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Spanish skipper Iker Casillas lifts the European Championship trophy aloft as he celebrates his sides 1-0 victory over Germany in Vienna tonight.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Informal, Untailored, Comfortable, Straightforward Garb – Otherwise Known As The ‘Casual’ Era.
Like every teenage cult, they are all very individual in their own peculiarities. However they are all analogous, whether it be Teds, Mods, Rockers, Skinheads or whoever and whatever might be currently in vogue.
Casual was quaint essentially a working-class movement that sought to subvert the fashions of their supposed betters.
Casual was about going that extra mile to look different from everyone else, whilst having the sanctuary of a dozen or so mates who looked the same.
Unlike any other youth culture movement, however, Casual was aimed indisputably and unequivocally at football fans and the terraces became their very own fashion-show runways.
The Casual look was perfect for hooligans; anyone that way inclined could instantly tell who was ‘up for it’ (and non-Casual fans such as the club scarf wearing brigade were generally left alone) and for a short time it greatly confused the police.
Although argument still rages over the true origins - who wore the first particular style of jumper, which town or city first adopted a certain colour e.t.c - it is generally agreed upon that Liverpool fans kick-started the movement back in the late 1970’s.
While their team swept all before them in Europe, some of their travelling support plundered continental menswear retail outlets, setting themselves apart from their Doc Marten and blue denim contemporaries.
By the turn of the decade, the fashion strongholds of London and Manchester had caught on, and introduced the defining factor of Casual: sportswear.
On the continent vast quantities of exotically coloured Adidas trainers and Tacchini tops could be purchased or stolen.
Prior to this the only time anyone would be seen dead in a trackie top was during a school games lesson on a nippy winter’s day.
The more expensive and exclusive, the better, even though much of the gear could never be worn in any other decade than the 1980’s.
After going through a range of styles from ‘Italian Exchange Student’ to ‘PE Teacher at a Posh Grammar School,’ the definitive Casual look emerged: ‘Middle Management on a Golfing Weekend.’
Casual wasn’t tied to the musical era of the day, so instead of copying musicians, it drew inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources. An obscure golfer’s Farah trouser, a Ronnie Corbett Lyle and Scott jumper, Bjorn Borg’s Fila tracksuit top, a tv presenter’s Pringle sweater e.t.c.
Indeed, the sartorial destiny of a ‘crew’ revolved around the performance of their football club. If your team drew Italian opposition in a European Cup tie, their stock rose dramatically.
If they supported Sunderland, they had to make do with a coach trip to London for the sole purpose of visiting the one shop that sold that one particular fashion garment, be it a polo shirt, cardigan.......or whatever.
The golden age of Casual was ended by the Heysel disaster of May 1985.
A ban on English clubs in Europe curtailed shopping/shoplifting expeditions, the media had cottoned on, and sportswear manufacturers had moved onto a new high-end fashion market, flaunting even more flamboyant and pretentious styles and designs.
The nature of Casual still lives on a quarter–century later, for better or worse!
Its longevity, far beyond its natural shelf life was due in part to its relationship with sports clad wearing celebrities from all walks of life.
Sadly the ‘Chav’ phenomenon (Burberry garments, tracksuit bottoms tucked into socks, Hackett polo shirts) is a direct result of Casual, along with ‘sports shops’ that sell nothing one would actually dare to wear on a playing field.
On the plus side, it excuses certain men in their forties (like myself) and upwards from discarding the comfort and style of a nice pair of trainers.
Casual was quaint essentially a working-class movement that sought to subvert the fashions of their supposed betters.
Casual was about going that extra mile to look different from everyone else, whilst having the sanctuary of a dozen or so mates who looked the same.
Unlike any other youth culture movement, however, Casual was aimed indisputably and unequivocally at football fans and the terraces became their very own fashion-show runways.
The Casual look was perfect for hooligans; anyone that way inclined could instantly tell who was ‘up for it’ (and non-Casual fans such as the club scarf wearing brigade were generally left alone) and for a short time it greatly confused the police.
Although argument still rages over the true origins - who wore the first particular style of jumper, which town or city first adopted a certain colour e.t.c - it is generally agreed upon that Liverpool fans kick-started the movement back in the late 1970’s.
While their team swept all before them in Europe, some of their travelling support plundered continental menswear retail outlets, setting themselves apart from their Doc Marten and blue denim contemporaries.
By the turn of the decade, the fashion strongholds of London and Manchester had caught on, and introduced the defining factor of Casual: sportswear.
On the continent vast quantities of exotically coloured Adidas trainers and Tacchini tops could be purchased or stolen.
Prior to this the only time anyone would be seen dead in a trackie top was during a school games lesson on a nippy winter’s day.
The more expensive and exclusive, the better, even though much of the gear could never be worn in any other decade than the 1980’s.
After going through a range of styles from ‘Italian Exchange Student’ to ‘PE Teacher at a Posh Grammar School,’ the definitive Casual look emerged: ‘Middle Management on a Golfing Weekend.’
