GoalChatter

Remembering Cosmos and Hota defender Robert Neubauer

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 19:25:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

Robert Neubauer in action for New York Hota Bavarians.

Among the many names etched into U.S. soccer's storied past is that of German-American League All-Star Robert Neubauer.

His son Michael is on a journey to learn more about his late father, who “didn't say much about his soccer career.” Michael only recently began to piece together his father's story, turning to former teammates and his mother in Germany to gather old photographs and newspaper clippings.

Born in Germany in 1940, Robert Neubauer played as a defender, leaving his mark, as many other immigrants did, in the German-American Soccer League.

He returned to his home country for an international tour with New York Hota in August 1959, tallying a 3-4-1 (WDL) record.

New York Hota Bavarians. Robert Neubauer is in the bottom right.

Neubauer scored the New York Americans (New Yorkers)' lone goal against Polonia Bytom in the second leg of the International Soccer League final on August 4, 1965, a game his team lost 1:2 to the eventual winners of the North American Challenge Cup. “The New Yorkers went ahead as Neubauer eluded the Poles' defense and hit from close up on a pass from Robert Howfield,” wrote William J. Briordy, the late New York Times sports reporter, of the 28th minute goal.

In the early '70s, Neubauer came to a fork in the road, one in which he opted to play for another New York team. “I heard he was a one-time on the German national team, was going to play in Italy but didn’t want to there, so he played for the [New York] Cosmos,” his son says. Donning the number 5 for the Cosmos, Neubauer made four appearances in the club's Championship-winning 1972 NASL season.

The New York Cosmos in 1972. Robert Neubauer in the front row (number 5).

Robert Neubauer with Pele.

He played for numerous other teams, including Inter Guiliana SC, New York Generals, and a KLM Dutch airline team that was made up of old Cosmos and All-Star players, before ending his career due to injuries. He “had to stop playing because the union he worked for was not going to cover his family,” explains David Kilpatrick, New York Cosmos historian and professor at Mercy College.

Robert Neubauer in the All-Star team (top row, second from right).

Neubauer's work ethic extended off the pitch, where he helped the less fortunate with flooring, his son recalls. “I was lucky that he made a man out of me and a lot of other people at work.”

Robert Neubauer passed away on February 25, 2016. His last game was in the stands, cheering on his beloved Cosmos in the U.S. Open Cup fourth round match against NYCFC on June 17, 2015. He witnessed the Cosmos win 4-3 on penalties, donning a Zum Stammtisch World Cup shirt. Zum Stammtisch, a German restaurant in Glendale, New York, was Neubauer's favorite place, his son tweeted. It was a staple of Cosmos players back in the day, no doubt a hub for many a story shared round the table, including that of Robert Neubauer.

His son continues to search for more chapters of his career, sharing his findings one photo at a time.

“[My father] never spoke about soccer to me, though I wish he would have,” Michael says. “Everywhere we went, someone would know him. He was always joking.”

Robert Neubauer (right) with New York Cosmos historian David Kilpatrick.

Match days with dad: Football fans share their stories

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 12:52:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

In honor of Father's Day, football fans look back on the most memorable games they've attended with their dads and granddads.

Paul Binning

Blog: The Exiled Robin

Facebook: facebook.com/TheExiledRobin

Twitter: @TheExiledRobin

Club: Bristol City

It was Bristol City vs Mansfield in the 1987 Freight Rover Trophy Final. It was our second successive appearance in the final, having beaten Bolton Wanderers 3-0 in our first-ever match at Wembley the previous season. We'd gone into the game having just failed to make the Division 3 playoffs, with a crucial penalty miss from Gordon Owen in the crunch match against Swindon on the final day. Two weeks later, we were at Wembley and big favorites to retain our trophy.

My main memories of the day are the journey up, with the inevitable traffic jam of cars, minibuses and coaches as we crawled around the North Circular. It was a bit strange for us as were playing in white for some reason, not our traditional red, so the club had obviously done a fantastic trade in white shirts and flags which dominated Wembley Way as we walked up. I think we had nearly 40,000 of the 58,000 attendance.

The game is a bit of a blur, to be honest, but I do remember us equalizing late on and the game going to penalties as it was our first-ever penalty shoot-out. When Gordon Owen stepped up, the reaction of all the fans around was “oh no, not again,” and it proved to be prophetic as he once again failed to convert from the spot with our final kick, which would have won us the trophy. Two penalty misses in two weeks costing us a playoff spot and a trophy! David Moyes then stepped up to take our sixth penalty, missed, and Mansfield won the match.

Granddad was a big football fan – and, like many of his generation, went to watch both Bristol City and Bristol Rovers after the second World War, partly because there was little else to do, partly as they were just so pleased to have the freedom to do so. He was always very gracious toward “The Gas” despite his strong City allegiance, and talked warmly of their great players from the '50s and '60s. But he was a City man and as such his four children all were too, including my mum who went regularly throughout the 1970s until she had me! Her and my Dad now go home and away almost everywhere.

Granddad was a season ticket holder right up until his last year, but rarely went to away games. He did talk a lot about olden days football, especially “The Arsenal,” who were such a big team in his formative years and who he talked of often, especially around the dinner table with our Sunday roast.

My other main memory of him is getting into muddles with players names – especially the foreign players once they started coming into lower league football in the 1990s, and it was a cause for celebration when he actually got a name right, instead of stuttering over it and eventually leaning back on “that foreign kiddy.”

Ava H.

Twitter: @dazhaneygooglem

YouTube: Daz H

Club: Carlisle United

Ava H. and her dad at Workington AFC's last game at Borough Park.

Most memorable game with dad?

My visit with dad to Workington AFC's last ever game at their Borough Park ground. Although we support Carlisle United, we were supporting our local non-league team. We love the vibe of non-league grounds and the closeness to the pitch and players, and I met the keepers.

I love every game, but my favorite was Derby away in a cup game in 2016 which we took to pens and lost 14-13. Longest penalty shootout I have ever seen!

Mike Smith

Blog: Auld Reekie Rants
Twitter: @Mike1874

Book: The Team For Me: 50 Years of Following Hearts

Club: Heart of Midlothian

Mike Smith's grandson Jack (left) at his first Scottish Cup semi-final

The game we were at was the Scottish Cup semi-final between Hearts and Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Hampden Park [on April 13].

It was [my grandson] Jack’s first cup semi-final as a Hearts fan whereas I have lost count at the number of semi-finals I’ve been at in over 50 years. Jack was excited at the prospect while I was dreading Hearts messing up yet another cup semi-final, as they have done so many times over the years I’ve been following them. We headed to Glasgow by train and the joy we felt at Hearts actually winning the game and getting to the final was a wonderful shared experience. It would be Jack’s first cup final and hopefully not his last.

Following Hearts is only a relatively recent thing for my family. I attended my first Hearts game in 1968, but it was something of a twist of fate that I’m a Hearts fan. I was living in Cumbernauld, just outside Glasgow, in the late 1960s. My father didn’t want me following either Celtic or Rangers with all the nonsense associated with the pair. So he took me to watch Falkirk at Brockville Park for my first game in October 1968 with a view to me being a Falkirk Bairn. However, Hearts were the visitors to Brockville that day. They brought a huge support – they outnumbered the Falkirk fans – and the atmosphere they created was brilliant. I was in awe and the fact Hearts won 3-1 sealed it for me – Hearts were going to be my team!

I now have two grownup daughters, neither of whom are too interested in football. However, daughter Laura’s son Jack has always followed Hearts. I’ve been taking him to games for six years now and we’re season ticket holders. It’s created a close bond between us. If Jack has children of his own, I’m sure he’ll carry this family trait on!

Stuart Watson

Twitter: @StuartWatson3

Club: Arsenal

Stuart Watson and his dad at Arsenal vs Wigan, May 2006.

The game was [Arsenal's] last one at Highbury before the move to the Emirates Stadium, so it was emotional for us all who had been attending regularly (myself since 1994) and also we needed to win to pip Tottenham into 4th place for Champions League qualification.

I went to games with my dad from the early '90s until early 2018 when he passed away from cancer. Dad and I used to watch the limited amount of games that were live on TV in the late 1980s and the first game I can recall is watching is when Arsenal won the title at Anfield in 1989. Dad picked me up and swung me around the living room when Michael Thomas scored!

Vivienne MacLaren
Twitter: @vivienne7

Club: Heart of Midlothian

Vivienne MacLaren and her dad celebrated his 70th birthday by going to a Hearts game

This was the last game of the 2015-16 season and Hearts were playing St Johnstone. My dad celebrated his 70th and I promised him a year of sports treats. We went to Wimbledon too, but his highlight was this game. Luckily we were invited to the game as guests and they knew it was for a celebration. When we arrived, my dad was given a Hearts pin badge that he wore on his jacket – he was so proud! It was a lovely sunny day and the game ended 2-all – typical end of season affair. We got pitch side and then met ex-player John Robertson who was my fave as a wee girl! Dad said it was one of the best days he'd ever had.

My dad always took my sister and I to football and sports generally, and my first game at Tynecastle Park was when I was 11 (we live in Glasgow, so day trip to Edinburgh). We both played football too – my sister to a high standard. Our first ever game was Pollok FC in Junior Cup Final at Hampden in the 1984-85 season. We used to go and see Scotland at home too. My sister ended up loving football and went to her beloved Rangers every weekend.

Groundhoppers get their first app

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 19:48:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

There's a soccer app for just about everything, from keeping track of scores to the latest news from your favorite leagues and clubs. Until recently, though, there wasn't one for groundhopping. So Geir Florhaug and Lars Erik Bolstad of mobile apps developer Kepermat decided to make it themselves. “The idea came about a few years ago when we looked for an app to keep track of football matches we'd attended,” Bolstad recalls. “We launched the very first version in 2012, initially just for iOS, with a small subset of the functionality that's currently in the app.”

Type in “groundhoppers” in the Google search bar, and the eponymous app is one of the top results, after the Wikipedia entry explaining the popular hobby which involves attending as many soccer stadiums, or “grounds”, as possible.

Available on Google Play and the iTunes app store, the app currently has over 20,000 monthly downloads, and made the Ten Best Sports Apps on German tech news site iTopNews. It features more than 700 leagues and various cup competitions around the world. One can locate nearby fixtures, register stats, and collect badges for hitting milestones, such as attending a certain number of games. A season summary displays your personal numbers, including games and countries attended and your most visited ground.

The app is free, but offers a monthly and yearly premium subscription for additional features.

The product has garnered “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from fans, which makes the effort worthwhile for its creators. “We have a lot of very enthusiastic users and seem to have really hit a nerve among those who enjoy watching football live,” Bolstad notes.

Lars Erik Bolstad (left) and Geir Florhaug

The community around the app is what keeps him and co-creator Florhaug going when the going gets tough. “Apart from finding time to work on the app besides full-time jobs and family commitments, the main challenge is to keep all the information in the app 100% correct at all times,” the former explains.

An ever-evolving beast

Like soccer itself, the app is an ever-evolving beast. Recent updates include the addition of women's national teams, right on time for the FIFA Women's World Cup in June. The number of languages has also expanded. “We just added the Greek translation and will soon have Czech, bringing the number of languages up to 13,” Bolstad notes.

Expect more updates, but don't count on it becoming the next Pokémon GO. At least, not until AR and VR “evolve beyond just gimmicks.” But do expect the Groundhopper app to attempt to “catch them all” by listening to users' appeals for more leagues and competitions.

In the meantime, Bolstad and Florhaug will keep spreading word. “In terms of growing the user base we're still trying out various ways to make more people aware of it,” says Bolstad. “Recently we have started cooperating with clubs, who promote our app in the form of competitions with prizes for those who attend the most matches during a season. In return we create special club badges that users can earn in our app.”

“So far our user base has mostly grown by word of mouth and we haven't really spent too much effort (or money) on marketing it, but based on the popularity in our core markets in Northern Europe, there should be a whole world out there waiting to discover the Groundhopper app.”

Download the Groundhopper app via Google Play or iTunes.

Balls under bridges: Street soccer thrives in San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Thu, 16 May 2019 16:22:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

The eyes of three Aztec gods watch over as men, women and children transform the basketball courts at Chicano Park into a futsal fiesta. The mural, one of many, is both a backdrop and an audience to a growing soccer scene under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, led by street soccer group Bridge Barkada.

