England Renaissance Sports And Games
The wedding with beloved in dream wedding dress with the peerless wedding décor is sure to mesmerize everyone in this world. The wedding marks the union of two souls as one and the wedding reception is all about manifesting same in the form of introducing newlyweds as Mr. and Mrs. XYZ to the society. With the custom of churches being the traditional wedding venues it was but self-explanatory that venues for wedding reception too used to be in the adjoining area. But with the increasing trends of destination weddings and consequently preference of exotic venues for same don’t you think it’s a better idea to look for some standout wedding reception locations to stand out of the crowd?
In a case when even you are unable to go for destination weddings and wish to feel the difference in wedding you can consider organizing your reception at some unique locale in order to have the perfect blend of traditionalism and modernity. So carry on further exploring the whole new world of nuptials party spots as wedding reception is party only to celebrate since even Plautus remarked that let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words. So are you ready to go for it in the matchless style?
Prior on coming on to various unique locations for wedding reception it would be excellent for you if you very well comprehend the various factors influencing the selection of same beyond compare isn’t it. After all the working out the diverse novel spots for reception shouldn’t be arrived at the cost of the comfort of the wedding guest right, so check out the various factors which has bearing on same:
• Easy accessibility to the setting for wedding reception by the guests especially by those who are likely to turn up from different towns
• Total outlays for the wedding reception party
• Encompassment of additional charges
• Appropriateness of taking care of your wedding guest principally under adverse climatic conditions
• Music’s excellence too matters as is there any party of any kind which is complete without music? Besides it the first dance of couple also calls for music else be prepared to face the music!
• Space at the venue meant for getting down
• Cocktail lounge details
• Available facilities for parking of vehicles too requires your kind deliberation as you certainly don’t want to see the guest worried about their vehicles instead of enjoying the party.
One point to be kept in mind is that the factors which are mentioned beforehand are not all inclusive and thus you may consider others as well as per the need of the hour. There is no best way to catch on all the exceptional wedding reception sites as this is next to impossible with subject to imagination which is illimitable. But nevertheless we wish to bring some standout ones before you so that depending on your distinct taste and preference coupled with easiness you can muse. Thus here come the different wonderful alternatives.
Castles For Royal Wedding Reception
The charm of miraculous castles can’t be expressed in words and thus if you wish to have the royal wedding reception then think out castles. A castle filled with rich history and culture is beyond the shadow of doubt constitutes a classical venue for wedding receptions. These kinds of venues are best suited for the wedding with medieval theme. As far as the castles are concerned which can be sorted out can be the ones located in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Spain, England, Switzerland and even in Italy.
Thus if you love the renaissance wedding then undoubtedly castles are what to go for to make your wedding reception an extraordinary affair to remember. The one and only fly in the ointment is the timing with which you might have to make a deal and thus you might end up in organizing on some other days then the weekends. Still keeping in view the wedding snapshots’ uniqueness making a deal sounds good isn’t it.
Wedding Reception On Lifeboat For Lifetime Memories!
The lifeboat too can be contemplated at for fixing the spot for the wedding reception as with this option you can look forward to have the constant altering backdrop making it extraordinary. Well what can be more romantic than cruising on the clear water towards the happy future! There are some professional organizations which all are there to make your special day memorable with their perfect service. If finding it bit expensive then consider chartering a local one customized to your needs and the likings. A way to further personalize your wedding reception bash
Country House Forming One Of Personalized Wedding Reception Locations
The literal meaning of country house is a house in the country, usually a large residence or a second home and thus can be easily personalized as compared to other locus for the celebration. Before selecting a country house for dream wedding reception make sure that you checkup its license to hold the civil ceremonies otherwise you might get into some troubles.
Country houses should be preferred as you can shift in it one night prior to wedding and depending upon the facilities offered to you can even stay one night after wedding in some bridal suites! Not only this you can also avail the services of skillful pros to draft the dreamy wedding reception to which every to-be-couple craves for.
Consider French Chateau For Phenomenal Wine And Dine
Many of you might be coming across the term chateau first time so let’s first understand its meaning. It’s a castle or large house in France, often one that has a vineyard attached and gives its name to wine produced there. So it offers remarkably various options of wine and dine at your wedding reception party. What’s more this alternative also allows you to visit all manner of wineries apart from the local allurements which are sure to be remembered for rest of the life by your guests. It will also go a long way in enabling you to spend some quality time together with your near and dear ones as you might have been looking for same for many couple of years.
Fun And Games Locale For Glorification Of Love Game!
In case either of the partners is highly active in one or the other sports or is passionate about it then opting the fun and game locale for glorification of love game is certainly a unique move. There are plenty of sports to choose from varying from the football to the lawn tennis. So depending upon your inclination towards some sport you can sort out one to showcase your love and passion towards the sport apart from your better half.
Over and above the uniqueness of such venues you can further hope to limit the wedding reception budget as them being the unconventional venue for such celebrations. Thus differentness coupled with affordability makes sports venues a hot alternative for reception celebrations isn’t it.
Touch The Stars In Planetarium
Although you’ll be feeling on the seventh heaven yet you can at least provide for your wedding guests touch the stars by organizing the wedding reception in some planetarium. Such a venue will be simply loved by one and all especially by the children who always have been fascinated by the shining world of stars.
To personalize the event you can line up stars in tune with the time of proposal to the ever memorable first official date.
Fruit Garden For Additional Blooming Of Love
Flower and fruits are the wonderful gifts of Nature which has been used for long for multiple purposes. The purposes can be as simple as eating fruits for good health to decorating and saying with flowers. But have you ever conceived the fruit garden as a venue for wedding reception? If not then better envision right now with focus on making the most of Nature’s unmatched beauty and magnetism. The idea gains more significance if both of you just adore Nature for natural beauty.
Whatever be the reason if you go for wedding reception in a particular fruit garden make sure it’s either in the blossoming state or already holding fruits so as to make a good use of the natural settings. What’s more you can even expect to utilize the local fruit inclusion in your wedding reception décor, feast to the wedding bouquet. No need to open your mouth in surprises as didn’t you notice Victoria Beckham carrying apples in her wedding bouquet to bring in more prosperity and fertility!
