By Tom Ryan

A big problem for non-league clubs is money. With football having a high number of participants, many would have thought it would be easy to run and maintain a football club. At non-league level this is not the case, with there being many challenges that a club has to face.

Many of these teams consist of mainly amateur players with only the higher tier teams having the luxury of semi-professional players. This adds pressure on teams to be able to field a full squad on matchdays, as football is not amateur players main priority, with families and jobs coming first.

Non-league clubs have been folding at an alarming rate with 3,000 clubs folding between the years of 2007 and 2012 with many more since. Many initiatives have been brought in at grassroots level in order to lower the number of teams folding, such as rolling substitutions. Many players that leave non-league football fill the void with alternative types of football such as five-a-side and futsal, with both versions increasing in popularity.

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Unlike their professional counterparts, non-league clubs don’t have a bottomless pit of money or multi-million pound sponsorship deals. This then restricts the clubs when it comes to signing players and getting new facilities. Salford City is one club that doesn’t have the restrictions of a non-league club as they were recently bought by members of Manchester United’s class of ’92.

On the other hand, Salford’s local rivals FC United of Manchester (FCUM) are exploring the possibility of applying for an overdraft. This is due to the financial position that the club is currently in. One club that recently folded was Norton United; they folded at the end of the 2014-15 season as they were unable to pay rent of up to £20,000 for their ground on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent.

Clubs in England’s professional divisions can fly to an away game with ease, but this isn’t the case for non-league clubs. Many non-league clubs turn down promotions in order to keep travel costs to a minimum and to cause less hassle for players who make their own way to games. Some divisions are split into northern and southern but this can cause clubs to still be travelling very long distances.

One club that has to do excessive travelling is Gloucester City, who plies their trade in the National League North, even though they’re based in the South West of England. The furthest away game for Gloucester is against Darlington 1883 which is roughly 223 miles away. For any non-league club, that much travel for an away game is very costly and an understandable reason for some clubs refusing promotion, even when they have earned the right to go up to the next division.

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Non-league clubs also face a battle against professional clubs for young players. Whilst both have academies with the aim to prepare the next generation to be footballers, many of the younger players jump at the chance of joining the youth teams of a professional club. This is due to the stature of the first team that they would be fighting to play for. This gives non-league teams a tough task when building for the future, as many of the top talents are selected by top tier clubs, due to them having the money and the facilities to attract such talented young prospects.

 By Michael Rietdyk

Liverpool Football Club Academy is considered to be one of the world’s finest. It boasts the production of numerous European Cup winners in both past and recent times, these include the likes of Phil Thompson and Steven Gerrard.

The famous academy also holds a long-term partnership with Liverpool International Academy, which coaches youngsters both domestically – at The Academy – and abroad. The International Academy, which has only grown, hosts training camps in over 20 different nations worldwide.

The International Soccer School intends on giving young players around the world an opportunity to play ‘The Liverpool Way’. According to Jurgen Klopp, “it offers something different and something unique by developing players both on and off the pitch, educating them through experiences that will shape their progression into young adults and giving those skills that can be used throughout their lives.”

Having these International Soccer Schools can help to maintain the Liverpool FC brand image abroad, allowing it to grow and expand in order to earn more global recognition which it deserves. According to its website, the Premier League is broadcast in 212 territories around the world, working with 80 different broadcasters.

By Michael Rietdyk

This time last season Leicester City were already sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League. Who’s going to be successful this time around…?

Liverpool

The Reds’ form has been nothing short of sensational under Jurgen Klopp this campaign. Liverpool’s recent unbeaten run was impressive. However, after the 4-3 loss away to Bournemouth, questions have been asked about their leaky defence. Statistics show Loris Karius’ performance in goal has been good since his return from injury, so I don’t think Liverpool need to panic buy in order to solidify their back four.

