ENGLAND 2010 - SOME OF THE BEST OF THE WEB

Here are some links to some of the best of the web regarding England's performance in the World Cup:

A FOOTBALL REPORT

The Holding Role

Guardian England's next generation quiz

Mirror Football - Joyless campaign

Zonal Marking - Looking at England's tactics

European Football Weekends

ENGLAND WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH

To sum up England's 2010 World Cup Tournament is quite straightforward really - The team were simply not good enough. You could argue that had Frank Lampard's 'goal' been given it would have been a different game but on the day Germany were by far the better team in all departments on the pitch and deserved their victory.

Should England qualify for Brazil 2014 it'll be '48 years of hurt'!

A very gloomy statistic is that since 1966 England have only won against Paraguay, Belgium, Cameroon, Denmark and Ecuador in the knock out stages of the World Cup. With respect to the aforementioned countries it's a fact the English national team haven't beaten a major nation when it matters at the World Cup since that famous day when Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy.

Phil McNulty's blog on the BBC website sums up the failings of the England side.

Roll on Saturday 17th July when Enfield Town start their pre-season campaign with a trip to Suffolk to play Eastern Counties League side Mildenhall Town.

ENGLAND V GERMANY - HISTORY IN THE MAKING

The World Cup games between England and Germany (or West Germany) is well known, substantially written about and of course, should never be forgotten.

All that matters today in the game kicking off at 3pm.... so it's time for Fabio Capello's team to create their own magical piece of history by winning the game in order to play (possibly) Argentina (if they beat Mexico tonight???) in the quarter finals, with another chance to gain revenge for the hand of god incident in 1986.

When Sol Campbell knocked that header into the back of the net in the France 1998 game against Argentina most England fan's have never felt better but the euphoria and celebration only lasted seconds as we all know the referee disallowed the goal. We want that feeling again.

We have enough talented, experienced and star players to win and the cold end believes England can do it.

No predictions, I'm just hoping England do it whether it be in 90 mins, 120 mins or even penalty kicks. Maybe today's the day for Wayne Rooney to come alive and score a goal which we all know he can do... when he gets one he'll want more!!!

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

ENGLAND V GERMANY - THE TENSION MOUNTS

We all know when England play Germany at football it's not just a game, history is written...Waddle and Pearce's missed penalties in 1990 and in Euro 96 - If only Gazza had reached the pass which went agonisingly across an open goal it wouldn't have gone to penalty kicks, are just two of the incidents which come to mind.

Will the hero be wearing the white of Germany or the red of England?? The cold end certainly hopes that the whole of England will be dancing in the streets come 5pm on Sunday. It could be a wonderful and most memorable day for the country.

Here are the statistics for both England and Germany matches in the tournament so far -

            P  W  D  L  GF  GA  PTS  ON TARGET OFF TARGET CORNERS
                                     F   A     F   A      F   A
GERMANY     3  2  0  1  5   1    6   25  12    12  21     18  14
ENGLAND     3  1  2  0  2   1    5   28  22    16  15     29  9

As you can see the stats are quite level apart from the shots on target conceded with England having 22 to Germany's 12 and England gaining 11 more corners than their rivals.

As the Carlsberg advert (which gives me goosebumps every time I see it) says - DO IT FOR BOBBY!!!

THE COLD END SAYS FORGET ABOUT THE GROUP GAMES, WE'RE THROUGH AND WE CAN BEAT GERMANY TO POSSIBLY PLAY ARGENTINA IN THE QUARTER FINALS WHICH IS A MONUMENTAL INCENTIVE FOR THE PLAYERS.

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

MILDENHALL TOWN MANAGER CHALTON RESIGNS

Eastern Counties League side Mildenhall Town (who Town visit on the 17th July for a pre-season friendly) have announced their manager Simon Charlton has resigned.

The former Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Southampton, Birmingham City and Norwich City player had had a very successful first season in charge of The Hall, finishing in sixth place in the ECL Premier and winning the Cambridgeshire Invatation Cup, which ended a 14 year run without a Trophy for the Suffolk club.

SEE FULL STORY ON NLN24 WEBSITE

RESERVES TO FACE 1893 IN THE CAPITAL LEAGUE

Enfield Town Reserves will face two ultra-competitive local derby games against Enfield FC 1893 Reserves who have entered a side in the Capital League Central Division for the 2010/2011 season.

