Nearpost Football: fans' stories

Showing posts with label fans' stories. Show all posts

Showing posts with label fans' stories. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Look who's in Brisbane

I met them in Bangkok for the Asia Cup now they are in Brisbane for tonights game. Tuggeranong United's Jeremy Butler, Gordo and co are up for the game

Great to see Canberrans making the trip. Great to see the passion for our National team. And no I'm not in Brisbane I knicked the photo from the FourFourTwo website which has great coverage of pre-match with the fans...and then the Tuggies boys turned up:)

And notice the Koala..he goes everywhere. He was in Bangkok we even got him in the Canberra Times photo last year....and he's here again. Good work lads.

Friday, 10 October 2008

Adelaide beware

I remember watching Celtic defeat Real Madrid 2-0 in the home leg in 1984 in the old European Cup. Despite Laurie Cunningham's dazzling bending corners and a Scottish team nearly all home grown Celtic not only managed to beat the Mighty Madrid but beat them by 2-0.

There was bedlam in Glasgow that night!

Surely it would be enough in the Second Leg....It wasn't Celtic lost 3-0, how neat and the Hoops barely had a shot all night.

Adelaide's away form gives me hope they will score, but no football fan thinks this tie is over yet..even at 3-0.

It was just something about the whole game that leaves me worried. But 3-0 surely no team can lose from there.

Two-nil is the most dangerous lead in football, unless you are fans of Perth Glory or AC Milan I guess:)

Monday, 11 August 2008

Singkok Primary School...could we do it in Canberra?

Simon Kravis "The best game I've seen."

Singkok Captain Kim Jae Heon in action.

Simon Kravis, a signed-up Canberra A-League Foundation member, was so impressed by the Korean side Singkok at the recent Kanga Cup he sent through this reflection.

Simon wrote:
The best game I've seen

A junior football competition isn't the place you'd expect to find your most enjoyable game but this year the Kanga Cup Under 12 Boys turned up the most amazing football experience with the Singok Primary School team from Korea.

They redefined the levels of individual and team skills that might be expected from boys of this age in a series of stunning performances. Even people from teams they'd beaten earlier by double figure margins came to watch them play.

They were like a miniature professional team, floating exquisite crosses from tight marking, wrong-footing defenders and all with a huge level of enjoyment. Their coach hardly said a word during the games - they were so well trained that he didn't need to.

A former junior coach watching them commented that they were of at least Under 14 standard. Hats off to South Melbourne who only lost to them 2-0 in the semi-finals, in what their coach said was their hardest game in Australia. Look out for them next year!

Cheers

Simon

And it begs the question will Canberra, with it's thousands of young kids playing, it's new female and hopefully male pathway, set up it's own football Primary School.

Can I be the Principal:)

We were unable to get the name of the other player in the photo, any help appreciated. Thanks Eamonn

Wednesday, 18 June 2008

South Melbourne fans coming to Canberra

And thirty loyal fans are making the journey. Paul Mavroudis writes a South Melbourne FC blog and he sent the pre-match travel report which you can read below.

These were the teams when South Melbourne and Man Utd met in the World Club Championships in Rio in 2001. Just seven years later the furthest they travel is Canberra. This week they play the AIS on Sunday in Canberra!

Man Utd: Van Der Gouw, P Neville, Higginbottom, Berg, Wallwork, Cruyff, Wilson, Greening, Fortune, Solskjaer, Cole. Subs: Bosnich, Rachubka, G Neville, Irwin, Silvestre, Stam, Beckham, Butt, Giggs, Yorke, Keane.

South Melbourne: Jones, Iosifidis, De Amicis, Blatsis, Clarkson, Panopoulos, Trimboli, Curcija, Anastasiadis, Lozanovski, Liparoti. Subs: Udvaracz, Roche, Coveny, Alagich, Cuzzupe, Magnacca, Goutzoulis, Tsekinis, Psonis, Mustafa, Culibrk.

Paul wrote:

The game is on Sunday. We'll be leaving 10pm Saturday night, about 30 of us, and some more travelling up in their own cars. We're going to have a couple of stops on the way. We were hoping to be able to have lunch at the Hellenic club, but their dress code would probably exclude a whole bunch of blokes (and one brave lady) almost exclusively attired in football supporters gear. I hope we can find a way to get around that, seems like a good venue.

So the plan is get to Canberra sometime in the morning, see some of the sights, embassies and other places more juvenile minds like to go. Maybe have a bbq in lieu of a more formal lunch, then catch the game, then basically straight back with hopefully a radio broadcast of the Socceroos-China game.

