First Whistle – December 2011
We’ve all played out a rather eventful year – personally, professionally, on the field and off it. But the only constant was the ‘soccer syndrome’ that consumed us, irrespective of our other commitments. So much so, that we decided to manifest our passion and fanaticism a tad productively through Goalden Times, back in August. Little did we know the fruits of labour would be so rewarding. Four editions and a few trials on, we’re proud to see our baby find its footing, albeit virtually. Minor hurdles and challenges can never ebb the passion that drives us to present an improved GT for you every month – just like one loss can’t dampen the spirits of a football team. We take our management lessons from football, afterall.
Here’s presenting the football news for the last time this year, in the same fever pitch. The Euro 2012 draws were held a couple of weeks back. What ensues between the participating groups can only be a delectable conjecture for us all. The top European leagues, on the other hand, are gearing up for holiday matches; it’s testing times for the squads and their might. For now, Manchester City and Real Madrid are holding on to their top positions in Premier League and La Liga respectively. AC Milan, Udinese, Juventus and Lazio keenly contest for the pole position in Serie A. Indian football is also on a rare high after winning the SAFF Cup. We eagerly await our new Ballon d’Or, to be announced early next year. While we hunt for glory, don’t miss all the speculations on the impending winter transfers.
In other stories, while Carlos Tevez refuses to play for Manchester City as he ‘doesn’t feel up to it’, Doncaster captain Billy Sharp – a minnow compared to Tevez, in terms of stature and salary – was on the pitch just two days after the tragic loss of his two-day old son and scored a ‘goal from heaven’ as a tribute to his late son. As Bill Shankly famously said, football is more important than life and death. We pay our tribute to two legendary captains: Socrates – the Brazilian with languid skills and handsome grace and Gary Speed – the Leeds attacking midfielder. More than footballers, they were both great ‘football men’.
Come join us in celebrating our little personal victories as the teams rejoice theirs on the field. As 2011 draws to a close, we would like to greet all our well-wishers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you achieve your goals!
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About Goalden Times Editorial Team
Goalden Times Crew | Reach out to as at editor@goaldentimes.org or tweet as @GoaldenTimes.
