Newport County the story so far..

Welsh football is in vogue, the football purists are in love with Swansea City and their pass percentages, the pragmatic fans are impressed with Cardiff City and their dogmatic performances and the La Liga lovers are still in love with Gareth Bale and his latest injury.
This article is all about what else lies beneath the footballing aristocracy in Wales, what I found is a truly remarkable football club, a community club with a very strong fan base both on the terraces and in the boardroom, a side managed by an ex- English Premier League defender and a chairman you would die for- I give you Newport County AFC.

Newport County are managed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender Justin Edinburgh and currently sit just outside the Sky Bet League 2 play-off places. Edinburgh has overseen a real shift in the clubs success over the past few seasons and this success has brought Newport County to the attention of Sofa Football.
Newport is a small town in South Wales, sitting not so quietly in the shadows of their Premier League neighbours but nothing about this football club should ever be dismissed. In its history the club has been liquidated, moved home, changed names and fallen out with the Football Association of Wales so badly that it had to go to the high court to prove Newport County had the right to play their football in the English league system and remain in Wales.

The club is nicknamed the Exiles, a blunt and evidently political nickname derived from two stints playing outside of Wales in England just to survive. At times they were forced to play their home matches 82 miles away in Gloucester just to function in the English league system.
Modern times are a lot brighter under Justin Edinburgh and he sees that the past can influence the future with the astute young manager using the clubs history to attract a certain type of player to the club, players with something to prove and a level of pride in their work. Ex- Coventry defender and club captain David Pipe returned from a prison sentence to lead his team back into the football league is testament to the player and the club.
I wanted to find out more about the club ethos at Newport County so this week I have been in conversation with Southampton Exile: @SotonExile and asked what is so special about supporting Newport County AFC. The reply is a deep understanding of the very principles of football fandom.
‘Because we don’t expect anything but celebrate every small accolade or victory, the fact that most of us have never seen any success makes what we are witnessing absolutely priceless.’
‘It’s cool supporting a fashionable club who are constantly surprising people, even in the Blue Square Premier we regularly took away 200-300 fans, now in League 2 we took over 900 fans to Exeter’.
The message is moving, local fans are no longer travelling to watch Cardiff or Swansea, they believe in their local team, a winning mentality and a fashionable identity is encouraging new fans to follow Justin Edinburgh’s side. They play attractive football; in their first match back in the football league they beat Accrington Stanley 4-1.
Edinburgh took over after the previous manager Anthony Hudson left them in the relegation places of the Conference; Edinburgh’s brief was to avoid relegation. His impact on the team was staggering, they avoided relegation and enjoyed their first ever trip to Wembley for the FA trophy final. Sadly, they were beaten by York City but the desire and passion of that cup competition drove the Exiles to promotion in the 2012 play-off final back into the football league. It was their centenary year but more ironically and typically Newport County it was against welsh opposition- Wrexham.
Their manager has ability, he played at the domestic highest level and this reputation attracts better players but like all successful management there is solid support at boardroom level and Newport County have a man in charge who gives his manager what he needs.
In 2009, Les Scadding picked up his EuroMillions card and pocketed a cool £45.5m, although Bristol born, Scadding has lived in the area for over 15 years and calls Newport his local club. When the previous chairman Chris Blight invited him to a few games he caught the football bug and the natural transition occurred but Scadding is no sugar daddy.

SouthamptonExile describes Scadding as ‘an unemployed lorry driver and one of the fans really, only more sensible’. It is a common misconception that he puts money into the club, he is a very wealthy fan that would step in if the club was under threat. There is a big difference between a businessman chairman and lotto winning chairman but this security gives the club stability.
A key example of where Scadding stepped in was when Newport bought Christian Jolley from AFC Wimbledon for £1,500 with Scadding footing the bill. The resulting signing played a crucial role in their promotion to the football league, netting in the final. He runs the club sensibly and has the respect of his manager, very Arsene Wenger.

