The League of Blogs 2013 - Vote Now!

You may have noticed a new page on the blog in the list above...

The League of Blogs will shortly be returning to the Attic, but we're shaking it up...and we want your opinion!

More details (and the chance to cast your vote) here

Eagles search for a coach should end now

Bruce Arians would be a great choice in three important areas.

The only known photo of
Bruce Arians as Temple
coach on the internet.

Driving around Philadelphia every day, I have my radio presets on a few select stations.
Two are the all-sports talk stations in Philly, but I invariably land on WFAN in New York for the best sports talk.
Mostly, I end up on 100.3 or 105.3, music stations. Big fan of Patti Jackson, Lady B and Michael Baisden.
Still, in between commercials, it's amusing to stop on the Philly sports talk stations for awhile to hear them talk about potential replacements for Andy Reid.
I have to shake my head, though. All of these guys are garbage compared to my choice.
There's really only one potential replacement and he should be hired no later than Monday. (If the Colts lose to Bernard Pierce and the Ravens, which I suspect will happen on Sunday.)
His name is Bruce Arians, the former Temple University head coach.
OK, I will admit that I'm biased but some other national guys like ESPN's Dan Graziano (see above) who are starting to come around to my way of thinking.
I don't think his age, 60, should have anything to do with it. Sixty is the new 40 anyway. Tom Coughlin won two Super Bowls after 60. Period, end of discussion.

On the Daz front, we're at Dream Job No. 6.

Put aside the Temple connection for a moment and look at it logically.

Culture Change

Bruce Arians took a 2-14 team in Indianapolis and totally changed the culture from losing to winning. He was 9-3 in the 12 games he was head coach, including a win over the Green Bay Packers. That performance has made him the leading candidate for NFL Coach of the Year.
Think there's a pro team in Philadelphia that needs a culture change?
Check.

Developing young quarterbacks?

Admittedly, he did it this year with a good rookie quarterback in Andrew Luck but I think, say, Syracuse's Ryan Nassib has a similar skill set to Luck's and he could do the same with another rookie in Philadelphia.
Also, Arians developed both Peyton Manning at Indy and Big Ben with the Steelers as quarterbacks and, if you don't draft Nassib, he could at least work his magic with Nick Foles.
Check.

Public Relations

This is an important hire for Eagles' owner Jeff Lurie. Does he go the totally unknown route and hire a coordinator like Mike McCoy or hire a two-time Super Bowl winning coordinator AND a guy who is coming off a NFL Coach of the Year Award. When was the last time an NFL team hired an NFL COY from another team? This could be a first and an incredibly easy sell to an otherwise skeptical fan base.
Check.
It's about a big a no-brainer as there is. We shall soon find out if Lurie has at least half a one.

The Football Attic Annual

Cover

It started as a Christmas present for Chris and myself, but after posting pics of it on Twitter, we received quite a bit of interest from people wanting to know if we planned to sell them.  I hadn't, but if people wanted them, why not share the Attic love?

Chris and I have gone through all of 2012's articles (and a few from 2011) and picked out 22 of our  favourites, covering 30 pages, all wrapped up in a rather lovely hardback book...proper Annual style!

If you'd like one of these, they'll be £16.50 delivered in the UK (outside the UK, contact us and we'll let you know how much it'd be). These are being done pretty much (talking pence here) at cost so we very much hope you'll enjoy them :)

Inside...

Contact us on Twitter (@footballattic) or at admin[at]thefootballattic[dot]com.

I've ordered 13 in total and once they're allotted, they'll be gone! 

Cheers,

Rich & Chris

Update: I've had a "yes" from the following people so that's 10 gone and 3 left.

Anyone I've missed, please shout!