We hope that you must have at times got thrilled and sometimes open-mouthed while going through wedding reception venues. But before saying au revoir meaning good bye in French language which you must know if planning to go to France for memorable wedding or wedding reception, it would be more appropriate if you look at several advantages of organizing the celebration at unconventional locations. The plus points are:
You will be free to select the wedding caterer and wedding cake pro as per your likings and requirements instead of being at the frame of mind of the wedding reception hall owners. In nutshell you’ll have a say as who knows you’ll crave for same after getting hitched in the dream wedding dress!
Most of the aforementioned venues will already have attendants so you will end up in saving further number of pennies for rainy day.
Due to the unconventional nature of the venues for wedding reception it is but natural for them to cost lesser. How? The answer is very simple as the price of any commodity is linked to its demand provided other conditions remain unaltered. Hence people who can think out of box are rare and so the cost is also of hardly any amount when compared with the conventional ones.
Additionally you can further expect to get the booking easily as being off the beaten track there is lesser amount of hassles likely to be experienced by you.
Your wedding guests will be looking forward with more enthusiasm and expectations to unique wedding reception.
As far as the wedding snapshots are concerned they will look awesome in any of the unusual locale for celebration thereby making the good use of your money.
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- 1. At 08:18am on 06 Oct 2009, redandblackT1899 wrote:
Not too shabby!glad you touched Italy and the heart warming Sampdoria story even though it'll have been better to hear you own view instead of some anonymous Yank!
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- 2. At 08:23am on 06 Oct 2009, SugarDunkerton wrote:
Nice piece.. but don't you think the usual will happen with Sampdoria?? They will get picked apart in the first transfer window with greedy clubs circling... I despair when I see teams taking the quick money. If you look at a team in my league (scottish) Hamilton have had a few promising players and could have sold them earlier for pittance like every Scottish club does... they have held out and got decent money.. wish this was more normal.
Always liked Pennant and couldn't believe he was available for a free in the summer..Complain about this comment
- 3. At 08:26am on 06 Oct 2009, redandblackT1899 wrote:
I don't think Cassano'll ever play for Italy under Lippi...if he didn't get invited after the disastrous Confed Cup fiasco I doubt he'll play when they are on the cusp of World Cup qualification.Lippi obviously doesn't want a disruptive influence in the squad.
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- 4. At 08:35am on 06 Oct 2009, jamjuthegreat wrote:
You mention that Pennant follows in the english players abroad such as Laurie Cunningham, Gary Lineker, Michael Owen and, of course, David Beckham.
I find it strange how you dont mention the most succesful (in terms of their career abroad) British player who has played in Spain??????Complain about this comment
- 5. At 08:59am on 06 Oct 2009, Diego-UK wrote:
#4 ... i think that should be Steve MacManaman.
As a Real Madrid supporter and a Madrid citizen I can say MacManaman was a pleasure of player and person to have. He took his time, but he learnt the language, he found his places in Madrid, he enjoyed the city... in short, he made an effort to integrate himself, and that to me is worth loads. Then his displays on the pitch were no bad at all, including a peach ofgoal in the Paris Champions League final against Valencia. He is not a Real Madrid legend but indeed someone we will always like.
We have not been too unlucky with English players in Madrid - with the exception of Woodgate's injuries and disastrous debut. Owen did well, Beckham gave it all and Cunningham is still remembered. He was one of my favourite players whenI was a kid.
As for Sampdoria - I do have sympathy for them; I have some family roots around Genova and I would like them to win the Scudetto. However, we saw last year that clubes like Hoffenheim or Villa themselves end up dropping the pace for lack of squad depth or simply vertigo at finding themselves so high up.
TheSerie A seem to be in a bit of a crisis - altough Inter and Juventus could still be competitive in the Champions League, and Milan must come back after that shameful defeat at home to Zurich - so maybe "Samp" or Fiorentina could push till he end.
Good one Phil; keep them coming.Complain about this comment
- 6. At 09:02am on 06 Oct 2009, Gas wrote:
Seems like the Italian port of Genoa has brought about some really footballing talent of late. With Genoa doing very well also.
I just hope Samp can hold out and keep the players they have while still improving the squad where possible. Del Nieri to me seems like the right man to lead them and i am glad to see Cassano playing to his ability (hope it lasts)Complain about this comment
- 7. At 09:11am on 06 Oct 2009, portodelpicasso wrote:
Michael Robinson?
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- 8. At 09:19am on 06 Oct 2009, Dapsy wrote:
Steve McManaman is one of the most skillful English player I have ever seen. I started to support Real because of him and I'm not even English! Fabulous understated talent! Funny how easily any player not playing in England goes off the radar
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- 9. At 09:21am on 06 Oct 2009, MOPthirteen wrote:
Hi Phil,
Excellent piece, it's good to see the return of two wayward stars who should know better.
Keep up the good work,
MOP13
www.manonplatform13.blogspot.com
www.thedirtytackle.blogspot.comComplain about this comment
- 10. At 09:25am on 06 Oct 2009, wedontknowfootball wrote:
Can't wait to see how Pennant will do in his first season in La Liga, like the idea of an Englishman playing abroad.
http://wdkf.co.uk/Complain about this comment
- 11. At 09:40am on 06 Oct 2009, tomefccam wrote:
yeah man, what about stevie mcmananaman. this guy scored in a CL final. im sure jamie pollock had an awesome spell in spain too, as did rob ullarthorne. anyway, Samp. man do they look dead good. you refer to mancini and vialli. the withdrawn striker and the bald guy who banged them in. i think pazzini and cassano r a modern day version of those two old guys. look man, cassano is a very the talented withdrawn strike. Pazzini is banging in golas. that combo with give u a chance in any league. they both look dead happy to to be there, couple of reall happy as larrys them brothers. and palombo man he is a real horse of a man, with a neck like a bull and ferocious he is like adam from adam and eve, the real man. an ispiration to his mates there. i think they will fall short, but if they can keep those three i mentioned, and add 2 or three more of that standars then they got a chance dog, just u watch.