The constitution for the Central Division has a very neighbourly feel to it with the reserves facing short trips to Theobalds Lane, Barrows Farm and The South Mimms Travel Stadium amongst others:

AFC Hornchurch
Aveley
Cheshunt
Colney Heath
Enfield (1893)
Enfield Town
Harlow
Potters Bar Town
Redbridge
Thurrock

RYMAN LEAGUE NEW SEASON'S FIXTURES OUT ON 14th JULY

The new fixture list for the Ryman League season will be released by the league on Wednesday 14th July with the FA drawing the early rounds of the Trophy, Cup and Vase in early July.

Enfield Town FC's very own Andy Jones stars in the above play which is showing at The Phoenix Artist Club in the heart of the West End Theatre Land just off Charing Cross Road.

The play is part of the London Fringe Festival and run's for 13 shows from the 27th July through to the 21st August 2010.

To see the show and for more information please click here to buy tickets.

ENGLAND EXPECTS

Today's the day for the England team to step up and qualify for the last 16 of this year's World Cup. Much has been written about systems, 4-4-2 or 4-4-3 and which starting 11 to pick.

The cold end thinks when it comes down to it all most fans want to see today is the game played with 100% desire, belief and commitment. If it's a classic 3-2, a nerve wrecking 1-0 or a easy 3-0 victory - we don't care as long as England go through.

With much of the media focused on John Terry over the last few days TCE can see the defender popping up to score the first goal today. From corners or set-pieces close the box he has shown over the years how good he is in the air. SKY BET offer 25/1 for him to score first and settle England's nerves.

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

THE COLD END GETS ALL TWITTERED UP

The cold end has joined the not so exclusive Twitter club in the last week or so.. Over the course of the next season I'll try and update ETFC scores as they happen so if you can't make the match you'll can tune in to find out what's occurring. Hopefully, it'll be a success!!

Have a look at the Widget to the left hand side for more information.

NEW ZEALAND - THE COLD END SALUTES YOU!!

The All Whites performance today in gaining the excellent, unbelievable and unexpected draw versus current World Champions Italy contained all the industry, hard work, belief and team spirit England's showing on Friday night sadly lacked. The cold end did say on the 22nd May 2010 that I was going to back New Zealand to get a positive result in one of their group games (LINK) but even the most ardent of Kiwi's wouldn't of expected to get a result against Italy.

England's squad can turn their world cup campaign around on Wednesday afternoon by taking example from the togetherness Ricki Herbert's side displayed. The cold end wants to see which ever team goes out, to play with passion and 100% commitment. Put a smile back on the face of English football fans by hitting the back of the net - The player's need to do themselves justice!!!

For now the cold end salutes the New Zealand Squad for performing well above all expectations and representing the underdog by gaining two fabulous points this world cup so far.

BRING SOME FACTS TO THE WEB ON SUNDAY - BRAZIL V IVORY COAST

The World Cup is, of course, like some people think not just about England. Tonight's game is the eagerly anticipated Group G match between The Ivory Coast and Brazil. Here are some facts about the game tonight in the bring a fact to web on Sunday special:

Brazil have won all five of their world cup matches against African teams and kept a clean sheet in every one of the matches.

The Elephants 0-0 draw with Portugal marked the first time they have failed to score in a world cup tournament match but also the first time they have kept a clean sheet.

Brazil have only lost one of the their last 27 internationals.

It could be billed as a Drogba V Fabiano game. The Chelsea hit man has scored 44 goals in 69 international caps with the Sevilla man scoring 25 goals in 38 caps. That's an average of a goal every 1.5 games for Drogba and
Fabiano.

So, what price that both players score tonight??

Fabiano is 5/4 to score at anytime with Drogba at a possibly value 2/1 if he starts. If you think Fabiano will score first it's 4/1 with Drogba at 6/1.

Of course, there is a vast array of talent on both sides tonight with what will be hopefully an entertianing game full of lots of skill and goalmouth action.

The cold end is going for Luis Fabiano to get the first goal and for Brazil to win at 5/1.

Odds courtesy of bet365.com

Did you know the stars on the Flag of Brazil represent the the 26 states and the one Brazilian Federal District. The original flag has risen from 21 to the current 27 stars to represent new states as they have been formed. The current 27 star flag was adopted on 12th May 1992.

"Ordem E Progresso" translates to "Order and Progress" which is the national motto of Brazil.

The Ivory Coast flag was officially adopted on December 3, 1959. Its design is modeled after the French Tricolore. The orange shade represents the savanna grasslands, green represents the coastal forests, while white is symbolic of the country's rivers. The country has been independent from the 7th August 1960.

WHERE DO ENGLAND GO FROM HERE???

What went wrong last night?

