Just a few things I want to waffle on about this morning...
Heather and I went to see Dropkick Murphys, supported by Mad Caddies at Southampton Guildhall last night. It was the first punk gig that I had been to since seeing Capdown in Leicester aaaages ago, and it was brilliant.
We got there a little late so missed the opening band (not sure who they were) and the first few songs of the Caddies' set, but made sure we were by the front for the headliners. I'm not going to go to the effort of writing a full-blown review, but the Dropkick Murphys were probably the best punk band I have seen.
Did someone mention Dwain Chambers? No? Never mind. For what it's worth, I think that provided he can prove he is clean, promises to undergo very stringent, regular testing, and accepts that he isn't going to be the most popular member of a relay team, then he should be given a chance to compete for his country.
If he does get a GB vest, he should not let the euphoria of selection affect his fashion choices (seamless link into the next subject). What he, or anyone else for that matter, should never, ever do is wear brown shoes with a black suit or trousers. I don't know where this trend came from, but it is plain wrong.
As bad as it is to wear brown shoes with a black suit, I don't think it should be punishable by the death penalty. Likewise I don't think any of the 9/11 conspirators should be given the death penalty. I am against the death penalty anyway, but in this instance I fail to see the logic in killing people who were involved in plotting a suicide attack. These people place a great deal of emphasis on martyrdom, so let's make them martyrs? Right...
x
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Ryde 10
Yesterday was the Ryde 10 on the Isle of Wight; a race that would have counted towards Hampshire Road Race League points if I was a member of a club. But I'm not. Yet.
I got to the start and there was the usual faffing about, which for me is mostly spent on the toilet. H and I spent some time discussing ways in which to improve runners' pre-race outfits and then it was time to get to the start, which was a small walk away at the Northern side of the boating lake.
It may have been that I wasn't paying attention, but the start seemed a little hurried and I didn't have time to do my right shoe up properly, put my gloves on, or start my watch - all things that I sorted out within the first 100 m. The course went around the boating lake and up hill, out past Tesco, left at Rowbottom farm, through St. Helens and Nettlestone, down to Seaview, up into Ryde, around the boating lake again and finished by the rowing club.
I had been a little uncertain coming into the race as I had been struggling with calf niggles and had only run further than 10 miles on two occasions. As my legs had been giving me problems I have spent a fair bit of time working on my running form, rather than my speed, but had not quite got things how I wanted. As such, though my previous PBs suggested I could do a 1:20 ten miler, I would have been happy with 1:30. Fortunately, everything clicked into place for the race. I have been trying to learn ChiRunning principles to reduce the stress on my lower legs and that really seemed to help, especially with the hills. I've done a fair bit of hill training as it is hard to avoid them in Southampton, and it really paid off. When others lost their form, I steadied my pace, shortened my stride, calmed my breathing and worked my way up fairly comfortably. On the downhill sections I really made up time. As others tried to slow themselves down, placing their feet in front of their bodies, braking and putting their knees under a massive amount of stress, I leaned forward and let my feet go, racing down the hills with very little effort.
By focussing on my running form I got the whole way round the course with no complaints from my body - something that has not happened recently - and by running at a steady pace I still had something left for the last mile. As such, I completed the course in 1:18'52".
I'm very happy and I know I can run faster.
x
I got to the start and there was the usual faffing about, which for me is mostly spent on the toilet. H and I spent some time discussing ways in which to improve runners' pre-race outfits and then it was time to get to the start, which was a small walk away at the Northern side of the boating lake.
It may have been that I wasn't paying attention, but the start seemed a little hurried and I didn't have time to do my right shoe up properly, put my gloves on, or start my watch - all things that I sorted out within the first 100 m. The course went around the boating lake and up hill, out past Tesco, left at Rowbottom farm, through St. Helens and Nettlestone, down to Seaview, up into Ryde, around the boating lake again and finished by the rowing club.
I had been a little uncertain coming into the race as I had been struggling with calf niggles and had only run further than 10 miles on two occasions. As my legs had been giving me problems I have spent a fair bit of time working on my running form, rather than my speed, but had not quite got things how I wanted. As such, though my previous PBs suggested I could do a 1:20 ten miler, I would have been happy with 1:30. Fortunately, everything clicked into place for the race. I have been trying to learn ChiRunning principles to reduce the stress on my lower legs and that really seemed to help, especially with the hills. I've done a fair bit of hill training as it is hard to avoid them in Southampton, and it really paid off. When others lost their form, I steadied my pace, shortened my stride, calmed my breathing and worked my way up fairly comfortably. On the downhill sections I really made up time. As others tried to slow themselves down, placing their feet in front of their bodies, braking and putting their knees under a massive amount of stress, I leaned forward and let my feet go, racing down the hills with very little effort.