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- 12. At 09:40am on 06 Oct 2009, Gas wrote:
8# Funny how easily any player not playing in England goes off the radar
less and less english players move aboard now. at least to the top leagues in europe. english clubs bring in all the top spainsh italian german etc players but how many top european clubs have you heard of chasing the likes of rooney, terry, lampard etc lately?Complain about this comment
- 13. At 10:08am on 06 Oct 2009, U13736296 wrote:
I always assumed it was the strong pound along with inflated prices that were the reasons why English players doesn't seem attractive to continental clubs. But doesn't seem to explain everything (and the pound is certainly not strong at the moment)
Anyway seen the Sevilla - Real match? That was a fantastic game of football.Complain about this comment
- 14. At 10:41am on 06 Oct 2009, Grampus Is Walking in a Woody Wonderland wrote:
Vinny Samways had the best spell of his career at Las Palmas!
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- 15. At 10:52am on 06 Oct 2009, Stevat wrote:
The pound certainly isn't strong, and the difference in tax for footballer's in Spain and Italy you would think would swing the pendulum the other way, perhaps it will over the next few years again?
As one person states, it must be to do with the mentality of the players, they have been isolated from the harsh realities of life since they were 15 years old or younger. When you give kids a comfort zone at that age and that's all they know you can understand why they would be wary of moving out of it.
Personally I would love to live and play football in another European country. It surprises me that more young players at Championship or lower half Premier League clubs don't look for opportunities to break through abroad.Complain about this comment
- 16. At 11:24am on 06 Oct 2009, signori wrote:
This Article has made me a very happy man, As I support Sampdoria and have done since birth as i was born in Genoa, I now live in England and have had to but awful sport packages on the TV to follow my team!
Its just a start i know but these are real promising times for us and hope it continues as we are playing very good football at the moment,
With our strikeforce i really think we can beat anyone in the league and under Del Neri we look strong.
Great article FORZA Blucerchiati!!! lets hope we dont get bullied in the transfer market!Complain about this comment
- 17. At 11:47am on 06 Oct 2009, Lagellerotumblero wrote:
Nice piece Phil. Don't forget Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables who managed in Spain for a while. Shows that Spanish football likes English football managers, although not so much nowadays!
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- 18. At 11:50am on 06 Oct 2009, Phil Minshull wrote:
This week it's an early response on various issues, particularly the topic of Steve McManaman and English players in Spain.
People were quite right to point out the omission of Macca from my four-strong list.
He was a great player during the time he was at Real. He was always happy to talk to the media and made intelligent comments, consequently he was much appreciated by us members of the Fourth Estate.
In the books that came out around the time of Real's centenary in 2002, he was in various lists of 'Real's best 100 players of all-time' and Wikipedia quotes a 2008 poll when he was ranked as the third best British footballer to play overseas, just behind Kevin Keegan and John Charles.
However, the reason I left him out was purely an editorial one.
The list couldn't be too long.
I couldn't/wasn't going to name every single English player that has played in the Spanish first division in the last 30 years (not that there have really been that many) nor did I want it to be a list of players who had pulled on a Real jersey.
I included Laurie Cunnigham as he was a trail blazer and also played for Sporting Gijon (as well Rayo Vallecano in the second division). Other people I could have mentioned if I wanted too make the list longer could also have included: Kevin Richardson, Dalian Atkinson, Vinny Samways and Jonathan Woodgate.
Tomefcam : “im sure jamie pollock had an awesome spell in spain too, as did rob ullarthorne.” Both Pollock and Ullathorne played for Osasuna when they were in the second division so they were disqualified. The key words were: 'top flight of Spanish football'.
Portodelpicasso: Michael Robinson was born in Leicester but was a Republic of Ireland international, hence why he wasn't a candidate for making my list either
There has been a lot of discussion, and not just among the responses here, about why there have not been more British/English players in Spain (or Italy, for that matter) in recent years.
The stereotypical reasons of adapting to a different language and culture no doubt have some basis in truth.
However, here is a link to an interesting article published a few months ago about why a few more good standard players may be making their way here.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jul/10/jermaine-pennant-real-zaragoza-transfer
Stevat makes the point: “It surprises me that more young players at Championship or lower half Premier League clubs don't look for opportunities to break through abroad.”
The issue here is that clubs still have to make the case that a player is of the calibre to merit the preferential tax treatment, which is why the aforementioned players at Championship or lower half Premier League clubs, still might not feel it's worthwhile moving.
RedandblackT1899: “glad you touched Italy and the heart warming Sampdoria story even though it'll have been better to hear you own view instead of some anonymous Yank!” To be honest, Eric (who lives in Trento and, for his sins, is a Lazio fan) not only a friend but a superb analyst of all things to do with Italian football. We get three or four Serie A games shown live here every week on various Spanish TV channels but I wanted to talk to somebody there 'on the ground'. His opinions broadly concurred with mine and that's why I gave credit where it was due.Complain about this comment
- 19. At 11:50am on 06 Oct 2009, mikestar01 wrote:
I like the idea of English players going abroad, it can only help improve their game in my opinion, even if only for a year or so. Imagine the improvement to talented players like Lennon, Young, Agbonglahor, Milner etc. If they can add the technique of the Spanish game to the pace and work rate they've built up in England...
www.football-journo.comComplain about this comment
- 20. At 12:36pm on 06 Oct 2009, craigy1913shc wrote:
#13 - I'm sure I read somewhere that maybe part of Cristiano Ronaldos decision to move to Real Madrid was down to money (not suggesting for a minute that this was the sole reason) as in the UK he would have had to pay 40% tax on whatever he earned however in Spain he would only have to pay 15% or something like that I'm sure.
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- 21. At 12:43pm on 06 Oct 2009, zagabara wrote:
i love what Sampdoria is doing right now and without any doubt they are a good team but the big question is always going to be" can this form last till the end"? can Casano's antics be hidden in the drawer for that long? can they handle the pressure of playing at top level? from a honest point of view i don't thing they can last the yard. they are probably good for mid table.
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- 22. At 12:45pm on 06 Oct 2009, TrevReeves wrote:
I thought Vinny Samways was going to get a mention 'The hard man of Spanish football'
He settled into the lifestyle well and now owns a bookmakers, disco and bar out there apparently.Complain about this comment
- 23. At 12:47pm on 06 Oct 2009, Justin150 wrote:
Steve Archibald?
