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6

Y R O T S COVER

18

24 38

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S E R U T FEA

Cover Story: 6 – David Wagner

62 – Football on 5

With David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town riding

Hosted by George Riley and Lynsey Hipgrave,

high in The Championship table with just over

the latter replacing former co-host Kelly Cates

a month of the season to play, the German is enjoying his first full campaign in charge of the West Yorkshire outfit.

18 – Marching on together

for the current season, ‘Football On 5’ is leading the way in terms of highlight shows for the Championship, League One and League Two.

Gary Monk has certainly changed the mood

78 – The Reverend

around Elland Road since taking up the reins

Away from the stage and the recording studio,

at Leeds United in June 2016. There were some

Jon McClure, the leader of popular ‘indie’

supporters that feared the worst when the

band Reverend and the Makers, can be found

former Swansea manager became Chairman

cheering on his beloved Sheffield Wednesday

Massimo Cellino’s eighth appointment as the

on a weekly basis, both home and away.

club continue their quest for former glories.

24 – Manish Bhasin Leicester City fan Bhasin has witnessed a crazy decade supporting his local club.

90 – Tide is turning

promotions and a historic Premier League

pitch form which has seen the club slip from

title has ensured that there hasn’t been a dull

the top division to the bottom in just six years,

moment at the King Power Stadium.

or whether it has been about the constant battles between fans and the club’s owners,

fan of the Football League, Mark Halsey has had

78

been out of the headlines in recent years.

Whether it has been to do with their on the

A Queens Park Rangers supporter and a huge

62

Blackpool has been a club which has rarely

Two relegations, a spell in League One, two

38 – The man in the middle

44

there are not many football fans in the country

90

who will not know about the problems at Blackpool.

three years since his retirement to watch the game from the terraces rather than the pitch, gaining a rounded over-view of the sport and

102 – The Promised Land

the tactics behind it.

Play-off fever is almost upon us, and with a place in the division above, and that tantalising

44 – A true Gent The passing of former England manager Graham Taylor in February brought about an outburst of absolute warmth for the man from all walks of life and from all levels of the beautiful game.

day out at Wembley in the offing, supporters, players, managers and club financiers are crossing their fingers that their club will be the ones celebrating the most at the final whistle of their respective season.

102 4TFF.COM - 5

THE BIG INTERVIEW

TALK OF THE TOWN With David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town riding high in The Championship table with just over a month of the season to play, the German is enjoying his first full campaign in charge of the West Yorkshire outfit. The former American international is confident that his charges can prove the club’s pre-season doubters wrong by earning a place in the top flight for the first time in over 45 years.

DAVID WAGNER Huddersfied Town FC

The Terriers started the current season in superb

Amongst the players that benefited most from

fashion, topping the table as Premier League

that summer trip was Jonathan Hogg. The

and Championship clubs went into the October

midfielder was carried from the field in the

‘international break’, and were still in with a

recent defeat at Bristol City with a suspected

chance of automatic promotion to the top tier,

neck fracture only to make a miraculous return

sitting a close third with nine games to play at

to training just two weeks later.

the time of writing.

With the news that Hogg, a key figure in Town’s

Much has been made of Wagner’s decision to

relentless push for promotion, will now not

whisk his players away for a tough pre-season

miss the rest of the season the former Borussia

training camp in Sweden, where his existing squad members and the double figure tally of new signings integrated to become the solid

6 - 4TFF.COM

Dortmund coach was in a buoyant mood when The EFL Magazine caught up with him prior to The Terriers game against Burton Albion…

unit that has surprised everyone outside of the

“This is one of the best messages we have had

John Smiths Stadium.

in the season, it feels like a new signing.

We had in our minds that he would be out for the rest of the season, but now he is back in training. He has trained partly with the squad and partly doing some conditioning work with the fitness coaches. I expect him in full training on Sunday, in preparation for the Norwich game. To have Jonathan back is a big boost.

There was a misinterpretation of the x-rays that were made. Now, we have consulted further with the doctors and they investigated further.

New x-rays were made and they are totally sure he did not break something in his neck. It was an injury and one that hurt. But not as serious as we expected. We are very happy to have him back and we are now able to plan for the last games after Burton.”

The most recent ‘international break’ gave Wagner and his players the chance to rest and recover following their heavy defeat at Ashton Gate although there was bad news regarding another Town player as defender Jon Gorenc Stanković suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Slovenia Under-21 side. A disappointed Wagner had words of comfort for his stricken player: “We’re all disappointed for Jon that he has suffered this injury, he is a very exciting young talent, which has been obvious to everyone when he has been out on the pitch for us this season. He’s quickly adapted to English football and has shown that he has so much to offer. Jon’s challenge now is to come back fitter and stronger than ever before. He is a strong and determined character, so I know this will be the case. After such an injury, you expect the player to be out six to nine months, we have spoken and Jon is still positive. He knows I believe he has done a fantastic job this season.”

With his side having played so many fixtures before the last break, 13 games in seven weeks, Wagner gave the players that weren’t on international duty a few days off. Fellow German, left back Chris Loewe, confirming that his manager had made the right decision regarding the club break, insisting that the squad will reap the benefits: “I went back to Germany for the weekend, I switched off from football, especially after the Bristol game.

WAGNER IN CONVERSATION WITH PEP GUADIOLA DURING HIS SIDES FA CUP TIE AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY EARLIER THIS YEAR

>>>> 4TFF.COM - 7

Dual Nationality - Wagner has represented both Germany and The United States of America at football. In 1996 his Schalke 04 team mate Thomas Dooley, another German footballer of American descent, recommended the striker to the US national team manager, Steve Hampson.

Having won several Under 21 caps for Germany, Wagner was called up to represent the country of his father’s birth despite the fact that Hampson had never him play.

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We had four days off after that and it was

With the end of the season rapidly approaching,

important not to spend the time thinking about

Wagner is proud of how far his side have

football. For us Germans especially, this season

come and is sure that no matter whether The

has been a lot of football. We have played 37 league games so far and last season I played 25 in total. That is a big difference. That is why it

Terriers can clinch promotion this time around, supporters at The John Smiths Stadium have an

is important to not think about football all the

exciting time ahead: “I have always said the we

time.”

cannot guarantee points but we can guarantee

As with several of the German contingent in The

is that we will try our best and work as hard as

Terriers squad, Loewe who joined the club in the

we can and to bring our identity to the pitch

summer from FC Kaiserslautern, is playing his

and perform and then hopefully we will get

first season without a winter break, the 27-year-

the points. We are now in the final chapter

old admitting that the experience has been a

of the season, April is the interesting month,

real eye-opener. “Not having the winter break

you must make sure you are in the race when

was new to me, it has meant we, as players, have needed a little bit more time to recover. But the manager made some good decisions, especially

April starts. We are totally in the race, we have great momentum, we only have to look back at

with me. I did not play every game and that

where we were 12 months ago and that keeps us

has helped me because I still feel all right. I

humble but makes us excited for what is in front

definitely have these last nine games in my legs.

of us. We are really enjoying the situation we are

Our fitness has been big for us. We need that in

in and where we can go. With this freedom, we

these final games.”

will try to perform to our best”

Fitness is a key requirement

The only real problem on the horizon for Wagner

for a side that play in Wagner’s

is how the club plans for next season regarding

preferred hard-pressing fashion, a style the manager feels is best suited for the club: “There is not only one way to be successful in football but this was our way at Dortmund – and my way, I am totally convinced about this way of playing. I like speed, I like passion,

bringing players to The John Smiths Stadium, more so with the man who brought the German to the club, Director of Football Operations Stuart Webber, deciding to look for pastures new: “Everyone knows how important Stuart was in bringing me here. He played a big role by giving the chairman advice, but he has made his decision and this is another opportunity to show that we are independent from what is around us.

The problem for this season, is not who is the Sporting Director when it comes to recruiting

I like this style of football. If I had

players, but which division we will be in. Last

to choose what style I like most of

season at this time we knew we were staying in

all, it is the style we play. There are

The Championship, whereas this season we do not know if we will stay in The Championship

different ways to be successful.

or go to The Premier League. We will have to

We have our way at Huddersfield,

have a Plan A and a Plan B with regard to which

and this is what I prefer and I have the players here to do it.”

players we will be looking to bring in. This is a good problem to have, I like this problem, but we will solve it when the time comes.”

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 9

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with David Wagner

The son of an American father and German mother, David Wagner played over 200 league games in his native Germany and despite representing his land of birth at both Under 18 and Under 21 level, went on to appear for The United States national team on eight occasions. Wagner was a member of the FC Schalke 04 team that beat Inter Milan to lift the UEFA Cup in 1997.

How did you become involved in football?

Andreas Möller was a player I admired

I remember going to watch my first ever

times when I was a young player coming

game, it was Eintracht Frankfurt against FC Saarbrucken when I was a young boy, I don’t actually remember how old I was at the time, I just remember that Eintracht Frankfurt won and I was hooked on football.

Andreas Möller

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You fulfilled your boyhood dream by joining Eintracht Frankfurt as a young player and worked your way through the youth ranks, to play for the first team before making your name at Mainz 05. You also played for both the German and American national teams at various levels. During your playing career who would you say was the best player you played with?

a lot, I only played one first team game with him but trained with him many through at Eintracht Frankfurt. He was on a different level, as you would expect from a player who won almost everything in the game, The World Cup, The European Championships, The European Cup, The UEFA Cup, The Bundesliga and several German Cups.

And the best player you played against?

If you are asking who was the toughest opponent I would say Jürgen Kohler at Borussia Dortmund was the hardest to play against, I don’t think I touched the ball when playing against him. But if the question is who did I enjoy playing against then that player was Jürgen Klopp. When I played against him for SV Darmstadt 98 I scored three goals in one game against Mainz when we won 6-1.

You have been good friends with Jürgen Klopp for many years, did he help you make the decision to come to England?

After I had spoken to Stuart Webber about the chance to join Huddersfield Town, Jürgen said ‘Just do it’. I’ve known Jürgen longer than I’ve known my wife, when I joined Mainz I took his place in the team, he changed his role from a striker to become a defender as it was easier for him to stay in the team. At Liverpool, I know he is living this job 100%. He always thinks about football or his team, always.

I think you do this if you are a good head coach. You can never stop your brain from thinking about what could happen tomorrow or next week or the next hour.

It is not possible to close your brain to this in football. He’s a great guy, a funny guy and a total natural. He never plays the rules, he is always just himself and how he deals with good or bad situations in football, I like both. We have the same thinking about football.

JÜRGEN KLOPP - MAINZ 05

4TFF.COM - 11

PLAYER

INTERVIEW

IT’S IN OUR S D N A H N W O Oliver Norwood

side A last day draw at The River eaking Stadium brought a heartbr for all end to the 2015/16 season Hove concerned with Brighton & t Albion as the club missed ou The on automatic promotion to g of Premier League. The feelin worse disappointment was made gh, by the fact that Middlesbrou their hosts that day, took the goal second automatic spot on difference alone.

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Northern Ireland midfielder Oliver Norwood, fresh from his country’s heroics in The European Championships, was one of several new signings brought to The Amex in the summer as Chris Hughton prepared for a fresh attempt at gaining promotion back to the top flight. 25-year-old Norwood had spent the previous two seasons with Reading, signing for Albion with well over 200 Football League appearances to his name, most which have been in The Championship.

With Albion sitting in the automatic promotion places going into the last few

With the squad that Chris Hughton has put together there is stiff competition for places all over the park, meaning there will always be some disappointed players come match day…

Every footballer wants to play in every single game, there would be something wrong with you if you were happy not playing, and I’m no different. But to be a part of this club is

weeks of the current season, the Lancashire

just brilliant, there are so many good things

born midfielder is very much enjoying life on

going on here at the moment. The promotion

the south coast with his wife and their new

push, the new training facilities, the ground,

baby boy…

everything is going in the right direction

I was delighted to take the opportunity to

and it’s exciting to be a part of it. We have a

join Brighton when it arose, the gaffer’s record for improving players speaks for itself and I personally saw moving to the club as the next step up the ladder. The season has been great so far for us as a club, we are where we wanted to be in the table when we started the campaign. Everyone thought that Newcastle United would run away with the league, but we are just one point behind them with a handful of games to play, and we would have taken that on day one if we were offered it. Even better, we have a decent gap between us in the second promotion place and Huddersfield Town in third so it is in our own hands.

Is there a feeling of unfinished business at the club?

Obviously I wasn’t here last year but there

fantastic manager and great staff at the club and as a squad we are strong all over the park. There’s probably two players for every position and all of us are looking to be in that starting eleven come match day. I feel that it is important for a club that is chasing promotion that the manager has got so many good players to choose his match day squad from.

In training, everyone is pushing everyone else which means that every player knows that if they are not performing then there is someone just waiting to take their place. There will always be players who are disappointed every time a match day squad is announced but if you aren’t in it you just get behind those that have. I know everyone says it but we really do have a great team spirit at the club, as a group, we know how close we are to the prize and it’s important that we get over the line together as a group. The gaffer has played a massive

is a feeling around the club that everyone is

part in keeping everyone in the group focused

more determined to put things right this time

on staying together, the intensity in training

around. If I’m honest I haven’t played as many

has been great, it has ensured that everyone

games as I would have liked, but I’m proud to

feels important regardless of whether they are

have played my part in what we have achieved

picked in the match day squad. As a group, we

as a squad so far. Promotion to The Premier

feel that we have put ourselves in a position

League for the first time in over 30 years is

where we are not worrying about the teams

in our own hands and hopefully we can be

behind us. We just need to all be ready to play

talking about Brighton & Hove Albion as a

our part in getting this fantastic club back into

top-flight club again at the end of the season.

The Premier League.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 13

Earlier in your career, you left Manchester United to pursue your dream of making it in the game elsewhere…

Being at Man United was everything you can imagine it to be, we had the best team around at the time, we would win the league and the cups but with the players in the squad above us, and indeed the squad I was in, there was very little chance of first team football. I was playing reserve team football with the likes of Paul Pogba, Danny Welbeck, Ravel Morrison, Corry and Johnny Evans, Robbie Brady, Craig Cathcart and Danny Drinkwater all of whom eventually left the club to further their careers.

I went out on loan to Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City and I will always be grateful for those opportunities because every club helped me to learn more about being a footballer but the uncertainty of being out on loan, living in hotels away from your family, made me realise that I had to move away from the club. I’d been at United from the age of seven and I loved it but there comes a time when you have to be realistic. I wanted to make a career for myself, stand on my own two feet and look after my family and I was lucky enough to be offered a deal at Huddersfield Town.

Were there were times at Huddersfield when you felt you had made the wrong decision?

If I had my time again there are things I would do differently but I was a young boy really and I had never experienced a difficult period in my career before. I started the season really well but then hit a patch of poor form and that was something I had to deal with for the first time. I feel that being at Huddersfield made me as a player, it was so different to being at United, I had come away from a relatively easy life, albeit it’s never easy playing football at any club. I had been used to training with the best players in the country and suddenly I was in a team struggling in The Championship. But in all honesty joining the club was the best thing I could have done to help me to become a better footballer.

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Your next move saw you move away from the north of England completely, something that you have said has helped you to improve further…

Moving away from the north gave me the impetus to concentrate on football fully for the first time in my life. I had two very enjoyable seasons at Reading, I was even made captain for several games, something I will always feel proud of. I really loved my time at the club and obviously my performances there helped me to get the move to Brighton. I always believe that you should have no regrets, though it was tough at first for me and my wife moving down south, it was the first time we had moved away from home. But now we live in a beautiful part of the country, we absolutely love it here in Brighton and hopefully we will be here for years to come.

Promotion this summer would cap a superb year for you personally after your appearances for Northern Ireland in The European Championships last summer…

We have enjoyed a brilliant period as a national team. It all started after we had lost to Luxemburg and Azerbaijan in the previous World Cup qualifiers and the manager, Michael O’Neill, got us all together and questioned us as a group of players as to whether we really wanted to represent our country. He told us how he felt we could succeed

“We have a fantastic manager and great staff at the club and as a squad we are strong all over the park”

and we all bought into it. Since that day we have improved dramatically, obviously we reached the Euros and we have started this current World Cup campaign well too. The success we have had recently is testament to Michael and his staff, although I think that we as players deserve the credit for our performances too.

>>>> 4TFF.COM - 15

10 QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS Your best moment in football to date: Playing in The European Championships in France especially when I crossed for ‘big G’ (Gareth McAuley) to score against Ukraine. It was a moment in Northern Ireland football history, our first ever goal at a European Championships helping the country to record our first victory in the tournament finals.

Worst moment in football to date: I would say losing to Wales in the knock-out stages of the same European Championships. We played really well on the day and Johnny Evans was phenomenal in keeping Gareth Bale quiet. He had been fairly ineffective until that one moment when he found space to put in a world class cross for the only goal of the game. I’m not saying we were going to go on and win it but it was like our dream had died.

Favourite goal ever scored: It would have to be my volley against Burnley for Huddersfield Town in a 2-1 win. It came from a move we had practiced on the training ground all week which is always a good thing. The fact that it came against the club I supported as a kid and a few of my mates were there made it that bit more special.

Best player ever played with: Steven Davies my skipper for Northern Ireland. He plays week in week out in The Premier League, he’s an eight or nine out of ten every single week. He’s been captain of his country for years and I don’t think he gets anywhere near the credit he deserves. As a player, he drives us forward and as a human being off the pitch he is first class.

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Steven Davies

Best player ever played against: Cristiano Ronaldo. We played Portugal at Windsor Park in a World Cup qualifier a few years ago and we were leading 2-1. Ronaldo had it on him, his head had gone, he was falling out with everyone, his manager, his team mates, the referee, you name it, he was falling out with them…then he suddenly pulls his sleeves up and fifteen minutes later he had bagged a hat-trick and we just looked at each other and went ‘what’s just happened there?’ we just had to accept he was world class.

Most intelligent at club: I would have to go with Steve Sidwell.

Most skillful at club: The little wizard Anthony Knockaert.

Fastest player at club: He may not look it but I reckon Jamie Murphy is the quickest, he can shift.

Best dressed at club: There’s a few to be fair but I would probably say ‘Sids’ (Steve Sidwell) carries it off best.

Worst dressed at club: Jiří Skalák, I think it’s a Czech Republic thing, he wears some really bad stuff.

Anthony Knockaert 4TFF.COM - 17

NOW AND THEN Back in May 2001 Gary Monk was still trying to become a first team regular at Southampton, the young defender having joined The Saints from his first club Torquay United in the summer of 1996.

Monk spent a period back on loan with The Gulls before making his first team debut against Derby County in November 1998. A spell with Championship outfit Stockport County the following year was followed by further first team appearances for Southampton.

As Leeds United were still recovering from their European exit, Monk had returned to his parent club after another loan spell, this time at Oxford United, and was back in the first team at The Dell helping The Saints claim victories against Manchester United and Arsenal. The latter being the last ever game at the famous old ground before the club moved to the new St Mary’s Stadium.

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MARCHING ON TOGETHER

G

ary Monk has certainly changed the mood around Elland Road since taking up the reins at Leeds United in June 2016.

There were some supporters

The club are well placed in

that feared the worst

the mix for promotion to

when the former Swansea

The Premier League and the

manager became Chairman

feeling is that the former

Massimo Cellino’s eighth

defender just might be the

appointment as the club

man to return Leeds to the

continue their quest for

top flight after an absence of

former glories.

over twelve years.

Monk is in fact the 22nd

Premier League in all his four

first leg of which had finished

man, including all temporary/

years in charge and made the

goalless at Elland Road leaving

caretaker managers, to sit in

semi-final in both the EUFA Cup

O’Leary’s side with a difficult

the Elland Road hot seat since

in 2000 and the Champions

job if they were to make it to

the club faced Valencia in a

League the following year.

the Final in Italy. Ultimately it

Champions League semi-final in

Leeds had eliminated the

was to prove too big a task as

May 2001.

likes of Barcelona, Lazio and

they were beaten by three goals

Under David O’Leary the club

Deportivo la Coruna to earn

with the Spanish side reaching

finished in the top five in The

their place in the semi-final, the

their second consecutive Final.

S N O I P CHAM E U G A LE L A N I F SEMI 1 0 0 2 / 8/5 2ND LEG

TAKE A look at the players that featured for the Yorkshire club in that two-legged tie: >>>>

1ST LEG

1/5/2001

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4TFF.COM - 19

Olivier Dacourt

Ian Harte

Nigel Martyn

Having been the first £1M goalkeeper in English football when joining Crystal Palace from Bristol Rovers, Martyn again set a new transfer record when signing for Leeds in 1996 for £2.25M. Such is Martyn’s stature with both club’s supporters he has since been voted in ‘the best ever team’ by Palace and Leeds fans. Indeed, having moved to Everton after his six-season spell in Yorkshire, the keeper was named by former Everton manager David Moyes as his greatest ever signing following his retirement from the game due to an ankle injury in 2006. In a professional career of over 700 first team appearances, Cornishman Martyn represented England 40 times, winning 23 full caps.

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Full back Harte enjoyed a 20-year playing career, eight of which were at Elland Road. Harte joined Leeds from Home Farm and went on to make well over 250 appearances for the club. A three-year spell in Spain with Levante, who he helped win their place back in La Liga, was followed by spells with several clubs in England before he finally hung up his boots after his last club Bournemouth had clinched a place in The Premier League at the end of the 2014-15 season.