Casual wasn’t tied to the musical era of the day, so instead of copying musicians, it drew inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources. An obscure golfer’s Farah trouser, a Ronnie Corbett Lyle and Scott jumper, Bjorn Borg’s Fila tracksuit top, a tv presenter’s Pringle sweater e.t.c.
Indeed, the sartorial destiny of a ‘crew’ revolved around the performance of their football club. If your team drew Italian opposition in a European Cup tie, their stock rose dramatically.
If they supported Sunderland, they had to make do with a coach trip to London for the sole purpose of visiting the one shop that sold that one particular fashion garment, be it a polo shirt, cardigan.......or whatever.
The golden age of Casual was ended by the Heysel disaster of May 1985.
A ban on English clubs in Europe curtailed shopping/shoplifting expeditions, the media had cottoned on, and sportswear manufacturers had moved onto a new high-end fashion market, flaunting even more flamboyant and pretentious styles and designs.
The nature of Casual still lives on a quarter–century later, for better or worse!
Its longevity, far beyond its natural shelf life was due in part to its relationship with sports clad wearing celebrities from all walks of life.
Sadly the ‘Chav’ phenomenon (Burberry garments, tracksuit bottoms tucked into socks, Hackett polo shirts) is a direct result of Casual, along with ‘sports shops’ that sell nothing one would actually dare to wear on a playing field.
On the plus side, it excuses certain men in their forties (like myself) and upwards from discarding the comfort and style of a nice pair of trainers.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
'Food For Thought' - Tonight's Group Of Death!
The Netherlands have won Group C and will play the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals.
Romania will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Netherlands, eliminating France and Italy.
If Romania fail to beat the Netherlands, the winner of France v Italy will go through.
If France and Italy draw, a point against the Netherlands would be enough to send Romania through. France must win to have any chance of qualifying.
If France and Italy share a score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc), Italy will go through if Romania lose (by any score). In this scenario, Italy, Romania and France will be level on two points each but Italy would have scored more goals in games between the 3 teams.
Romania will finish bottom of the group if they lose and France and Italy draw 2-2, 3-3 or 4-4. France will finish bottom if they draw 1-1 unless Romania lose 3-0 or by a four-goal margin.
If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania can lose by one goal, two goals or by a three-goal margin other than 3-0 but still qualify. In this scenario, Italy and Romania would have identical head-to-head records, but Romania would have better goal difference in ALL group matches or, in the case of the three-goal defeats, goals scored. France would finish bottom, having scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If Romania lose 3-0 to the Dutch, Italy would qualify with a 0-0 draw against France because of their superior coefficient points. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If Romania lose by four goals or more and the other game ends 0-0, Italy would proceed with a better overall goal difference than Romania. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If France and Italy draw and Romania avoid defeat, then Romania go through.
PIECE OF CAKE!
....and the betting odds for tonight's games are as follows:
7/4 France v Italy 11/8. The draw 13/5.
21/10 Netherlands v Romania 11/10. The draw 11/4.
Courtesy of William Hill.
Romania will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Netherlands, eliminating France and Italy.
If Romania fail to beat the Netherlands, the winner of France v Italy will go through.
If France and Italy draw, a point against the Netherlands would be enough to send Romania through. France must win to have any chance of qualifying.
If France and Italy share a score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc), Italy will go through if Romania lose (by any score). In this scenario, Italy, Romania and France will be level on two points each but Italy would have scored more goals in games between the 3 teams.
Romania will finish bottom of the group if they lose and France and Italy draw 2-2, 3-3 or 4-4. France will finish bottom if they draw 1-1 unless Romania lose 3-0 or by a four-goal margin.
If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania can lose by one goal, two goals or by a three-goal margin other than 3-0 but still qualify. In this scenario, Italy and Romania would have identical head-to-head records, but Romania would have better goal difference in ALL group matches or, in the case of the three-goal defeats, goals scored. France would finish bottom, having scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If Romania lose 3-0 to the Dutch, Italy would qualify with a 0-0 draw against France because of their superior coefficient points. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If Romania lose by four goals or more and the other game ends 0-0, Italy would proceed with a better overall goal difference than Romania. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.
If France and Italy draw and Romania avoid defeat, then Romania go through.
PIECE OF CAKE!
....and the betting odds for tonight's games are as follows:
7/4 France v Italy 11/8. The draw 13/5.
21/10 Netherlands v Romania 11/10. The draw 11/4.
Courtesy of William Hill.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
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Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Coca-Cola Championship Team Of The Season-2007/08
Watch a video of a fictional team comprising The Best Players Of The 2007/08 Season in the English Championship Football League.
Click on the 'Link' below to watch this video.
