Excerpts from the Ference Puskas biography published in 1999.
As an aside, many of the obituaries that ran after the great man’s death contained an error or two. A number referenced his part in winning five consecutive European Cups with Real Madrid when in fact he did not sign for Madrid until the 1958/59 season. He was suspended for almost two years by UEFA after failing to return to Hungary after the 1956 Uprising. The other often misreported item was the reference to Hungary as the first foreign team to beat England at home. Hungary was the first foreign team to beat England at Wembley but the Republic of Ireland beat England in 1949 in an international game held in Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Alan Campbell on the debacle that is Heart of Midlothian and the de####able treatment of Captain Steven Pressley.
Gabriele Marcotti suggests a major revamp of domestic leagues outside of the present big 5.
David Bond says that a new owner for West Ham will be confirmed very soon.
Steven Morris writes about the smallest league in the world.
This is going to some week what with round 5 of the Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by a weekend that includes top-of-the-table action in Italy and England. Palermo plays Inter Milan and Chelsea will go to Old Trafford next Sunday for the biggest game of the Premiership season so far. More on Manchester United and Chelsea later this week.
Hey Bobby, just wanted to say thanks. I asked u about rooney last week and u said I should keep the faith. And what does he do the following week? Score a double! I made him my captain this week. Henry was very unlucky not to score more. It just goes to show how much Newcastle have missed Shay Given
First of all l think l have to say the gunners tried their best on saturday, but l feel that shay given is the best goal keeper in the prem and he is worth 30 points a season for newcastle otherwise they would have been relagated a few seasons ago why is he at united, has there been any other club that bid for him in the past possibly a champions leauge side?l feel like portsmouth are now feeling the path were they gave their all in the early season and are now producing some poor perfomances,Bobby what do you make of pompey and lastly how do you rate hleb amoung wenger's best midfilders at arsenal?
Bobby what do you make of spurs striking combinations, martin jol just spend $20m on a 20 goal a season striker, he has keane who averages 16 goals a season and l do not see why he does not make them his first chice pairing, what do you make of the basic martin jol team selection?also playing gerrard in the middle did not change anything as he is not on form as was for all to see.one last thimg yes any club would miss gallas but we have senderos who is more than capable of filling in the shoes of gallas
Last edited by henry14 on November 20th at 8:33 AM.
Bobby--Pressely is getting such a raw deal. Watching the happenings at Hearts is the equivalent of a manly soap opera. Where do you see him going? I know you are going to talk about the big two later this week but allow me a comment on ManU. and Sheffield UTD. ShefUTD. were very lucky to escape with some pride left with a 2-1 final score. If Ronaldo could have controled the ball on two differnet occasions it would have shown the true beating they were recieving at the hands of the Red Devils. I almost felt shamed for the Blades just watching. Did they field any forwards? They had no answer as far as counter-attack goes. Ronaldo will need to show better finishing touches against Chelsea to finish on top. What did you think of Giggs' service into the box? He looked rushed and completely off target---to much confidence? poor form? lack of patience? What do you think?
Bobby, I had a question and comment on the article from Marcotti on formation of new leagues. I know his article is not about any "superleague" but over the years I've heard speculation on the "Superleague" and Uefa's ongoing fight against such a proposal. Do you think something of this nature (Euro league with 20 biggest clubs) will ever come to fruition and if so, do you think it's good or bad for the game? From a fans perspective, it seems the most anticipated games of the year are the occasional great matchups in the Champions league so I would expect a weekly slate of games between the likes of Man U v. Barca or Chelsea v. AC Milan would be great. All of the top leagues are dominated by 2-3 teams anyways so I see this Euro league as natural progression of the game. Ideally, I'd like to see the domestic leagues more competitive but under the current system I don't see this happening. I also don't mind Marcotti's proposal to try and get the smaller leagues up to par with the Big 5. It is a bit ironic though that as Europe becomes more integrated politically and economically that Uefa seems to want to stick with the domestic approach.
With the talk of superleagues and the EU and political integration, why not a Great Britain Premier League?
