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The 5 Greatest Welsh Footballers Of All Time


When it comes to World Cup Qualification, Wales may not have the greatest track record, but in terms of footballers, this nation has produced some of the finest talents. In this article, we’ve picked 5 of the best Welsh footballers according to their achievements and winning strategies as listed below.
Dean Saunders
Saunders first started playing for Swansea Town but later joined Liverpool FC. He has played alongside Aston Villa’s Ian Rush, where he was signed up for a record £2.5million deal. Saunders’ biggest achievement stems from his prolific goal-scoring techniques. His most memorable goals (22 in total) were made in 1986 in Ireland when he was just 21 years old. Saunders is now manager of the football club Wrexham.

John Charles
John Charles, a legendary Welsh footballer was best remembered as a Leeds United player. Charles was never sent off or booked during his long career. Born in Swansea, he was signed by Leeds United at the age of 17. A few years later, he moved to Juventus and played for Cardiff. In total, John Charles made 38 appearances for his club and scored a total of 15 goals. He died in February 2004.

Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes is now a manager of Fulham, but he is mostly remembered as a Manchester United legend. This Wrexham-born footballer scored 16 goals and made 72 appearances. During Hughes’ playing career, he managed his team to near-qualification for Euro 2004. He has also played for Barcelona, Southampton, Chelsea, and Everton before retiring from football in 2002. Among his achievements, there are 4 FA cups and 2 European Winners Cups.

Ryan Giggs
20 years of playing for Manchester United is certainly an achievement itself, but for the Cardiff-born winger Ryan Giggs, it doesn’t stop there. Giggs holds numerous trophies including 11 Premier League medals, 4 FA Cup medals, and 2 Champions League medals. He has also won the Young Player of the Year award twice and has managed to score in the Premier League in every season that he played. Ryan retired from international football in June 2007, but his name is still mentioned today.

Trevor Ford
Trevor Ford was born in Swansea and played for Aston Villa, Swansea Town, and Cardiff City. In total, he made 128 appearances for Aston Villa between 1947 and 1950 scoring 61 goals. His goal-scoring abilities were so fast that he broke the record for Wales. Trevor Ford died in May 2003 but is still remembered as a legendary Welsh footballer.

The Best Casino Table Games

If you are like many avid casino players, table games will provide endless hours of enjoyment alongside a unique sense of accomplishment. As there are so many varieties to choose from, it is a good idea to take a quick look at a handful of the most popular games for players of all ages.
Bingo

One of the great aspects in regards to a standard game of bingo is that strategy and luck both play equally important roles. Forming rows of horizontal, vertical or diagonal combinations can lead to valuable rewards and frequently, bingo offers a progressive jackpot. All of these aspects have allowed this game to enjoy a massive amount of popularity.

Roulette

Roulette provides just as much visual intrigue as it supplies action and the potential to win it big. There are numerous betting methods such as high/low, red/black, low/middle/high and even/odd. Each of these will depend upon the particular strategy of the player. Featured in many films over the years, roulette ranks high within modern casino table games.

Slots

What is there not to like about slots? Not only will players be presented with numerous pay-out options, but the machines themselves have evolved in leaps and bounds over the years. Many now offer up to five reels, highly interactive game play, three-dimensional imagery and hidden levels. These and other aspects enable slots to be a positively addictive choice. Another excellent advantage of slots is that wagers can be relatively low and players can still win massive jackpots.

Blackjack

Perhaps the reason that blackjack has been a mainstay of the casino circuit over the years is that its outward strategy appears to be relatively straightforward. The player will simply attempt to accumulate a sum as close to 21 as possible without exceeding this number. Any hand that beats the dealer will automatically win. Hands are dealt quickly and the game play is extremely fluid. So, blackjack is an excellent way to accrue wealth over time.

These are four of the most popular casino table games in existence. Of course, we would be remiss to not mention other favourites such as poker and backgammon. Regardless of your individual tastes, the chances are high that you will always be able to find the game that is best suited for your needs. The next big winner could be only moments away!

