2016: The Year of the Underdog?

It's April 2015, Nigel Pearson - Leicester City manager has just called a journalist an ostrich and has stormed out of a press conference. The club is on the verge of relegation, and no-one all season has given them any hope of survival. However, with 25 points from the last 10 games Leicester City, against all of the odds remained in the Premier League, the turnaround had begun. 12 months later, that turnaround became quite possibly the biggest fairy tale in footballing history, with 5000-1 shot Leicester City unbelievably becoming Premier League champions through adversity, the team showed fierce unity, experience and solidarity, along with shrewd scouting and masterful managing, becoming only the sixth side in history to manage this feat.

Leicester City lift the Premier League. The greatest Underdog Story in footballing history?

Many believe the events that occurred in the Premier League this season will never be repeated, and quite honestly, I'd probably agree that I'll never see anything like this again in my lifetime. On a domestic level anyway. However, with the European Championships just one day away, I'd like to reflect on Euro 1992 and Euro 2004, where two other Underdog stories were told, possibly trumping that of Leicester City's extraordinary league victory.

Although I was yet to grace the Earth in 1992, it is evident that the 1992 edition of the European Championships in Sweden was a very interesting affair. Unlike today in which 24 nations have the ability to qualify, back in 1992, only eight nations took part in the tournament. Following the completion of qualifying Denmark found themselves finishing in second place, behind Yugoslavia in their group, therefore failing to make it to the edition of the tournament just a stones throw away in Sweden. Danish coach Richard Moler Nielson was on the brink of the sack following the qualification failure, and the squad was in need of transition. However, the outbreak of civil war in Yugoslavia, UEFA made the decision to omit Yugoslavia from the tournament, instead of playing with only three teams in the group, with merely a weeks notice, Denmark were reinstated, and were to participate in the tournament and players were recalled from their holidaying.

Kim Vilfort, a midfielder in the squad at the time, stated that the squad, although ready to pounce on the second bite of the cherry, couldn't fail as there was absolutely no pressure on them. Drawn in a group alongside France and England, as well as Sweden - with home advantage, with very little preparation, the squad were given very little chance of progressing. This prediction was seemingly correct following defeat to Sweden, and a stalemate with lacklustre England. However, due to other results a mediocre and relatively unconvincing Denmark still had the opportunity to progress with a victory against a strong French squad which featured the likes of Cantona and Deschamps. Surprisingly, the resilient Danes upset the odds, defeating France 2-1, setting up a surprise match-up with the Netherlands - defending champions - vastly talented with a formidable strike force. Much like Leicester City, Denmark's chances of victory were seemingly nil. However, again, Denmark rallied, finding themselves 2-1 up against the European heavyweights. The Netherlands did however show their class to equalise, and penalties loomed following a goal-less extra time. It was all down to the throw of a dice, who could keep their nerve? In the Danes case, there were no nerves. Goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel saved Dutch star man van Basten's penalty, and astonishingly, Denmark had won this thriller on penalties. 

Peter Schmeichel makes the only save of the Semi-Final shootout on Denmark's way to European glory

The Germans expecting to face the Netherlands, were greeted by Denmark in the final, and didn't really know how to approach the game, this became evident. With determination and momentum on their side, Denmark had obviously taken inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen, and written their own fairy tale - conquering the Germans 2-0. From not even expecting to participate to outclassing the best in the world, although they didn't have the best players, they had the best team, and quite deservedly lifted the title. A definite shock. However, Greece in 2004 may well top it...

12 years on, I vaguely remember watching Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal, the Greeks were seen as rank outsiders, previously only making one European Finals appearance, winning zero games. Although group winners in qualification, they were unconvincing, scoring only eight goals in eight games, and were a shewing for a swift departure, with hosts Portugal alongside Spain favourites to progress. Although Greece were in transition, rebuilding a new squad from one that was in crisis just years prior, they were classed as no-hopers. They shocked many by passing the group stages, with a victory against Portugal and a draw versus Spain, however, they were scrutinised by many pundits over their unimaginative, ultra-defensive and negative style of play, surely to be undone by an extremely favoured France in the Quarter Finals. France, the defending champions, were comprised of an array of talent - Henry, Zidane, Barthez, the list goes on, far superior to that of Greece, no real household names in that squad I can assure you. To everyone's amazement, Greece dug deep and ground out a 1-0 victory. History repeated itself in the Semi-Final against Czech Republic. Another 1-0 victory. The Greeks had engineered a plan that worked. Quashing attacking pressure with organised defence, before offering knock out blows in the shape of precision set pieces and counter attacks. Portugal awaited them in the final.