The performance was the worst and most disappointing most fan's have seen in living memory from the National side. It wasn't a team performance as eleven individuals played with no passion or commitment failing to score or even give Algeria's third choice goal-keeper any saves to make of note. The North Africans had lost five of their last six games prior to kick off last night.

The players looked scared and certainly didn't look like they were enjoying themselves, the appear bogged down in a sea of tactical nonsense and what if situations?? The game was Dull, uninspiring and lacked any imagination. Some people may have even switched over to watch Big Brother on that showing!!

No player seemed to give anywhere near 100% effort as the beautiful game once again turned into a nightmare for England.

After all of this though - the situation can be rectified, there is a tiny amount of light at the end of a very long tunnel for the players and Fabio Capello.

Win against Slovenia and we are through to the next round. Simple!!!

We need a 5 star performance and the right result next Wednesday. Fabio can make this happen by changing the starting line up.

How many times do we have to watch Lampard and Gerrard playing in the same team to see they can't play together. The cold end would drop Frank Lampard and have a midfield of Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard with Aaron Lennon on the right and Joe Cole on the left.

Up front Emile Heskey has to be dropped, correct me if I'm wrong but the definition of a centre forward/striker's job is to score goals and for all the hard work Heskey carries out he simply doesn't score enough goals. He has now played 60 times for England and hit the back of the net just seven times, since his return to the national side in 2007 he has played 19 times scoring two goals, one against Khazakstan (away) in qualifying and one against Slovakia in a friendly played at Wembley. Prior to these two goals you have to go back to May 2003 when he scored versus South Africa in a friendly in Durban. His statistics for World Cup qualifiers and actual World Cup tournament games now reads played 20 scored 3 or about one goal in every six games played which just isn't good enough.

Would you go for Rooney up front?? I would say Peter Crouch with his goalscoring record for England may deserve a chance but I'll go for Jermaine Defoe with his pace to frighten defenders alongside Rooney who is now under major pressure to give the world class performance he is capable of against Slovenia. Crouch can be a super-sub if it all goes wrong for the second half.

THE COLD END'S STARTING LINE UP FOR NEXT WEDNESDAY

GK David James

LB Ashley Cole

RB Glen Johnson

CB John Terry

CB Matthew Upson or Ledley King (if he's fit) in place of suspended Carragher.

CM Gareth Barry

CM Steven Gerrard (with instructions to get forward, shoot and enjoy yourself. Play like you do for Liverpool)

RM Aaron Lennon

LM Joe Cole

CF Wayne Rooney

CF Jermaine Defoe

Someone needs to step up and be the hero to spark the England team into life next Wednesday, otherwise it's the unthinkable and England are out!! The players are accomplished and proficient enough to beat Slovenia and keep the dream alive.

The cold end is ever the optimist and hopes to be celebrating next Wednesday afternoon!!!

COME ON ENGLAND

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!

CLASSIC PROGRAMMES - ENFIELD FC V HITCHIN TOWN - 1980

On Tuesday 4th November 1980 the E's welcomed Hitchin Town to Southbury Road for what was then a Berger Isthmian Premier Division game. Both team's had just played important FA Cup 4th Qualifying round games with The Canaries going down 0-1 to Sutton Coldfield Town at Top Field with the E's winning comfortably 5-0 at home to Epsom and Ewell. Epsom (then of Isthmian Division One) had beaten Eastbourne Town, Margate and Ashford Town only to be beaten at Southbury Road. The game was the start of the E's famous run to the 4th round proper and the game versus Barnsley at White Hart Lane.
The E's opponents in Round One were to be another Isthmian Division One side in Wembley who had a tremendous run in the competition that season beating Leytonstone Ilford, Lethchworth GC (after a replay), Chelmsford City and Dover (after a replay).

The E's were riding high top of the division with Hitchin Town down in 17th place for this game. The clubs had met twice before in the season even with it being only the beginning of November. It was a 2-2 draw in a league encounter at Top Field with Lee Holmes and Ron Howell scoring for the E's. There had also been a journey to Hertfordshire in the Hitachi Cup where a 0-1 win was gained via Dave Waite's solitary goal.
The E's had just gained their second piece of silverware for the season when they had lifted the Berger Isthmian League Five-A-Side tournament at Wembley Arena. The Squad was Pitcher, Barrett, Howell, Tone, King and Ashford. The programme details the route to the final the team had on the night being a 2-0 win against Walthamstow Avenue (Steve King scoring both goals), Dagenham 4-2 in the quarter final (Barrett, Howell, King and Tone), Woking 1-0 in the semi final (courtesy of Howell) and then in the final defeating Harrow Borough 2-0 with goals from King and John Tone. Tone had just made his 350th appearance for the club in the cup game versus Epsom.
The league table as stated shows the E's on top as of 1.11.80 followed by Dagenham, Slough and Dulwich Hamlet. The Rebel's eventually pipped the E's to the title by two points. Hendon, bottom of the table in November with only 3 wins eventually made it to sixth place in the final table with Woking then in mid-table finishing bottom of the table on 37 points (3 deducted).