David Hartrick
Jay Richardson ‏@TivertonHornet
rob stokes ‏@JossiesDad
Peter Miles ‏@PeterRMiles
Kris Horton ‏@roman_machine
Al Gordon ‏@algordon_cafc
GFO_Editor ‏@Gillsfansonline
Sky Blues Blog
David - Football Gaffes Galore
Alex Gunn

Chris O's Favourite 5... FA Cup Finals

As it's FA Cup Third Round day, I thought I'd take a slow walk down memory lane to remind myself of my favourite five Finals from years gone by.

1. West Ham v Liverpool (2006)

“Surely the best Cup Final of modern times” according to BBC commentator John Motson and even now, some six-and-a-half years later, it’s difficult to disagree with him.

For any fan of a losing finalist in any competition, it’s some consolation at least when your team gives a good account of itself, and for me, West Ham certainly did that in 2006. Going 2-0 up through a Jamie Carragher own goal and a Dean Ashton toe-poke from close range, West Ham took the game to Liverpool but they hadn’t accounted for a one-man colossus in red called Steven Gerrard.

The Merseyside club clawed their way back to 2-2 thanks to a Djibril Cissé volley and a Gerrard thunderbolt, but even after Paul Konchesky’s speculative cross had put West Ham back in front at 3-2, Liverpool still weren’t prepared to accept defeat. A second incredible strike by the England captain ensured the game was tied at 3-3 going into injury time, and with the resulting penalty shoot-out swinging in favour of The Reds, this was not to be West Ham’s day.

And what of my feelings after the game?  Not disappointed really, no. Pride – that was my predominant emotion. Pride that my favourite club had played its part in a memorable Final and earned the respect of many neutrals watching from afar. You can’t ask for much more than that, can you?



2. Arsenal v Manchester United (1979)

When dewy-eyed nostalgists think of the perfect FA Cup Final, they probably think of one where both teams play football of the highest order for 90 minutes before a thrilling climax ensues. In many ways, the 1979 Final was exactly that.

Much like the West Ham/Liverpool clash of 2006, one of the teams – Arsenal – went 2-0 up and were leading comfortably by half time. Brian Talbot, who played for Ipswich against Arsenal the previous year, scored the first goal after 12 minutes and Frank Stapleton added a header just before the interval.

That two-goal cushion remained in place until four minutes from the end when United staged a late comeback. First, Scottish international defender Gordon McQueen swivelled and put the ball past Pat Jennings from close range, then, Sammy McIllroy industriously battled his way through the Arsenal defence to make it 2-2 in the 88th minute.

Everyone, myself included, couldn’t believe how Arsenal’s dominance could crumble in the space of two minutes. According to Brian Clough, ITV’s co-commentator on the day, United had earned their stay of execution having battled all afternoon, but surely Arsenal shouldn’t have given them the opportunity in the first place? Had they lost the plot?

Remarkably, the answer came only a minute later when, soon after kick-off, Graham Rix crossed to find Alan Sunderland in the penalty area. His outstretched leg reached the ball before Arthur Albiston could get to it and in so doing poked the ball over the line. With just a minute left on the clock, Arsenal had taken the lead once more and were able to hang on until the final whistle blew just moments later.

Very few Cup Finals had ever set such a high standard for excitement but this one became the benchmark for all future Finals to reach. I can still remember that last goal going in as if it were yesterday, but to be honest the rest of the game doesn’t come quite so readily to mind. Maybe it doesn’t have to when you have an ending to beat all endings.



3. Liverpool v Newcastle United (1974)

In 1974, Malcolm MacDonald seemed to be single-handedly transforming the fortunes of Newcastle United. Having won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, the Tyneside club had failed to build on their new-found success but the acquisition of MacDonald from Luton Town had gone some way to correct that.

A prolific striker in his day, he was at the top of his game come the 1974 FA Cup Final – so much so that, according to Emlyn Hughes, he’d been telling the press that The Magpies were going to turn over Liverpool at Wembley and that they had a far superior team.

