Boston’s last match at Wrexham left a question in my mind. What’s the point of football? It felt like one of the biggest games in our history, and I suppose it was at the time. Yet ultimately, for all the drama, passion and gravity of the occasion, it stood for absolutely nothing. I felt massive at the time. Nearly thirteen thousand crammed into The Racecourse … Continue reading What Beating Boston Taught Us About Life
Another match, another milestone. The win at Solihull was Dean Keates’ first away victory, and it reinforced a notion that he has achieved something incredibly difficult: he has turned the attitude of a failing squad 180 degrees. In that sense, it’s tempting to draw comparisons between this win, achieved in front of barely a thousand in the fifth tier, and the biggest win in European … Continue reading Dean Keates and Jorge Sampaoli: separated at birth.
Here’s my column from last week’s Leader. It forms part of the paper’s comprehensive pre-match coverage every Friday, featuring interviews, an in-depth look at the opposition and lots of statistical analysis. All content in the column (c) http://www.leaderlive.co.uk. When you think of the possession-based style Gary Mills favours it’s easy to see why a player like Dom Vose appeals to him. But his system of … Continue reading Wes York: Gary Mills’ Secret Weapon
I’m excited! Gary Mills is the one coach I’ve seen in the Conference that I’ve coveted. And now he’s ours, all ours! Our games against Mills’ sides have always been intriguing tactical battles. I particularly recall a game at Bootham Crescent when he was manager of York City. It was the best goalless draw I’ve seen as both sides probed and adjusted in an attempt … Continue reading Gary Mills: at last!
Pep Guardiola famously travelled miles to spend a whole night sat at the feet of his guru, Marcelo Bielsa, discussing whether to take the job as first teamcoach at Barcelona. Gary Mills didn’t make such a pilgrimage, but he is plainly a disciple of Bielsisme. Gateshead’s football is alien to the fifth level of English football. In fact, it’s alien to the fifth level of anything, … Continue reading How to beat Gateshead, the Conference Barcelona
Here’s my column from last week’s Leader. It forms part of the paper’s comprehensive pre-match coverage every Friday, featuring interviews, an in-depth look at the opposition and lots of statistical analysis. All content in the column (c) http://www.leaderlive.co.uk. It had to come to this eventually. Finally I must address the question on everyone’s lips and compare the relative merits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manuel … Continue reading Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer and Jon Flatt: the inevitable comparison.
Andy Morrell admits there are some really tough decisions to be made before Sunday’s match. Although there’s been a fairly settled look to the side under him, it’s not all that easy to second guess what side Morrell will put out. That’s not because he likes to make wild, experimental changes to his side. That’s not his style at all, which is a nice contrast … Continue reading Decisions, Decisions
What would Sky have called today if they covered the Conference? Summit Saturday? Second played fourth at Kenilworth Road as Fleetwood travelled to Luton, but having seen the quality of this game, they would have to be something special to deny either of these sides a spot at the top of the table. A match between the third and first placed sides only ended goalless … Continue reading Tactical Report: 5th November 2011 York City 0 Wrexham 0 Blue Square Bet Premier
The Saunders era has come to an abrupt end, and in any time of upheaval it’s only natural that we should wonder what happens next. Trouble is, our circumstances don’t lend themselves to informed debate on the matter. First things first: don’t pay any attantion to the media speculation about who will replace him. The appointment is a long way into the future. The club’s … Continue reading Fancy A Challenge?
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