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- 24. At 12:57pm on 06 Oct 2009, leedsyouknighted wrote:
Good piece, nice to hear about the renaissance Sampdoria, one of David Platts clubs incidentally.
Interesting item regarding Pennant undoubtedly a talent but the size of his head has always been the problem. Perhaps a dose of Spain and Zarogoza can do the trick where others have failed, I hope so, i think he found a dose of reality when Portsmouth let him go and in reality not many people were interested so Zarogoza were his best and only option to find a way back.
Pennant can be a matchwinner no doubt but a team player? I question that,definately showed his different class when at Leeds, but I felt was again the big 'I am' Hope he grows out of it.Complain about this comment
- 25. At 1:30pm on 06 Oct 2009, JOL_LYGOODFELLOW wrote:
I've "supported" Sampdoria since the Football Italiano days of Channel 4.
They had some great players in the 90's...Lombardo, Vialli, Platt, Gullitt, Seedorf, Veron, Mancini, Verichowod (sp), Zenga was between the sticks for a while if i remember correctly. There are a couple of strikers who went on to play for Roma, but i can't think of their names now.
Always look out for their results and it would be brilliant for Samp to have some success again. Apart from the football, Samp have also got one of the cest badges/emblems in football. Anyone know what it relates to?Complain about this comment
- 26. At 1:32pm on 06 Oct 2009, Gas wrote:
Phill still one the english players aboard topic, could the actual style and play of the continental game be a reason why many english don't move aboard?
we hear all the time here that the game might be becoming to soft from pundits, fans and even players now and then. does the fact that say the spanish game is all flair quick attacking and techincal ability limit the chance of many english players moving there? is it not just a completely different game making it harder for them to adapt?Complain about this comment
- 27. At 1:33pm on 06 Oct 2009, azzurri4stars wrote:
Great to see Sampdoria getting a mention.
David Platt was revered there as was Trevor Francis, Graeme Souness, and Des Walker, to mention a few.
As an italian, I would agree that Samp are the 2nd favourite team of many supporters but it does pain me to see both Cassano and Pazzini continually overlooked by Lippi.
It's true that given the WC victory in 2006 Lippi is virtually untouchable when it comes to squad picks, even taking into account the disaster that was the Confed. Cup. I just hope he's holding some of these guys back so not to show the rest of the world the talent at his disposal.
Personally, if Cassano and Pazzini have good seasons, I can see a repeat of the pre 2002 World Cup arguements when they discussed in parliament whether Baggio should go to the WC or not.
Let's be honest, who would we rather have - Camoranesi or Cassano?
Is it even a question?
Thanks for the blog - More pleaseComplain about this comment
- 28. At 1:42pm on 06 Oct 2009, marcogiacobbe wrote:
Having watched a few of Samp's matches so far this season I have to say that they are quite an impressive looking team. Cassano and Pazzini are the two in form strikers in Serie A at the moment. WOuld be nice to see them both recalled for Italy as we are currently not blessed with attacking talent. Why not pick a pair that are playing well together and scoring goals?!!
Good piece...nice to see European football getting a good mention on this website which is usually dominated by uninteresting articles about the Premiership and the 'stars' of the Premier League!
Lets have more variety.......like this article......on here please!!Complain about this comment
- 29. At 1:45pm on 06 Oct 2009, tmaxwell83 wrote:
What was the Ian Rush quote?
"Living in Italy was like being in a foreign country."
Our players are chronically uneducated and that's why we fail miserabley abroad.Complain about this comment
- 30. At 1:50pm on 06 Oct 2009, Stevat wrote:
Interesting Phil, I didn't realise that the players weren't automatically accepted into the tax bands they want. Is that based on salary at all, or just the clubs case made to a governing body? Having lived up here in Newcastle most of my life, the thought of living in somewhere like Genova appeals greatly. I still remember an episode of Channel 4's saturday morning Italian football show where James Richardson interviewed David Platt in his beautiful Villa on a winding hill overlooking the bay. Idyllic indeed, and a fantastic advert for all that is beautiful about Italy. Which British players do you think would settle well in foreign climes?
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- 31. At 1:54pm on 06 Oct 2009, JOL_LYGOODFELLOW wrote:
azzurri4stars....Does any Italian actually rate Camoranesi? I don't understand why he is continually picked for the Azzurri
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- 32. At 2:07pm on 06 Oct 2009, signori wrote:
To JOL_LYGOODFELLOW
The club crest features a sailor in profile known by the old Genoese name of Baciccia, which translates to Giovanni Battista in Italian or John-Baptist in English. The image of a sailor is appropriate due to Sampdoria being based in the port city of Genoa.
The white, blue, red and black colours within the crest represent the clubs origins of a merger between two teams, Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria, who wore respectively red/black and white/blue jerseys.[3]Complain about this comment
- 33. At 2:41pm on 06 Oct 2009, Spaced Invader wrote:
I think Cruyff has a point to a degree about English mentality precluding success abroad, but 'about 5' is a little sarcastic.
Not that many Spanish or Italian players have enjoyed huge success overseas, at least until the past 10 years - basically because England, Spain and Italy have the three strongest leagues and therefore the least reason to leave, unlike France, Holland or Portugal where top players invariably need to leave to achieve greatness.
As a test to anyone doubting this, try naming more than 15 or so Spanish players who have genuinely succeeded outside of Spain in the past 40 years...
