Behind the Scenes

You probably noticed that players can be a bit… well, superstitious. From weird pre-match rituals to lucky charms, footballers around the world have some pretty strange habits that they believe give them an edge on the pitch. I did some digging and found some of the most bizarre and interesting superstitions that players have had over the years. Let’s dive into the weird and wonderful world of footballers’ superstitions! 1. The Kiss of Luck: Laurent Blanc and Fabien Barthez Let’s start with a classic. During the 1998 World Cup, French …

English football has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from rigid, physical styles of play into a fast-paced, highly strategic game. This evolution has been marked by major changes in formations, player positioning, and playing styles, all influenced by advancements in fitness and training. Today’s athletes are faster, stronger, and more technically proficient than ever, which has not only enhanced the intensity of the game but also allowed for tactical flexibility that would have been unthinkable in earlier eras. In this post, we’ll explore the evolution of English …

Football boots have undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. What started as heavy, leather-clad footwear in the late 19th century has now evolved into sleek, high-tech performance gear engineered for speed, control, and comfort. In this blog, we’ll take a journey through the evolution of English football boots, exploring the materials, design changes, and innovations that have led us from the earliest boots to the technologically advanced footwear of today’s elite athletes. The Beginnings: Leather Boots for a Rough Game (1800s – Early 1900s) In the late 1800s, football …

Football shirts have evolved dramatically from their humble beginnings to become high-tech, performance-enhancing gear that plays an essential role in the modern game. This journey from simple woollen garments to technologically advanced sportswear mirrors the broader evolution of football and the innovations that have transformed it into the global sport it is today. Here, we’ll explore the evolution of English football shirts, from the materials used to the design changes that reflect both functionality and the changing culture of the game. Early Beginnings: Wool and Cotton (Late 1800s – Early …

I’ve always wondered where this amazing sport came from. I mean, we watch matches every week, cheering for the Royals, and some of us even play it ourselves. But who actually invented football? Let’s dive into the history of the beautiful game and find out! Ancient Ball Games: The Early Beginnings Believe it or not, people have been playing ball games for thousands of years! Way before the Premier League or the World Cup, ancient civilisations had their own versions of football. China: Around 2,000 years ago, the Chinese played …

Hey everyone! If you’re a football fan like me, you’ve probably noticed how much money is involved in the sport these days. From jaw-dropping player wages to record-breaking transfer fees, English football has become a billion-pound industry. But it wasn’t always like this! Let’s take a journey through time to see how money and investment have grown in English football over the years, how players’ wages and transfer fees have skyrocketed, and where all this cash is coming from. The Early Days: Football’s Humble Beginnings Back in the late 19th …

Hey everyone! I just had to share this incredible news with you all. Our very own Reading manager, Rubén Sellés, has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Manager of the Month for October 2024! 🎉 It’s absolutely fantastic that Rubén is getting the recognition he truly deserves. He’s been pulling out amazing results with a team made up of hungry academy players and free transfers. Imagine achieving all this with an extremely small squad! Not to mention, he’s been handling off-the-field takeover drama and financial issues like a …