So there you have it, Newport County AFC, a club to look out for, a fashionable club that appreciate where they have come from and the miracle journey they are currently on. Their rise through the divisions is only a matter of time. There is a now another team from South Wales in vogue, sorry Mr Laudrup its Mr Edinburgh we’d like to speak to.

Write me a story in 10 minutes..

Someone said to me the other day 'well done with the book, you're very brave'
Why is it brave to write about something, instead of nattering with your friends or a bored work colleague over lunch, why don't more of us just have a go at writing.

People think they must have A' levels and possibly a degree in English in order to even conceive the idea of putting pen to paper but the actual process can be quite easy if you give yourself the opportunity to do so.
We all doodle, we all chat, we all know what a pencil and paper are, hell we all know what a computer is, we all have read at least one book in our lives so what's the issue?

'I don't have the time, I cant be bothered, I've got nothing to write about'.
Life is a rich tapestry of experiences and we love to share those experiences with other people. The web has allowed people to share their life experiences with the world via blog pages and social media.
It seems that anyone who uses Facebook or Twitter have a HUGE amount to say or 'update' and a lot of status 'updates' are incredibly boring but they have at least something to say!
Instead of typing 'Gareth... loves cheese on toast with brown sauce', a more interesting status could be 'Gareth wants to know why brown sauce bosses red?. Write something interesting.

On the way home from our honeymoon in Samos, I was bored of the flight, the drinks trolley had poor PG tips tea and the flight attendant was as bored as I was. I announced to my wife that I wanted to play a game, I got a notepad out and said give me a 7 things and I'll write a story about the things that she suggested. Half heartedly whilst reading Vogue magazine, she mused, Rainbow, Iceland, Dragonfly, 2pm, Compass, 50p and Beard!
Strange as they were I spent 30 minutes frenetically knitting together all these things and came up with the Rainbow Dragonfly (The book is currently in production and will be released in 2014).
The book is a children's story with the basis of the story including a couple of the things she listed, not all I must add.

I believe that everyone has something to say and something to offer, people enjoy a good story and by giving ourselves 10 minutes of freedom we find we don't have to be William Shakespeare but we can be Joe Bloggs and still come out with a cool story!

Now go and write me a story..

 

Frankie Lampard's Magic Football Books

England and Chelsea F.C. legend Frank Lampard has decided to dip his literacy left foot into the world of children's books and his series of books titled Frankie's Magic Football have certainly drawn a crowd.

Lampard is a man to admire, he has it all, wealth, a TV presenter fiancé but he is a humble man who still celebrates a goal by pointing to the sky in honour of his mother who passed away a few years ago. What this man does, is live his life how his mother would want her son to do.

He recalls in his interview with the Telegraph's Martin Chilton (Feb, 2013)
"I first had the idea of Frankie and his Magic Football when reading stories to my own children. Sport and reading are two essentials for us at home, so I decided to make up my own football stories and adventures. The characters are loosely based on friends and team-mates I've played with over the years".

Frankie v The Pirate Pillagers is the first in the series of Frankie's Magic Football books, the stories give Lampard the opportunity to share this wonderful idea with children around the world. As a father he recognises the importance of parents connecting with their children through reading and the benefit this has on their literacy development and imagination.

Lampard's books have been published by Little Brown and have the backing of J.K Rowling so he's clearly impressing the right people. There are a limited amount of football books for children on the shelves with Dan Freedman and Tom Palmer producing excellent stories for older readers so its positive to see professional footballers with so much influence over young fans spending their time writing for them.

England & Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has written his series of football books called T.J and the hat-trick and David Beckham's Academy books did well so in my opinion this is a very positive move by Lampard to bridge the gap between fantasy and football.

The two children's football books that I have written were influenced by family and Frank Lampard has done the same by using family and fantasy to create a wonderful series of books that stretch children's imagination and create a situation where a father can read about football with his children- even after his team have lost on a Saturday afternoon!