The 1980/81 season was the last the E's were to spend in the Isthmian League for a decade with them as we all know going on to great success in the Alliance Premier League/Gola League in the 1980's.

The programme cost just 10p on the night and shows a marvellous picture of the old main stand with the white picket fence and old floodlights which were replaced with the bigger 'E' floodlights in the 1980's.

Veteran fan's of Enfield Town and Enfield 1893 FC may indeed remember this game and the five-a-side victory at Wembley Arena?

THE WORLD CUP - THE BETTING SO FAR

The cold end struck lucky on the opening day by forecasting both games would be draws at 9/1, since then I've been looking on without dipping my toe in the punting market but the advice to look at the under 2.5 goals market has come off as 10 out of the 11 games so far have resulted in under 2.5 goals being scored. The both teams to score market (BTTS) has come in 3/11 games and draws 4/11 times. So, where can we possibly win a little bit of money in today's games.

New Zealand V Slovakia

The first game today pits outsiders New Zealand (2,000/1 bottom of the betting for the tournament) against Slovakia (400/1 for the tournament)

The match odds are 1/2 for a European win, 3/1 the draw and 7/1 for what will be a surprise win.

Slovakia possess Manchester City's midfielder Vladimir Weiss who spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season and will probably win this game against a New Zealand side who will defend in numbers putting lots of men behind the ball. Slovakia's last warm up game was against Costa Rica which they won 3-0 whereas New Zealand have lost against Chile (2-0), Slovenia (3-1) but have shown they can win surprisingly 1-0 in Serbia.

The cold end's bet of the day is for forward Stanslav Sestak (forward who scored a penalty in the last game versus Costa Rica) to score at any time at 7/4.

Ivory Coast V Portugal

Sven's first competitive game for the Ivory Coast against Portugal. The Elephants are at 5/2 with Portugal at 5/4 and the draw being 11/5. Portugal have warmed up for the tournament with a 3-0 win over Mozambique and a 3-1 win over Cameroon. Miguel Hugo Almeida has been in good form with two goals against Mozambique. We'll go for him to score at any time at 12/5.

Brazil V North Korea

If North Korea get anything out of this match it'll be a major shock. They are 28/1 to win with what is expected to be a Brazil win at 1/10 and a draw at 9/1. Even a forecast of Fabiano first goalscorer and a 4-0 Brazil win is priced at only 16/1. My advice is sit back relax and enjoy what will be one of the most intriguing games of the tournament so far. The stars of Brazil versus the unknown quantity of North Korea. Maybe a speculative bet (to make that game a little more interesting) of Jong Tae-Se (the star of the Korean team) to score, as he did in their last game versus Nigeria which they lost 1-3, at any time at 13/2.

Enjoy the games. All odds can be found at bet365.com

LATEST UPDATED PRE SEASON FRIENDLY LIST FOR THE RYMAN NORTH CLUBS

AFC SUDBURY

9/7  - Haverhill Rovers
13/7 - Brantham Athletic
17/7 - Conard United
20/7 - WREXHAM
24/7 - Canvey Island
31/7 - FC Clacton
6/8  - BURY TOWN
14/7 - LOWESTOFT TOWN

BRENTWOOD TOWN

20/7 – Takeley
24/7 – Eton Manor
27/7 – Barking
31/7 – Hullbridge Sports
3/8  – BARKINGSIDE
7/8  – AFC HORNCHURCH
10/8 – BISHOPS STORTFORD
12/8 – BILLERICAY TOWN
14/8 – HARROW BOROUGH

CHATHAM TOWN

NOT KNOWN AT PRESENT

CHESHUNT

24/7         - Hatfield Town
26/7         - Enfield 1893 - @ Broxbourne Borough Tournament
28/7 or 29/7 - Broxbourne Borough/Wormley - @ Broxbourne Borough Tournament:
3/8          - MET POLICE
7/8          - THURROCK
10/8         - POTTERS BAR TOWN - Herts Charity Cup
14/8         - Canvey Island

