THE EDITOR'S NOTE // 9-25 THE PRIMER

THE COVER IMAGE

pictured YANN SOMMER

photographed by SAMY EBNETER (SFA)

interview JAI MCINTOSH

THE COVER IMAGE

pictured YANN SOMMER

‘THE WORLD CUP IS THE SORT OF COMMON PROJECT THAT OTHERWISE BARELY EXISTS IN MODERN SOCIETY.’ Simon Kuper

THE EDITOR'S NOTE

The World Cup promotes a global indulgence in nostalgia, shrouded in colour, offering the fruits of glory. An experience and event that captivates more people than any other. The competition ties the contemporary to the past, encouraging a sense of unification and togetherness that, whilst it lasts, acts as national nectar. That said, when the 2018 Russia World Cup came around, critics abound protested at Putin’s effective sportswashing tactics and the repeated reports of worker deaths throughout various pre-tournaments construction projects - let alone the outrage that North Korean workers had been used as cheap and disposable labour across the Zenit Arena project - a scandal that Josimar’s Håvard Melnæs named The Slaves of St Petersburg. The year before the Russian World Cup, in 2017, FIFA pledged their Human Rights Policy to “go beyond its responsibility to respect human rights'' via various “measures to promote the protection of human rights and positively contribute to their enjoyment.” This pledge was clearly ignored in 2018 and this trend appears to have continued into Qatar 2022. Amnesty International titled the 2022 event a “World Cup of Shame”, exposing the staggering numbers behind construction projects with an estimated 1.7 million migrant workers comprising 90% of the entire Qatari World Cup workforce. Many of these have suffered with underpayment, poor working and living conditions, and passport confiscations. Equally, there have been a collection of LGBTQ+ campaign groups questioning the validity of a World Cup being held in a country where their sense of being is under threat. Thus, the World Cup not only houses last minute drama, the tournament is a base of global power and influence. It is now well known that Qatari ministers veiled British ministers with gifts that The Observer’s Shanti Das uncovered to be of a value “greater than the amount spent by the 15 other countries whose governments made donations to British MPs combined.” For the sake of brevity, I need not detail the extent to which this World Cup is without the question the most ecologically damaging footballing event of all time. Sport has always been a tranquiliser, a true entertainer, the controller of the crowd. Whilst the variety of issues cloud this World Cup and the previous one, there is scope to celebrate, there are still reasons to unite, perhaps now more so than ever. It is just worth keeping in mind that, regardless of your nations’ performance, there may be a few issues bigger than the beautiful game.

JAI MCINTOSH EDITOR

FIVE IN FIVE: BEST FOOTBALL BOOKS

With the World Cup hitting our screens this November and taking up the airwaves for the rest of the year, we're assigning time away from the TV and suggesting five of the best football books for some supplementary reading.

THE BOOK THAT CHANGED FOOTBALL

THE EXPECTED GOALS PHILOSOPHY

BY JAMES TIPPETT

CORRUPTION IN THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF FIFA

BY DAVID CONN

THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL TACTICS

INVERTING THE PYRAMIND

BY JONATHAN WILSON

THE PREMIER LEAGUE CAUGHT UP

THE MIXER

BY MICHAEL COX

ANSWERS TO FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

SOCCERNOMICS

BY SIMON KUPER & STEFAN SZYMANSKI

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING BAD SISTERS

Somewhere in Ireland, a woman files an insurance claim. Inconsequential, this happens every day, doesn’t it? Yet, in the twisting, turbulent world of Merman Productions’ Bad Sisters, this very action unlocks a family drama you won’t want to stop watching.

Sharon Horgan plays Eva, and is flanked by Becka (Eve Hewson), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Green), and Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), who lead a complex tale of revenge as these Bad Sisters finally retaliate against Grace’s abusive husband John Paul, a wickedly malicious serve from Claes Bang.

The show is artfully split across two timelines, in a way that avoids all the trappings that lesser shows have succumbed to. In the present day, we witness an exhausted insurance man and his reluctant brother (the masterful Brian Gleeson and the effervescent Daryl McCormack) as they try to uncover some foul play in JP’s death so they don’t have to pay out the mountainous life insurance policy. Concurrently, in the past, we see Eva, Becka, Ursula and Bibi plot to kill him to save Grace from his ensnaring evil.

Bad Sisters is slick, stylish, and unapologetically Irish. Against a soundtrack of PJ Harvey and in the thick woods of Dublin, we found ourselves laughing and crying alongside these sisters, as even in their most outlandish premise, they’re rooted in comic realism and a familiar sense of desperation. The energy is addictive, the mystery thrilling, the supporting cast dazzling, and, which I believe to be its most remarkable feat, the show never tires. There is never a point in its impressive ten episode run that it feels as though it’s running out of steam, like the tension is waning, and the plot becoming too outlandish. Every minute is carefully constructed with effective efficiency to ramp up the stakes, unveil more darkness, and make you laugh even in the face of such wickedness.