A lot of bus companies when they found out we were from a soccer club/South Melbourne didn't want to deal with us or bumped up the prices significantly.

So we're having to take a self drive option which means limited sinking of piss for those who like to do so.

Personally as a non-drinker, I'm glad that the bus won't be an esky on wheels. It should be an absolute belter of a trip.

I haven't been interstate in about 9 years, and never been to Canberra!

There's a dvd player on the bus so we'll be playing some highlights of the previous two years and some early to mid 1990s stuff, real Australian top flight golden era stuff, the 91 GF, the clash of the titans, Heidelberg's many beltings at our hands...

Will be even better if we can manage to sneak a point of the game :)

Monday, 16 June 2008

Nearpost Radio: Armchair talk.

This week, Tuesday 6.30pm: Nationally we cover the Socceroos and the World Cup from an armchair perspective. Quiz, news and dedication.

USA Pilot Stacey talks about her Matildas passion
Terry from the Tropics finds THE indigenous community in the NT.

Locally from 7pm Russ and Chris' big interview is with the head of Coever Coaching (Australia) Jason Lancsar. Junior football: Did you know Martin Roberts,Gold Medal Swimmer is coaching kids football in Canberra? And all the news of men and women's premier league action.

Friday, 6 June 2008

Canberran meets the stars.

Do you know these Internationals?

Former Canberra Football Tragic Rod Lynes played in a Masters 7-a-side Tournament in Bangkok last weekend. It is a yearly event. But do you recognise the members of the All-Star who were in the same tournament.

A Clue: They are all Welsh or English former Internationals, apart from Rod he's a Socceroos, Rangers and Coventry City fan and he's the one in between the former Liverpool and Everton players. And Canberran and ex-Reading Captain Andrew Bernal was also in the tournament.

Answers below.

Ian Rush, Rod Lynes, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson.

Rod sent the details through:

From left to right contains the following members of the All Star team and was taken at the dinner on the Sunday night:

Ian Rush - ex-Liverpool, Leeds United and Wales. Scorer of a record five goals in FA Cup Finals. I (Rod) was at (the old) Wembley in 1986 and saw him score two in Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Everton. I think, until recently, he may have been the record scorer in the European Cup/Champions League (did Raul just overtake his goal tally?). Didn't talk much at the dinner.

Peter Reid - ex-Bolton, Everton, Manchester City, some other clubs who I don't recall and England. Ex-manager of Manchester City, Coventry, Sunderland and probably others. Played in the above mentioned FA Cup Final for Everton. At the dinner, told some great stories regarding Everton 1985 when they had a great team, and England 1986 World Cup (he was one of the first players Diego dribbled past en-route to 'that' goal).

Viv Anderson - ex-Nottingham Forest, Arsenal, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and England. The first black guy to play for England at senior level. Told some great Brian Clough stories including tales of two European Cup victories (he played in the two Forest European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980), also some good Alex Ferguson stories (he was the Hairdryer's first signing for Manchester United, apparently - I wouldn't have realised that).

Unfortunately my teams did not play against the All-Stars. They (All Stars) got knocked out in the quarter-finals. All Star team also featured some Australians: Andrew Bernal (from Canberra, ex-Narrabundah FC, AIS, Ipswich, Reading, team in Spain who I can't recall, Sydney Olympic), Milan Blagojevic ( ex-Australian international, Sydney Olympic, ex-Nerds FC assistant coach and seemingly now coaching in the NSW State League), Warren Spink (ex-AIS, and NSL clubs).

Also bumped into Guy Sadler (ex Sabres FC head honcho and ex-Canberra City) who played for a team called the Vietnam All-Stars (despite the fact he now currently lives in Dubai, apparently).

I didn't get a chance to talk to any of the All Stars at the dinner unfortunately - the photos were all I could manage. Lets just say they were in demand.

Anyway, an enjoyable weekend despite my teams being atrocious.

Good one Rod, and weren't your teams always atrocious:) Eamonn

Sunday, 25 May 2008

Monday Wrap: Do you trust Sepp Blatter?

Sepp Blatter, Shop at Coles, Football feel good story, Iraq game in doubt, Matildas Asia Cup on the telly.

Iraq game is in doubt. Decision expected Tuesday. With $3 million tickets sold for the Socceroos/Iraq game the FFA will be sweating on the American....I mean Iraqi governments decision.

