Walking Away
"Coffee and smoking are the last great addictions". (1) Anyone who has attempted to quit smoking or caffeine will tell you how hard it is. The body craves the…
Specialists
In seven seasons as a club coach I have never worked in mini-soccer. I have taken the odd game here and there. I have partaken in small sided summer…
What Now, My Love?
When I was 13 I fell in love for the first time. It was 1994 and I could feel that my heart would never belong to another. …
Looking For A Good Investment
Two hundred and sixty million pounds. The Football Association announced that they are increasing their investment in grassroots football from £200million over four years to £260million over four…
The Milk Cup Experience
In 1991 Manchester United sent a youth team to Northern Ireland. Heart of Midlothian faced them in the Milk Cup final. The side that would go on to be…
The Dream Milk Cup Line Up
The three days I spent at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland were thoroughly enjoyable. A fine line up of teams playing some very entertaining football. Yet, more…
MILK CUP – Day Three
Two x Eighteen Southampton faced American opponents in the Junior section, Orange County Blues from Southern California. Unlike Strikers OC Blues tried to play football in the modern…
MILK CUP DIARY – DAY TWO
The Time Machine Stone Age The drive to Limavady was beautiful. Donkeys, a heard of running sheep, a wonderful road side waterfall and, remarkably, sunshine. The match…
MILK CUP – DAY ONE
The English Crack It is the sound that will resonate. More than the quality of Southampton’s Junior Section team. More than the unending noise of the Zacatapec bench.…
The Chance to Fail
On 16th May Anfield bade farewell to Steven Gerrard. The fanfare was tremendous. The praise glowing. The tears flowed. Soon after Frank Lampard said goodbye to the…