be his wifes ball skills rather than his own that football fans remember. A sex tape, showing Postma "recieving stick" from his ex-wife was not only leaked online, it also cost the Dutch keeper many a pound after he outbid a national paper for the graphic flick. The footage itself shows Postma "pegging" with his missus; he appears to be more passionate about being on the receiving end of her attack than he ever was in between the sticks. Although not the first footballing sex tape, Postma's is certainly the most niche of the known examples, currently playing for Apeldoorn back in his homeland Postma seems to of overcome his humiliation and continues to be blasted with balls week in week out.

Unsuprisingly no links for this one.

Glenn Hasn't Held It Together

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:28:00 GMT

Former Arsenal Winger Denies Demons.

Any Arsenal fans amongst you will remember the not so successful spell of Glenn Helder at Highbury, the Dutch international winger, signed from Vitesse, played 39 League games for the Gunners, but his problems on the field were nothing compared to the problems he has since faced off of it.

Gambling addictions troubled the 40 year old, during his playing days, culminating in a suicide attempt during his time with NAC, and to this day continues to gamble heavily, appearing on TV poker competitions. Helder has never been able to shake off his habit, and appears to be in denial about his pastime saying he could quit "tomorrow" if needed.

The wingers problems have spiraled out of control in recent years, and now Helder's mental state has been called into question. September 2007 saw Glenn jailed after stalking his ex-wife, and harassing her partner, on top of this Helder was found to have illegal possession of a firearm. This year has seen Helder's story reach its lowest point, as he was admitted to the psychiatric ward of the De Waag hospital, in Haarlem. His mental problems have been identified as a "Narcissistic Personality Disorder" and he will have to convince his judge that there is no chance Helder will again, be a danger to others.

Not Quite A Matt Finish

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:01:00 GMT

Jansen Training With Blackburn Ahead Of Possible Return

In April 2002, a 24 year old Matt Jansen was called into the England first team squad for the first time, after enjoying a successful campaign in the English top flight with Blackburn Rovers, scoring 10 goals in 35 matches. Jansen had always been seen as an English talent, representing the Under 21 side while at Crystal Palace, and scoring goals with both Carlisle and Palace, before netting 23 goals in 40 games during Blackburn’s 2000/01 promotion season.

From this moment in time, Jansen's career, and life changed drastically, the first problem he encountered was a stomach bug that kept him out of the Friendly he'd worked so hard to be called up for, and then, in the summer of 2002, just before a World Cup he could have been playing in, and ill fated trip to Rome nearly ended Jansen's life. Jansen's vehicle collided with a taxi in the Italian capital and the impact caused Jansen to spend a number of days in hospital with minor injuries and concussions. However, it was more the psychological effect that the crash had on Jansen's mindset, and he never seemed to recover to fulfil his once massive potential.

Jansen struggled to fight back into the Rover's first team for the next 4 years, with a loan spell at Coventry City during this period. After years in and out of the set-up and numerous visits to sports psychiatrists, Jansen decided that maybe a fresh start with a new club would help him salvage his footballing career, and joined Bolton in 2006.

Jansen was unsuccessful at Bolton and was soon released, leading to potential footballing comebacks at New York Red Bull and old sides Carlisle and Bolton, now, 2 years since his last professional appearance, Jansen has decided to give professional football one last shot, and has joined Paul Ince at his spiritual home Blackburn Rovers. Still very popular at Ewood Park, most Blackburn fans would love to see him back in the blue and white. Another side welcome to his return is Carlisle United, the side where Jansen started his career; manager Greg Abbott has already stated since roumers of his return that "the door is always open" to Jansen's return. But we will have to see if Matt Jansen decides to have one last shot at the game he loves.