When the big day arrived, Liverpool had other ideas – and a top strike duo that were more than a match for Newcastle. Kevin Keegan and John Toshack were fast developing a reputation as a lethal partnership that provided many goals for the Anfield club, and in the ’74 Final they and the rest of the Liverpool team were ruthlessly dominant.

Shots rained in on the Newcastle goal all day and quite honestly they were different class. Newcastle tried in vain to compete but Liverpool, having burst the black and white dam through Keegan’s first of two goals in the 57th minute, didn’t settle until they’d got what they came for. A second from Heighway a quarter of an hour before the end and another from Keegan two minutes from time eventually secured the 3-0 win that had been on the cards throughout.

“Goals pay the rent and Keegan does his share” said David Coleman during his BBC commentary, and if that was the case, Malcolm MacDonald and his Newcastle team-mates must have been in arrears for months.



4. Liverpool v Everton (1986)

It’s not often you get an FA Cup Final played between the two teams finishing first and second in England’s top flight, but in 1986 that very thing happened and we got a great final as a result.

The sight of Kenny Dalglish leading the team out as manager yet ready to play alongside his team-mates must have been a stirring sight for Reds fans everywhere, but Everton had talent throughout their ranks too. Andy Gray had been replaced by Gary Lineker, Kevin Sheedy and Trevor Steven provided flair and reliability while at the back Kevin Ratcliffe and Derek Mountfield provided a rock-solid base in defence. At the back, however, Bobby Mimms was deputising for the absent Neville Southall. Would that be the weak point in this all-too-rare Merseyside Cup Final?

The start of the match suggested otherwise as Lineker grabbed the opening goal after his early shot was spilled by Bruce Grobelaar. Everton still led 1-0 at the start of the second half and looked to have the bit between their teeth until Ian Rush rounded Mimms to equalise in the 56th minute. After that, Liverpool smelled blood and Craig Johnston was on hand to finish off a great move six minutes later to make it 2-1.

As Everton tried to get back into the game, the inevitable gaps opened up in defence and Liverpool finally took advantage when Ian Rush scored a second, just seven minutes before the end. When the final whistle blew, Bob Paisley’s side had won the double – the first time any team had achieved it since Arsenal in 1971 – and a truly great side from the red half of Merseyside rightly basked in the glory.

Despite being a Londoner who had seen so many local sides grace FA Cup Finals throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s, this was still an enjoyable spectacle for me and one which lingered long in the memory thereafter. Everton, however, were still to have their day –they’d win the First Division title the following season.



5. West Ham v Arsenal (1980)

And so back to West Ham, I’m afraid. A final indulgence from me, but unashamedly so, not least because it was the last time I saw my own team actually win the FA Cup.

I remember the day of the Final with some clarity, despite my ever-faltering memory. Early on, my sister had been making rosettes from claret and blue ribbons – something that people probably rarely do these days. Yet it was all part of the build-up to the event for us local Hammers fans, keen as we were to wear the club’s colours with pride.

The weather was glorious. Warm, bright sunshine illuminated Wembley as Terry Neill and John Lyall led their teams out in front of a capacity crowd. West Ham were the Second Division underdogs and Arsenal were the First Division favourites. This was The Gunners’ third consecutive FA Cup Final but would ultimately be their second defeat in that run.

To their credit, West Ham never looked overawed by their opponents throughout. Under the cosh they may have been at times, but they didn’t look unduly flustered or nervy, and this was helped in no uncertain terms by Trevor Brooking’s goal after 13 minutes. ITV’s Brian Moore thought the goal had been scored by Stuart Pearson – in fact we all did, I seem to remember – but the confusion caused by the way the fast-moving ball in a congested Arsenal penalty area was eventually resolved and the tone was set for an ultimately joyous afternoon.

Of course we can’t let this review of the 1980 Final go by without mentioning the deliberate foul on Paul Allen by Willie Young when the former was clean through on goal late in the game, but it’s all water under the bridge now and not worth dwelling on. Instead, here’s a less than flattering picture of Willie during his Aberdeen days. Now let that be a lesson to anyone thinking of doing the same.

