Recently, I was asked if I would referee a Hepworth United junior game (or two). 30 minutes per half; two games at U10, against a local club that wears maroon and sky blue. I am obsessed with the colours and wonder how they came to be paired up. Any one know?
The lads/lassies "A" game went nicely, the score doesn't matter, the B game was a belter 3-3.
The opposition "lead" coach for both games was a gentleman of mature years...could be almost as old as me, in kit and he was obviously a man who knew his football. I didn't ask too much about his playing career, but he was helpful and despite not thanking me afterwards directly for refereeing the game, it was an event less morning APART from him shouting "PASS IT" every time his young lads got the ball. No direction of where to pass it, little positive encouragement and occasionally a raised voice of frustration, when things didn't go too well. The persistent noise was awful but I guess that's the way he encourages his young players, who were mostly pleasant boys and girls, despite the verbal battering.
If he had been playing blow football, I think he would have blown away not only the ball, but the players and goals, probably the pitch. So with that noise ringing in my ears, I thought about eccentric coaches and Marcelo Bielsa came to mind.
I have to say Bielsa is NOT like the man on the touchline. So I found this link to prove it and leave you to make up your own mind. But he is called "El Loco" and this came about after he was confronted by a gang of "ultras", and matched them with a hand grenade...pin poised!
With twelve clubs to his portfolio and 665 matches his win % is 46. The list is: Newell's Old Boys (2 seasons), Atlas (2 years), America (1 year), Velez Stansfield (1 year), Espanyol 3 months), Argentina 6 years), Chile 4 years), Athletic Bilbao (2 years), Marseille (1 year), Lazio (2 days), Lille (7 months), Leeds (June 2018).
The documentary is on Sky Sports on Wednesday 10.30pm You could get this on demand if you knew how to. (please don't say you can't afford it)
THIS IS THE TRAILER
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12010958/bielsa-el-loco-leeds
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