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Janek is a freelance journalist based in Berlin. He previously worked at the Newcastle Herald. Follow him on Twitter - @JanekSpeight
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And then there were four. The semi-finalists are set in stone and not many would have predicted the entire quartet making it this far.…
"We are into the next round and nobody will want to play us. I haven't had anything to do in the whole tournament to…
When UEFA announced it was going to expand the Euro 2016 from 16 teams to 24, there were not too many fans ecstatic about…
Pre-tournament, a select number of nations were lauded as contenders for Euro 2016. France and Germany were atop of the pile, with strangely, though…
Nine seasons, five finals spots and two wooden spoons - the Wellington Phoenix's first era in the A-League has been a pass mark. Yet…
Eight years ago, the Newcastle Jets were celebrating an uncharacteristic Tony Vidmar blunder, which allowed Mark Bridge to slot home the most important goal…
Football fans, yours truly included, can often be guilty of finding fault when it is better to focus on the positives. The furour over…
“The reality is that we're in the entertainment industry and for me that overrides results at this stage.” Those were the words Central Coast…
When Optus first announced its capture of English Premier League rights from next season onwards, Australia's biggest sport broadcaster, Foxtel, was facing an uncertain…
It has taken them 25 rounds, but Melbourne City have finally finished atop of the A-League table after a full round of fixtures for…
During the Socceroos' comprehensive 7-0 victory over Tajikistan on Thursday, it was obvious that without Tim Cahill in the line-up there was a distinct…
Pre-season predictions are a dangerous game in sport, especially in the salary-capped environment of the A-League. Yet the fall of last season's top two…
Ever since Optus sealed exclusive broadcast rights for the English Premier League in November, no football fan could confidently predict how they were going…
On June 10 last year, Newcastle United fans were left largely underwhelmed. The arrival of ex-England boss Steve McClaren failed to excite, yet there…
Throughout Damien De Bohun’s reign as A-League head, there were undoubted highs and lows. At the end of his tenure, it would be fair…
They were physically kicked, provoked and mentally tested by North Korea on Sunday night, but the Matildas pushed through exhaustion once again to stake…
For three years now Australian football fans have lamented the FFA's failure to attract a major sponsor for their flagship team, the Socceroos. Since…
Whichever way you look at it, Tommy Oar's move to Brisbane Roar for the rest of the season and beyond is only full of…
"I say ‘abracadabra’ and the magic sparks - that is all I do!" Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's response about how he gets the best…
The next move for Socceroo Tim Cahill has been hot on the lips of every Australian football fan, with a move to the A-League…
That’s a great question, Waz. I guess that was the main problem with De Bohun, we’re still not exactly sure what he was responsible for. As head of A-League you’d hope he had some input in the positives mentioned. Otherwise they should scrap the position completely.
Puppet master FFA must cut new A-League head's strings
Are you saying De Bohun was not involved in negotiations, Fuss? I did not suggest any of those replacements, their names have been circulated rightly or wrongly.
Puppet master FFA must cut new A-League head's strings
Completely agree about connecting A-League clubs with grassroots, Greg. Still think a football person is a must – football knowledge and business acumen can be combined. In regards to the PFA negotiations, I thought both sides handled it poorly.
Puppet master FFA must cut new A-League head's strings
Deal with Unicef still exists – http://www.unicef.org/media/media_90305.html
Socceroos take petro-dollars as Postecoglou eyes new faces
Soccer. Football. Who cares anymore?
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
Fair enough.
Though I think he’s allowed to have more than one reason for not coming to the A-League.
Yes, he wants cash. No doubt. But if he says he doesn’t buy into FFA’s vision, there is no harm in the governing body engaging and understanding how it can attract stars like Cahill without China’s $$$.
Just a thought…
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
True. Though… sell NTS for $3m and you’re almost there 😉
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
Never suggested clubs should pay overs.
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
There is no vision from China? Interesting. If you don’t doubt his passion, why question his motives?
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
Comments on forums such as this are doing their best to push him away…
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
A-League fans can be a little thin-skinned. It’s not doom and gloom but it’s not all peaches either. Listening to criticism should help us be better.
