Cultured Football #84
Paul Ince's revival, penalty box strikers and more
If you’re as tired of the endless debate over whether Trent Alexander Arnold is a good player or not, here’s five articles that talk about everything other than that.
The Spirit of Ukraine
By Andriy Schevchenko for The Players’ Tribune // 2,748 words
This piece hit me hard. But, precisely because it is occasionally difficult read that it should be read.
Paul Ince is the shocking inclusion in this season’s five best managers in the Championship
By Lewis Oldham for Football365 // 1,119 words
Not many will have noticed this but Reading are enjoying a storming start to he Championship season, pushing for the top spots despite being quite constrained financially. Much of the merit for this goes to Paul Ince who returned to football management after an absence of eight years. He thoroughly deserves his inclusion among the most best managers in the league.
Brexitball: The Summer 2022 Transfer Window
By Andy Watson for Analytics FC // 2,776 words
Perhaps it is because I am a special kind of football nerd but I gobbled up this analysis on the impact Brexit had on the last transfer window. Detailed, un-biased, entertaining and geeky.
Their club became the richest in the world. But these fans are worried at what it means for Newcastle’s soul
By Hannah Ryan for CNN // 4,099 words
It has been one year since Saudi Arabia taking over Newcastle and the furore over the deal (and its political as well as social implications) has died down. Not that everyone associated with Newcastle has reconciled themselves with it.
Close-Up Magic: The Premier League’s Penalty-Box Maestros
By Duncan Alexander for The Analyst // 1,167 words
The days of penalty-box strikers are over. Or are they?
Something Else We Loved This Week
How can you not bow at the feet of Leonardo Secondo’s illustration of Francesco Totti titled, appropriately, God Save the King?
Do check out Leonardo’s full profile here.
Last Week’s Most Read: Slaves To The Algorithm
By Neil Fredrik Jensen for Game of the People // 562 words
Are there problems on the horizons for football, as a new generation of fans with unique interests starts to mature? A thought provoking article.