“We have ages from as young as seven or eight all the way up to people in their 50s,” cofounder Karl Hurlbert says of Bridge Barkada's members. “San Diego is a beautifully diverse city and that is reflected in our games: Mexican, Filipino, French, German, Costa Rican, Moroccan, African, and the list continues to grow. We have all ability levels as well, from beginners to former and current professional players.”

Photo: Bridge Barkada

Futsal Fridays and Saturdays are a relatively new addition to San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. It all began on June 29, 2018, with “a conversation among friends that San Diego doesn’t have any spots to play for free outside of grassy public parks,” according to Hurlbert, who organized Bridge Barkada together with fellow soccer enthusiasts Paul Nathan Nacu, Drew Steck, Daryl Biggs, Hector Corona, and Brandon Rodriguez.

Photo: Bridge Barkada

The name “barkada” means a group of friends in Tagalog. “I was speaking to my wife, who is from the Philippines, as I wanted to give our project a name,” Hurlbert explains. “The meaning really tied together what and where we were doing this as group.”

The organizers, most of whom “didn’t know one another prior to this project or casually knew each other from the soccer community,” modeled the project “after the skate culture a few of us grew up in where you go to the park, your friends are already there and you just join in.”

Photo: @photorenzy

Weather proved to be an obstacle at the group's original HQ. “The first heavy rains flooded the entire court” at “The Bridge,” Hurlbert says. “So, we searched for another spot to play and decided on Chicano Park, a central location for the county and city.” And, it so happens, a National Historic Landmark.

The Chicano Park Steering Committee, a grassroots organization that pressured the city to keep its promise of developing a park after the construction of the I-5 freeway in the 1960s, lists Bridge Barkada's futsal Friday and Saturday sessions on its calendar.

Like the artists whose funky beats provide the soundtrack to its DJ-ed games, the group goes on tour, occasionally returning to “The Bridge.” It was recently spotted at Balboa Park, bringing soccer to life before The San Diego Museum of Art.

Photo: @photorenzy

Being good stewards

Got nutmegged? “It's like a rite of passage,” quips Nathan Nacu on the group's Facebook page. Such banter is the norm, as are headcams, and, if you're lucky, free offerings of Jarritos and chips.

It's all fun and games as long as everyone follows the number one rule: respecting one's surroundings. This includes “always cleaning up when we are done and not playing the ball off the murals,” notes Hurlbert. “We care about the people that come and join us, the people of neighborhood, and being good stewards of our time in the community.”

Photo: @photorenzy

Less than a year into its existence, Bridge Barkada found itself featured on the first episode of San Diego Soccer Shorts, a mini-documentary series by Big Pine Digital that will be shown on June 30 at Thr3e Punk Ales in Chula Vista. The film will wrap up “an all ages event with pickup games in the back parking lot and a DJ,” Hurlbert notes.

It comes a day after Bridge Barkada celebrates its one-year anniversary. In line with its pop-up nature, the project is already eyeing the possibility of expansion. Its organizers hope the City of San Diego's Parks Master Plan, a three-year “road map” meant to guide the future growth of the city's parks, will at some point include dedicated futsal courts.

“Our hope for the future is that it grows to a point where our city takes action,” Hurlbert says. “This way the love of the game can further blossom and people will be able to play any time, all the time without depending on someone bringing [nets].”

Photo: Bridge Barkada

5 reasons I'd rather watch the Women's Champions League than the NWSL

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 17:20:00 +0000

By Richard Murray |

Photo: UEFA Women's Champions League

When the North Carolina Courage defeated Olympique Lyonnais in the 2018 Women’s International
Champions Cup final, some opined the soccer in the NWSL is better than in UEFA, specifically the Women’s Champions League. Here are five reasons I disagreed.

1. Quality is getting better and better.
I remember when the Women’s Champions League was dominated by Frauen-Bundesliga side FFC Turbine Potsdam. At the time, French, English, Spanish, and Italian women’s football was underdeveloped. The Women’s Champions League grew to where all the top teams in UEFA are not only competing against each other, but also showcasing the growth in top clubs.

I recall when Chelsea Ladies did not have the quality from a Ji So-Yun. I remember when
Atlético Madrid Femenino was not captained by Amanda Sampedro, and when being the champions in Italy, like Brescia Calcio Femminile (acquired by AC Milan earlier this year) were, did not warrant a place in the tournament.

The Champions League participants grow in competitive power every year. That means each successive champion has to overcome more. Any team can lose – OL lost to North Carolina Courage. But the glory of winning the title constantly pushes OL to grow, or it will become like FFC Frankfurt – a team whose past glories have begun to fade.

2. Competitive entry is harder.
The post-season playoffs in the NWSL determine the champion. But the challenge to enter the Women’s Champions League is harder. I am not speaking to the players, but rather the structure in the competitive environment. Imagine if the NWSL playoffs were played while the regular season commenced, using the prior season's standings to determine entry. Now imagine if this season’s final standings were used for next season’s playoffs. Is that not harder than the current setup in the NWSL?

3. Players’ choices don’t lie.
Former NBA star Rasheed Wallace once said, “Ball don't lie.” Neither do players’ choices. Most female players, coaches, and fans adore the environment in the U.S. They speak well to the country as a destination on or off the pitch. By contrast, the global player pool in the NWSL is not dominant while having every advantage to be. First, the NWSL is one league. Unlike the Women’s Champions League, which accepts champions from Frauen-Bundesliga, Division 1 Féminine, or other leagues in UEFA, the NWSL does not have a team pool as large. The NWSL clubs, all safe from relegation, offer any player a chance to play in one of the top three domestic media markets, absent from relegation fear.

But have most top players in UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, or the Confederation of African Football clamored to play in the NWSL?

I recall an interview where Carli Lloyd stated how she loved being in the training facilities at Manchester City. Similarly, English forward Lianne Sanderson marveled at the Juventus facilities. Both players, who featured in the top flight in the U.S., spoke to a sense that UEFA, specifically Champions League teams, is where a player needs to be. I can use Nadia Nadim, who left the very popular Portland Thorns to Manchester City WFC, as another example of players’ preferences.

Women the world over like the community or money in the U.S., but the NWSL is not attracting enough high-quality players. Players’ choices don't lie.

4. MLS shows the future.
According to Sporting Intelligence, Major League Soccer “will imminently become one of the world’s top 10 soccer leagues by average revenue per team.” MLS is 24 years old. I expect the NWSL to grow financially the same way MLS did. I also expect the NWSL to stagnate the same way. MLS has not competitively grown because it was designed to mimic the NFL, the biggest sports league by revenue while the least competitive in internal athletics. The proof is MLS teams’ results in the CONCACAF Champions League. MLS never shook the dominance Liga MX has on the tournament, despite having significantly more revenue.

The NWSL has no similar tournament to the CCL, nor can women's leagues elsewhere in
CONCACAF relate to the MLS scenario. But they share the same model (a closed league) and show signs of similar results.

5. Hype never convinced the informed.
Many fans, players, and coaches, both in and outside of England, suggest the English Premier League is the best league in the world. But revenue aside, the athletic results don’t always match the praise. The EPL may be farther ahead than any other soccer league in media outreach or manipulation to maintain a certain view. But the EPL is not the best league in UEFA based on results in the men's Champions League. Hype can be stronger than the truth, especially in modern media. But the truth is not undone when hype is present.

If you like women's soccer, tune in to the NWSL, especially the playoffs. And not because women are playing the beautiful game, but because the drama one may find lacking in the modern male game is definitely present. Case and point: The NWSL playoff between Portland Thorns and Seattle Reign on September 15 which the Thorns won 2-1. It was a fiery display from beginning to end, worth a
watch and replays. But I enjoyed and will continue to enjoy the Women’s Champions League more.

Richard Murray’s work has appeared in The Botafogo Star. Read his blog at AALBC and follow him on Twitter at @thetenner10.

Friday Reads: Socceroos, Faroese football, and Fred Spiksley

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:30:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

What football fans are currently reading...

New season - new project! Can't wait to utilise these as well as @SHFLdiary to explore more characters and footballing communities off the beaten track @glorymag_ @FaroePodcast #SanMarino #Liechtenstein #Andorra #FaroeIslands #HighlandLeague #ArcticCircle @kieranrogers_ pic.twitter.com/87hcnhQsRL
— Mat Guy (@MatGuy5) August 10, 2018

Mat Guy is perusing the debut issue of Glory Magazine, which seeks to put 'beautiful' back in the beautiful game. Also on his shelf is Ronaldson's Directory of Faroese Football by John Ronaldson.

Thank you to all who purchased @AndyHowe_statto Encyclopedia of #Socceroos. We're pleased to advise that it is now officially sold out. Next edition: 2022. But stay tuned for details on the sister publication Encyclopedia of #Matildas for next year. pic.twitter.com/pjitvN7oxD
— Fair Play Publishing (@fairplaybooks) August 29, 2018

One for the stats lover, Encyclopedia of Socceroos by Andrew Howe and Ray Gatt has everything you ever needed to know about Australian football (soccer).

I must admit I am looking forward to tonight (finally) starting to write the script for the @SpiksleyBook documentary film for 2019. We've got a good team of professionals involved but myself and Clive need to get working so they can do their jobs. pic.twitter.com/C1gnKZk5Z6
— Mark Metcalf (@markmetcalf07) August 30, 2018

While we're waiting for the long-awaited Fred Spiksley documentary, check out Flying Over an Olive Grove: The Remarkable Story of Fred Spiksley by Mark Metcalf, Ralph Nicholson, and Clive Nicholson. The book's authors are also involved with the film's script!

Have brought the wonderful Lynne Truss with me to Scotland. Seem to be reading this book at just the right time pic.twitter.com/PlrMZN4YfQ
— Sophie Lawson (@lawson_sv) August 30, 2018

Sophie Lawson is reading Ger Her Off the Pitch by Lynne Truss, which details the author's journey in sports journalism.

Future read

Really looking forward to the launch of the latest You are the Ref book which will be on the shelves Oct 4th. Pre order https:https://t.co/n5zZ4osURW
— KEITH HACKETT (@HACKETTREF) August 30, 2018

Keith Hackett's latest You are the Ref book will be on shelves October 4.

What football books are you currently reading? Comment below!

Doing the 92: A father and son’s groundhopping journey

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:23:00 +0000

by Aleks V |
Photos: Chris Priday |

From Luton to Macclesfield, Liam and Chris Priday have been to all 92 grounds in the Football League.

Chris Priday and 7-year-old son Liam aren’t your average football fans. A few years ago, the groundhopping father and son duo took on the challenge of doing the 92, a project that involves visiting all 92 Football League grounds. On September 15, 2018, they completed their mission with a trip to Moss Rose, home of Macclesfield Town FC.

As of this writing, Liam and Chris have visited 259 grounds across professional and non-league football. GoalChatter spoke to Chris about the origins of their groundhopping pastime, the highlights of their journey, and plans for future travels.

Doing the 92 is a pretty popular activity these days, but how did it all begin for you? What prompted the journey?

I have been taking Liam to non-league football matches since he was 2 and had tried him at his first of the 92 - Southampton - when he was almost 4. When I discovered I could get cheaper rail travel when traveling together using a Family & Friends Railcard, I decided to try a couple of longer trips taking in Nottingham Forest, Derby County, and Sheffield United. However, the decision to attempt to try for the 92 came a year after that. There were rumors the FA were planning to increase the teams in the League from 92 to 100. “Doing the 100” doesn't have the same ring to it as “doing the 92” so I booked tickets to a few more 92 grounds. Those rumors did fade away in the end, but by this point we'd got to a stage where we were over halfway to completion and so we just went for it.

Which grounds have been your and Liam’s favorite to visit, and what made those particular experiences stand out?

For me, every ground has its own charm and even those more modest ones such as Morecambe and Forest Green have been fantastic experiences. There are so many great ones to choose from. I really enjoyed visiting Elland Road, Anfield, and St. James’ Park especially as they are fantastic stadiums and clubs with real history. Molineux and Valley Parade were probably my two favorites. Molineux is so aesthetically pleasing – I love the black and orange colors. Valley Parade is another ground with plenty of history and character, and their fans were excellent. Liam was also a big fan of Molineux but his favorite was Old Trafford as his granddad is from Manchester and a United fan.