Hungary For Success

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:32:00 GMT

British Talent Light Up Hungary

In 2008, Sheffield United (Who recently linked up with Chinese side Chengdu Blades, Belgian league outfit White Star Woluwe and Australian A-League franchise Central Coast Mariners.) became one step closer to World domination when Chairman Kevin McCabe bought struggling Hungarian side Ferencvaros, not only leading to the financial safety of the once famous Budapest outfit, but also the emergence of two British footballers in the Hungarian capital.

Journeyman striker Paul Shaw had just completed an uninspiring spell with Conference side Oxford, when he decided to do something very few English footballers in the modern day consider, he moved abroad. Ex-Sheffield United striker Shaw, now 35, joined Ferencvaros in February 2008, after Blades chairman McCabe agreed to fund Shaw's wages while the Hungarian side would provide him with a house and car as part of his takeover bid. Shaw explained his decision to leave Oxford as an attempt to add financial security to his family, as joining Ferencvaros meant accepting an 18-month deal, replacing the month to month deal he was on at Oxford.

Along with Paul Shaw, and recently appointed English manager Bobby Davidson, there is also another former Sheffield United player attempting to revitalise his career with the foreign Hungarian champions. 22 year old James Ashmore came through the Sheffield United ranks, but was released by the side in 2007, and with the help of McCabe, joined Ferencvaros in 2008, signing a one year deal.

43 Not Out

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:24:00 GMT

Football Lover Redfearn Finds New Club

Neil Redfearn is a true British footballer, not always pretty, but effective and passionate. It is his resilient mindset and love for the game, that at the grand old age of 43, Redfearn has signed for his 21st club, and after over 880 league games, he is still relishing the playing side of football.

Last season, when Redfearn signed coaching contracts at York City, it seemed as though his illustrious career would be coming to an end, and that his footballing career would end after 28 years of playing. But Redfearn refused to let his new post prevent him from squeezing a few more games out of his old legs, and after a short (and unsurprisingly successful) spell at Emley, Redfearn has agreed to join another Yorkshire non-League side, Salford City. Rooted to the bottom of the Northern Premier League, Salford Fans will be hoping that Redfearns experience, gained at sides like; Barnsley, Charlton and Bolton, will be priceless to their survival bid. However, Redfearn's coaching commitments will limit his appearances with the Manchester based club, although his influence and knowledge could be priceless.

Former Wales International Returns To Football

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:51:00 GMT

Former Leeds Youngster Returns To The Game

Matthew Jones was just 23 when, after 13 international appearances and a 3.25m price tag, he was forced to retire from the professional game due to a serious back injury inflicted by former Scotland legend Gary McAllister. Jones has put both his health and, according to some reports, financial security, on the line to return to the game he loves, with his hometown club Llanelli. During last season Jones announced that in parallel with his ongoing media work, he would commit to a second spell in competitive football and after a championship winning season with Llanelli last term, Jones is still keeping fit, with 29 appearances to his name.

Jones started his career at Leeds, coming through their academy and enjoying a three year period, where he featured for the Leeds first team, playing 33 games over that time period. Due to the promising glimpses Jones displayed at Leeds, Leicester City decided to spend 3.25m in bringing him to Filbert Street. It wasn't just Jones' serious back injury that caused the end to his career, during his 4 year spell at Leicester, he only managed to play 27 games, and scoring once as injuries prevented him from making his mark.

Jones' return may not come as such a surprise to some Leeds, Leicester or Wales fans, as his love for the game has never been in question. Jones explored all possible treatments after he was injured at Anfield, even undergoing a surgery that, in his own words could have the "risk of paralyzing me from the waist down". Even after his retirement and during his 4 years out of football, he continued to follow the game in a professional aspect, reporting for major news services and sports channels.

Jones is still playing at Llanelli in the Welsh Premier League, featuring as a utility player, both in defence and midfield, and i for one wish him the best of luck, and would love to see him playing back in England, at a level he deserves.