Fair play 'Super Frank' and best wishes.

My Evening with Motty

'An Audience with John Motson'

              

It was an evening that I will never forget, I was asked by Buxton Opera House to compere 'An Audience with John Motson' the legendary football commentator and broadcaster.

John Motson is a footballing institution known worldwide as the voice of football. His voice synonymous with the BBC and most notably Match of the Day for over 40 years.

His devotion to his profession has seen him travel the world covering 6 World Cup tournaments and an incredible 29 F.A cup finals.

It was an honour to introduce this man in front of 150 guests packed into the small opera house as part of his small tour of England talking about his career memories. I was asked to compare the event with my 12 year experience as a football commentator for the Soccer Sightproject for blind and partially sighted football fans at Stoke City F.C home matches.

Quite simply the man is fascinating, he has his critics, mainly from purists who feel his best years are behind him and should only be spoken about in nostalgic stories in the pub. This is far from the truth as we shared a drink funnily enough in the house bar (pint of beer for me and glass of red wine for him) as there is still a great need for characters within the game. The stars on the pitch are often given the limelight but it is very rare that a lowly commentator, a voice we only use as a tool to find out the score is more famous and long lasting than many a footballer will be.

John Motson evokes memories of years gone by when the game was not driven by money, greed and Monday Night Football for the benefit of the mega rich SKY Corporation but a time when Bovril warmed the numb limbs of a fella watching the game in the freezing winter weather.

John spoke fondly of the great Brian Clough after his Nottingham Forest had won the European Cup (Modern Champions League) by offering him a whiskey soaked cup of steaming coffee after a night game. He spoke about the running battle for top spot on BBC sport with his long time sporting adversary and commentating sparring partner Barry Davies. His stories of England’s 5-1 win over Germany at the Olympic Stadium in Munich etching his famous line 'Ohhh this is getting better and better and better, one- two- three for Michael Owen’, into our memories.

This man for me is a broadcasting inspiration and whilst enjoying the pre event 'livener' a young man from the audience came over to us asking John for his autograph and some advice on how to get into the industry. He replied with some honest, old fashioned and very accurate advice 'Just keep knocking on doors son'.

An Audience with John Motson was a special night for me and fans attending enjoyed a Q&A opportunity where I conducted a lively audience packed with intriguing questions that ended with calls not to retire any time soon.

He hasn't retired, just slowed down but every so often you will hear his iconic voice on Match of the Day as I did for Arsenals 1-3 win at West Ham last night!

Motty we salute you..

 

 

         

 

Top 5 Football books for children

When you write your very first children's book you must know where your own will sit against other books in your genre. Washing line for England is primarily a book about football but it also looks into the strong bond between a father and son.

The story was inspired by personal memories but I needed to read more and find out how other authors explore the world of football and this is my TOP 5 books for footy mad children!

1. KEEPER by Mal Peet.

A truly astonishing book about a World Cup winning Brazilian Goalkeeper who leaves the Brazilian rainforest loggers by the help of a ghostly ex-player living in the heart of the South American jungle.

2. FOUL PLAY by Tom Palmer

A football mad boy saves the life of his team's top striker after being kidnapped ahead of a big game. The boy is obsessed with secret agents and spy novels so his knowledge becomes key in finding the missing striker.

3. THE FIB by George Layton

What happens when you pretend to know the legendary Bobby Charlton? Playground fibs and truths in a wonderfully easy story to enjoy.

4. COOL by Michael Morpurgo

A beautifully written story about how a young boy's favourite pet helps him to come out of a coma after a car accident.When he recovers he is rewarded by Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola taking him on to the pitch at Stamford Bridge.

5. GOAL by Mina Javaherbin

A simple story of how football deals with bullies in the school playground. This story brings home the true meaning of football in a poor African township. The illustrations are exceptional proving that text can easily be left on the bench sometimes!

