Soccer
is a cherished institution in the United Kingdom. As a result, the
antics of players and coaches attract a good deal of attention from
devoted soccer fans. Here are three of the most popular anecdotes
from the world of soccer.
•
When one player confronted manager Brian Clough about why he'd been
sent down to the second team, Clough replied, "Because you're
too good for the third."
•
Steve Morrow is generally credited with ensuring the Arsenal win in
the final of the 1993 League Cup. After the game, Tony Adams
attempted to lift Morrow to his shoulders in a congratulatory
gesture. This backfired, however, when Adams slipped and dropped
Morrow to the ground, breaking his arm and dampening spirits all
around.
•
Matt Le Tissier was one of the shining lights of the Southampton
Football Club. As a result, he was given wide leeway by his manager,
Alan Ball. One night during the pre-season, Le Tissier and some of
his teammates decided to break training rules and head to a
nightclub, where they were duly introduced by the DJ over the
loudspeakers. Since the nightclub was located immediately adjacent to
Ball's hotel room, he heard it all and was waiting for the players
when they finally made their way back in the wee hours of the
morning. After lecturing the other players, Ball is reported to have
told Le Tissier, "Our senior players are setting a bad example,
but the way you're playing, you can do what you like."
The
colorful personalities and amazing success stories continue to thrill
devoted soccer fanatics and to attract new followers for this
fast-paced international sport.
