A quick look at this decade in North West 200 motorbike racing. Other than the Foot and Mouth cancellation of 2001 I missed just two NW200 events this decade including this year when I was in Canada. There have been some memorable moments from Joey Dunlop and Robert Dunlop racing to Roberts son, Michael, winning days after Robert died. There were event dominating days by the likes of Michael Rutter, Bruce Anstey and Steve Plater and some historic moments like Michael Rutter breaking the 200mph barrier on the Superbike. Below is a year by year look at the highlights.

2000 Joey Dunlop starts what will be his final NW200 on pole position for both Superbike races. Michael Rutter won the races themselves and completed the hat trick with a win in the 600cc race. Joey Dunlop would sadly die in a race just a few months later.

2001 The event is cancelled due to Foot and Mouth disease.

2002 Bruce Anstey arrives at the event for the first time and takes the pole and the victory in the production race.

2003 Ryan Farquhar wins both 600cc Supersport races.

2004 Ian Lougher wins the 125cc race for the fifth time in-a-row. Michael Rutter made history at the event by becoming the first rider to record speeds in excess of 200mph in the Superbike race. He also won both Superbike races.

2005 Ian Lougher skips the 125cc race, instead winning the Superstock Race after a great battle with Bruce Anstey.

2006 Steve Plater wins both Superbike Races while Robert Dunlop wins the 125c race for his record setting fifteenth and last victory at the North West.

2007 Bruce Anstey completes a hat trick of wins, taking the Superstock race and both 600cc Supersport races.

2008 Legend Robert Dunlop is killed during practice after crashing at the Mather’s Cross corner. Less than two days later his son Michael wins the 250cc race in emotional scenes. Steve Plater is the other big news story of the day completing the hat trick with two wins in the 600cc Supersport class and a Superbike win.

2009 The NW200 marks its eighty year anniversary.

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K9

January Nigel Clough takes over at Derby County. Bruce Springsteen releases “Working on a Dream”. Barack Obama is sworn in. The Global financial meltdown continues. A Us Air jet crash lands into the Hudson River and everyone survives. Lance Armstrong’s comeback gets underway when he takes part in the Tour Down Under. Rafael Nadal wins the Australian Open with Serena Williams winning the womans final. Matt Kenseth wins the Daytona 500.
Song: “Just Dance” by Lady GaGa feat. Colby O’Donis

February Robbie Keane returns to Tottenham after just six-months at Liverpool. A plane crash outside Buffalo kills 50. Alex Rodriguez admits to having tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Slumdog Millionaire wins Best Picture. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 to win Super Bowl XLIII in a dramatic finish.
Song: “The Fear” by Lily Allen

March Manchester United beat Tottenham in penalties to win the League Cup after a 0-0 draw. AIG announces a $61 billion loss and receives more bailout money. Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford. Japan win the World Baseball Classic beating South Korea in the final. Brawn GP shock the motor racing World by winning the opening race of the Formula One World Championship.
Song: “Poker Face” by Lady GaGa

April Bob Dylan releases “Together Through Life”. “ER” runs its final episode. Swine flu kills 100 people in Mexico. Angel Cabrera wins The Masters. Mon mome wins the Grand National. Helio Castroneves wins the Indy 500. Ireland complete the Grand Slam and win the Six-Nations.
Song: “I’m Not Alone” by Calvin Harris

May 50-1 longshot Mine That bird wins the Kentucky Derby. Ricky Hatton is beaten in the sound round by knockout by Manny Pacquiao. Manchester United tie Liverpool with 18 top flight Championships, West Brom, Newcastle and Middlesbrough are relegated. Manny Ramirez tests positive for Steroids. The North West 200 marks eighty years since it was first held on the Triangle circuit. Barcelona destroy Manchester United 2-0 to win the Champions League Final. Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 in the F.A. Cup Final.
Song: “Boom Boom Pow” by Black Eyed Peas

June Michael Jackson dies. Sidney Crosby wins his first Stanley Cup when the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Detroit Red Wings in seven games. Roger Federer wins the French Open for the first time, finally. An Air France plane carrying 228 people disappears. Lucas Glover wins his first major by taking the US Open Crown. Lance Armstrong rides the Tour of Italy. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic to win the NBA Championship. General Motors files for bankruptcy. President Ahmadinejad wins re-election in Iran causing mass riots and protests.
Song: “Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)” by Pixie Lott