I won’t apologise for failing to assume that I know what Cahill’s intentions are – without even knowing him. I have no agenda here. Yes, he is probably after money, but are you confident in your claims that that’s all he cares about?
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
RF, I don’t immediately cast Cahill as an ego and money-driven. Is that the journalistic criticism you’re expecting? Sorry.
I’ve interviewed the bloke before, and he is very brand-driven, no doubt. But he’s also bloody passionate, and you have to respect that. I don’t agree with everything he says above – thought I’d made that clear – and yes, he has little idea about how the A-League works.
But he has experience playing the game at the highest level, and it’s ridiculous that we shouldn’t, at least, listen to his concerns. Even his contacts in the game would be invaluable. Makes no sense pushing him away.
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
Have to disagree with the pigeon-holing, Fuss. There are some fans that watch the A-League weekly, love the product, but are also able to identify and accept flaws.
Cahill may not have the cred because of his lack of first-hand experience in the competition – and his comments are extreme – but it would be stupid to ignore what he has to say entirely.
Cahill’s scepticism concerning for the FFA and A-League
Not being politically correct, still calling on all active support – those that rip flares and those that don’t – to publicly condemn their use.
It's time for A-League supporters to unite against flares
As far as I’d read from police statements none of the four evictions resulted from the flares at the 12th minute? Apologies if that’s changed.
It's time for A-League supporters to unite against flares
Leicester are making the UCL, They are title contenders, you can’t deny that. At least four points from the next three games and they’re still title contenders.
Time is up for Roberto Martinez
Keep Martinez for another year, Everton play some sizzling attacking football. They have had 11 draws. Yep, 11 from 23. Their six losses are only one behind both Arsenal and Man City. The defence is a shambles, true, but the high number of draws suggests it can be turned around.
Where are your alternative suggestions?
Far too often EPL clubs make panic dismissals. I reckon Martinez can get it right. One more season.
Time is up for Roberto Martinez
Dunno, Nat, I get where you’re coming from. But when the Jets or Knights are going well it’s all people talk about. When they’re down and out, many people show a lot of disinterest. I think if anything it shows how much potential the city has, the fans are fickle but we still get impressive crowds
Newcastle Jets' limbo in need of swift end
Do you read British media? Or just stuck in an Australian bubble?
Agree the hysteria around Adelaide, Victory was over the top, but the Jets’ drama isn’t about one game buddy, it’s not even about one season.
Newcastle Jets' limbo in need of swift end
I’m a Novocastrian, we are fickle, as well as loyal. If the Jets were competing finals football they would be getting 15-20,000. Agree that 9000 is bloody brilliant considering though.
What do you make of Cooper’s continued role on the bench? I’m baffled that Kanta has been playing as a No.10 at times.
Newcastle Jets' limbo in need of swift end
Barca won last year not because of their formation, but because of their players. Juve actually negated them for a while with 3-5-2 until individuals took the game away.
Real Madrid won the 2014 UCL playing largely fast-paced, beautiful counter-attack football.
Bayern did not win the UCL under Heynckes playing 4-3-3. They used two holding mids. In fact, currently, under Guardiola, they don’t even play 4-3-3.
That said, agree that formation is just a basis. It is about how you adapt during 90 minutes that counts, Perhaps that did not come across strong enough in the article!
Olyroos failure a setback in Australia's football development
Ridiculous situation, such a prospect. Can’t understand why he’s not getting game time and would’ve been a great signing for the Jets, who are desperate for some creativity.
Clut likely to leave Roar next season
All the best, mate. As a Toon supporter I know the pain of going “So Close”. Hopefully a top four finish can be wrapped up and then a frantic push for the title!
Leicester City’s EPL credentials getting hard to dismiss
Probably the most realistic option, Brian. With a healthy Aguero City are a different team. I think Arsenal’s title chance may rely on whether they dip into the transfer market. We’ll see!
Leicester City’s EPL credentials getting hard to dismiss
True, nordster. Putting in a new head that has little influence just seems like a waste of money. It would be benefcial to have an independent A-League chief, though.
Puppet master FFA must cut new A-League head's strings