Liam at Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers

Which grounds have you revisited the most?

Our most visited ground together would be our local team Havant & Waterlooville, whilst of the 92 we have visited Southampton four or five times. On my own, my most visited ground would be the Abbey Stadium which I've visited nearly 200 times. I am a Cambridge United fan and was a season ticket holder for seven years before we moved further down south.

What grounds were the most difficult to travel to? Did you ever brave tough weather to get to any of the games?

We travel by train 95% of the time and make a concerted effort to walk to the ground from the nearest station. Yeovil was certainly the most challenging. It was a wet day in February and part of the 4 mile walk is along a muddy public footpath on a hill above the roadside. Conditions were slippery and we nearly fell. I'd never attempt that walk again!

We've certainly faced some difficult weather conditions as well. Bristol Rovers springs to mind. That was a 3 mile walk in pouring rain. We were soaked by the time we got to the ground. We visited Morecambe during the freezing temperatures (Beast from the East!) earlier this year. That was a bitterly cold one, despite the sun coming out for the second half.

Liam at Oxford United, October 2016

Anything funny ever happen during your travels that you can share?

Traveling back from Bradford City, we were waiting at the station for our train and the Charlton Athletic players all turned up. Apparently their team bus had broken down and they were having to take the train back to London. They ended up sitting in the same carriage as us so we enjoyed their company on the journey back to Leeds. They were in good spirits after picking up a 1-0 victory!

Are there any favorite souvenirs you’ve purchased at any of the grounds?

We tend to pick up the same type of souvenir from club shops. I get a pen and Liam gets a magnet or mascot toy. Probably our favorite souvenir was something we were given. After the match between Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United, Will Norris, Cambridge's goalkeeper, gave Liam his gloves. It was the last competitive game he played before moving to Wolves that summer. Outside the same ground Cambridge's Jake Carroll gave Liam his match worn boots from the game. We felt very privileged that day, despite Cambridge losing!

Liam celebrated his five-year footballing anniversary by seeing a five-goal stunner between Havant & Waterlooville and AFC Wimbledon

Is there a local team you support when you’re not traveling?

Our local team is Havant & Waterlooville who play one division below the Football League. I have a season ticket so will often take in a match when we're not elsewhere. It tends to be mostly evening games, hence why Liam does not have a season ticket as well.

Have you visited any grounds abroad? If so, how many, and which ones stood out?

Other than a few trips to Wales, we've not yet visited any grounds outside of England. The expense means a trip abroad for football is not on the agenda for the foreseeable future. I would love to visit some grounds in Italy, Germany, and Spain, but I'd happily go and watch a game anywhere in the world.

After completing the 92, what’s next for you and Liam? Would you be more focused on exploring non-league grounds?

We've already visited over 150 non-league grounds together so we'll definitely be visiting more of those. We recently sent a tweet asking if any non-league club would be willing to let Liam be a mascot for a game. I hoped we might get one or two responses but we ended up getting over 100, so we are currently working our way through those.

Away from football, Liam recently expressed an interest in visiting all of the London Underground stations. Most of our trips involve using the Underground network and he's become quite fascinated by it. I'm sure we can have a good go at doing that!

Follow Chris Priday on Twitter @CPriday and check out his photos and videos.

Liam visits his 92nd Football League ground, Moss Rose

Stat of the Week: Foreign players in top five leagues

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 00:59:00 +0000

Art and words: Aleks V | Stats: Aidan Reagh

When it comes to transfers, the world's top football leagues duke it out, vying for the best - and often, most expensive - players in the world. Many of these players are foreigners, and leagues often have restrictions on how many can be signed or fielded. In nations that are members of the European Union, "foreign" usually denotes non-EU players. However, the stats above reflect all players who do not hold citizenship of the countries they play in.

England's Premier League has been the most reliant on foreigners over the past five years, with more than 60% in the mix. On the opposite end is La Liga, with 40%, although Spain's top league saw the second-biggest increase in the number of foreign players (10.7%). Serie A witnessed the largest growth (13.5%), which may be evidence of big money pouring in, especially at Juventus. La Vecchia Signora has made headlines with signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Paulo Dybala.

Of the top five leagues, only Ligue 1 saw a decrease (-11.6%) in the number of foreign players. Will a greater reliance on homegrown youth give the French national team more talent the likes of Kylian Mbappé and cement its presence in the upper echelons of football?

Standalone women's football clubs must survive

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 02:12:00 +0000

By Richard Murray |

Over 10 years ago, I became enthralled by professional women’s football. I saw the French women’s team and thought, “They’re good.” Many of the players were recent transfers to the Ligue 1 side I follow closely, Olympique Lyonnais. While I support OL, it is originally a men’s team that developed a women’s side through sharing resources with the former. Chelsea; Atlético Madrid; Borussia Mönchengladbach; Olympique Lyonnais; Santos; at one time, Botafogo; AC Milan (which recently absorbed Brescia Calcio Femminile): All are men’s teams that share or shared infrastructure with a women’s team.

Two clubs I support, Turbine Potsdam in the Frauen-Bundesliga and INAC Kobe in Japan’s Nadeshiko league, are standalone women’s clubs. They have no straight or dis-connectable affiliation with a men’s club, though behind-the-scenes relationships exist.

Photo: turbine-potsdam.de

In the National Women's Soccer League in the U.S., a regional problem exists. The Northeast, home to New York City, Boston, and most of the highly rated colleges in the U.S., such as Colombia University, Harvard, Yale, and NYU, is unable to maintain a women’s soccer team.

The annually poor-performing Boston Breakers finally folded. The Western New York Flash, who achieved great success at times, were sold to North Carolina FC and rebranded as the North Carolina Courage. A new version of the Flash plays in the second-division United Women’s Soccer league and is still owned by the Sahlen family which sponsors the stadium the Courage play at.

Meanwhile, Sky Blue FC replaced the Boston Breakers as the Northeast’s bottom club that has no sign of getting better.

A Deadspin article by Erica L. Ayala and RJ Allen goes into a little detail about Sky Blue FC’s troubles, citing former players and staff, as well as former US. international goalkeeper Hope Solo.

But the article missed a key point – in its early stages, men’s football was no different. One of the problems people have concerning sport is they forget or ignore the time to grow the infrastructure some revered sports clubs use today. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and even PSG, which was founded in 1970, did not have the infrastructure they do now.

I saw photos of early men’s football and read some biographical info; their pitches were like the many women complain about all throughout women’s soccer. The players’ relationship to owners or salary was less positive compared to many at Sky Blue FC.

Earlier this year, OL Féminin won its third straight Women’s Champions League title. But it does not fill up the stadium like the men’s team, which has never won the men's CL, not even after becoming Ligue 1 champion and having held the spot consecutively for seven seasons (from 2001-02 to 2007-08). It still does not get sponsors or fan attention superior to the men’s team.

RENVERSANT. FANTASTIQUE. HISTORIQUE. ⚡⚡⚡
Notre équipe remporte pour la 3ème fois consécutive la Women’s Champions League ! La #TeamOL s’est imposée 4 à 1 face grâce aux buts d’ @amandinehenry6, d'@ELS_9_FRANCE, d'@AdaStolsmo et de @cam10abily23 !
Bravo ! 😍😍😍 #UWCLFinal pic.twitter.com/ed5L0Aa9pk
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) May 24, 2018

Women’s-only football clubs have to survive. Those that do will have a great story. They will be able to say they survived not only the early years where fiscal absence or organizational neglect were more common, but will also be able to state the competition in their environment to fellow clubs who are benefiting from already existing infrastructures was a large mountain, one men’s clubs did not have.

When I first watched the Frauen-Bundesliga, Turbine Potsdam and FFC Frankfurt were the top clubs. Then Wolfsburg came in, as well as Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen, Essen, Gladbach, and others. However, Frankfurt and Turbine are the sole standalone women's clubs in the top flight, part of a small number of similar clubs in the top flights throughout UEFA.

Is that a bad thing? No. I have nothing against affiliation with men’s clubs, but I do not think women’s football must have them, and that is where the surviving has value. Not every men’s football club has an affiliated women’s club. Many men’s clubs thrive well in finance or fandom without them. Why can’t women’s clubs do likewise?

Richard Murray’s work has appeared in The Botafogo Star. Follow him on Twitter at @thetenner10.

Stat of the Week: Premier League Matchday 1

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 20:21:00 +0000

Words and art: Aleks V
Stats: Aidan Reagh

Fans, don't fret if your team hasn't had a winning start. Although 17 of the past 26 English Premier League champions won their season openers, this hasn't always been the case. Nine seasons saw the eventual champion draw or lose its opening game. Most recently, Manchester United won the 2012/13 PL title having kicked off the season with a 0-1 loss to Everton. The Reds went on to lose just four more games. Blackburn Rovers, which won the 1994/95 season, drew its season opener against Southampton, but ended the league table on top with a whopping 12-point difference between third-place Nottingham Forest.

In other words, the best is yet to come.

5 reasons to watch the 2018-19 Russian Premier League

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 02:52:00 +0000

by Aleks V

Lights, camera, football. In post-World Cup Russia, the beautiful game is seeing a revival of sorts, with an energy and passion among fans rarely seen since the Soviet era. A wonderful truth, or an exaggeration? There's only one way to find out, and that's by tuning in.

Here are five reasons why you should be watching the 2018-19 Russian Premier League.

1. Sergei Semak

Photo: FC Zenit

Zenit St. Petersburg is the team to beat in the race for the championship, with one of the biggest squads in the tournament (28 players) and a talented head coach in Sergei Semak. Zenit's first Russian manager (not counting his own interim spell in 2014) in nearly a decade, Semak has already earned the respect of his players and seems to be adept at handling the superstar roster, something his predecessors have been unable to do. A former Zenit player himself, he may very well be Stanislav Cherchesov's successor at the helm of team Russia.

2. FC Yenisey

Хорватский нападающий Дарко Бодул стал игроком "Енисея": https://t.co/DwAM0vv3ob pic.twitter.com/NW9sI1oYOc
— ФК «Енисей» (@FCEnisey) July 19, 2018

If you're looking for an underdog to cheer on this season, look no further than FC Yenisey Krasnoyarsk. The club, which is playing in Russia's top flight for the first time in its 81-year history, debuted with a 2-0 home loss to Zenit. Its social media banter, with references to everything from Russian pop culture to the History Channel ancient aliens meme and Fortnite, can give the bigger clubs a run for their money. Fun fact: FC Yenisey also has a women's team.

3. Uber transfers

🗣 Lokomotiv General Director @ilgerkus on Höwedes’ arrival: «We’re delighted to welcome Benedikt to our Railway family! The presence of such players in the team makes our club stronger. He used to win, we let him do it in Lokomotiv!» pic.twitter.com/OQXD97fAVd
— FC Lokomotiv Moscow (@fclokomotiv_eng) July 31, 2018

All eyes are on Benedikt Höwedes, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Joãozinho, and Róbert Mak, four of the RPL's biggest summer transfers.

After spending over a decade of his professional career at Schalke, centre-back Höwedes bid farewell to his boyhood club, joining reigning RPL champion Lokomotiv Moscow. He was one of just three players to feature in all seven games of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad. With silverware from the Bundesliga and Serie A, the defender brings plenty of experience to the pitch.

The Railroaders added to their star-studded roster with the signing of Polish international Krychowiak on a season-long loan. The 28-year-old midfielder featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring a header against Senegal and proving a key distributor for his team during its run in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Joãozinho, who spent seven years at FC Krasnodar, left the Bulls to join Dynamo Moscow on a one-year contract. A Russian citizen since 2016, he tallied 27 goals and 55 assists in 177 RPL games for Krasnodar.

The return of winger Róbert Mak to Zenit from his loan at PAOK was a welcome addition. The Slovak is one of only two wingers at the club's disposal, making him a valuable asset and almost guaranteeing him a coveted spot in the starting XI.

4. RPL rebrand

Russia's top league got a new look thanks to Art. Lebedev Studio. The RPL's new logo follows in the footsteps of the English Premier League by using an animal - appropriately, a bear. The fierce-looking pentagonal creature with triangular eyes complements the geometric patterns used in soccer balls. It utilizes the colors of Russia's flag and is flanked by dynamic diagonals when used in backgrounds. The rebrand launched in tandem with a new TV channel, Match Premier, which airs the league's games.

