Brian Penn, Author at Blowing Bubbles

Is Soucek in need of a rest – or have other teams worked him out?

October 12, 2021 Brian Penn 0

Like a band bursting onto the scene with a hit album, that follow up is always going to be a tricky proposition. Ditto Soucek’s second full season with the Hammers.

Will we soon see safe standing at all Premier League stadia?

October 11, 2021 Brian Penn 0

Will it restore the best elements of terracing but without the inherent dangers of standing?

Births, deaths and marriages: Why they are the heart and soul of football

September 16, 2021 Brian Penn 0

In a world ripped asunder by the evil spectre of Covid where do we turn for distraction; A pleasant diversion that concentrates the mind on something different? From the earliest days of lockdown, football almost

Are the Premier League new boys lambs to the slaughter, or can they thrive?

August 11, 2021 Brian Penn 0

With a glorious European Championships committed to the history books, we can now turn our attention to the domestic season. It’s an exciting time for football fans as they juggle hope with expectation. None more

Forget Shakira’s hips, it’s really the numbers that don’t lie

May 26, 2021 Brian Penn 0

Numbers can be twisted to suit our own ends but essentially they don’t lie – Alan Pardew is statistically the most successful West Ham manager of the last 20 years. The post Harry Redknapp era

Footballers are not above the law and must follow rules too

February 18, 2021 Brian Penn 0

It is sometimes said a rumour is half away around the world before the truth has got its boots on. In a world dominated by social media the tables have been dramatically turned. Those in

We’ll always feel regret for the home grown kids who got away

January 6, 2021 Brian Penn 0

If you love someone set them free; if they come back to you it was meant to be. A refrain from literature and popular song that might leave you crushed by emotion or spitting at

Who’ll step up for spot kicks when Noble isn’t on the pitch?

November 24, 2020 Brian Penn 0

We’ve all had the same dream where, deep into injury time, our beloved Hammers have won a penalty and you are handed the ball. You place it gently on the spot; 12 yards in front

Football’s ability to take us away from the real world is priceless

October 26, 2020 Brian Penn 0

In a world still coming to terms with Covid-19, we are running alarmingly short on diversions. Online quizzes and split screens eventually lose their appeal and we look for something else to bury our fears.

So, when did it become socially acceptable to leave at 80 mins?

September 7, 2019 Brian Penn 0

Grounds are now almost empty at full -time, even when their team is winning

Articles by Brian Penn