10 Basic Welsh Phrases To Impress Your Friends

Most of us struggle to learn French, German, or Spanish in an effort to make our holidays abroad a more fulfilling experience. Being able to converse with taxi-drivers, order local delicacies in restaurants, and haggle in the native tongue when in local markets, all help create a more enjoyable holiday, as well as impressing the natives.
What though, if you prefer to spend your leisure time closer to home, Wales for instance. Rugby Union fans can visit Cardiff Arms Park. Those with an interest in culture can enjoy the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The National Parks, castle ruins, countryside, fabulous coastline and pristine beaches all help attract thousands of visitors to this beautiful country annually.

Be different – speak Welsh:

Learning a few phrases in the unique Welsh language will surely make you stand out from the crowd. And I mean stand out from the crowd. Although Welsh is taught in schools, less than 20% of the Welsh population can actually speak the language.

Try to memorise these few phrases and impress not just your friends, but many of the locals as well.

Greetings:

Hello. Helô, Hylô

Good morning. Bore da

Good afternoon. P’nawn da

Good evening. Noswaith dda

General Phrases:

Pleased to meet you. Mae’n dda gen i gwrdd â chi.

Do you speak Welsh? Ydych chi’n siarad Cymraeg?

Please speak more slowly. Siaradwch yn arafach, os gwelwch yn dda.

Please write it down. Wnewch chi ysgrifennu hynna, os gwelwch yn dda.

Thank you very much. Diolch yn fawn

Goodbye. Dab o chi.

The devolved National Assembly for Wales through its education system is trying very hard to retain a language which unfortunately appears to be in danger of dying out. For many years prior to devolution, learning Welsh has been a compulsory subject in schools. Official documents, official signs and road and street names all have to carry the information in both English and Welsh.

While Welsh speaking appears to be in decline within the country, in a land thousands of miles away there is a colony where the Welsh language remains alive and well. The colony of Y Wladfa, in the Argentine province of Chubut, retains Welsh as its foremost language. So perhaps, on your next visit to South America, taking the trouble to memorise a few Welsh phrases may well assist you converse with the local taxi driver, or help you find out how to get where you need to be.

A Beginner’s Guide to Poker Strategy

When you’re new to poker it can be difficult to know what to do. Once you’ve learned the basics such as how poker hands rank and how to bet, it’s time to start thinking about your strategy.
Here are a few simple tips about poker strategy for beginners to the game:

To play or not to play?
The first thing you need to decide after receiving your two cards is whether or not to play. It can be tempting to play every hand as there is always a chance that the cards dealt on the table could give you a winning hand, but it’s advisable to be more selective. Some combinations of cards have a better chance of winning than others. A pair obviously has you at an advantage from the start, but statistically speaking the best hand is an ace and a king of the same suit. This gives you a chance at high pairs, a high straight, high flush or even a royal flush! On the other side, a two and a seven of different suits is the weakest combination as they are the lowest cards that give you no chance of getting a straight or a flush.

When in doubt, ‘check’ it out
Don’t be too quick to rush in and bet when you’re still getting used to the game. If you don’t know what other people have got or you’re unsure of your hand, ‘check’ instead of betting to see what the other players do. This will give you a better idea of who has a good hand and could also let you see another card without betting more money.

Hand to hand
Don’t just think about the hand that you have, look at the cards on the table to give you an idea of what other people could have and whether their hand is better than yours or not. For example, if there are four spades on the table and you have the two of spades, then you’ve got a flush. In a lot of situations this would be a winning hand, but in this case, if anyone else has a spade in their hands, they’re hand is stronger than yours since they’ll have a higher spade.

These are just a few basic tips to get you started. Keep practicing your strategy to develop your own style of playing.