It’s almost common knowledge that Liverpool need to invest in a central defender, especially with Mamadou Sakho being left out the squad. Virgil van Dijk’s £25m release clause may be very tempting as Liverpool looked uncertain without Joel Matip against Bournmouth. James Milner being the number one choice left back must worry some supporters and supporters are still calling for a quality left-back to be signed. Philippe Coutinho’s recent injury has sparked discussion to whether Liverpool can cope without him, with Roberto Fimino having to play out wide to cover for him. However, I think they will cope and can mount a challenge.

Arsenal

It is debatable whether Arsenal’s squad has it in them to win the title this year, but their recent form suggests otherwise. Big wins against West Ham, Bournemouth and Sunderland and draws against rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prove they aren’t here just to take part. Once the Gunners gets the likes of Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker back fighting fit, it is essential they keep them fit if they’re seriously considering going for the title.

In terms of transfers, I think Arsenal are ok. If they sell, they need to replace, with title winning quality. It seemed the transfers of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez were rush buys due to supporter pressure to spend money but they’ve certainly helped arsenal in a spell of numerous injuries.

Chelsea

Currently top of the league, Chelsea look like favourites going into 2017. Since their September defeat to Liverpool, Antonio Conte’s side are unbeaten in nine Premier League matches. Chelsea’s style of counter attacking play appears to be paying off with the likes of Diego Costa and N’golo Kante performing fantastically in their roles.

In order to be champions come May, Chelsea need to continue to focus on keeping clean sheets which they’ve been superb at this season. As well as this, Costa is key to their title chances. Chelsea may need to spend on another striker in January as their second-choice striker Michy Batshuayi has found the net just three times since his £33m move.

Manchester City

Before the start of the season, Manchester City were firm favourites to go on to win the title for a third time. In order to do so they need to find and maintain good home form, which may prove difficult as their schedule is about to become incredibly hectic after progressing in the Champions League.

Having recruited coach Pep Guardiola, Man City are hopeful for plenty of silverware in the near future. Guardiola struggled to win the European Cup in Germany so he will be keen for success in that competition in England. Yaya Toure is back in the team having been left out and signings like Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gündogan are showing strong signs of proving their value. Individuals like Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero could be key in their title push.

Many fans have called for the goalkeeping problem to be completely solved after numerous shaky moments from Claudio Bravo. It seems their goalkeeping issues continue with Joe Hart reportedly returning from his loan in Italy, so it could be a busy January for them.

By Dan Smith

Even though there’s only a two-division gap, the life of a League One footballer is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the Premier League. I spoke to current Southend United midfielder Jack Bridge, to get an insight into his life as a professional footballer and what makes him tick.

The 21-year-old is a Southend boy born and bred. He has been part of the club since he was nine years old and owes it all down to one man when he was growing up.

‘My biggest influence growing up probably would have been my dad, he managed my Sunday league team, took me to my first game at roots hall, and to my first session with Southend’.

Being a professional footballer is something that many of us can only dream about. However, Bridge gets to live it every day. When asked about what a typical day will consist off this is what he had to say, look out for a cheeky dig at fellow team mate Ted Smith:

‘My typical day would consist of getting myself to the training ground for breakfast around 9 o’clock, after that I beat ted smith at a few games of pool nice and quickly. I’ll then prepare for training session ahead with certain exercises and then head out. After this we have some lunch and then depending on what is the plan for the week we either finish for the day or have a gym session in afternoon’ 

Bridge is part of a generation that has seen many well-known players be developed by the Southend academy. Players including Dominic Iorfa (Wolves) Isaac Hayden (Newcastle) as well as Dan Bentley (Brentford) have all come through the academy. As well as England youth, international Ted Smith who is still at the club. However, went asked who the best player he has played with is, it is a former Tottenham, Fulham, Fleetwood, Crawley and Bristol |Rovers man that springs to mind:

‘The best player I played with would be Lyle Della Verde. Growing up I’ve never seen anything like it, he could score goals from anywhere and from any situation. More recently it would be Jack Payne and Ted smith. Payney could score from nothing and Ted, you can just never score past him’ 

As well as playing with some of these future stars he has had the privilege of playing against many superb players but there was one player who stuck out more than others. This French international was superb in a match against Bridges’ Blues:

‘The best player I’ve played against was Dimitri Payet in pre-season against West Ham, he scored a hat trick against us and was unplayable’.