Keegan, Hargreaves, McManaman, Platt, Waddle, Hoddle, Lineker, Cunningham, Ince, Wilkins, Woodcock, Samways, Beckham, Francis all have done well, Gascoigne, Owen, Atkinson had their moments, (Woodgate was just unlucky), and the many successful lesser lights like Lee Baxter & James Keene (Sweden), Chris Cleaver (Finland), Jamie Forrester (Holland) etc
The issue isn't the players - its just that the English media generally loses interest in players that don't play in major leagues - Pennant for example will get much more coverage than Matt Derbyshire or Darius Vassell this season.Complain about this comment
- 34. At 2:42pm on 06 Oct 2009, tomefccam wrote:
Guess what, Aldridge was quite good wasn't he? Evene for a brief time, but i believe that was top flight for real socialdad. him and dalian man, they were good. What about david suker? he was good for seville and real madrid, i think they even have a bit of a statue for him in seville. did craig maskell ever play for a spanish team, i'm sure he must have, as they have had some of the best strikers in the world over there. Sanchez, Puskas, Butragueno, Eto'oo, Maskell
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- 35. At 2:53pm on 06 Oct 2009, adamgggg wrote:
Why so few English players in the top flight of Spanish or Italian football these days? Because there are only 2 kinds of player for whom such a move is appealing.
In order for a player to catch the attention of a decent club in one of these leagues they would have to be in or around the fringes of the national team. Which means the only players who would go for a move abroad have-
A- Spent several years at a big 4 club, played their best football and achieved all they wanted to, and are looking for a new challenge but want to keep their place in the national team.
B- A youngster who had potential they have never realized, have drifted from club to club, have fallen out of contention for a place in the England squad and a bit of a "reputation" meaning few Premier league teams (they haven't already played for) are interested in having them any more.
A shame that more youngsters don't make their first move away from their boyhood club abroad rather than to a "big club" in England, as it could really develop their game rather than sitting on the bench at Chelsea or somewhereComplain about this comment
- 36. At 3:23pm on 06 Oct 2009, JOL_LYGOODFELLOW wrote:
Cheers Signori
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- 37. At 3:25pm on 06 Oct 2009, jimboban wrote:
#34 I can't believe you said David Suker (and implied English Nationality!)!! Presume you mean Davor Suker the croatian superstar that guested at West Ham in the twilight of his career? :)
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- 38. At 3:52pm on 06 Oct 2009, LawBestCharlton wrote:
@33:
You raise interesting points...but Hargreaves? Come on - he was born and raised as a child in Canada, and as a young man/footballer in Germany. He hardly qualifies as an example of an Englishman who succeeded abroad, no matter what his passport may say.
But, yes - quite true. Neither Spanish nor Italian players tend to travel outside of their leagues - just like the English, they may feel - "Why should I?". Those three leagues are the best in Europe, the best-paid, and the most prestigious.
However, recent trends with Spain (Champions of Europe and arguably the best national team in the World right now) may be linked to key players in the national team like Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres spending time abroad. Even squad players like Riera, Arbeloa and Morientes took the plunge and came to England.
I genuinely believe it is a cultural thing. Continental Europeans seem to be more willing to take a risk and gamble on trying a new culture. Are you telling me that Torres really NEEDED to come to England? He could have stayed at his beloved home town club, or gone elsewhere in Spain.
Where are the equivalent examples? It would be like Rob Green playing for Valencia, or Gerrard and Lampard playing for Barcelona. Rooney for Real Madrid (please, God, no!) and so on.
Godspeed to Pennant for giving something different a go.Complain about this comment
- 39. At 3:57pm on 06 Oct 2009, liverpool_ andy(justice for the 96) wrote:
You say Jermaine Pennant is the only English player playing in Spain at the moment, didn't somebody who went to Glenn Hoddle's soccer school sign for Madrid?
As for including Jonathan Woodgate wasn't he voted Real's worst ever player?Complain about this comment
- 40. At 3:58pm on 06 Oct 2009, liverpool_ andy(justice for the 96) wrote:
The player I meant is called Ikechi Anya, is he not breaking into the first team squad?
Here is a link to the article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8138203.stmComplain about this comment
- 41. At 4:19pm on 06 Oct 2009, Diego-UK wrote:
David Suker? Davor Suker was a Croatian - he can hardly qualify as a great british export in Spain! ;O)
I agree with Azzurri4stars - It pains me to see Camoranesi playing for Italy or Juventus. Some players have a CV far greater than their ability would suggest (Wes Brown for example)
Aldridge was quite good for Real Sociedad. but h played for Ireland. He is no British if we follow the book. Same for Michael Robinson, who is unforgettable in Spain as his role in Spanih media is similar to Lineker's if not bigger. Lineker himself was very good until Cruyff pushed him aside. Archibald didn't do that much at Barcelona.
I agree on the fact that Spanish, English or Italian playes had little incentive to move before the Bosman ruling. Money wa good at home and clubs would rather spend their funds in real top stars, which would come from elsewhere as they would also be cheaper.
British and Irish plyers have had a cultural barrier as well. It is far easier for a Portuguese, a Frenchman, an Italian, a Greek, a Spaniard, a Turkish plyer o former Yugoslavian to fit in any of these counties than it is for a Britton. They all share the mediaterraean style of life. It is not the only case; many Scandinavians prefer to play in England or Germany, as well as central Europeans would favour Germany or Austria (if they are not good enough for the German league!).
I am in favour of players going broad - I always though Torres and the Spanish national side would benefit of his transfer to Liverpool. The same can be said for Xabi Alonso or, at a lower level, for Riera.Complain about this comment
- 42. At 4:22pm on 06 Oct 2009, tomefccam wrote:
yes david suker, that was him wasnt it? he did dead well in the world clup?? might be wrong? he was good in spain anyway. i think players in england would score double the goals in spain, if gary penrice was spanish, he's have won 100 caps
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- 43. At 4:42pm on 06 Oct 2009, Gas wrote:
#39/40
he did yes and fair play to him for doing so, but he currently playes for sevilla ateltico (formeraly sevilla f.c b) also he is scotish.Complain about this comment
- 44. At 5:17pm on 06 Oct 2009, liverpool_ andy(justice for the 96) wrote:
tomefccam David Suker is Croatian! So no he doesn't quite qualify for being English!
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- 45. At 5:18pm on 06 Oct 2009, liverpool_ andy(justice for the 96) wrote:
Number 43, it says on that article I posted the link for he's from Oxfordshire?
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- 46. At 5:19pm on 06 Oct 2009, Stevat wrote:
Is Gary Penrice not Spanish?
