Supposedly Playing With Pants is OK...

Having based my first two posts on the world cup, I thought Blogger deserved a well-earned break from the constant coverage of the world cup by a huge portion of its bloggers.

So, I have turned my attention to the genius that is footballing nicknames.

In Germany, most nicknames tend to stick to the idea that a nickname should be short, sweet and simple. For example, when Jan Koller, (Right), was at Borussia Dortmund he was called "Lange", which can be simply translated as "Long", which seeing as he is 6"7 and a half feet, pretty much explains itself.

In England however, we seem to be a little what I like to call, uninventive. There appears in England only to be three different ways to form someones nickname. The first is just to add a simple 'y' to the end of anyones name. Giggsy, Scholesy, Bridgey, Coley - the list is endless.

The second is to take the first syllable of a surname, and then just stick and 's' on the end of it - Lamps, Curbs, Shilts etc. The main problem is when you get someone like Fulham's (My team) John Pantil. You can't possibly call him 'Pantsily', it just doesn't work, so the only alternative is to shout 'Pants' as loud as you possibly can. It still amuses me everytime I hear/shout/chant it.
Of course, the most amusing on most training grounds are the 'lookalikes' nicknames, such as Jimmy Bullard who alongside the most predictable 'Bully' was given the two nicknames of 'Mrs Doubtfire' and 'Maggie' (Thatcher - come on, don't tell me you've never noticed?)

As much as I love 'Pants', 'Mrs Doubtfire' and 'Maggie', I do have other favourites below are the best five.

1. 
   
   Diomansy Kamara Known as “Joe” because it’s a lot easier than saying Diomansy. 
2. 
   
   Patrick Vieira Or “Halifax”, at Arsenal, after the guy from the building society TV ads. He didn’t like it very much.
3. 
   
   Neil Pointon The former Manchester City and Everton defender was dubbed “Dissa”. Think about it . . .
4. 
   
   Fitz Hall The QPR defender was given the name “One Size” when he was at Oldham. One Size Fitz Hall. Total genius.
5. 
   
   Kiki Musampa Responded to the name of “Chris” at Manchester City. Chris Musampa. Oh yes. 

Katee.