EAST THURROCK UNITED

24/7 - HUTTON
27/7 - BOWERS AND PITSEA
31/7 - AFC HORNCHURCH
3/8  - CANVEY ISLAND
10/8 - BILLERICAY TOWN
14/8 - Margate

ENFIELD TOWN

17/7 - Mildenhall Town
20/7 - Colney Heath
24/7 - Daventry Town
31/7 - Barton Rovers
3/8  - AVELEY
7/8  - LOWESTOFT TOWN
14/8 - Fleet Town
16/8 - Wealdstone

GREAT WAKERING ROVERS

17/7 - SELBY TOWN
20/7 - BILLERICAY TOWN
24/7 - STANWAY ROVERS
28/7 - WEST HAM UNITED U18s
31/7 - MARGATE
3/8  - Burnham Ramblers
10/8 - CONCORD RANGERS
14/8 - HORNCHURCH

HARLOW TOWN

20/7 - Canvey Island
24/7 - Sawbirdgeworth Town
31/7 - Leiston
3/8  - CONCORD RANGERS
7/8  - HORSHAM YMCA
14/8 - AVELEY

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS

10/7 - Wivenhoe Town
17/7 - COLCHESTER UNITED
20/7 - BRAINTREE TOWN
24/7 - Burnham Ramblers
31/7 - WEST HAM UNITED XI
3/8  - CHELMSFORD CITY
14/8 - CONCORD RANGERS

ILFORD

NOT KNOWN AT PRESENT

LEYTON

NOT KNOWN AT PRESENT

MALDON AND TIPTREE

NOT KNOWN AT PRESENT

NEEDHAM MARKET

20/7 - Wroxham
24/7 - Kings Lynn
29/7 - Thetford Town
31/7 - CRAY WANDERERS
3/8  - Haverhill Rovers
7/8  - Soham Town Rangers
10/8 - LOWESTOFT TOWN
14/8 - STAMFORD

POTTERS BAR TOWN

24/7 - Harefield United
27/7 - Colney Heath
31/7 - CHESHAM UNITED
3/8  - HARROW BOROUGH
10/8 - Cheshunt - Herts Charity Cup
14/8 - HENDON

REDBRIDGE

31/7 - Stotfold
2/8  - Enfield 1893
12/8 - Runwell Hospital

ROMFORD

17/7 - CANVEY ISLAND
24/7 - Felixstowe & Walton
27/7 - Basildon United
31/7 - AVELEY
3/8  - MAIDSTONE UNITED
10/8 - Metropolitan Police
14/8 - Billericay Town

THAMESMEAD TOWN

24/7 - WHITSTABLE TOWN
27/7 - DULWICH HAMLET
31/7 - MAIDSTONE UNITED
3/8  - Stansted

TILBURY

10/7 - Basildon United
17/7 - BURNHAM RAMBLERS
20/7 - BETHNAL GREEN UNITED
24/7 - ENFIELD 1893
31/7 - BOWERS AND PITSEA

WALTHAM ABBEY

27/7 - ST ALBANS CITY
31/7 - Takeley
3/8  - BISHOPS STORTFORD
7/8  - Afc Hayes
10/8 - AVELEY
14/8 - Whyteleafe

WALTHAM FOREST

3/8 - Barkingside (at Debden Sports Ground)

WARE

22/7 - WYCOMBE WANDERERS XI
24/7 - HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN - Herts Charity Cup
7/8  - HARROW BOROUGH FC

WINGATE AND FINCHLEY

7/8 - RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS

BRING SOME FACTS TO THE WEB ON SUNDAY.... THE FA AMATEUR CUP

The crest for the Old Carthusians Football Club

* The first final for the competition was played in 1894 between Old Carthusians and Casuals at the Athletic ground in Richmond. The match was won 2-1 by Old Cathusians which made them the only club at present to win both the FA CUP (which they won in 1881) and the FA Amateur Cup. They also won the Amateur cup in 1897 beating Stockton 4-1 in a replay.

* The only club at present who have had a realistic chance of equaling Old Carthusians unique achievement in winning both competitions is Middlesborough (who won the Amateur Cup in 1895 and 1898). Boro lost the 1997 cup final 2-0 to Chelsea.

* Bishop Auckland won the competition an incredible ten times being runner's up a further eight times. The last time they lifted the trophy was in 1957 when they beat Wycombe Wanderers 3-1 at Wembley Stadium.