5. World Cup fever

Photo: cherve4og via Instagram

Across Russian football, attendance is on the rise, in large part due to new stadiums, improved infrastructure, and some newly-converted fans after the 2018 World Cup. The July 29 Football National League (tier 2) match between Mordovia Saransk and Krasnodar II was attended by nearly 25,000 fans, more than Krasnodar's first team's RPL game against Rubin (about 14,000).

The first eight games of the 2018-19 RPL registered 169,600 fans in the stands - a record start, and a 71% increase from the previous season.

Catch the Russian Premier League on Sportbox.ru, Match Premier, and Match TV.

Stat of the Week: Southampton FC transfers

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 11:00:00 +0000

Words and art by Aleks V. Stats compiled by Aidan Reagh.
Photos: Southampton FC, Premier League.
*All stats from last season.

With Premier League action less than two weeks away and the summer transfer window set to close on August 9, many clubs have been eager to strengthen their squads.

Southampton FC managed to avoid relegation last season, finishing 17th in the Premier League table - just three points above ill-fated Swansea City, though with a comfortably better goal difference (-19 vs. -28). Newly-appointed manager Mark Hughes secured the club's PL spot, but has a lot of work to do to prevent another downward spiral.

The club signed a number of players from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Scotland, but are its acquisitions really upgrades?

GoalChatter examines some of the Saints' key transfers.

Goalkeeper

The Saints are looking for a solid pick to alternate with Alex McCarthy, as Fraser Forster is on the verge of leaving the club. Despite a serious knee injury in 2015 that left Forster sidelined for nearly 300 days, he made an impressive return to form and earned Player of the Month honors in March 2016 for a record-breaking 708-minute clean sheet. A loan spell may soon be in his future. In the meantime, Southampton will look to utilize the young Angus Gunn, who arrived from Manchester City. Gunn, an England U-21 international, spent last season on loan at his father Bryan Gunn's former club, Norwich City, keeping 15 clean sheets in 51 appearances. It's too early to tell what he'll bring to the pitch, but there's something to be said about a youngster who got the call to play for England's senior side against Brazil in a friendly, as well as train with Gareth Southgate's men ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Centre-back

Danish centre-back Jannik Vestergaard joined Southampton from Borussia Mönchengladbach, having finished ninth with the club last year. The 25-year-old's towering height (1.99m) will add some strength in the box when defending set pieces. According to Squawka, he was one of the Bundesliga's top 10 players in aerial duels won (103). This can also be an advantage in the attacking end, as evidenced by Vestergaard's goal-scoring record: Per Transfermarkt, of his past 10 goals, nine have been headers. His fitness is just as impressive - he was the only outfield player in the Bundesliga to have played every one of his club's minutes in 2017.

Squawka notes his tackle success rate as 50%, (he won 35 tackles last season). He also made 44 interceptions, 143 clearances, and 34 blocks.

Southampton will kick off its Premier League season with a home game against Burnley FC on Sunday, August 12 at 8:30 a.m. ET (12:30 p.m. GMT).

World Cup 2018: A football fan's guide to Moscow

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:27:00 +0000

Three fans from Russia's capital share their football stories and sightseeing tips.

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Read in English читать на русском

Fast facts about Moscow

Founded: 1147
Population: 12.3 million

Football clubs
Premier League: Lokomotiv, CSKA, Spartak, Dynamo

Football National League (tier two): Ararat Moscow, Spartak-2, FC Khimki (Moscow oblast)

PFL (tier three): Torpedo Moscow, Strogino, Veles, Lokomotiv Kazanka, Chertanovo Moscow

World Cup stadiums: Luzhniki Stadium, Spartak Stadium (Otkritie Arena)

The road to fandom

Aleksandr Labutov, Dynamo Moscow fan

I became a Dynamo Moscow fan at 15, in 1983. At the time, there was a football craze in Moscow. Many houses were covered with club décor, and in schools, almost everyone was a fan of a particular team.

People mainly supported Spartak, CSKA, and Dynamo Moscow. Near the Avtozavodskaya metro, many supported Torpedo, but the club had a much smaller following in Moscow, while meeting a Lokomotiv fan was as rare as meeting aliens on the way to the store.

Photo: twitter.com/art_russia

Dynamo drew me in mainly with its grand history. I had an interest in football since childhood – I read a lot and knew about the first USSR champion, the tour of Britain, and Lev Yashin's Ballon d'Or.

I had become good friends with an active Dynamo supporter, with whom I attended a game for the first time.

Having visited our old stadium and soaked up its unique atmosphere, I finally felt like a Dynamo fan, and since then began to regularly attend games, both home and away.

Angelina Aleksandrov, Spartak Moscow fan

I was born in the Moscow region, so I often visited the center. My first recollections were of how big [the city of] Moscow and the oblast were – you can't see it all in a day. My father was a lifelong Spartak fan – he brought me to the stadium. When I saw how many people in Russia support Spartak, I realized it's a real people's team. I've been a supporter since 2002.

Spartak Stadium. Photo: twitter.com/matt_the_jack

Ilya Mamontov, Lokomotiv Moscow fan

I first became interested in football when I was 10. In 1998, Lokomotiv Moscow made the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, where it met Stuttgart. The Russian club gave a bright and memorable performance. Next spring, Loko also reached the Cup Winners' Cup semis, where it met the future winners of the tournament, Lazio. Both games ended in a draw and only because of the goal in Moscow did the Romans make the final.

Photo: twitter.com/mai_ilya

First game

Aleksandr Labutov

[My first Dynamo game] was against Ararat, a team I had a soft spot for. However, it wasn't the football, but rather the harsh actions of the police of those years I remembered most. They prohibited any [fan gear], chanting, rising from seats ... escorting out entire rows from the fan sector for chants.

But after the game I was impressed by the fan rally with flags and loud chants along Leningrad Avenue, which the police also tried to counter.

Ilya Mamontov

In spring 1999, I attended a football game for the first time in my life. Back then, we lived in Nizhny Novgorod, and the local club – also called Lokomotiv – won promotion to the top tier of the Russian championship. My dad took my brother and I to a derby between two Lokomotivs, Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod. I'll never forget the stunning emotions of that game! The whole stadium was rooting for the hosts. They scored twice, but both goals in Ruslan Nigmatulin's net were disallowed for offside. The game ended 0:0.

Those two springs of 1998 and 1999 and Loko's bright game became the turning point when I began to support the Railwaymen.

Nikita Bazhenov playing for Spartak Moscow. Photo: twitter.com/fratria

Angelina Aleksandrov

My first game at the stadium [Spartak's] was in 2008 against CSKA. We won 1:0 thanks to a goal by [Nikita] Bazhenov. I was very happy because we couldn't beat the Army Men for awhile. I was glad my first visit to the stadium ended in a victory.

Off the pitch

Aleksandr Labutov

Most fans meet and chat on match days, so many try to get together in advance and discuss the current state of affairs in their circle. As a rule, this is accompanied by the consumption of a certain amount of alcohol.

Cafe Loko is a popular spot for Lokomotiv Moscow fans. Photo: Cafe Loko Facebook

Ilya Mamontov

Next to MIIT (Moscow State University of Railway Engineering) there's a cafe called Loko. It is adjacent to a dormitory for foreign students on Obraztsova Street. The Railway University assumes many students or faculty will support the Railroaders. And so it is. Often, groups of youth gather in this cafe and support their team. I went there in 2015 to watch the Russian Cup final in which Lokomotiv beat Kuban Krasnodar in Astrakhan. When Loko equalized in regulation time, then scored two goals in extra time, there was no limit to the fans' joy!

Aleksandr Labutov

Some time ago, [fans met at] a bar called “Goal” in Petrovsky Park, which was demolished during [the stadium's] reconstruction. Later, there was the “Western Stand”, opened by Dynamo fans near the Belorusskaya station and later near the Mendeleyevskaya, but the bar was not profitable and closed.

Right now, there isn't any specific meeting place for Dynamo fans. It's usually different venues, where screenings are sometimes held with famous football hosts, or fans simply gather in sports bars that air the Russian Premier League and Europe's top leagues. In general, there is interest in games featuring England's top clubs and El Clásico. Other games are of relatively little interest.

“The student derby”

Ilya Mamontov

All the most interesting things on match days happen in the stands, especially the south stand, where, historically, Lokomotiv fans gather. I often went there in my student years. We sung songs, clapped, drove the players forward in every possible way. Some of the lines of these songs are forever in my memory: “You are our native club, Lokomotiv, we all want you to win today” or “The Lokomotiv goes ahead, give way to it quickly...”

Lokomotiv Moscow fan banner depicting former manager Slavoljub Muslin as a Roman general

Since I support Loko, and my brother – Spartak, as students of the MIIT, we tried to attend the derby as often as possible. Some memorable games at our stadium in Cherkizovo were 0:0 in 2006 and 2:2 in 2008. In 2007, the Railroaders won 2:1 away at Luzhniki in a beautiful, intense match, with legendary Loko striker Dmitri Sychev scoring the winning goal. I remember how wonderful that day in May was, drowning in the scent of lilacs blooming in Moscow, after our victory ... We called the match between our teams the “student derby.”

Over time, fans began to gather at the locomotive, a gift to the team from the leadership of the Russian Railways that was installed in the area in front of the stadium. It is our stadium in Cherkizovo that is the main gathering place and the heart of the fans on match days.

Memorable moments

Aleksandr Labutov

The most memorable events usually occur during derbies against Spartak, whose fans, who are used to their strength in numbers in Moscow, without thinking, end up in a stand with mostly Dynamo fans.

As a rule, in the end everything turns into skirmishes in the fan sectors – with particpants of all ages – in which the “out-of-town” guests are often subject to physical pressure.

From the most recent, I remember a few “flights” of Spartak fans from central stand C in the first game of the season.

Spartak Moscow fan banner during a derby against CSKA. Photo: fratria.ru

Angelina Aleksandrov

Going to an away game in another city is always out of the ordinary. The atmosphere at the stadium is different. But no matter where you go, there are Spartak fans everywhere.

Ilya Mamontov

I recall legenary Lokomotiv captain Dmitri Loskov's farewell match in May 2017. Dima hadn't played for a long time and is part of [Lokomotiv manager] Yuri Semin's coaching staff, but it so happened that the club hadn't been able to host a farewell game for the man who scored the golden goal that made Loko champions of Russia for the first time in 2002. Especially for these purposes, the 43-year-old was named to the club's roster in the winter, and came on the pitch during a game against Orenburg. Dima played only 10 minutes and was subbed off for the Railroaders' new leader, Aleksei Miranchuk, but what an ovation he got from the stands, which chanted his name the whole 10 minutes! It was an extraordinary moment in the history of the club, and I'm very glad my wife and I were at the stadium that day.

Travel tips

Aleksandr Labutov

Aside from the famous Red Square and Kremlin, I would suggest visiting the park and church in Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno Palace, and the Central Armed Forces Museum, where you can see a lot of military equipment, which would be of interest to any man.

Ilya Mamontov

Firstly, I'd like to talk about my Moscow. There's no point in once again repeating the places familiar to all since childhood: the Kremlin, the Red Square, GUM (Russia's largest department store).

The Novoslobodskaya district, next to MIIT, is especially dear. The cozy and small Catherine Park, whose pond reflects the building of the Olympic Sports Complex across the road, soothes with its silence and beauty of nature. Walking along Sushchevskiy Street from the institute and then looping around Sadovo-Triumphalnaya and Malaya Dmitrovka, you can walk to the Hermitage Garden, then wind up on Tverskoy Boulevard and Pushkin Square, having seen the famous monument to A. S. Pushkin. In my student years, my brother and I often walked from MIIT to the Kremlin this way.

Our path continued in the Alexander Garden with an obligatory hot dog, sitting on the bench and watching the tourists coming from both directions. The garden is especially beautiful in the spring when the tulips bloom, as well as in summer, decorated with rose bushes. It is definitely worth visiting Saint Basil's Cathedral, going inside and making your way through its narrow aisles. The cathedral is and will always be a symbol of Moscow, fascinating all with its beauty, on the steps of which my brother and I often rested, tired of walking on a hot summer day.

