Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly also writes for the National, the Guardian, the Observer, the Straits Times, the Independent, Sporting Life, Football 365 and the Blizzard. He has written for the FourFourTwo website since 2018 and for the magazine in the 1990s and the 2020s, but not in between. He has covered 1500+ games and remembers a disturbing number of the 0-0 draws.
Latest articles by Richard Jolly
Why isn't Jadon Sancho playing on the right for Manchester United?
By Richard Jolly published
The England forward excelled on the right for Borussia Dortmund but started on the left against Wolves last Sunday
Harry Kane: Tottenham's talisman staying is good news for Nuno - but perhaps not the best decision financially
By Richard Jolly published
An eye-watering asking price maybe have shown rivals that Tottenham aren't to be bullied in the transfer market - but should Daniel Levy have accepted the offer?
Premier League: If players refuse vaccines, why should matches be postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks?
By Richard Jolly published
With managers implying that squads aren't fully vaccinated, the goalposts may have changed in what constitutes reasonable grounds for COVID-enforced postponement of games
How Xherdan Shaqiri became the model squad player while at Liverpool
By Richard Jolly published
Shaqiri leaves Liverpool with a legacy consisting mostly of three big games - but the Swiss attacker has been a success of sorts at Anfield and a blueprint for similar players
How Nuno Espirito Santo transformed Wolves into European contenders - and where it all went wrong
By Richard Jolly published
Despite drab football last season, Nuno should get a hero's welcome when he returns to Molineux this weekend - after all, he performed magic in the Midlands for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Why Barcelona fully deserve the financial mess they find themselves in
By Richard Jolly published
Joan Laporta has repeatedly blamed his predecessor for the mess he inherited - and he's completely right to do so
West Ham United: Why do David Moyes' sides score more goals with fewer strikers?
By Richard Jolly published
West Ham are flourishing despite having no traditional no.9 in their ranks - and strangely, this is a typically Moyesian trait...
Will Brentford's model continue to work at Premier League level?
By Richard Jolly published
The Bees have made a splash by developing rough diamonds and selling them on at a profit - but how far can that take you in the Premier League?
Joe Willock is an invaluable signing for Newcastle United - but Arsenal may have cashed in at just the right time
By Richard Jolly last updated
Joe Willock joins Newcastle with a buzz - yet his greatest Magpies form might yet be behind him already
Tottenham Hotspur FourFourTwo preview and prediction: Can Daniel Levy rebuild his reputation?
By Richard Jolly published
Tottenham Hotspur have endured six months of upheaval in the dugout, boardroom and on the pitch. As the Harry Kane saga goes on, the pressure is on new manager Nuno Espirito Santo to start North London life with a bang...
Newcastle United FourFourTwo preview and prediction: Will the Toon Army ever be happy again?
By Richard Jolly published
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and the club's fans will never see eye to eye until the Magpies' sale goes through. Steve Bruce must pray key players Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin can stay fit or another season's worry awaits...
Dynamic Crystal Palace signings offer hope despite relegation predictions
By Richard Jolly published
Patrick Vieira has refreshed a squad that had grown old and stale under Roy Hodgson
Everton FourFourTwo preview and prediction: Can Rafael Benitez heal old wounds at Goodison Park?
By Richard Jolly published
New Everton manager Rafael Benitez has his work cut out to convince sceptical Toffees fans he's the man to restore winning ways on the blue half of Merseyside, but where there's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, there's hope...
Burnley FourFourTwo preview and prediction: Will the Clarets’ takeover propel them to new heights?
By Richard Jolly published
Burnley have new owners but Sean Dyche has struggled to convince new signings to come to Turf Moor, bar Stoke's Nathan Collins. Further support for Chris Wood is vital if they are to take the next step...
Have Aston Villa become a better side without Jack Grealish?
By Richard Jolly last updated
Aston Villa's talisman have departed, but the arrivals of Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey add quality and depth to an already impressive squad
Why the Championship could lack its usual drama this season
By Richard Jolly published
The Championship gets underway this weekend - and the trio of relegated Premier League clubs look dead-certs for promotion during bleak times
Fans are set to return, but clubs must repay them for their loyalty
By Richard Jolly published
Many fans waived refunds to help clubs survive during lockdown – it's time football clubs repay them
Varane's impending arrival at Manchester United only adds to the sad story of Phil Jones' demise
By Richard Jolly published
Tipped to be the greatest player in Manchester United's history by Sir Alex Ferguson, England international Jones is now their sixth choice centre-back
Emile Smith Rowe and Jadon Sancho prove legendary squad numbers still matter to young stars
By Richard Jolly published
Smith Rowe has taken the vacant no.10 shirt at Arsenal, while Sancho coveted Cavani's no.7 at Manchester United
Manchester United: Why Jadon Sancho could be the man to restore balance to the side
By Richard Jolly published
Sancho doesn't just have to add creativity to United - he has to re-energise the righthand side for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Why Steve Cooper's Swansea tenure shows how Championship clubs could be run
By Richard Jolly published
Steve Cooper's time at Swansea yielded few goals and ultimately wasn't rewarded with promotion - but there's plenty to admire about the way the Swans are being run
Lionel Messi: Can Barcelona's financial crisis be attributed to the captain's colossal wages?
By Richard Jolly published
Barcelona have been hit by COVID and big-money flops - but how much of a financial impact does it have to make Lionel Messi the best-paid player in the world?
Ben White signing would offer a brighter future for Arsenal defence
By Richard Jolly published
Brighton defender Ben White has proved himself an intelligent, composed and versatile defender despite his tender age
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