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Gotta love Bleiberg!
One has to admit that, irrespective of whether or not the FFA has found Miron Bleiberg in breach of various codes of conduct for his recent post-match comments after the Sydney FC game, our game of football would seriously miss the Gold Coast United coach.
His eccentricity, combined with the zany comments, have become part of folklore since the inception of the A-League. Every reporter loves to interview Bleiberg because he is never dull. He has an opinion – crazy that it may be – and he is not afraid to express it.
However, just secretly, many of his comments make a lot of sense. It may surprise officialdom, but those close to him know it’s true.
Moot Point has never been one to accept criticism of referees because they are human after all and will, inevitably, make mistakes. Bleiberg this time may have overstepped the mark and he did apologise the next day, but let’s hope that he is not deterred from speaking his mind.
Half time entertainment
Surely we can do better at half time in A-League games. What’s the point of getting the children to hold down a sponsor’s banner in the centre circle?
The AFL does it so well – and, yes, I know that they have three breaks to fill – but please let’s copy some of their ideas. In this case it’s about getting the children to actually play on the pitch.
The Wonderful W-League
The W-League is surely the best kept secret of football in Australia. If you haven’t tuned into the magnificent Westfield W-League coverage on ABC TV on Saturday afternoons at 3pm, then do yourself a favour and take a look.
Better still, why not get out to a game at one of the boutique venues around the country that hosts these game on a Saturday? And, while on the subject of coverage, full marks to the ABC commentary team headed by Peter Wilkins who is an “old soccer” person from way back.
Wilko, a loyal and faithful servant to old Auntie, first came to prominence as host of the ABC’s World Cup coverage from Mexico in 1986.
Great appointments
Football Federation Australia has announced that Socceroo Brett Emerton and Matilda Heather Garriock have been appointed as the inaugural Community Football Ambassadors. Both Emerton and Garriock, excellent ambassadors for our code on any measure, will promote a range of community programs and activities.
“I started out with my local community club, Gunners Soccer Club, in the Macarthur Association and like so many youngsters I had dreams of a career in football,” Emerton stated.
Garriock started her football career with the Leppington Lions, who were also in the Macarthur Association at the time.“Football has given me amazing opportunities and experiences in life,” she said. “Being an ambassador allows me to give back to the kids who hopefully one day will also be able to achieve their dreams.”
FFA ought to be commended for attempting to involve two of football’s greatest ambassadors in the development of the code at junior level.
One has to admit that, irrespective of whether or not the FFA has found Miron Bleiberg in breach of various codes of conduct for his recent post-match comments after the Sydney FC game, our game of football would seriously miss the Gold Coast United coach.
His eccentricity, combined with the zany comments, have become part of folklore since the inception of the A-League. Every reporter loves to interview Bleiberg because he is never dull. He has an opinion – crazy that it may be – and he is not afraid to express it.
However, just secretly, many of his comments make a lot of sense. It may surprise officialdom, but those close to him know it’s true.
Moot Point has never been one to accept criticism of referees because they are human after all and will, inevitably, make mistakes. Bleiberg this time may have overstepped the mark and he did apologise the next day, but let’s hope that he is not deterred from speaking his mind.
Half time entertainment
Surely we can do better at half time in A-League games. What’s the point of getting the children to hold down a sponsor’s banner in the centre circle?
The AFL does it so well – and, yes, I know that they have three breaks to fill – but please let’s copy some of their ideas. In this case it’s about getting the children to actually play on the pitch.
The Wonderful W-League
The W-League is surely the best kept secret of football in Australia. If you haven’t tuned into the magnificent Westfield W-League coverage on ABC TV on Saturday afternoons at 3pm, then do yourself a favour and take a look.
Better still, why not get out to a game at one of the boutique venues around the country that hosts these game on a Saturday? And, while on the subject of coverage, full marks to the ABC commentary team headed by Peter Wilkins who is an “old soccer” person from way back.
Wilko, a loyal and faithful servant to old Auntie, first came to prominence as host of the ABC’s World Cup coverage from Mexico in 1986.
Great appointments
Football Federation Australia has announced that Socceroo Brett Emerton and Matilda Heather Garriock have been appointed as the inaugural Community Football Ambassadors. Both Emerton and Garriock, excellent ambassadors for our code on any measure, will promote a range of community programs and activities.
“I started out with my local community club, Gunners Soccer Club, in the Macarthur Association and like so many youngsters I had dreams of a career in football,” Emerton stated.
Garriock started her football career with the Leppington Lions, who were also in the Macarthur Association at the time.“Football has given me amazing opportunities and experiences in life,” she said. “Being an ambassador allows me to give back to the kids who hopefully one day will also be able to achieve their dreams.”
FFA ought to be commended for attempting to involve two of football’s greatest ambassadors in the development of the code at junior level.