July Cristiano Ronaldo completes his world record £80million move from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Sir Bobby Robson dies. Roger Federer regains his Wimbledon title with Rafael Nadal out injured, Serena Williams wins the woman’s crown. Stewart Cink wins the British Open but not before a memorable run for the title by 59-year-old Tom Watson. Mark Buehrle of Chicago White Sox throws a perfect game. Lance Armstrong returns to the Tour de France and comes an amazing third with the win going to Alberto Contador.
Song: “Evacuate the Dancefloor” by Cascada

August Paula Abdul leaves “American Idol.” Ted Kennedy dies. Usain Bolt sets the 100-meter record again with a time of 9.58 seconds. England win the Ashes. Y.E. Yang becomes the first Asian-born player to win a men’s major in Golf taking the PGA Championship over Tiger Woods marking the first time Woods failed to win a major after holding the third-round lead.
Song: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

September Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift’s acceptance speach at an awards show. Patrick Swayze dies. England secure qualification to the World Cup 2010 by beating Croatia 5-1. Juan Martin del Potro wins the US Open for his first major victory. Cadel Evans wins the Cycling World Championship. The Dallas Cowboys play in their new stadium for the first time in front of 105,000 fans.
Song: “Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz

October Barack Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize. Rio de Janeiro wins the 2016 Summer Olympics. Scott, Dario Franchitti wins the IndyCar Series.
Song: “Fight for This Love” by Cheryl Cole

November The New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies to win their 27th World Series. Water is discovered on the Moon. David Haye defeats Nikolai Valuev to claim the WBA World Heavyweight title. DC sniper John Allen Mohammed is executed. Jenson Button wins the World Championship in F1 with Brawn GP taking the Constructors crown. Tiger Woods crashes his car into a fire hydrant sparking all sorts of news stories. Jimmie Johnson becomes the first driver to win four consecutive NASCAR titles. Montreal Alouettes beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-27 in a historic game that seen the final kick of the game being re-taken after a to many men on the field penalty for the original kick. Formula One announces it is returning to Canada.
Song: “Meet Me Halfway” by Black Eyed Peas

December The Treaty of Lisbon comes into force. Manchester City sack Mark Hughes and appoint Roberto Manchini as his replacement. The Toronto Blue Jays trade Roy Halladay. Lionel Messi is voted FIFA World Player of the Year. The year, and decade for that matter, ends with Chelsea on top of the Premier League by two points over Manchester United. Liverpool sit 7th.
Song: “Killing In the Name” by Rage Against the Machine

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K8

January Heath Ledger overdoses on prescription medication and dies. Kevin Keegan returns to Newcastle United as manager. The NHL Winter Classic between Pittsbrugh and Buffalo takes place in Buffalo but is won in a shootout by Pittsburgh. Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open. Ryan Newman wins the Daytona 500.
Song: “Now You’re Gone” by Basshunter

February Kosovo declares independence from Serbia. The Holywood writers strike ends. The New York Giants shock NFL fans by beating the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. The British government nationalizes Northern Rock mortgage bank. The IRL and Champ Car agree to unify.
Song: “Mercy” by Duffy

March Brett Favre ‘retires’. John McCain claims the Republican nomination for President.
Song: “American Boy” by Estelle feat. Kanye West

April Danica Patrick wins her first Indy Car race becoming the first woman to win an Indy race. Fighting for the first time in the US, Joe Calzaghe defeats Bernard Hopkins in a twelve round split decision to take the light heavyweight title. Trevor Immelman wins his first major in The Masters. Comply or Die wins the Grand National. Scott Dixon wins the Indy 500. Wales win the Grand Slam and Six-Nations title.
Song: “4 Minutes” by Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

May Coldplay release “Viva la Vida”. An Earthquake in China kills over 68,000 people. Manchester United win their 10th Premier League title and 17th top flight title in all – Derby, Birmingham and Reading are relegated. Ted Kennedy is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Big Brown wins the Kentucky Derby. The North West 200 is mared with the tragic loss of legend Robert Dunlop when he crashes in practice – less than two days later his son, Michael, wins the 250cc race in hugely emotional scenes while Steve Plater completes a hat trick of victories. Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties to win the all-English Champions League Final.
Song: “Take a Bow” by Rihanna

