Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Lions CEO to undertake bike ride for Prostate Cancer UK

Millwall CEO Steve Kavanagh will ride from The Den to AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th July in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Leaving SE16 on the morning of the 15th, Kavanagh – along with five others – will head towards the south coast, following the London to Brighton route, before heading to the AMEX Stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Via Bognor Regis, day two will see the group travel to Fratton Park (home of Portsmouth) and St Mary’s (Southampton’s ground) before finish at the home of The Cherries.

Further details on the Millwall FC website

A JustGiving page has been set up for donations towards the cause, with all funds going to Prostate Cancer UK. Click here to donate.

I was interested to see an article on BBC today where Dale Vince, the chairman at Forest Green made a case for stopping sponsorship by gambling companies. This has come up before and Sheffield Wednesday and Dulwich Hamlets, for example, have refused sponsorship from gaming and gambling on an individual basis. I will follow the progress closely

From the BBC

Forest Green Rovers have become the first professional club in England to call for a gambling sponsorship ban.

A ban is being debated as part of the 2005 Gambling Act review which should be completed by this autumn.

The English Football League has opposed a ban, with chairman Rick Parry telling BBC Sport it would cost EFL clubs £40m a season and could see some go under.

“I believe gambling in football is an abuse of football and of fans,” said Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince.

“Gambling has overtaken football. If you watch a game on TV you are inundated with adverts. For me, the fun has already stopped,” he added.

Eight of 20 Premier League teams have gambling sponsorships on their shirts, and 10 of 24 in the Championship.

But there are many other partnerships between clubs and betting firms which include advertising on social media and boards around the pitch, while the EFL is also sponsored by Sky Bet.

Chairman of League Two Tranmere Rovers Mark Palios has already questioned the need for gambling sponsorship in football, saying that clubs could survive without it.

Non-league Lewes FC, who play in the Isthmian League Premier Division, have also said that gambling sponsorship should be banned in football.

Forest Green have teamed up with the Big Step, part of the charity Gambling with Lives, which offers support to families who have lost loves ones because of betting addiction.

James Grimes of the Big Step said: “We’re delighted to have the support of Forest Green Rovers. Our outdated gambling laws need to change, especially with the exponential rise of online gambling.

“Sponsorship of sporting events by tobacco companies is banned and we believe gambling should be the same.

“To be truly effective, shirt sponsorship, stadium promotions and other branding should not be visible during matches.”

I would be happy to hear your views.

Yes, it’s the end of another season and what a season it has been. All four divisions and the lower leagues have all been affected by the Covid pandemic. Players, managers and their families have all experienced the storm. Almost all games have been behind closed doors and whilst it “seems” that the end may be in sight, it would be foolish to be over-optimistic. We also had the unedfiying launch of the European Super League which looks to have collapsed as quickly as it appeared. Chelsea and Manchester City will play in the CL Final. Congratulations. Tomorrow we will see whether Manchester United and Arsenal will make the finals of the Europa League. Manchester City are a whisker away from the title and Norwich has already taken the Championship.

What it also means, of course, is that clubs are off-loading this season’s kit and there are some bargains to be had. Fulham, who have had a torrid time and will probably drop down this week sent me a newsletter today and Brentford and West Ham sent me their offers yesterday. Have a look! All are from the official club shops.

George Best was, and still is, without a doubt one of the game’s most legendary and recognizable figures. “Good. Better. Best.” Check out the official collection and discover all T-shirts, retro shirts and casual socks.

The COPA George Best collection is made under license from The George Best Company Ltd and features a range of T-shirts that pay homage to one of the game’s most legendary and recognisable figures. The inspiration for this collection is a selection of famous photos from the archives of IMG, Mirrorpix, Press Association Images and the private George Best archive.

We want to offer you a pair of George Best casual pixel socks as a free add-on to your next George Best order over € 30, placed before May 1st 2021. Enter code ‘GEORGE‘ at checkout and the socks will automatically be added to your parcel.

We hope to see you soon on copafootball.com.

I recently did a blog about “Random Shirts.” l’d have to say that you don’t get much more random than this latest arrival from West Ham… It’s Iron Maiden edition. With the possible exception of Atletico Madrid’s spiderman extravaganza, l am struggling to find a more random shirt. Still, l guess if you are a fan of West Ham and Iron Maiden, you will go out and buy it!