Portugal on home soil and a with strong team were heavily fancied, the new kid on the block - one Cristiano Ronaldo (I wonder where he is now?), was expected to deliver, and although Greece had already defeated Portugal in the groups, the mix of youth and experience was trusted to shine through. However, Greece effectively defended with eight players guarding the box, infuriating Portugal. When the opportunity arose in the 57th minute, Greece countered, and with Greece's only shot on target, Angelos Charisteas (oh yes, him) converted. Against all odds, Greece lifted the 2004 edition of the Euros. Playing to their strengths and eliminating any threats opposition posed, they quite possibly pulled off the greatest footballing, or even sporting shock of all time.

Fazed by no-one. Greece celebrate.

Now, the 12 year cycle has come around again. Leicester City have already won the Premier League this year. Will the history book be torn apart again? Can another underdog upset the odds and lift the Euros? Northern Ireland? Albania? Unlikely, but who knows, from what's gone before in history no-one at all can be discounted. Who knows, we could even see Wayne Rooney himself lift European football's most prestigious cup. But then again, maybe not.

One thing is for sure though, expect the unexpected.

Euro 2016 begins with hosts France taking on Romania, 10th June, 8pm.

Follow me on Twitter: @DLster

  

Passion, Loyalty and Culture: The Humble Away Day.

As a young, naive prepubescent child, I discovered football, back in the 'good old days' where the BBC would show live matches. However, what hadn't occurred to my semi developed self, was that there was anything to football other than the corporate machine that is the Premier League, and giants of the game at the time, such as the Arsenal Invincible squad, and the ruthless Manchester United team Sir Alex Ferguson had put together.
However, as I've grown older, I have discovered just how ignorant, disillusioned and unaware I was of the beauty of the lower league system. With football being so much more than just a Sky Sports subscription or just a tourist attraction funding the extravagant lifestyles of the big names in the sport. Not that I'm criticising this - although personally, I see the Premier League as more of an entertainment empire than anything else, a competition for showcasing wealth of owners, and a platform for world class players to receive sickening pay slips, and the fans - being dehumanised as purely customers. However, we'll leave that for another time! Instead I want to talk about the ever growing popularity of the humble Away Day.
The year is 2014, as a Wycombe Wanderers fan, the season had been one to forget. Sitting 23rd coming into the last game of the season definitely isn't where you want to be, poor form, and categorically written off by just about everybody, all Bristol Rovers needed to do was to avoid defeat, the future looked bleak. However, as a fan you stay loyal to your team, even in their darkest hour. So, myself, along with 928 others, made that long, anxious trip down to Plainmoor, Torquay, aware that this could be the last league fixture we played for a long time. On arrival, I felt sick, and I can imagine most others did too, what followed, was miraculous, unexpected a master class even. An early goal, a penalty, a Torquay red card, and a deft dinked goal from McClure was the final nail in the Torquay coffin. News came through, Rovers had lost, it was a great, if not the greatest escape. The passion and loyalty of the fans that day, was the true epitome of the term 'the twelfth man'. Never have I seen such passion from a group of people who had really been put through the mill that season. Truly mind blowing stuff, and a day I shall never forget.
Since that day, be it with Wycombe Wanderers, or my non-league obsession, Aylesbury FC, away days have become a regular occurrence. It's become more than just about the football, when the alarm rings on a Saturday, it's about loyalty, passion, friendships and just the pure intrigue of an unknown ground.
Regardless of distance, form or weather conditions, loyalty shines through. Yes, a home game is often special, the roar of the home crowd and the familiarity of your surroundings makes it an enjoyable experience, seeing the same faces week in week out, but it's purely 90 minutes of football, win, lose or draw. However, the beauty of the away day is the whole experience, it's more than just the football aspect. Take my trip to York for example. On the surface a 1-1 draw against a team soon to be relegated was somewhat dismal, however, take a look deeper and you'll discover so much more. An 8 hour round trip in a clapped out Vauxhall Corsa with friends, listening to ancient mix-tapes from the past. Bumping into fans from other clubs, on their own away trips up and down the country and listening to their stories. On arrival, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings, singing chants in the traditional Bootham Cresent terrace, supplementing a traditional half time pie, followed by a local brew in a 'real' pub and taking in the beautiful architecture of York city centre. All of this brings you back to earth, and makes you really appreciate the unseen elements of football that keeps the love of the game so strong, proving football isn't just about seeing your team acquire the three points (although it's always a bonus!)
The same can be said about non-league, no thrills, and definitely nowhere near the glamour of the Premier Divisions. But without the passion and the loyalty to travel to away games, I would have missed out on so many memories - Building a personal relationship with players, fancy dress days to towns I've never heard of before. Silverware, oddities only seen in non-league (including the clichéd 'one man and his dog'). The exuberance of derby day injury time winners, riské chants and the strangest stadiums in the land.