June Barack Obama secures the Democratic nomination for President. Rafael Nadal wins the French Open for the forth straight year. Tiger Woods wins the US Open on one leg. The Detroit Red Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup in six games. Ireland rejects the Lisbon treaty. The Boston Celtics beat the LA Lakers to win the NBA title in six games. Robert Mugabe is reelected president of Zimbabwe causing all sorts of controversy. Sven Goran Eriksson is sacked by Manchester City.
Song: “Singin’ in the Rain” by Mint Royale

July Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer in a four-hour, 48-minute Wimbledon final epic with Venus Williams winning the woman’s final. The Dark Knight is released. Padraig Harrington wins his second consecutive British Open. Carlos Sastre wins the Tour de France. Luiz Felipe Scolari is named new manager of Chelsea. Liverpool shell out £20.3-million on Robbie Keane.
Song: ance Wiv Me” by Dizzee Rascal feat Calvin Harris and Chrome

August A total eclipse of the Sun takes place. Padraig Harrington wins his second consecutive major when he wins the PGA Championship. The Olympics open in China with an unbelievable ceremony, Michael Phelps dominates the pool with eight golds, the British Cycling team dominate the veledorme and Usain Bolt sets a new 100m World Record without seemingly trying. Brett Favre un-retires.
Song: “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock

September Sarah Palin becomes John McCain’s running mate. Alberto Contador wins the Vuelta bike race marking his second grand tour win of the season. Roger Federer wins the US Open for the fifth straight year. Paul Newman dies. Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium close. Gianfranco Zola takes over at West Ham while Joe Kinnear takes over at Newcastle. The New England Patriots lose for the first time in 21 regular season games. The United States win the Ryder Cup.
Song: “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon

October The Economy collapses further. The Philadelphia Phillies win their second World Series in five games against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Song: “So What” by Pink

November Joe Calzaghe remains unbeaten after 46 fights wih a 12-round unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. at Madison Square Gardens. Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States. Lewis Hamilton wins the Formula One World Championship over Felippe Massa in a dramatic final race of the season in Brazil. The Calgary Stampeders win the 96th Grey Cup beating the Montreal Alouettes 22-14. Jimmie Johnson wins the NASCAR title for the third straight year.
Song: “If I Were a Boy” by Beyonce

December O.J. Simpson gets nine years in prison. Manny Pacquiao defeats Oscar De La Hoya in eight rounds. Darren Anderton retires. A journalist throws his shoes at President Bush. The Football calendar year ends with Liverpool on top of the Premier League by three points over Chelsea. An extra leap second (23:59:60) is added to the end of the year.
Song: “Hallelujah” by Alexandra Burke

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K7

January David Beckham agrees to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. Hillary Clinton announces she is running for President. Celebrity Big Brother goes racist. Kevin Harvick wins the Daytona 500. Roger Federer wins the Australian Open with Serena Williams winning the Womans Final.
Song: “Grace Kelly” by Mika

February George Gillette and Tom Hicks complete their takeover of Liverpool and the Liverpool fans, for a brief time, rejoice. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears in Superbowl XLI by 29-17. Barack Obama announces his candidacy for President. Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in the League Cup Final. The Departed wins Martin Scorsese his first Oscar.John McCain announces he is running for President.
Song: “Ruby” by Kaiser Chiefs

March The new Wembley Stadium opens for a special community event.
Song: “Shine” by Take That

April Seung Hui Cho kills 32 students on the campus of Virginia Tech. Zach Johnson wins The Masters. Silver Birch wins the Grand National. Smoking in bars becomes illegal in Northern Ireland. Dario Franchitti wins the Indy 500. France wins the Six-Nations Rugby.
Song: “Beautiful Liar” by Beyonce & Shakira