All these books can be bought online or can be found in independent bookshops.

Please look for them in your local Library too!

Tolberry Vikings F.C. Washing Line for England

The Tolberry F.C. Washing line for England is the first of 4 children's football books.

The first one is about a young boy called Ryan Walker who's dad is his absolute hero, his dad watches every single game but when the Vikings reach the Cup Final and his dad has to work away, Ryan has to find the strength to deal with the situation himself.

This is my first EVER self published book and you can buy it online at www.lulu.com priced £4.99.

The book is fully illustrated by my illustrator Natasha Kowarin and soon you will be able to see more of her wonderful work on my website.

Visit gareth-hughes.com NOW!

To purchase a copy of Washing for England then please visit lulu.com , register an account for FREE then search for the title. Tolberry Vikings F.C. Washing line for England .

If you would prefer to purchase a copy by cheque or cash then please e-mail my business address which is: garethhughesbooks@hotmail.co.uk

Writing Washing line for England is dedicated to all the mums and dads who spend their Sunday's watching their children in the freezing cold and also this book is dedicated to my own father. Stephen 'Yoz' Hughes.

This blog will be constantly updated along with my website, Twitter account and Facebook group.

go to www.gareth-hughes.com NOW!

A comical look at the Stoke players as they prepare for Wembley..

Stoke City are preparing for their first visit to the new Wembley Stadium and the first F.A Cup Semi Final in 39 years but this blog is taking a tongue and cheek look into the players personalities and how they will be preparing for the game against Bolton Wanderers.

Starting with the Goalkeeper- Thomas Sorensen: I expect 'Oh Tommy Tommy' to be walking the dogs whilst mentally mapping out the Wembley pitch, its dimensions and predicting what the Bolton strikers will be doing. Overall a vastly experienced and real leader in the dressing room.

Right Back: Andy Wilkinson: Youthful local lad, eating chips on the way home from training ready to play Call of Duty Black Ops. This boy will be on a mission to get into Europe either via the FA Cup or X-Box.. hero in the making, cut him in half and he's red and white stripes.

Centre Back (Captain) Ryan Shawcross: Still very young and still learning his trade as both a player and captain, he has been a tower of strength since leaving Man Utd and what an opportunity to play his former club in the final, what's the betting he'll say to Namanja Vidic- I'm better than you and run away giggling.

Centre back: Robert Huth: The colossal German defender, unbelievably still overlooked by his national team but the highest scoring defender in the Premier League with 8 goals. His aerial ability is unquestionable. I expect Huth to be lifting huge frozen pigs in his garage before watching Rocky for the tenth time.

Left Back: Marc Wilson: trying to fill Danny Higginbotham's place who was tragically injured against Chelsea after scoring a thunderbolt free kick to get Stoke to Wembley against West Ham. Will be tough but the Irishman will play a soothing game, foot on the ball like he's calmly downing a fine Guinness in a Dublin bar.

Right Midfield: Jermaine Pennant: Once the diamond studded playboy footballer but now a family man who has found his manager and found his fans. He is now a fully fledged member of the Bash Street Kids and now Dennis the Menace has become a good boy.. expect great things.

Central Midfield: Rory Delap: The now iconic 'Rory's gonna get you' long throw sends shivers down opposing defenders and goalkeepers spines, the Bolton penalty area will look more like a kids party filled with a million balloons so Jussi Jaaskelianen could have a nightmare or two. A Delap howitzer will just be the tip of the iceberg as this man will run like Forest Gump around the pitch all game- a gentleman and true professional.

Centre Midfield: Glenn Whelan: The diminutive midfielder blessed with the ability to shoot from distance and pick a pass hasn't been seen much this season but on his day this school boy will pass through a cat flap. The vast Wembley pitch will bring the best out of the lad.