Dacourt joined Leeds from French club RC Lens having previously appeared in The Premier League for Everton a couple of seasons earlier. The defensive midfielder formed a very combative partnership with David Batty in his time at the club, earning himself a regular place in the French national side. Unfortunately, the crowd favourite fell out of favour with the clubs next manager Terry Venables and was allowed to join AS Roma on loan before making the move to Italy permanent in 2003.

Mark Viduka

Australian striker Viduka arrived at Elland Road with a superb goal scoring reputation. Having won trophies at all of his previous clubs beforehand, Viduka had notched over 130 goals in 200 games for Melbourne Knights, Dinamo Zagreb and Glasgow Celtic. The big forward formed successful

Danny Mills

partnerships with both Alan Smith and Robbie Keane during his first season with the club, his personal highlight coming as he scored all four goals as Leeds beat Liverpool at Elland Road in November as O’Leary’s side came back from two goals down.

Full back Mills sealed his dream move to Leeds from Charlton Athletic, who he had won promotion to The Premier League with two seasons earlier. Having established himself in the team at Elland Road he was soon to collect the first of his 19 England caps, going on to play in every game his country played at the 2002 World Cup. Another player to move on due to the problems behind the scenes, Mills won The League Cup whilst on loan at Middlesbrough before being allowed to join to Manchester City on a free transfer despite publicly stating that he wanted to stay and help the club win their place back in the top

Alan Smith Harry Kewell

Australian born Kewell signed for Leeds United as a 15-year-old despite the strict government visa stipulations of the time, due to his father’s English heritage. Kewell made his first team debut two years later against Middlesbrough at Elland Road. Following a successful period in the Elland Road youth set-up, claiming an FA Youth Cup Winners medal along the way. Having become a first team regular Kewell won the coveted PFA Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 1999/2000 season and with it a place in the PFA ‘team of the year’.

As the clubs financial situation began to worsen the striker was one of many of its ‘stars’ to move on as Leeds days in the Premier League became numbered.

flight following relegation in 2004.

Another product of the Elland Road youth system, 18-year-old striker Smith announced himself to the club’s supporters with a goal on his debut in a stunning victory at Anfield against Liverpool.

Having played for much of his career as an out and out striker, O’Leary eventually used Smith as a right sided midfielder, a switch that helped the youngster earn the first of his England caps. As a homegrown youngster, Smith was always held in high esteem by the club’s supporters who voted him the ‘Supporter’s Player of the Year’ for two years in succession. When eventually leaving the club, due to relegation and financial issues, Smith chose to waive the personal transfer fee owed to him by the club when he joined arch rivals Manchester United.

>>>> 4TFF.COM - 21

Dominic Matteo

Eirik Bakke

Bakke arrived at Elland Road in 1999 from Sogndal FC in his native Norway, the midfielder was seen by O’Leary as the player to enhance his already strong squad. Despite being a solid performer during his time at the club, Bakke never quite cemented his place as first choice midfielder. A series of injuries at the start of the clubs first season in The Championship saw Bakke struggle to get in the side and he was loaned to Premier League outfit Aston Villa, who opted not to take him on a permanent basis.

The Norwegian, another of the big earners at Elland Road, eventually left the club in 2006 following an agreement on a severance package.

22 - 4TFF.COM

Matteo moved to Elland Road from Liverpool, a club he had been with since he was 10 years old. Having progressed through the ranks to forcing his way into the first team squad Matteo had failed to hold down a regular position in the team mainly due to his versatility.

Once at Leeds he claimed a permanent place at the heart of O’Leary’s defence and sored a crucial goal at The San Siro to give his side a vital point to help them progress through the group stage of The Champions League. Matteo became the club captain when Rio Ferdinand was sold in 2002.

David Batty Leeds born Batty came through the clubs’ youth system and eventually made his first team debut as an 18-year-old in November 1986. A fiercely competitive midfielder in the mold of club legend Billy Bremner, Batty quickly became a crowd

favourite at Elland Road. A vital part of the Leeds team that won promotion back to the top flight and the First Division title under Howard Wilkinson in 1992. His club performances earned him a regular place in the England side and eventual moves to Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

Batty was brought back to Elland Road by O’Leary to be the ‘old head’ for the youthful side he was building. The returning hero played a vital role as the club enjoyed two seasons of European glory.

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand arrived at Elland Road in November 2000 for a British transfer record fee of £18M, a fee that also made him the world’s most expensive defender. His first season at the club saw them finish fourth in The Premier League and reach the semi-final of The Champions League. The following season he became the clubs’ captain and showed a superb level

of performance despite Leeds leaving the two domestic cup competitions early and finishing outside of the qualifying places for The Champions League. With the club’s financial problems growing, coupled with the defender’s impressive displays at the World Cup for England, Ferdinand moved to Manchester United for a £29.1M fee in July 2002. The deal saw the Leeds skipper become the most expensive British footballer in history and the world’s most expensive defender for a second time.

award in both the 1999/99 and 2000/01 seasons. The Londoner’s time in Yorkshire was blighted by off field problems especially when he and team mate Jonathan Woodgate appeared in court following an incident near a Leeds nightclub in January 2000. The trial was the main reason that midfielder missed out on appearing for England as The FA wouldn’t allow a call up until the verdict had been made. Having eventually been cleared in December 2001 Bowyer won a solitary cap the following year.

Leeds United but also focused on the court trial of Leeds players Lee Bowyer, Jonathan Woodgate. The release of the book caused issues between the manager and his players and Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale, who sacked the Irishman in June 2002.

David O’Leary

Lee Bowyer

Joining Leeds from Charlton Athletic in 1996 in a record deal for a teenager, midfielder Bowyer, signed by Howard Wilkinson, struggled to claim a regular first team place until George Graham took over the reins at Elland Road. Bowyer played a big part in the club reaching consecutive European semi-finals and collected the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’

David O’Leary was named as assistant to new manager George Graham in 1996, taking over as sole manager when Graham left the club for Tottenham Hotspur two years later. His first season in charge saw Leeds finish fourth in The Premier League, a position he improved on the following campaign as his side finished third to claim qualification to the Champions League. Leeds also reached the UEFA Cup semi-final which they lost out to Galatasaray over two legs (2-4).

The 2000/01 season was to be the highlight of O’Leary’s managerial career as Leeds reached the semifinal of the Champions League, albeit that the club finished fifth in the league meaning they had failed to qualify for the following season’s Champions League. Having finished in fifth place again the following season O’Leary added pressure on himself by releasing a book entitled ‘Leeds United on Trial’ which documented a year at

4TFF.COM - 23

FOOTBALL

PRESENTER

MANISH BHASIN B

randed as the ‘Richest game in Football’ two clubs will go head-to-head this May, for the Championship play-off final.

MANISH BHASIN @_manishbhasin

Hosted at Wembley Stadium,

anticipated contests in world

the home of English Football

football.

will see passion, pride,

On the other end of the scale, getting

jubilation and despair. Worth

relegated from the second tier can

an estimated £170,000,000 to the winners, the prospect

clubs, and it is no surprise that the likes of Sheffield United and Bradford

of television money, packed

City have until now struggled to

stadiums and worldwide

establish themselves in League

exposure off the back of the

24 - 4TFF.COM

have a real detrimental effect on

One, after dropping through the Championship trap door.

Premier League, makes the

Finishing no higher than 16th in the

play-off final one of the hotly

league since their promotion from

League One in 2012, Huddersfield Town are the perfect example of a club who thrive from survival, having beaten the drop on four occasions, most notably by just four points three years ago.

A string of managers and a large turnover of players has never helped the club move towards a top-half finish in the Championship, and after finishing 19th last season, there wasn’t much confidence from supporters at the Kirklees Stadium, however The Terriers now find themselves just a month away from historically finishing in the top six and in their highest league position for six decades.

Under former USA international midfielder David Wagner, the Yorkshire-based side have flourished and with a realistic chance of still pipping Brighton and Hove Albion or Newcastle United to an automatic promotion spot, Huddersfield Town are flying the flag for the ‘under-dog.’ Playing some of the best football of their 107-year history, the Terriers have

Knowing the division like the back of his hand, former The Football League Show host Manish Bhasin has always backed Huddersfield Town to come good in the second tier on our television screens, when many other pundits tipped them for relegation with each passing year.

“As always, the English Football

Looking at the division as a

first full pre-season, David Wagner

whole and the Terriers miraculous

has stamped his mark quickly.

12 months, the BBC presenter

He’s brought in largely unknown

told The EFL Magazine, that the

quantities such as Elias Kachunga

Championships surprise package

and Michael Hefelele, who have

could go all the way, as he reflected

slotted in seamlessly, alongside

on the ups and downs of the 2016-

exciting young English talent such

17 season so far.

as Izzy Brown.”

League never lets you down in terms of surprises and talking points. At the top end, there’s only Newcastle United, of the three relegated Premier League sides, to have put together a coherent promotion campaign. The fact they could be joined by Huddersfield Town, who are heading for their best finish since the 1950’s, is incredible and I feel the Terriers should be seen as one of the standout stories of the EFL.” Bhasin added; “I’ve enjoyed watching Huddersfield’s revival. I recently saw them in the FA Cup against Manchester City and I was hugely impressed with their style of play, under a manager who I feel has an aura about him. After his

played a huge part in making this season’s second tier one of the closest and most riveting for years.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 25

<<<<<

“Part of me feels with the experience of Rafa Benitez and Chris Hughton, it might just be good enough to see them through. The race for the play-offs is no less exciting. Credit also has to go to Preston North End and Barnsley who’ve done brilliantly so far, despite their comparatively limited resources. At the other end, while it might not be hugely surprising to see Rotherham United up against it, but the struggles of former Premier League winners Blackburn provides another intriguing sub plot.”

A Leicester City fan, the television presenter has himself witnessed a crazy decade supporting his local

With Leeds United, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday keeping the Terriers company in the play-off spots, a host of clubs are still aiming for a late push towards sixth place.

The bottom of the table is equally as close and with everything still to play for, there may still be shocks and surprises to come in the Championship, as Bhasin continued:

26 - 4TFF.COM

“It’s always been compelling in the Championship, partly because the prize is just so big at the end of the season, while invariably a former ‘giant’ is struggling to stay in the division.

The current campaign is no different.

Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion are the current top two sides, but both have lost on a few occasions this season. Could we still see a major twist in the promotion race?

club. Two relegations, a spell in League One, two promotions and a historic Premier League title has ensured that there hasn’t been a dull moment at the King Power Stadium. Currently fighting for their lives to stay in the Premier League, Bhasin may well be following the Foxes in the second-tier next season.

However, looking on the bright side, the reporter reminisced about the East Midland clubs successful times in the Championship and League One.

“It has been a quite frankly ridiculous few years as a Leicester City fan. For eight of the last 10 seasons, we’ve had something to fight for at the end of the season. I remember shedding a tear when we dropped into League One for the first time ever. Little did I know then, that eight years later, we would be lifting the Premier League trophy!

“You only have to see this season

since it ended on the BBC, but it’s nice

just how much stronger the Premier

to receive the odd tweet from viewers

League’s top six have become,

saying they still miss it.”

compared to the rest of the sides, which will make it even harder for other clubs to try and challenge them. In hindsight Leicester found the perfect season to launch an unlikely title push.”

Famous for his six year spell on the Football League Show, Bhasin has been sorely missed on our television screens since the show ended in 2015.

Showing the goals and the highlights from every fixture on a Saturday evening, the Leicester City fan was

Still on the BBC’s roster, Bhasin has had stints on Match of the Day Two and the FA Cup highlights show, since his breakthrough appearance on the Football League Show. As with many Championship clubs who gain promotion to the Premier League, the presenter has used his success working in the Football League to catapult himself onto bigger and better things, as he now covers the game he loves around the globe.

joined by pundit’s ex-Portsmouth

Seen and heard by an audience of over

striker Steve Claridge and former

400 million people every weekend,

Brentford manager Leroy Rosenior.

Bhasin has become the Leicester City

Proud of his achievements on the show, Bhasin continued by thanking those who supported the programme, and about the positive feedback he still receives from players, managers and supporters alike.

of presenting, overcoming all the odds

“I loved presenting the Football League Show. It was six years of my life where I immersed myself in the Football League. I felt we provided a decent service, albeit late at night. It was simple, show the goals and chat about some of the headlines with

to forge a prosperous career. The one time ‘under-dog’, Bhasin’s knowledge of the game and intelligent punditry has seen him rub shoulders with some of the country’s best sports presenters in recent years, as he finished by speaking about his new role as the worldwide host of Premier League Productions.

“I’ve taken on a new role which started in August, presenting live Premier League games every Saturday across the world. Imagine Sky’s Monday Night Football but for three live games back to back. The show goes out on various sport’s networks in Africa, India, Australia, US and Canada to name a few and they use pundits such as Andy Townsend, Phil Neville, Emmanuel Petit, Ryan Giggs and Rio

Leroy and/or Steve. I’d like to think we

Ferdinand. It’s a marathon eight-hour

helped lift the profile of the Football

live show and I enjoy every minute

League and whenever I met various

of it. In addition to that, I also host

Chairmen, Managers, players and

a weekly 90 minute Premier League

supporters, the feedback was mostly

discussion programme with two

positive. It was a show that got decent

newspaper journalists on the major

figures too! It’s been two years now

stories of the week!”

4TFF.COM - 27

ALBERT LUQUE

XISCO

“DEAL OR NO DEAL” W

ith Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side amongst the favourites to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, the long suffering ‘toon army’ will be hoping that the Spaniard doesn’t fall into the trap that several of his predecessors did when looking at the type of player required to keep the club in the top flight.

Here we look at some of the players that arrived at St

form was such that he earned a transfer to Deportivo de

James’ Park with big reputations and most cases a big

La Coruña for £10m in 2002. Luque spent two successful

transfer fee, only to write their name into the club’s

seasons at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor, before

history books for all the wrong reasons……

moving to England in August 2005. In his home debut,

ALBERT LUQUE

against Manchester United, Luque had a goal disallowed

(Signed from Deportivo de La Coruña for £9.5m)

new Premier League season. The Magpies suffering their

Spanish forward Luque arrived at Newcastle United from

third defeat from the opening four fixtures. A series

Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruña for £9.5m in 2005,

of injuries coupled with being played out of position

signing a five-year deal. Luque had started his career

saw Luque struggle to justify the large fee paid for him

at Barcelona, albeit without making an impact, before

during his time on Tyneside, making just over 20 league

moving to RCD Mallorca where he helped the club reach

appearances, scoring just once, before being sold to Ajax

the Champions League for the first time in its history. His

for a loss of over £7m two years later.

28 - 4TFF.COM

for offside as his side continued their poor start to the

MARCELINO ELENA

MARCELINO ELENA

STÉPHANE GUIVARC’H

(Signed from Mallorca for £5.8m)

(Signed from Auxerre for £3.5m)

Spanish centre-back Elena joined Newcastle United from Mallorca in 1999 for £5.8 million pounds. Known as ‘Marcelino’ the defender

Having been a part of the France squad that lifted the World Cup in the summer of 1998,

began his career with his local club Sporting

Guivarc’h joined Newcastle United in the

Gijon, where he spent three years before

days after his country’s success. With over

moving to RCD Mallorca who he helped

a hundred goals in French football under

win promotion to La Liga. Further success followed as the club finished fifth and third in the next two seasons and also reached

his belt, big things were expected of the striker brought to St James’ Park by Kenny

the UEFA Cup Winners Cup final, where

Dalglish. A debut goal against Liverpool

they lost narrowly to Italian outfit SS Lazio.

was as good as it got for the Frenchman as

Having played over 250 club games, and

just weeks later Dalglish had left the club

recently establishing himself in the Spanish national side, Marcelino managed just seventeen league appearances in his two

and new manager Ruud Gullit sold him to Glasgow Rangers in November. Guivarc’h

seasons at St James’ Park before leaving

managed just four appearances and that

the club in 2003.

solitary goal in his short time at the club but

XISCO

did manage to finish his one season in the

(Signed from Deportivo de La Coruña for £7m) Spanish striker Francisco Jiménez Tejada, known as Xisco, joined Newcastle United from Deportivo de La Coruña for a reported £7m in 2008. Coming through the youth

Gers win the treble under compatriot Dick Advocaat.

DANIEL CORDONE (Signed from Racing Club for £500,000)

Xisco built a reputation as a decent striker,

Not such a big fee compared to the others

whilst with the club before moving to St James’ Park in September 2008. After

but nevertheless the Argentinian striker was found severely wanting during his time on

scoring on his debut against Hull City, Xisco

Tyneside. Having averaged a goal in two

endured a torrid time on Tyneside, making

games in his homeland, Cordone was given

just ten more first team appearances in his

his chance to shine in England by Sir Bobby

five years with the club. The striker was loaned out on several occasions before eventually returning to Spain in January

DANIEL CORDONE

UK with several trophies after helping The

system at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor, picking up several Under 21 ‘caps’ for Spain

STÉPHANE GUIVARC’H

Robson, unfortunately he managed just two league goals in his one season at St James’

2013 where he signed for second division

Park before returning home to see out the

outfit Córdoba.

remainder of his career.

4TFF.COM - 29

PLAYER

INTERVIEW

ALEX KENYON Morecambe FC 30 - 4TFF.COM

“This is my fourth season at the club now and I have loved every minute of it” Alex Kenyon – Morecambe FC

@Kenyon03

Threatened by relegation earlier in the season, Morecambe’s form in 2017 has seen them go from a side facing the drop, to a side that can prepare for an assault on promotion next term. Hovering about the drop zone at the turn of the year, Jim Bentley’s men were perturbed by off the field activities and uncertainty in the boardroom, as a takeover loomed over the Globe Arena. After Qatari businessman Al Hashemi left the club in November, the ownership of the Shrimps left a cloud over the club, with Brazilian owner Diego Lemos accused of misleading Hashemi over funds.

With these problems now a thing of the past and US-based Italian businessman Joseph Cala now in control, the Shrimps have been able to focus on their survival in League Two, rather than speculations off the field. Unbeaten throughout January and winning two of their first three games in February, the Shrimps faithful could finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

Stating that off the field troubles helped unite the squad, club stalwart Alex Kenyon revealed that morale in the dressing room is higher than ever before, with the Shrimps currently enjoying one of their best runs in decades: “Off field problems have made things difficult, and not getting paid for a while was tough to take but the club has come together and we are all united.

A great example was the away game at Doncaster Rovers in February. We pulled up to the ground in the coach and the fans were there waiting for us. They cheered us into the stadium and they were behind us for the whole game. We ended up drawing that game and that spirit was what this football club is

>>>>>

all about.”

4TFF.COM - 31

<<<< Kenyon added; “We are a tight knit group in

on the injury list this term, is also hopeful

the dressing room and boardroom troubles

that the Shrimps can continue to steam roll

have made us even stronger. There has been days when we’ve been down, but we pick

towards the higher echelons of the division, as

each other up and we are now reaping the

finished by saying: “With the size of the club,

rewards.”

we are one of the favourites for relegation

For a month, side-lined after a knee

every season. Survival is key once again, but

operation following an injury sustained

why can’t we dream? Off the field problems

against Barnet in February, Kenyon has become a mainstay in Jim Bentley’s side

are sorted, and with plans in place to grow

since his move from Stockport County in

the club, I can see Morecambe Football Club

2013. Aged just 24, Kenyon’s experience has

going from strength to strength in the next 12

made him one of the first picks on the team sheet and after signing a new 12-month contract in June, it is no surprise that the Shrimps tough tackling midfielder has no intentions of departing any time soon.

Praising the club’s facilities and his manager, Kenyon revealed that his team mates and the backroom staff have made playing for the club a joy, as he continued by thanking Jim Bentley for bringing him to the Globe Arena from Non-League football four years ago: “This is my fourth season at the club now and I have loved every minute of it. The stadium is very nice, the training facilities are good and the fan base is second to none.

We may not have the biggest fan base, but our supporters are loyal and they back us from minute one to 90. The whole team appreciate their backing and it doesn’t go un-noticed. The manager is great and he really gee’s us up and gets us going before every game. He’s great to work for and he is our driving force. He is the face of the club and what he has done here is incredible!”

On the eve of their 100-year anniversary, a Football League club since 2007, Kenyon has admitted that keeping their league status is as always, the priority, despite admitting that a flirtation with the play-offs would have been fantastic for everyone involved at Morecambe Football Club.

With a new owner on board and one of the longest serving managers in the Football League at the helm, former Lancaster City player Kenyon, frustrated at two long spells

32 - 4TFF.COM

to 18 months.”

LEGO GROUNDS W

hen 43-year-old Cardiff City supporter Jules Richards attended his first game at Ninian Park as a five-year-old back in 1978 he was probably more interested in the Lego set he had left at home than the football on offer that day.

When 43-year-old Cardiff City supporter

football supporters to build versions of their

Jules Richards attended his first game

favourite grounds, the first being a copy of

at Ninian Park as a five-year-old back in

Hillsborough, quickly followed by a copy of

1978 he was probably more interested in

Vicarage Road.

the Lego set he had left at home than the football on offer that day.