By focussing on my running form I got the whole way round the course with no complaints from my body - something that has not happened recently - and by running at a steady pace I still had something left for the last mile. As such, I completed the course in 1:18'52".
I'm very happy and I know I can run faster.
x
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A little Christmas charity
This is a hard time of year for a specific part of society: the poor people who work in retail. I got my Christmas hours through yesterday and I'm not particularly happy about it. The store is only closed for two days - Christmas Day and Boxing Day - and there was a possibility that we might have opened on the 26th. There is only one reason for us to be open during the Christmas period and that is because of the basic economic principle of supply and demand. If we are open, people will shop. If people shop, we will open.
In order for retail staff to enjoy a full Christmas period at home with their families, only one thing is necessary, and that is for the great British consuming public to stay at home. The retail companies will never close the stores of their own accord, as they are too greedy. They will only stop opening shops over Christmas if it does not make commercial sense to open.
Thus, I am making this plea: Get your shopping done now. Don't buy anything between 23 December and 28 December and 31 December to 2 January. If the whole population stopped spending money, the effect would be huge. Personal debt would fall. The environment would be helped by all the vehicles off the road. Families would benefit from the extra time together. And retail staff would be able to enjoy the Christmas and New Year period with their families.
In fact, don't buy anything, ever. Is there really any need? I appreciate that this may just be the ranting of a disgruntled socialist who has found himself within the wrong industry - an industry that he considers as one of the main problems with society - but have a little consideration for those people that have had to get up and out into the cold winter air, leaving their families behind, just so you can exchange that unwanted jumper for gift vouchers.
It is completely unecessary to shop after Christmas. Due to the economic climate, many major high street retailers have sales on now, and any post-Christmas reductions are likely to be negligible. To find the best bargains, do a little research. Look for the retailers whose shares are in decline, as they will be the ones who are putting on sales to boost profits to help their share price. To find the really good bargains, look for those stores who are the subject of takeover speculation. These will be the shops who are trying to increase profit margins, reduce the amount of excess stock, pay off invoices, and sell as much as possible to make the figures look as healthy as possible. If you do find that you receive something for Christmas that you would rather have not, you don't need to return it immediately, as most shops will allow refunds and exchanges until the end of January. So wait, relax, and avoid the New Year crowds.
Thank you.
x
In order for retail staff to enjoy a full Christmas period at home with their families, only one thing is necessary, and that is for the great British consuming public to stay at home. The retail companies will never close the stores of their own accord, as they are too greedy. They will only stop opening shops over Christmas if it does not make commercial sense to open.
Thus, I am making this plea: Get your shopping done now. Don't buy anything between 23 December and 28 December and 31 December to 2 January. If the whole population stopped spending money, the effect would be huge. Personal debt would fall. The environment would be helped by all the vehicles off the road. Families would benefit from the extra time together. And retail staff would be able to enjoy the Christmas and New Year period with their families.
In fact, don't buy anything, ever. Is there really any need? I appreciate that this may just be the ranting of a disgruntled socialist who has found himself within the wrong industry - an industry that he considers as one of the main problems with society - but have a little consideration for those people that have had to get up and out into the cold winter air, leaving their families behind, just so you can exchange that unwanted jumper for gift vouchers.
It is completely unecessary to shop after Christmas. Due to the economic climate, many major high street retailers have sales on now, and any post-Christmas reductions are likely to be negligible. To find the best bargains, do a little research. Look for the retailers whose shares are in decline, as they will be the ones who are putting on sales to boost profits to help their share price. To find the really good bargains, look for those stores who are the subject of takeover speculation. These will be the shops who are trying to increase profit margins, reduce the amount of excess stock, pay off invoices, and sell as much as possible to make the figures look as healthy as possible. If you do find that you receive something for Christmas that you would rather have not, you don't need to return it immediately, as most shops will allow refunds and exchanges until the end of January. So wait, relax, and avoid the New Year crowds.
Thank you.
x
Monday, December 03, 2007
victory 5
Well... A rather windy day, but at least it wasn't (too) wet.