Do you trust FIFA President Sepp Blatter? He promised Australia World Cup places before, now he's teasing us with the "World Cup 2018 bid."

But the only reason we'll get it is because the Sydney Olympics has left a greatlegacy for everyone who came. So you just never know.

Shop at Coles.

Shopping and football. The perfect match? Well Australian food giant Coles have appointed former Glasgow Celtic FC Chief Executive Ian Maclean to run the show. Expect green and white bags at the checkout anyday now. And I've always hated Woolies.

Man United fan done good I reckon.

All English fans had to show their tickets to the Champions League Final, both at their point of exit from England and their point of entry to Russia.

No "extra" fans were allowed in the city. Thus avoiding scenes similar to those by Rangers fans after the UEFA Cup in Manchester the previous week.

And one fan had an extra ticket to sell. But there was no fans, touts, to sell it to. So he went up to a teenager who was selling United scarves and badges.

"Got a ticket for the game?" said the United fan.

"No" said the young fella.

"Here's one...for free."

And the lad left the stall there and then and ran into the ground. He'll never forget that will he!

Matilda Highlights

Asian Cup Matilda highlights will be shown on SBS. Starting 5pm this Friday. (The Matildas first game is on Wednesday.)

Thursday, 15 May 2008

A photo that made me laugh?

Now I don't condone football violence. And I am a (biased) Celtic fan. So when I saw this picture I had to laugh at some Celtic fans' humour.

For those who don't know Rangers (Celtic's Glasgow rivals..do I need to say that?) lost in the UEFA CUP final yesterday in Manchester.
Some 70,000 Rangers fans travelled to Manchester without tickets and you can see some of them in the photo in front of the big screen. Another 30,00 were inside the stadium.

Unfortunately the big big screens failed. And hence fighting broke out so I'm told.

But looked who pulled the plug. Well it made me laugh.

Thursday, 21 February 2008

Spare a thought for Oscar from Adelaide

Melbourne 6 Adelaide 0

Remember the 2007 Grand Final? Of course you do.

I met Oscar,

chief organising fan of Adelaide United last season. 8,000 United fans had headed to Melbourne, most on Coaches.

Oscar missed his Coach. He was waiting, waiting for the Champions T-Shirts to be printed. So when the t-shirts came through late before the game, he dashed for a plane. The t-shirts were to be distributed free if United won with the words Adelaide United 2007 Champions emblazoned across the front.

In the Melbourne bus station. It was dark, cold and Monday morning. The game a distant but painful, painful memory.

Oscar was drinking coffee, alone. You could tell his team had lost.

"What am I going to do with the shirts?" said Oscar.

"How many have you got?"

He looked me in the eye.

"4,000."

Good luck to the Mariners and Jets in the big game on Sunday, and yes I'll be there. On the bandwagon. Two out of three Grand Finals for me, how about you?

Thursday, 17 January 2008

Close Finish?

I was thinking about close finishes as the A-League comes to a close this weekend.

Most Anglophiles will think of Arsenal beating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield. With Michael Thomas scoring in the last few minutes to secure the title. That was close.

For me close finishes are that bit better when they involve your team, and they win.

In 1979, my team was Celtic, it still is....

Last game of the season, all other games were finished, but Celtic had to play one more game to win the league.

They had to win.

A draw wouldn't do, and we we were at home, to our old mates Rangers.

Who if they secured a draw took the title. It would be a great night.

And I had a ticket, but being 15 at the time I had some exams and I didn't get to go. Dad said.

Bastard!...oops I'm 45 now and still haven't really forgiven the old fella, not really....and I failed my exam, woodwork I think.

Celtic were a goal down at half-time. And then just before the break Celtic's Johnny Doyle a flying winger was sent-off.

That was that then, Rangers were sure to be champions now, and at Parkhead of all places.

But the game swung as Murdo McCleod inspired a Celtic comeback.

4-2 to Celtic.

The title was ours. And Celtic fans still talk about the game, alongside the 7-1 Hampden demolition of Rangers in May 1957, Scottish Cup Final. I wasn't born.

So close finishes are great. And your club's are always the best.

No matter what the Arsenal fans tell you. Good luck to all teams this weekend!

Thursday, 11 October 2007

Podcast: A-League, Young Matildas and Football Tragic

This weeks podcast:

Is there a bigger football tragic in Australia than Rod Lynes, World Cups, FA Cups and and more!
Arif's tips for A-League Round 8.
Former Young Matilda Nicole Somi on her team.

Listen here:

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Monday, 8 October 2007

Canberra’s number one FOOTBALL TRAGIC?