And in this wickedness, we’re invited in. The show smartly utilises the ongoing motif of eyes, reminding us we’re no different to voyeurs in a private family affair. In watching, we are then imbued with a sense of responsibility. Teased from an impressive use of a taxidermy eye to a foreboding statuette of the Virgin Mary on a car dashboard, the show states that even should we become blind, lose an eye, or simply close our eyes from it, we’ve witnessed the actions of each character. It, then, becomes our moral crisis and we’re thrust into the very quandaries that the Garvey Sisters encounter each day.

So, get your own eyes on it. Become complicit in one way or another. We here at EJ don’t reckon we’ll let this one go for a while.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THANDIWE MURIU

Thandiwe Muriu is a photographer born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. As a female artist operating in a previously male-dominated field, she is passionate about celebrating and empowering her fellow women. In her CAMO series, Thandiwe showcases Africa’s unique mix of vibrant cultures, textiles and beauty norms. Through her work she celebrates her African heritage and tackles important issues such as identity and self-perception using the rich colours and vibrancy the continent is so well known for. Drawing inspiration from African textiles, everyday objects, and traditional hairstyles, Thandiwe explores how the individual can lose their identity to culture. In her work she not only explores who she is as an artist, but also as a black woman.

@THANDIWE_MURIU

For tickets and full programme listings visit: tickets.kendalmountainfestival.com

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO KENDAL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

17 - 20 November 2022

Kendal Mountain Festival is a platform for inspiration, discovery and connection. Taking place from Thursday 17 - Sunday 20 November 2022, this year's festival is the biggest it's ever been, bringing us an extensive programme of events. Soak up the atmosphere; in the cinema, on the trail run, in the bar, up on stage, on the dance floor, or explore the beating heart of the festival at the tented Basecamp village. Wherever you are in the melee, it is electric.

This year the festival includes a huge range of feature films and collections. Travel to Greenland by kayak and climb the world’s greatest sea stacks; see the spectacular story of a diehard group of Cuban surfers rising up against their government on an island where surfing is outlawed; and hop on your bike with 17 year-old Jessie on a 300-mile campaign to reach the COP26 climate summit.

The weekend kicks off with renowned environmentalist George Monbiot to ask the question: what if there was a way to stop climate change and end global hunger at the same time? On Friday, join award-winning filmmaker and zoologist Roxy Furman on stage with her latest films, ‘Swimming with Giants’ and 'Voices of the Forest' documenting the lives of the endangered whale shark and Geoffrey's spider monkey.

This year, Kendal Mountain Festival are delighted to welcome the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, for a unique and exclusive event as he offers a personal account of his life; from his childhood misdemeanours at school and early expeditions, right through the Transglobe Expedition to his current activities.

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD ANNOUNCE THREE NEW ALBUMS TO BE RELEASED IN OCTOBER

Australia’s prolific atom-splitting polymaths King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard exceed even the most hyperbolic projections and announce the upcoming release of three new albums, all set for flight during the month of October via their own KGLW label. The first to drop will be Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms And Lava, out October 7th. Following that will be Laminated Denim, dropping somewhat unconventionally on October 12th, a Wednesday. Finally, on October 28th the band will release Changes, their 5th album of the year.

@KINGGIZZARD

WHERE WE'RE EATING TERRE

Vincent Crepel grew up in the French Pyrenees and trained in the Basque Country. He worked at the three Michelin-starred Arzak in San Sebastian, at Hotel de Ville Crissier in Switzerland and with Andre Chiang in Singapore before opening his own restaurant, Porte12, in Paris. Now, Chef Vincent Crepel has opened his first solo venture outside of his native France, Terre, a modern restaurant housed within a 17th-century manor house at 5-star Castlemartyr estate in Ireland.

“From the first moment I saw the green fields of Ireland surrounded by its spectacular coastline, I have felt a connection with the land and its people, drawn energy from the sea, and inspiration from its bounty,” explains Vincent. “At Terre my hope is to bring you on a special journey, and to share with you my very personal vision of a modern restaurant experience.”

Vincent’s Terre utilises ingredients from the Irish larder whilst drawing on his experience in France, the Basque Country and Asia. Dinner begins with aperitifs overlooking the estate’s landscaped gardens, a tour of the kitchen with champagne and snacks and an intimate look into the dry ageing fridges and fermentation rooms before sitting down to dine. The wine will be given the same prominence as the food, curated from a list of small scale, family-owned producers using low intervention methods to produce biodynamic and organic wines.

WHERE WE'RE STAYING UNYOKED

Australian born nature company Unyoked are leading the charge when it comes to detaching from society, and taking a well deserved rest surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment. Unyoked aims to promote relaxation, stimulate creativity, and enhance your connections. Now, with multiple spots opening throughout the UK, an Unyoked stay looks like the ideal winter getaway.

Keep your eyes on EJ67 for a full review!

WHAT'S ON OUR FEET CONVERSE

As Converse continues to push its boundaries, a new trio of silhouettes debuts elements of utility and comfort for versatile and edgy styling. One stand-out style for us is the Chuck 70 AT-CX which is inspired by Converse’s outdoor heritage and is built to deliver a bold stance and lightweight comfort, powered by CX foam. Boasting sleek lines, it is built up for longer lasting comfort with intentional craftsmanship, nuanced tooling and bolstered, but subtle, functionality.