Richards has since been commissioned to build versions of Stamford Bridge, White

However, 39 years after witnessing that

Hart Lane, Anfield, Upton Park and Carrow

single goal victory against Brighton &

Road amongst many others.

Hove Albion Richards is still watching The Bluebirds and still building Lego.

Richards uses between 1200 and 2000 pieces of Lego whilst building grounds in

These days Richards is combining his love

various sizes, ranging from 15” x 15” to 22” x

of both by building football grounds of

15”. He has also built grounds in a desktop

Lego and having built a version of The

size to allow supporters to admire their

Cardiff City Stadium he posted a photo of it

favourite ground whilst at work.

on social media.

To see Jules Richards work and contact him

The response was so favourable that he

regarding placing an order see his twitter

started to receive requests from fellow

account:

@ccfc_jules

4TFF.COM - 33

WHERE ARE

THEY NOW

Scene from The 9th

FOOTBALL TO FILM PRODUCER Alan Bailey

Former Manchester City, Macclesfield

Vaughan Armstrong, he and his team

he was fit and in the side for the short

Town and Stockport County forward

are casting for his latest offering, a

trip to Maine Road as 3rd placed City

Alan Bailey is probably best known in

hostage situation at a football club, a

welcomed 8th placed County.

local football circles for his part in a

story he says is ‘loosely based’ on a real

famous victory at Maine Road for the

life experience. Word is there is an offer

Hatters over his former club City.

from Universal Studios waiting in the

The way his current career is shaping up it won’t be too long before he is remembered for his work in the film industry. Having already written and starred in his first film, The 9th in which Bailey plays the mysterious and philandering author and musician

34 - 4TFF.COM

wings.

After Gerard Wiekens had put City in front early in the second half Bailey took centre stage, scoring his first goal for County and then late in the game

Bailey, who spent over a decade with

winning the penalty from which Tony

the ‘sky blues’ from 10 years old, during

Dinning would clinch all three points for

which time he was loaned out to his

the ‘noisy neighbours’.

hometown club Macclesfield before moving on a free transfer to County.

After an injury hit period out of action

Unfortunately Bailey’s County career had reached its peak that night, one further goal in a handful of

out after his first season in charge. I had two years left on my contract and Exeter City came in for me and Joe was happy for me to join them but I decided it wasn’t the move for me, eventually he let me join Macclesfield Town on loan for three months although, as

rton Albion

Alan

s Bu ier League Winner with Northern Prem

they were in the same division, I wasn’t allowed to play against City.

The following season, after City had climbed back up to The Championship,

appearances during another injury

was our manager, and we stayed in the

prone spell was followed by his

worst place I had ever seen in my life.

decision to retire from full time football.

The showers actually sprayed us with

A spell with Burton Albion, during which the Brewers lifted the Northern

dirty water and there was mud all down the walls.

County came in for me in the close season but Joe wouldn’t let me join at first as both clubs were in the same division. I eventually joined a couple of months later but almost immediately suffered a hamstring injury at

Premier League title in 2002, being

I remember that at the reception after

Shrewsbury. I got into the side for the

Bailey’s last real concerted effort at

the game ‘Chappy’ had to eat some of

game at Blackburn and then we beat

playing before retiring to become, as

the local delicacy to appease our hosts,

Grimsby Town at home and I kept my

he has described in the past, ‘a glorified

it was raw liver and kidneys on a bread

place for the game against City.

wedding singer’.

roll, how he did it I will never know.

We caught up with the football turned

Move to Stockport

singer turned film script writer and

I only ever made one substitute

and we had caused the majority of

appearance for the first team at City

the big team’s problems, so we were

before I moved to Stockport County.

quietly confident of getting a result at

The move to Edgeley Park was bizarre

Maine Road.

film festival Director to discuss his transformation.

Early career I was scouted by City whilst playing for Priory County Juniors in Macclesfield, I was spotted by a youth development scout called Terry Farrell who recommended

We had a good squad at County, we had been 5th in the table at Christmas

really, Joe Royle was having a clear-

unty ’s ing celebrating Co Alan and Tony Dinn win at Maine Road

me to the club. I stayed for about 10 years and enjoyed working through to earning a 4-year fulltime contract at the end of my apprenticeship.

When I was about 13 years old we played in France in a schoolboy tournament in Lille which ended badly for me as I missed a penalty in the final and we lost. A few years later we travelled to Russia with the under 17’s, Les Chapman

4TFF.COM - 35

they scored just after the second half

concerned. I played a few more games

began, there was only one team in it.

and even scored a rare header in the

I slammed home my goal after Kevin Cooper had hit the post, it was right in front of the end that was packed with our supporters and at first, out of habit, I turned towards the main stand only to be met with a hail of coins, which quickly encouraged me to turn back towards the County fans.

Things went even better late in the game when Nicky Weaver tried to dribble his way out of trouble and, probably because I had played in the youth system with him, I second guessed what he would do and I was lucky enough to be the one that grabbed the headlines after we won but my feeling is that we all played well, even if we did ride our luck as City did miss a few chances in the first half. The strange thing was that after

intercepted the ball. Nicky brought me down and we were given a penalty.

out to be my last goal in professional football.

Life outside the Football League I fell out of favour at County but because of my age the club couldn’t allow me to leave on a free transfer to a club in this country as I had a year to run on my deal. In the end I was allowed to join AB Copenhagen in The Danish Super League on a free transfer.

For me personally it was an awful 12 months, there were all sorts of financial problems at the club and it wasn’t long before I was looking for a move back

The one thing that sticks in my mind

home. I spoke to Ian Atkins at Carlisle

was that I was at least a yard outside

United but then spoke to Nigel Clough

the box when I had been brought me

who was in charge at Burton Albion.

down, but the ref pointed to the spot as I had fallen in the box. In fairness if the ref had given a free kick he would have had to send Nicky off but then we wouldn’t have had the chance to celebrate with a micky-take of his ‘Wembley wave’ after Dindo scored the penalty.

36 - 4TFF.COM

FA Cup at Grimsby, sadly that turned

The travelling to Carlisle against earning the same money for less distance to Burton made my mind up for me. It was a decent season where I scored a few goals as we won the league but at the end of the season I moved on again. I played a few games at Marine, Mossley and Ashton United

I remember the feeling of elation as

but it wasn’t long before I realised that

we boarded the coach and thinking

I had a decision to make about my

to myself this is why I became

future. I realise now looking back that I

a footballer, it was probably the

wasn’t really mentally tough enough to

best night of my footballing life,

be the striker I wanted to be, and I am

unfortunately it was to prove to be the

honest enough to accept that you have

last such feeling where football was

to accept your own failings.

. . . n o o S g n i Com

O

bviously as a writer I’ve been able to draw on my own life experiences in both of our film scripts, although I should add that they are obviously exaggerated.

Scene from The 9th

The Wedding Singer

The Film Maker

I hadn’t been married that long and you

I met Neil Jeram-Croft who was

can imagine my wife Lucy’s reaction

already a film producer and we started

We are currently casting via Michelle

when I came home and told her I was

working together and our first real

Smith who has been involved in many

jacking in playing for a living and that

script became The 9th a ‘film noire’

from now on I was going to be a singer

which for us was luckily commissioned,

award winning films, TV shows and

in a band, she probably thought that

and we managed to get the film on

it wasn’t what life was going to be like

at the European Independent Film

when she married a footballer.

Festival in Paris. The film was released

cast, although we need to establish the

To be fair I’d always been a musician

in America and Canada. We now run

funding before we can confirm names.

get involved, which has been great regarding contacts at Universal.

advertising campaigns. We have some exciting names in the frame for the

and I had teamed up with a couple

our own company called The Film Mill

of mates and we formed a jazz band

and are in talks for a pre-sale deal with

called Lazy River. We played at

Universal for our latest film ‘Rogue

weddings and also played at ‘corporate

Player’ which is loosely based on a

functions’ funnily enough I actually

real hostage situation inside a football

Film Festival in Manchester. The City

played at The Etihad a couple of times.

ground. It is a multi-layered story about

didn’t have its own Film Festival so as

We did that circuit for about 8 years,

an underground gang that are trying to

we had learnt something about how

and although Lucy had a good job I

extort money from the club.

they work we decided to set one up

also ended up taking about 8 hours of

Obviously as a writer I’ve been able

and the idea was received really well

to draw on my own life experiences

and we held our inaugural event in July

in both of our film scripts, although

2015. Because of this we have grown as

fitness classes a week to help pay the bills.

Whilst we have been waiting for the funding to be raised for the film I have also become involved in creating a

During the daytime I took English

I should add that they are obviously

Literature and ‘creative writing’ courses

exaggerated. We met Producer Gareth

funded by the Professional Footballers’

Jones when we were in Paris, he had

Association, I also did a ‘film studies’

worked previously on the likes of ‘Lock,

started working with Salford University

course which was funded by the PFA

Stock and two Smoking Barrels’, and

and moved into a new office in Media

too.

he liked our first film and wanted to

City.

a company in the film industry locally and having set up the festival we have

The Film Mill are on: Twitter @thefilmmill See the teaser for Rogue Player www.thefilmmill.com/rogue-player • See Michelle Smith Casting www.michellesmithcasting.co.uk

4TFF.COM - 37

REFEREE

INTERVIEW

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE “As standards go, refereeing in the Premier League and Football League has declined over the last four years and it is very sad to see” Hearing the news that Mark Clattenburg

from the spotlight, Clattenburg also gained

would be departing the Premier League

respect from players, managers and fans alike

for a future role within the Saudi Arabian

for his professionalism and ability to calm the

Football Federation last month, the top

situation in the most hostile of circumstances.

flight’s refereeing hierarchy started to mourn the departure of one of the country’s finest

MARK HALSEY @RefereeHalsey

referees. Having refereed over 250 Premier

four red cards this season, the Durham-born

League fixtures, Clattenburg’s forthright style

referee has learned to adapt to the ever-

and approachable manner made him the ‘go-to’

changing nature of the professional game too,

guy for the biggest and most high pressured

with diving and simulation now a huge part of

fixtures in England and Europe.

the game at an elite level, players had learnt

A FIFA listed referee since 2006, the 41-year-

38 - 4TFF.COM

Handing out a respectable 90 yellow cards and

not to mess with Clattenburg. A huge advocate

olds transition to the top flight came after two

of goal-line technology and fifth officials,

decades worth of dedication and hard work,

Clattenburg’s revolutionary ideas have also

with hundreds of Non-League and Football

seen the game change and evolve over the last

League games already under his belt before

decade, making it unrecognisable to football

making Premier League debut. Shying away

before the millennium.

Arguably one of the Premier League’s best referees, the Halsey has been very vocal about what will happen to the standard of refereeing ‘post-Clattenburg’.

Criticising Mike Dean’s recent performances and speaking about the current standard of referees in the top four divisions, Halsey has been quoted as saying Clattenburg’s move to Saudi Arabia Starting way back in 1994 as a referee in the 9th

will be an ‘enormous loss’ to the game, and

tier of English football, Clattenburg was never

detrimental to inspiring the next generation of

fast tracked to the top either, as he instead had

aspiring referees.

to gain his stripes at a grassroots level. Staying true to his roots and humble to his beginnings, Clattenburg will be sorely missed in England, as the FA start to look for their new refereeing poster boy.

A former Football League referee himself, Halsey made a name for himself refereeing in the second, third and fourth tiers between 1994 and 1999, as he famously adjudicated the 1999 Second Division play-off final between

The English games loss is now the Saudi Arabian

Gillingham and Manchester City.

FA’s gain, and there is now an expectation

A Queens Park Rangers supporter and a huge

that the quality of refereeing will improve exponentially in the Middle-East going forward.

Clattenburg’s move has also seen the press search for reaction from an illustrious list of retired referees, with the likes of Howard Webb, Dermot Gallagher, Graham Poll and Mark Halsey covering many a column inch with their expert opinions and views on why refs are failing in this country.

fan of the Football League, Halsey has had three years since his retirement to watch the game from the terraces rather than the pitch, gaining a rounded over-view of the sport and the tactics behind it.

Shocked by the current standard of some of officiating in the top two divisions, the 55-year-old believes more needs to be done to advance top-performing Championship refs to the Premier League, as he explained why a promotion and relegation scheme for referees would be the perfect way to keep the men in black on their toes.

“As standards go, refereeing in the Premier League and Football League has declined over the last four years and it is very sad to see. There are still a number of top referees but even those that used to be consistent performers are now making simple errors that they never used to make. Of course, it is easy to point the finger, however being close to a lot of these referees, I can safely say that a lot of them have simply lost

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 39

<<<< confidence in the coaching and mentoring that they are receiving from those at the top.

“When referees in the Premier League are feeling under-pressure and dissatisfied, it filters down to the Championship, League One and League Two, and it is a real disappointment that we are now losing some of our best referees to forward-thinking nations who are looking to improve their coaching standards. I see no reason why a relegation scheme can’t be implanted for referees, in which the worst two in the top flight get moved down and the best two or three get the chance to move up and show their talent on the highest stage…if it works for clubs, why can’t it work for refs?”

Halsey continued by saying; “Comparing it to football players, good coaches turn average players into brilliant ones, and the same goes for referees. It all starts at a grassroots level and at the moment, there just isn’t enough being done to churn out top quality refs.”

With referees in League One and League Two stereotypically ‘card-happy’, many up and coming referees are deterred by a lack of leadership and minimal training, as they instead dish the yellows and reds when under pressure.

Working hard to make their way up the pyramid without adequate training, Halsey has urged refs in the third and fourth tier to mirror his neversay-die attitude.

As Premier League referees regularly move down to the Championship to police local derby’s, top of the table clashes and relegation dogfights, those in League One and League Two rarely get the opportunity to make the step up.

Currently touring the world coaching referees in Africa, America and Asia, Halsey has questioned

40 - 4TFF.COM

why he isn’t working alongside the likes of Messrs

mistakes are made in the Football League. We

Gallagher, Clattenburg and Webb to nurture the

need to see how referees can be managed and

future generation in the lower leagues, as he

assessed and for me it just isn’t good enough. I’ve

passionately outlined the ways that ex-Select

just got back from coaching refs in California, but

Group Referees could work with the FA and

why aren’t I being asked to help young coaches in

Referee’s Association if given the chance.

the UK?”

“I really do feel sorry for referees in League One

Working with You Are the Ref, Halsey is now

and League Two as they simply aren’t being given

looking to pass on his experience to those planning

the chance to progress. Speaking from experience,

to pick up the whistle around the globe, after being

I learnt so much from officiating throughout the

frozen out on these shores. Watching the game

four divisions, and it is a real shame that this

from the Premier League to the Non-League, the

doesn’t happen anymore.

former League Cup final referee has thrived in

“Refs in the third and fourth tiers aren’t considered for Premier League or Championship games

guiding those looking for advice and mentoring, especially in America.

and they are being constrained from gaining

Desperate to inspire more young referees by

valuable experience. There are a fair number of

coaching them the tricks of the trade, the QPR-fan

Championship referees who are knocking on the

continued by reflecting on recent experiences as

door to move into the Premier League next season

a mentor, as he reiterated the point that referees

and it would be great to see a few new-faces move

in the Football League are crying out for an

up in the next 12 months.”

installation of new coaching techniques to re-

Halsey added; “My brother is a manager in the

instate their confidence in the system.

Non-League game and he bemoans the standard

“A lot of referees aren’t getting the mentoring that

of refereeing at his level on a weekly basis. This

they need, whereas other countries are putting real

isn’t just at the lower leagues though, as the same

effort and large amounts of money into improving

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 41

<<<<

their model from the grassroots upwards. I was

Halsey went on to say; “Don’t get me wrong, there

watching Radcliffe Borough in the eighth tier a few

are some fantastic referees but the overall standard

months ago, and I witnessed something that will

could and should be so much better. We need to

stay with me for a long time. I met the referee after

make sure that the standard of the elite three or four

the game and we had a great chat, he took my

filters down the divisions. You don’t become a bad

number and the next day he called me for advice.

referee overnight, and with some tweaking, I can see

We spoke for 40 minutes and at the end of the

the standard of refereeing changing drastically almost

conversation, he admitted that he had learnt more

immediately”

from our conversation than he had from the last five

Having watched his own side battle for Championship

years.

safety at Loftus Road this season, Halsey has kept a close eye on a number of officials in the second tier while following the R’s. With only 11 of the 30 referees in the second tier handing out over 100 yellow cards this season, and only three handing out over 120, refs in the Championship have begun to let the game flow, due to the fast and frenetic nature of the game.

As the likes of Mike Dean, Keith Stroud and Stuart Attwell have moved into the Championship to referee several games, there are now a host of second tier referees with a great chance of making themselves Premier League regulars next season, replacing their under-pressure compatriots.

Halsey believes that there is new blood in the pipeline who just need to take their chances by establishing themselves as the best of those looking to pave a way into the top flight.

“There are still a number of good referees in the Football League, and the Championship in particular the likes of Steve Martin, Chris Kavanagh and Andy Madley have been knocking on the door for a while now, and if they continue the way they are, there is no

“I think that says it all really, those coaching referees have never reffed at the top level, and if we are to improve the current standard we need to give refs like the one I met at Radcliffe more guidance and added leadership to nurture them into the next Clattenburg, Webb or Atkinson.”

42 - 4TFF.COM

reason why they shouldn’t be getting their chance in the top flight very soon.”

Hanging up his whistle in 2013, Halsey has combined his support for the R’s with punditry, expert columns in the national papers and coaching abroad. Keen to return to coaching in the UK in the future, the esteemed former ref has explained his current role at ‘You are the Ref’ and his ambition to transfer his experience to the training fields and the classrooms going forward.

A regular contributor to ‘live blogs’, Halsey also has dreams of seeing his students follow in his footsteps in the future, as he continued by looking in-depth at the positive impact his coaching work has made on young refs throughout the continents.

“I have been to California twice to coach referees, and we have been taking refereeing clinics around the world. We look at how to improve, how to judge decisions and how to learn both in a classroom environment and on the pitch. Decision making and accuracy are two of the most important skills that refs need and it has been really good to put across my experience and knowledge with ‘You are the Ref’. I love coaching and I certainly have no ambition to stop, as we have big plans to run more sessions in the future.”

Looking away from refereeing, Halsey has admitted that this season’s English Football League is the tightest that he can remember for a long time, with the Championship, League One and League Two

Living in the North West, Halsey also has a vested interest in League One and League Two, with two of his local clubs Bolton Wanderers and Bury becoming his ‘adopted sides’ as they fight for promotion and survival from their respective divisions. Excited as to how the third and fourth

tight at both ends of the table going into the final

tiers will pan out going into the final games of

months of the campaign. With the Championship

the 2017/18 campaign, Halsey has forecasted

now packed-full of ex-Premier League clubs, Halsey

promotions for Sheffield United and Fleetwood

admitted that he would love to see Leeds United

Town in League Two and Plymouth Argyle in

return to their former glory, as he praised Gary

League Two, as he added.

Monk for his professionalism after contending with plenty of off the field problems at Elland Road.

Keeping his fingers crossed that Queens Park Rangers can beat the drop and push towards the play-offs next season, Halsey has tipped dark horses Huddersfield Town to pip Brighton and Hove Albion to an automatic promotion spot.

“In League One, you have to look at one of my local clubs Bolton Wanderers. They dipped off earlier in the season but it has been great to see them doing so well this season after some very tough years on and off the field. Sheffield United, Bradford and Scunthorpe United all look very strong but I really fancy Fleetwood Town’s chances.

Uwe Rosler has done a great job there and it would be marvellous to see him in the Championship again. League Two also looks too close to call as anyone can beat anyone, Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United and Plymouth Argyle have set the pace and I think they are the three to beat now. Another one of my local clubs Bury need to find consistency but I have my fingers crossed that they’ll do better next

“The Championship is incredibly tough to predict,

season.”

and this season more so with the resurgence of

Passionate about the standard of refereeing and

Leeds United, the inclusion of Newcastle United and

a keen follower of the English Football League,

the remarkable performances of Brighton and Hove

Halsey may no longer be involved in the game.

Albion, Reading and Huddersfield Town. Brighton

However, with age on his side and bundles of

and Hove Albion under Chris Hughton have done

experience, we may one day see one of our

really well, but for me I can see Newcastle United

nation’s best referee’s back coaching the discipline

and Huddersfield Town going up. I would also love

he loves. However, if his predictions come true,

to see Leeds gain promotion, as I always used to

he may be planning a new career as an expert-

love refereeing at Elland Road. The Premier League

tipster, with Huddersfield Town, Fleetwood Town

is missing Leeds and the fans and Gary Monk

and Carlisle United placed at odds of 500/1 for

deserve success after years of pain and hurt.”

promotion before the season began in August!

4TFF.COM - 43

GRAHAM TAYLOR OBE 1944 - 2017

The passing of former England manager Graham Taylor in February brought about an outburst of absolute warmth for the man from all walks of life and from all levels of the beautiful game.

The hundreds that attended his funeral service, and those that paid their respects during the days that followed his death appreciated that here was a genuinely nice man who had touched so many people with his honesty, grace and good humour.

