The Toe Poke Daily is here every day to bring you all the weirdest stories, quirkiest viral content and top trolling that the internet has to offer, all in one place.
Jump to: West Ham, Iron Maiden collab for new 'Irons' kit | Balotelli's poor form extends beyond the pitch | Bologna's Mihajlovic marks return from cancer layoff with banter |
West Ham, Iron Maiden collab for new 'Irons' kit
Nowadays collaboration is everything when it comes to building a brand. Football is no different, as we have seen PSG collab with Jordan Brand, Juventus team up with Palace and Roma even strike up a partnership with Twitter.
West Ham are the latest club to dip their toes in the collaboration water, and we can say we have never seen anyone do it quite like the Hammers. The London club announced on Friday that it has teamed up with iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden to produce a new jersey for the club. The new "Die with your boots on" version of the claret and blue kit features "IMFC" across from the club's crest, while the blue band across the chest now features the band's name.
Run for the balls: West Ham team up with Iron Maiden for new kit https://t.co/68eAbINLpa
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) November 29, 2019
The London metal group, which has achieved platinum and gold status on a series of records, was started by diehard Irons supporter Steve Harris in 1975. Harris, who attended his first West Ham game in 1965 when he was nine years old, says he is excited to be part of his beloved club. Harris, the band's lead songwriter and bassists modeled off the kits with West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta.
Collaboration is all the rage but collaborating with a heavy metal band... that's a new one West Ham and you have our stamp of approval.
Balotelli's poor form extends beyond the pitch
Italian striker Mario Balotelli has endured a very poor run of form recently (two goals in seven games) with struggling Brescia and it turns out his struggles go beyond football.
'Super Mario" took on his younger brother, Enock, in a series of UNO games this week and let's just say it didn't go well for the embattled forward.
Balotelli the younger shared the videos on social media of him beating his elder sibling, complete with hoots of laughter.
As is usually the case when it comes to fraternal competitiveness, the whole escapade ends up with a middle finger salute being administered by Mario.
Mario just can't seem to catch a break right now
Bologna's Mihajlovic marks return from cancer layoff with banter
There were heart-warming scenes at Sinisa Mihajlovic's news conference on Friday morning. Indeed, it was the first time that the Bologna coach had faced the media since announcing his leukemia is in remission earlier in the week.
The 50-year-old was dressed in Bologna's club colours of red and blue when he entered the press room but, as he began talking, he was interrupted by his own players.
🎙 PRESS CONFERENCE
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) November 29, 2019
Watch it live ▶️ https://t.co/DKQx9gvRla#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/o2UCPJpVIH
"They always surprise me," Mihajlovic said. "They'll do anything to not train!"
Rossoblu captain Blerim Dzemaili stood up and said a few touching words in praise of his returning manager on behalf of the squad.
"To say that we've missed you is an understatement, we are just really happy that you have returned and are among us again."
Welcome back Sinisa!