May Paris Hilton gets 45 days in jail. Roger Clemens returns to the Yankees. Manchester United win the Premier League for the 16th time. Street Sense wins the Kentucky Derby. Chelsea beat Man Utd 1-0 to win the F.A. Cup. At the North West 200, Bruce Anstey scores the hat trick with wins in the Superstock race and both 600cc Supersport races. AC Milan get revenge for 2005 by beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Champions League Final.
Song: “Baby’s Coming Back” by McFly

June The Anaheim Mighty Ducks beat the Ottawa Senators in five games to win the Stanley Cup. Rafael Nadal wins the French Open, again, as does Justine Henin for her third time in-a-row. Angel Cabrera wins the US Open. The iPhone is released. The San Antonio Spurs win the NBA Championship over Cleveland Cavaliers. Tiger Woods becomes a dad.
Song: “Umbrella” by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z

July The final Harry Potter book is released. Fernando Torres signs for Liverpool. Russia is awarded the 2014 Winter Olympics. Roger Federer wins the Wimbledon title for a fifth straight year with Venus Williams winning the woman’s final. Live Earth concerts are held throughout 9 major cities around the world. Padraig Harrington beats Sergio Garcia in a playoff to win the British Open. Robbie Fowler leaves Liverpool for a second time. Alberto Contador wins the Tour de France, though the race itself is marred by more drug scandals.
Song: “Umbrella” by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z

August Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s home run record to become the all-time leader in home runs in the history of the MLB. Tiger Woods wins his 13th Major at the US Open. Michael Vick pleads guilty to dogfighting.
Song: “Stronger” by Kanye West

September Australia Sweep the Ashes. Roger Federer wins the US Open Tennis Final. Bruce Springsteen releases “Magic”. Asafa Powell breaks the 100m World Record with a time of 9.74 seconds. Northern Ireland beat Spain 3-2 in their Euro 2008 qualifier, it would mark the last competitive defeat for Spain before they won the tournament. Barry Bonds plays his last game. Jose Mourinho leaves Chelsea. Haile Gabreselassie of Ethiopia sets new world marathon record time of 2:04:26 in Berlin.
Song: “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston

October The Eagles release “Long Road Out of Eden”. Marion Jones admits she used steroids. Britney Spears loses custody of her kids. South Africa beat England 15-6 to win the Rugby World Cup. The Boston Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies in the World Series in a four game sweep.
Song: “About You Now” by Sugababes

November Evel Knievel dies. Kimi Raikkonen wins the Formula One World Championship. Joe Calzaghe unifies the Super Middleweight division. England fail to qualify for Euro 2008 after losing their final game to Croatia 3-2. Steve McLaren is sacked by the FA as England Manager. Jimi Johnson wins the NASCAR Nextel Cup. The Saskatchewan Roughriders win the 95th Grey Cup, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19.
Song: “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

December Vladimir Putin appoints Dmitri Medvedev his successor. Ricky Hatton is beaten by Floyd Meathweather Jr. in ten rounds. The Mitchell Report on steroids in Baseball is released. Fabio Capello takes over as the new England manager. The New England Patriots become the first team in 35 years to finish the NFL regular season unbeaten. The Premier League season comes to an end with Arsenal on top ahead of Man Utd by two points.
Song: “When You Believe” by Leon Jackson

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K6

January Hamas wins elections. Kobe Bryant scores 81 points in an NBA game. Stephen Harper wins the Canadian elections. Alex Ovechkin scores ‘that’ goal. Jimmie Johnson wins the Daytona 500. Roger Federer wins the Australian Open Tennis. Robbie Fowler returns to Liverpool.
Song: “When the Sun Goes Down” by Arctic Monkeys

February Graeme Souness is sacked by Newcastle. iTunes sees it’s one billionth song downloaded. The Winter Olympics take place in Turin with Sweden winning the Olympic Gold in Hockey. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. A Denmark newspaper prints a picture of a cartoon Muhammad creating wild prostests and death threats to the artist. Stephen Harper is sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister. Man Utd beat Wigan 4-0 to win the League Cup.
Song: “Sorry” by Madonna

March Crash wins Best Picture. Japan wins the World Baseball Classic. Blu-ray disc format is released. Paul Dana is killed in an Indy Car practice session.
Song: “It’s Chico Time” by Chico

