Classic Quotes - Football
Some of the biggest names in UK football betting are as famous for what they've said as what they've done on the pitch. Many players have their feet in their mouth nearly as much as they have them on the grass! The world of online football betting has heard many contradictory statements and downright stupidity over the years and bluesq.com have decided to put together a few of our favourites.
'Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw.'
(Ron Atkinson)
Ron spent his playing career in the lower English leagues with Oxford United, but managed at a higher level with Manchester United and Aston Villa in the Premiership. He also tried his hand in Spanish football with Atletico Madrid. More recently, Ron made a living as a football pundit until a racist comment made live on television about Chelsea's Marcel Desailly in 2004 brought his career to an abrupt end. He since made a comeback on Sky TV's 'Big Ron Manager' where he took on the role of manager at League Two club Peterbrough United, ironically replacing Mark Wright who himself had been sacked for alleged racist comments made towards playing staff.
He went on to be an entertaining football pundit, but in 2004 he made a mistake that he has never really recovered from by making a racist comment live on air when Chelsea were playing in the Champions' League.
Not Atkinson's most controversial of comments but one of his many commentating gaffs. If there's an upcoming match for which you think you can make a more decisive prediction than Big Ron, why not put your money where your mouth is and check out our UK football betting coupons.
'I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona'
(Mark Draper - Aston Villa)
Mark did eventually get in to Europe - but only due to being shipped out on loan to Rayo Vallecano after falling out of favour at Villa Park. Glen Hoddle had given him an England cap and subsequently signed him when manager at Southampton. However with the end of Hoddle's reign with the Saints, so came the end of Draper's career - playing only three games in the following season.
Since their 1982 European Cup success, Aston Villa (for whom Draper was playing at the time) haven't had much UEFA Cup or Champions League action, so perhaps Mark could be forgiven for his lack of knowledge of European geography! Visit our football betting section if you would like to bet on the Champions League or UEFA Cup.
"We didn't underestimate them. They were a lot better than we thought."
(Bobby Robson after England nearly lost to Cameroon, World Cup 1990.)
Bobby is part of that very exclusive club of England team managers who are not subsequently hated by the press and public (although some Geordies might suggest that he was doing his best to change that during his final managerial job at Newcastle, where he failed to bring Premiership or European glory to the Toon Army). His popularity is reflected in the fact that he is one of the few football knights (sorry not to call you Sir, Sir Bobby!).
Bobby should have known that 'there are no easy games in international football', especially in the World Cup quarter finals! Browse our betting site if you would like to bet on football, or join Blue Square today if you're new to online football betting.
"I'm not a believer in luck..... but I do believe you need it."
(Alan Ball)
Alan has quite literally had a lot of ups and downs in his managerial career, enduring one promotion and three relegations, and also escaping the drop on several other occasions. The most high profile relegation was that of Manchester City in his first season in charge.
Perhaps Alan should believe in luck after his famous World Cup win. We certainly weren't disappointed. If you're feeling lucky and fancy some online betting, why not join Blue Square today.
For quick and easy online football betting go to bluesq.com. You can bet on everything from match and competition winners to first goal scorers but sadly not, who is going to make the next comical post match statement. Bet online today with a sport bet at Bluesq.com
