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Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 April, 2003, 18:45 GMT 19:45 UK
Ask Albert - Number 101
Ask Albert
Match of the Day's footballing sage Albert Sewell is poised to answer your queries on the beautiful game.


Andrew, Bournemouth

Who have been voted Premiership players of the month this season?

Of the eight awards so far, Arsenal have claimed three. The winners each month have been: August, Wiltord (Arsenal); September, Henry (Arsenal); October, Zola (Chelsea); November, Beattie (Southampton); December, Shearer (Newcastle); January, Scholes (Man Utd); February, Pires (Arsenal); March, Gerrard (Liverpool).


Chris McManus, Ireland

Who is the youngest player to score in the FA Cup final?

Norman Whiteside has held this record for 20 years. He was aged 18 years and 19 days when he scored for Manchester United against Brighton in the 1983 Cup Final replay at Wembley.


Lieven Scoefs, Belgium

Is it true that if a goalkeeper takes a goal kick and a strong gust of wind blows the ball back into his own net, the referee has to award a corner kick to the opposing team?

That is correct, as long as the ball has passed outside the penalty area before it is blown back. If it hasn't, the ball is not considered to have been in play, and the goal kick has to be retaken.


Graeme, Stoke-on-Trent

What is the breakdown of David Seaman's 1000 first-class appearances for clubs and country?

In club order, Seaman's 1000 games (1982-2003) comprised of, Peterborough 106; Birmingham 84; QPR 175, Arsenal 560, plus 75 caps for England. He will be 40 on 19 September and Arsenal have said they well be signing him again for next season.


Andy, Spain

How important is the coin-toss in professional football?

Not only in professional football, but in parks matches too, it is essential to balance out conditions for both the sides over the match. For example: If a team facing a fierce wind or strong sun, or a steep slope in one half can have the benefit of playing with such conditions in their favour with the change of ends at half-time.


Gerry, Brighton

Where is Vinnie Samways now?

Vinnie Samways, the former Tottenham and Everton midfielder is back in English football after seven years in Spain. He is 34 and playing for First Division side Walsall, having joined them as a free agent from Seville in February.


Matthew Phillips, Wales

Could you tell me who is the youngest referee to take charge of a league match?

Mark Clattenburg, who comes from Chester-le-Street in Durham, has been a League referee since he was 23 and I believe he is among the candidates for promotion to the Premiership panel next season. He is a whistler to watch out for!


Mark, UK

Can you tell me how the expression "six pointer" for important League games derives?

Each match is awarded three points of course, but they can take on double value in crucial end-of-season games between teams going for titles and promotion, or battling against relegation. An example is Bolton v West Ham on Saturday. If Bolton win they will have 38 points to West Ham's 32: if West Ham win they will both be on 35 points, a difference of six points or none. Gripping stuff!


Ian Reid, North Yorkshire.

Who was the first overseas player to score to score in a FA Cup Final?

I believe this claim to fame was achieved by Chilean international George Robledo when he scored Newcastle United's winner (1-0) against Arsenal at Wembley in 1952. His brother Edward was in the side too.


Steven Willis, UK

To settle a discussion, would it be allowed for a goalkeeper and an outfield player to swap positions during a match?

There is nothing in the rules to stop it, but the referee has to be notified of the intended change and it can only be made when the ball is out of play.





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