Meet Rod Lynes:

“If John Howard is a cricket tragic then I’m certainly a football tragic,” acknowledged Rod. “I’ve been to Four World Cups, an Asia Cup and two FA Cup finals.”
Rod’s journey started at Downer United juniors in 1969, when he was five.

“I asked my Dad about this, why I started playing. Dad was English and had played in England. He used to kick the ball with me in the backyard and when I got to five he made some enquiries about a club in our local area. There were only a handful of junior teams at that time but he found there weren’t any in our area, Downer, so he set up a team for under 6’s,” said Rod.

“Downer United was the forerunner for what is now Majura Soccer Club. Downer had two teams at that stage and there were only 29 junior teams in total across Canberra.”

And junior football had its moments.

“I remember we won a double as an Under 9 against Melrose at Watson oval and I scored the penalty to win the game,” smiled Rod.

He had the drug!

Through his teens he played with Downer which became Downer Olympic through to his early twenties. Then Belconnen United, The Shadows, and ANU completed the playing list.

Next was coaching.

“I went on a course with Eric Worthington in the early days. We were encouraged at Downer to coach the junior teams and that was how I started.”

Rod has completed many coaching certificates and awards. He also has a Sports Science degree. Always looking to learn, he took time out of his trip to see Australia 2006 World Cup to do a coaching certificate with the Scottish Football Association.

“The timing just worked out right.”

Rod has played against many in his time. Some stood out.

“I played against many in the local leagues obviously. Mick Tolarwi, Ernie Johns, Billy Bergman, Norm Holcroft. The best player I ever played against was Gerry Daly in Coventry in England. My Dad is from Coventry so when I was over I trained with them for a week when I was 19. Daly, played in two FA Cup finals for Manchester United and represented Ireland over 50 times."

When Rod wasn’t playing or coaching he was watching football.

“I lived in England for five years and travelled to over thirty league grounds. I was at the 1986 and 1987 FA Cup Finals. Coventry beat Tottenham 3-2 in 1987 remember that Keith Houchen header. A special moment for my Dad.

“The best game I’ve ever been to was the Australia Japan (3-1) game in Kaiserslautern last year. Purely because of the result but it was the finalisation of a dream. For someone who had being involved in the game for a lot of years like many people have in Canberra, to be at the first World Cup game when Australia scored and won; and the circumstances with me being a bit of a pessimist had written them off with 10 minutes to go, I have to say.

“The most disappointing would have to be an Australian game. The (World Cup Qualifier) Iran game in 1997. We went up for a big weekend. The first fifty minutes were ecstasy, Australia was 2-0 up, and then the World turned, the World caved in.

The rest of the weekend was just a painful, painful experience. I just remember after the game leaving the MCG with over 85,000 people just in a state of shock. I just went back to the hotel and went to bed.

“Football has given me an understanding an appreciation of different cultures. I suppose you could call them my World Cup adventures, I had never been to Asia before until I went to Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup and then my first Asia Cup in Thailand, and Germany last year. It’s more than just the sporting side; it’s that cultural life experience side. Japan/Korea was a real eye opener for me and I’ve taken a lot of satisfaction from my trips. I’ve learnt a lot I think.”

Rod has a long involvement in Canberra football but he would love to see the game continue to develop.

“We need a National League team. I remember being a ball boy for Canberra City at the new Bruce Stadium in 1979, in front of 6,000 people. They were trend setters back then. I think they were the only national team in Canberra.

“I’d like to see an A-League team, ultimately successful, competing in the Asian Champions League. It would give players something to aim for. I would like to see improved facilities. Last week I was talking to some hockey players about their beautiful centre at Lyneham, we still don’t have anything like that in football in Canberra. These are two of the things I’d like to see.

“Football brings people together. I have friends overseas who I would never have met without football. I’m still in touch with them. The game transcends national barriers and obstacles; it’s the game of the world.

The boy from Downer could never have imagined where his passion for the game would take him.

And with Rod one suspects the journey is far from over.

You can hear the full Rod Lynes Football Tragic interview on this week’s podcast (out Thursday 11 October) at www.nearpost.blogspot.com

Monday, 1 October 2007

Guess what I heard at the gym

I was at the gym.

Pumping it.

Looking in the mirror, checking out everyone and everything.

Not much conversation at my gym, not normally. We do our own thing and then leave.

But in the middle of my sit-ups I nearly had to stop. (120 if you must know, on an incline.)

Three guys. Men really. Of serious gym bulk.

