However the popularity of
The United States boasts one of the maddest leagues in the World, Major League Soccer. The MLS features 19 teams (soon to be 20 (and then possibly 22)); 5 contract types and a new age registration system - its all very American isn't it? But why?
The Reasons...
There are several reasons as to why American football has gone from strength to strength.
Players like Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard are reinvigorating soccering passion. Seattle has seen soccer become its second sport - which Clint Dempsey had a hand in!
Impressive facilities have also enabled the game to grow. College soccer has vastly improved as a result of many sports scholarships being handed out to foreign youngsters.
The most obvious, and recent, reason for America's growing interest in soccer is The World Cup. Team USA did themselves proud in Brazil - particularly against Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal!
However it isn't Americans becoming more English, Italian or Brazilian - its the opposite...
Fireworks, Songs and Director's of Football...
Football, for better or worse, is becoming more suited to America's sporting minds - a spectacle rather than a sport?
Just like in the NBA teams are setting off fireworks (rarely but still) and playing songs when they score - what happened to swearing at other fans? At Arsenal ball boys and mascots are sent behind the goal to wave huge red flags when the gunners score, at Everton they play Blue Moon and at MK Dons...
Although its footballs backroom structure which is evolving. No more do you see managers prowling the touchline, leading training and making signings; today its a tale of delegation and scape goating.
Chairman now employ (but still often do it themselves) a Director of Football. It is his (or her) job to sign and sell players for their First Team Coach to deploy as they choose - which has produced mixed results.
Sam Alladcye has been saved by chairman intervention! David Gold and Sullivan signed Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song against the will of Alladyce and since then the Hammers have been nestled in the top four!
Although Alan Pardew probably feels differently!
Evolving Beast.
Football changes from season to season.
Gone are the times when 'keepers didn't wear gloves and couldn't kick a ball. Instead a world of latex palms and Rodrigo Cenni!
Although football is changing most alarmingly off the pitch. Fans shell out £50 on match tickets, players live like rock stars and clubs are backed by Arabian princess'. While footballs economic development probably isn't sustainable its glamour and spectacle suits our brothers across the pond.
The puck is about to drop...
But before I go. If you want to keep up to date with all things AYO, FM Lord Chris and me: go and like or subscirbe to the links below!
FM Lord Chris - http://fmchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/team-fa-england.html
Our Joint Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheFMAddicts?ref=hl
No comments:
Post a Comment