I was thinking about this the other day, considering a baseball team like the Seattle Mariners travelling 3,000 miles to play The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, for example. Celtic travelling to London is about 1/10th that. (give or take, for all you exacting readers)
Keep the cups in place (FA, Scottish, Irish [if there is one, I am ignorant of Irish football]) but unite the leagues into one super British Isles league! You can even keep the individual continental leagues for those who do not qualify. I'm sure there's been talk of this in the past - More Champions league places for the one league, less boring fixtures, No more Watford, Sheffield United, etc, unless they are truly a great team. AND it makes domestic football (for GB) even stronger, and more unified. I'm all about the political unity, we're all brothers on this planet - let's let football lead the way!
I want to know where you stand on an idea like this and why it would or would not work.
Neo well said. I put Ronaldo's miss at second worse this season tied with Ivan Helguera. First belongs to Roy Makaay (can't remember who against). Giggs' ball in was hopping but he had an age to control and bury it. Rooney took his chances like a star, but the same can't be said for him (or Stevie) against Holland. They made a complete hash of two chances each. Oh well, it happens. Better overall from my Lions. Was anyone slightly reminded of Sweden with that equalizer?
A thought for Bobby and my fellow blog readers:
I was speaking with a family friend and former editor-in-chief of a kids soccer magazine here in the US, and he had an interesting take on the potential for success here and in other parts of the world. A lot of what he said had to do with economics. He said that in many cases the more wealthy your country is, the harder it is going to be to compete in the world's sport. The discussion was much more detailed, but this was the general idea. There are obvious exceptions (Pirlo, who was raised upper class, comes to mind), but I think it makes sense. You have your Brazils of the world where kids cope with the harsh reality of the favelas and soccer is not only woven into the culture, but is also seen as a 'way out'. I'm sure some of you have heard/thought about this, but I'd like to know what you all think.
And finally, cast your votes: Rooney with beard or without beard? I vote 'with'
I think that correlation between wealth/poor soccer development is only coincidental. Canada and the USA are both wealthy, but development is mediocre here because a) the game isn't part of the national identity and b) there's an incredible number of other games which take precedence in terms of interest, funding and attainable career.
Rooney is ugly either way. Question: has Ryan Giggs ever not had a 5 o'clock shadow even in the early kick off? :D
A GB super league would be a terrible idea. The English and the Scots hate each other. Perhaps hate is too strong, but certainly, some elements, not just typical yobs, have a strong dislike for each other. Just listen in to some of the chants.
Secondly, how do you think would Portsmouth feel about going to Glasgow for a match, then coming back to play in the CC or the FA cup?
Thirdly, how do you decide who stays and who goes? Would Rangers get in, even though they've been poor lately? Or do Hearts?
Just too complicated, although a Welsh team could gain promotion to the PL next year!
About the development of football (or saaaakker as my frinds call it, I'm Russian living in DC, btw).
Most pf the top players grew up playing in the streets. Most came from poor backgrounds. They had to fight to get where they are.
Also, many of them say that they learned their skills in the cages. When I was growoing up in Russia, my dad, who played porfessional football untill injury sidelined him, sent me to his old coach at our city's main club, for the youth team. I hated it. I was used to playing small, 5v5, 6v6 games on asphalt, barefoot. You develop technique that way. Point is, in the US, too many parents send their kids out to play on huge, rain soaked pitches where most of the coaches tell them to "work hard, run really fats and knock the ball around". In France, Holland, Brazil, etc, kids in academies do not get on a grass pitch of large size till they are 11-12. This alos stresses the importance of coaching at all levels. Too many coaches do not know much about
The thing about coaching is probably the biggest stumbling block (which ties into the national interest in the sport). The average European knows a great deal about football and would impart a lot better advice than like what you said about north americans. I'm absolutely disgusted with the style of coaching given to my little sister, and the Canadian national coaching manual (6-10 year olds or something like that) which has exercises like 'rolling the ball with your hands'. Not to mention the dozens of screaming parents on the sidelines shouting at their kid to "GO GET THE BALL! CHASE THE BALL!"