The route to first team football has not been as straightforward as Bridge would hope for. He has had multiple loan spells away from the Shrimpers. Including a stint at Soham Town Rangers and two spells at Conference South side Chelmsford City, where during the last half of last season he excelled scoring seven goals in 14 games from the wing. Asked about the time away this is how the young midfielder responded.

‘The 2 loans spells at Chelmsford I really enjoyed and loved playing my football there. Obviously, there is a big difference in the pace of the game and quality in comparison to league football, but it has definitely put me in good stead for the future’.

On April 30th 2016, a proud moment occurred for Bridge, he made his debut for is boyhood club against Bradford City. This was then followed up by his first start in the final game of last season away at Bury. He went on the say that it was the best moment of his career to date.

‘The best moment in my career, there could be a few up there. But if I had to pick it would be making my debut. I was nervous and excited but it was a great experience that I will never forget’.

It is not all plain sailing though as a footballer, there are many obstacles that will be placed in front of you. Including injury, not playing and low morale. As well as talking about this he also states what the lowest point in his career is so far

‘I’d say hardest obstacle is staying patient and to just keep going when things aren’t going well. When I’m not in the team or squad I just have to keep doing the right things and waiting until a chance comes along. The worst moments in football for me so far would be the injuries that I have picked up. There’s nothing worse than being injured and having to watch training and games’. 

The future certainly looks bright for Jack Bridge, a player who still has great potential and is seen by many Southend fans as the replacement for former starlet, Jack Payne. Only time will tell what happens, with only three appearances so far this season however he will certainly be looking to build upon this in the second half of the season and contribute towards a Southend play-off push.

By Michael Rietdyk

We are nearly halfway through the campaign and as the Champions League group stages came to a close, the number of clubs in contention for glory has become much slimmer. These are the strongest sides in with a chance.

1. Real Madrid

No team has ever won Europe’s most prestigious football competition two seasons in a row. This fact maybe threaten as the competition’s most successful team in securing glory once again this coming May.

However, just five months after replacing Rafa Benitez as Real’s head coach, Zinedine Zidane became the seventh man to win the European Cup as both a player and a manager. Clearly a terrific manager, for one so inexperienced.

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the competitions current top scorer… Could he help them defy history and win the trophy for a second consecutive season?

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2. Juventus

In this current campaign, the Italian giants have some of the lowest possession statistics in the competition. Highly anticipated for a team with such a defensive background.

Their typical defensive style is perfect for knockout football and has brought many sides success in the past. They’re certainly used to this style as it is prominent in Italy’s Serie A.

A world record transfer fee of £89m sale of their midfield maestro Paul Pogba has helped Juventus build a side with much more quality and depth all round.

Despite spending most of that Pogba cash on striker Gonzalo Higuain, the Italians spent big in summer. Signing names such as Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves permanently and Medhi Benatia and Juan Cuadrado on loan. Could this be their year?

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have reached the competition’s semi-final in the last five consecutive years and hunger levels must be incredibly high after recent failures with Pep Guardiola at the helm.

Their new boss, Carlo Anchelotti is the most successful coach around in Champions League terms. He has definitely been brought in to win this title. He was successful in the competition as a player, and he has won as a coach three times – which is a champions league record; twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid,

The German giants have truly unbelievable depth, especially in midfield where the majority of their qualities originate. This midfield has pushed them to the highest possession stats in Europe this campaign, just ahead of Barcelona. As well as this, world-class striker Robert Lewondowski has helped them to being the highest scorers in the competition so far.

Is it their year? Statistics say they’ll be there, or thereabouts.

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4. Barcelona

Barcelona have undoubtedly the best front three in world football; Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. They all shine with different qualities, which could turn over any side.

