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Bog Standard

Restroom comedy has always been the safe haven for daily publications, and publications remain attentive regarding memorable lavatory incidents and milestones, notably connected to soccer. It was quite amusing to learn that a prominent writer a well-known presenter owns a West Bromwich Albion-inspired toilet in his house. Reflect for a moment regarding the Barnsley supporter who took the rest room a little too literally, and was rescued from an empty Oakwell stadium after falling asleep on the loo midway through a 2015 losing match against Fleetwood Town. “He was barefoot and had lost his mobile phone and his hat,” elaborated a Barnsley fire station spokesperson. And who can forget at the pinnacle of his career with Manchester City, Mario Balotelli entered a community college for toilet purposes during 2012. “His luxury car was stationed outside, then came in and was asking directions to the restrooms, subsequently he entered the faculty room,” a student told the Manchester Evening News. “Subsequently he wandered through the school as if he owned it.”

The Restroom Quitting

Tuesday represents 25 years from when Kevin Keegan quit as the England coach after a brief chat in a toilet cubicle together with Football Association official David Davies in the bowels of Wembley, following that infamous 1-0 defeat versus Germany during 2000 – the national team's concluding fixture at the famous old stadium. According to Davies' personal account, his confidential FA records, he had entered the sodden struggling national team changing area right after the game, seeing David Beckham weeping and Tony Adams “fired up”, both of them pleading for the suit to bring Keegan to his senses. Subsequent to Hamann's direct free-kick, Keegan moved wearily along the passageway with a thousand-yard stare, and Davies discovered him collapsed – reminiscent of his 1996 Liverpool behavior – in the corner of the dressing room, whispering: “I'm done. I can't handle this.” Collaring Keegan, Davies worked frantically to rescue the scenario.

“Where could we possibly locate [for a chat] that was private?” recalled Davies. “The tunnel? Full of TV journalists. The changing area? Crowded with emotional footballers. The shower area? I was unable to have a crucial talk with the team manager as squad members entered the baths. Only one option presented itself. The restroom stalls. A crucial incident in the Three Lions' storied past happened in the old toilets of an arena marked for removal. The approaching dismantling was nearly palpable. Pulling Kevin into a stall, I secured the door behind us. We stood there, facing each other. ‘My decision is final,’ Kevin declared. ‘I’m out of here. I’m not up to it. I’m going out to the press to tell them I’m not up to it. I cannot inspire the squad. I can't extract the additional effort from these athletes that's required.’”

The Results

Consequently, Keegan quit, later admitting that he had found his tenure as national coach “without spirit”. The double Ballon d'Or recipient continued: “I had difficulty passing the hours. I ended up coaching the blind squad, the hearing-impaired team, supporting the female team. It's an extremely challenging position.” English football has come a long way during the last 25 years. Regardless of improvement or decline, those Wembley toilets and those two towers are no longer present, while a German now sits in the technical area Keegan previously used. Tuchel's team is considered among the frontrunners for next year’s Geopolitics World Cup: England fans, don’t take this era for granted. This exact remembrance from a low point in English football acts as a memory that circumstances weren't consistently this positive.

Real-Time Coverage

Tune in with Luke McLaughlin at 8pm British Summer Time for Women's major tournament coverage regarding Arsenal versus Lyon.

Today's Statement

“We stood there in a lengthy line, wearing only our undergarments. We were Europe’s best referees, top sportspeople, examples, adults, parents, strong personalities with strong principles … however all remained silent. We barely looked at each other, our gazes flickered a bit nervously when we were requested to advance in couples. There Collina inspected us completely with a freezing stare. Silent and observant” – previous global referee Jonas Eriksson reveals the humiliating procedures referees were previously subjected to by former Uefa head of referees Pierluigi Collina.

Soccer Mailbag

“How important is a name? There’s a poem by Dr Seuss titled ‘Too Many Daves’. Has Blackpool experienced Excessive Steves? Steve Bruce, along with aides Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence have been dismissed through the exit. Is this the termination of the Steve fascination? Not quite! Steve Banks and Steve Dobbie remain to oversee the primary team. Total Steve progression!” – John Myles

“Now you have loosened the purse strings and provided some branded items, I've chosen to type and share a brief observation. Postecoglou mentions he initiated altercations in the schoolyard with youngsters he expected would overpower him. This pain-seeking behavior must justify his decision to join Nottingham Forest. As a lifelong Spurs supporter I'll remain thankful for the second-year silverware but the only second-season trophy I can see him winning near the Trent River, if he remains that duration, is the second tier and that would be a significant battle {under the present owner” – Stewart McGuinness.|