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- 47. At 5:59pm on 06 Oct 2009, EFCIAN wrote:
I would say that although Samp's impressive start can be attributed to Del Neri's role at the club, Cassano's attitude has totally changed over the last season and the start of this one. Only once in this time have we seen the problems which led to the 'Bari Brat' and Cassanata tags he got labelled with. In Italy, many attribute it to the fact that he has a settled personal life now, along with his burning desire to go to the World Cup with the Azzurri, which ubfortunatly doesn't look like happening due to purely personal issues that Marcelo Lippi has with Antonio.
The way that Gianpaolo Pazzini has settled in since his move from Fiorentina is also a huge factor in the way that Samp are now playing. The way he and Cassano havce linked up in the 9 months they have been playing together has been so impressive that many are calling it one of the best partnerships in Europe, one which after watching them close up would have to agree with.
Del Neri's attacking tactics have certainly helped the two of them to show what good players they are and with a supporting cast of Angelo Palombo, Daniele Mannini and Paolo Sammarco they should be challenging for Europe rather than the under performance of last season.
I think that Cassano will stay for a bit, but if a team like Juve where to show an interest in January he may think that moving to a huge team like Juve, Milan, etc may help get that extra push to get included for the World Cup, hopefully though, he can break into the team while still at Samp.Complain about this comment
- 48. At 6:40pm on 06 Oct 2009, aslongastheyqualify wrote:
Excellent, intelligent blog.
n41 diegodf
I´m not sure about the cultural sterotypes you mention. While they may be sometimes true, this one: .."as well as central Europeans would favour Germany or Austria (if they are not good enough for the German league!)" certainly isn´t. As a follower of Czech football, I know that cultural barriers have little to do with which clubs the Czech players choose; rather, it would be a question of quality.
Any player whose quality hints at reaching farther than Bundesliga gives it a go anywhere better (look at, for example, Ujfalusi, Nedved, Plasil, Jankulovski, or Baros; Chelsea´s Cech used to play for Rennes).
For the ordinary footballer, Bundesliga pays better and is miles more exciting than the Czech league, so that´s why so many somehow-talented Czechs play there, those that don´t cut it may go to, say, Austria or Belgium. Some moderately succesful try France. Playing in Italy or Spain (or the PL) is reserved for a select talented few; it´s definitely not a question of adapting culturally.
There have been - and still are - quite a few Czech players in the Turkish league, which is I believe about the same quality, or a bit better, than the Austrian one, but may pay a bit better. Hardly an easy place to get adapted to, but every year a few Czechs leave to play for even middle-table clubs there (currently there is not just Baros at Galatasaray, but also Sivok, Brabec or Zapotocny). For your amusement, some Czechs play even at Cyprus, to name a weird footballing destination. Why, the Maltese national team has a Czech coach. The current Czech FA director used to coach Abu Dhabi. Two Czechs play for Inter Baku even.
Anyway, Czech football just doesn´t have loads of great players to export them into quality southern leagues. The players wouldn´t hesitate to go and try (and when given the opportunity, they do). I can only imagine the same would go for footballers who grew up in Poland, or Slovakia.
So, I´m not sure whether this "cultural adaptation" issue shouldn´t be dismissed. It just seems to be so that whoever has even a chance of getting a place in a PL side would rather stick to it than perhaps risk the bench somewhere else - and this is true even for the Czech players, who get to play on the British Isles. Skacel lingered in the Championship for a while only for the chance to get into the PL, rather than returning to continental Europe. Bednar is still at West Brom, and I believe he especially might get a place in half of the Bundesliga sides (the lower half ofc, but still). The PL seems to have this very special gravitational pull, and I don´t think it will let go anytime soon.Complain about this comment
- 49. At 7:26pm on 06 Oct 2009, CorranXrisHorn wrote:
Why has no-one mentioned Mark Hughes as a top player playing abroad.
He played well for both Barcelona and Bayern Munich Before coming back to Man Utd.Complain about this comment
- 50. At 8:27pm on 06 Oct 2009, Villa_90 wrote:
#12: I would suggest it is nonsense to claim that English clubs bring in all the best talent from the Continent. In the last 10 years or so the consistently best players in Europe in terms of individual talent have been Zidanne, Figo, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Raul, Shevchenko, Buffon, Pirlo, Seedorf, Juninho etc. Representing the Premiership have been: Gerrard, Lampard, Henry... The generation of younger players who are starting to overtake the above list would be Iniesta, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Rooney, Xavi (not in age but in the sense that he is finally being recognized widely as a top top top player), Messi, Fabregas, Ribery (same as Xavi) and Kaka who is approaching his prime. Obviously I've missed several players, but in general I would say that the vast majority of the best players have all played in Spain, whereas only a handful have played in England. Also, you ask how many top European clubs chase English players lately, but if you look at it the other way, how many top players have English clubs been linked with who have rejected the Premier League? I can think of Ronaldo, Villa, Ribery, Benzema, Ronaldinho, Kaka off the top of my head. The EPL is stronger because there are 4 top teams in it, but Spain has the most individual talent easilt.
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- 51. At 8:55pm on 06 Oct 2009, pittowl wrote:
@49
Perhaps because previous posters have been (or at least attempting to) listing Englishmen playing abroad. I believe you'll find Mark Hughes is Welsh.
I believe the lack of English playing on the continent has to do with a combination of factors including cultural ones listed above. Almost (if not all) English PL players cannot speak another language and there is almost no draw to playing in a less, or at least equally, competitive league abroad. The fact of the matter is that foreigners coming to play in England can almost always speak the language or they are willing to accept the cultural differences for the lure of the PL.
Also, is it any surprise when there is an overwhelming lack of English talent at the top flight as compared to other countries?Complain about this comment
- 52. At 8:55pm on 06 Oct 2009, azzurri4stars wrote:
It's fairly obvious that continental European footballers feel far more comfortable in that environment, i.e. sticking fairly close to their own shores as oppose to coming to England, irrespective of whether the Premier League is laden with more money. What we also need to remember about the Spanish and Italian leagues is that it isn't just the Europeans who prefer that way of life, but it's also the South Americans.