Met up with Matthew and a selection of family members beforehand and we got to the track to prepare, which mostly involved visiting the toilet, discussing lacing techniques, and wishing that we had club vests so that we looked the part. Expect to see a striking vest design at the debut of the as-yet-unnamed but potentially titled TeamBean/Top Sides/ISDHF Athletic Club. As the runners were called to the start line, Matthew seemed keen to start with the elite runners, but I suggested we group ourselves with people that looked a little slower.
"BANG". And we were off.
The first mile included a lap of the track and then it was out onto Stamshaw Promenade. I started out at a pace that I thought was easy enough, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I went through the first mile in 7 minutes. I was aiming for a shade under 8, so decided to ease off the pace. The course was pleasant enough and the weather had calmed down from "Absolute Hooly" to "Rather Windy", with a splash of rain round the back of IBM. Up to mile 4 my race was going well. Then I ran into Hurricane Keith which took some effort. It was wind-tunnel, cheek-flapping, can't-keep-eyes-open, difficult-to-breathe-out-as-the-wind-was-pushing-my-exhaled-air-back-into-my-body-before-I-got-it-out-properly, windy.
Strangely, at this point, I felt reassured. I had thought before this race that the most difficult part of racing is getting through that pain barrier and carrying on. When I hit that pain barrier today, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could keep going. It was not comfortable, but I could do it. Then, when I got back to the track and out of the wind I increased the pace and felt I had just enough to manage a sprint finish, so I put on a burst of speed. Then I found that was OK (though still very hard), so tried to sprint even harder. As such, anyone watching would have seen me kick three times to a triumphant "watch time" of 38 minutes and about 12 seconds.
I realise that is someway off the time needed for first place, and even further off the time needed to break the five mile world record, but I can console myself with the knowledge that the adverse wind conditions would probably made any such attempt ineligible. At least I beat my goal time of 40 minutes.
Matthew knocked a minute off his predicted time to finish in about 43 minutes.
A good day.
Full results here. I was 317th.
Met up with Matthew and a selection of family members beforehand and we got to the track to prepare, which mostly involved visiting the toilet, discussing lacing techniques, and wishing that we had club vests so that we looked the part. Expect to see a striking vest design at the debut of the as-yet-unnamed but potentially titled TeamBean/Top Sides/ISDHF Athletic Club. As the runners were called to the start line, Matthew seemed keen to start with the elite runners, but I suggested we group ourselves with people that looked a little slower.
"BANG". And we were off.
The first mile included a lap of the track and then it was out onto Stamshaw Promenade. I started out at a pace that I thought was easy enough, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I went through the first mile in 7 minutes. I was aiming for a shade under 8, so decided to ease off the pace. The course was pleasant enough and the weather had calmed down from "Absolute Hooly" to "Rather Windy", with a splash of rain round the back of IBM. Up to mile 4 my race was going well. Then I ran into Hurricane Keith which took some effort. It was wind-tunnel, cheek-flapping, can't-keep-eyes-open, difficult-to-breathe-out-as-the-wind-was-pushing-my-exhaled-air-back-into-my-body-before-I-got-it-out-properly, windy.
Strangely, at this point, I felt reassured. I had thought before this race that the most difficult part of racing is getting through that pain barrier and carrying on. When I hit that pain barrier today, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could keep going. It was not comfortable, but I could do it. Then, when I got back to the track and out of the wind I increased the pace and felt I had just enough to manage a sprint finish, so I put on a burst of speed. Then I found that was OK (though still very hard), so tried to sprint even harder. As such, anyone watching would have seen me kick three times to a triumphant "watch time" of 38 minutes and about 12 seconds.
I realise that is someway off the time needed for first place, and even further off the time needed to break the five mile world record, but I can console myself with the knowledge that the adverse wind conditions would probably made any such attempt ineligible. At least I beat my goal time of 40 minutes.
Matthew knocked a minute off his predicted time to finish in about 43 minutes.
A good day.
Full results here. I was 317th.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
helvetica
Those of you who appreciate subtle differences in word appearance will have no doubt noticed that there has been a change in this blog. I have changed the typeface of this blog to Helvetica.
To play the game 'Helvetica versus Arial', visit this website. It is surprisingly good fun.
On another note, there hasn't been much posting recently as I have been busy with work, but I have been gradually composing something of a mini-essay which hopefully will appear here soon-ish.
x
To play the game 'Helvetica versus Arial', visit this website. It is surprisingly good fun.