The back story is that the group’s Steve Harris is a huge West Ham fan and this is the second time they have collaborated following the success of the “Die with your Boots on” theme of 2009.

The shirt is available on their online store and their retail sites.

Random Shirts – Random Thoughts.

Well, it’s been 20 weeks since l had the Cardiac Arrest and l have had plenty time to think. So here is a little collection of random thoughts about shirts.

I wrote last week about the obscenely-priced one-off Barcelona shirt for the league match against Real Madrid. The 120 pounds price-tag seemed outrageous to me. At the same time, my thoughts went to some of the other wierd and wonderful shirts across the world. Gone are the days when Liverpool were in red other for a clash of colours. Likewise, Chelsea would be in blue, Manchester United in red and Manchester City in light blue. Now, it seems that any excuse to play in lilac or turquoise with green trimmings (probably fluorescent!) is a good one. Why? To sell more 2nd and 3rd kits…. and keep the sponsors happy!

Obviously sometimes the reasons for a new, second or special kit are laudable. I liked Caversham United’s kit to raise money for Balls to Cancer. (Buy here.) I respect the fact that they have made the charity the main sponsors for this season and wear a very smart kit. I also respect Sevilla’s attempt to highlight the plight of local cucumber growers with their (in)famous cucumber logos. La Hoya of Lorca took the love of agriculture to the nth degree with a shirt covered in images of broccoli.

Then we have the case of Milan this week who tried to launch a 4th kit. Naughty! Serie A banned it which immediately made it a collectors’ item!

I refuse to even comment or show this season’s zebra abomination by Manchester United. Whilst the centenary kit divided opinion, surely Sir Matt Busby and Tommy Docherty must be turning in their graves. I don’t think l have disliked a shirt so much since “that” Coventry Chocolate crime against humanity.

I was sent the weekly newsletter from FC Barcelona today. I can’t claim to be a supporter as I am a huge fan of Real Madrid but always read the updates.

Today I was pretty appalled to see the price of the match shirts for this week’s El Clásico. (The biggest game in the Spanish calendar – a Real Madrid v Bracelona fixture.) Tragically because of Covid it will again be behind closed doors
but the eyes of Spain and much of the football world will be on the match.

145 euros for the adult shirt and 70 euros for the kid’s shirt. That is approx. £125 and £60 at today’s exchange rates. Am I alone in thinking that is an obscenity (un abuso in Spanish)?

Everyone makes their own choice what they spend their money on but, from my personal point of view that pricce cannot be justified!

Rant over – enjoy the game!

Partisan Prague Football Club

As I plan my next trip (cycle/tuktuk/train?), my mind wanders more and more to Central and Eastern Europe. Poland, Czechia, Hungary and the Ukraine all beckon. So, by chance, I came across this interesting story about an expat/immigrant team in Prague. I contacted them and said they had a history worth sharing and they tweeted back that they would be happy for a blog in TheShirt2010. As many of you know, I have been an expat/immigrant for much of my adult life and the short history of PPFC reminds me of my own Deportivo Galicia in London. If you are involved with an expat side anywhere in the world please feel free to make contact and I will be happy to highlight you!

The story so far ….”So here it is… It all started in 2000 when an Irishman – named Gerry Keaty – wanted to give ex-pats a chance to have a kick about in Prague (and have a beer afterwards). It started out as a 3v3 format, played in a basketball gym in the city. By 2001 a few more players joined and it became a 6v6 format. In 2002 there were enough players to form an 11-a-side team and PPFC was born! From 2002 – 2009 the club operated as a “friendly” club. Just playing against stag-dos, village teams and basically anyone who fancied a match and a beer. Then in 2009 the Prague Ex-Pat league began. From 2009-2012 the ex-pat league went from strength to strength. But, with only 6 teams PPFC wanted more of a challenge. So… the club entered the official Czech Football League pyramid.