Look at Inter. They struggled to field an Italian pre Mourinho. They've got a massive contigency of South Americans, as have Napoli and Lazio. Deportivo La Coruna in Spain are no different, and it's obvious the South American and European cousins have a far closer cultural affinity
I believe that the introduction of the 50% tax bracket for already overpaid footballers will deter more foreign imports to England,(unless of course the oligarchs think differently) which may not be such a bad thing. Lippi was quoted recently as saying that he wouldn't necessarily like to be in Capello's shoes given the lack of quality, English talent on show each week. One can't criticise his comments. Englands 1st eleven is certainly up there, but aside from that there doesn't appear to much more coming through.
EFCIAN, you're right Del Neri has given many players at Samp an opportunity to shine as his counterpart at Genoa, but such is the desperation to succeed in the premier league, success needs to be instant which means most managers want to go out and buy a title. I can see the premier league going down the same road as Serie A almost 20 years ago. Italian club sides ruled Europe, picking up countless trophies, I even remember a clean sweep one year where all 3 Euro trophies made their home in Italy. The national side on the other hand was largely unsuccessful.
I appreciate their record wasn't among the worst, but considering their domination in club football one would have thought it logical to carry that into the national arena. Strange though how the downturn in club success, coupled with bribery / match fixing scandals and a distinct lack of foreign players in Serie A culminated in a most unexpected but nonetheless wonderful World Cup victory. The tide has turned. Premier league football now dominates the Champions League (Barca aside, and maybe Real Madrid this season), but will that club success materialise into national success? OK, Capello has qualified with 2 games to spare, but friendlies (and I stress friendlies) against traditionally better opposition has proved less fruitful. It's still a work in progress, but I think Capello would feel more comfortable if he had ready made replacements for the likes of Rooney, Gerrard, Ashley Cole, etc. Bring back the Euro quota and breed more homegrown players(and that's players born in the country of the native league) as oppose to buying in expensive but untested ability.
PS - One of the greatest British exports to Italy and certainly voted by Juve fans as the greatest export to play for their club was none other than "The Gentle Giant" - John Charles.Complain about this comment
- 53. At 9:34pm on 06 Oct 2009, mwanakatwe wrote:
Del Neri was once called the "laziest manager in football", so I wouldn't ascribe too much of Samp's success to him, he has needed the invaluable assistant Francesco Conti.
It's the ambience in Genoa: the squad have bought into the project, and are smart enough to know it will be a long tough winter. It is a good time to capitalize- the usual suspects are all poor right now, (aside from Inter), and the 3 big cities of Turin, Milan & Rome are all in debt to their eyeballs & fielding mediocre product.Complain about this comment
- 54. At 10:15pm on 06 Oct 2009, pvandck wrote:
"Everyone knows of Cassano's reputation for doing stupid things in the past..."
This is actually because, good player or not, he is a very stupid, immature man. He is a delinquent child in an adult's body, prone to babyish tantrums, who behaves as if the world revolves around him. This makes him a pretty undesirable liability for a national team, and Lippi's antipathy towards him is quite understandable. I for one hope he doesn't get recalled to the National team until he's learned to grow up a bit - which on the evidence so far probably won't be this side of his old age pension.
mwanakatwe - Del Neri might be the "laziest manager" but he does have a track record of some success. He was also responsible a few seasons ago for the impressive rise of Chievo. When he left they went downhill.Complain about this comment
- 55. At 10:20pm on 06 Oct 2009, AndyFmyLordzs wrote:
Saw Sampdoria recently when they played at Atalanta, I was really impressed by the calm nature of their play, sure one goal was always going to be enough to beat Atalanta, but their patience was impressive & Cassano was a class apart, easily the best player on the park, always seemed to have time and space & his break & precise pass set up the winner.
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- 56. At 11:54pm on 06 Oct 2009, RonCombo wrote:
I think to start talking about Sampdoria returning to the glory days of the early 90s after just seven matches is a little premature. Especially if Cassano starts playing up once they start playing some of the bigger teams. Their games to date, with all respect to teams like Atalanta, Siena and Parma have been pretty digestible. Let's see where they are at Christmas.
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- 57. At 00:22am on 07 Oct 2009, virtuallonetraveller wrote:
British players rarely go abroad as they get found out technically ...........and no one abroad is dumb enough to pay them what they get paid here..........
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- 58. At 09:23am on 07 Oct 2009, Diego-UK wrote:
To #48 - Ok, I stand corrected, thanks for the review. However, other than Ujfalusi (pardon the spelling) and Plasil (quite irrelevant at Osasuna) I cannot recall many Czechs having any success in Spain. The last great generation of Czechs have not come to Spain. Mirko Votava, in the 80s, spent a good number of years at Atletico. Then he took German nationality.
I think the culural factor does exist - If not in the case of the Czechs, in general terms. I am Spanish but live in the UK. I chose the UK over Switzerland purely because I already spoke English and was a lot more familiar with the culture than the one in Switzerland.
Besides the cultural and financial barriers, it is true that, beyond the best 15 or so English players, there is no much that would appeal to a top European side.
I think we were not discussing only English but British players abroad in general. I remember Hughes at Barcelona but cannot recall any great deal of success; maybe because I spport Real Madrid and we didn't have that many games live on TV those days. I still think Lineker gave te best return to Barcelona when you compare him to Steve Archibald or Mark Hughes.Complain about this comment
- 59. At 09:50am on 07 Oct 2009, sirmanuman wrote:
Sampdoria's renaissance? What of Genoa the 'original' Genovese club whose ground they share. Their renaissance is surely more remarkable in that they have come back in recent years from a forced demotion to Serie C with an accompanying points fine.The recovery has indeed been quite amazing as their position in Serie A now shows.They themselves are in 5th place only 3 points behind Inter and Sampdoria. Maybe Mr Minshall should check out the history of this great old club formed in 1893 by British ex pats as Genoa Cricket and Football Club,a name which they proudly bear to this day, and then reappraise his remarks about the upstarts at Sampdoria. As I said earlier Genoa's recovery has been far more remarkable.