"No, it went like this." said the small but chunky one.

And he proceeded to move away from the weights and perform a ritual. Well that's what it looked like.

"Who won!" asked his mate, bigger and chunkier.

Who won, now I'm interested. What are they talking about I wondered.

Women's football! The World Cup. The small but chunky one was describing a piece of play by Marta against the USA in the World Cup semi-final at my local gym.

And then the goals appeared on a nearby screen and the three men dashed into watch them.

You just can never tell can you!

Sunday, 12 August 2007

Kaz Patafta: A Victory view

Kaz Patata: Up for a big season?

Walking away from Olympic Park, Melbourne last night, a couple of friends rang me to tell me Sydney had won the pre-season game against Victory 1-0.

They were not happy with roly-poly Coata Rican Carlos Hernandez contribution.

"Can't pass, can't run," was how Sarah, a Victory member, described his performance.

What about Canberra's Patafta.

"Fantastic, beautiful feet."

Is he good?

"Oh my word is he, he is wonderful."

And the man from Victory added,

"He won't just be the best young player in the League this year. He'll be the best player in the league."

Now that is a big call. But class is easy to spot.

Here's hoping the Victory observers are right.

For the record Alex Brosque scored the winner in Sydney's 1-0 Victory.

Wednesday, 1 August 2007

Photos from Sydney FC Central Coast game on Sunday in Canberra.

Copyright: Michael West

Michael West's blog has photo's from the pre-season game on Sunday between Sydney FC and Central Coast Mariners.

Michael plays 4th grade for ANU. He also as you will see from his blog a highly educated man.

No wonder he's a football fan!

Thanks for the photo Michael. Look forward to more football on your blog. Ar a previous player for the ANU, I say Go the ANU!

Sunday, 15 July 2007

Canberra Football fans in Bangkok

Spot the Koala

From the left:
Walnuts, Macca, Jozo, (All Tuggeranong United boys) Rod Lynes, Ian Price, Chris Conti, Kate Parker, Sean Blunt, Stephen Blunt, and Gordo with Koala.

This story first appeared in the Canberra Times. Thanks to all the Canberrans for turning up.

When Socceroo and Canberran Carl Valeri looked up into the stands at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok on Sunday night he saw the symbol of the Canberra junior club he once played for amongst the Green and Gold Army.

“I was on the bench during the Oman game and I thought I recognised the symbol. Then I read Tuggeranong United. It was awesome, really inspiring.”

Walnut, Macca, Jozo and Gordo, as the lads are known are all Tuggeranong United players following the Socceroos Asian Cup adventure in Bangkok. Gordo carries his cuddly good luck charm, Koala, with him to games.

“Koala was at the World Cup in Germany so I thought he should come here as well.”

Rod Lynes, ANU Technical Director wanted to see the Socceoos first venture into the Asia Cup. “I’ve been to four World Cup’s including Germany. Playing in Asia allows us to engage with Asian countries on a number of levels. The other day we were playing football on the beach with a group of Omani’s. Which other sports code enables that.”

Kate Parker had seen her parents go to Germany last year.

“They love the Socceroos and when they asked me if I like to come this time, I jumped at the chance.”

The group were in good spirits before the Iraq game. All were confident of victory.

Sean Blunt had been watching the Oman game which ended in a 1-1 draw with a late equalizer from Tim Cahill.

Sitting at home in Belconnen he thought, “These guys need all the support they can get. Wouldn’t it be great if I could get over? I got the last seat on the plane, and here I am.”

Australia plays Thailand in their last group game on Monday night 10:30AEST. If Australia win and Iraq draw or beat Oman, Australia and Thailand will both have four points. The team who won the game (in this scenario Australia) between these two sides will go through.

Kate Parker said “I’m booked through to the final. So I hope the Aussies make it.”

Friday, 13 July 2007

Tuggeranong United banner inspires Socceroo Carl Valeri

"I looked up and saw the banner. It was awesome."

Canberra's Carl Valeri at the Socceroos Hotel in Bangkok.

I caught up with Carl after the Oman game.

"It was a tough game, but I'm absolutely convinced we'll get better."

We discussed the game and during the discussion, Carl sparked.

"Did you see the banner, the Tuggeranong United banner."

"Where, in the Stadium?"

"Yes, in the middle of the Aussie fans. I looked across to the fans during the game, and saw a sign on a banner. I thought I recognise that sign. And then I read the banner Tuggeranong United. It was awesome, so inspirational. Do you know who they are?"

