The Archive

One of the game’s American pioneers has died. David Wangerin wonders if the game Lamar Hunt leaves behind is that healthy

Soccer America referred to him as “the man who may have done more to advance soccer’s cause in the USA than any other individual”. It may be improbable, but could be true. Though Lamar Hunt, who died in December, is better known for starting the AFL professional gridiron league that ended up merging with the mighty NFL, his impact on America’s international brand of football was no less significant. Eulogists may have focused on his underwriting of the US’s first soccer-specific stadium and ownership of NASL and MLS franchises, but his most telling contribution to the game was probably his sheer loyalty.

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Remember when kids played football just for the fun of it? Ian Plenderleith looks at the website run by forward-thinking nostalgics who want to bring back those days, and at online homes for amateur players

As an original member of the “jumpers for goalposts” generation who learnt to play the game in the back garden, the concrete school yard and a bumpy field covered with cow shit, I’ve nothing but praise for a new UK site seeking to reclaim youth football from the hands of coaches and ­ambitious parents.

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When the price isn't right

A recent edition of Sky’s Football League Review turned momentarily into a version of The Price is Right. Studio guest Steve Claridge was shown footage of two young English players with Championship clubs and asked how much money they might reasonably be sold for in the transfer window. Claridge, brow furrowed in the manner of a contestant weighing up the true value of a rice cooker or teak shelving unit, gravely suggested that one might go for £5-6 million, the other for £2-3m.

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Dear WSC
It was good to see your piece on York City Supporters’ Trust in WSC 239, which gave an excellent summary the position at York City. One minor point – it was never the intention of the trust to take a controlling interest in the club. That was dictated by circumstances whereby if the trust had not taken control the club would have folded. So returning to private ownership probably isn’t a setback for the cause of fan ownership. We still retain a 25 per cent share of the club and can now go back to our original objective which was to represent fans – we still have two seats on the club board. Taking the broader perspective, being the major shareholder brings the major responsibility of financial management and raising funds to fill the gap between gate and commercial income and costs. The fans of York City have been magnificent at raising money, but closing that gap proved impossible for the volunteers of the trust to do. Ultimately, “private ownership” was the only way forward. We do wonder if majority fans’ ownership can ever be a realistic option.
Steve Beck, Chairman, York City Supporters’ Trust

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Saturday 2 Man Utd go six points clear with a 2‑1 win at Middlesbrough. Gareth Southgate accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of cheating to earn a penalty for the opening goal. “The lad’s got history,” he growls, sounding like he’s on The Bill. “I’m not scared of the word ‘crisis’,” says Arsène, as Arsenal beat Spurs 3‑0 to go third, helped by two iffy penalties awarded by Graham Poll. Arsène and Thierry have a pre-match row over the latter being rested. Liverpool end their away hoodoo, winning 4‑0 at Wigan. Charlton lose 2‑1 at Sheffield United, Keith Gillespie scoring the winner in the 88th minute. “There is a confidence problem being bottom of the league,” says Les Reed. Birmingham top the Championship with a 3‑0 win at home to Plymouth. Preston lose 2‑0 at Luton. Cardiff draw 0‑0 at Colchester, their fourth game without a goal. Leeds stay in the drop zone after a 2‑2 draw at home to Barnsley. In the Cup, Tamworth are into round three, while four League One clubs lose to League Two sides including Tranmere, beaten 2‑1 at home by Peterborough, and Port Vale, who crash 4‑0 at Hereford.

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