After finishing school, my next six years were also spent not far from Novoslobodskaya region near Mayakovsky Square. The neighborhoods of Mayakovsky and Tverskaya Street with their many cafes and cozy, hidden courtyards became so familiar to me during this time. Of course, it is worth taking a stroll along the Bolshaya Sadovaya Street and walking to the Patriarch Ponds. On a quiet sunny day, it's nice to sit near the water and admire the swans.

Finally, a word on the stadiums. I really love the Luzhniki region and recommend everyone to take the metro to the Universitet station on an early summer morning, go out and walk around the looming high-rise MSU (Moscow State University), and sit on the warm steps of the numerous ladders. You should then go admire the panorama of the country's main stadium, which will soon host the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. After, ride to the Sparrow Hills and take a walk along the Moskva River embankment to Gorky Park, go to the side of the Frunzenskaya embankment, and continue your journey to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Then enter the Pushkin Museum and return to Alexandrov Garden.

Alexander Rodchenko's Football (1937) is part of a football exhibit at the Pushkin Museum

Dynamo Moscow will soon have a great new stadium. I've walked the length and breadth of the district near the eponymous metro station in my student years. It was here on November 21, 2002, that Lokomotiv beat CSKA to win its first Russian championship. I watched that game on TV in Nizhny Novgorod. That Dynamo Stadium was an old, completely open arena from the Soviet era. From the stadium along Nizhnyaya Maslovka Street you can walk to the atmospheric Praga movie theater, which we often went to when we were students.

Of course, every World Cup visitor should definitely come to our stadium in Cherkizovo. Recently, it was officially renamed RZD Arena, but in the soul of every fan, it will always be the Lokomotiv Stadium. Referees will train in Cherkizovo during the World Cup. Lokomotiv's new stadium, which opened after reconstruction on July 5, 2002, was for many years the most modern and football-specific stadium in Russia. Many famous teams and players played in Cherkizovo. The arena absorbed their emotions and mastery. Cherkizovo breathes football.

Near the stadium, there is the old and remarkably beautiful Church of Elijah the Prophet. I learned of it thanks to Loko's first foreign coach in the Russian era, the Serbian Slavoljub Muslin, who said in an interview he periodically visits the church.

I'd like to once more invite all football fans to come to Russia and enjoy football in our country during World Cup 2018. My Lokomotiv, coached by our most legendary and successful manager Yuri Pavlovich Syomin, is the champion of Russia. My daughter was born last November, and when she grows up, we will definitely go to our stadium to see Lokomotiv.

See you in Cherkizovo, and see you in Russia!

World Cup 2018: A football fan's guide to Ekaterinburg

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 03:28:00 +0000

The first in a series on the host cities of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Read in English читать на русском

Fast Facts
Founded: 1723
Population: 1.4 million
Distance to Moscow: 1755 km

Football clubs: FC Ural (Russian Premier League)
Founded: 1930

World Cup stadium: Ekaterinburg Arena
Built: 1957
Reconstruction: 2006-2011, 2014-2018

For football fans in Ekaterinburg, “there's only one way to rock.” Russia's fourth-largest city, which will host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has only one professional football club: FC Ural.

Vitaliy Belov became a fan in the mid-90s when he moved to Ekaterinburg to study. “At the time, the club was called FC Uralmash,” Belov recalls. “It was owned by the factory of the same name.”

Ural, which competes in the Russian Premier League, has been playing its home games at SKB-Bank Arena since 2014, when Ekaterinburg Arena (originally the Central Stadium) shut its doors for four grueling years of World Cup preparations.

Dmitriy Gladilin, a fan since 2008, and fellow fan Vasiliy Vorontsov say the most memorable game in the club's modern era was in August 2011, following the stadium's first reconstruction.

Photo: Vladimir Zadumin (via @FCURAL)

“Ural was down 0-2 against FC Khimki at half time, but in the end won 5-2,” Vorontsov explains. “The match was played on the 288th anniversary of the city of Ekaterinburg. It was surreal.”

Belov's favorite game thus far was the home win over Lokomotiv Moscow in the 2007 Russian Cup. “Back then, Ural played in the First Division, so eliminating a Premier League leader was a special occasion. We snatched a 1-0 victory in extra time.”

Ural has never won the top league title nor the Russian Cup, although it did come close to winning the latter. The club reached the final of the Cup for the first time in history in May 2017, losing to champions Lokomotiv, 2:0.

The Bumblebees have had their share of notable players over the years, from former Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko to one of the country's current top forwards, Fyodor Smolov. But one of the most memorable signings was Zambian attacking midfielder Chisamba Lungu. The first African player in Ural's history, he spent seven years at the club, tallying eight goals and 14 assists in 151 appearances across Russia's top league and cup.

Г⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽Л! @FCURAL #НашФутбол #РФПЛ. 16-й тур. #УралРостов 1:0 38' Чисамба Лунгу pic.twitter.com/ZfcfIVn4IX
— РФПЛ⚽️🏆 (@rfpl) November 30, 2016

Lungu bid farewell to Ekaterinburg in August 2017, joining Turkish club Alanyaspor, but remains a fan favorite.

“When Lungu played for Ural, his fellow countrymen, who studied at our universities, came to games to support him,” says Vorontsov.

Louder than a locomotive

FC Ural fans (Photo: Leonid Obruchnikov, via @michalych_ekb)

Like many clubs in Russia's top flight, Ural has a distinct and welcoming fan culture steeped in tradition. “My pal Andrei yells louder than a locomotive,” Belov notes. “The players hear him and look around. But more often, the referee.”

Fans are an integral part of any club, and Ural's masthead takes note. Belov recalls a half time tradition: “Before the reconstruction of the Central Stadium, the military band of the Ural region would perform at the break. It was thrilling entertainment. The conductor, a military man we called Colonel, energized the crowd by dancing and jumping. I hope this tradition will return with the reopening of the stadium.”
Fans who can't make it to away games meet at pubs to cheer on the team. Many supporters call the bar Televizor their HQ. Craft beers, affordable prices, and cozy, old-school vibes make it a popular spot. A group known as Kuzmichi meets at Three Fat Men, a pub with a calm atmosphere frequented by locals.

Grassroots buzz

Ural fans' support goes beyond the pitch and the pubs. Mikhalych, project manager of the Bumblebee Fund, tells how a topic on the club's official forum quickly grew into a crowdfunding initiative.

“In the summer of 2013, an Ural fan on our forum opened the topic of organizing and celebrating the team's top players with a supporters' prize. Another fan proposed using a knit bumblebee as the award. The idea was accepted, and since then, the supporters' prize has been given to FC Ural's best player of the month and the season.”

В понедельник едем награждать Гогниева. "Маэстро" к выезду готов.Группа сопровождения:Ekaterina Khmelyova,DuskyWolf,FiatovoD (возможно)и я pic.twitter.com/InkAep9xsB
— Михалыч (@michalych_ekb) September 24, 2016

Most great ideas need cash to get going, “so at some point, a fundraiser was announced. And the fans responded. Money began to arrive, sometimes from anonymous donors.”

“This season, we're also aiding the efforts of Kuzmichi of Ural, a group aimed at supporting the club at both home and away games,” Mikhalych explains.

When asked about his duties as the fund's project manager, he channels Frank Sinatra – “Getting a kick out of life” - before admitting he doesn't really have any. “The project is informal,” he says. “Yet, since I collect contributions from supporters for it, I am responsible for completing it the way it was originally announced.”

Organizing the supporters' award is no easy task. “Aside from making the prize itself, around 40 polls must be held on the official FC Ural forum, so there is no doubt as to the legitimacy of the results.”

Ural goalkeeper Yaroslav Godzyur accepts his Player of the Month award in August 2017. (Photo: @FCUral)

The making of the knitted bumblebee is a tale of its own, according to Mikhalych. “My wife and I once estimated it takes around three weeks, working evenings and weekends, to create one. All the knitters who have ever participated in the project are people who devote a lot of time and effort to supporting their favorite team. And they're not always from Ekaterinburg. For instance, this season, some of the prizes were knitted by a girl from Lipetsk (a city in Western Russia over 1,700 kilometers away from Ekaterinburg).”

He is certain the project “will help create a team spirit and, accordingly, achievement of worthy results.”

A tale of two continents

Mikhalych became a fan “out of regional patriotism,” and it's not hard to see why. 295 years of history have shaped Ekaterinburg's landscape and architecture.

“The most unique characteristic of the city is the Europe-Asia border,” says Vorontsov. “There is nothing else like it.

“There's also an unfinished TV tower in the city center. It's been that way since the early '90s. Alas, there are reports it might be taken down before the World Cup, so tourists and fans won't be able to see one of the symbols of our city.” The abandoned tower is currently the city's tallest structure.

Both Mikhalych and Gladilin recommend a visit to the Yeltsin Center, which the former says is “probably as popular as Ganina Yama and the Church on Blood in Honor of All Saints, and will see many visitors [during the World Cup].”

“There are a lot of places in the city that can leave a vivid impression,” Mikhalych adds.

Gladilin points to the Red Line, a pedestrian tourist route in the city center with 35 historic places to see. Short on time? Take a trip to the Vysotsky Business Center, the second-tallest building in Russia outside of Moscow, with an observation deck on the 52nd floor, and the Press-House Loft Bar and Gallery, where various print publications were once produced. The bar has everything from art to live music, and will air games during the World Cup.

“Ekaterinburg is the best city on the planet, with a rich history, culture, and extraordinary people,” says Belov. “Come and see for yourself.”

A Feminist History of the FIFA World Cup Draw

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 21:43:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

There are many reasons to look forward to the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The draw, to take place on December 1 (10 a.m. EST, 15 GMT) in Moscow's State Kremlin Palace, will not only determine who plays who next summer, but will also set a historic precedent.

Sports broadcaster and former England striker Gary Lineker will share hosting duties with Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya. This marks the first time a female sports journalist is conducting the draw, and only the third time in history a woman with a background in football is involved.

Komandnaya, a familiar face in Russian sports coverage, has over a decade of experience in radio and television. Her resume includes FOX Sports, Match TV, and Moscow FM. She's also editor-in-chief of the-challenger.ru, a Russian fitness and lifestyle website.

Первый матч сборной в новых «Лужниках» на Первом — уже история

A post shared by Maria Komandnaya (@komandnaya) on Nov 11, 2017 at 7:07am PST

Komandnaya's presence will be a welcome change from the models and actresses that have graced the stage of the WC draw over the years. It would be highly optimistic, however, to say that it might not be long before a woman is front and center. After all, it took 14 World Cups for women involved in football to take part in the draw, and 17 World Cups for a woman to be one of the hosts.

The 90s took the draw to the next level, thanks to the first edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991. Players like Michelle Akers and Julie Foudy, who featured in the draws for WC 94 and 98, became household names. In fact, Akers, along with Mia Hamm, are the only two women named to the FIFA 100.

However, the novelty soon wore off. Despite the ever-rising popularity of women's football, the men's World Cup draw no longer featured female players as participants. Sure, Brazilian striker Marta was present at the 2014 World Cup Final Draw. But she never took part, not even as an assistant.

The draw for the 2018 World Cup has potential to be a turning point, one that will lead to a greater recognition of women in football - both on and off the pitch. The ceremony's influence cannot be underestimated - the 2006 draw was watched by 300 million people in nearly 150 countries around the world.

The WC draw has come a long way in its representation of women, but has an even longer way to go.

A Feminist's Timeline of the FIFA World Cup Draw

1930
- July 10, 1930
No records available.

1934
- May 3, 1934
According to Soccer Nostalgia, the grandson of General Giorgio Vaccaro assisted with the draw.

1938
- March 5, 1938
No women present. Jules Rimet's 10-year-old grandson, Yves Rimet, takes part in the draw.

1950
- May 22, 1950
No women at this draw, either.

1954
- November 30, 1953
The draw is made by Emil Landolt, then mayor of Zurich.

1958
- February 8, 1958
The draw is conducted on the set of Stora famnen at the Cirkus TV studio in Sweden. TV host Agneta Ljungström and another woman assist. This is the first known record of women at the World Cup draw. Radio presenter and sports journalist Sven Jerring, CONMEBOL rep Lorenzo Vilizio, and TV personality and journalist Lennart Hyland conduct the draw.

1962
- January 18, 1962
The only photo available shows male reporters at FIFA's office.

1966
- January 6, 1966
No women present.