On another note, there hasn't been much posting recently as I have been busy with work, but I have been gradually composing something of a mini-essay which hopefully will appear here soon-ish.
x
Sunday, October 07, 2007
My first race
Today was the day of the Beaulieu Cancer Research UK 10k run - the start of my racing career. The course was ten kilometres on an undulating, multi-terrain course around Lord Montagu's Beaulieu estate. There were loads of runners, mostly in the provided turquoise race t-shirts, and it was a great atmosphere. I went off at an even pace, aiming for 5 minute kilometre splits and pretty much hitting everyone. The first part of the course seemed mostly uphill and that really spread the crowd out. Over the last two or three kilometres I ran faster than expected and hit the nine kilometre mark at around 43 minutes. Though I was getting tired, I pushed myself and after spotting Heather and rounding the last bend, I sprinted the last stretch to the finish. I completed the course in 48 minutes, 4 seconds - what I consider to be a very respectable time for my first race. It was also faster than I was expecting. I had run low-50s in training, but they were tough. I told myself before the race that I would be happy with 55 minutes, and very happy with 50. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised with 48'04". As it's a charity event, it's not too competitive, you don't get places, but Heather reckoned I was around fiftieth-ish. As there were around 1,000 runners (I think), I suspect she may be flattering me, but I was certainly faster than a lot of people, and I was only about 10 minutes behind the winner.
So I'm quite chuffed. And you can still sponsor me.
x
So I'm quite chuffed. And you can still sponsor me.
x
Friday, September 28, 2007
done
Today I finished and submitted my dissertation, which means I have now done everything for my Masters. It is quite an underwhelming experience to be honest. An anti-climax.
I'm tired from not sleeping properly the last couple of nights, as well as mentally knackered from writing a 17,492 word essay. The morning went well as I wrote my conclusion and did the footnotes before noon. Then it was off to University to print it out. Everything seemed to be going against me, with printers running out of toner, copy offices (for binding) being closed, and a pigeon shitting on me. Fortunately, the woman in the Avenue Campus copy office did my binding and the whole thing was in, done, but half one.
I was the only one of my class there, and then I walked home, in the rain. I've been alone all day, as Heather is in London, and my parents both seem to be at work. So I've had no-one to talk to. There's not much to say mind. I don't feel any different, now that I am no longer a student. Just knackered.
As I say, a bit of anti-climax.
x
I'm tired from not sleeping properly the last couple of nights, as well as mentally knackered from writing a 17,492 word essay. The morning went well as I wrote my conclusion and did the footnotes before noon. Then it was off to University to print it out. Everything seemed to be going against me, with printers running out of toner, copy offices (for binding) being closed, and a pigeon shitting on me. Fortunately, the woman in the Avenue Campus copy office did my binding and the whole thing was in, done, but half one.
I was the only one of my class there, and then I walked home, in the rain. I've been alone all day, as Heather is in London, and my parents both seem to be at work. So I've had no-one to talk to. There's not much to say mind. I don't feel any different, now that I am no longer a student. Just knackered.
As I say, a bit of anti-climax.
x
Monday, September 24, 2007
shoes
My trusty Asics Gel Modena's have been taking a bit of a pounding the last few weeks as I have increased my weekly mileage. Upon hitting the three hundred mile mark, I decided to get a new pair of shoes, especially as my feet have been aching. So on Saturday, Heather and I went to Up and Running in Chandler's Ford. They've got a really good set-up with a treadmill and video gait analysis which provides slow-motion footage of your foot hitting the ground so that they can determine the correct type of running shoe for your feet.
It was discovered that I have fairly flat feet with weak arches and that my feet quite heavily overpronate when hitting the ground (Roll in, for those without a runner's amateur interest in podiatry). This has all sorts of implications for your ankles and knees and can result in collapsed arches. A selection of shoes was produced, and after I had tried each out with a test jog around the shopping precinct, I opted for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7.
It was also recommended that I visit a podiatrist and get some orthotics made before my arches give up. I went for one last run in my old shoes yesterday - I had an eight miler scheduled and had not had a chance to break the Brooks in - and my arches have been killing me ever since, so I think that's the Asics condemned to an early retirement, despite having a good couple of hundred miles in them. I might donate them to one of those charities that gives shoes to children in Africa, or something.
Thus, in memoriam, I have posted these pictures of my right Asics.
x
Monday, September 17, 2007
not long to go
I am aware that there has not been much in the way of blogging round these here parts, but there is not long until my dissertation has to be in.
