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www.expressteacher.com Jonathan's
forum - here! No one is quite sure of the origins of football, though some say that the closest ball game resembling football was played in China around 446 BC. 'Cuju' - meaning 'Kick Ball' in Chinese - involved kicking a leather ball through a hole in a silk cloth strung between two 30 foot poles.
Football started out in England as a school game in the 16th century. In 1863 an organisation was formed - the Football Association - to implement a unified code of rules for playing the game. This is where modern football has its origins.
The F.A. -- is located in London's Soho square. They also own Wembley Stadium where the England football team play all their home games.
'Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that,' so said Bill Shankly, iconic
Liverpool manager. Londoners' take their football seriously, and with 5 Premiership football clubs plus 10 other professional teams the capital has much to offer. Every football fan likes to indulge in predictions. So I will do my best and predict the final league placements for London's 5 Premiership clubs.
It is generally agreed that the best football in London is played by
Arsenal F.C. . Arsene Wenger - their French manager - is noted for spending little and buying young players with potential who he then develops into world class stars. Arsenal tube station is named after this London club. Famous fans include Prince Harry and the singer Dido. Arsenal lack squad depth to win the Premiership this season. My Prediction: 3rd
London's most lavish club must be
Chelsea F.C. - whose owner, the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, is reckoned to have spent close to one billion pounds in transfer fees and wages since taking control of the club in 2003. One of my students paid a lot of money for a black market ticket outside the club last season only to discover his seat belonged to someone else! Check out
this site for tickets. Celebrity fans include Bridget Jones actress Rene Zellewegger; rock musician Bryan Adams; Guy Ritchie (Madonna's husband and super chef Gordon Ramsey. Cheslea have real pedigree this season with World Cup winning manager and Gene Hackman lookalike Phil Scolari at the helm, plus a top notch squad. My prediction: 1st.
In 1882 the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club was formed by grammar school boys from a local bible school class at All Hallows Church. They were also members of Hotspur cricket club. It is thought that 'Hotspur' is associated with Shakespeare's 'Harry Hotspur' character in Henry IV.
Spurs - are Arsenal's local rivals. They are known for playing an exciting game and like to entertain. Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia's most famous writer) -and who studied English in London-is rumoured to be a fan. Spurs haven't replaced the strikers they've sold and will struggle to score goals. Ramos - their Spanish manager - will be lucky to last until Xmas. My prediction: 8th.
Founded in 1879
Fulham - are London's oldest professional football club. In 1997 Harrods' multi millionaire Mohamed Al Fayed purchased the club and bankrolled the team into the Premiership. Celebrity fans include Hugh Grant and ex-James Bond Pierce Brosnan. Possibly have the Premiership's most sedate supporters. Should be sponsored by Liptons. My prediction: 17th.
Over in the East End we have West Ham United - whufc.com - known as 'The Hammers' after their origins as Thames Iron Works FC in 1895. Heavy Metal group Ion Maiden founder Steve Harris is a die hard Hammer as is world champion boxer Lennox Lewis. The Premiership is shaping up as the play thing of billionaires who are not interested in making a profit. Millionaire biscuit mogul and West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson may find the cookie doesn't crumble his way this season. My prediction: 14th.
Other London clubs playing outside the Premiership include Charlton ; Brentford ; Barnet; Crystal Palace; Leyton Orient (
David Beckham was born in Leyton - famous beckham quote; '"I remember so clearly us going into hospital so Victoria could have Brooklyn. I was eating a Lion bar at the time;"
Luton Town; Millwall; Queens Park Rangers; Watford; Wycombe Wanderers.
Here's a little bit of trivia: who introduced football to Brazil? It was Charles Miller - a former player for the team I support -
Southampton F.C. . In 1882 Miller's father, who was working in Brazil, sent his son to be educated in Southampton, UK. Charles went on to play for the Saints. Upon his return to Brazil he bought back some football equipment and a rules book. The rest is history!