The Spaniards have added quality throughout in summer, especially through the spine of the team. Signings like Paco Alcacer, Andre Gomes and Samuel Umtiti will help bring a fresh approach both mentally and physically with younger, more energetic teams like Atletico Madrid causing problems for big sides in recent seasons.

The four time champions faced an early exit last campaign and will be hungry for success this time around after finishing top of their group, a huge six points ahead of Guardiola’s Manchester City.

5. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have superb ability in cup competitions, making them my favourite outsider. Led by Diego Godin, the defensive resilience they show is second to none. Atletico play with unmatched high press and as their squad is young, they can keep up this pressure for the full 90 minutes.

Atletico only conceded two goals in the group stages, one of which came away at Bayern Munich in the final match, having already topped the group in style. With arguably their strongest squad to date, Atletico will strongly believe they’re in contention for the cup this time around.

By Curtis Bagley

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In just one week, the Boxing world has been flabbergasted by the scenes in recent press conferences from the likes of David Haye and Tony Bellew, and more recently, Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte. But how legitimate are these so called press conference ‘bust ups’?

In UFC 202, Conor McGregor faced Nate Diaz in a rematch fight, which eventually lead to McGregor gaining revenge. However, the UFC 202 press conference took the internet by storm, after Nate and his gang decided to bombard McGregor with bottles and abuse, which obviously irritated the cocky Irishmen. With the video of the press conference being watched by millions all over the world, it tempted people to tune in to fight night, resulting in 1.65 million pay-per-view viewers, a UFC record. Since then, press conferences in boxing seems to have become a lot more heated. Is boxing trying to replicate the public reaction of this UFC 202 press conference?

David Haye faces his new boxing rival Tony Bellew next year, which is the most anticipated fight of 2017 so far. However, in the recent press conference, tensions seemed to spill over, after the two fighters viscously squared up to each other, leading to Haye taking a swing at his Scouse opponent. The fight seems too good to miss right? But was this the objective? To make sure they gain as many viewers as they can? In the same week, during a press conference, Derek Chisora seemed to get rather angry at his opponent Dillion Whyte, leading to him launching a table in the direction of Whyte, completely unprofessional behaviour.

As it turned out, Haye and Chisora have some history of their own in press conferences. Back in 2012, Chisora and Vitali Klitschko were in a post match press conference, when Haye interrupted, and started verbally abusing both boxers. Chisora then confronted Haye, which lead to a savage brawl. Funny how these boxers have a history of brutal press conferences. This begs the question, are the press conferences real, or just PR stunts?

By James van der Dol

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This week following his last gasp World Championship victory in Abu Dhabi, Nico Rosberg announced that he was retiring from Formula One.

The 31-year-old German had been involved in one of the fiercest battles for the Drivers’ title in the sports recent history. It went down to the final showdown under the lights at the Yas Marina circuit, in which Rosberg knew that a podium finish would hand him his maiden title and pip Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to the top spot of the Drivers’ Standings.

Hamilton led from start to finish and deployed various tactics along the way in an attempt to back up the field and bring other competitors closer to the back of Rosberg who was sat comfortably in second place. Hamilton ignored team orders demanding him to pick up his pace. Nevertheless, despite Rosberg coming under attack from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in the closing laps, he held on to ensure that he would be crowned World Champion for 2016.

The usual exuberant celebrations associated with Formula One ensued as the Mercedes-Benz team celebrated their third World Championship in three years. Although neither of their drivers appear to have a healthy relationship, following the conclusion of this incredible season, both had kind words to say about each other.

Hamilton tweeted shortly after,

Following more celebrations, it took just five days for Rosberg to shock the world once more and announced that he was to retire from the sport. He said “I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right.” He went on to thank everyone that had helped him reach this feat including his close family and fans.

Almost as soon as Rosberg had retired the inquest into whom Mercedes would replace their World Champion with had begun.