"No, I actually didn't see it."

"Well tell them thanks from me if you find out."

So well done the boys from Tuggeranong. Great to see the local support for the Australian team and hope you are having a ball.

And of course Carl played for Tuggeranong United as a junior.

ED; I'm planning to meet Canberrans in Bangkok at 4pm at the media gate at the stadium w1. Hoping to organise a photo and story for the Canberra Times.

If you know anyone in Bangkok, let them know. The more the merrier.

Friday, 6 July 2007

I'm off to follow the Socceroos: See my Asia Cup blog

www.asiancup.blogspot.com

Here's the little boy off to follow his football team! 44, dead excited. Big kid grow up!

On the other hand, this was me leaving Canberra Airport after six years of ill health, and retired from work (see earlier posts..from sicko to Asia Cup.)

See that smile, it goes right down to my little toe:) ...especially as my mates, Richard, Jason andArif won't be here. They are at work. Lads I had to.

Anyway here's the craic.

Get to Bangkok, you know long flight, tired, every one's tired and hot, and then the 50o people standing waiting in line to get through immigration.

Not me.

I'm last off the plane, the very last, then wheel chaired through the airport. It's a long airport.

"I can walk a bit," I said to the Qantas steward. Always trying to be helpful.

"Mate, this new airport is so big, we land in Vietnam and walk to Bangkok!" Love the Aussie humour.

So we wing past everyone in my wheelchair. It's not my wheelchair, I don't use one, but that's another story

Anyway straight through a side door at immigration, past 500 hundred very healthy people, grab my bag, into a taxi and I'm in bed before half the plane collected their bags.

Wow! Now that was amazing, and it felt good. Not to beat everyone, just to be pushed.

So that's that now it's football talk from here on in.

Got to get down town today to pick up my media accreditation and go and listen to Mohammed Bin Hamman head of the AFC do an official press conference.

Bit of a giggle to see if I get in and who is there.

Can't go yet, got in at 1am, it's now 5am and I slept for thirty minutes!

Told you I was a big kid:)

Sunday, 1 July 2007

Steve Waugh speaks:

Steve Waugh says Socceroos can be the number one team in Australia

Saw Steve Waugh on the Aussie bench for the recent game against Singapore. Why didn't they bring him on!

Great move by Graham Arnold to get Waugh involved.

No I'm not a big cricket fan but Steve reckons the cricket team is the number one team in Australia in terms of support and affection. But it could soon become the Socceroos, especially if we win in Asia.

Wallabies and Kangaroos and AFL international sides are already way behind the Socceroos according to Steve.

Socceroos and cricket as number one teams, seems a good natural balance to me

Now let's get the footy on FTA and see the sport go through the roof..watch the bidding wars begin.

Viewing figures of Socceroos tournaments would easily out rate League internationals, Wallabies games and even State of Origin across the country.

Our TV deal doesn't currently reflect the interest.

Time to renegotiate.

Take the A-League, Olyroos, Matildas and Asian Chamipions League away from the Socceroos

Two packages are required and Senator Coonan needs to listen to Steve Waugh

The two biggest national teams should be on FTA.

Wake up Australia, or get voted out :)

Saturday, 30 June 2007

Meet Robbie Martin: Football fan

Why our bandwagon is nearly full

Robbie and I go way back.

I bumped into him at the gym today.

He should have been in Melbourne playing AFL but he came home to Canberra to see his mum.

I used to teach Robbie accounting.

In fact the day Aussie Legend Don Bradman died we were in class together.

Robbie and his mate Joey were disappointed Bradman didn't get to 99 years and 94 days. Sports nuts and number crunchers!

We did talk accounting a bit, but mostly it was sport, League and AFL. Soccer as Robbie called it got a big grin and we quickly got back into the accounting.

In fact Robbie was playing with Tadhg Kennelly in the Sydney Swans Seconds at the time. He was also ACT Junior Development Officer for the AFL.

An AFL man through and through.

So I was a bit taken a back to hear Robbie was rusted on...to football.

"I'm a convert. I went to the Grand Final in Melbourne."

"What!" Could this be the same Robbie?

"And I've been to other games."

"What happened?" I wondered

"I went to watch Victory at Olympic Park. There were 13,000 singing. All sides of the ground were singing. I thought if that was good enough for them, then I'm in. That was it. I'm a convert."

Don't think it's all roses...read about Robbie nearly fell off the bandwagon on my www.asiancup.blogspot.com

Welcome aboard Robbie, there's room for all sports fans in our game.

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