

Non-League football Poland
Photos by Przemek Niciejewski Keep Reading

Ok, let’s fix the loan system then (13/05/14)
The loan system, eh? It’s been a pretty trendy topic of conversation over these last few weeks. What has been traditionally been used to develop young players and give them precious first team football experience has lately seen teams seemingly exploit the system for their own gains over the last few seasons. The loan system… Keep Reading

Gladbach vs Mainz (19/05/14)
Photos by Przemek Niciejewski Keep Reading

Recognizing Kosovo
On January 13th this year, FIFA granted permission to the Republic of Kosovo to play international friendly matches against other FIFA member associations. The permission was not granted without stipulations however and Kosovo will have to play their inaugural international football match in kits without national symbols, nor will they be permitted to air the… Keep Reading

Calcio Storico, Florence
Calcio Fiorentino (also known as Calcio Storico, which means “historic football) was an early form of football that originated in the 16th century in Italy. The modern adaptation of calio storico allows tactics such as head-butting, punching, elbowing and choking, but suker punches and kicks to the head are banned, because you know…that would be… Keep Reading

Mussolini, Fascism, FIFA and Cruyff
Remember those Chilean miners? Remember that devastating earthquake in Haiti, and that big volcanic ash cloud that wreaked havoc in European airspace? Do you know what they all have in common? They took place four years ago. Four long years or merely a heartbeat ago, depending on your perspective and disposition. The Special One was… Keep Reading

Just how important is possession of the ball?
Pep Guardiola’s influence on how football is played throughout Europe cannot be understated. His all-conquering Barcelona team’s ability to dominate possession of the ball proved a near impossible tactic to counter. “Overloaded midfield” and “recycled possession” became the in-vogue axioms as teams attempted to replicate Barca’s unique and seemingly unsurpassable methods. Bayern Munich’s more energetic… Keep Reading

Money, money, money
What is it that a football fan admires most in a footballer? What is it that a football fan dislikes most in a footballer? What is it that makes a football fan feel so removed from the inside world of the beautiful game? You get home from a day’s work. You slump down on the… Keep Reading