Link
Players include:
Adriano Basso (Bristol City), Danny Shittu (Watford), Mark Hudson (Crystal Palace), Carl Hoefkens (West Brom), Michael Turner (Hull), Liam Lawrence (Stoke), Peter Halmosi (Plymouth), Akos Buzsaky (QPR),
Victor Moses (Crystal Palace), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves), Kevin Phillips (West Brom). Manager: Gary Johnson (Bristol City).
Do you agree with these selections?
If NOT, then tell me which players you think should or should not be included in the Championship Team Of The Season.
Please post your comments below.
Click on the 'Link' below to watch this video.
Link
Players include:
Adriano Basso (Bristol City), Danny Shittu (Watford), Mark Hudson (Crystal Palace), Carl Hoefkens (West Brom), Michael Turner (Hull), Liam Lawrence (Stoke), Peter Halmosi (Plymouth), Akos Buzsaky (QPR),
Victor Moses (Crystal Palace), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves), Kevin Phillips (West Brom). Manager: Gary Johnson (Bristol City).
Do you agree with these selections?
If NOT, then tell me which players you think should or should not be included in the Championship Team Of The Season.
Please post your comments below.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ten Classic Football Quotations made by Football Players
The best-dressed footballer I've ever seen. Even in training - we're all in tracksuits and he arrives in shirt, trousers and shoes. And his hair's lovely. We call him The Dog, as in the dogs bollocks - ROBERT LEE, Newcastle midfielder talking about his defensive colleague Warren Barton, 1996.
I don't mind Roy Keane making £60,000 a week. I was making the same when I was playing. The only difference is I was printing my own - MICKEY THOMAS, former Manchester United midfielder with a conviction for counterfeiting currency, 2002.
We call him Germ. He always has a cold or something - DARREN HUCKERBY, talking about fellow Leeds striker Michael Bridges, 1999.
What is the world coming to when you get a red card and fined two weeks' wages for calling a grown man a wanker? It's an adults' game - what's wrong with a bit of industrial language in the workplace? - PAUL GASCOIGNE, after being sent off for Middlesborough v. Chelsea, 2000.
I started the shirt-lifting thing and I'm still the best at it - FABRIZIO RAVANELLI, struggling with colloquialisms at Derby, 2002.
My team-mates at Chelsea have very funny ways of celebrating. In France, when it's your birthday, they buy you champagne and cake.
Here they just shove your face in mud. Very strange - FRANK LEBOEUF, Chelsea defender, 1999.
My only problem seems to be with Italian breakfasts. No matter how much money you've got, you can't seem to get any Rice Krispies - LUTHER BLISSETT, after his transfer from Watford to Milan, 1983.
When I saw the pictures of what I did I was ashamed. The worst thing was when people phoned my girlfriend, who's six months pregnant, and said: 'What's it like living with a lunatic?' - JOHN HARTSON, after kicking West Ham colleague Eyal Berkovic in the head during training, 1998.
This is a man's game - unless the FA want us to walk out carrying handbags and wearing lipstick. 'Chopper' Harris and Tommy Smith wouldn't have lasted two minutes the way the game is run today - PAUL INCE, Middlesborough midfielder, 2001.
What facinates me - and this is probably where Mussolini and I are very different - is the way he was able to go against his morals to achieve his goals - PAOLO DI CANIO, West Ham's Italian striker and a self-confessed admirer of the late Italian fascist leader, 2000.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
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Friday, April 18, 2008
Ten Classic Football Quotations made by Football Managers
I asked the players who wanted to take a penalty and there was an awful smell coming from some of them - MICK McCARTHY, Millwall manager, after victory in a penalty shoot-out, 1995.
I told my chairman that David O'Leary spent £18m to buy Rio Ferdinand from us and Leeds have given (O'Leary) £5.5m in share options, whereas I bring in £18m and all I get is a bacon sandwich - HARRY REDKNAPP, West Ham manager, 2000.
I'm told we need a big name. Engelbert Humperdinck is a big name but it doesn't mean he can play football - RAY HARFORD, Blackburn manager, 1996.
If you have a fortnight's holiday in Dublin you qualify for an Eire cap. - MIKE ENGLAND, Wales manager, 1986.
It's a hard place to come for a southern team. You can dress well and have all the nice watches in the world, but that won't buy you a result at Grimsby - ALAN SMITH, Crystal Palace manager, at Grimsby, 2000.
I'd hang myself but the club can't afford the rope - IAIN MUNRO, Hamilton Academicals manager, 1995
It was a game of two halves, and we were rubbish in both of them - BRIAN HORTON, Oxford United manager, 1990.
The first goal was a foul, the second offside, and they would never have scored the third if they hadn't got the other two - STEVE COPPELL, Crystal Palace manager, explaining defeat at Liverpool, 1991.
Yes, there are two great teams on Merseyside. Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves - BILL SHANKLY, Liverpool manager, 1965.
We're like lady Di. She's not the Queen yet. She's not even married. But like us, she's nicely placed - JIMMY SIRRAL, Notts County manager, on his side's promotion prospects as royal-wedding fever spread, 1981.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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