Taylor was so much more than an ex-football manager, he was the perfect example of a man

“GRAHAM WAS THE MOST HONEST AND OPEN MAN I’VE EVER MET”

of the people, a family man and to those who worked with him or even met him just once, he was a warm, kind and approachable man.

As a boy, he was the youngest player to graduate to the Under-11s at his junior school and the youngest to represent England Schoolboys. He went on to become the youngest coach ever to earn FA qualification.

The fact that he was often quoted as saying “if you’re old enough, you’re good enough” is probably borne from his own experience as a youngster.

Taylor started on the Football League ladder as an apprentice with his local side Scunthorpe United before moving to Grimsby Town where he made over 180 appearances at full back. In the summer of 1968 he moved to Lincoln City where he added a further 150 appearances before being forced to retire in 1972 following a serious hip injury at the age of 27.

44 - 4TFF.COM

Having moved into the club’s coaching set-up he was soon named as The Imps first team manager aged just 28, and after missing out on promotion due to goal difference in the 1974/75 season his side won the Fourth Division title the following term, losing just four games and posting a massive +72 goal difference.

The Imps finished in the top ten of the Third Division the following season and their young manager was soon to be headhunted by the new Chairman of Fourth Division Watford.

Rock star Elton John had been a lifelong fan of The Hornets and had been impressed by Taylor’s success over the last few campaigns and, having bought the club, asked to speak to him with a view to him becoming Watford’s new manager.

In keeping with his managerial success to date, Taylor won promotion in his

Watford started their first season

English game for the Hornets meant

first season in charge at Vicarage

in Division One in such good form

that Taylor’s stock as a manager was

Road, his Watford side making him the

that they were top of the early table,

high, and he was seen by the Board

only manager to take a team to more

before going on to finish runners-up

of Directors at Aston Villa to be the

than 70 points in a season under the

to Champions Liverpool and in doing

man to lead their club back up to the

two points for a win system that was

so clinched a place in The UEFA Cup,

top flight after the Midlands club had

in place until 1981.

another first for the club.

been relegated to the second tier, just

Watford were to move from Division

The incredible journey showed no sign of ending for Watford supporters as the following season Taylor led his side to a first ever FA Cup Final where they would eventually lose to Everton.

five years after lifting the European

Four to Division One in just five seasons, clinching promotion from the Third Division as runners-up to Shrewsbury Town in 1979 and, after two seasons of consolidation, finishing as runners-up in Division Two to Luton Town in 1982. The Hornets claiming a place in the top tier for the first time in their history.

Cup. Sadly, for everyone at Vicarage Road, the lure of a club the size of Villa proved to be too much to ignore for Taylor.

In his three full seasons in the Villa Park hotseat, Taylor won promotion back to the First Division at first attempt as runners-up to Millwall, kept the club up in his second and then finished runners-up to Liverpool, having led the way until the latter stages of the season.

With Bobby Robson leaving his role as England manager following the semi-final defeat to West Germany in

Two further

the 1990 World Cup, it was Taylor that

campaigns at the

The FA turned to as the new National

highest level in the

Team Manager.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 45

His three-year stint in charge of England has been well documented over the years and in many cases very unfairly.

Under Taylor its true to say that the England team failed miserably in 1992 European Championships, and failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1994 but it was the way that the press, and one tabloid newspaper in particular constantly belittled him, as they had also done with his predecessor Bobby Robson. In his later life as a brilliant match day pundit Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live that his treatment on the front pages at that time had â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cut him to the boneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Even when Taylor showed his forgiving nature whilst England manager by helping a TV crew to smuggle their cameras into a football stadium, loaning them England tracksuits during the filming of

46 - 4TFF.COM

a documentary ’Cutting Edge – The Impossible Job’, he was shortchanged by the producers of the show as the final edits showed him in anything but a good light.

But that was Graham Taylor – a kind, honest and true gentleman.

The England manager’s job is in truth appears to be a poisoned chalice. No manager seems to be immune to the constant barrage of abuse from our national papers, but it is a role that several top managers have taken on, all hoping to be the one that finally brings back the glory days to the

again at the end of the 2002/03

incredible journey together and it

country.

season.

will stay with me forever. He took my

Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Kevin

Not lost to football altogether after

Keegan, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve

retiring, Taylor became a much-

McClaren, Fabio Capello and Roy

sought after co-commentator and

Hodgson all suffered abuse at every

pundit, working on both radio and

opportunity whilst most recently Sam Allardyce fell foul of a newspaper ‘sting’ within weeks of taking the role and was forced to resign.

After his England tenure Taylor had a spell in charge at Wolverhampton Wanderers, before returning for a second spell under Elton John at Watford, taking The Hornets back from the third tier to the top tier in successive campaigns, albeit

television, and was also heavily involved in charity work, running the London Marathon and taking part in a bike ride from London to Paris.

beloved Watford from the depths of the lower leagues to uncharted territory and into Europe. We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius. This is a sad and dark day for Watford. The club and the town.

We will cherish Graham and drown our sorrows in the many brilliant

At his funeral, there were many

memories he gave us. I love you

heartfelt tributes not least from his

Graham. I will miss you very much. To

former Chairman Elton John who

love somebody, you must be prepared

described the pair as ‘like brothers’:

to be honest and open. And Graham

“We shared an unbreakable bond

was the most honest and open man

since we first met. We went on an

I’ve ever met”

they were relegated again after one season. Taylor retired midway through the following campaign but briefly returned to management for a second spell at Villa, before retiring

>>>> 4TFF.COM - 47

GRAHAM TAYLOR OBE 1944 - 2017

A TRUE GENT...

G

raham Taylor was adored at Watford FC, not just for his success as a manager, but that would have been reason enough in all honesty as his record as Watford manager is nothing short of miraculous.

Paul Holloway @paulholloradio

In addition to his success on the field, Graham

they follow. He set out to build a family club

also stepped in to become a reluctant Watford

at Watford that was connected to their fan

Chairman after the collapse of ITV Digital and a

base. He expected his players to get into the

shareholder squabble very nearly took the club

community and mingle with supporters and he

into administration. He guided the club through

always led by example. There was no corporate

an uncertain period off the pitch, always

responsibility agenda, company values or

looking out for the fans interests. Once new

strategy to recruit new supporters. Graham

owners were found, he walked away knowing

Taylor was a people person who just loved

he had saved the club he had done so much to

football and he enjoyed sharing that love, as I

build.

Every Watford supporter owes him an enormous debt of gratitude and with all his achievements with the club it’s easy to see why he is a Watford icon.

But this is only half the story; he isn’t loved for being a remarkable football manager, he is adored for being the most genuine, caring and lovely man.

I was born in the hospital on Vicarage Road, less than a Steve Sherwood drop kick from the stadium. So, when I started to become interested in football as a boy, Watford naturally became my team. My room was painted yellow with posters of Ross Jenkins, John Barnes, Luther Blissett and a toothless George Reilly smiling from the walls.

In December 1984, when I was 12, I was knocked down by a car outside my school gates in front of my parents who had unusually turned up to collect me from school as it was

His father was a local newspaper reporter,

my Dad’s birthday. I was thrown into the air

covering Scunthorpe United games. As a boy,

over the bonnet, my Mum sent my Dad ahead

he would sit next to his Dad with a stop watch

to check I was still alive. Luckily, I escaped with

timing the goals. The game was in his blood.

48 - 4TFF.COM

found out myself.

only a broken arm and leg, it really could have

So, Graham knew the importance of the

been so much worse. I was in hospital for the

relationship between a local community and

next month, having three operations putting

a football club. He understood how so many

metal pins in my limbs, for a time I was using a

supporters define their identity by the club

wheelchair and I was off school until Easter.

My Mum sent a large get well soon card into

sat wearing just an athletic support, my brother

Watford FC, asking if the players could sign it.

had noticed he was particularly well endowed,

It came back signed by all with a personal letter

he was only 10 years old and said things like he

from Graham Taylor inviting me and my family

saw them.

to join him at Vicarage Road for a game once I was well enough.

The day itself was every 12-year-old football fans dream. We pulled up in the player’s car park and John Barnes parked up in the next space. I’m already at surreal level of excitement.

As we arrived at the stadium, we were warmly greeted by Shirley Evans, Graham’s PA who took us through to Graham’s office. Within a

As Graham led us out of the changing rooms, my brother turned to me in astonishment saying “Did you see the size of that player’s balls!” I was horrified, you can’t say that in front of Graham Taylor. But I looked up to see him gently chuckling to himself and quickly moving things on, “Come on boys, I’ll show you the boot room”.

couple of minutes Graham came bounding

As we walked along the corridor, his opposite

in, full of enthusiasm and treating us like long

number that afternoon Lawrie McMenemy came

lost friends. He asked me how I was getting on

out of the ‘away’ dressing room. Later he would

with my recovery and was delighted to hear

become Taylor’s number two in the England

I had started to play football as part of my

job, but it was obvious then that the two of

physiotherapy sessions.

them had great warmth and respect for each

He took me and my younger brother on a tour

other. Graham introduced me to Lawrie, who

of the changing rooms where we met all our

jokingly told me not to jump in front of another

heroes preparing for the match; Luther Blissett,

car to get a treat like this again.

Tony Coton, Kenny Jackett, Wilf Rostron, John

Graham Taylor must have already spent the

McClelland. Graham took me and my brother around introduced us to each of our heroes and we got our autograph books filled.

One player who will remain nameless here was

best part of an hour with me and my brother.

“You’ll have to excuse me because if I don’t get my team sheet in for 2 o’clock I’ll get a fine. But I’ll see you after the game”.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 49

I’ve been watching Watford for nearly 35 years

John was discussing the match with Bertie

now and I have to jog my memory for details

Mee, Arsenal’s Double Winning Manager from

of games I’ve seen a couple of weeks ago, but

1971. Elton posed for photos and presented me

that day I can remember everything. Easter

and my brother with an Easter Egg.

Saturday 1985, Watford 1-1 Southampton, Colin

That day was magical. Now the truth is,

West scored his first goal for the Hornets since

50 - 4TFF.COM

Watford FC was already in my blood. But after

signing from Sunderland.

a day like that there was no way I was ever

After the match, Shirley collected my family

going to be tempted to follow another, so

and took us to the player’s bar. Cup Final

called, more glamorous team.

captain, Les Taylor was enjoying a post-match

Fast forward 23 years and I’m getting married.

pint at the bar. Graham came into the room

My best man David Bridgwater, who is also a

and greeted us warmly, apologising for not

Watford fan, sent an e-mail to Radio Five Live

taking all three points. “There is somebody else

where Graham was now working as a pundit

I’d like you to meet” he said as he led us to a

to ask if he could send me a message for my

room at the end of the bar. In there was Elton

wedding day.

The next day

When I heard the news of Graham’s passing, I genuinely

Dave gets a

felt like I had lost an old family friend. Even though I had

phone call. It’s

only met Graham once in person some 32 years earlier, he

Graham calling

had a way of making a connection with you that meant

from his hotel in

you felt like you knew him.

Barcelona where

That evening I listened to Mark Pougatch’s excellent tribute

he is working for

to Graham on Five Live. It was obvious that I was not

the BBC covering

alone. Graham was adored and respected for his warmness

a Champions

and decency by players, managers, broadcasters,

League game. He

supporters and anybody who was lucky enough to meet

spent around half

him.

an hour talking to Dave, saying he remembered me and asking about my wifeto-be. Dave read out a beautiful personalised message from Graham in his speech. I remember joking with my bride that it was a good job he hadn’t turned up as nobody should out shine her on our big day.

Six months later, I’m working for a radio station in Stockport when I get the opportunity to talk to Graham at work. I book in a 15-minute interview slot and then after we’ve recorded the piece I remind Graham who I am. “I thought your name was familiar, of course I remember you”, he gave me his personal e-mail and

The stories other Watford fans have shared on social media give you an insight into just how special he was to us all. I hope his wife Rita, takes comfort from knowing how widely and deeply he was loved.

Great football managers are not so much remembered for their win percentage or trophy tally, they leave their own personal legacy. Shankly’s working class boot room, Fergie’s siege mentality, Clough’s maverick unpredictability and Robson’s statesmanship. For his achievements in club football, Graham Taylor’s name sits up there with the very best.

Of course, he will be remembered for the heart-breaking failure to qualify with England for the 1994 World Cup. Becoming England manager was his life time ambition and the bitter disappointment that he felt at failing you can only imagine. But he picked himself up, dusted himself down.

We spoke about football of course and he would talk

My favourite image of Graham is him holding the play off trophy aloft at Wembley in 1999 after leading Watford to the Premier League — the sense of pride is there for all to see in his eyes.

candidly to me about what was happening behind the

The day before Graham’s funeral Watford won at Arsenal.

home phone number and said if you ever want another interview, get in touch.

I only took Graham up on that offer twice, as I didn’t want to take advantage of his good nature. But on each occasion, we would speak professionally on the radio, but we would also chat on the phone to make arrangements.

scenes at Watford. Here, I was as a man talking to my childhood hero and it felt like he trusted me to speak so

If Sir Elton John had not persuaded him to join Watford in 1976, where would the club be now? But it’s not just about

openly.

our position in a league table. Graham Taylor’s legacy is

Graham always seemed to go that extra yard when

creating a club in his image, connected to the community

dealing with people, Watford supporters in particular,

it represents. Whatever level of football Watford plays

so much so he even took time to write me a nice letter

in the future, we should always hold on to the example

wishing me a belated happy 40th birthday following one of our ‘off air’ discussions about the ownership at the

Graham set about how to do things properly and with integrity.

club. In it he mentioned several milestones in my personal

He will be remembered with love and affection as a great

life, proving that he always showed real interest in the

football manager and a wonderful human being.

people he spoke to.

RIP Graham

4TFF.COM - 51

Att: 70,343

Wembley Stadium was the setting for Graham Taylor’s seventh, and final promotion as a manager, his fifth as manager of his beloved Watford.

Referee: Terry Heilbron

Having won the Football League Second Division title at

Match details Bolton Wanderers 0 Watford 2 (Wright 38, Smart 89)

the end of the previous season, Taylor once more took The

A goal in each half was enough to clinch promotion for Taylor’s side

52 - 4TFF.COM

Hornets to ‘back to back’ promotions thanks to the club’s win in the play-off final against Bolton Wanderers on May 31st 1999.

The two sides had finished in the last two play-off places in the final table, with fifth placed Watford beating fourth placed Birmingham City over two legs to reach the Final, whilst Bolton had beaten Ipswich Town on away goals.

A goal in each half was enough to clinch promotion for Taylor’s side. Nick Wright gave Watford the lead late in the first half with a spectacular overhead kick, whilst Allan Smart clinched the win with a last-minute breakaway strike.

BLAST FROM THE PAST MAY 31ST 1999 A statue of Graham Taylor is to be commissioned and sited at Vicarage Road, the club have also confirmed a pre-season tribute fixture, which is expected to become an annual event, will be arranged to take place ahead of the Hornetsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2017/18 campaign.

4TFF.COM - 53

W E I V E R K O O B ANNY BERGARA D

Danny Bergara was the first ever ‘foreigner’ to manage an English Football club in a Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, when leading his Stockport County side out in the Autoglass Final against Stoke City on May 16th, 1992.

During his time at Edgeley Park Bergara led the Hatters to three further ‘finals’ at the National Stadium, unfortunately all of which ended in defeat, nevertheless the little Uruguayan had put himself and Stockport County firmly on the football map.

Bergara’s footballing journey began in his home country when, as a 14-year-old, he signed for Racing Club Montevideo. He made his first team debut for Racing at the age of 15 and also

THE MAN FROM URUGUAY 54 - 4TFF.COM

represented Uruguay at under 17 level.

Aged 20 he moved to Europe to sign for Real Mallorca. He later signed for Seville for a record fee before ending his playing career at Tenerife. During his ten years in Spain he won the Division 2 title twice and finished top scorer five times.

In 1973 Bergara and his English wife Jan, moved to England to start their new life. They planned to start their own travel business, but due to an unusual set of circumstances he began coaching at nearby Luton Town.

For the next 25 years Bergara coached at every level, including a 2-year spell with the English National Youth team and a year as National Manager of Brunei.

He coached/managed at Sheffield United (twice), Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Rochdale, Darlington, Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers but it was at Edgeley Park that he became renowned throughout football as he put serial underachievers Stockport County on the map.

Bergara spent his last few years as a ‘scout’, working for Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Wolves before passing away in 2007.

The Man from Uruguay (A footballing journey) tells Danny Bergara’s story from those early days in Montevideo through his rise in both Spanish and English football to his death in 2007. Bergara was a truly remarkable man who deserves to be remembered for what he brought to the beautiful game. Having held talks with Bergara on several occasions regarding the idea of an autobiography, the author worked closely with his family to ensure that the book was published in his memory.

The Man from Uruguay features interviews and memories from players, managers and supporters that met Bergara alongside several 767 black / shocking orange / shocking orange

original photographs from throughout his fantastic journey.

The Man from Uruguay is available from www.amazon.co.uk

36 70 900 RE:PULSE DELUXE G2 ORTHO-TEC The whole load of know-how and expertise from Reusch comes together in this explosion of power! The Reusch Re:pulse Deluxe G2 Ortho-Tec, Reusch’s top glove style of the Soccer Collection 2016, is built to raise the tension on international soccer fields!

Developed with the highest standards in terms of fitting, technologies, materials and detail solutions, this top-of-the-range Reusch goalkeeper glove is made for world class goalkeeping performances. Get yourself electrified by its loud and shocking colours and get ready for the big save this is Full Tension!

4TFF.COM - 55

PLAYER

INTERVIEW

“I have got to thank the manager a lot for the way he has helped me over the years” Joe Bunney – Rochdale AFC @Bunney_93

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Joining the club from Northwich

the last inclusion on the subs

Victoria, Joe Bunney endured a

bench’ even Bunney’s manager

turbulent time during his first 12

Keith Hill had doubts over the

months in professional football.

youngster’s credentials as a pro.

A lack of first team action,

This however is now a thing of the

combined with promotion

past, as Bunney has transformed

from League Two, meant that

himself into Mr. Reliable at

the 23-year-old faced a roller-

Rochdale. Furthermore, with an

coaster year during his first

eye on promotion from League

spell in professional football.

One this season, the versatile

Having come from the eighth

forward-cum-defender now has

tier, Bunney took time to adapt

dreams of creating history at

to the powerful nature of League

Spotland.

Two, and with many defenders

Regarded as Dale’s ‘super sub’

targeting the frontman in his

in the past, it is testament to

debut campaign, substitute

Bunney’s never-say-die attitude,

appearances became the norm.

that after 40 sub appearances in

Admitting that ‘he was probably

three years, the versatile attacker

>>>> started 25 of Dale’s first team games this season, before suffering a foot injury in January, that saw him undergo an operation on a fractured metatarsal. Bunney has shown his versatility by playing the majority of his games this season from left-back, marauding up and down the touchline, benefiting Hill’s men both in attack and defence.

Reflecting on his ‘dream’ move to the club, the proud Mancunian spoke in depth about his ground-

“It was always my dream to play professionally, and playing NonLeague, I did think for a long time that my chance wouldn’t come.

I played for a lot of clubs and it was tough to showcase my talent for a prolonged period. Moving to Rochdale, I was lucky enough to win

am now reaping the rewards, going from strength to strength.”

Bunney added; “Moving to leftback has also brought new impetus to my game, the move came as a shock to start with, but I have really grown into the position. I played there in a reserve game and it has just stuck. The manager sets us up to attack and I always try to join in on the break, even from defence.

I’ve really reacted to my defensive duties and I think it helps being a forward, because I can read the

promotion in my first season and

wingers coming up against me.”

wing back, and his ambitions for the

I feel honoured to have done that.

Signing a new contract at the club

future at Dale:

Since then I have learnt a lot and I

earlier in the season, Bunney is

breaking move from target man to

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 57

currently regarded as one of Rochdale’s star men. Playing at a club that is progressing year-by-year, the young protégée went on to say: “I’ve had nothing but success since joining the club in 2013, and there’s no reason why we can’t push on further now.

Personally, to be in our current position, I feel it is massive as I’ve come from Non-League and am now close to reaching the second tier. Promotion to the Championship would without doubt be the biggest thing in my career and after hitting a rich vein of form, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t fancy ourselves in the final weeks of the season.”

After being written off by many Football League aficionados, Bunney has admitted that his criticism was justified, as he openly admitted that some bad press he received had opened his eyes to just how hard life as a professional footballer was: “The press I received wasn’t nice, but on the other hand it helped me realise what I needed to do. I struggled to make the transition from Non-League to League Two and it took me time to adjust. I got comfortable being a squad player, but then I decided that playing week-inweek out was the be all and end all. I’m now at a stage where I am a regular in the Rochdale team and I have got to thank the manager a lot for the way he has helped me over the years.”

Keeping his feet on the ground, Bunney is hoping that the club can end the season on a high with a play-off final appearance at Wembley Stadium in May: “This has without doubt been the best season in the club’s history. We are taking one game at a time and before the season, our main aim was to stay in this division. But so far the season has been amazing and ending a tough 46-game campaign in the play-off places would be a dream come true for everyone at Rochdale AFC.”

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GNOME AND AWAY F

ootball fans are renowned for the lengths they go to in showing their support for their particular club and Barnsley fan Nathan Bush is no different, albeit that he has started to profit from one show of support for his beloved Tykes.