When it's in, I shall return.
x
When it's in, I shall return.
x
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
who stole steve ovett?
In the news today is the story of the theft of a statue of the British middle distance runner Steve Ovett from Preston Park in Brighton. It seems that Ovett was cut off at the ankle, which means there is now a rather small and pathetic statue of Ovett's right foot standing atop a plinth.
The police have arrested a woman of no fixed abode. As she has no house, I can only assume she had hidden six foot of Ovett shaped bronze in her knickers and that the police arrested her after reports of a woman with a bit of a limp and a curious bulge.
Except, she hasn't got the missing Steve. So who has?
I reckon Steve Cram did it.
x
The police have arrested a woman of no fixed abode. As she has no house, I can only assume she had hidden six foot of Ovett shaped bronze in her knickers and that the police arrested her after reports of a woman with a bit of a limp and a curious bulge.
Except, she hasn't got the missing Steve. So who has?
I reckon Steve Cram did it.
x
Friday, August 31, 2007
Cancer Research 10k
I have just entered the Cancer Research UK 10k race at Beaulieu on 7 October. It is race number one for me in my preparation for next year's Berlin Marathon and I'm hoping that I will be able to post a pretty good time.
In my training runs I have run 10k in times around the mid-50s, but I'm trying to improve my, what Michael Johnson would refer to as, "speed endurance". A while ago, Andy "The Liquidator" Bullman challenged Heather and I to a race over 10k. It never happened, but I have decided to use Andy's time as a goal. I would really like to comprehensively beat Andy's "49 minutes and fiftysomething seconds" with a time of 48 minutes, but fear that may be a little out of my reach this time. It is, however, something that I definitely want to achieve before I attempt Berlin.
I don't think I will be able to beat Haile Gebrselassie's 10k world record of 27 minutes and 2 seconds.
The race at Beaulieu is, of course, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. As such, I am hoping to raise some money for the charity. If anyone feels like sponsoring me, then they can do so at my special online sponsorship page. Just as I am running this race to prepare for next year's Berlin Marathon, I would appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring me for this race as preparation for sponsoring me next year.
However, as I am also thinking about running the Norwich Union Healthcare Rose Bowl Run the week later, as well as a load more events over the coming 12 months, I will totally understand if you want to save up all your cash and donate loads of money when I run a marathon.
x
In my training runs I have run 10k in times around the mid-50s, but I'm trying to improve my, what Michael Johnson would refer to as, "speed endurance". A while ago, Andy "The Liquidator" Bullman challenged Heather and I to a race over 10k. It never happened, but I have decided to use Andy's time as a goal. I would really like to comprehensively beat Andy's "49 minutes and fiftysomething seconds" with a time of 48 minutes, but fear that may be a little out of my reach this time. It is, however, something that I definitely want to achieve before I attempt Berlin.
I don't think I will be able to beat Haile Gebrselassie's 10k world record of 27 minutes and 2 seconds.
The race at Beaulieu is, of course, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. As such, I am hoping to raise some money for the charity. If anyone feels like sponsoring me, then they can do so at my special online sponsorship page. Just as I am running this race to prepare for next year's Berlin Marathon, I would appreciate it if you would consider sponsoring me for this race as preparation for sponsoring me next year.
However, as I am also thinking about running the Norwich Union Healthcare Rose Bowl Run the week later, as well as a load more events over the coming 12 months, I will totally understand if you want to save up all your cash and donate loads of money when I run a marathon.
x
Friday, August 24, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
soup on the ceiling and a football question?
A funny incident occurred yesterday while Heather was making soup. The stock and the vegetables and the herbs and other ingredients had all been left in the pressure cooker and were busy doing this thing. Somehow - Perhaps it got too hot? Was the pressure too high? - the pressure cooker did more than vent steam to relieve the pressue as it released vapourised soup into the kitchen atmosphere. Most of it was directed at the ceiling, whereupon it condensed, leaving a thick, gloopy layer of soup.
I can honestly say that I have never had to clean soup off a ceiling before.
On another note, while becoming engrossed in Marxist interpretations of public attitudes to post-war Modern architecture, I had a completely unrelated thought:
Is it possible for a football club registered with the FA of one country to enter a team in a league belonging to another country's FA?