Glamour? Who needs that when you have passion in abundance?

Credit: Marc Keinch

Through the highs and lows, the away day culture has becoming embedded into me. And I can now understand the expanding numbers of so called 'ground-hoppers'.
One such 'ground-hopper' that has recently come to my attention is the man behind 'AwayDays' - Ellis Platten (et al.), a man reflecting the passion and of away day culture and supporter identity - but also bringing us back down to earth, but also uncovering the elements of football, no matter how insignificant they may seem, that make you remember why you're a supporter, and not purely a customer in the clutches of corporate sporting giants, grinding down the relationship between club and supporter i.e. Sky and BT.  His videos also epitomise the fact you can't beat a live match day experience, yes of course watching a match in the comfort of your own living room is enjoyable, but it's nothing on the amplification of senses you get from being there - the sounds, the sites and the smells, along with the wit and jovial banter between himself, friends and other supporters also make me think of the relationship that I have gained and consolidated at the football over the years.
So overall, football is more than soulless atmospheres in newly constructed grounds - yes I'm talking to you MK Dons (sorry, I couldn't resist), or purely the result of the match. It is the loyalty, desire and sometimes even the pure spontaneity to do a 10 hour round trip on a frosty Tuesday night just to watch your team lose. It is the friendships and the comradery of supporters that occurs in terraces up and down the country. It is cultural intrigue of your new surroundings. But the overarching message is footballing devotion prevails over the ever growing corporate hegemony.


Awaydays can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/aysAwayd
Follow me on Twitter: @DLster

A Non-League revolution

Jamie Vardy. The biggest story in the Premier League this season. Record breaker, goal scorer, cult hero. And now Premier League winner, but where did it all begin for the man on top of the world? Non-league football.

From £30-a-week at Stocksbridge Park Steels, to a household name today. Vardy now plays in front of thousands every week, under club owners with millions in pocket change.

However, away from the dizzying heights of the Premier League, a revolution is happening. Non-league football is growing. Fans are rebelling against the corporate machine, the airline-stadium sponsorships, and instead are opting to cheer on their team of local semi-professionals.

Unlike the cut-throat nature of the Premier League and football league, where managers and players are expected to deliver in the volatile pressure cooker, hostile stadium atmospheres are becoming more commonplace when things don’t go right.

Fans are being swayed towards non-league, where they can enjoy a drink in the stand and swap ends at half-time without the need for crowd segregation.

Although the crowds are nowhere near as big as the likes of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, the non-league community have some of the most passionate people you will meet.

There are dedicated fans and volunteers like myself who travels far and wide to watch their team, whenever, wherever, whatever the weather. Win, lose, or draw, we sing, we chant, and we have a laugh. We’re a rabble, but without the intimidating stigma that comes with so-called football league ‘ultras’.

The growing appeal of non-league football is an interesting subject. On the one hand, people want to regain their identity as a football fan, and not just become someone who adds to the trickle of revenue that finds its way into owners' back pockets.

Non-league fans want freedom to stand where they want, even with the away fans, and be part of a greater footballing community, rather than be just a bystander. More importantly than this, we want to build a better future for the English game. As a passionate fan of grassroots football I know I definitely do.

Without people that care, the lower echelons of English football could soon disappear. This is where people power pays dividends. From maintenance and fundraising, to rekindling the ashes of a former powerhouse (Hereford and Darlington come to mind), the love for non-league helps make these changes happen.

James Doe, an advocate for non-league football, wanted to illustrate this passion. He's created a day to enlighten the UK public on the joys of non-league.

Over the past six years, Non- League Day has grown from a small time Facebook event to an annual national campaign which has grabbed the attention of clubs, leagues, the media and most importantly the fans. It was a personal catalyst for my love of non-league football.

This year, the campaign aims to encourages the non-league community, and those who are curious about the game, to come together at the home of the English national team, Wembley Stadium.

On May 22nd, both the FA Vase and FA Trophy finals, where Morpeth take on Hereford and Halifax take on Grimsby, will take place at the national stadium on a day that promises to be a great spectacle as the best non-league teams, at their respective levels, show off their talent at the cauldron of English football.

The best non-league has to offer, on the hallow turf.

The event will be of great significance for non-league football as it gets full exposure for all to see. The day is set to be a celebration, and could be a major platform for the growth of the grassroots game.

Despite the UK government investing more funds into the Chinese game than in English grassroots football, through the love and passion shown by all those involved at this level, the excitement of the game lives on.

Through the Non- League Day initiative, hopefully more people will become interested in a highly affordable game filled with twists, turns and unpredictability. And who knows? You might be there to witness the next Jamie Vardy.

Tickets: https://ticketing.thefa.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @DLster