Full-time lifeguard Nathan created a garden

use stickers or stencils of any kind and all

gnome in Barnsley colours, complete with

my work is freehand. I enjoy painting and

his own personal tattoos. The gnome

creating all the different team requests.

proved to be popular with friends and

Some customers want a kit from a certain

family and eventually his local paper

era or their Sunday morning team for

picked up on the story: “I always dreamt

example. I can also add a name and number

of appearing in the Barnsley Chronicle as a

to the shirt for personalisation. The gnomes

player but in the end, it was as an artist and

make very thoughtful gifts and it is a

fan, thanks to my gnome”

pleasure creating them”

Following the article, and further

Nathan’s gnomes can be found on his

encouragement from friends, Nathan began painting and selling his football gnomes to order: “All my gnomes are ceramic and are finished with paint and varnish, I don’t

website www.ourashley.wix.com/gnomeand-away or by contacting him via ourashley@hotmail.co.uk Nathan is also on Twitter:

@ourashley

4TFF.COM - 59

Talking Turkey @TalkingTurkeyWB

Article by: Ian Burke BBC Radio Manchester’s non-league bloke and one of the commentators on www.26nil.com

YOU’RE NOT MORE VULNERABLE WHEN YOU’VE JUST SCORED I went to watch Manchester City v Chelsea a while back. Despite witnessing some of the best football on the planet week-in week-out, and winning what turned out to be a 20th consecutive home league game, the tradition of supporting your team by grumbling loudly was still thriving in certain parts of the Etihad.

One bloke behind me was as prolific a whinger as I’ve ever encountered. Nasri hitting the bar early on? “He should’ve bloody buried it”. His reaction to a great tackle by Zabaleta where the ball unluckily popped out into the path of an on-rushing Chelsea player? “If you can’t tackle properly, don’t bloody bother.”

There was no irony involved, no selfacknowledging chuckle at his own one-man rendition of a Statler & Waldorf routine, and he maybe did genuinely think that City “won’t even finish in the topbloody-four at this rate” when they went a goal-down to a deflected shot despite enjoying total domination of the game. It’s what decades of expecting the worst does to you, I suppose.

The best was yet to come, though. When City equalised via an Aguero penalty in the 78th minute, he came out with a beauty: “Bloody hell, everyone knows you’re more vulnerable when you’ve just scored. Chelsea’ll get another here, just you watch.”

As if to prove his point, the Londoners went straight up the other end and, well, nothing came of it, but it was enough...

“See? See? I bloody told you!” he boomed to his companion, his face no-doubt reddening with each additional minor swear word. “It’s coming any bloody minute this.”

As it happens, City won the game 2-1, but the ‘teams are more vulnerable when

60 - 4TFF.COM

they’ve just scored’ line is trotted out fairly regularly in football commentaries, and this fella had obviously taken it as gospel.

Amazingly – and it’ll help if you do a little

To be fair, I’d never given it any thought before, just presuming that somebody, somewhere, with far too much time on their hands, must’ve done some kind of study which did indeed prove that to be the case.

was 290 (or 5.48%), i.e., a fraction lower

But they hadn’t. I scoured the internet for evidence which simply didn’t exist, so there was only one thing for it: I’d have to do the research myself.

vials of bubbling liquid and petri-dishes

As I wear glasses, this automatically qualifies me as some kind of academic, so I packed some apparatus and disappeared off into to my lab. Vials of brightlycoloured liquids bubbled and popped around me as I beavered away; thunder cracked and a wolf howled as I crunched numbers, but after a week of self-imposed scientific exile, I can finally share my findings with the world.....and they’re EARTH-SHATTERING! What I did was count up as many nonleague goals as I could get through before dying of boredom. In total, there were 5288 of them.

I’ve assumed the ‘period of vulnerability’ is five minutes (i.e., the five minutes after a team has just scored) and set out to find how many goals were conceded during this period, not to mention how many times teams who had just scored had the cheek to go on and bang another one in.

Happily, you can chop a 90 minute game into 18 five minute segments, so all you have to do is divide the total number of goals (5288) by 18 and you get an average number of goals you’d expect in any of these five minute segments. In this case, the average is 294 (or 5.55%).

drumroll in your head here - the amount of goals a team concedes just after scoring than the average, and a footballing ‘truth’ has been shattered into a trillion tiny pieces.

Needless to say, this made me have a nerdgasm all over the lab, knocking my asunder in arithmetical ecstasy, but the best was yet to come, and what I’ve found genuinely does have something useful to say.

It turns out that teams who have just scored are more likely to strike again within five minutes than at any other period of the game....in fact, teams notched twice within a five minute period on 416 occasions (i.e., 7.6% of the total), which is a staggering 29.32% more than the average.

The ramifications of this are clear. It’s actually the team who have just conceded a goal who are at their most vulnerable, and what’s more, they’re more vulnerable than at any other time during the match, so it follows that the side who have just scored should try to press home their undoubted advantage. Seriously, this is seismic stuff for a statto.

There’s more good news, too. It means that the next time you hear Andy Townsend blather on about teams being more vulnerable when they’ve just scored, you can throw something at the radio, telly or dodgy internet stream safe in the knowledge that you know the facts and that they’re spouting complete and utter cobblers.

RULES OF OUR GAME

?

THE SECRET REFEREE RESPECT A few weeks ago I dismissed a manager

never has and we are just expected to

telling him he hasn’t got a clue what he

from the dugout. First time I have ever

take this.

is doing?

My tolerance levels are quite high when

Those cricketers have as much passion

it comes to dissent and my skin is rather

about their sport and as much will to

thick (it has to be as a ref), but during

win as any footballer but what they

the drive home that evening, it got me

also have is RESPECT. Rugby, Snooker,

thinking about the game as a whole. It

Hockey, Tennis, name me one other

surely has to start from the top?

sport where the referee or umpire is

Starting with the manager and coach,

simply expected to take abuse.

through to the captain and down

I act as a mentor to some young

had to do this in my whole refereeing career. I had no choice, the barrage of abuse I was receiving was constant and unmanageable in any other way. Over what? A penalty? A big offside call?

No. A player shouting leave it instead of calling his name.

Now I’m sure if he was here, there would have been a few other factors thrown in as well, but that was the tipping point anyway. Oh and this was 40 minutes into the game.

through the players. If a manager is behaving like this on the side-lines, then how are the team going to react to decisions? It becomes the norm.

referees and a couple of weeks ago I went to watch one in action. I arrived 10 minutes into the game and I knew immediately who was winning, simply

And then comes the age old question,

by which team was berating the referee

Maybe he got out of the wrong side

why does this only happen in Football?

and which one wasn’t.

of bed that morning or had a stressful

A cricketer will appeal an LBW, of

week at work? Maybe he had just

course he will, but do players run 30

received some bad news? Or maybe the

yards to scream at the umpire calling

RESPECT campaign isn’t working and

him all the names under the sun and

I rest my case........

Love the game......

The Secret Ref 4TFF.COM - 61

Football on

5

T I S O T Y S A E O “IT’S S AND BE A , E M O H AT ” C I T I R C SOFA

ley

George Ri

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W

hen the likes of Grandstand and Match of the Day came onto our screens in the 1960’s and captivated the masses, it wasn’t just the sporting actions that captured the audiences, it was also the delivery of the presenters.

Needing charisma, a thorough knowledge of

Michael Gray, Football On 5 is quickly becoming

the beautiful game and a repertoire of facts and

the show of choice for footballing aficionados

figures, a great host not only makes an average

looking for their EFL football-fix on a Saturday

programme into a brilliant one, they make a

evening.

brilliant programme brilliant for decades.

GEORGE RILEY @georgeyboy

Riley is quickly becoming the poster boy for

Watched by an estimated 16 million people every

English Football League presenters, and it’s

year, the English Football League now receives

no surprise that he is now being placed in

the same care and attention that the Premier

the same bracket as the likes of Gary Lineker.

League does in terms of coverage, and with

Joining Football On 5 for its formation, Riley

the Championship alone statistically the fourth

has made the hosting position his own. A Leeds

watched league in Europe, there are plenty of

United supporter, the 38-year-old has described

EFL programmes currently shown on terrestrial

his current position as the ‘dream job’, whilst

and digital television.

praising those who work behind the scenes on

Hosted by George Riley and Lynsey Hipgrave, the latter replacing former co-host Kelly Cates for the current season, ‘Football On 5’ is leading the way in terms of highlight shows for the

the show, Riley reflected on his nerve-wracking debut show in August 2015, and his aims to promote the second, third and fourth tiers to the masses, with the English Football League now

Championship, League One and League Two.

more popular than ever before.

Working as a well-oiled machine alongside

“It’s all been really exciting for me. I got a phone

guest co-hosts Chris Iwelumo, Adam Virgo and

call out of the blue asking if I’d be interested in hosting the show, so I popped down to London to meet the team, filmed a screen test, popped back up to Manchester to present the evening show on BBC Radio 5 live and forgot all about it.

“It must have gone better than I thought it had, as they offered me the job the following week. It was then a pretty quick turnaround as I was only announced as the new presenter a few weeks before the 2015-16 season started, and we had a whole brand new show to launch and get our heads around.”

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 63

Riley continued by saying; “The team did brilliantly to get everything ready. The first few weeks were very much a learning curve for everyone but fair play to the guys for trying loads of new things – some worked, some didn’t and I think it has evolved into a really slick football highlights show.

“Getting all the goals in, and all the highlights ready for a live 9pm show, especially now there’s a late kick off, is a fantastic effort each week from everyone behind the scenes and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

Regularly inviting current pros and managers onto the Saturday evening show, Football On 5 can at times throw up tense debates, especially when guests are still seething from watching their sides lose just hours before coming into the studio. However, with Riley on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, hiccups on the show are few and far between, with hot-debates helping Football On 5’s viewing figures rival those of Match of the Day. Having commentated on numerous sports in the early years of his career, Riley’s first proper foray into the Football League has been better than he could have ever imagined, as he continued by giving readers an insight into what it is like to work alongside some of Football’s biggest names on a weekly basis.

“My favourite shows are the ones when things get a bit lively. Big Chris Iwelumo and I had a few disagreements in the shows over the festive period which always produces some sparky debate. When Martin Allen claimed Reading where the closest thing he’d seen to a ‘Manchester City or Barcelona’ that also triggered a big reaction. It’s a joy to spend every Saturday taking in the matches with former pros though. Our regulars – Chris Iwelumo, Micky Gray and Adam Virgo, offer valuable insight having actually been involved in the games they are talking about.”

Riley added; “It’s so easy to sit at home, and be a sofa critic. We are all experts at home, and we have all sat there and slagged off the pundits. But when you actually work with them, listen to what they are saying, see

64 - 4TFF.COM

5 Football on

how passionate they are about what they are

Watching the English Football League’s best

talking about, listen to the anecdotes they

games every Saturday night, Riley has had time

have to back up what they are saying – that is

to pin-point several players who he believes

genuine insight.”

have the quality and temperament to make it

As Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle

in the Premier League.

United challenge for automatic promotion,

“Picking my favourite players in the English

this Championship season has been one of

Football League is always a tough question

the closest to date. Huddersfield Town and

as you’re criticised for those you leave out!

Reading have surprised many, but with at least

In the Championship, Knockaert and Shelvey

seven or eight clubs still fancying their chances

have driven Brighton and Newcastle into

of a late surge towards the much-desired play-

the top two. These two are Premier League

off places, anything is still possible at both

players in my opinion, and are both a joy to

ends of the table.

watch. Josh Morris at Scunthorpe has been a

Riley’s own side Leeds United look to have finally turned a corner, with off the field worries currently taking a backseat. Nevertheless, the struggles of former European giants Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, have surprised the Football On 5 host, with both

revelation in League One too, and I have no idea what Graham Alexander has been feeding him this year but it’s worked! In League Two I’ve also loved seeing Ollie Watkins and Scott Kashket flourish at Exeter City and Wycombe Wanderers respectively.”

clubs currently fighting for their second-tier

Sadly, loyalty in football isn’t just a Premier

survival.

League problem anymore, and with managers

“Having Newcastle and Aston Villa come down has been huge for the profile of the EFL, as has the recent resurgence of Leeds United, as these are all famous names recognised

and players moving on at a rate of knots, the term ‘cult-hero’ and ‘club stalwart’ are now things of the past.

worldwide. That said, I’m not convinced

Preston North End gaffer for just four seasons,

the overall standard is much higher than in

Simon Grayson is currently the seventh longest

previous years. Newcastle United certainly are

serving manager in the English Football

operating with a Premier League squad in the

League, with Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale

Championship, and although I expect them

top of the pile having been in charge at St

to go straight back up, they have had a few

James Park for 10 years. The Grecians are

wobbles.

reaping the benefits of that stability as they

“You only need to look at how tough Villa have found it to see how ridiculously competitive this division is. Add to that the relative surprise packages like Huddersfield, who are sparkling under David Wagner, and you have all the ingredients for a compelling league.”

look set for a play-off place after stringing together one of the best unbeaten runs in their 115-year history. At the opposite end of the scale, Gary Rowett’s sacking at Birmingham City led to the Blues going from serious promotion contenders to a club looking over their shoulder at the other end of the table under Gianfranco Zola.

Saddened by the lack of loyalty in the game, Riley still has hope that a Football League club can mirror the achievements of Leicester City in the future. However with money now dominating the game at the top and sackings happening on a monthly basis, he has stated that sticking with one manager and building a team from the academy may be the best chance of success in the future.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 65

“Leicester City have proved dreams

shaved in my head at school when Vinny

can still become reality. Unfortunately

was busy chopping his opponents in half,

the trend of a team going through all

and I loved watching Gary Speed, David

divisions looks more likely to come the

Batty and Gary McAllister too.”

other way, as Blackpool’s plight has shown. The best chance of a team going all the way through the leagues would be to rediscover a bit of loyalty and stick with their managers. That’s the main concern for me. Sadly when a club is struggling it needs a cash injection, when cash comes in it’s often from an overseas takeover, and new owners are always liable to make decisions like removing Gary Rowett for Gianfranco Zola.”

Supporting a club who have had their fair share of problems in the boardroom since the turn of the millennium, Riley’s love for Leeds United is unwavering.

Despite staying unbiased on Football On 5, there is no doubt who the presenter would love to see in the Premier League next season.

Growing up on the terraces at Elland Road, Leeds United were one of the biggest clubs in Europe, challenging for silverware on a yearly basis.

Hearing stories of the great Don Revie and sides of the past, Riley has always followed his local side with great passion, as he now dreams of seeing Gary Monk’s men replicate the achievements of Leeds sides from the 60’s and 70’s in upcoming seasons.

“Looking back now, I was spoilt for football as a child. I’m a Leeds lad and I played schoolboy football for Leeds, with spells at Leeds United’s centre of excellence. My own career sadly stalled in my teens due to lack of any real talent, but I still got to watch a fair bit. My dad

66 - 4TFF.COM

Riley continued; “I was also fortunate enough to have friends who supported Liverpool, so was taken to Anfield lots as a lad. Some of the first football matches I saw featured John Barnes, Ian Rush and Peter Beardsley tearing teams apart and I’ve had a real soft spot or Liverpool since then. Given this upbringing, the Leeds-Liverpool games always stick in my mind, infact I was at Elland Road for the Yeboah volley and I can still hear the crack of the underside of the bar from that goal!”

Already planning to host the show for the 2017-18 season, Riley finished by stating that he is honoured to work on such a great programme, alongside so many well-versed professionals, as he pin-pointed out cohost Lynsey Hipgrave for extra praise.

“I think Football On 5 has developed into a really strong and slick highlight’s show, and working with Lynsey Hipgrave is a delight. She’s passionate about the game as I am, and that comes through whenever Newcastle are on! I love this job, I love what we do and it’s a genuine honour to be the face of the English Football League highlights show.”

As the season reaches boiling point, Riley will be there to document every game and every key moment. With the final day of the campaign and the

took me to Elland Road at the time

play-offs on the horizon, Football On 5

when Mel Sterland was scorching down

is now surely the place to grab all the

the right wing and Gordon Strachan

action, insight and analysis on a Saturday

was bossing the midfield. I remember

evening, thanks in no small part to Riley

wanting that awful Vinny Jones ‘V’

and co.

LYNSEY HIPGRAVE

> > >>

4TFF.COM - 67

Football on

5

T

Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley in the heart

debut show, Football On 5 has become a slick

of the Leeds United defence have kept clean

and professional highlights show, thanks in no

sheets for fun at Elland Road this term, Steve

small part to Riley and Hipgrave’s on screen

Morrison and Lee Gregory upfront for Millwall

relationship.

here are some great partnerships currently plying their trade in the English Football League…

are scoring with ease at the Den and James Coppinger and Tommy Rowe in the heart of Doncaster Rovers midfield already have over 20 assists to their name in League Two.

Lynsey Hipgrave @lynseyhipgrave1

before on BBC Radio 5 Live, Hipgrave stated that the chance to re-unite with her former colleague was just too good to turn down

These examples are just three pairings that

when Channel 5 came calling, as she revealed

spring to mind, however with football being a

that her co-host helped her over the daunting

team sport, there are plenty more ‘duos’ who

prospect of replacing the void left by Cates.

work well alongside each other, both in the second, third and fourth tiers.

“Following on from someone like Kelly was never going to be easy as she is a fantastic

Off the field, the hosting partnership of

presenter. It is always difficult when you go

Football On 5 presenters George Riley

into a new job, however I knew a lot of the

and Lynsey Hipgrave has also brought the

back-stage team already at Football On 5

‘winning’ feeling to Channel Five, with the duo

and George (Riley) really did help me settle in

having the same positive effect on the screen,

straight away.”

as those previously mentioned on the field.

With Hipgrave replacing Kelly Cates at the start of this season, Riley has helped the former BBC Radio 5 Live presenter become

68 - 4TFF.COM

Having worked in close proximity to Riley

The 37-year-old continued by saying; “I’d never actually worked on the same show as George before at the BBC, but seeing a

the crème de la crème of female football

familiar face did make it easy and from day

aficionados, with Hipgrave helping the show

one, he has been absolutely fantastic. My first

reach weekly viewing figures of over one

show in August was nerve-wracking but he

million.

helped me through it and we have gone from

Watched by 600,000 football lovers on its

strength to strength ever since.”

Co-host of the Danny Baker show until July 2016, Hipgrave has been no stranger to working alongside reporting royalty. However, alongside Riley, the proud Geordie has truly come into her own, and it is no surprise that the Football League highlights show is now more popular than ever.

Eight months into the job, Hipgrave reiterated the point that she is loving every moment on the hosting settee alongside Riley and explayers Chris Iwelumo, Adam Virgo and Michael Gray: “I am absolutely loving this job! It has been great and working with a brilliant team obviously helps that. The games are coming thick and fast, and I cannot believe it is March already.”

Striving to cover all 72 clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two, Football On 5 has worked hard to stay unbiased, informative and relevant to fans of all three divisions.

Inviting a plethora of ‘special’ guests onto the set, Hipgrave has enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some of the Football League’s best

N I B O J T A E R G A O D E S S “I THINK W O R C A E G A R E V O C G N I rave D g p i A H E y R e s P n S Ly ” S N O I S I V I D E E R THE TH

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4TFF.COM - 69

managers and biggest stars. Again, praising her partnership with Riley, Hipgrave believes that her presenting skills have improved since working with the broadcaster in the show: “With any new show, there will always be teething problems and Football On 5 was no different. It has settled into a nice format now and we have found a formula that really works. The feedback that I have received since August has been very positive and with the 72 teams we cover, I think we do a great job in spreading coverage across the three divisions.

Ironically, Hipgrave’s return to reporting on the Football League has coincided with her beloved Newcastle United’s first season in the second tier since 2010. As Rafa Benitez’s men fight for honours at the summit of the table, Newcastle United will be disappointed to not find themselves back in the Premier League next season.

basis this season. The clubs last season in the second tier under Chris Hughton was also a great one, and it is fantastic to

Furthermore, despite this being

see the attendances are still in the high

Hipgrave’s dream to see the Magpies

40,000’s at St. James Park on a regular

once again rub shoulders with Chelsea,

basis. Watching Newcastle games from

Manchester United and Liverpool, she has

the Football On 5 office every week is

admitted that she has thoroughly enjoyed

nerve wracking but hopefully we’ll be

watching her hometown club play so well

promoted come April!”

in the second tier this season.

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watching the club win games on a regular

Also working on BT Sport, Hipgrave

“Obviously, I’d rather be watching

presenting career has been a fruitful one

Newcastle United fighting at the top

so far, as she is currently regarded as

of the Premier League rather than the

one of the best female presenters on the

Championship, however I have loved

scene.

The journalist and presenter finished with a large smile on her face by stating that she is honoured to be seen as a role model by so many young female reporters, as she pledged to fly the flag for aspiring girls for many more years to come, as she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully there are girls at University on Journalism courses that can see the likes of Kelly Cates and I working at the top level on a weekly basis. I try my hardest to inspire young girls to follow their dreams and I always try to help in any way I can, whether that be advice or help!â&#x20AC;?