Shop the Chuck 70 AT-CX now at converse.com

WHAT WE'VE BEEN COOKING MARMITE BEURRE BLANC WITH BROCCOLI STALK & MARMITE PANGRATTATO

INGREDIENTS

Marmite Buerre Blanc

100g 3g 1 50ml 50ml 7g 25g 150g 50g Sliced white onion Dried mushrooms such as porcini Small bay leaf White wine vinegar White wine Marmite Hot water Double cream Butter

Marmite Pangrattato

40g 1 tsp 50g Butter Stale marmite Dry (old) bread, blitzed into crumbs

Broccoli Stalk

1 1 tsp Piece of broccoli stalk, halved (30-40g) Honey

RECIPE BY

IVAN TISDALL-DOWNES

METHOD

Sweat the sliced white onion in a small saucepan along with the dried mushrooms and bay leaf. Once translucent add wine & vinegar followed by 5g of the marmite dissolved in the hot water. Reduce this mixture over a medium heat by two thirds. Remove the bay leaf and then add cream and reduce by a further two thirds. Pass this cream mixture through a fine sieve and then back into a clean small saucepan. Place the pan over the lowest heat and slowly emulsify the butter into the cream mixture with a whisk, followed by the remaining 2gs of marmite. Set aside and keep warm until ready to serve.

Melt the butter in a small pan until foaming. Whisk in the marmite and then add the bread.

Continue to cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, ensuring you are stirring frequently so the marmite doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan.

Peel the outer layer of the broccoli stalk to expose the tender flesh beneath.

Steam over a pan for 6 minutes. Remove from the pan, brush with honey then season with sea salt. To plate, place the piece of broccoli stalk in a bowl and surround with the marmite Beurre Blanc before sprinkling with the pangrattato.

@ivanjd // @eatnative

WHAT WE'RE WEARING DENMARK'S NATIONAL TEAM KIT BY HUMMEL

"At Hummel, we believe that sport should bring people together. And when it doesn’t, we are eager to speak up and make a statement. That’s also why the new Denmark jerseys for the upcoming World Cup have been designed as a protest against Qatar and its human rights record. We’ve toned down all the details – including our own hummel logo and chevrons - because even though we love football and the feeling of togetherness it gives us, we don’t wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost several people their lives. We’re immensely proud of our history with the Danish national team, and we support them all the way. However, that isn’t the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation. In fact, we have made Denmark’s third jersey all black to honour the migrant workers that have died building Qatar’s World Cup stadiums, as well as the families left behind."

You can also read more about the new kits through this FAQ: hummel.net/wcjersey22-faq.html

PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN CAIRNS

WHO WE'RE TALKING TO DAN FREEDMAN

Like most young boys, for Dan Freedman, football acted as a safe space. In the sport, Dan found a way to connect with his father, explore his creativity, and comprehend all the demise and drudgery life had to offer. Often found on the pitch at school, Dan found solace in life’s tough times by kicking the beaten up ball around.

Dan remarks how he’d always loved football, but was never ‘quite’ good enough to be professional. However, he clung to it as a form of expression, as a safe space, and soon enough it became his way into becoming a professional writer. He did two stays with England’s World Cup Squad as an FA managing director, being part of their official team. During this time, he was able to interview an all-manner of players, write about their experiences, and grow an even deeper appreciation for the game in a literary way.

It’s during this time that Dan began to conceptualise what would go on to be his very successful children’s book series: Jamie Johnson. A tale that weaves the pubescent angst and life struggles with an aspirational young footballer. ‘From the schoolyard to the Premier League,’ Dan remarks of the journey.

“At the heart of it though,” Dan says, “It’s a story about a kid desperate to prove something to himself, to be more than the struggles he’s facing, to be more than what he’s given. Jamie Johnson takes hold of what hand he’s been dealt and flips the deck, becoming someone great.” Which is an important thing for young boys to read, of course. We’re not one to gender the literature but the audience of ‘Jamie Johnson’ has skewed towards young males for a while. The reason for this is obvious; as Dan says, it can be a struggle to keep young boys engaged in books, but if they’re reading about another passion, it keeps them hooked enough that when it comes to exploring deeper themes or deeper ideas, they’re more receptive to it.

This goes beyond literature too. The players on the field now have more of a platform than before and Dan is eager to discuss how it allows for young men to become engaged in empathetic political movements.

“If a young boy turns on the TV and sees a politician talking about a new law or arguing against a government reform, they’re probably going to turn it over; but if they turn on the TV and see Marcus Rashford campaigning for access to free school meals, they’re getting engaged, they’re getting involved. Of course, there’s issues that can arise from that but the players now are more trained in media than they used to be, they understand what their privilege can do. They try to do the right thing and seeing that gets young men involved from a younger age.”

“Nelson Mandela said that, ‘Football and music are the two most compelling ways to bring people together,’ and he was right. Football, I think, has the power to enact the most change.”

@danfreedman_99