The 5 Best Champions League Goals Ever

1. Zinedine Zidane, for Real Madrid vs Bayern Leverkusen (2001-2002 Final)
The newly-appointed Real Madrid manager showed the world his genius as he scored this perfectly timed volley which would help Real win the final in 2002. The ball seemed to hang in the air for a lifetime as Zizou watched the lofted cross from Roberto Carlos, waiting to unleash hell with his supposedly ‘weaker’ left foot. To score a goal like that in a Champions League final makes it even more special, and is a testament to Zidane’s sheer brilliance as a footballer.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, for Manchester Utd vs Porto (2008-2009 Quarter Final, second leg)
Slightly worryingly, and despite being struck from a good 35 yards out, the ball showed no signs of slowing down as Cristiano thundered in this strike against his native Porto. This goal went on to win Ronaldo the first ever Puskás award in 2009, whilst also helping him scoop up the FIFA World Player of the Year award to cap a memorable season for one of the world’s most iconic athletes.

3. Dejan Savicevic, for Milan vs Barcelona (1993-1994 Final)
Although Barcelona were deemed the favourites for this final, Milan went on to win 4-0 with Savicevic providing the third goal in spectacular style. The technique, trajectory and angle of this lobbed effort make it one to remember, whilst also contributing to arguably the best ever performance by a team in Champions League history.

4. Dejan Stankovic, for Internazionale vs Schalke (2010-2011 Quarter Final, first leg)
There are not many footballers that would be able to do what Stankovic did to Manuel Neuer in 2011. After the ever-flamboyant Neuer provided a decent clearance with a diving header from the edge of his area, Stankovic volleyed the ball first-time over Neuer into the net from the halfway line. The ball didn’t bounce before crossing the line.

5. Aaron Ramsey, for Arsenal vs Galatasaray (2014-2015 group stages)
From a seemingly harmless position, Ramsey found a way to inflict harm to Galatasaray. After a strong headed clearance following an Arsenal corner, Ramsey hammered in a sumptuous half-volley from around 30 yards out with his unfavoured left boot. Paul Merson has been quoted as saying he’s ‘never seen anything like it’, and although Merson may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, he does have a point.

A Fascinating Yet Brief History of Cardiff

Cardiff, situated on the northern shores of the Severn Estuary, has a rich history with the course of events seeing it evolve from a small Neolithic settlement into the capital of Wales and that ancient nation’s largest city. Archaeological evidence, including several burial sites, indicates that the Cardiff area has been inhabited by humans for around 6,000 years and by the 1st century C.E. it had become an important population centre in the territory of the Silures tribe who once inhabited the southern portion of Wales and were documented by the Roman writer Tacitus in his classic Agricola.
After a period of resistance to Roman rule following the invasion of 43 C.E. the Ancient British settlement had been taken by the Romans by the 70s C.E. and a Roman fort was constructed in its place, strategically positioned by the rivers Taff and Ely in what is believed to be the site of the Medieval castle. After more than 300 years of Roman rule and the withdrawal of Roman troops from Britain in the fifth century the settlement passed into the hands of local rulers after which it lived under perpetual threat from the Pictish, Irish and Saxon raiders that terrorised Britain at this time.

Post-Roman Cardiff, documented in the Annales Cambriae, may have been abandoned at some times due to external threats while at others it might have experienced an influx of refugees from war-torn areas. Although Cardiff resisted Anglo-Saxon expansion for centuries it succumbed to Viking occupation in the ninth century and fell to the Normans in the 11th century. Robert Fitzhamon, Lord of Gloucester, defeated Iestyn ap Gwrgant, ruler of Morgannwg, in the 1080s after which Cardiff joined the Lordship of Glamorgan. It was during this Norman period that Cardiff Castle was built.

During the 18th century Cardiff developed into a modern and prosperous city and became one of the early hotbeds of the Industrial Revolution due, in part, to its rich reserves of natural resources such as coal. The city’s riverine and coastal location made it an ideal position for a port and the construction of a railway connected it with the major towns and cities of Britain. As Cardiff grew in prosperity, at one point being the world’s second largest exporter of coal, the population boomed as working people migrated to the city looking for employment in the city’s many industrial centres.