4TFF.COM - 71

MANAGER

INTERVIEW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MATT JANSEN @mrmjansen

A

s a goal scoring striker Matt Jansen won promotion and cup finals with both his first club Carlisle United and Blackburn Rovers, before a near fatal accident whilst on holiday in Rome all but ended his career as a top striker.

72 - 4TFF.COM

Nowadays Jansen is manager of Chorley FC, the National League North outfit have been in and around the top six for much of the season and at the time of writing are handily placed to clinch a place in the end of season ‘play-offs’.

To this day 38-year-old Jansen still has the physique and looks of the player whose career highlights include winning promotion from Division Three and a win in The Auto-Windscreens Final at Wembley with Carlisle United, a £1m move to Crystal Palace, snubbing Alex Ferguson and a move to Manchester United in the process, a £4.1m move to Blackburn Rovers (the second time the striker ignored the call of United) followed by promotion to Premier League and a League Cup Final win at Wembley.

Jansen, who had several under 21 caps to his name, opened the scoring as Rovers beat Tottenham Hotspur in the 2002 Worthington’s Cup Final, and such was his form for his club that he was called up for the full England squad. Unfortunately he was to miss out on the chance of an England debut, when he caught a stomach bug which caused him to pull out of the friendly against Paraguay.

Having been strongly tipped to be part of SvenGöran Eriksson’s squad that would travel to Korea & Japan for the summer World Cup, due to his continued good form, the striker would sadly miss out at the last minute as defender Martin Keown took the final slot.

Jansen’s disappointment at missing out on a place in Eriksson’s squad was followed just weeks later by an accident that nearly ended in his death.

With his summer becoming free, he and his girlfriend Lucy (now his wife) went on holiday to Rome where they were enjoying the beautiful city by riding around on a moped. Whilst they were sat at a crossroads a taxi crashed into them causing Jansen to suffer life-threatening injuries which also saw him fall into a coma for six days.

Just five months after the crash Jansen stunned all his professional medics by returning to fitness, albeit in body if not in mind. Even with support from the likes of the PFA, Jansen struggled to cope with the depression that had set in, something he admits took a long time to recover from: “Having been in a coma for six or seven days, as a player I couldn’t get back to the same level I had been at before.

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4TFF.COM - 73

It was a horrible time, I was prescribed with

in the ‘play-off Final to gain promotion in the

anti-depressants and spoke to psychologists

duo’s first season in charge at Victory Park.

that Blackburn had brought in and I also had support from friends and family. The club and the PFA supported me, but as it was a taboo subject they didn’t really understand the situation” Over the next few years Jansen attempted to work his way back into the professional game with spells at several clubs including Coventry City, Bolton Wanderers and Huddersfield Town.

There was talk of a contract in America with New York Red Bulls before he dropped into

The next three seasons would see The Magpies finish third, losing to FC United of Manchester in the play-offs, and then eighth before winning the title in 2013/14 to claim a place in The Conference North.

The clubs rise to The National League, just one place below The Football League, was cruelly dashed at the end of the following season when, after being two goals to the good, they lost the play-off Final to Guiseley.

the non-league game with a short spell at

Flitcroft then surprised everyone connected

Wrexham.

with the club when he resigned just weeks

Having been so close to international stardom just seven years earlier Jansen felt he was on the football scrapheap and was ready to walk away from the game altogether when his former skipper at Blackburn Rovers, Garry Flitcroft came to his rescue.

Flitcroft had become manager at north-west club Leigh Genesis in the UniBond League Division One North and offered his old team mate the chance to join him as player/coach for the 2009/10 season.

At the end of the season Flitcroft was offered the chance to step up the managerial ladder when Chorley FC came calling, and again he asked Jansen to join him.

before the start of the new season, citing pressures of work and family commitments.

The former manager recommended that his assistant Jansen was to replace him as first team manager.

Having worked with Flitcroft for several years Jansen is quick to point out the effect that his former team mate and manager has had on his career to date: “Garry was the captain of Blackburn when I was there under Graeme Souness, he was a leader, an organiser on and off the pitch. When he asked me to join him at both Leigh and Chorley I jumped at the chance.

I had walked away from the game, I was done with it but I don’t mind saying I got itchy feet and I wanted back in and I am grateful that

Jansen played his part both on and off the

Garry allowed me to do that. When he had

pitch as The Magpies finished third in the NPL

to step down to focus on his business and he

Division One North table. Beating AFC Fylde

asked me to take over I felt ready to take it on”

“It may have taken a few years for the former striker to rekindle his love for the beautiful game but Jansen has certainly been reinvigorated by his sojourn into non-league football” 74 - 4TFF.COM

In Jansen’s first season in charge Chorley finished in 8th place seven points from a play-off position, this time around they have managed to keep more consistency in their performances and will be looking to improve on last seasons placing.

In a division that includes the likes of AFC Fylde, Stockport County, Halifax Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Darlington and Boston United, plus money driven clubs like Harrogate Town and Salford City, Jansen is happy to be given the chance to cut his managerial teeth at such a high level in the non-league game, something he feels more ex-top flight players should look at copying: “I have learnt so much in my time in non-league, especially since I came to Chorley. I don’t want to stop learning, I want to develop my skills and I have the perfect platform to do that. It’s good experience and I hope to use it to progress in my managerial career. I am ambitious, I was as a player and I am maybe even more ambitious now. I’d love to manage at a higher level and ideally that would be with Chorley because I have learnt so much here. I want to get the club up into the National League and then who knows from there?”

It may have taken a few years for the former striker to rekindle his love for the beautiful game but Jansen has certainly been reinvigorated by his sojourn into non-league football can finally put his roman holiday disaster behind him as he has clearly found the right path for his new footballing ambitions: “I played in the Premier League and I got international recognition, both by being ambitious and now I want to go as far as I can in management”.

4TFF.COM - 75

OBE r o l y a T n o Gord

THE PFA PUTS £500,000 A YEAR INTO THE NON-LEAGUE GAME Gordon Taylor OBE has been head

engineering trade unionist and that’s

of The PFA for that long that many

probably what drew me to the players

of today’s football supporters will

union, I remember him sitting up until all

be unaware that he also had a very

hours working out benefits for workers

distinguished playing career, spending

that had been injured. I admired my

over 20 years as a professional.

dad enormously and he had a strong

Taylor was a flying winger who starred

influence on my career”.

for the likes of Bolton Wanderers,

Like all young boys of his generation

Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers,

Taylor spent every spare minute in and

with a stint in the North American

around football “We used to dream

Soccer League (NASL) thrown in.

about being footballers, If we weren’t

Born in Ashtonunder-Lyne back in 1944,

playing football we used to cycle to all the big local clubs collecting autographs. It was always our dream to be footballers.

day, “Harry Twamley was like a mentor to me, when I was at grammar school he put me in the house team and the school team. I also played for the Town and County teams with Tommy Smith and Alan Ball. I had a trial for England Schoolboys in the same team as Barry

Taylor actually

“I remember one day when we were

Fry, Graham Taylor, Paul Madeley, Frank

started his

playing football behind the old Ashton

Casper and David Pleat. Dennis Thwaites

playing

tram sheds and one of the bricklayers

who was tragically killed recently in

career with

showed us an FA Cup winner’s medal

Tunisia was also in the same team.

his local side

that his dad Jack Roscamp had won.

Curzon Road

Roscamp had scored the fastest

Methodists

ever goal at the old Wembley when

a club that

Blackburn won the FA Cup in 1928, and

“On a Saturday I played for the school team in the morning and then in the afternoon I played for Harry and Chalky White at Hurst Wesleyan Methodists

combined with Assheton Amateurs FC

we were all very impressed to see such

to form what is now Curzon Ashton FC.

a thing”

Looking back at his early life Taylor

As the young winger moved from junior

senior teams when the team reached

admits that he was destined to be

school to Grammar School he soon came

a Cup Final at Hyde United’s ground, it

not only a footballer but also a union

under the guidance of a man that is still

was the first time I had ever played in an

representative, “My dad was an

involved with Curzon Ashton to this

enclosed ground”.

76 - 4TFF.COM

in the Mottram Deanery League. I remember they put me in one of the

Taylor watched as much football as

level I received a great

possible whilst growing up but, due

accolade when we

to his father’s relationship with an old

played and beat New

school pal, he mostly followed Bolton

York Cosmos. Cosmos

Wanderers “My dad used to go to school

had a great side full of

with a chap called George Taylor who

superstars including

played and became a coach at Bolton

Pele and Franz

and he used to take me to watch them.

Beckenbauer, I had a

Apart from the Final, I saw them in every

good game and laid on

round of the 1958 FA Cup run including

three of our goals as

the semi-final against Blackburn Rovers

we won 5-3 and was

at Maine Road”.

awarded the ‘man of

Once the aspiring footballer left school he wasn’t short of suitors with scouts from several top clubs of the day bidding for his signature, “There came

the match’ which is one of the highlights of my playing career without doubt”.

a time when I had a choice of several

After leaving Blackburn

clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal and

and despite taking

Birmingham were all interested but

‘coaching’ badges

I chose Bolton Wanderers, probably

alongside the likes of

a case of heart over head but I had a

Terry Venables with a

hugely enjoyable 10 years at Burnden

view to moving into

was such a great concept that it was

Park, and became the player’s

coaching, Taylor was soon to move up

voted for unanimously by the board.

representative for the first time whilst at

the ladder in the union “I was becoming

The Stadium has been a huge success

the club”.

more involved with The PFA and Cliff

within the community and our Coaching

Lloyd asked me to take over as Chairman

department use the facility to run

so I had a big decision to make. I joined

several courses there.

Bury under Dave Hatton and played for

“On a football front it’s fantastic to see

With over 250 appearances under his belt the 26 year old moved to Second Division rivals Birmingham City helping his new club to promotion back to the top flight in his time at St Andrews

two more years whilst coming into the office in the afternoons after training”

the club reach The National League North where they now play the likes of

“Freddie Goodwin was in charge and

The PFA have grown immensely since

Stockport County on a level footing for

he signed me just as Trevor Francis had

those early days, from a small office

the first time in the clubs history, I’m

made the first team as a teenager. It

in The Corn Exchange with a fulltime

really pleased for Harry Twamley and all

was a good time to play for The Blues, I

staff of two to now having four offices

those that have been involved with the

played in two Cup semi-finals and as well

in Manchester, two further offices in

club since those early days”.

as Francis we had Bob Latchford in the

London and Birmingham and a fulltime

side when we won promotion to the top

staff of sixty.

Taylor is also immensely proud of the

flight”.

heritage of our national game and is

In his 35 years at the top table Taylor

quick to point out how the Football

After a six year stint in the Midlands

has seen much change, not only in the

‘pyramid’ is the envy of the rest of the

Taylor was back in familiar territory

professional game but within non-league

world “Having travelled the world as

as Jim Smith brought him back to the

football and especially at the club he

President of FIFPro The World Players

north-west, signing him for Blackburn

once graced as a teenager “I’m pleased

Union, I never tire of hearing of how

Rovers “myself and Dave Wagstaffe

to say that The PFA puts £500,000 a

every other country is amazed that a

joined at the same time as Jim liked to

year into the non-league game which

country of our size can have so many

play with two wingers. Unfortunately I

comes from the agreements that we

fulltime football clubs and also how

broke my leg and in the summer of 1977

have in place with The Premier League,

many Leagues we have. The pyramid

Jim allowed me to spend time playing in

The FA and The Football League.

structure that we have, with the

the NASL for Vancouver Whitecaps as I recovered.

“As a member of the Football Trust I was delighted that Curzon Ashton

“It was a really exciting time to be over

were provided with a grant towards

there and we reached the play-offs

the new stadium. I had to declare

only to lose to Seattle. On a personal

an interest as an ex-player but as it

highest aggregate attendances, is truly unique in the game” .

4TFF.COM - 77

N I V E N PAT E IV F Y M F O S IE R O M E M “MY S R E V O R E R E M N A R YEARS AT T ARE FANTASTIC” Forget Irn-Bru, Grouse and Tartan, marauding wide man Pat Nevin is still seen as one of the best Scottish exports to ever grace our nation’s shores…

they will instead remember the deadly

Gaining a real name for himself in

Despite agonisingly falling short in the

England firstly during a highly successful

second tier play-off semi-finals against

spell at Chelsea between 1983 and 1988,

Swindon Town, Reading and Leicester

before a 109 appearance stint with top

City respectively, the former Scottish

flight outfit Everton. Nevin has gained

international has ‘fantastic’ memories of

‘fans favourite’ status in the game, largely

his years on the Wirral. As despite never

thanks to his breath-taking skill and

reaching the peak at the club, it is clear

honest forward play.

to see why the versatile attacker still calls

After obtaining a 1989 FA Cup runnersup medal at Everton, the Scotsman departed Goodison Park before things turned stale in 1992 and finding himself across the River Mersey at Tranmere Rovers, the attacker enjoyed a five-year period in which he arguably played the best football of his career.

Clocking up 193 appearances and scoring 30 times from the flanks at Prenton Park, Nevin was a member of the Tranmere Rovers squad that famously missed out on three consecutive promotions to the top flight, also losing out in the League cup semi-final of 1994.

However, the fans on the terraces at Prenton Park are willing to forget these bad memories. As

78 - 4TFF.COM

four pronged attack that Nevin played a huge role in, alongside mavericks John Aldridge, John Morrissey and Chris Malkin.

Prenton Park ‘home’ when he looks back on his glistening 19-year career.

“My memories of my five years at Tranmere Rovers are fantastic. The only negative was that we didn’t make the Premier League when I know for a fact we had a good enough team to do so. We beat some very good teams during my time at Prenton Park and to come so close three years on the bounce was tough. Gauging my time on enjoyment

“WE BEAT SOME VERY GOOD TEAMS DURING MY TIME AT PRENTON PARK AND TO COME SO CLOSE THREE YEARS ON THE BOUNCE WAS TOUGH” though, I have to say it was a fabulous time in my career.”

Oxford United in 1993 and still to this

stated his thoughts go out to the club’s

day it was the only match ball I got in my

supporters, during the club’s toughest

career. Before I turned professional I was

months in their 131-year history.

Nevin added; “When I left Everton I was

quite regularly. When I was put up front

going down a level to continue my career,

against Oxford United I thought I did

I have to admit that I didn’t join the club

alright and it just made me think that I

with completely positive thoughts but

could have scored so many more goals if

from day one these preconceptions were

I’d have played up top more often rather

dispelled as I fell in love with the club”

than on the wings.”

Now a respected media pundit on

When Nevin departed Tranmere Rovers

close we came to reaching the top flight

various platforms including BBC’s Match

to join Kilmarnock in his native Scotland,

it hurts even more. One year Bolton went

of the Day, Nevin still has time to delve

the Rovers were still on an upward curve,

up and we didn’t and when you look at

deep into the archives by remembering

with a place at the Football League Cup

the success Bolton gained over the next

some of his best moments in the famous

final in 2000 against Leicester City the

few years it really is tough to stomach.”

blue and white of Tranmere Rovers.

highlight of the millennium.

Despite averaging a respectable one goal

However financial constraints in the

to the Football League via this season’s

every six games for Rovers, Nevin failed

boardroom, a conveyor belt of managers

play-offs, Nevin himself is hopeful that

to register on the scoresheet as much

and off-the-field scandals rocked the

the good times will one-day return to

as he’d have liked. Nonetheless a 5-1

club to its core and the demise of a once

Prenton Park.

League cup victory over Oxford United

great club has been incredibly distressing

on the 21st September 1993 still sticks in

to witness.

the 52-year-olds mind for goal scoring reasons, as the ex-Motherwell man spoke of his ‘best game’ as a Tranmere Rovers player.

“I remember I scored a hat-trick against

a centre forward and I scored hat-tricks

“When you look back at the results of the time it’s hadn’t been pleasant for some time. I work all the time so it’s hard to see games but it hurts me to see the team where they are today. I keep on thinking of the amazing fans at the club, when you remember how well we did and how

As Micky Mellon’s side look for a return

“I do hope Tranmere Rovers can return to the Football League soon as it has been

As Rovers dropped out of the Football

torture to watch from the side-lines. To

League for the first time in 94-years on

see where the club is now is awful, yet I

the 25th April 2015, Nevin could barely

still have hope that the glory years will

believe his eyes and while struggling to

return and I hope to see smiles on faces

hold back the tears, the passionate Scot

again at Prenton Park.”

4TFF.COM - 79

MUSIC

FEATURE

“WHATEVER HAPPENS, THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY” Jon McClure @Reverend_Makers

Seeing the disaster first-hand, McClure

‘Justice for the 96’ campaign since its

has always been deeply affected by what

formation, and with close connections

he saw and heard on the streets that day,

to the cause, McClure was one of those

despite not being in the ground itself. Aged

celebrating the inquest verdict in 2016, after

just eight at the time of the Hillsborough

it was rightfully confirmed that 96 football

tragedy, the Sheffield born singer has been

fans were unlawfully killed on that awful day

grateful for everything he has received

in the Steel City.

since, and a lot of this has stemmed from growing up on the doorstep of the disaster.

80 - 4TFF.COM

Furthermore, a proud member of ‘The Justice Collective’ band, McClure has

A proud Sheffield Wednesday fan, the

worked with a host of illustrious names such

singer has been a strong promoter of the

as Paul McCartney and Peter Hooton over

G

rowing up just one mile from the home of Sheffield Wednesday FC, Reverend and the Makers lead singer Jon McClure has always been engulfed in the horror that surrounded the disastrous tragedy at Hillsborough, on the 15th April 1989.

the years, to raise money and awareness for

musical career so far, as he spoke about

those effected most by the tragedy. Initially

his time on the road with Hooton and co,

re-recording “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My

at the same time revealing that a sixth

Brother”, Jon and his fellow band members

album for Reverend and the Makers is on

went on to support the Stone Roses at

the way for 2017.

Heaton Park, along with the Hillsborough Justice Band fronted by the Hooton, Mick Jones and Pete Wylie.

“Living so close to Hillsborough at the time of the tragedy, I saw a lot of fans coming out of the stadium and it really did

Proud of his achievements, most notably

affect me. When I heard about The Justice

helping the Justice Collective, McClure

Collective, I wanted to contribute as much

has reflected on what has been a fantastic

as I could and it really was a fantastic

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4TFF.COM - 81

“McCLURE CAN BE FOUND CHEERING ON HIS BELOVED OWLS ON A WEEKLY BASIS, BOTH HOME AND AWAY”

movement. I was very proud to support

growing up and being in a band always

the cause, and to have so many top bands

appealed to me. I am still defying the odds

praising us was lovely. In a footballing sense,

to not have a real job and long may it

it is like a top player praising you for your

continue!”

performance, and I will always look back on that gig with the Stone Roses, and other work with the Justice Collective as a real highlight in my career.”

“I have to single out Sam Hutchinson this season, he is just fantastic!

If I was a woman, I would marry him let’s put it that way.”

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Away from the stage and the recording studio, McClure can be found cheering on his beloved Owls on a weekly basis, both home and away. Having witnessed the highs

The 35-year-old, who married fellow band

and the lows at Hillsborough, there is now

member Laura Manuel in 2009, continued

real optimism that the Premier League

by saying; “With Reverend and the Makers,

is in touching distance, as the musician

I have had a great time since the bands

continues to sing the Blues from the stands.

formation 13 years ago, we’ve just come back from Thailand after recording our new album and we will be back on the road soon touring.”

A member of several bands before forming Reverend and the Makers, McClure has not looked back since meeting co-song writer

Dreaming of a return to the top flight for the first time in 16 years, McClure is quietly confident that Carlos Carvalhal’s men have the fire power and defensive stability to match any side, as the Owls continue to cement a play-off position.

and bass player Ed Cosens as a teenager

Singling out Sam Hutchinson in particular

at Notre Dame High School, Sheffield.

as the Owls star man, the musician waxed

With four UK number ones, several top 20

lyrical about his current favourite player;

albums and hundreds of sell-out gigs played

“I have to single out Sam Hutchinson this

across the UK and Europe, McClure feels

season, he is just fantastic! If I was a woman,

privileged to be doing what he does best,

I would marry him let’s put it that way.

as he continued by talking about his passion

He is passionate, he puts in full blooded

and love for music.

challenges and he never stops running.

“I have always loved music, ever since I was

“After suffering a career threatening injury

young. It was always present in my home

at Chelsea, many thought he would never

play again. Now he is here with Wednesday,

decider for Wednesday, with the Rams

producing the goods on a weekly basis.

sat perilously close to the top six. Praising

In my opinion, he is the best player in

the players, manager and fans, McClure

his position in the Championship, and

continued by stating that a new-found grit

he’d probably even be one of the best in

in the team may be the difference between

the Premier League if we got promoted

success and failure this time around.

alongside Kante at Chelsea.”

especially as we are still in the mix with

One play-offs in 2012, watching on as the

a few months of the season still to go.

side dropped out of the Premier League

There’s been fans moaning that we should

in 2000 and on the terraces when the side

be higher up the table, but at the end

agonisingly lost the FA Cup final against

of the day the play-offs present a great

Arsenal in 1993, McClure has seen it all as a

opportunity to gain promotion. We can do

Wednesdayite.

it this season and with the backing of the

Supporting the club thanks to his families

Hillsborough crowd, the players should be

influence and the close proximity between

confident. I have watched Wednesday play

his childhood home and Hillsborough,

some of the best football they’ve played in

McClure has pin-pointed a number of his

years this season and a lot of that is down

favourite moments as a Wednesday fan.

to the manager.”

