Knowledge to impress your mates down the pub with…

1) Italian legend Paolo Maldini owns the unlucky collection of 17 runners-up medals. They include three Champions League finals, three Intercontinental/World Club Cups, two Coppa Italias, three Supercoppas, a UEFA Super Cup final, a World Cup, A European Championship and three league titles.

2) In 1979 the dreadful highlands weather was responsible for the Scottish Cup tie, between Falkirk and Inverness Thistle, being postponed 29 times.

3) When celebrating a Nicolas Anelka goal in 2003, Shaun Goater kicked an advertising board and injured his knee. He had to be substituted by Darren Huckerby.

4) In 1978 a Tanzanian soccer match was postponed after the referee was arrested on the pitch, accused of smoking marijuana just before the kick-off.

5) Despite a glittering career, Brazilian Ronaldo never won the Champions League.

6) The smallest player ever to don the England shirt is Fanny Walden at 5ft 2”.

7) The Football Leagues fastest ever Hat-trick was scored by Bournemouth’s James Hayter in 2004. After coming on as an 84th minute substitute it took him less than 140 seconds.

8) In 1995 a Manchester City nut case was banned from bringing dead chickens into the club’s Maine Road ground. Apparently he used to celebrate City's goals by swinging the birds around his head like a scarf.

9) West Bromich Albion’s ‘Hawthorns’ Stadium is highest ground above sea-level in English football.

10) The first black player to represent the Republic of Ireland was Norwich City Manager Chris Hughton.

image: © Alistair Israel

Simon Bunn

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I possess a swashbuckling attitude towards football writing, aiming to pillage the most exciting and thought provoking topics in the business. Blessed with savvy up to date football knowledge, a dangerous obsession for Aston Villa FC, and a mind of alternative thinking, I welcome all readers aboard.