The 5 Best Premier League Goals Ever

5. Matt Le Tissier, Southampton v Newcastle United, 1993-94

One of the most gifted players of his generation, Matt Le Tissier’s goals from open play were often a joy to watch, and his goal against Newcastle in the 1990s was a strong candidate for the best Premier League goal ever. Flicking the ball away from two Newcastle defenders in succession, Le Tissier then calmly stroked the ball into the net. The bemused look on the Newcastle ‘keeper’s face subsequently told its own story!

4. Thierry Henry, Arsenal v Manchester United, 2000-01

Perhaps better known for scoring goals at the end of brilliant runs, this goal at Highbury showed that the Frenchman could score special goals of different types. Against Manchester United in 2000, Henry turned to smash in an unstoppable volley from outside the United penalty area.

3. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United v Manchester City, 2010-11

Spectacular goals tend to be even more memorable when they come in big games, and Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick against local rivals City definitely was unforgettable. In even his great career it would be hard to think of Wayne Rooney ever having scored a better goal.

2. Tony Yeboah, Leeds United v Wimbledon, 1995-96

A scorer of stunning goals on a regular basis, Tony Yeboah’s strike against Wimbledon was outstanding even by his standards. Juggling the ball, Yeboah then waltzed past the Wimbledon defence before unleashing a vicious right foot shot from the edge of the area. Yeboah scored a hat-trick in this game, and his performance showed just why he was was one of the best Premier League strikers of the 1990s.

1. David Beckham, Manchester United v Wimbledon, 1996-97

David Beckham’s lofted strike from the halfway line was pretty much unprecedented in the top flight of English football. While, though Wayne Rooney for Manchester United and Charlie Adam for Stoke City have scored goals from the halfway line in the Premier League since it’s the Beckham effort that really stays in one’s memory. With Wimbledon ‘keeper Neil Sullivan off his line, Beckham effectively chipped him from the halfway line for possibly the best goal in Premier League history.

6 Things To Get You In The Mood For Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, there is no doubt that the preparations have already begun. Still, there are some of us who may not feel up to celebrating in the traditional holiday spirit. Let us take a brief look at six ways to bring the cheer back into your life in the coming weeks.
1. Christmas Cards and More

Why not give the gift of giving? Christmas cards are excellent ways to reconnect with friends while allowing you to feel that you are making a difference in the life of someone else. Another excellent option is to take a trip to your local homeless shelter and bring along a few clothing items or even an uncooked turkey. You will be amazed to see the smiles of those who are less fortunate.

2. Oh, Christmas Tree

One of the best aspects of Christmas is gathering with friends and family while adorning a tree with ornaments. It is likely that your feelings of nostalgia will far outweigh any negativity that you might feel. For an ever more profound experience, turn the lights down and enjoy your favourite holiday music.

3. Take a Break from Capitalism

One of the biggest sources of seasonal depression can be found in the throngs of gift-centred crowds and endless queues. Should these situations affect you adversely, it is better to avoid them altogether. Spend some time at home and if possible, try to order your gifts online.

4. Getting into the Spirit

There is no better way to rekindle your Christmas passion than through adorning your home with a few well-placed holiday decorations. As these are completely subjective, feel free to experiment and choose those which reflect your individual tastes. You will not be disappointed with the ambiance that they can provide!

5. The Power of Music

Christmas music has the ability to take us all back to a simpler time. In fact, there is no better way to relive such ethereal memories than to listen to the holiday music that you have grown up with.

6. Memorable Movies

We can all recall those iconic Christmas movies when we were children. From Babes in Toyland to A Christmas Carol, such seasonally specific films are sure to warm your heart. Anyone looking for a more modern feel-good movie could always select recent films such as “Elf” starring Will Ferrell.

