Being paid to play football all day might sound like a great job to most of us, but for many players training sessions are seen as an unbearable chore.
One of the few things that kept me going through school was that small window of the week which constituted double games, when I could play football. It gave me the opportunity to express myself far better than I was able to in the classroom. This wasn’t just teenage romance either; I carried this giddy excitement for training right through my local football career, ducking out of work a few minutes early to ensure I was at whatever recreation ground or leisure centre my team used in plenty of time.
Not everyone feels the same about training though, particularly some of those who play for a living. Mick Channon’s career, which is mainly associated with Southampton, spanned the 1960s to the 1980s. He had clear views on training, which earlier this year he described as the most boring thing he ever did in his life. This coming from a man who now earns his living in horse racing.
This story is from the August 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