The Wiel Coerver method used in Holland (and other places) is exemplary of how the game should be shown to youngsters. Gotta love futsal and street/freestyle football.
Do you think Everton has any chance of finishing in the top four this season. It seems to me that the fourth spot is up for grabs especially with Liverpool be so inconsistent.
Bobby just to answer the question of the week here l feel that chelsea need the victory more than united. united go into the match with a three point gape and it will be their last match against any of the big four for the first half of the season, hence they can afford a slip up because they have had the most difficult games dealt with, chelsea will meet arsenal in two weeks time at the bridge and is not a far gone conclusion that they can win that game and keep hold of united, so chelsea will have to win
Last edited by henry14 on November 21st at 11:09 AM.
Chelsea cannot afford to lose and go 6 points back even though it's shaping up to be a two horse race (although it's early yet). Man Utd will be desperate to maintain some sort of gap between themselves and Chelsea, even if it stays at 3 points.
A loss would probably be a bigger disaster for Chelsea, but both will be satisfied with a draw, and that's what we'll get. Hopefully 3-3 and not 0-0!
Im hoping for an entertaining, attcking gameof football betwen MAN U and Chelsie. The champions, whoever it turns out to be; and I still have my rose #### arsenal glasses on, will win by more than 3 pts. So the exact result of this game wont have a bearing on the outcome. From a gunner perspective, im hoping they both drop 2 pts.
Arsenal finally complete a come back. Man U lose again. This has been a great day. That Theo Walcot sure will become something special, he just needs to learn how to be consistant.
BUT CESC FABULOUS AND SUPER KOLO were amazing tonight. Clichy is not Match fit yet so don't critisize him please although he sucked. And Finally SAHA is NO VAn Nistrooy. Why was Rooney, Giggs, Ronaldo, Scholes e.t.c not taking the penalty.
i was gutted when Man U lost last night how could Saha took that penalty, i knew he would miss hiis confidence was shattered from that missed opporunity anyway bring on the stupid boys in blue saha will score so will rooney.The back-firing gunners won a game great for them the needed that one cause they will not win the Prem. that is a distant dream for Mr Moaner Henry and their Bigger-Moaner coach Mr Wenger.As i said bring on Slow Coach Janet Terry and the rest....ha... ha
Bobby did you see the arsenal champions leauge game, l have to say hleb is a genious, a highly cretive player.you were laughing at gallas the other night l hope you would laugh at the hamburg defence, because the guy went on a one man dribbling expedtion that if he had score surely it would have been goal of the year for the last 3 years+
I've read that Clint Dempsey is considering a move to either Fulham or Charlton and that he's leaning towards Charlton. Personally, I think Fulham is a better fit and he would play for a great manager. Coleman has to be the most underrated manager in the Premiership in that he makes the most out of the little he's given by Al-Fayad.
Bobby
As a Celtic supporter I would have to say that these superleagues would help and in alot of ways I would like to see it. However what happens to these domestic leagues when there biggest money draws leave? What happens to the SPL if The Hoops The Gers and hearts leave or superliga without Benfica and porto and there money especially form tv is a couple of big cup games enough? Though it would help a great amount of teams maintain there titles of big clubs in Europe when you preserve one history you lose another. Having said that I think a move like this is inevitable and in the end would hurt some clubs but would help just as many. I think borders are melting, hell im an American kid born to Irish parents that roots for a Scottish team. Progress seems to be a dirty word in football sometimes, no ?
How would relegation, if there was any, work in theses leagues. Would the worst team from each country go down or would it still be the teams at the bottom of the table.
Gunner14, you're right, Saha is no RVN (spits). IMO, he's better. He may not score as many, but he is far more dynamic than the Dutchman. Ruud slowed down the mancs play in the last year or two. Everyone misses a penalty once in a while, and if Neville did in fact tell Neil Lennon what it says on all websites, shame on him. He's the captain, he needs to choose someone who he knows will do well, Those comments are uncalled for. I'm sure Saha will keep on taking penalties.