Despite having no budget, the club achieved promotion in its second season season, powered by goals from Federico “Fede” Arcomone. This little Italian was magic. Without doubt one of the best players to pull on the shirt and key to our early success. In December 2014, just after winning “Player of the Year”, Fede Arcomone tragically passed away. The club was devastated and still have his name on our bench every game!

2014/15 season and now things get crazy… despite the club doing well on the pitch, off the pitch things take a serious turn. The club’s treasurer had been stealing money and had not paid any of the outstanding bills (pitch hire, kit, balls etc.) He then did a runner. Due to this, the club was relegated back to the bottom of the pyramid. 16/17 the club achieves promotion, back to the 8th tier. Then in 19/20 PPFC are promoted to the 7th tier. The only ex-pat team to ever reach this level.



….and now in the 20/21 season we have an A Team who are sitting top of the league and a new B Team playing in the 9th tier. No owner, no money, just an amazing group of lads and a love of the game! Gerry Keaty had no idea…
RIP Fede”

For more information follow them on Twitter or Facebook. As you can see, they have had some cracking shirts and I am looking forward to seeing them in real life. When I am in Prague, I will look in. I am assured I will be welcome and I am sure you will be well treated too.

Well, this one is a bit different! Facebook threw a sponsored post in front of me and for the first time in living memory, I checked it out. The only reason I increased Zuckerberg’s wealth is because I saw a gorgeous shirt. I clicked through to read about a Virtual 10KM event that looked fun …… especially with the magnificent shirt.

Their website says, “The run of the year! Get your original Guinness World Records certificate and medal! On 19th September we start the official world record attempt of the most virtual 10km /6.2 mi runs within 24 hours and you can participate!This is an official Guinness World Records certified run!”

This is how it works:

1. you can run anywhere in the world.

2. if you feel like it, join our exclusive running group on Facebook (optional).

3. on the day of the run, record your run with a running app or watch and upload a screenshot or photo to our running portal.

4. after the run, you will receive your certificate to download and we will send you your medal (if you have added it) within 24 hours.

Sign up for the run HERE with either:
Original Digital Proof of Participation (download after the run) without medal or

Medal Medium (8cm / 3.1in – shipping within 48 hours after the run) 
+ Original Digital Proof of Participation (download after the run)
or
Medal XL (11cm / 4.3in – shipping within 48 hours after the run)
+ Original Digital Proof of Participation (download after the run)
or
Proof of Participation and the exclusive medal both hold the official Guinness World Records Attempt Run Logo and are handed out, even if we donot break the record – which we will, for sure :-)”

So, I registered and will be running to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. 10K may not sound a lot but I am still in hospital (week 19) after a cardiac arrest and still on crutches. I managed about 70 meters this afternoon, so 10K is a genuine challenge for me. No matter, I have five months to move up to this. By my maths, that’s adding about an extra 2k per month. Cracked it!”

Even got my virtual bib!

If you want to get involved before then, Specsavers Opticas in Spain are organising a Virtual Dog Walk ….. although you don’t need a dog. Full details here

I had a friendly chat with Terry from Terry’s Badges yesterday. I will be asking him to produce a badge for my next charity ride (Details soonest!) I am always happy to support small businesses and promised to give him a shout out. So whether you want to buy one of the hundreds of different badges he has in stock or want a badge of your favourite club produced, pop by his website and give him a shout.

He says, ” Welcome to my Web Site! This site is dedicated to Non-League football badges. 

I have always had a passion for non-league football, as a player, manager and chairman of my local clubs. I enjoyed 21 successful years as a player with Stokenchurch FC, Lane End FC and Beacons Bottom Athletic FC. I also played for the very successful Lane End United FC Sunday side.

I collect English non-league badges plus I have many for sale as you will see on this site! I also design and produce badges for 100’s of Non-League clubs up and down the country. I only use the best enamel and fittings as most of you will testify.

I am a keen AFC WIMBLEDON supporter and attend all home and some away games. I also like to visit loads of non-league grounds. I also design, produce and sell all AFC’s  badges with all the profits from these badges going to AFC! As far as I am aware we are the only club to have a framed set of badges for every season!

If you click my “sales list” you will find the 100’s of badges I have for sale.  If your club/business require a badge please contact me for production details.

If you have any queries please use my “contact” link.

TERRY“