The Football Attic Podcast Episode 4 - Subbuteo

Like buses in a lame joke, you wait ages for an Attic podcast and then several turn up at once!

Yes you lucky people, we're here again! This time we decided to waffle on about Subbuteo and we did so for over an hour! Sorry about that, but y'know...you have a fast forward button ;-)

Thanks to all those who responded to our call on twitter. We tried to mention you all, but apologies if we missed you.

So...sit back and enjoy(?) episode 4 of the Football Attic podcast!

Usual Disclaimer: We still haven't managed to get iTunes working so to download it, it's the rather retro method of 'Right-click and Save As' from the link below:

Football Attic Podcast Episode 4

What's Up With Chuck and Marshall matters?

Doesn't seem right if Chuck Heater goes from Temple to Marshall.

Over the past few days, we've heard some positive developments along the coaching front at Temple University.
Matt Rhule became a full-time coach four days ago and that's a big plus, a couple of days after hiring an offensive coordinator, Nick Rolovich, who many believe will be a future great head coach at the BCS level.
That leaves me with one question and one question only:
What's up with Chuck?

Marshall website added this tidbit four hours ago.

Temple has, in my mind, the best defensive coordinator in the country in Chuck Heater and Rhule would be wise to keep him. Hopefully, he's working on that now and that will be wrapped up in a couple of days.
I'm getting a little nervous because I saw running backs coach Tyree Foreman and Ed Foley at the Rhule press conference and  I did not see Chuck Heater.
Usually, that's a bad sign but Steve Addazio hired Don Brown to be his defensive coordinator and Heater is a defensive coordinator and I'd doubt he'd go to BC to take a demotion.
From all accounts, Heater loves Philadelphia and loves Temple.
Still, Heater has plenty of contacts in the business who would like to lure him elsewhere.
One of those is Marshall head coach Doc Holliday, who worked with Heater in Florida.

Temple has, in my mind, the best defensive coordinator in the country in Chuck Heater and Rhule would be wise to keep him

Holliday tried to get Heater when Daz took him the first time and now it looks like, according to a Thundering Hurd website, the doctor has written a prescription with Heater's name on it again.
Can't blame Chuck for wanting to work with a guy who he worked a long time at Florida with but Chuck also worked with Matt for a year and Temple and knows that Matt is a tremendous guy, too.
Whatever happens, and we hope Chuck stays, we wish him the best. Unlike Daz, who I won't miss even a little bit, I will miss Chuck Heater a lot. Always a great guy to talk with at any Temple function and  I really enjoyed talking with him in the parking lot after the UConn game.
If Chuck leaves, though, hopefully Rhule takes a serious look at current University of Delaware DC Nick Rapone, who is past FCS coordinator of the year and a former DC at Temple under Bruce Arians. The bright lights and the big city and big-time football won't affect Rapone, who has coached not only at Temple but at Pitt. He's also written six books on defensive football, all available on DVD.
Plus, if you are going to have a Nick as OC you might as well have one as DC.
Rapone's daughter currently is a college student.
Where?
She could have gone anywhere, but she's at Temple.

Former Temple Owls talk Nick Rapone:

Things That Dreams Are Made Of - Arena 2000

At some point in history, Coventry City used to be in the promised land that is The Premiership. Towards the end of the 1990s, the last decade they occupied their perennial 17th place, several clubs faced with the changes brought about by the Taylor Report decided that, rather than redevelop their existing, often land-locked grounds, they would instead move to a purpose built stadium, usually out of town.

Derby County, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Bolton, to name but a few, had all made the move, abandoning their outdated yet characterful grounds and, riding on the crest of the still fresh Premiership, had seen attendances rise and the money roll in.

Despite having already upgraded Highfield Road in the early- to mid-90s, the ground was plagued with the same problems as many other "traditional" stadia, being both hemmed in by housing, lacking any decent conference facilities and boasting few food outlets. And so it was that the plan to jump on the 'new stadium' bandwagon was announced.