April Wladimir Klitschko wins the Heavyweight Championship of the World. Phil Mickelson wins the Masters. Numbersixvalverde wins the Grand National. France win the Six-Nations Rugby. Chelsea retain their Premier League title.
Song: “Crazy” by Gnarles Barkley

May Sunderland are relegated from the Premier League with just 15 points – the lowest ever by a top flight team since three points for a win were introduced in 1980. Sam Hornish Jr. wins the Indy 500. Snow Patrol release “Eyes Open”. Paul McCartney and Heather Mills separate. Barry Bonds passes Babe Ruth on the all-time home run chart. Tiger Woods’ father dies. Barbaro wins the Kentucky Derby. Liverpool win the 125th F.A. Cup beating West Ham United on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Steve Plater wins both Superbike Races at the North West 200 while Robert Dunlop wins the 125cc race marking his fifteenth and last victory on the Triangle Circuit. Barcelona beat Arsenal to win the Champions League.
Song: “Crazy” by Gnarles Barkley

June The World Cup gets underway in Germany. Geoff Ogilvy wins the U.S. Open. The Miami Heat beat the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Championship. Rafael Nadal wins the French Open. NFL star Ben Roethlisberger crashes his motorbike. The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to in the Stanley Cup. Bill Gates stands down as chairman of Microsoft.
Song: “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado

July Floyd Landis becomes the first man other than Lance Armstrong to win a Tour de France this decade and then fails a drug test throwing the race into controversy. Roger Federer wins Wimbeldon. Italy win the World Cup over France in a penalty shootout after Zidane is sent off for head-butting. Tiger Woods wins the British Open.
Song: “Smile” by Lily Allen

August Steve McLaren takes over as England manager and John Terry is named captain. Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Community Shield. Pluto is demoted from being a planet. Asafa Powell runs the 100m in a record-equalling 9.77 seconds for the third time. Tiger Woods wins the PGA Championship.
Song: “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean

September Steve Irwin is killed by a Stingray. Roger Federer wins the US Open Tennis. Tony Blair announces he is to step down.
Song: “I Don’t Feel Like Fancin’” by Scissor Sisters

October Google buys YouTube. The St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series in five games against the Detroit Tigers.
Song: “America” by Razorlight

November Fernando Alonso wins the Formula One World Championship. Take That reunite to release their first studio album in 11 years with “Beautiful World”. Floyd Mayweather Jr. becomes Welterweight champion and Manny Pacquiao beats Erik Morales. The Playstation 3 is released as is the Nintendo Wii. The BC Lions beat the Montreal Alouettes 25-14 in the 94th Grey Cup. Sebastien Loeb wins the World Rally Championship.
Song: “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” by Fedde Le Grand

December Saddam Hussein is hung. Tiger Woods and his wife Elin announce they are expecting their first child. The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year is Tiger Woods. Manchester United finish the year on top of the Premier League six points clear of Chelsea and, get this, Bolton. Liverpool are forth.
Song: “A Moment Like This” by Leona Lewis

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K5Ö

January George W. Bush officially begins his second term as President of the U.S.A. Marat Safin and Serena Williams win the mens and woman’s Australian Open titles respectively. Money raising for tsunami relief goes global as millions pour in. Jeff Gordon wins the Daytona 500.
Song: “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley

February The NHL cancels it’s season. The New England Patriots win the Super Bowl, again, this time beating Philadelphia Eagles 24-21. Hunter S. Thompson kills himself. Chelsea win the League Cup, beating Liverpool 3-2 after extra time.
Song: “Like Toy Soldiers” by Eminem

March The Congressional steroids hearings for Baseball get underway. Celebrity lawyer Johnnie Cochran dies.
Song: “All About You” by McFly

April Pope John Paul II dies. Joseph Ratzinger is elected new Pope. Prince Charles remarries. Tiger Woods wins the Masters. Wales complete the Grand Slam and win the Six Nations. Shaun Murphy wins the Snooker World Championship. Chelsea wrap up the Premier League title.
Song: “Is This the Way to Amarillo” by Tony Christie feat. Peter Kay

May Danica Patrick races in the Indy 500 which is won by Dan Wheldon. Oasis release “Don’t Believe the Truth”. Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Southampton are relegated. Liverpool win the Champions League and their fifth European Cup title beating AC Milan in penalties after a 3-3 draw. Malcolm Glazer takes over 75% of Man Utd. Ian Lougher who has won every 125cc race between ‘99 and ‘05 at the North West 200 decides not to contest the event and wins the Superstock race instead.
Song: “Lyla” by Oasis. Tony Blair is re-elected.