Mercedes find themselves at a crossroads. Do they try and fill the seat with someone as experienced as Nico Rosberg and someone that will provide Lewis Hamilton with a serious challenge next season. Or do they take the same approach that rivals Red Bull have taken in previous years and choose someone that has passed through the team’s young driver scheme. We take a look at the potential candidates and what they have to offer.

Fernando Alonso –

The two-time world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Fernando Alonso is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. Having endured a number of underwhelming years at McLaren, is it time for Alonso to move on to pastures new? At 35 years of age the Spaniard cannot afford to waste any time if he wants to challenge for the title once more.

If Alonso were to make the move across to Mercedes then they would be gaining a world-class driver who would be able to help develop their car just like he has done in the past at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. A driver with 32 wins and 97 podium finishes, he also would provide a challenge for Lewis Hamilton both within the team and in the championship itself. However, there is a potential stumbling block for Mercedes, he is contracted to drive for McLaren during the 2017 season. The German car giant have the firepower to be able to prise Alonso from his seat at McLaren, but it may prove a risky move to pay such a substantial compensation fee for a driver that has been away from the top of the sport for so long.

Pascal Wehrlein – 

The 22-year-old German has been on the Mercedes radar for a number of years now. He is a product of the teams youth set up and had previously been Mercedes back up and test driver. Last season was his first full term competing in F1 in which he drove for Manor. The team struggled all year with lack of investment and numerous technical faults only allowing them to finish in the points on one occasion in Austria. It was Wehrlein that picked up this tenth place finish and helped prove to the world that he could tangle with the best of them. Only Mercedes will know if they have seen enough to convince them that Wehrlein is capable of being their second driver.

Valtteri Bottas – 

Williams endured a rather miserable season in 2016 finishing 35 points behind Force India to finish fifth in Constructors championship. Both drivers struggled with mechanical issues throughout the season and failed to stick to any type of rhythm whatsoever. It was such a contrast to their 2015 campaign in which they finished third above both Red Bull and Force India. Bottas was a linchpin in their success that season and gained a lot of admirers. The 27-year-old has failed to pick up any victories in his time in Formula One, however he has proved to be competent enough to compete with great defensive driving and bold overtaking moves. He has also been driving with a Mercedes engine since 2014. Could this prove to be a crucial part of the jigsaw for Mercedes when identifying their next driver?

Outsiders –

 Sebastian Vettel – 

 The four time World Champion is a fellow German and obviously has the required credentials to fight for the World title. However, he seems extremely happy to be driving for Ferrari who themselves will be aiming to be closer to Mercedes for next season. It would surely take a lot for Mercedes to snatch one of their closest rivals main drivers, especially one with a calibre of Vettel’s.

Esteban Ocon –

The 20-year-old French driver is still a baby in comparison to most on the Formula One grid. After racing nine times for Manor last season he impressed enough to earn himself a spot at Force India for the 2017 season. This is the main reason that it will be very unlikely that we will see Ocon in a Mercedes car next season. But anything is possible in the world of F1.

By Max Kiddle

A fine Alexis Sanchez hat-trick helped Arsenal to an impressive 5-1 demolishing of West Ham at The London Stadium.

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Arsenal were much the better side in the opening stages creating a couple of openings that just failed to be converted. Proceedings were not helped when James Collings was replaced by former Real Madrid right back Alvaro Arbeloa; the veteran had a troubled afternoon. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and the overlapping Nacho Monreal were having excellent success down the left hand side and it was only a matter of time before Arsenal took the lead. A mistake in possession by Angelo Ogbonna let Sanchez in on goal only to cut back to Mesut Ozil to open the scoring.

West Ham then improved, even creating a couple of half opportunities of their own before the half time whistle. However Arsenal routed in the second half and Sanchez surged down the right before striking the ball across Darren Randolph to score the first of his hat-trick. The Chilean then added his second, a low strike from 18 yards, which found the far corner. Many unhappy Hammers were starting to head for the exits. An unfamiliar sight occurring at the London Stadium this season.