This plan coincided with England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup and with Coventry selected as a potential host city (pending new stadium of course), it looked like the dream ticket!

It could have been so...slidey...

Arena 2000 was to be a 40,000 capacity super-stadium with innovations by the hatful. Information soon proliferated the press and talk of a sliding roof was mentioned and later a sliding pitch, putting us up with the latest in ground technology as seen at Ajax and Arnhem.

Around this time, I found myself wandering round the Sky Blues shop in town and spied a new publication. Being obsessed with football grounds, my eyes were immediately alerted by the image of a glowing architect's model of the proposed new Coventry stadium.

That publication was "a2", subtitled, "the official magazine of arena 2000 - the national arena in the heart of England".

Interestingly, it's marked as "Issue 1 Autumn/Winter 1999", though I'm pretty sure an Issue 2 was never forthcoming.

It's all about the tiles...

The 'magazine' is basically a glossy, 54 page brochure, showcasing all that never came to pass and covering in great detail all the great ideas that ultimately had disappeared by the time the Ricoh Arena finally opened for business six years later. The only things that did make it were the sky blue seats and some rather lovely tiles... although the tiles only ended up as part of hero walls where fans could pay to have their name and a message inscribed forever. That said, in the six years since construction, some of them are looking a little ropey and the messages not always very visible.

The magazine starts with an introduction from then chairman, Bryan Richardson, himself pictured with a large model of Arena 2000 and his final words sadly not in any way accurate... "The dream is now a reality".

It's curtains for a2...sorry

It's then straight into what everyone wants to know when looking at a new ground... the curtains! OK, that's slightly misleading... the curtains in questions being, rather than part of the soft furnishing choices of the Arena, 'giant roller blinds' that would be used to screen off sections of the seating areas during concerts. Rather than being merely a decorative item, these 'bespoke items' would also reflect sound back into the arena, ensuring no sound would be lost during concerts... when obviously the roof would have been closed...

A 'model' stadium

With the curtains dealt with, it's time to cover the architect's model and looking at the arena in physical form really does bring home what a fantastic place it would have been.

Moving on, Bryan Richardson is here again to espouse the hopes and dreams in 'The Vision', which, aside from covering the why's, also deals with the hows and moreover the wheres as one of the few things that didn't change, the location being the old foleshill gasworks, is shown. The gasworks is later shown in various stages of demolition.

An article on stadium naming rights, detailing the commercial necessity of such things, sits in close proximity to a 2-page advert for Jaguar again proving to be a rather sad foreshadowing of what was to come as for a long time, the Ricoh was due to be called the Jaguar Arena, before the car manufacturer decided to put their money elsewhere - probably wisely.

A final shout is given to the 2006 World Cup bid, showing a letter from the bid director Alec McGivan, where he states he'll be following the progress of Arena 2000 with interest.

So what happened to Arena 2000? Well, firstly, Coventry got relegated in 2001 and suddenly, spending a fortune on a 40,000 capacity stadium didn't seem like such a good idea. Then, Germany were given the 2006 World Cup (but at least that was really badly organised eh?  Oh...) and the last chance of a serious wodge of cash to spend on the stadium disappeared. The plans were scaled back, Ricoh arrived as last minute stadium sponsors and attendances ultimately plummeted as Coventry struggled to acclimatise to their new surroundings in Division 1, despite a 3-0 opening day victory. To this day, the only time the place has been full for a CCFC match was in the quarter final of the FA Cup against Chelsea - a match where the London side took the spoils.

A good start at the Ricoh

Given the current furore over the ownership and rental agreements of the Ricoh Arena, it's somewhat sad to see the potential that never was realised, the compromise, identikit ground we finally ended up with and the cold reality that replaced the fantastical hopes and aspirations.

Truly, the things that nightmares are made of.