December Highlights for Sports Fans

1. Anthony Joshua v Dillian Whyte – Saturday, 12 December – Pay TV options vary

From the O2 comes this grudge match for the British and Commonwealth titles and the right to challenge for the WBA title against either Danny Jacobs or Peter Quillin. When they last met in the amateur ring, it was Whyte who triumphed but since then, Olympic medallist Joshua has punched his way to a knockout in all 14 of his professional bouts; nobody has ever taken him past the third round.

Whyte’s trainer, Johnathon Banks, who also works with Wladimir Klitschko
will certainly be hoping for a better outcome than he got last month when Klitschko lost his World Heavyweight title to Tyson Fury.

2. UFC 194 Jose Aldo v Conor McGregor – Saturday, 12 December – Pay TV options vary.

Elton John got it right. Saturday Night is all right for fighting because on the same night over in Las Vegas, Brazilian Aldo and Ireland’s McGregor will finally meet to contest the UFC Featherweight Championship. Fingers crossed that Aldo doesn’t pull out again like he did when this bout was first scheduled back in July.

3. It’s Christmas!

After a weekend like that, you can deny it no longer. Christmas is coming so with two weeks to go until the big day, see if you can get some holiday spirit going.

Wear a Christmas jumper – whether it’s to work or slopping around in the house, an enormous woolly number with reindeer, tinsel, flashing lights, or preferably all of the above, will banish your inner Scrooge.

Write Christmas cards – yes, actual, physical Christmas cards that you put into an envelope, put a stamp on and push through the mouth of the pillar box. Go on, it’s probably the most handwriting you do all year.

Listen to Christmas music – while writing the above cards.

Watch a Christmas film – you can choose a classic like Home Alone or Miracle on 34th Street. Or go less obvious with Die Hard or Bad Santa. Either way, get some spiced Christmas popcorn on the go (both Jamie and Nigella have got good recipes), mull up some wine and settle down on the sofa.

4. They think it’s all over….

Call me nasty but one of the things that keeps me happy on Christmas Day, as I stuff myself with turkey and all the trimmings and top myself up with beer and sherry, is the knowledge that 8 out of 10 Premier League football players can’t to do the same. They have to keep themselves in peak condition for the Boxing Day fixtures. As Boxing Day falls on a Saturday this year, it’s business as usual with Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea among the big hitters on display.

5 Cardiff Attractions You’d Be Mad To Miss

The Welsh capital of Cardiff is a city full of first-class attractions that both inform and entertain visitors. Here are 5 of these must see sites:

1. The National Museum has exhibitions and events to suit all and is undoubtedly one of Wales’ finest cultural assets. The museum charts the evolution of Wales, including an extensive selection of natural history items. Also housing one of Europe’s best art collections, view over 500 years of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and so much more. Free entry and hands-on experiences available make for an unforgettable day.

2. For all the sci-fi fans the Doctor Who experience brings the screen icon to life before your eyes. Help save the universe in an interactive adventure that takes you to the heart of the famed Tardis. Follow this experience by seeing the largest assembled collection of Doctor Who props and artefacts, including costumes and sets. Learn how the special effects are created and get a taste of what goes on behind the scenes.

3. Sampling the atmosphere of a rugby international at the Millennium Stadium is an experience in itself. However stadium tours allow for viewing of this impressive sporting venue too, giving you access to the dressing rooms, the chance to hear the roar of the crowd in the tunnel, and to learn about the technical aspects of the build, such as the palletised pitch that can be removed to create a huge indoor arena under the retractable roof. Finally, live those dreams and lift the trophies on view in the President’s box.

4. In the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle offers visitors a vast and rich range of historical buildings, rooms and exhibitions. From the Norman keep to the incredibly opulent rooms of the house tour, explore a site that contains over 2000 years of history. Set within lovely parkland, the castle is one of Wales leading heritage attractions and is a site of international significance.

5. If you fancy a bit of retail therapy then Cardiff’s indoor market is a warren of stalls to peruse. Under its glass roof the market is based over two levels, offering a variety of fresh produce and durables. Beyond the market Cardiff’s Victorian arcades provide further quality shopping with all the best in local independent shops and boutiques.