1970
- January 10, 1970
The draw was made by Monica Maria Cañedo White, 10-year-old daughter of Guillermo Cañedo, president of the Mexican Football Association.

1974
- January 5, 1974
The draw was conducted in Frankfurt with the help of 11-year-old Detlef Lange, a member of the Schöneberger Sängerknaben boys' choir from Berlin.

1978
- January 14, 1978
No records available.

1982
- January 16, 1982
Spanish schoolboys assist in the draw, which made use of revolving drums. Confusion ensued when Scotland was placed in the wrong group.

1986
- December 15, 1985
Three young boys assist in the draw, held at the Televisa studios in Mexico City.

1990
- December 9, 1989
Italian actress Sophia Loren assists with the draw.

1994
- December 19, 1993
Three women share the stage as draw assistants - 1991 Women's World Cup champion Michelle Akers, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, and actress/model Carol Alt. They're joined by several male celebrities. Robin Williams co-hosts the draw with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

1998
- December 4, 1997
FIFA Women's World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy is the sole female assistant during the draw, held at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. This is the only draw that has been hosted at a stadium thus far.

2002
- December 1, 2001
There is one female assistant during the draw. She is not identified in captions of photos from the draw.

2006
- December 9, 2005
The Final Draw is hosted by FIFA comms director Markus Siegler and model/actress Heidi Klum.

2010
- December 4, 2009
The draw is hosted by FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and actress/producer Charlize Theron.

2014
- December 6, 2013
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke is assisted by actress, model, and TV host Fernanda Lima.

2018
*To be hosted by Gary Lineker and Maria Komandnaya.
December 1, 2017
10:00 a.m. EST | 15:00 GMT
UK: BBC, ITV
US: Fox, Telemundo

Why a Goalkeeper Should Win the 2017 Ballon d'Or

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 03:29:00 +0000

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Illustration: Aleks V | Photos: Listas en 20minutos.es, MUFC, Atlético Madrid

When France Football announced their 30 nominees for the 2017 Ballon d'Or in early October, no one was surprised to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi make the list. The prestigious honor, awarded annually to the world's best player since 1956, has gone back and forth between Ronaldo and Messi for the past nine years. The last time someone else won the award was Kaká in 2007. Soulja Boy was on the radio, Twilight wasn't yet a movie, and MySpace was still a thing.

A lot has changed since then, with one exception: No goalkeeper has won the Ballon d'Or in the 21st century.

Three keepers made the shortlist for this year's award – Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid), David De Gea (Manchester United), and Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus FC).

The youngest, 24-year-old Oblak, is a star in Spain's top flight. Atlético's keeper kept 15 clean sheets in 30 games in 2016-17. His moment in the spotlight came two seasons ago when he conceded just 18 goals in 38 games (0.47 goals/match), an incredible feat considering La Liga's top striker that year, Luis Suárez, tallied 40 goals. Oblak had the lowest goals-to-games ratio in back-to-back La Liga seasons, winning the Ricardo Zamora trophy for the last two years.

The Slovenian international continues to impress – as of this article, he tallies 52 shutouts in 89 league games in La Liga for the Red-and-Whites.

Manchester United's David De Gea has grown more confident with every Premier League season, proving a consistent presence between the sticks and a true leader on the pitch. De Gea currently boasts 83 clean sheets in 211 Premier League appearances. Last season, he registered 14 clean sheets in 35 PL fixtures. This year, De Gea is en route to new heights, with eight shutouts in 11 PL games and 17 in 30 games across all competitions. No Premier League goalkeeper has tallied as many shutouts as De Gea in the last four seasons (46).

Then there's “Gigi” Buffon. In 2006, the World Cup-winning Italian was the first goalkeeper to be a Ballon d'Or runner-up since Juventus' Dino Zoff in 1973. Last season, Buffon kept 12 clean sheets in 30 games, making 61 saves en route to a 10th Serie A title. In 2015-16, he matched his 2011 record of 21 clean sheets and went 974 minutes without conceding a goal, beating a 22-year record held by Sebastiano Rossi.

The 39-year-old recently announced his retirement from international football and plans to retire at the club level next year – that is, unless he wins the UEFA Champions League, the only major trophy missing from his cabinet.

Stats can be powerful and convincing; still, some might question whether any of the aforementioned shot-stoppers are worthy of the title of the world's best player.

Lev Yashin, the only keeper to win the Ballon d'Or thus far, overcame great challenges the year prior to his award. In fact, he was criticized and held largely accountable by some for the Soviet national team's quarter-final loss to Chile in the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

A year later, however, Yashin bounced back in the best season of his career, conceding only 11 goals in 34 games across all competitions, and only six in 27 Soviet Top League fixtures. His shining moment came when he suited up for the Rest of the World team against England in October 1963, two months before he won the Ballon d'Or.

While none of the aforementioned keepers have come close to matching Yashin's Ballon d'Or worthy accomplishments, there are some interesting similarities. Buffon's 237 clean sheets in 500 games isn't too far from Yashin's all-time domestic record of 207 in 438 games. Though unlikely to beat the usual favorites for the Ballon d'Or, lifting the Champions League trophy with Juventus may increase Buffon's chances for next year's award.

De Gea's 2017-18 clean sheet count – 13 in 18 games for club and country – looks promising. The Spaniard has also been a mainstay during home games, keeping opponents from scoring at Old Trafford for the past six months.

As of Nov 11, Oblak tallies eight clean sheets in 15 games, conceding nine goals. He currently has the third-best stats of any keeper in Europe's top four leagues.

De Gea and Oblak, both still in their 20s, have many a season to fill the history books.

The football world has no shortage of talent in the outfield, but not many goalkeepers can claim to be the best in the world. On Thursday, December 7, France Football will have the opportunity to add to that list.

Are they ready to deny the opposition?

Opinion: The USSF Should Be Run By Fans

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 03:07:00 +0000

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

While the NASL and USSF put up their dukes in court and more potential candidates line up for the latter's presidential race, I can't help wondering there's a simpler solution to the age-old problems faced by U.S. soccer. Poorly run leagues. The absence of promotion and relegation. Corruption. Remove the soccer element, and you get a typical government.

Although incumbent USSF president Sunil Gulati may run for reelection, there's a chance the federation may opt for a new face next year. He may even be an “outsider”, and have fewer ties to the elite. But as with politics, no matter who wins, little will change. Even your average Joe, when given access to money and power, will eagerly trade in his name for profit.

The principles of fair competition, however, should not depend on the selfish motives of the few.

Luckily, an alternate model of running things is already in place at the club level.

I'm talking about clubs such as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Over 100,000 fans own and operate Barca, with around 91,000 at Real.

Real's fans elect the club president. Yes, Florentino Pérez is a wealthy businessman, but his power is checked by the club's Member Assembly, which can discipline him. He is also barred from investing his own money into the club.

In Germany, supporters own around 82% of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's stock. Another storied club, Argentina's Boca Juniors, is 100% fan owned.

Fan ownership gives a voice to those who truly care about the game. It's like having the customers run the business. Which makes sense, as they're always right.

Then there's the money aspect. A study among eight supporter community owned clubs in the U.K. showed they have “an added onus to be financially responsible and live within their means." Such clubs can also “raise finance in more innovative ways.” There's greater transparency with those finances, as well, which is always a good thing.

Even the issue of low attendances, especially in U.S. soccer's lower tier leagues, can be solved with fan ownership – in the aforementioned study, “most clubs felt that their attendances were sustained even when performances were poor.”

Having fans, rather than a single, wealthy figure run a club is not a novel concept in Europe's biggest leagues, with roots in the early 20th century. Of course, those leagues also boast a storied soccer past.

By contrast, U.S. soccer has been characterized by a lack of intermittent movement. In film, that's the stop and start motion that advances each frame. The key word is "advance." Stay too long on one frame, and your audience sees right through the illusion.

Under the current structure, soccer leagues and clubs in the U.S. will continue to come and go.

Democratizing the USSF by having fans run it may be the key to creating a lasting foundation for the sport in America.

Sheffield 160: Chris Dolby

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:37:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Sheffield FC Club & Community Manager, Chris Dolby, talks about his work at Sheffield FC, his football career, and what it was like to meet Pelé.

Photos courtesy Sheffield FC.

What are your earliest football memories?
My mum taking me to a local town hall to play football. What we didn't know at the time was the lads were 17-18 years old, and I was six! They still let me play. That was the community spirit back in the late 70's!

How did you first get involved with Sheffield FC?
I signed as a player when I was 32 years old . This was to be my last club as a player. I played for two seasons, then I become player-manager.

You've worn many hats at the club over the years - player, First Team Manager, Club & Community Manager. What has been the most challenging role?
The biggest challenge was developing the [Sheffield FC] Foundation into a global business. Football has become the greatest game in this world.

The core values of the Foundation are Integrity, Respect and Community, which gives our club the foundation to bring people together through football education, inclusion, peace, and friendship.

What are your main duties as Club & Community Manager?
My main duties are to ensure the brand of the World's First Football Club continues to give. Our unique status allows our club the platform to engage people from across the globe. Football is for ALL, regardless of age, race, or religion.

Are there any humorous stories you can share from your years at Sheffield?
During the 150th celebrations, we played Inter Milan in front of 23,000 fans at Bramall Lane. The great Pelé came onto the pitch before the game to meet all the players. As he approached me, I could feel the nerves kick in. Whilst shaking my hand, the great man asked me where I was from. Looking back now, I know he was asking what nationality I was, but as the nerves had kicked in, I responded with Rotherham! He looked at me a little confused.

You were the first Asian footballer of note to play in the UK. What impact do you think you've had as a player, and as a manager at Sheffield when the club traveled to India?
Becoming Britain's first Asian professional footballer was a real honour. I never managed to play at the highest level, so the impact was not as great as it could possibly have been.

I still believe we will eventually see a British Asian player playing in the Premiership, which will change the outlook on the British Asian football community. The trip to India was a real eye opener for all of the team that traveled to India. The passion for the game was incredible from the Indian players and the supporters.

Tell me about a person without whom your career would not be as it is today.
My parents gave me the opportunity to play football from a young age, so I have to say my mum and dad.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about your career?
I have played in the Football League, Conference, Conference North, Northern Premier League 2, Norther Premier League 1 and North East Counties. So every league up to the Football League!

Chris Dolby is Club & Community Manager at the World's First Football Club, Sheffield FC.
--
Read more on Sheffield 160 here.
Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Sheffield 160: Calum Oakenfold

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:38:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with Calum Oakenfold, who recently moved up from being Ladies Development Team Manager to working as the Ladies First Team Coach with Zoe Johnson.

All photos courtesy Sheffield FC.

How did you first get involved with Sheffield FC?
I am originally from Bristol and actually started coaching there with Michael Meaker and also Bristol Rovers Academy. From there, I spend four years in the US coaching in New York and New Jersey before returning to U.K. in 2014. I then moved to Sheffield to work with Sheffield Wednesday Academy and Sheffield FA. It was that move that got me in touch with Sheffield FC Ladies and I took over as Development Team Manager in March 2016. The team was positioned fairly well in the league and had five games left plus a Cup Final against Arsenal.

Did you play professionally prior to coaching?
I played academy football for Bristol Rovers and then semi pro for teams in Bristol.

Can you recall your first game as a player and first game as a coach?
Can't recall first game as player, but coaching was for Bristol Rovers U10s. We played Swindon Town and won 5-3, but lads played very well. Obviously at U10 it's all about development of the player and they did really well with the challenges we set!

First game coaching for Sheffield FC Development was against Birmingham - we won 4-2. We actually went unbeaten for the rest of season and finished 2nd in the WSL Development league.

The Ladies Development team finished runners-up in their debut season in the FA WSL. What was your biggest challenge in getting that result?
Well, the first challenge was getting the team together, motivated and focused on a challenge for the end of the season. The players were great though, and already had a bond, so it was just taking that and focusing on the last six games. We also had a big final against Arsenal in the Cup, so that was a big motivation, too.

Can you describe your coaching philosophy? Are there any current or past managers you look up to?
My coaching philosophy changes depending on who I'm working with. With the Ladies First Team, it is in line with the club's philosophy of looking to play attractive attacking football which allows players to play with freedom and creativity!

Zoe Johnson is a great manager and I will always do what's best for her. John Williams is another person I look up to who offers great support and advice.

