TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Brazil still hurting from 1950 loss More than alf a century has passed, but the pain from Brazil's loss to Uruguay in the final game of the 1950 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro still lingers for most Brazilians. cbc.cacbc.ca |
Sam Allardyce warns FA that more must be done to nurture English talent Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce accuses Football Association of not doing enough to produce English talent. telegraph.co.uk |
Spain's next big thing: Pedro FC Barcelona star Pedro is causing a stir - so much so that there is a strong feeling that he should be included in the Spanish national team for the World Cup in South Africa. cbc.ca |
Jos Hooiveld has what it takes to enter Celtic's Parkhead pantheon | Jim Black The Dutchman's larger-than-life personality could secure him idolatry status among Celtic fansThose fortunate enough to acquire idolatry status with the Celtic supporters are assured of unswerving loyalty. A select few, among them Patsy Gallagher, Jimmy McGrory, Charlie Tully, Jimmy Johnstone and Billy McNeill, have reached that exalted position.More recently, a Swede called Henrik Larsson joined his equally famous predecessors in the Parkhead pantheon. Now, it seems, a Dutchman may possess the personality attributes required to qualify for membership.The name Jos Hooiveld will not spring instantly to the lips of the faithful, given that he has yet to wear the Hoops, other than in the statutory photoshoot that accompanied his recent arrival in the east end of Glasgow.Indeed, it may be another fortnight at least before the 6ft 3in central defender is deemed sufficiently match-fit to commence the latest phase of his colourful career after his previous employer, AIK Solna – in keeping with Swedish football tradition – entered a state of hibernation several weeks ago.But while the critics have still to be satisfied as to Hooiveld's playing credentials, he has quickly won over the Scottish football hacks in search of a regular source of fresh material.Hooiveld is indeed a larger-than-life character. His personality lights up a room and encompasses wit, intelligence and charm blended with a hint of self deprecation."I am 26 and I am hoping to become more of a man here," he announced the other day. "I am starting to mature when I think about football and life."When nobody in Holland wanted me I deliberately went abroad because I thought it would be good for my development as a person. When I moved to Finland to play for Inter Turku I started behaving as a professional should do."Having played his part in Turku being crowned champions, Hooiveld enjoyed similar success 12 months later, in Sweden, but he is adamant that he remains much better known in Scandinavia than he is in his homeland.Hooiveld, it transpires, paid an earlier visit to Scotland in search of a career after failing to make much of an impression at either Heerenveen or Zwolle. "I was in Livingston once, with the Livi Lions when I was 20. Richard Gough was the manager and it was a nice experience."I arrived in Edinburgh very late and had only four hours sleep before someone came from the club to meet me at my hotel. I thought we would have breakfast and then talk but I was taken directly to play a game and all I got to eat was one little white sandwich."It snowed for the next four days and then we trained indoors on the fifth day and on the sixth I went home. But they wanted me back and next time there was a staff party at my hotel and I didn't get to sleep until 5.30am and that wasn't the best preparation ever."But Dutch people have a certain mentality when it comes to travelling. That's why we established a lot of colonies. Mind you I had no options in Holland. Maybe I could have played at amateur level with Telstar or something, but you would not want to go there."I was brought up in a little village and I looked up to everyone without realising my own capabilities. I would look at someone and think they were doing great and not think I could do the same thing."But now I believe in myself. I know now that I can do it, too, but maybe not at Barcelona. But I had to grow up in the head and treat football in a professional manner."Asked what alternative career path he might have followed, Hooiveld raised fresh smiles when he replied: "Dentist! Or maybe a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist because I am a very good mathematician."Tony Mowbray, the Celtic manager, freely admits that he was drawn by Hooiveld's personality and strength of character, also describing him as an individual with a winning mentality and decent football skills.But the likelihood is that the club's PR machine will swing into action sooner rather than later and attempt to restrict Hooiveld's dealings with the media, for fear that he may exercise his right to free speech.CelticScottish Premier LeagueJim Blackguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Aston Villa play down reports about signing Rangers striker Kris Boyd Villa distance themselves from reports that they are close to signing the Rangers striker. telegraph.co.uk |