Chuckling when remembering watching the

Currently writing a book about his travels

infamous Paolo Di Canio push on referee

around the world, McClure will again be

Paul Alcock from the stands, the lead singer

touring the globe over the next 12 months

said; “I always think back to when we beat

whilst also hoping to travel the width and

Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final…

breadth of country to watch the Owls in the

that was a great day. Of course, victories

Premier League next season too. McClure

over Leeds United are also famous ones.

has set his sights on a play-off victory at

I have been lucky enough to watch some

Wembley Stadium in May.

classic sides as well, especially in the 1990’s when we had the likes of Chris Waddle and David Hirst. Promotion back to the Championship in 2012 and the play-off push

JON McCLURE’S ALL-TIME SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY XI next page... >>>>>>

“We have every chance this season,

There when the Owls won the League

last season are also great memories, and hopefully more will be created come May.”

However, with Sheffield United likely to return to the Championship, the indie rock musician has admitted that a Steel City derby would soften the blow of missing out on the top flight if worse comes to worse; “The chairman has invested heavily to bring

Admittedly crying when Wednesday lost

in some great players, and I think we now

the FA Cup final at the death against

have the best squad since the 90’s. When

Arsenal, McClure can’t envisage tears

you look at Sam Hutchinson, Tom Lees,

this season, as he has looked towards the

Jordan Rhodes and Forestieri, these are

upcoming months and the impending play-

players who deserve to be playing at the

off jackpot in late-April.

With one of the strongest sides in the division on paper, there is every chance that Wednesday could overcome all of the odds, and after finishing sixth last season before eventually losing to Brighton and Hove Albion in the play-off semi’s, McClure has backed Carvalhal’s men to go all the way this time around.

very top.

“We have a fantastic manager who is pound for pound one of the best in the division and I think we should be going into the final months of the season with the pressure off. Either the Premier League beckons, or an automatic promotion push next term is on the cards with the prospect of facing Sheffield United home or away…whatever

As games against Newcastle United and

happens, the future is bright for Sheffield

Derby County loom, the latter may be the

Wednesday.”

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 83

JON McCLURE’S ALL-TIME SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY XI 4-4-2 1

Kieran Westwood - In my opinion the best keeper in the Championship.

2

5

Roland Nilsson - Club legend, as in the terrace chant “we all dream of a team of Nilsson’s”.

6

Lee Bullen A Wednesday great who still works at the club.

4

11

Chris Waddle - Arguably the best player that I have ever seen pull on a Wednesday jersey.

Sam Hutchinson - As I said before...I’d marry this man! He is everything you want in a player.

9

David Hirst - A great goal scorer who gave his all for the club.

84 - 4TFF.COM

3

Nigel Worthington Mr dependable and a real loyal servant to Wednesday.

Des Walker Simply world class.

8

7

John Sheridan - What a footballer... Better than Paul Scholes!.

Chris Brunt - A great left foot and fantastic to see him doing so well in the Premier League now.

10

Paolo Di Canio - He was value for money!

Gave so much entertainment. Some of the things he did on the pitch were incredible.

PLAYER

INTERVIEW

GEORGE WILLIAMS

“Initially leaving MK Dons as a teenager was a huge blow and at that point, I was not sure if football was for me”

GEORGE WILLIAMS @George_Willo

Proudly receiving a degree from

science now playing such a huge role

Loughborough University in Sports

in the game, many ex-pros are turning

Science with Management, MK Dons

to University’s to study subjects such

defender George Williams has become

as Journalism and Physiotherapy when

one of many young players now

their playing days are over.

planning for life after football.

Released by MK Dons as a teenager,

With most footballers retiring between the ages of 33 and 35, those playing below the glitz and glamour of the Premier League, have to look for new career-paths after retirement.

Furthermore, with the media and sports

Williams was in two minds as to whether the dream of playing professional football was over.

However, after advice from his scholar programme at Stadium MK, he decided that combining education with football was the way forward.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 85

Regaining his confidence and falling back in love with the game while playing Non-League football at University, William’s strong character ensured that the heartbreak of rejection from his hometown club has made him the man he is today.

Reflecting on his time at University and

This wasn’t always the case though,

the tough months after leaving Milton

and playing in the ninth tier of English

Keynes Dons as a scholar, Williams

football just three seasons ago, Williams

has revealed that more footballers are

has fond memories of running out to

studying while playing the game, to

face the likes of Alvechurch with less

ensure that they have an occupation

than 50 people in attendance.

long after their boots have been put into storage.

Humble and proud of his amateur roots, the hot prospect has opened up about

“There’s quite a few footballers who have

his years playing Non-League football,

degrees now, especially as so many are

as he stated that waking up every

coming through the same route that I

morning and playing the game he loves

have via University and a Non-League

as a pro, has made him realise just how

team. When I was at Barnsley, Lewis

good life is playing for MK Dons.

Nyatanga was doing a long-distance learning degree and I know a lot of pro’s that are currently doing the same, as we are taught at academies now that having an education to fall back on is the right thing to do.”

“Playing lower down the pyramid really built me as a footballer and most importantly as a person. At Loughborough I was in the Midlands League and it was what you would call ‘real’ hard football. Then at Worcester

Williams continued

City in the Conference North we were

by speaking about his

training twice a week and most of the

educated background;

lads were working 9-5 jobs inbetween

“A football career is not a

that. We would play midweek matches

long career, you get maybe

and you would realise just how hard

ten years maximum and

it was to balance work and football.

that could be less with

Training on a daily basis at a great

injuries or moves down the

training base and playing twice a week

pyramid.

has made me appreciate just how good

“If you retire in your mid30’s, I believe that you need to be set up for life after football and having a

playing professional football is, and I have to say I have huge respect for those playing amateur and semi-pro football.”

degree should help me and

Thriving by playing under the skilled

many find employment

management of Robbie Neilson this

after retirement, as

season, MK Don’s versatile left-back

coaching and management

has cemented his position in the team

isn’t for everyone.”

over recent months, after struggling

Intelligent on and off the field, Williams move back to Milton Keynes Dons

for game time earlier in the campaign under Karl Robinson.

Scoring his first goal for the Dons

Going on to flourish in the Football

last summer has clearly been one of his

in mid-October during a 3-3 thriller

League, having lifted the JPT and the

smartest decision. Currently the first

against Bristol Rovers, Williams’

League One play-off trophy at Wembley

pick on the team sheet at the League

impressive performances since the

last season, the 23-year-old is now riding

One club, the defender has become

turn of the year, even led to him

the crest of the wave, after many ups and

accustomed to playing in state-of-the-

captaining the side on Valentine’s Day

downs since his debut for Loughborough

art stadiums in front of thousands of

in the absence of usual skipper Dean

University in 2012.

supporters.

Lewington.

86 - 4TFF.COM

Playing with the maturity of a defender who has been in the game for decades, Williams reflected on his education and upbringing, as he admitted that without University and the help of his tutor on the MK Dons scholar programme, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

Despite playing in both the play-off

“Initially leaving MK Dons as a teenager

Cup and it was honestly a dream

was a huge blow and at that point, I was

come true. Unfortunately, he then

not sure if football was for me. It took

got the sack and due to the ever-

me a few weeks to work out my next

changing nature of football, I had

After hearing of MK Dons interest,

step and luckily that led me to University.

to impress the new manager that came

Williams jumped at the chance of

As a scholar at Stadium MK, my tutor

in. Lee Johnson came in and sadly he

returning to play for his boyhood club

recommended applying for University

didn’t really fancy me, so I was out of the

and despite receiving a knock back from

and thankfully I took his advice and

team and I didn’t get a chance for a long

the club as a 17-year-old, the defender

before I was released, I sent in a few

time after that. I then wasn’t invited on

now has aims to prove his doubters

applications. As soon as Loughborough

Barnsley’s pre-season tour in 2016 and

wrong at Stadium MK.

accepted my offer, my heart was set and

at the time it felt like the end. I kept my

playing for the Uni team, I was able to fall

head down though and I just hoped that

madly in love with the game again!”

I would get another opportunity. I had

Making his professional debut at Barnsley, Williams endured a difficult time at Oakwell, with many ups and downs.

Signed by Danny Wilson, a change of

final victory against Millwall and the JPT final win over Oxford United, Williams was released from the Yorkshire-based club last summer, to the bemusement of many supporters.

Describing his time at Barnsley as a ‘rollercoaster’ Williams has no regrets from his time at Oakwell, and despite missing out on making his berth in the Championship this season, the tough tackling left-back has wished his former employers all the best for the future.

“My time at Barnsley was crazy with so many highs and lows. Danny Wilson signed me after he saw me play for Worcester City in the FA

Signed by the man who released him from the club, Williams has plans to help

a great loan spell at Barrow and when I

the Dons return to the Championship as

came back, I played a reserve game at

soon as possible. As he sent out a rallying

left-back and did really well which was

cry urging the fans to keep patient, in

the beginning of a great few months.”

what looks set to be a very exciting 12 months for Milton Keynes Dons.

backroom staff just two months into

Williams added; “Out of nowhere, I found

life in Yorkshire meant that game time

myself back in the first-team and after

“It was a no brainer when MK Dons came

became limited under new manager Lee

playing on loan in the Conference, I was

in for me and I have loved every minute

Johnson.

then running out at Wembley Stadium

of my time here since joining and I have

and winning not one but two trophies, it

made the jersey my own which has been

really was a dream!”

good. With plenty of old faces still here

positions while at Oakwell, as well as

With conversations taking place between

from my first time, I’ve settled in straight

winning the first trophy of his career

Barnsley and Williams representatives in

away and I am feeling confident. Under

at Wembley Stadium, at the same time

the summer, nothing progressed and with

Robbie Neilson, we are pushing on and

as learning from some of the most

a heavy heart, the graduate was forced

if we can’t get into the play-offs this

progressive coaches in the Football

to search for a new club for the 2016-17

season, we will be doing all we can to go

League.

season.

up automatically next time around.”

Initially joining the club as a right-back from Worcester City, Williams changed

4TFF.COM - 87

STILL SERVING CAVELL COO

Music and football are synonymous for supporters of all ages, think the theme tune to ‘match of the day’, ’30 years of hurt’ or even ‘Vindaloo’. Music and football are forever intertwined.

Over the years there have even been a few successful cases when footballers have made the charts with songs of their own, Chelsea FC with ‘Blue is the colour’, the England squad with ‘Back home’ and ‘World in motion’ being amongst the acceptable releases, whereas Hoddle & Waddle and Kevin Keegan’s efforts proved that they should have probably just stuck to singing in the bath.

Former Crewe Alexandra youth graduate Cavell Coo, currently playing for Evo-Stik 1st Division outfit Ashton United, has been singing publicly since he was 17 years old and has spent the last few months putting the final touches to his first album. The no-nonsense defender is a devout Christian and has been singing in his local church since his early days at Gresty Road. Coo however is unlike many gospel singers, as he performs his songs in a hip-hop rapping style.

“I started rapping in public by accident really, I had been writing songs that I was going to pass on to my church, The Church of God of Prophecy, but my mum had told the church

in my er h et g to cs ri ly t u p e av h I, t as “In the p at some of my th k in th I r, ca y m in t ils h w d hea isolation” in I’m en h w e m to e m co s best idea 88 - 4TFF.COM

that I would perform them myself. I was really shy at first but

side with a late winner and I was sat in my car with Kayde

I gave it a go and I’ve been doing it ever since. My songs are

Coppin and another pal when Bernard had a few words with

about life experiences, I feel that as human beings we are all

our pal and before we knew it there was a full-scale row in

pretty similar, sometimes you will speak

the car park. When they took over at Salford I have to admit

to someone who is going through

that I was a bit worried that they would remember that I

the same life experiences as

was involved that night. The truth was that they had

you are, and because of our

always liked me as a player, when I had played

nature we don’t want to speak about it. In that respect, it makes you realise that you are not the only one and I take comfort from that and I hope that the messages in my music are helpful to those that listen” Coo’s faith has been a major strength to him throughout his life, especially when he has suffered

against them so it wasn’t a problem”.

In one of his most successful seasons personally, Coo played his part as Salford City won promotion as Champions of the Evo-Stik First Division, his performances also gaining him a place in the annual ‘team of the year’.

“I have to say I was a bit surprised at the individual award, I had suffered an injury and a couple of suspensions so I did miss a few games, however I did feel that I had played well throughout the season and as a team we were fully deserving of the

knockbacks in both his career and his

league title. We were a real team, some great players but

personal life.

most of all a real togetherness from the top to the bottom”

“After four years at Crewe I was released aged 19 and as

As he nears the age of 30 and having written and performed

much as it was disappointing I was in some way expecting

his songs throughout his football career, recently Coo has

it. I stayed strong and still believed that I could play at a

taken heed of the requests from church goers and friends and

decent level and I signed for Altrincham, who were a good

is now spending more time in honing his musical craft.

Conference side at the time and had a great manager in Graham Heathcote. I enjoyed a good pre-season but unfortunately I just couldn’t get enough first team football during the season itself”.

The following years saw the defender appear for the likes of Witton Albion, Halifax Town, Curzon Ashton, Mossley and FC United before his first spell at Ashton United. Coo being one of many players to join the former Mossley management team of Steve Halford and Paul Phillips when they moved across to Hurst Cross. Having enjoyed his time under one ‘fiery’ management ‘duo’ he then joined Salford City where he would soon be joined by another, Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley who had been given the task of taking The Ammies up through the leagues by their new owners ‘the class of 92’.

“I had previously come across Bernard and Jonno when I was playing at Mossley. We had beaten their Ramsbottom

4TFF.COM - 89

<<<<< Cont.

l seasons fu ss e cc su st o m is h f o In one his part as personally, Coo played tion as Salford City won promo First Division’. k ti -S o v E e th f o s n io p cham

“There have been times in my life when I have questioned my commitment to my faith. As much as a person feels that they have faith, sometimes it can be a fight to stay on the “I suppose I haven’t really paid enough respect to my music

right path. A couple of years ago I decided that I needed to

in the past and when people that have listened to my music

take some time away from my busy life to spend some time

have asked me if they can buy copies of my songs. Older

focussing on the road ahead, so I went to America and stayed

people would say to me that they didn’t normally like ‘rap

with a relative in Dallas. To be honest the plans I went with

music’, but they liked the fact that they can hear the words,

didn’t come to fruition. I suppose the freedom I suddenly had,

and especially the message in my songs. I have a 9-5 job, I

gave me an opportunity to enjoy myself and just let myself go

have my football, church commitments and I also carry out

for a few days”.

some voluntary work in the prison system so I feel that I haven’t given my music the time I should have done. With the encouragement of friends and family I decided that now is the time to finally put some real time into putting an album together. A good friend of mine, Anton, transformed one of the rooms at another church so that we could record some songs and now I finally have the chance to put my music out there” Writing songs has always been a way of confirming his faith whilst at the same time giving Coo the opportunity to show others that the path to righteousness isn’t always a smooth one.

90 - 4TFF.COM

The much-needed break in Coo’s everyday routine was to become the turning point as he unwittingly had come to a point where he needed to make a decision on his belief in his faith.

“On the journey home, I watched ‘Son of man’ a very powerful film about the life of Jesus and I realised that I was now ready to commit myself fully to serving God. The song ‘still serving’ is the outcome of my thoughts from that journey. It is about how a person must come from at least one place to get to their current position in life”.

Over the years’ football in this country has gained a reputation for being a harsh environment to grow up in,

and though enjoying working within a group throughout his career, Coo has often felt that his Christianity has seen him looked upon as an outsider, recently however he has finally found an ally in the dressing room.

“Throughout my career I have been the only Christian in the team, although I have to say it has never really caused me any problems. When I came back to Ashton United from Salford there were a few new faces, one of them being fellow defender Joe Connor. When we first started talking he asked me what I did outside of football and when I said that I did a bit of ‘gospel rap’ he mentioned Lecrae, who is probably the biggest artist in Christian music. I asked him how he knew about Lecrae and he told me he was a Christian too. It was a real ‘high five’ moment for me, the first time I had ever come across a fellow Christian in a football team”.

For the past 10 years, the name Cavell Coo has become well known amongst non-league football fans across the northwest of England, now the popular defender is hoping that his name will become known for his musical ability too.

Cavell Coo and news of his album release can be found on Facebook

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Kick It Out is primarily a campaigning organisation which enables, facilitates and works with the football authorities, professional clubs, players, fans and communities to tackle all forms of discrimination. The campaign has been pivotal in persuading and supporting the game’s stakeholders to take their equality responsibilities seriously

VISION

Our Vision is that Football will be a sport where people flourish in a supportive community, and where fairness is openly and transparently practiced and enforced for the good of all participants.

CORE AIMS

Promote awareness of the benefits of equality, inclusion, diversity policies and practices in football.

Expose and challenge all aspects of discrimination and unfair practices and conduct at all levels of football.

Share information about good practices being pursued to achieve equality and fair outcomes.

Support individuals, groups, clubs, and authorities to effect actions themselves to achieve equality and fair outcomes.

Develop a wider awareness and acceptance of Kick It Out’s activities and its enabling and facilitating roles as a contributory force for good in football.

4TFF.COM - 91

A FANS

FEATURE

G N I N R U T S I TIDE s By: Helen Rowe-Willcock

@HelenRW_PA

to League From Premier League glory is one that y or st â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ol po ck la B r, ai sp de Two d of. every football fan has hear

92 - 4TFF.COM

Just six years ago, the Seasiders were doing

However, when you look in more detail you

the double over Liverpool in the Premier

realise that against both Exeter and Crewe

League and beating Tottenham Hotspur at

they were 2-0 up at half time, and they

home but having slipped into League Two

were pegged back to earn only a point. The

last season, they have struggled to find

results suddenly do not make such good

consistency in the country’s lowest division.

reading.

At the time of writing Gary Bowyer’s men

This form sums up how Blackpool have

are on a five-game unbeaten run in the

been playing so far this season. After

league so could the tide finally be turning

the unexpected result against promotion

on the Fylde Coast?

hopefuls Carlisle, where they played

Blackpool has been a club which has rarely

arguably some of their best football of the

been out of the headlines in recent years.

season, they travelled to Portsmouth on

Whether it has been to do with their on

Valentine’s Day where they looked like they

the pitch form which has seen the club

had never turned up in a 2-0 defeat.

slip from the top division to the bottom in

Manager Gary Bowyer was furious after the

just six years, or whether it has been about the constant battles between fans and the club’s owners, there are not many football fans in the country who will not know about the problems at Blackpool.

After beating promotion hopefuls Plymouth Argyle 3-0 at Home Park on March 7, the Seasiders were just four points off the Play-Off places but whilst the unbeaten run looked impressive on paper, an indepth look into the results shows a serious inconsistency.

Since the turn of the year there have been some important results, ones which many fans were not expecting, including a 4-1 win over Carlisle at Brunton Park where they became the first team in the league to

performance and spoke to his players for a lengthy time after the match before coming out and telling the press exactly what he thought of the performance. Simply put- it was just not good enough.

And that is the problem. With one great win usually comes a mighty fall not too far after.

The players look tired on a Tuesday after playing at the weekend and if their style of play does not work against a team, they have no plan B. This said Bowyer has managed to change something within the club. On the whole fans like him, they respect him and that has not been the case at Blackpool for a number of years.

beat the Cumbrians on their home turf this

Bowyer took over as manager on June 1st

season but these have been marred by a

2016 following Neil McDonald’s departure

string of poor results.

from the club at the end of last season.

In February, Blackpool started their unbeaten run with three consecutive draws against Crewe, Exeter and Barnet and, with Exeter currently sitting in the play-off places, these look like good results.

Bowyer is on a one-year rolling contract and if he continues like this there is no doubt that he will be rolling into next season.

Blackpool have gone through eight managers (with Steve Thompson taking the caretaker position twice) since Ian Holloway left in November 2012. Since Holloway’s departure, managers have struggled at the club with Michael Appleton lasting just 65 days in the role, the shortest in the club’s history but with Bowyer it has been different.

>>>>

4TFF.COM - 93

The 45-year-old has admitted that many

others company both on and off the pitch,

“questioned his sanity” when he took the

they were friends.

Blackpool job but with previous experience at Blackburn, where there are also problems off the pitch with fans wanting owners Venky’s to leave the club, he knew just what to expect, a fact which has probably helped him get used to the poor stadium attendances.

Now I cannot comment on whether Blackpool’s current players are good friends off the pitch or how they behave in training but on the pitch, they look like a side of individuals rather than one unit. The thing that showed me there might be some cracks was watching the highlights from the 3-0 victory over Plymouth, in particular their goal celebrations. For each one of the

CURRENT BOSS GARY BOWYER

three goals scored, the players celebrated individually, there were no group hugs, no team celebrations, no running to the manager. Usually when your team scores you celebrate together but the players went running off individually and there were even a couple of players who just walked back to their starting position like nothing had happened.