What is the fan base of the Development Team like? Are there fans who come to every game (home and away)?
Sheffield FC as a club has a great fan base in itself. There are fans that will come to home games that watch whichever of the Sheffield FC teams is playing, Men's or Women's, Development, or U18s. The development team had a good following at home games and had fans closer to the team and the players that come to away games. The other great thing about the Ladies side is that we had First Team players and staff also come to watch our games when they were available, and there was always support and interest in our performances and results.

As a coach, what is your opinion on the use of technology, such as goal-line and VAR?
I think goal line technology has been a great addition to the professional game and gives officials instant decisions on actions that may be contested. The fact the it is instant also means no disruption to the game.

VAR is still not ready, in my opinion, and needs more streamlining and definitive processes put in place before running it out in the professional game. There needs to be more clarity on how and when it's used and for what actions.

What do you think is the most important thing you've learned from coaching thus far?
Well, that's a hard question! There are so many different aspects, but I guess for me, it would be finding a coaching style and philosophy that I really believe in and feel is the best for my character. That way, I can be true in what I say and do when coaching and not feel forced to coach in a manner that I wouldn't be comfortable with. Ultimately, I think players will respond better when you coach with that true honesty and belief in what you are saying and will relate more to you.

Calum Oakenfold is a First Team Coach for the Sheffield FC Ladies.

Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Sheffield 160: Sports Therapist Neil Snelson

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 15:59:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with sports therapist, Neil Snelson, who works with the Sheffield FC Ladies Development Team.

All photos - Sheffield FC via Flickr.

How did you come to be involved with Sheffield FC?
I first came to Sheffield FC Ladies towards the end of the 2010/11 season with my daughter, Jodie Michalska, when she joined the club. She was at Lincoln FC, but after the birth of of her daughter in December 2010, decided to find a club closer to home.

As they did not have any medical cover and I'm a sports therapist, I volunteered to do it. I covered all match days and training sessions until [the team] were promoted into Super League 2, when my qualifications did not match the FA requirements and my business would not allow me to get to all the games.

I also covered for the missed men's first team physio when she was on holiday early in the season and finished up doing the whole season, but could not continue as I was never at work. I now look after the Ladies Development Team on match days whenever I can.

Were there any games that stood out to you in the years you've been at Sheffield?
The most dramatic was the one where they got promoted into the Super League. It was non-stop excitement throughout and a great ending.

You mentioned you now work with the Ladies Development Team. What's a typical day like, and how does it differ from working with the first team?
I only look after them on match days. The girls are younger and shy at first, but they soon gain confidence. I try to get them ready to play with massage, stretching, strapping, or whatever else they need, even if it's a chat or a hair bobble.

Did you always want to work in sports therapy, or was there a point when you considered playing football?
I was never much of a player, and I only started as a sports therapist eight years ago. I was given the bucket and sponge a few years before when my kids started playing, as I had first aid training. I started learning as much as I could to try to help the kids and realised it was very rewarding, so I took a couple of diplomas in sport therapy and sports electro therapy and packed in my job and started up on my own as a therapist.

What would you say is the most challenging part of your job?
My biggest challenge for my own job at the moment is fitting everyone in that needs me. The biggest challenge looking after the girls is looking after them instead of doing my day job, but I do get a lot of pleasure from it. When at a game, the hardest thing is consoling players that are on the bench as they sometimes feel hard done to, but that is always tough as they all want to play.

What is something most people probably don't know about working in sports therapy?
You can call your self a sports therapist with any qualifications, which is very annoying, and most therapists are crippled with arthritis in their hands at a young age, but they still continue working.

Neil Snelson works as a Sports Therapist for the Sheffield FC Ladies Development Team.

Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Sheffield 160: Matt Pindar

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 16:59:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Matt Pindar talks captaining the Sheffield FC Veterans SC at the San Siro, working as the club's kit man, his charity work, and more.

All photos - Sheffield FC via Flickr.

Matt Pindar (right) during Sheffield FC's visit to Koninklijke HFC in 2014.

How did you first get involved with Sheffield FC?

I used to work on the ground staff at Sheffield Wednesday FC in the late 80's early 90's. I had a disagreement with the stadium manager so left. I missed football, and a good friend of mine, Scott Jerrison, invited me to watch a game down at Sheffield FC. I fell in love with the atmosphere and continued to go and watch. I started talking to Chairman, Richard Tims, and then asked if I could help in any way.

I started doing little jobs during the day, as I worked nights at Royal Mail at this time. Ian Whitehorne then became First Team manager and asked if I wanted to help him, so I said I would be honoured and agreed to do the kit.

As kit man, I worked under Ian Whitehorne twice, as well as Mark Shaw, Curtis Woodhouse, Jordan Broadbent, Mick Wadsworth, Andy Kiwomya, and James Colliver.

You're known as a "local celebrity" at the club. Aside from being the club's kit-man, what other duties do you have at SFC?

"Local celebrity" is very flattering. I no longer have a specific role at the club, as like many others who have experienced the same, The Club can take over your life if you're not careful. I was a member of the committee before it was dissolved to fit in with the new operating model. As has happened to many others, you then are still made to feel welcome when you still go down to support, but in my opinion, some of the people now involved with the club have short memories and are there for the wrong reasons. That's a story for another day.

I do still love and support The Club and am available should they require anything.

Matt Pindar during the Pioneers Cup game between Sheffield FC and Recreativo Huelva, November 2013.

You donned the Captain's armband for the Veterans SC on Day Two of the tour of Milan at the San Siro. Any favorite moments from that game? Do you stay in touch with anyone from Dexter Calcio?

The most memorable moment for me was hearing Italian supporters singing "Sheffield, Sheffield". Wearing the armband sent shivers down my back and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Actual play memory was for when club legend Matt Roney scored a screamer. I am still in touch with Marco and Dani from Dexter and they now have an annual visit.

Did you play at the pro or amateur level prior to joining the Veterans SC?

I was never fortunate enough to play at either semi pro or pro football, but have played amateur football since I was six. I scored the goal that secured Stocksbridge Juniors their first ever junior trophy. I have been very fortunate to have made friends with several pro footballers and am still in touch with a few to this day.

What's the origin behind your nickname, "The Tractor"?

This is probably where your phrase "local celebrity" comes from. I was fortunate enough to also captain the club at the original Pioneers Cup competition held at the home of football, playing alongside Chris Waddle, Carlton Palmer, and Jon Beresford against a team from Spain and a team from Italy. Tomáš Skuhravý and an Italian futsal legend played for the opposition. I have been known to be agricultural with my tackles. Chris Waddle was aware of this and asked me to make my presence felt. As a rapid Italian was played through, I slid in to the challenge, and this sent the Italian into the advertising boards. Paul Hancock, Club Director at that point, shouted, "You've just been introduced to the Tractor", and the name has stuck since.

You've represented the club in support of various charitable work. Can you talk a bit about that?One of the fortunate aspects of my association with Sheffield FC has meant I have had several invites to play in charity football matches and golf events. In addition to the Pioneers Cup, Milan, and Holland, we also played against a Borussia Dortmund side captained by Lars Ricken. I was again proud to captain SFC.

I help Paul Gosney from City Taxis with Dan Walker's Golf Day. This event is attended by the likes of Alan Shearer and this has come about through meeting Paul and becoming friends whilst associated with SFC. I will always be honoured to play an ambassador role for The Club.

How would you describe Sheffield FC to someone who only knows the club as being The World's First?I firmly believe in The Club's Integrity, Respect, and Community foundations. Sheffield FC are the founders of the football and are doing everything in their powers to protect what started as a sport for all today. Sadly, the professional side of the game is rapidly moving out of reach for a lot of today's younger generation, as the game is no longer a game, but a business. SFC are trying to ensure that the game's routes don't get ripped away. The Club still believes in the beauty of the sport and will always try to remind people of what football really is - a sport for all to enjoy. SFC are the grandfathers of all other football clubs and the entire football world needs to remember that. That said, certain factions of SFC need to also remember that it itself needs to remember this, and the people who have been and want to be a part of it. SFC are the biggest name in football history - fact. But they also need to remember they need people like myself to have a future. It needs to live by its own core values and not forget its past, present and future volunteers and protect itself to guarantee a future.

FIFA, UEFA, and our own FA need to be more representative of the fact that football as we know it today was born and bread in our great city of Sheffield, and this club is and will always be recorded as the "world's first football club".

I am immensely proud of being able to have played a minuscule part in this history and hopefully will, if allowed by the club, continue to do so moving forward.

Matt Pindar has featured as a centre-back for the Sheffield FC Veterans SC. He has also worked as the club's kit man and has been involved in various football and golf charity events.

Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Sheffield 160: Chris Clifford

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 14:55:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

This week, Aleks chats with Sheffield FC Veterans SC right-back, Chris Clifford, who featured in the team's historic friendly games in Italy, getting an assist against Dexter Calcio at the San Siro Stadium.

All photos courtesy Chris Clifford.

How did you get involved with Sheffield FC and with the Veterans SC?

Being a Sheffield lad and a huge football fan, it was always my ambition to represent the world's oldest football club. As a child, I would often go down to watch the club as a supporter, including seeing us take on European giants Inter Milan (including World Cup winner Marco Matterazzi and a young Mario Balotelli) at Bramall Lane.

I was asked by a friend involved quite high up within the club to represent us in a small game against Sheffield FC legends and former players at the Boundary Academy near Sheffield's home ground in Dronfield. After that, the club organised many social gatherings based on or around match days and the vast majority of the lads would get together. Bob Dyson was the main architect behind the SC and I think everyone involved with the Veterans owes him an awful lot for his organising of so many wonderful events.

After a few gatherings there became murmurs of a game against a small Italian side Dexter Calcio. This came to fruition on a chilly November Sunday morning at the 'home of football' in Dronfield, with Sheffield FC running out comfortable winners, including myself getting on the scoresheet.

After the game, the Dexter lads promised us a return fixture in their home city of Milan in the iconic San Siro. Many of the Sheffield lads never thought it would happen ... but we were wrong.

Where have you played before? Did you ever play professionally?
As a child, I joined my local village team Killamarsh Dynamos aged 6 and played there throughout my junior years through to 18. During this time I'd had trials at boyhood club Sheffield United after being picked up by a scout one Sunday morning.

But it was with Chesterfield FC, a small lower league club around 10 miles from where I live, where I started playing at a higher level. I played for Chesterfield from the age of 12 and we had a very successful side. A number of players from the side went on make it in the professional game. However, for me, it wasn't meant to be.

I joined a side in the County Senior League, a Yorkshire based division which included many reserve sides of semi professional teams including Sheffield FC. I had a couple of spells with Sheffield FC with their reserve side, but it never quite worked out, and after a while I was asked to join the world's second oldest club, Hallam FC, by a former manager and good friend. It was during my time at Hallam that I picked up a bad injury, breaking my ankle, that prevented me from progressing any further up the footballing ladder.

Did you always play as a right-back?
When I first started playing football, my hero was the Sheffield United goalkeeper, Alan Kelly, a Republic of Ireland international who I tried my best to emulate. I spent a number of my junior years playing as a goalkeeper before being moved around - central midfield, central defensive - but settled at right back, a position that's become more and more important in the modern game with the emphasis being more about getting forward, almost like a winger.

Me and Jim on San Siro Tour yesterday before kick off. #SheffieldFC #MilanTour #SanSiroChampions pic.twitter.com/Km7jvRXe8V
— Chris Clifford (@chrisclifford29) June 6, 2013

You assisted Jim Fern's goal in a 3-0 win over Dexter Calcio in Italy. What was that like? Do you stay in touch with anyone from the Italian club?
Just to set foot onto the field at the San Siro was such a privilege, an honour, and to represent my hometown club, a club so close to my heart, was amazing. I was either the youngest or second youngest member of the touring party at 24 and the Milan trip is one I will never forget. I remember every single second of the game like it was yesterday. When club legend Matt Roney laid the ball into my path just inside my own half, there was only one thing on my mind.

I often watch the video clips back on YouTube, the one of the goal I'm heavily involved in is one I've shown probably every member of my family and friends a million times. Even to this day (4 years ago to the day exactly of writing this 5th June) it never gets old.