Left Wing: Matthew Etherington: Once a gambler owing half of the east end thousands, now a sublime player with electric pace and commitment levels that put him in the England frame. No call up from the poor national coach but Tony Pulis looks after Matty and he looks after him. Could be the man to run the length of the pitch like an Olympic distance runner and bring home the gold a year early- are you watching Lord Coe?

Striker: Kenwyne Jones: I expect Kenny J to be preparing with his West Indian friend Ricardo Fuller enjoying some jerk chicken listening to Bob Marley, they will both almost miss the train but like all mavericks he will take to the game still eating his lunch and jump higher than any mortal man can to reach glory.

Striker: Jon Walters: At first fans didn't know much about him and with the likes of such illustrious names as Tuncay and Gudjohnson away Jon had his work cut out. Walters is now a full international and top Premier League player through sheer hard work and commitment. He is a builder come foreman and now the man Pulis looks to when he needs a grafter. Walters its your day and you have earned your stripes my friend.

Subs:

Striker: Ricardo Fuller: He is now the managers player to bring off the bench to light the blue touch paper and explode into action. Against Newcastle he came on and within 5 minutes had kicked Newcastle bad boy Joey Barton in the shins then ran away to score a superb solo goal. The man is a danger to himself and a real danger to the opposition but you wouldn't half want him in your team. The Bolton defenders tired after 70 minutes of balloon bombardment will see Riccy coming off the bench with a dread usually associated with a continuous kick in the balls.

Midfielder: Dean Whitehead: The man will literally cover every blade of grass, even behind the line he'll make sure its covered. A real box to box player who I expect will be preparing for the game by running to training and back before he sleeps for 16 hours. If extra time is needed Deano will carry the team on his back.

Defender Danny Collins: A centre back who has had to play out of position his entire time at Stoke City will be a player who the manager can bring on to fill a gap. He is your usual man to call on when when you are a player missing at 5 a'side- he's always ready and will pay his £3 to help you out. Experience professional who will turn off the T.V to play for you.

Striker: John Carew: The experienced Norweigen on-loan from Aston Villa has played accross Europe in the Champions league and has played at Wembley so he is a very useful player to have on your bench. A great dressing room character who will make sure Kenny J will be on his game as the manager knows 'John Carew, Carew he's bigger than me and you, he'll get one or two, John Carew, Carew'

Defender: Abdoulaye Faye: Hardly been used this season due to Shawcross and Huth being exceptional but the human army Abdy will be there in both body and spirit as he is entering the twilight of his career, nothing will upset Johan Elmander more than this man looking into your eyes and into your soul as you break down in tears. A lovely man though!

Asmir Begovic (Goalkeeper) The regular number one in the league is proving to be the buy of buys as Chelsea tried unsuccessfully to sign him from the potters. Asmir puts club before country and I expect he will be right behind his mentor and friend Thomas Sorensen, the master and the apprentice united as one.

Defender/Left Back/ Midfielder/ Drinks Carrier/ Tea Boy: Danny Pugh

Every team needs a squad player and Pugh is several of those in one, an English Swiss army knife that can be used for anything. Extra Time could see Pugh used in any situation when everyone but Dean Whitehead get's a touch of cramp on that big Wembley pitch.

The Manager: Tony Pulis

The leader of the Rat pack, the leader of the Bash Street Kids and the leader of Stoke City as he twice got the potters by the scruff of the neck to save them firstly from relegation then lead them into the Premier League, keep them there and take them to Wembley. Anyone who boos this man should be ashamed of themselves. Points win prizes and Pulis is a man you take with you when you want results. Dont expect a pretty match but what you get is an entertaining mixture of grit and determination with a light topping of class Mr Fuller, Etherington and Pennant. Bolton you have been warned..

So this is how I think about the Stoke player's approach to the game, my thoughts on what type of people they could be. This is only a fictional blog but I think every single player will be aiming to win the game for fallen team-mates Danny Higginbotham and Mama Sidibe but most of all for the fans that idolise them week in week out.

C'MON YOU RIP ROARING POTTERS!!!!!