Back page 
Leicester City rekindle football’s flame
Leicester CIty’s unlikely Premier League title win reminds us all of sport’s inherent magic, writes Matthew Coyle.
Author: Matthew Coyle
Belfast-based writer, blogger, lawyer. Seeking a change of direction from the stifling office. Blackburn Rovers victim. Football fanatic. It is at once a simple game and a complex one. Maybe that's why we all care so much about it.
Read my other work at balls.ie, opinionfootball.com, creativityni.org, culturenorthernireland.org and pulpinterest.com.
All views are my own and not necessarily those of any other person or body.
Wales have only themselves to thank
In spite of an expanded tournament format and tortured history, Wales have proved themselves worthy as one of the first 12 teams through the Euros gate.
Mourinho’s Chelsea are winners, not entertainers
José Mourinho has just secured another league title at Chelsea. Yet he has been accused of defensive, win-at-all-costs football. So what asks Matthew Coyle.
For good or for bad, Henry was unforgettable
Thierry Henry has retired. For many admirers, his jaw-dropping deception in Paris leaves a smudge on an otherwise stellar legacy.
Lionel Messi’s imminent record should inspire awe
On the cusp of breaking Telmo Zarra’s 59-year-old record, Lionel Messi’s consistent brilliance often obscures his genius. That should never be the case.
Patrick O’Connell, the forgotten saviour
Matthew Coyle tells the life story of one of Ireland’s forgotten footballing legends, Patrick O’Connell.
Alfredo Di Stéfano (1926-2014)
Alfredo Di Stéfano, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has died aged 88. Matthew Coyle discusses his passing.
Spain – Everything that has a beginning, has an end
It was only a brief smile, a smirk even. It passed across Vicente Del Bosque’s rumpled features as Chile scored the second goal of their stunningly straightforward 2-0 win against his Spanish team, a fleeting glimpse of the emotions raging beneath the coach’s normally stoic visage. In that moment, his thoughts — or at least some of […]
Fernando Gago: the fulcrum
Matthew Coyle talk about Fernando Gago, the key to Argentinian success this summer.
Atlético Madrid – welcome interrupters
Matthew Coyle discusses the newly crowned Spanish champions who are looking to claim an amazing double.