Jim is such a lethal finisher, it was never in doubt that he'd finish the chance to grab his second of the game. As a full back, all you can do is get forward and the ball in the right area, and hope your forwards tuck away the chances. Luckily for all involved with the Veterans SC, we had many good finishers - Jim, Danny Moore and Chris Dolby, to name just a few.

I stay in contact with a couple of the Dexter Calcio lads, mainly Marco Patruno through social media, especially around this time of year, as it's the anniversary of that famous Milan tour and the game in the San Siro.

Aside from the Veterans SC, are you involved with any other Sheffield FC activity or events?
Since breaking my ankle and work becoming more and more intense, I haven't been able to get to as many of the events as I'd like. The club used to be my second home, whether it be playing there or watching the junior sides. I have a lot of fond memories there, memories I will never forget.

What has been your most memorable SFC game you've seen over the years?
The game at Bramall Lane against Inter Milan back in 2007 to mark the club's 150th anniversary. Sheffield lost the game 5-2, but the occasion itself was worth much more than the result. Before the game, Pelé was introduced to the crowd as guest of honour, and afterwards opened an exhibition including plenty of football memorabilia.

Two of the lads on the Milan tour, Matt Roney and Chris Dolby, both played in the game against Inter Milan in 2007.

How would you describe the club to someone who only knows of Sheffield as being the world's oldest football club?
Sheffield FC is not just a football club, not just the oldest team in the world, it's a way of life. Welcoming and warm from the second you pull into the car park. The volunteers, staff and everyone involved with the club are friendly and there's always a real sense of history every time you mention the name.

The club is at the core of where it all began, pulling on the red jersey makes you feel part of history, part of something special. Hopefully one day Sheffield will progress higher up the football pyramid, I don't think anyone would begrudge the club where it all started a push up the leagues.

You'll go a long way to find a football club that stays more true to its roots and honest than Sheffield FC. The fact that Sheffield FC is renowned around the world makes me as a Sheffield lad not just proud to have represented this great club, but proud to have them just down the road a stone's throw away. Steeped in history and culture, a journey to the home of football is an absolute must for any football fan.

Chris Clifford is a right-back for the Sheffield FC Veterans SC.

Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Rangers vs Dynamo Moscow: 10 Things You Didn't Know

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Wed, 24 May 2017 20:37:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

On this day in 1972, Rangers FC won their sole European trophy, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, in a dramatic 3-2 battle against Dynamo Moscow at Camp Nou in Barcelona. In honor of the 45th anniversary of the historic final, here are some lesser-known facts about the game:

1. The first Soviet team in a European final

Dynamo Moscow in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final. Photo: fcdynamo.ru

Dynamo Moscow became the first team from the Soviet Union to compete in the final of a European competition.

2. The managers met again

Rangers FC manager, Willie Waddell, played against Dynamo Moscow manager, Konstantin Beskov, in Dynamo's 1945 tour of Britain. In the post-war friendly vs Dynamo, Waddell's penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper, Alexei "Tiger" Khomich. Dynamo Captain, Beskov, contributed to both of his team's goals against Rangers, earning the free kick for Kartsev's 3rd minute opener and assisting his second goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

3. The managers' records still stand

As manager of Kilmarnock in 1964-65, Willie Waddell led the club to its only championship in Scotland's top tier to date. Konstantin Beskov led Dynamo Moscow to victory in the 1994-95 Russian Cup, the club's last trophy while playing in the Premier League.

4. The lone foreigner

Rangers only had one foreign player on their roster in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final - goalkeeper, Gerry Neef, who was on the bench for the duration of the game.

5. 45 years later, the Captains still support their clubs

Both Captains remain active for their clubs. Rangers defender, John Greig, is the club's honorary life president. He's also on the board of the club's Youth Development Program. Dynamo Moscow defender, Valeri Zykov, attended the Blue-and-Whites' game against Shinnik on May 14, performing the ceremonial kick-off in honor of the 45th anniversary of the match against Rangers.

6. An artist is present

Fans hold up posters for the Rangers vs Dynamo Moscow game. Photo via cenotaph on forum.followfollow.com

Although there was no official match programme for the game, the famous match poster remains a favorite among collectors. The artwork used for the poster is by Spanish artist José Cros Estrems, who was known for his bullfighting illustrations.

7. The NASL connection

Willie Johnston playing for the NASL's Vancouver Whitecaps, 1980. Photo: John Denniston

Rangers' Willie Johnston, Alfie Conn, and Dave Smith all left their mark in the North American Soccer League. Johnston, who scored two goals in the Cup Winners' Cup Final against Dynamo, had two spells for the original Vancouver Whitecaps. The Scot made 59 appearances, tallying three goals and 19 assists. After a successful year playing indoor soccer at the Pittsburgh Spirit (15 goals and 8 assists in 21 games), Conn joined the NASL's San Jose Earthquakes, making two appearances in 1980. Smith played 15 games for the Los Angeles Aztecs and five for the Seattle Sounders during the 1976 NASL Season.

8. One-club men

Rangers manager Willie Waddell. Photo: rangers.co.uk

Rangers skipper John Greig homecoming & fans celebrate 1972 ECWC final win pic.twitter.com/800xyHcBgk
— RetroScotsFitbapics (@RetroScotsFitba) August 3, 2015

Rangers manager, Willie Waddell, was a one-club man during his playing career. Rangers captain, John Greig, was a one-club man both as a player and manager. His involvement with the club continues to this day.

9. A record still stands

Rangers and Dynamo Moscow have played each other on six occasions - three friendlies and three official games. The Gers have never lost to Dynamo, winning five matches and drawing one (the 1945 friendly). The teams last met in 2001, in the UEFA Cup Round of 16.

10. Success for both teams

The 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final remains both Rangers and Dynamo's greatest success in European competition. Rangers came close to a second European trophy in 2008, but lost to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Final of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup.

Sheffield 160: Natasha Cooke

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Tue, 23 May 2017 13:00:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with former Sheffield FC Ladies defender, Natasha Cooke, on her time at the club.

Cooke was instrumental in helping the team win the treble in the 2013-14 season, as the SFC Ladies became champions of the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, also taking home the FA Women's Premier League Cup as well as the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Women's Challenge Cup. In 2014, she became the 15th player to make 100 appearances for the club. Her individual awards include 2011/12 Manager's Player.

Natasha Cooke playing for Sheffield FC Ladies away at Bradford City, 2014.

What were your first impressions of Sheffield (the city and club)?
When I first turned up to a training session, I found the players to be very friendly. They made me feel at ease straight away. The players showed real togetherness, which was great to feel and be a part of. The club was also very professional, and I got a good feel for the club immediately.

What made the experience at SFC unique?
If it wasn't for [General Manager] Helen Mitchell, then there wouldn't have been a club. She lived and breathed the club. She wore many different hats; being the manager, club secretary, coach, marketing/PR, to even washing the kit! She was very well respected, and if we ever needed a reason to perform to our best (which we did anyways), then she was the reason.

Describe your most memorable game at Sheffield.
I was a part of so many memorable games at the club and have a variety of silverware. But for me, it has to be the friendly against Doncaster Rovers Belles. I was up against [winger/forward] Sue Smith and [midfielder] Millie Bright and at the point we played them, they were in Super League One, which meant we were the underdogs. We didn't win the game, but drew 2-2, and the passion and commitment from all the players was amazing. It felt like a cup final. Prior to the game, I had been hesitating whether or not to commit for another season, and after that game, it confirmed for me that I would be making the right decision in committing myself for a further season.

Do you stay in touch with anyone at the club? Have you been back to visit?
I have been in touch with a few people, like [midfielder] Leanne de Silva, [defender] Ellie Gilliat and Wardy (SFC Ladies Captain, Carla Ward). I haven't spoken to any of them for a while now, but follow their progress on social media. I haven't yet been to watch them play, although I do keep saying I would like to, but never have got round it. However, I may get a chance to play against them in a pre-season friendly this summer!

You missed the first half of a season, traveling around Canada and the US. Can you talk a bit about that?
This had been something that I had been wanting to do for a while. My dream was to visit America. The hardest thing apart from leaving family was having to leave the club for six months. I had an amazing time over there and learnt a lot about myself. It's something I would recommend to anyone.

The intention was to go out to Canada and train with a team, but unfortunately they had finished their season, which was disappointing. So I played for a volleyball team instead.

There were many significant moments for me out there, like meeting Robert Downey Jr. at Venice Beach, being caught up in a shoot out in Hollywood. I stayed in Hollywood for a week and every day I visited the Runyon Canyon, which was full of hills and a great place for running and walking. Each time I visited that place, I would stand at the top whilst looking at the Hollywood sign, which was breathtaking. Mainly, the culture was completely different to the English. The Canadians and Americans are so laid back, happy and really friendly. It makes you realise how the English are so fast paced and are wrapped up in everything.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far?
For me, there have been two challenges that stood out. The first was coming back from travelling and joining the team halfway through the season. I felt I was forever playing catch up and didn't feel

100% fit. I remember my first game back against Manchester City and thinking, "Oh my God, what have I done?" I didn't feel or appear to be the player I was before I went away. Secondly, a big challenge for me was taking the decision to quit football due to personal reasons. Football up to then was everything to me, and it was a very hard decision to make, but it needed to be made. It was never anything about the club, as it was fantastic.

Is there one piece of advice you would give yourself before you began your career?
To give yourself the best possible chance to play at the highest level. Take the opportunities given to you. When I was younger, I had the opportunity to play at a higher level and receive top coaching, but decided to stay put and play with my mates. It is a decision that I regret a lot. Also, work just as hard off the pitch as you do on the pitch.

Natasha Cooke with the FA Women's Premier League Cup, 2014. Photo: Sheffield FC via Flickr

Natasha Cooke is a former defender for Sheffield FC Ladies.

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Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

Sheffield 160: Conor Higginson

noreply@blogger.com (GoalChatter) — Tue, 09 May 2017 16:59:00 +0000

by Aleks V |

This week, former Sheffield FC forward, Conor Higginson, recalls his time at the club and talks about his football career in general.

Conor Higginson at Sheffield FC. Photo: sheffieldfc.com

What were your first impressions of Sheffield (the club and city)? Did they change over time?
I had just left full time football a few weeks before Mark Shaw (Manager) and Ian Whitehorn (General Manager) expressed an interest in signing me for Sheffield FC. It was a no-brainer for me, the appeal to be a part of the oldest football club in the world was too great. I couldn't turn it down! I could see there was a setup and structure in place that could really go places. My impression didn't change throughout the season. The team was successful and I was playing well; we came really close that season to gaining promotion and were really unlucky not to. I often look back and think what could have been...

Describe your most memorable game at Sheffield FC.
For me, it would have to be Grantham Town at home. We won 2-0 and I scored, which always helps! They were flying form wise and they fancied themselves before kick off, but we absolutely popped them off the park. They had no answer to us going forward, we were solid at the back and a force going forward that night. The gaffer, Mark Shaw, had drilled into us a style of play that not many teams could deal with at that level, which made most games that season really enjoyable.

Do you stay in touch with anyone from SFC? Have you been back to visit?
I still stay in touch with a few of the supporters there, they are a great bunch. I have recently played Sheffield FC twice this season for my current club, Spalding United. We have beat them twice and I've actually scored in both games. I got some stick, but it was all good natured!

What has been the biggest challenge you've had to face during your playing career?
Probably the decision to leave Worksop Town after three years. I was captain of the club and had a special relationship with the supporters there. It was like losing a limb leaving that day. I'm not going to go into detail, but sometimes things happen at clubs that you don't agree with, and it makes your job on the playing side difficult. That being said, things are moving in the right direction at the club now, and I still look out for their results every week!

What's a typical day like for you now that you're playing part-time?
I currently work at Center Parcs full time at the moment, as well as juggling my football at Spalding United. It can be tough physically when I'm out most of the week, but that's part and parcel of being a semi-professional. I wouldn't change anything for the world at the moment though, I love it!

Is there any advice you wish you were given before you began your career?
Not really. It's only a short career, so you haven't got time to dwell on decisions you make. It's happened, you move on. I have always been told to play with a smile on my face no matter what and play every game as if it's my last. You won't go far wrong if you follow that!

Conor Higginson at Spalding United. Photo: Jake Whiteley

Conor Higginson is a former professional footballer who currently plays at Spalding United.

Read more on Sheffield 160 here.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.