Some obvious examples come to mind. There are Welsh clubs that compete in the English league system and also participate in Welsh cup competitions. Liechtenstein has no professional league of its own, so its clubs compete in the Swiss leagues. Wellington Phoenix replaced New Zealand Knights in the Australian A League. Toronto FC compete in the American MLS. Monaco compete in France and San Marino in Italy. But these examples are not quite the scenario that I was thinking of as they are first teams competing within a foreign league system.
It is not uncommon for clubs to have special relationships with other clubs from around the world. The concept of 'feeder clubs' and 'parent clubs' has become a part of modern football, with teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal sending young players on loan to Belgium to gain first team experience in a professional league. This is seen in many cases as preferential to playing in the reserve leagues which would not be as competitive as the top division in another country. The feeder benefits from receiving talented young players on loan. As it is not permitted to have one club owned by another, agreements have to be made between clubs.
This practice is less common in Spain and Germany, the two nations in Europe where one club can have multiple teams within the same league system. The only concession is that a club can not have more than one team in the same division. This results in a situation where Real Madrid B are denied promotion to the top division, despite frequently winning the second division. Though this arrangement allows developing players to gain more first team experience within a competitive league, it is seen as flawed. The taking up of league places by B teams denies positions for aspiring lower league teams within the middle divisions. Also, these teams have to compete against teams with far greater resources, potentially leading to some disparity in competitiveness. Attendances are also lower in the middle divisions than they are in equivalent leagues from other countries as the prospect of supporting a team that competes mostly against reserve teams is comparatively unappealing.
Which brings me back to my question? Is there any technical reason why Manchester United, for example, could not field a team in a foreign league? Rather than send young players out to another country to play for another club, they could just enter their own team. One possibility could be Wales. It is geographically close to Manchester, so players could train and be monitored at United's Carrington training centre. Manchester United already have close links to Wrexham AFC who would no doubt be more than willing, given their current financial situation, to agree to a ground share. United get to ensure that their young players are getting regular competitive football and the Welsh league would benefit from the addition of a new competitive team.
The detail would have to be very finely tuned: United would not be able to move players between the first team and the B team as they would a regular side (so it would be beneficial to maintain their current reserve side as well), except during transfer windows; In the instance that the B team be allowed to enter the Welsh Cup then they would be exempt from qualification to the UEFA Cup in the instance that they won the cup, so as to avoid any potential conflict of interest from having two Manchester Uniteds in the same European competition; The B side would be made up entirely of players under the age of 21.
There are other scenarios where this could work. The English football league would be more competitive than the Scottish reserve league, therefore Celtic and Rangers could benefit from having sides within the English pyramid, even if they have to enter from the very bottom. Likewise, Newcastle United reserves could do well in Scottish Division 2. Teams from the north of France could have teams wholly based within the English leagues. I am sure Dover FC could quite happily share a ground, a league, and an intense rivalry in the same league as a side from Calais. You could have cross-border arrangements all over Europe, with professional sides from the larger countries entering teams into the semi-professional leagues of the smaller countries and probably competing as high as the top divisions. Bath University have a football team in the football league as well as BUSA: Could they have one in Wales as well?
You could even have a situation whereby one national football authority entered a team within another nation's league. For example, there are plenty of Australian footballers who make the most of their European ancestry by joining European clubs. Might it not be of benefit to the Australian national team to operate a team, or teams, within a European league, or leagues? An offshoot of the AIS could administer the team. To allow talented players to fulfill their ambitions, the player could be allowed to move once he reaches a certain age (though this might have to be altered to comply with labour laws and UEFA regulations). Any transfer fees would be reinvested into Australian youth development. This way, the Australian FA could even operate two sets of national youth teams, cutting down on travel times and fatigue, and giving twice as many players a tast of international competition. The Australian FA struggles to prevent talented players moving to Europe. Those that can't be encouraged to stay, could at least be encouraged to remain within a European based, nationally controlled set-up.
I like to think that there is a hole in the regulations where such arrangements could be allowed. No doubt if there is such a hole then various governing bodies would move to ensure that it was plugged, but I think it could lead to some really interesting possibilities if it was to happen.
Just think: Southampton under-21s win the Bundesliga... FC Barcelona D storm to victory in Sydenhams Wessex League Division 1... Boca Juniors Juniors relegated from Serie B.
x
I can honestly say that I have never had to clean soup off a ceiling before.
On another note, while becoming engrossed in Marxist interpretations of public attitudes to post-war Modern architecture, I had a completely unrelated thought:
Is it possible for a football club registered with the FA of one country to enter a team in a league belonging to another country's FA?
