Rage Online Blog

Some interesting snippets today, not least of which is the removal of Ian Atkins from his managerial duties at Bristol Rovers. Not sacked, mind you, just removed from his post while remaining on the payroll. Rovers almost certainly can't afford to pay off Atkins to the end of his contract, and he will doubtless hang around the Memorial Ground like a bad smell until a deal can be negotiated, or he finds another job, a bit like Graham Rix at Oxford (except without the "other job" bit). When Oxford fans stop laughing, they might reflect that the downside to this is that, like Mansfield sans Carlton Palmer, Rovers might actually improve and start to challenge United's claim to mid-table obscurity.


Another story of tangential relevance to Oxford fans concerns the fate of former butterfingers goalie Paul Kee. The tall Ulsterman was appointed as manager of Limavady United in June, and took charge of his first Irish Premier League game last Saturday. However Kee (pictured right) ended the game facing assault charges after referee Alan Black accused him of making physical contact and verbal abuse. It looks like crosses aren't the only thing that Kee drops.

An interesting story from the Guardian's Fiver e-newsletter about womens' football in Pakistan. The first ever womens' national championship is taking place this Friday, with the players having to wear long-sleeved shirts and baggy trousers so as not to offend the sensitive dears who might be unfortunate enough to glimpse a sliver of feminine flesh and so find themselves condemned to an afterlife of hellfire and purgatory. No unaccompanied men will be allowed to watch the games, apart from one male coach per team, presumably eunochs. Eight teams are taking part.

Labels: Bristol Rovers, Ian Atkins, Paul Kee, Women's Football