AboutStuart Young Expertise I can answer questions to do with all aspects of English football, Spanish football and International football. My strongest area in football is current news. I also have a great knowledge of tactics and strategies.
Experience I have played football from a very early age. School teams, youth club level progressing to semi-professional level and playing at county level.
Question Stuart
A rather long complicated and somewhat simplish question but I hope you will humour me!
I am a Canadian of British descent.
I only became interested in soccer when my kids played, and even then only half heartedly.
Now that I am 'getting up there' for some reason I have gained a passion for it,especially the Premiere league.(Must be a 'mid-life thing' ;-)
I have even started working out and kicking a ball around with the aspiration of maybe joining a 'masters' indoor rec. team this fall.I run on the treadmill while watching Setanta then get off and juggle the ball, kick it around,etc. Sounds corny but I love it.
Anyway, I am looking forward to the start of the season. Can you recommend a few book titles to give me a better understanding of British pro football? There seems to be so many teams and leagues and the system is different than what we have. I am currently reading 'My son David Beckham' which has only wetted my appetite.Even a historical/instructional video tape? would be good-could probably get it from Amazon or ebay.
Also,re. Beckham,it seems there were more English world class players back in the day. All the best players now seem to go by one name and hail from South America. Is football in decline in England, and if so why? Or (hopefully) are there still just as many good players coming up but more competition from around the world now?
Thanks so much!
Answer Hi there,
Thanks for the question.
The passion of football has got you then! Just a little fact before I answer your question. You probably know this one, but I'll give you some stats. The World Cup Final is the most watched sporting event in the world. On average over the last 4 WC's the final has been watched by around 800million across the globe. So your in the same boat as all of them when it comes to feeling the passion of football.
If you want a bit of history and culture of the game I would suggest reading a Brian Clough** book or George Best*. Not only will these two books give you the history of English football, but it will also give you an insight into the lives of two of the games 'greats' that ever kicked a ball in the UK.
**Cloughie: Walking On Water
*George Best: Blessed
More up-to-date books about British football - I would recommend something like Mad For It - From Blackpool to Barcelona. It takes you through the passion of supporting a team in the UK and across Europe.
I've checked and all the above books are on amazon.
I would say English football could be better if the influx of European and South American players had been limited, but there are still lots of talented players just look at the England squad. England has some excellent youngsters coming through - the U21 Championships in Sweden saw England reach the final and the senior squad are racing to away with their group qualifiers for the WC in South Africa. England will be one of the favourites to win next year in South Africa.
I hope I have answered all your questions ok. Have fun with the reading and good luck with the indoor football!