Some obvious examples come to mind. There are Welsh clubs that compete in the English league system and also participate in Welsh cup competitions. Liechtenstein has no professional league of its own, so its clubs compete in the Swiss leagues. Wellington Phoenix replaced New Zealand Knights in the Australian A League. Toronto FC compete in the American MLS. Monaco compete in France and San Marino in Italy. But these examples are not quite the scenario that I was thinking of as they are first teams competing within a foreign league system.
It is not uncommon for clubs to have special relationships with other clubs from around the world. The concept of 'feeder clubs' and 'parent clubs' has become a part of modern football, with teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal sending young players on loan to Belgium to gain first team experience in a professional league. This is seen in many cases as preferential to playing in the reserve leagues which would not be as competitive as the top division in another country. The feeder benefits from receiving talented young players on loan. As it is not permitted to have one club owned by another, agreements have to be made between clubs.
This practice is less common in Spain and Germany, the two nations in Europe where one club can have multiple teams within the same league system. The only concession is that a club can not have more than one team in the same division. This results in a situation where Real Madrid B are denied promotion to the top division, despite frequently winning the second division. Though this arrangement allows developing players to gain more first team experience within a competitive league, it is seen as flawed. The taking up of league places by B teams denies positions for aspiring lower league teams within the middle divisions. Also, these teams have to compete against teams with far greater resources, potentially leading to some disparity in competitiveness. Attendances are also lower in the middle divisions than they are in equivalent leagues from other countries as the prospect of supporting a team that competes mostly against reserve teams is comparatively unappealing.
Which brings me back to my question? Is there any technical reason why Manchester United, for example, could not field a team in a foreign league? Rather than send young players out to another country to play for another club, they could just enter their own team. One possibility could be Wales. It is geographically close to Manchester, so players could train and be monitored at United's Carrington training centre. Manchester United already have close links to Wrexham AFC who would no doubt be more than willing, given their current financial situation, to agree to a ground share. United get to ensure that their young players are getting regular competitive football and the Welsh league would benefit from the addition of a new competitive team.
The detail would have to be very finely tuned: United would not be able to move players between the first team and the B team as they would a regular side (so it would be beneficial to maintain their current reserve side as well), except during transfer windows; In the instance that the B team be allowed to enter the Welsh Cup then they would be exempt from qualification to the UEFA Cup in the instance that they won the cup, so as to avoid any potential conflict of interest from having two Manchester Uniteds in the same European competition; The B side would be made up entirely of players under the age of 21.
There are other scenarios where this could work. The English football league would be more competitive than the Scottish reserve league, therefore Celtic and Rangers could benefit from having sides within the English pyramid, even if they have to enter from the very bottom. Likewise, Newcastle United reserves could do well in Scottish Division 2. Teams from the north of France could have teams wholly based within the English leagues. I am sure Dover FC could quite happily share a ground, a league, and an intense rivalry in the same league as a side from Calais. You could have cross-border arrangements all over Europe, with professional sides from the larger countries entering teams into the semi-professional leagues of the smaller countries and probably competing as high as the top divisions. Bath University have a football team in the football league as well as BUSA: Could they have one in Wales as well?
You could even have a situation whereby one national football authority entered a team within another nation's league. For example, there are plenty of Australian footballers who make the most of their European ancestry by joining European clubs. Might it not be of benefit to the Australian national team to operate a team, or teams, within a European league, or leagues? An offshoot of the AIS could administer the team. To allow talented players to fulfill their ambitions, the player could be allowed to move once he reaches a certain age (though this might have to be altered to comply with labour laws and UEFA regulations). Any transfer fees would be reinvested into Australian youth development. This way, the Australian FA could even operate two sets of national youth teams, cutting down on travel times and fatigue, and giving twice as many players a tast of international competition. The Australian FA struggles to prevent talented players moving to Europe. Those that can't be encouraged to stay, could at least be encouraged to remain within a European based, nationally controlled set-up.
I like to think that there is a hole in the regulations where such arrangements could be allowed. No doubt if there is such a hole then various governing bodies would move to ensure that it was plugged, but I think it could lead to some really interesting possibilities if it was to happen.
Just think: Southampton under-21s win the Bundesliga... FC Barcelona D storm to victory in Sydenhams Wessex League Division 1... Boca Juniors Juniors relegated from Serie B.
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