* Old Carthusians still exist in modern day football playing in The Arthurian League which is affiliated to the Amatuer Football Alliance. Their first XI finished 2nd in the Premier Division behind Old Harrovians for the 2009/2010 season. The club play their home games at The Charterhouse school in Godalming, Surrey. Arthurian League Website Link

VOTE FOR KEN DODD'S DAD'S DOG'S DEAD...

I have mentioned the world's best band KDDDD releasing "Confidence" for the World Cup 2010 and that they have reached the final of Talksport's World Cup song competition. The Cold End says VOTE FOR THEM as if they win their song will be played on Talksport throughout the tournament. Let's get a band from Enfield onto the radio and into the charts. It only takes a few seconds to vote so you've got no excuses...

TALK SPORT COMPETITION LINK

In addition KDDDD have a facebook fan's page with a following that is growing day by day. Join in the fun and find out first what's going on and where the band are going to be playing in the local area:

FACEBOOK LINK

If you haven't heard the song...it's very catchy.... Have a look at the video below:



Get downloading now at ITUNES or HMV

COME ON ENGLAND!!!

THE COLD END WORLD CUP TIPPING COMPETITION......

Here are the entries for the The Cold End has recieved for the world cup tipping competition. Remember its +5 pts for a group winner, + 5 for picking overall winner, +5 for picking top scorer and +5 if your outside team gets into the last 16 or +7 if they get into the 1/4 finals or beyond. A big thankyou to all that have entered especially Steve Newing, Del Deanus and Paul Marks:

               ENFIELD UNITED TRING ARMY BOSWELL
A-             France         S.Africa   France
B-             Argentina      Argentina  Argentina
C-             England        England    England
D-             Ghana          Germany    Germany
E-             Holland        Holland    Holland
F-             Paraguay       Italy      Italy
G-             Portugal       Brazil     Brazil
H-             Spain          Spain      Spain
SURPRISE TEAM  Ghana          USA        Mexico
OVERALL WINNER Argentina      Argentina  Holland
SCORER         Messi          Messi      Messi

               THE COLD END  SHADOW      M.BRUNO.B    DAZZLER
A-             Uruguay       Uruguay     Mexico       France
B-             Argentina     Argentina   Argentina    Argentina
C-             England       England     England      England
D-             Serbia        Germany     Germany      Germany
E-             Holland       Holland     Holland      Holland
F-             Paraguay      Italy       Slovakia     Italy
G-             Portugal      Brazil      Brazil       Portugal
H-             Spain         Spain       Spain        Spain
SURPRISE TEAM  Serbia        Chile       Slovakia     South Korea
OVERALL WINNER England       Spain       Spain        England
SCORER         Van Persie    Villa       Villa        Villa

               SCOTSPUR      STEVE NEWING  TOONSTAR    MERLIN
A-             France        France        France      France
B-             Argentina     Argentina     Argentina   Argentina
C-             England       England       England     England
D-             Germany       Germany       Germany     Germany
E-             Holland       Holland       Holland     Holland
F-             Italy         Italy         Italy       Italy
G-             Brazil        Brazil        Brazil      Brazil
H-             Spain         Spain         Spain       Spain
SURPRISE TEAM  Portugal      Serbia        Ivory Coast Portugal
OVERALL WINNER Holland       Spain         England     Brazil
SCORER         Huntelar      Villa         Villa       Fabiano

               DEL DEANUS   EDDY NAFZGER   SCORELINE   MARKSY
A-             Uruguay      Uruguay        France      France
B-             Argentina    Argentina      Argentina   Argentina
C-             England      England        USA (!)     England
D-             Serbia       Germany        Germany     Serbia
E-             Holland      Holland        Holland     Holland
F-             Italy        Italy          Italy       Italy
G-             Brazil       Portugal       Brazil      Brazil
H-             Spain        Spain          Spain       Spain
SURPRISE TEAM  Serbia       Ivory Coast    USA         Chile
OVERALL WINNER Holland      Spain          Spain       Brazil
SCORER         Van Perise   Villa          Villa       Van Persie

               THE DIRECTOR STONECOLD  ANDY ETC  DAVE BRYANT   RHODES
A-             Uruguay      France     France    France        France
B-             Argentina    Argentina  Argentina Argentina     Argentina
C-             England      England    England   USA           England
D-             Germany      Germany    Germany   Germany       Germany
E-             Holland      Holland    Holland   Holland       Denmark
F-             Italy        Italy      Italy     Italy         Italy
G-             Brazil       Brazil     Brazil    Brazil        Portugal
H-             Spain        Spain      Spain     Spain         Spain
SURPRISE TEAM  Nigeria      Paraguay   Serbia    Ivory Coast   Ivory Coast
OVERALL WINNER Spain        Argentina  Italy     Brazil        Brazil
SCORER         Torres       Messi      Torres    Torres        Fabiano

THE WORLD CUP IN NEARLY HERE!!