To the genious who said Arsenal won't win the Premier League. Maybe not this year, I'd be happy with a good run in the CL, 3rd place and an FA Cup. very happy, actually. But next year, this young team will be amazing, I feel.
Again, a question to the same person: what will happen if one of vidic/giggs/ronaldo/rooney gte's injured? Your season will crumble, that's what will happen.
PS, no need for childish insults like "moaner Henry" Just shows that you are probably a 10 y.o. plastic. Which I'd hope you're not.
Last edited by extraordinaryrvanp on November 22nd at 7:57 AM.
Why is he so bloody big?
A doctor writes: Some adolescent boys mature much quicker physically than others. In Rooney's case, an obvious early burst of testosterone has allowed him to grow to the size of a bodybuilder while retaining the mental immaturity of a MU footballer.
Why can he not talk properly?
A doctor writes: Some adolescent boys mature much quicker physically than others. In Rooney's case, an obvious early burst of testosterone has allowed him to grow to the size of a bodybuilder while retaining the mental immaturity of a MU footballer.
Is he clinically obese?
A dietician writes: Technically no — though you wouldn't think so from looking at his legs would you now? However his thighs are two metres wider than should be the case for an average young man.
Why is he called Roonaldo?
A dentist writes: No idea — his teeth seem fine to me.
Is it true that on recent a visit to London he was chased out of an upmarket estate agent showroom by worried staff who thought he was a dangerous yob on the rob?
A policeman writes: Yes, he's from Liverpool originally though so what's the problem with them doing that then?
So how does stack up against such greats as Pele and Maradona?
A BBC football pundit writes: The comparisons are unfair. At the same age as Rooney neither Pele or Maradona had broken into the Everton first team. Nor did either of them ever win the coveted BBC "Young Sports Personality of the Year" award.
What is his favourite drink?
A Wayne Rooney fan club representative: Sunny D sports supplement booster drink.
To Mr Extraordinay you "feel" ASSranl can win next seanon i would rather go down to Stamford Bridge and celebrate with them than your team winning the Prem.Henery is a moaner have you listened to him latey in his post match comment??? what if THE MOANER get injured huh huh?? where will your gaols come from you need to look at that Man U will bring in Players to bolster their squad and they can afford to your team has less money because of the Emirates built last season THINK .........
I take that back...you are a 10 year old glory hunter. What would happen if "Henery" was injured? Well, we could always visit the Red Devils Bowl and beat the living lights out of you...like we did this season! Too easy...
Avg. age of Arsenal's first team - 24. These young player, all they need is convert thier cnaces, job done.
your team got a way lucky with a one nil victory and suddenly you think you can win the Prem? rember you have Bolton to play your little girlie team love to complain about their physical nature..rember in this league it takes a lot of experience you lot must thank the hotel staff Tottenham stayed at lat season or your team would have been playing in UEFA Cup this was the same team a commentator said was a team of kids....As for Rooney what ever you call him he still does'nt moan about stuff in post match comments he may win European Footballer of the year one day which is less than i can say for MR MOANER HENRY... AND PLEASE LEAVE THE PERSONAL COMMENTS AIMED AT ME OUT WE ARE ONLY TALKING FOOTBALL
Lucky, eh? Look, take off your rose tinted specs! Even SAF admitted that your midfield were chasing shadows that day. How blinkered some people can be.
Re. Rooney. Please tell me the next time he scores a goal in CL. How many has he got? 4? How many goals for England has he scored in actual games, not friendlies? 0? That's right.
Oh, and by the time Henry was 20, he won the World Cup and scored 7 goals in the CL for Monaco. Ronney had a nice Euro 2004. And the reason Rooney doesn't appear to complain is because no one can understand what he is saying. He's a good diver, thou.
Last edited by extraordinaryrvanp on November 23rd at 12:35 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
This blog was awarded the 2008 Soccerlens "Best Media Blogger" in the both Readers' Choice and Editors' Choice Awards.
Thank you to all who take time to visit this blog and especially to those of you who post your comments and thoughts.