June Rafael Nadal wins the French Open. Coldplay release “X&Y”. The Spurs beat the Pistons in seven games to win the NBA Finals. UEFA changes its rules to allow Liverpool as defending champions back into the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League. Mike Tyoson fights for the last time, pulling out in the seventh round against an unknown Kevin McBride. Michael Campbell wins the U.S. Open Golf. Michael Jackson is cleared of molestation charges.
Song: “Ghetto Gospel” by 2Pac feat. Elton John

July Live 8 takes place with 10 simultaneous concerts across the globe. London is awarded the 2012 Olympics. Roger Federer and Venus Williams win at Wimbledon. London his hit by terrorist attacks on its subway and bus systems. Tiger Woods wins the British Open. The NHL and its players reach an agreement, ending the lockout. F.C. United are set up by Manchester United supports in response to the takeover of the official club by Malcolm Glazer. Lance Armstrong wins his seventh consecutive Tour de France. The IRA formally ends its campaign of terror.
Song: “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

August Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans causing devistation. Phil Mickelson wins the PGA Championship. Liverpool win the UEFA Super Cup beating CSKA Moscow 3-1.
Song: “The Importance of Being Idle” by Oasis

September New Orleans gets worse with more people dying, many more going homeless and a real lack of aid. England win the Ashes. Northern Ireland beat England 1-0 in a World Cup qualifying game with David Healy scoring the winning goal. Britney Spears gives birth. Roger Federer beats Andre Aggassi in the US Open Finals.
Song: “Don’t Cha” by Pussycat Dolls feat. Busta Rhymes

October The Chicago White Sox win the World Series against Huston Astros in four games. Fernando Alonso wins his first Formula One World Championship and is the first driver other than Michael Schumacher to win it this decade so far. Sebastien Loeb becomes World Rally Champion. Manchester United becomes the first team to score 1000 Premier League goals.
Song: “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” by Arctic Monkeys

November The great George Best dies. The Edmonton Eskimos win the 93rd Grey Cup beating Montreal Alouettes 38-35. Tony Stewart wins the NASCAR Nextel Cup. Roy Keane leaves Manchester United by mutual consent after 12-years at the club.
Song: “Hung Up” by Madonna

December Harry Redknapp leaves Southampton to join rivals Portsmouth as manager. Johnny Damon signs with the Yankees. Ronaldinho is named FIFA World Player of the Year. Lance Armstrong is named the Associated Press Male athlete of the year, again. Chelsea end the year with an 11-point lead in the Premier League over Man Utd and Liverpool.
Song: “That’s My Goal” by Shayne Ward

A look at the first decade of the 21st century in sport with what was going on in the news with a song that was number one in each month to sing along with while you read! Next up, Y2K4

January Michael Jackson pleads not guilty. Dale Earnhardt Jr wins the Daytona 500. Harold Shipman kills himself. Roger Federer wins the Australian Open.
Song: “All This Time” by Michelle McManus

February Russian President Vladimir Putin fires his entire Cabinet. Janet Jackson exposes herself during the Super Bowl half-time show. The New England Patriots win Super Bowl XXXVIII 32-29 over the Carolina Panthers. Facebook is founded. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King wins 11 oscars. Middlesbrough beat Bolton in the League Cup Final.
Song: “Mysterious Girl” by Peter Andre

March Madrid is hit by terrorist attacks when trains explode killing 202 people. Sen. John Kerry becomes the Democratic nomination for President. Tony Blair visits Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi. The Republic of Ireland bans smoking in bars.
Song: “Toxic” by Britney Spears

April Phil Mickelson wins his first major at the Masters in Augusta. Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse in Iraq is revealed. Buddy Rice wins the Indy 500. Amberleigh House wins the Grand National. France win the Grand Slam and the Six Nations. Ronni eO’Sullivan beats Graeme Dott 18-8 to win the World Snooker Championship.
Song: “Five Colours In Her Hair” by McFly