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- 60. At 11:11am on 07 Oct 2009, captainlazytim wrote:
Maybe
is there also a higher number of imports because foreign kids are more likely to have learned English that English kids Spanish, or Italian? easing the transition.Complain about this comment
- 61. At 11:15am on 07 Oct 2009, Gas wrote:
#50 can see where you are coming from yes. i would agree that spain holds most of the best players from around the world. but as you said english clubs have chased these big names but failed to get them. where as the english players don't seem to interest the big clubs in spain italy etc.
manchester utd chased benzema failed to get him. tired to keep ronaldo failed.
chelsea where after ribery failed.
but my point is how often do you here the likes of barca real inter juve bayern chase the signuter of rooney lampard etc. they just don't seem to attrached the attention they have over here from europes top clubs.Complain about this comment
- 62. At 12:22pm on 07 Oct 2009, tomefccam wrote:
"stevat" horrendously, he's not. didn't even win an england b cap. traic man. and im a lover not a fighter
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- 63. At 3:47pm on 07 Oct 2009, mwanakatwe wrote:
58.
In non-Europe World Cups, the most wins of touring teams come in brief campaigns usuallyin the same city. Those squads use young fit guys- see Sweden in the Pacaembu games of WC Brazil '50; in that tournament, eventual winning goal was scored by goal of Ghiggia a 23 yr old, late in the game.
Brazil were also tourists, failing to beat the Czechs in Vina del Mar of June 62, one of many legendary games at the Sausalito. The old "Eastern bloc" sent 6 martial squads; the Czechs tour went better than England's. Chile was an odd host, kicking about chunks of Azzuri.
Always eyeing the big party, Brazil remembered to invite DJALMA SANTOS, NILTON SANTOS, ZAGALLO, GARRINCHA, VAVA, DIDI and PELE
Young subs were to mature later for the selecao: JAIR MARINHO, BELLINI, JURANDIR, ZEQUINHA.
Korea '02 used loads of young athletic types.Complain about this comment
- 64. At 4:18pm on 07 Oct 2009, mwanakatwe wrote:
Cassano is one of the few players who can make you take your eye off Kaka in a game. Samp succeed with neither a rapier Ribery or an assassin Eto'o because they are patient; they can deflect the slights of a Totti or a Drogba.
Sadly Cassano is not SA 2010 campaign material, he is a dreamer. Italia need an "impi", not a roman legion.Complain about this comment
- 65. At 7:38pm on 07 Oct 2009, cosmicoddjob wrote:
You have to remember with Pennant, he went on a free transfer... no one int the prem was really interested. Finally went to a newly promoted side in Spain.
He even said, i had lots of big offers "but"... which says a lot to me, it wasnt about the challenge but the only team who wanted him.
Have you seen his record, for an attacking player he doesnt score many and if you go through the liverpool matches you wont see him set many up either.
Try to look past the potential, the big name clubs, the big transfer fees in the past and actually what he does for your club.Complain about this comment
- 66. At 10:42pm on 07 Oct 2009, Galijoe wrote:
Absolute Legend!
John Aldridge was top scorer in la liga twice I think for Real Sociedad in late 80's and early 90's. I think and even got his own nickname El Zorro meaning The Fox. I think this tops all the other achievements considering the club he represented.
An honorary Irishman but 100% Liverpool. What is it about the scousers in Spain, they do seem to be more successful though, don't they?Complain about this comment
- 67. At 10:57pm on 07 Oct 2009, dokieh wrote:
I hope that Pennant adapts himself to our League, it will be great for Zaragoza and for La Liga. He has the right qualities to become the great right winger we've been expect him to become for years and years. He only needs one more thing: regularity.
http://spanishlaliga.wordpress.com/Complain about this comment
- 68. At 10:15am on 08 Oct 2009, funkdakarma wrote:
Archibald scored 24 goals in 55 games for Barcelona, not so bad
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- 69. At 12:04pm on 08 Oct 2009, spainrico wrote:
Ok turning the clock back a bit - Jimmy Greaves, played in Italy right ?
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- 70. At 2:14pm on 08 Oct 2009, johniremix wrote:
#58
Radek Bejbl, also with Atleti, was one of my favourite players in the late 90's. He was there 5 years then moved to Lens, then back to Sparta Prague I think.Complain about this comment
- 71. At 2:54pm on 08 Oct 2009, Diego-UK wrote:
#63 - Interesting comments, though I fail to see what they hve to do with my post (58)
#70 - Bejbl was a player I also liked. He did a great Euro'96 and was meant to join Real Sociedad when Atletico, blinded by the Euros, hijacked the deal. He would he been great for Real Sociedad, a much calmer club and with less stars. Atletico Madrid fans neber rated him highly. 5 years seem too long; but he may well have been there. Still a far cry from a player with real success.Complain about this comment
- 72. At 5:06pm on 08 Oct 2009, aslongastheyqualify wrote:
diegodf
I´d agree that some cultural factor may exist. Nevertheless, I´d still say that mostly it´s a question a quality: there have been truly few Czechs in Spain (thx someone here for mentioning the unimpressive, but at least honest Bejbl), but then again, there have been not so many Czechs in the Premiership as well. Czechs have some record in Italy; Nedved, simply a unique, one-time occuring talent, has been a real groundbreaker there and the clubs seem to be simply less reluctant to give an odd Czech player a chance to shine. Italy is hardly so culturally different than Spain to justify the difference in numbers. Take Portugal, culturally similar to Spain, and look at the success Poborsky had at Benfica: yet, when at United, where the stakes were higher, he was not so convincing, nor was he later at Lazio - both tougher leagues, than the Portuguese one.
I do think the "cultural factor" is overrated, nevertheless. For ordinary people, not speaking the language well, it can be really tough to adapt. For footballers, shielded from everyday worries by the clubs´ money and care (no new arrival at a respectable club would ever have to worry about where to stay) and supplied with everyday routine to follow, the adaptation should be quite easy. Any Czech footballer returning from a failed spell at, say, FC Sevilla, would surely look like a joke if he´ d say: "Yeah, well, it was all down to cultural differences, ya know."Complain about this comment
- 73. At 03:08am on 21 Oct 2009, Montelatici wrote:
Czech and Slovak players have not done badly in Italy. In fact, Nedved was arguably one of the best foreigners of all time in Italy. Hamsik is doing very well as well. Grykera and Yankolovski (spell) are from either the Czech Republic or Slovakia I think.
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