August 5, 1973: Brian Clough really knew how to curry favour in his day. The then Derby manager proclaimed on this day 35 years ago that the rough and ready, and frequent target of his ire Leeds United should be relegated for their terrible disciplinary record. It seemed to impress the Leeds board, as they appointed him their manager after Don Revie left to manage England. And we all know how that turned out.
August 5, 1986: Betting scandals seem to pop up every twenty years or so in Italy, and it was on this day in 1986 that another reared its ugly head. This particular episode featured a number of leading Serie A clubs, including Lazio and Udinese (who had Zico on their books at the time) who were both docked nine points for their sins. Lazio muddled through, but the punishment proved crucial for Zico's boys, who were relegated the following season by an agonising eight points.
August 5, 1999: Having become the first club to pay an astronomical sum for Nicolas Anelka, Real Madrid parade their new boy around the Bernabeu, making him perform those keepy-uppies like some sort of performing seal. As we all know, it didn't quite go according to plan for the man who insists he's not a massive sulk, who despite picking up a Champions League medal scored just the two goals for Real, and did one to PSG a year later.
On This Day In Real History
1305: William Wallace is captured by the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, making rather a mockery of Mel Gibson's entirely accurate 'freeeeeedom' brag.
1962: Marilyn Monroe is found dead in LA, officially as a result of a barbiturates overdose. Categorically and absolutely had nothing to do with any of the Kennedy brothers.
1962: Nelson Mandela arrested for attempting to overthrow the South African Government. People only realise when The Special AKA write a song 20 years later.
1995: Proving that they don't hold a grudge, America finally re-establishes diplomatic relations with Vietnam, 20 years after being chased squealing like little girls from Saigon.
And At Number One...While Cloughie was making friends and influencing people was 'Young Love' by Donny Osmand.