World Cup Fever is here!!! The official kick-off is less than 24 hours away so the cold end has looked into what I think maybe some of the best bets for the tournament at present. Hopefully with a little luck we may be able to win some money back for once and England win!!! I'm pleased to announce the high-rolling Toonstar Tipper will be back sometime this week with some recommended bets for the tournament.

TOP GOALSCORER FOR THE TOURNAMENT - AN OUTSIDE CHANCE!!

It's no surprise to see the familiar names of Villa, Rooney, Van Persie and Messi up the top end of the market in the betting for the top tournament goalscorer. David Villa is favourite at 8/1 with the talented trio of Wayne, Robin and Lionel all 2nd in the betting at 10/1 at most bookmakers.

The cold end has looked further down the list at some of the outsiders who I think may stand a good chance of making it into the top 5 scorers thus making an each way wager worth a look at.
Chile, rated as some pundit's outside team possess the South American qualifiers top scorer in Humberto Suazo who hit the back of the net 10 times in getting his country to South Africa. He is 66/1 with some bookies be top scorer in the tournament, which as the odds suggest is unlikely to happen but with group games versus Switzerland and Hounduras (and Spain) the South American side stand a good chance of qualifying for the last 16 and thus their goal-scorer may hit the back of the net a few times to put himself into the top 4 list making an each way punt a good outside bet. £10 each way (stake £20) at 66/1 would return £175.00 if Suazo finishes in the top 4.

How about Peter Crouch at 40/1 who loves scoring for England?? The question mark would be will Crouch start ahead of Heskey who is likely to partner Rooney against the USA. Lets hope for England Crouchy will be doing the robot several times over the next few weeks!!

WHO WANTS TO LOOSE THEIR FIRST GAME???

The first of the group games are always close with team's definitely not wanting to lose and gain at least a point to go towards their total. The cold end will be looking at many of the opening games being very close with draws the suggested bet to go for. Of course some games like Brazil V North Korea look to be one sided but tomorrow's games in South Africa V Mexico and Uruguay V France I think will be very close. skybet.com offer 9/1 at present for a double of both games to finish all square??

The under 2.5 goals maybe a good bet to look at in the first of the group games. I'm sure Toonstar will have his own unique take on the betting for the tournament.

Remember to gamble sensibly and enjoy the footballing bonanza!!

RYMAN NORTH TOP SCORER MOVES ON UP!!

There has been some transfer news in Enfield Town's league this week as Sam Higgins, who was top scorer in the Ryman North Division last season for East Thurrock United scoring 36 times in 36 games, has moved from Rookery Hill to join Blue Square South side Chelmsford City.

The cold end sends Good Luck to Higgins who jumps up two steps of the pyramid with the exciting challenge of helping City try to gain promotion next season.

Higgins is only 19 years old so with a little luck could return to the football league where he started his career as a youth team player with Millwall and Southend United.

John Coventry had already moved to replace the supporter's player of the year before he left by signing Neil Richmond from Great Wakering Rovers who scored twice in Rover's 2-3 win at Goldsdown Road last season.

BRING SOME FACTS TO THE WEB ON SUNDAY - FOOTBALL IN DUNDEE!!

*Most football fans know the famous Scottish Cup score of Arbroath 36 Bon Accord 0 but did you know on that same day on 12th September 1885 Dundee Harp beat Aberdeen Rovers by a score of 35-0.

* Dundee Harp were formed in 1879 and went out of business in 1897. A Junior (a Scottish of non-league football as well as the Highland League) club called Harp FC were formed in 1904 and still exist today playing under the name of Lochee Harp which is more representative of the area of Dundee where they play.

* Another Junior club Lochee United represent the area playing in the East Region Super League, Harp play two divisions down the pyramid in the East Region North Division. The two club's grounds in Beechwood Park and Thomson Park are approx 1/2 mile away from each other which is not as close as Dundee United's Tanadice and Dundee's Den's Park's stadiums which are the closest Senior football grounds in Britain.

* Three other Junior club's play in the City. Dundee East Craigie, Dundee North End and Dundee Violet. North End known as The Dokens play in the shadow of Tanadice and Den's Park, Violet play at Glenesk Park also close to their league rivals with East Craigie playing at Craigie Park as the name suggests to the East of the City. All play in the North Division alongside Lochee Harp.

