Dear WSC
I must take issue with Huw Richards’ recent comments on Cardiffians’ alleged indifference to John Charles (WSC 196). Cardiff City have always taken great pride in the fact that John Charles played for the club with such distinction at the end of his career. The only player that seems to dominate our history more is John Toshack. Meanwhile, the likes of Hughie Ferguson, Stan Richards and Brian Clarke, who played equally large roles in our (fleeting) moments of glory, rarely get a look in. I could have suggested that Mr Richards’ attachment to a certain West Walian football club might have coloured his judgement, but that would be cynical.
Richard Gowen, Cardiff
The Archive
Articles from When Saturday Comes. All 27 years of WSC are in the process of being added. This may take a while.
Thursday 1 The FA is fined £70,000 for the pitch invasion and racist abuse at last month’s Euro 2004 qualifier with Turkey. UEFA also criticises David Beckham for his “provocative” goal celebration. England’s next match, against Slovakia, will not be played behind closed doors, however. Acting joint chief executive David Davies promises action: “We need to take this decision and use it to our benefit. There are people who have shamed this country, we all know that.” UEFA will also be sending a bill to Sir Alex, who’s fined £4,500 for claiming the Champions League draw was fixed. In the Conference play-offs, Dagenham beat Morecambe 2-1 and Doncaster draw 1-1 at Chester. Thierry Henry is named Footballer of the Year to add to the PFA award he won last week.
Ed Parkinson on Hartlepool United
What was the key to the team’s success this past season?
The midfield has been brilliant this year. Mark Tinkler, Richie Humphreys, Darrell Clarke and Tommy Widdrington are all comfortable on the ball and look to pass to feet. This wholesale rejection of traditional hoofing has alienated some die-hard “get rid of it” advocates. I’ve loved it, though, and, although the promotion team of 1991 had better strikers, the football over the last 18 months has been the best I’ve seen at Pools.
Tom Davies explores the role supporters are playing in saving their clubs
The supporters’ group that has assumed control at Exeter City is facing a sizeable battle to keep the club alive over the summer. Their relegation from the Football League on the last day of the season was swiftly followed by the arrest of chairman John Russell and vice-chairman Mike Lewis over allegations of financial irregularities. The pair, who were bailed to return to police in September, promptly stepped down, leaving the club’s reported debts at more than £2 million with creditors closing in.
John Chapman explains why the Belgian FA is making it tough for clubs
In a country with 18 political parties and three official languages, it’s no surprise the Belgian FA has labyrinthine regulations. Euro 2000 supremo and ex-FA official Alain Courtois once commented: “They’re so complicated, I’m totally lost.” Recently, those same regulations have swung into action as economic realism hit Belgian football with a vengeance.