The most gripping football on offer around the world exists because clubs risk relegation to a lower tierThere is a haunting presence in the A-League Men. Shuffling from ground to ground clad in tattered purple, orange, or red and black regalia, they are the ALM revenants: those whose seasons have long since died but continue to walk amongst us. Their hopes and dreams dashed, their only purpose now is to haunt the rest who still draw breath.This is the reality of what confronts Perth Glory the Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar as the 2021-22 season concludes. With little to no hope of finals football, supporters watch on as their beloved clubs, once so full of promise, go through the...
While it provides great drama for the neutral, both John Aloisi and John van ‘t Schip emerge with reduced reputations after their latest public recriminations Mind games in football can often be a minefield. And like defusing hidden explosives, unless you’re a highly-trained expert, you’re probably better placed steering clear of the practice.Sir Alex Ferguson was famed as a skilled practitioner. But far more memorable than the marginal advantages his side may have gained through digs at referees, stop-watch keepers or opposing managers were the remarkable self-immolations from opponents who attempted, and failed, to match the master. Related: Melbourne City's van 't Schip slams Aloisi for 'whinging like a baby' Related: City-Roar war of words spreads to pitch in ill-tempered...
Between DeVere’s stunning equaliser, the Mariners’ rousing revival and Sydney’s thumping derby win it’s been a busy roundIt is either genius or folly to schedule the opening round of the A-League season in between two crucial qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup. When you think however that only a handful of leagues around the world this year will boast an attendance figure higher than the 61,880 at Saturday’s Sydney derby – a new A-League record – then it is safe to say it went pretty well. Related: Football Federation Australia to look into ignition of flares at Sydney derby Related: A-League wrap: Mariners provide late drama, Sydney FC crush derby rivals Continue reading...