Hugh McIlvanney's tribute to a trio of famous managers struck a chord with Roger Titford
Over the Easter weekend, as a welcome antidote to the usual highspeed Sky blather, Hugh McIlvanney presented a documentary trilogy on the backgrounds and careers of Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein. A different era and a different tempo.
David Hayes on a programme that missed the mark
Anyone coming to live in the north east soon encounters the distinct football culture of the area. Intense local rivalries divide, but there is also a wider ethic – the product of tradition, geography, and social experience – that bonds clubs and fans. An innovation in local media coverage last year was the (Tyne Tees) Football Show on Thursday nights. In many ways a familiar format – interviews with local heroes, filmed reports, past glories and disasters – it was saved from banality by the element of fan participation, the natural warmth of presenters Roger Tames and Dawn Thewlis, and the quality of the features.
Rogan Taylor explains the enduring appeal of a football genius and the era he came to represent
When Ferenc Puskas came to London recently to launch a new book about his life, there was a lunch organized at Wembley to celebrate his approaching 70th birthday. Sir Stanley Matthews turned out to honour the great Hungarian player, along with Jackie Sewell and George Robb. All three were members of that England team which was taught a footballing lesson back in 1953, when Puskas and his mates beat them 6-3.
Simon Kuper pays a 50th birthday tribute to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff
This month the Dutch celebrate two birthdays. 30th April, the day that Juliana, the Queen Mother, Iights her candles is traditionally the main national holiday, with market stalls, beer and orange flags.
Newcastle 's decision to sack Ossie Ardiles heralds the return of Kevin Keegan, reports Ian Cusack
It was Liam O’Brien who diverted a 91st minute own goal past a bemused Tommy Wright to completed the unsavoury metamorphosis of a 3-0 lead into a humiliating 4-3 defeat against Charlton on 18th January 1992. The 15,663 crowd, less say 500 Robins, screamed and howled at the injustice of it all and more importantly the inadequate defending that had lead to this sorry outcome. Little were we to know that this game, give or take a defeat on penalties in an FA Cup replay against Bourne-mouth the following weekend, would be the last home humiliation under Ardiles’ stewardship. Apparently, Ardiles entered the dressing room after the team, stood facing the door, presumably expecting an irate John Hall to come and punch his lights out, lit a cigarette and burst into tears.