Little Fish Travels Across The Pond

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:25:00 GMT

Guppy Charges Forward With The Rhino's

Rochester Rhino's may well be a largely unknown American USL side, who some may know as the employers of Welsh/English striker Matthew Delicate, but something many of you may not know, is that LA Galaxy were not the only American side to bring in an English International midfielder. Steve Guppy, a former league cup winner, Scottish league winner and England "One Cap Wonder", is currently enjoying his second spell in American soccer at the New York State based team. Guppy has tasted the American soccer movement before, when completing a brief spell in the MLS with D.C United.

Guppy enjoyed spells of great success in Britain, mainly at Leicester, Celtic and Wycombe under mentor Martin O'Neill, and also a career building period at Port Vale after failing to impress after joining Newcastle United at a relatively young age. Guppy is also the first player to have won a medal at the new Wembley after achieving the same feat at the old one (League Cup, Leicester/FA Trophy, Stevanage).

Guppy has been playing regularly at Rochester and at the age of 39, still seems to be going strong as a left winger, and assistant to English manager Darren Tilley, scoring his first goal for the club in a recent play-off game against Charleston Battery, former employers of ex-Bolton midfielder Nicky Spooner.

Who's The Dadi?

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:46:00 GMT

Eugenuis - Former Tranmere Player Lights Up Oz

Any of the lower league, or Scottish fans amongst you might well remember the name Eugene Dadi, the 6"2in striker knocked around British football for quite a while after spells in France and Austria. With less than ground breaking spells at Hibernian, Aberdeen, Forest and the mighty Notts County, Dadi was the Ivorian answer to Jason Lee, with his lower league "big man" style and stylish Pineapple haircut. Well now it seems that at 35 and after an unsuccesful spell in Israel, Dadi has finally found his goalscoring home in the A-League with Perth Glory. To date, Dadi has notched 4 goals in 6 games, and is already speaking to the club about an extended deal saying "it would be nice if they offer me something quickly", maybe before he rediscovers form of old. To be fair Dadi did have a quite succesful spell at Tranmere scoring 28 in 86, maybe he has one last goalscoring flourish in him.

Dadi also has his own fashion label, which can be found at http://huge-n.com/home.php

Bosnich Bounces Back

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:26:00 GMT

Bosnich Returns To Professional Football

Former Aston Villa legend Mark Bosnich has donned his gloves once again and returned to competitive "soccer". After nearly six years of speculation about his future, Bosnich has agreed to return to football and help the relatively new A-League competition. Bosnich has signed a 7-month contract with New South Wales based club Central Coast Mariners.

Road Runner Returns

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:05:00 GMT

Overmars Makes Sensational Return.

Great news for all Arsenal and Barca fans, Legend Marc Overmars has laced up his boots once more and returned to competitive football. After 4 years out of the game, he has switched his role at Go Ahead Eagles from Technical Manager, to bit part player. Even though this return will excite most football fans and certainly lots of Football Manager players, Overmars has said his playing time will be limited heavily due to past injury problems, but his general fitness should not be such a problem, as he, and ex-Manchester City midfielder Paul Bosvelt have been training with the Go Ahead Eagles first team squad for some time. The latest chapter in his illustrious career was kick started by his performance in a friendly game organized for ex-Manchester United star Jaap Stam, where he outplayed a defence that was packed with current footballers. Overmars claims to still have his pace and passion, and i will keep you updated with his performences for the Dutch outfit, which to date read 7 appearences 0 goals, and i for one will look forward to bringing him to Leyton Orient on Football Manager 2009.

www.ga-eagles.nl

Welcome

mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:04:00 GMT

Welcome To Premier Memories.

Premier Memories is a website made from a football fan, for football fans. My aim is to walk down memory lane, glancing at the Nordin Wooter's and Vegard Heggem's of the past 16 years, the more obscure events and interesting stories. From Marc Overmars' footballing comeback, through to Stefan Postma's sex tape, i will attempt to entertain and discuss with like minded fans who like to look back at the more random side of the worlds strongest league.

Feel free to contact me on mikecrocombe@hotmail.co.uk and also join the forum for football chat of the weird and wonderful.