It cannot be easy being a player at Blackpool at the moment, the atmosphere around the club is quiet, there is no buzz about the place and coming out when you are meant to be the home side and seeing more fans in the away end must be difficult but there is something missing- a spark that Since joining the club Bowyer has said the right things and he has brought in a number of changes of personnel on the pitch which have seen some improvements to the side in recent years but it still does not appear to be enough. Generally, fans seem to like him whether they are going to matches

These actions do not show players who want to gel and move forward as a team and unfortunately for many, Blackpool has become a club which is used as a stepping stone, which is not surprising due to its current league standings, rather than a club

or not but whilst it looks like he may have

that you spend your whole career at.

stopped the relegation slide, his players do

This is the case for many clubs, it is now

not appear to be a tight-knit group that was

unusual to see players stay with a club for

once so famous at the club.

their whole career but it feels different at

Even before the Premier League season, the club was known for having a group of players which gelled as a side. During the run-up to the play-off final in 2010 Charlie Adam knew that if he made a mistake David Vaughan would be behind him to collect the ball. The players knew what

94 - 4TFF.COM

will get them promoted.

Blackpool. It used to be an honour to play for the club, walking in the footsteps of the likes of Jimmy Armfield and Stanley Matthews but there has been such a turnover of players in recent years that the history and what it means to play for the club seems to have been lost.

their teammates were thinking, they were

Now the players cannot be fully blamed

talented individuals but the players were

for this, it cannot be much fun to play in

more than just that they enjoyed each-

front of handfuls of fans but they should be

proud to wear a Blackpool shirt and in truth it cannot always be seen on the players.

The confidence which should come after an important win against a promotion hopeful side never shows. Instead a team who look like they have only just met turns up and completely ruins the steps forward they have made.

The problems at Blackpool do not look like they are going to change and until they do players will not want to stay long term. Off the pitch issues between fans and the Oyston’s are no closer to being resolved.

Attendances have dwindled to the lowest in years with fans taking a “Not a Penny More” stance and many who have had season tickets for their whole lives have stopped going to games in a protest against the Oyston family who run the club. Last season thousands of fans who had been season ticket holders gave up their seat. My dad and I, like many others around us, did just that. It was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make. That seat, whilst just a seat to others had become something

OWEN OYSTON

special. It held a lot of connotations for us.

It was where we had seen history being made, we had made lifelong friends from that seat and it was where we could be found nearly every other Saturday.

Right up to the day that season tickets stopped being sold I was convinced that my father would change his mind at the last minute but to my surprise he never did. All our friends also stopped going as did many others but when I told people that even my dad had stopped going to the games, they were still shocked.

For the first weeks, my dad planned all his jobs for Saturdays to make sure he was busy when he should have been going to the matches. It is a weird feeling not doing something which has been natural for as long as you can remember but until change happens many fans are saying they will not set foot in Bloomfield Road again.

The on-going battle between the Oyston’s and the majority of fans does not appear to be going away with supporters’ clubs including the Tangerine Knights and the Blackpool Supporters Trust setting up protests outside the stadium on a regular basis. Fans, like many football fans before them, are unhappy with how the Oyston family is running the club and they want change. What started as a few fans in a pub chatting before a game has turned into a mass walkout.

>>>> 4TFF.COM - 95

In January, a joint protest with Blackburn Rovers supporters was organised before their FA Cup game at Ewood Park. Championship side Blackburn have been protesting about their owners Venky’s for a number of years and before the match over 100 fans joined together to boycott the game and show their displeasure at how their clubs are being run.

The event received national media coverage and there are new plans in place for the next big protest at Blackpool known as Judgement Day 3.

The club is also in a constant battle with club president Valeri Belokon. On March 8, the club

There are a number of different plans which fans want to implement but not all fans are

announced a statement saying that he had

willing to go along with it.

been suspended from the club’s board with

As in every story there are differences in

immediate effect. The suspension comes as

opinion but the sad part is that even though

a result of a judgement in the Paris Court of

there is a goal which every fan is aiming

Appeal, which relates to disputed allegations

for, their differences in opinion is causing

of money laundering.

problems from within when there needs to

In February Belokon was victorious in a court

be unity. Some fans are still going to home

battle over the club’s finances (a separate

games, something the “Not a Penny More”

case) and they are set to go head-to-head in

supporters are not happy with. On a number

the summer in another legal case in the High

of occasions fans have spoken about the

Court.

verbal abuse they have received from those

The bitter feud has been going on for a number of years and though he was only suspended on March 8, Belokon has not been involved in the running of the club for over four years, despite retaining his shares.

Belokon has not attended a board meeting in that time and it is just another dispute at the club which is showing no resolve.

The saddest thing to see is the animosity between the fans. People want change but many now believe that the constant protests do not seem to be making a difference and people are quickly running out of ideas.

protesting outside.

Some fans believe that they should not be going to away matches either but there are many who chose to go to the away matches to show that they still support the team.

Blackpool used to be a club which was family orientated, it was where you went as a family to watch your local team. There are youngsters missing out, families who have gone for generations who are not taking their children despite the traditions in the family.

The changes are not just on the pitch, myself and my fiancé had always planned on getting married at Bloomfield Road but we decided against it for a number of reasons including the fact we did not want to get abuse from our friends.

96 - 4TFF.COM

It is hard to see when the misery will

hoping that if they stay in League Two

end, the situation feels like no-man’s

or even slip out the English Football

land. Neither side is willing to move

League altogether it will make the

on what they want to achieve and

Oyston’s want to leave.

everybody associated with the club is feeling the consequences.

This is only a very small section of fans who feel this way and many

With all the problems surrounding

are still looking at the results each

the club, it is not surprising that the

weekend hoping for a win but never

players are struggling. It is still unclear

have I heard of fans wanting to their

what level the current players are

team to lose before. Even those

actually capable of - on a good day

willing their team on are suffering.

they are great - and if they carry on

Looking at those results week in week

their unbeaten run, there may be

out causes pain because they cannot

a chance of reaching the Play-Off

go to the matches, they see the win

positions by the end of the season.

and there is no feeling of excitement

Unfortunately, there are some fans

anymore. The problems have been

who do not want their club to go up;

going on for too long.

GOOD TIMES

FF WINNERS 2010

Being a football fan is a rollercoaster journey but who knows when the circus between fans and owners is going to leave Blackpool. Seasiders fans used to sing “the future is bright; the future is tangerine” but at the moment the future still looks very dark indeed. Hopefully one day soon we will all be back at Bloomfield Road.

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-O

4TFF.COM - 97

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CHRIS HUG

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ith the busy Easter period upon us, The Championship race is building up for one of the closest finishes in years.

With all the top seven teams having just five games left to play, Huddersfield Town have six to play, the final promotion and play-off places look to be coming from the following teams:

Newcastle United

including the superb Matt Ritchie. Wide

Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side have

summer of 2016 from Bournemouth and

been in and around the top two for much

along with Jonjo Shelvey, has provided

of the campaign and, along with Brighton,

numerous ‘assists’ for the likes of another

look to be favourites to win promotion.

summer arrival Dwight Gayle, who has

The Magpies have seen the benefit of keeping Benitez and most of last season’s squad together, with a few key additions

98 - 4TFF.COM

man Ritchie joined the Magpies in the

grabbed over 20 goals despite missing several games through injury.

P I H S N O I CHAMP S R E D N CONTE >>> >> K

GARRY MON

Brighton and Hove Albion

Leeds United

After missing out on promotion last season

Gary Monk has confounded his critics by not

in heart-breaking fashion, Chris Hughton’s

only stabilising Leeds United but keeping

men have hit the busiest part of the season

them within touching distance of the top four

in superb form, reaching the top of the table

for much of the campaign.

after three straight wins since the start of April.

The former Swansea City was a surprise choice when Chairman Massimo Cellino made

Glenn Murray has once again been the

Monk his eighth managerial appointment,

main goal threat for Albion, the big striker

but results have been good all season, the

adding another 20 plus goals for the club

shock FA Cup defeat against non-league

since he arrived back for a second spell

Sutton United apart. New Zealand striker

with The Amex outfit. Recently crowned

Chris Wood, who despite missing several

‘Championship Player of the Year’ Anthony Knockaert has also played a massive part, as the club look to return to the top flight after an absence of 34 years.

Huddersfield Town David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town have

games through injury, has been a big positive for Monk’s team this term, bagging 24 goals before the Easter period meaning that the Elland Road club are well placed in the mix for promotion to The Premier League and a return to the top flight after an absence of over twelve years.

been the surprise outfit this season, but few would argue that they are well worth their place in the top six, albeit a top two finish now looks beyond them after a couple of recent poor results.

Town showed their credentials when taking Premier League side Manchester City to an FA Cup replay earlier in the year, and Wagner will fancy his side against anyone in the play-offs should they fail to displace either Newcastle or Brighton in the top two places.

4TFF.COM - 99

<<<< P I H S N O I P M A CH S R E D N E T N O C CONT...

R CA L

HA

L VA AR

SC LO

AP A J

AM T S

Sheffield Wednesday Sheffield Wednesday look hell bent on

Reading

making up for last season’s play-off final

Jaap Stam has brought a new ‘possession’

City at Wembley.

playing style to The Madejski Stadium this season and though it has sometimes brought about disappointing results, the

Carlos Carvalhal’s men have been consistent throughout the current campaign without ever being outstanding, the four-game

recent seven goal drubbing at Norwich City

winning streak at the start of February

being a case in point, the clubs supporters

being their best run so far. That said they

have enjoyed a good campaign.

arrived in the top six on the back of wins

With home games against sides struggling at the foot of the table, Stam’s team should

100 - 4TFF.COM

heartbreak, where they were beaten by Hull

against bottom club Rotherham United and then top of the table Newcastle United, meaning it is now in their own hands to

claim enough points to clinch their place in

gain another play-off final place this time

the play-off spots come the last day.

around.

SSLL AAVV ISISA AJ JOO KKA ANN OOV VICI C

Fulham Should any of the sides already mentioned slip up then surely it will be Slavisa Jokanovicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men that will take their place in the top six. The Craven Cottage outfit have surprised many teams this season and should they manage to claim a place in the play-offs it will thanks in no small part to the performances of several bright young stars at the club.

16-year old local lad Ryan Sessengnon is proving to be the find of the season whilst other youngsters to have shown up well include Brazilian Lucas Piazon, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, full back Ryan Fredericks and Tom Cairney who has also made big strides this term having joined from Blackburn Rovers last season.

4TFF.COM - 101

dlesbrough 0

2 Mid 2015 Norwich

THE PROMISED LAND

P MANAGER BILLY DAVIES CELEBRATES DERBY COUNTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WIN OVER WEST BROMWICH ALBION IN THE 2007 PLAY-OFF FINAL

lay-off fever is almost upon us, and with a place in the division above, and that tantalising day out at Wembley in the offing, supporters, players, managers and club financiers are crossing their fingers that their club will be the ones celebrating the most at the final whistle of their respective season.

With several clubs likely to be involved in

date. Reading and Derby County have each

the end of season play-off chase, having

been in three finals, The Royals losing all

been there before, we look at some of the

of their big games, The Rams being more

previous statistics regarding this seasons

successful in losing just once. Norwich City,

hopefulsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Brighton & Hove Albion, Preston North End

The Championship

and Sheffield Wednesday have all appeared

Of the clubs involved in the promotion and

lost one. Leeds United have also appeared in

play-off race this season Newcastle United

two play-off finals but the Elland Road club

and Fulham have never been involved in

have lost them both.

a play-off final, but the large pack around them at the time of writing, have been involved in an amazing 20 last day shoot-

Previous Championship

(2nd Tier) Play-off Final results: 2007

Derby County 1 West Bromwich Albion 0

four finals, albeit they have yet to feature

2014

QPR 1 Derby County 0

in the richest game in English football to

2015

Norwich 2 Middlesbrough 0

outs between them. Huddersfield Town lead the way with three wins and a loss from their

102 - 4TFF.COM

in two finals, all of whom have won one and

d1 nthorpe Unite cu S 1 l o o p ck 1992 Bla n on pens) (Blackpool wo

League One

League Two

As with the division above, all but one of

The race for promotion from League Two

the clubs chasing promotion this term

sees Blackpool looking to add to their

has been involved in the promotion and

record as the club to feature in the most

play-off race previously. Bolton Wanderers

play-off finals, The Seasiders have already

have appeared in four finals in past years,

featured in six finals winning four to earn

winning two and losing two, Sheffield

promotion at every level. Gary Bowyer

United have also featured in four finals but

could be the third manager in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

have yet to win in the biggest of last day

history to win a third-tier final. Doncaster

games. Scunthorpe United, Millwall and Bristol Rovers have all featured in three finals, The Iron winning twice whilst both The Lions and The Gas have won just once.

Bradford City and Southend United have each played in two previous finals and both have a 100% win record, whilst Fleetwood Town and Rochdale have appeared in a Wembley showdown once, The Trawlermen SCUNTHORPE CAPTAIN

won their final as recently as three years

CLIFF BYRNE LIFTS THE

ago whilst Dale lost in their only appearance

2009 LEAGUE ONE PLAY-OFF TROPHY AFTER HIS SIDE DEFEATED MILLWALL

in 2008. The only club looking to claim a play-off spot that have yet to reach a league play-off final are Oxford United, although they have actually won a play-off final at the National Stadium when beating York City in The Blue Square Bet play-off to clinch their place back in The Football League.

Previous League One

(3rd Tier) Play-off Final results: 2009 Scunthorpe 3 Millwall 2 2010

Millwall 1 Swindon Town 0

2012

Huddersfield Town 0 Sheffield United 0 (lost on pens)

Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, Stevenage, Cambridge United, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers have all tasted victory in at least one play-off final, whilst Mansfield Town lost in their only final appearance to date. Of the other clubs in the end of season shake-up Portsmouth, Accrington Stanley, Luton Town, Exeter City and Carlisle United have yet to feature in a league play-off final although the last three have all featured in non-league playoff finals, with both The Grecians and The Cumbrians clinching promotion back into The Football League. Grimsby Town will have hopes of reaching another Wembley play-off final having won last season in The National League Final to return to The Football League after six years in nonleague football.

Previous League Two

(4th Tier) Play-off Final results: 1992

Blackpool 1 (won on pens) Scunthorpe United 1

2001

Blackpool 4 Leyton Orient 2

2016

AFC Wimbledon 2 Plymouth 0

4TFF.COM - 103

FOOTBALL COACHING

With a promising career as a footballer snatched from him as a youth, Darren ‘Daz’ Sampson went on to earn fame in the pop music industry with several hits worldwide, including reaching Number 1 on several occasions in European charts.

Sampson even represented the UK in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest with his self-penned entry ‘Teenage Life’. However, since those heady days Sampson has returned to the first love of his life – football.

Having achieved success as a football coach in places as varied as Poland and the Pacific Island of Guam, Sampson is looking to get into football management in his native England. However, his previous life as a successful ‘pop star’ appears to be a major stumbling block.

As a young pacy winger Sampson was involved in a motorbike accident that saw any chance of a career in the game ended. Several years in the pop industry both as a singer and a DJ followed but having tasted success as a coach abroad, Sampson explains that he feels he should be given a chance to make his name in this country….

I don’t think that many people realise that I have spent several years involved in managing and coaching football abroad. I’ve worked in Poland,

I JUST NEED A CHANCE

America and on the Pacific island of Guam before spending some time last season as part of the coaching staff at North West Counties club Ashton Town which gave me a great insight to the game at this level.

Once I had been forced to quit

playing I had always fancied the idea of becoming involved in a coaching capacity at some level and my Polish ‘adventure’ gave me the perfect opportunity to learn more about the coaching side of the game.

DAZ SAMPSON

‘Uniting Nations’ the band I was in, had three

Number One hits in Poland and myself and my agent had also bought shares in a Night Club so we were over there from Thursday to Sunday night more or less every week.

104 - 4TFF.COM

I’d go and watch the local semi-

they stayed in the top

professional side over the weekend

division, which I would

and it wasn’t long before I was

say is Evo-Stik standard

attending training sessions, before

with a lot of international

eventually being invited to take a few

players from Guam and

sessions in order to give them some

the surrounding islands

English ideas.

playing in the league.

Before long I was offered the

We added a few players

manager’s job with a side close to

to the squad and we

the foot of the table in the Polish

were near the top for

third tier. The lads took on board

much of the next season,

everything I asked of them, we

before finishing second

quickly moved up the table to finish

and also winning the

third only to lose in the play-off final.

Cup. I befriended several

I left half way through the following

Koreans whilst on Guam,

season, with the club in the top

and was invited to go to Korea to

four, having won 13 of the 20 games

do some coaching and football

played. I had sold my share in the

psychology courses. All of which

Night Club and it was time for me

added to my growing knowledge of

to return home, but I left with an

the role.

hand in the English game.

enormous feeling of self-satisfaction

I enjoyed a couple of amazing years

I had enjoyed my time in Guam and

and the drive to earn as many coaching qualifications as possible – I knew that it was to be football where my future lay.

on Guam, winning around 78% of the games, the game was growing at a rapid pace with money coming into the Federation due to the national

with a State University in Iowa but I had decided that it was about time I returned home, I was missing my kids and believe it or not the weather. I was also looking forward to trying my

Florida, working with players who didn’t know me as anything other than a football coach, I know that over my years in Poland, Guam and

My return home didn’t really go as

sides’ successful world cup qualifying

America I have grown as a football

planned, a couple of small businesses

campaign in which they had beaten

coach, helped in no small way by the

that I was involved in went under

Turkmenistan and India in the

fact that I was allowed to be me, and

and I also went through a divorce, all

qualifiers for the 2018 tournament.

not a former ‘pop star’.

of which knocked my confidence. I

I then moved to Florida, where

I returned to North West England

my friend John Robinson, the

after four years in which I had been

former Charlton Athletic and Welsh

managing at various levels of the

international player, was coaching in

game, both professionally and

Again my football desire took me to

Fort Myers. John passed me some

semi-professionally and I assumed

the local ground where a brief chat

contacts of his in Tampa, from which I

that my experience would count for

led to me meeting the owner after

landed a coaching role at a small club

something as I applied for several

the game. As ever the hunger for the

just north of Tampa. The franchise

jobs in and around the area – How

English game was prevalent amongst

was set up to enter the American

wrong could I have been!!

the islanders, indeed the Guam

‘development’ League. I was

I wasn’t even getting the courtesy

national team were managed by Gary

coaching a side full of students from

of a return call and it soon became

White, a former Bognor Regis player.

the likes of Peru, Costa Rica, Puerto

apparent that people could not see

And before long, just as in Poland, I

Rico and Trinidad. The team could

past the fact that I had been a ‘pop

found myself being asked to help out

only play ‘friendlies’ whilst awaiting

star’ in the past. The fact that I was

a team at the bottom of the table, as

confirmation of a place in the league, losing only two of eighteen games.

more qualified and had managed

player/coach.

I threw myself into the role and

With further complications regarding

everyone else going for the jobs

helped the team to win six of the

the team’s place in the league I

counted for nothing. I must admit

last eight games to ensure that

received an offer of a role working

that the situation really shocked me.

decided to move away and I ended up on the tiny island of Guam, 10,000 miles from the UK.

at higher levels than pretty much

>>>>>

4TFF.COM - 105

To keep myself busy, and to practise what I’d learned in Asia, I joined Cheshire League team Billinge. I was there for ten games, winning nine and drawing one, before I got a call from an old mate Mark Hayes at Ashton Town. He asked if I’d go in there as a number two.

To be honest, it was a bit of struggle, I wasn’t getting listened to by the manager, who didn’t appear happy that the Chairman had brought me in. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be so I walked away from the club. Since then I have kept myself busy by attending games, keeping files on players and applying for manager’s jobs.

Just before Christmas last year I was offered the manager’s job at a Hallmark Security League club, and though they were struggling at the bottom of the league, I was up for the challenge.

I had watched the team in their previous game on the Saturday and I must say it was the best I had seen them play in recent weeks, they were unlucky to lose and I told them so before I took training the following night.

I had invited a few new players in to join us that evening and in all honesty training went really well, so much so that several of the existing players commented on how fresh it had all felt.

We had a debrief and discussed the upcoming game at the weekend and I went home pleased with my night’s work. The next day I received a call from the club secretary to tell me that the offer of the manager’s role had been withdrawn since there was some hesitance behind the scenes because I was more known for being a pop star than a football man.

If I’m honest it took me a few weeks to get over that setback, mainly because it was the second time that this particular club had let me down.

A few weeks earlier, amidst a particularly bad

106 - 4TFF.COM

I don’t think that many people realise that I have spent several years involved in managing and coaching football abroad... run of form, the club had invited me in to take on the manager’s job, but because the team had put in a decent performance over the weekend, they decided to give the then manager a couple more games.

The embarrassing thing for me was that on both occasions I had already promised players a place in the squad and they had told their clubs that they were moving on. As you can imagine I was left with a considerable amount of egg on my face.

I have recently had offers to manage in India and back in America but I am determined to make a name for myself in this country for my football ability. I have watched every club in the Evo-Stik and Hallmark League’s this season, I’m at a more games than most scouts these days. I am doing everything I can to find a club over here that will give me the break I know I deserve. I’ve always been a fighter and I have great self-belief and l know that I will definitely improve a team both in playing ability and performances.

I just need that chance to prove it!!

4TFF.COM - 107

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