West Ham were given a glimmer of hope after a delicate Dimitri Payet free kick curled onto the cross bar and the rebound fell to the returning Andy Carroll to head home. However, West Ham’s slim hopes were dashed by Oxlade Chamberlain’s excellent strike just minutes later. The Englishman cut in from the left and curled the ball into the far corner.

With the game now wide open and drawing to a close, there was no stopping the quite brilliant Sanchez taking the match ball home. He was slid in on goal by Oxlade Chamberlain and exquisitely chipped the despairing Randolph who was sent down by a fake shot prior to the chip.

The 5-1 defeat now leaves The Irons 17^th in the table on just 12 points and a giant injury list. Things don’t get any easier with their next game being an away trip to Anfield. Arsenal on the other hand have risen to second, 3 points off Chelsea at the top of the table and remain unbeaten since the opening day of the season in the league. Their next game is a very winnable home game against Stoke City.

By Samantha Habgood

Former England manager Roy Hodgson says players must move on from the shock Euro 2016 loss to Iceland.

Hodgson quit after the 2-1, last-16 defeat in June, but still believes the team can achieve in the future.

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The shock Euros exit for England against Iceland, ranked 34th in the world and with a population of just 330,000 is described as one of the darkest moment in England’s football history.

Former captain, Alan Shearer at the time described the defeat as the “worst performance” he has ever seen from the national team.

Roy Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek “I just hope they’re going to be given the chance to be good and not constantly held back by people trying to lay the sins of the past upon them”.

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Roy Hodgson added that he believes Gareth Southgate comes into the job with a lot of credibility and can take the team forward.

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This brings the question is it time for us and the players to move on?

By Izabela Muczynska

Christmas is meant to be a happy and exciting day for everybody. We usually celebrate it with our loved ones, enjoying the lovely time when the whole family have been finally put together. Unfortunately, not everybody can be as lucky as we are. There are many families, who can not provide a proper Christmas for their children. Simply due to the lack of money.

‘The Noble Package’ is a very famous project in Poland. Every year, around Christmas time, people prepare a parcel for one family that they have chosen. It became a really popular thing amongst athletes as well. The Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, takes part in this project every year.

Lewandowski says “Helping with this project has become something normal for us, we do it every year. I hope, that those receiving gifts will be the beginning of a new, better life. I believe that ‘The Noble Package’ project is an act of kindness that will be spread all over the world. I am extremely happy that we can be involved in this.”

Polish National Team became the first group of donors in the 16^th edition of ‘The Noble Package’, this is how footballers want to inspire other Polish people to help families living in poverty. This year they prepared their parcel for a single woman, who is raising three kids on her own. Amongst the gifts they could receive items that are really needed, such as food, clothes or cleaning supplies.

One of her sons was dreaming about a scarf saying POLAND. Footballers made his dream come true and gave him a scarf with signatures of the whole Polish squad. Also, they have decided to put an additional gift in the parcel, a medal. Players wanted to show the family respect and tell the mother of three that they really appreciated her courage. Although the situation is very hard, she does not give up and she is fighting for a better future for her and her children.

Grzegorz Krychowiak tried to wind everybody up recently. He did very well to be honest! I believed this myself. What is the story? Krychowiak, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder has posted a photo with his girlfriend a couple of days ago. In the description he was asking his fans to give them three female and three male names to help them.

Fans and the media thought that his girlfriend Celia Jaunat is expecting a baby, so they started to congratulate the young couple. The footballer explained everything a few days later, he wanted his fans to pick names, so he can choose two kids to get help from him and his girlfriend. People could not complain, Krychowiak’s intentions were good and nobody blames him for this little misunderstanding. How could we? That was actually a very good trick, he was trying to make everybody pay attention to this project.

It is great that those guys are trying to make something good for other people and they are using their fame as a tool in spreading kindness. Thanks to their actions more people will be spending this Christmas with their faith in humanity back.