A WELSH VIEW OF CHARLIE ADAM'S FREE KICK AT WEMBLEY

Filmed by a Bluebird's fan at the Championship Play off final this is a brilliant view of Charlie Adam's sublime free kick to make it 1-1 in one of the games of the season.. Check out the roar from the Tangerine army gathered at the opposite end of the home of football.

KEN DODD'S DAD'S DOG'S DEAD RELEASE "CONFIDENCE"

The cold end mentioned a few weeks ago that the world's greatest ever band Ken Dodd's Dad's Dogs Dead are releasing their song called 'Confidence' for the World Cup 2010. The band all come from the Enfield area and gigged all around North London and beyond in the early to mid 90s in such historic venues as The Bush Hill Park Hotel, The Standard in Walthamstow and the much missed Steps pub in Edmonton.

The confidence video has received in excess of 30,000+ hits on youtube. The band have been mentioned on Radio 1 by Chris Moyles, played the song live in the reception of Absolute Radio and made the final of the Talk Sport world cup song competition. They are due to make an appearance on BBC London TV News next Thursday and hopefully some local gigs will follow in the Summer.

Confidence is a brilliant song and is by far the best world cup song of the summer, it fully deserves to be the England team's anthem for 2010.

It is available to download from as from tomorrow on ITUNES. The cold end advises you to get Downloading and send KDDDD into the charts!!!

Paul and Danny of KDDDD meet Chris Evans

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!

CHATHAM TOWN MOVE NORTH - NORTHWOOD MOVE ACROSS

It was announced today that following the unfortunate demise of Merthyr Tydfil FC, who will drop out of the Zamaretto League, that their will be a rearrangement of clubs across the leagues.

A new club representing the Welsh town will reform and play in the Toolstation Western League ground sharing at South Wales League side Taffs Wells FC, which is roughly twenty miles out of town. The cold end sends Good luck to the loyal Martyr's fans. There is a facebook campaign to keep football at the spiritual home of football in Merthyr - Pennydarren Park. FACEBOOK LINK

Following Merthyr's dropping down the league's, Ashford Town (Middx) were offered a reprieve from relegation from the Ryman Premier to Zamaretto Central which they declined allowing Hemel Hempstead Town a reprieve in the Zamaretto Premier League. The Tudors have recently appointed Colin Payne as their boss who went so frustratingly close with Hitchin Town in the Midland division last season. Eastbourne Town are thus reprieved from relegation from the Ryman South division which has caused Chatham Town to move North to Enfield Town's division. Northwood have made way for the Kent side and move into the Zamaretto Central Division. It's all a bit confusing but that's how it stands at present.

Chatham Town have recently appointed Paul Foley as manager after he left VCD Athletic who are currently appealing their relegation from the Ryman Division One (North). The excellent Non League Daily website details the current status on the the vicker's appeal to the Ryman league following their 'demotion' due to ground grading issues - NON LEAGUE DAILY ARTICLE LINK

So, instead of the short trip to Northwood, next season Town face another journey across the Dartford crossing or through the Blackwall Tunnel to save money to face Chatham Town in the Ryman North division.

THE COLD END WORLD CUP PREDICTION COMPETITION

World cup fever is nearly upon us so the cold end thought it would be good to run a World Cup tipping competition that will be open to anyone should you wish to apply. The rules are simple and as follows:

1) Pick who you think will win the eight groups. You will received +5 points for each correct selection.

2) Pick your surprise team of the tournament. This will be a team outside of the current top eight in the betting with williamhill.com so you can exclude Spain, Brazil, England, Argentina, Holland, Itlay, Germany and France in your selection. If your team qualifies for the last 16 you get +5 pts or +7 pts if they get to the quarter finals or beyond.

3) Pick your overall winner of the tournament. If your selection wins you get +5 pts.

4) Pick your top scorer for the tournament. If your selection comes top of the scoring charts you get +5pts.

Thats the rules!!!. There is no official prize as it's just for fun, the winner will receive the glory of being crowned 'THE COLD END WORLD CUP 2010 CHAMPION TIPSTER'

To help you enter just cut and paste the below section and add your selections and send to thecoldend@live.co.uk with your tipster name or real name whatever you prefer!

GROUP WINNERS
A-
B-
C-
D-
E-
F-
G-
H-

SURPRISE TEAM -

OVERALL WINNER -

TOP SCORER -

Closing date is Midnight on TUESDAY 8th JUNE 2010. I will publish a list of entries sometime between Tuesday and Friday next week.

Good Luck!!