May “Friends” goes off the air. Smarty Jones wins the kentucky Derby. Randy Johnson becomes the oldest man to throw a perfect game. Canada wins the World Hockey Championships. Arsenal finishes the Premier League season unbeaten, winning the title with Leicester City, Leeds United and Wolves being relegated. South Africa is awarded the 2010 World Cup. North Korea bans mobile phones. Michael Rutter wins both Superbike races at the North West 200 and sets a straight line speed of 200mph – a record. Man Utd beat Millwall 3-0 to win the F.A. Cup. Porto beat Monaco 3-0 to win the Champions League. Gerard Houllier is sacked by Liverpool.
Song: “F.U.R.B (F U Right Back)” by Frankee

June Jose Mourinho takes over at Chelsea with Rafael Benitez taking charge at Liverpool. Gaston Gaudino wins the French Open. Retief Goosen wins the U.S. Open for the second time. The Killers release “Hot Fuss”. Ronald Reagan and Ray Charles die. The Tampa Bay Lightning win the Stanley Cup beating Calgary Flames four games to three. The US turns over power in Iraq to the Iraqi government. The Detroit Pistons win the NBA Championship 4 games to 1 over LA Lakers.
Song: I Don’t Wanna Know” by Marino Winans feat. P. Diddy and Enya

July Greece shock the Football World and win Euro 2004 beating Portugal 1-0. The 9/11 Commission Report is released. Todd Hamilton, a virtual unknown, wins the British Open at Royal Troon in a playoff over Ernie Els. Saddam Hussein appears in court. Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are crowned respective men and woman’s Wimbledon champions. Construction on Ground Zero begins. Lance Armstrong becomes the first man to win six Tour de France races, winning them all in-a-row. Mike Tyson is knocked out by Danny Williams in the forth round. Nicky Butt leaves Man Utd.
Song: “Dry Your Eyes” by The Streets

August Liverpool sign Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia as the Spanish revolution begins at Anfield. Russia is hit by terrorist attacks. The Olympic Games take place in Athens. Vijay Singh wins the PGA Championship. Lee Hughes gets six years in jail for death by dangerous driving. The Statue of Liberty opens to the public for the first time since September 11. Liverpool sell Michael Owen to Real Madrid. Finishing second in the Belgian Grand Prix is enough to hand Michael Schumacher an unprecedented seventh Formula One World Championship. Manchester United buy Wayne Rooney from Everton.
Song: “These Words” by Natasha Bedingfield

September The MLS announces the Montreal Expos will move to Washington, D.C. The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement expires. Grenday release “American Idiot.” Bernard Hopkins knocks out Oscar de la Hoya. Roger Federer defeats Lleyton Hewitt to win the US Open Tennis tournament. Canada beat Finland 3-2 to win the World Cup of Hockey. Britney Spears marries Kevin Federline. Europe beats the USA in the Ryder Cup. Brian Clough dies. Damiano Cunego wins the Cycling World Road Race Championship. Rape charges against Kobe Bryant are dropped. Barry Bonds hits his 700th home run. Chechen insurgents take a school in Beslan hostage killing 340 people.
Song: “Call On Me” by Eric Prydz

October The Boston Red Sox finally win the World Series for the first time since 1918 beating St. Louis in four straight games. The NHL season fails to get underway as a strike between the players union and the teams cannot be averted. Arsenal loses for the first time in 49 league games, a national record, going down 2-0 to Man Utd. Chelsea cancel the contract of Adrian Mutu after he tests positive for Cocaine.
Song: “Radio” by Robbie Williams

November President Bush is re-elected leaving the rest of the World wondering what American’s are thinking? “House” debuts. Kurt Busch wins the Nextel Cup in NASCAR. The Indiana Pacers players brawl with Detroit Pistons fans in the stands. Toronto Argonauts win the 92nd Grey Cup, defeating BC Lions 27-19.
Song: “Vertigo” by U2

December The Tsunami in the Idndian Ocean kills nearly 140,000 people. Lance Armstrong is voted the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. The IRA rob the Northern Bank in Northern Ireland stealing over £22-million. Chelsea finish the year at the top of the Premier League.
Song: “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid 20