Bleacher Report - Articles by John Price

Welsh Sports Fall Short of Memorable Season

John Price — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:52:26 -0400

What a season for Welsh sports! It has been a roller coaster ride, and both football and rugby clubs fell short.

Cardiff City's main aim was to reach the playoffs so that they can give themselves a perfect opportunity to play at their new stadium in the Premiership. They looked on course, producing some fantastic results throughout the season. In fact, they were mathematically able to make it to finishing the campaign in the top two, leaving them with promotion without the stress of the playoffs.

This possibility, however, went in tatters after losing 6-0 to fellow playoff hopefuls, Preston North End. After that, it went downhill for the Bluebirds as they had conceded an extra six goals in the last three matches, which concluded Cardiff's frustrating season. The team missed out on the playoffs by just one goal to Preston.

After Wales' disappointment, Cardiff Blues made history by going to the semifinals for the Heineken Cup. They faced Leicester Tigers, having an opportunity to make it to the final for the first time.

The match finished 26-26 and the tie forced extra time. A penalty shoot out later occurred, which ended in anguish for the Blues. They lost 7-6.

Leicester would play in the final against Leinster who beat Munster in the other semifinal.

Although it was so close to what both teams wanted to achieve, it was too far! What will next season bring? Hopefully, Dave Jones will keep his job with Cardiff City, guiding them to further success next season. Also, let's hope that Cardiff Blues make one further leap so that they can win the European Cup.

May: The Month Of Finals

John Price — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:41:29 -0400

If someone asked me what's the best month in sport, I'd say May. It's what the media calls it 'The month of finals'.

Football is pretty special at this month as it's where the Barclays Premiership comes into a conclusion as it'll decide who wins the trophy and who'll face the drop to the lower division.

The Champions League is always proves to be a masterpiece of a competition and this year is like no other. Half of the teams are British whilst the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are still in, dying to win one of the most prestigious trophies in Europe.

Rugby Union also has finals galore to entertain millions of supporters. The Heineken Cup reaches the final stages whilst the Magners League and Guinness Premiership will all come to a close. Will Munster take the spoils yet again? Or will Sale get their Premiership trophy back after a disappointing season last time around?

Also, in cricket, May is a major month this year as England prepare for the Ashes starting in Cardiff in July. Otherwise, it'll be a month for us all to get hyped up during the season of the sport. Being a Glamorgan fan, I'm hoping that it'll be our year for promotion!

All of the above major sporting events will be all on Sky Sports and I will be watching it all! I hope you all enjoy the month of May and may the best team win!

There Is No Saturday Without Our Good Ol' Jeff!

John Price — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:04:48 -0500

We all find something funny about any sports when they slip whilst kicking a football or when you see a hilarious wide ball in cricket but for me, being a massive TV fan, there is only one person who comes to mind and that's Jeff Stelling.

Yes, the huge Hartlepool fan, 53 years of age and is the face behind Gillette Soccer Saturday, shown every Saturday afternoon on Sky Sports 1 and News.

When Hartlepool score, he's over ecstatic, especially when one James Brown scores. He brings out a model of the singer and dances 'I feel good!' The likes of Matt Le. Tissier, Paul Merson, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas join him!

However, when Hartlepool concede, it's another story! He get's a little carried away, as normal and then apologises for his 'unprofessionalism'. We've all been there, Jeff!

Now, Jeff Stelling this year is still with Soccer Saturday but also, for the weekdays, alongside Rachel Riley and Susie Dent presents Countdown. This programme, previously hosted by Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman is all about consonants, vowels and numbers.

Jeff, started in January, has attracted more people to watch the show and now on average, 1 million people watch every day! If you want to see Jeff in action such as 'Middlesbrough rant' and an example of the Jeff dance, go onto the YouTube website and search for 'Jeff Stelling'!

I hope you enjoy the masterpiece of a true legend on UK television!

2008: United Kingdom Year in Review

John Price — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:36:22 -0500

Well, it's that time of year again. Another year to remember, another year to forget? In any case it's been a year to remember. The next few minutes will take you back from January and end in December. We will see UK success, Spanish delight and other headlines which will cast your mind back. I hope you enjoy!

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