Football Adventures with James Rendall
My football adventures all over the world
When UEFA brought in the Conference League, it was meant to be a competition where the wee club could compete. Alas, those who reach the final and win it, still come from one of the “big 5” nations, but certainly in the group stage, the likes of Malta, Gibraltar and Armenia are in the mix … Continue reading Italia, Away, Away, Away
In early June 2016, doubtlessly in a pique of boredom I decided to go and have a look at New Central Park, home at that particular time to Junior side Kelty Hearts. I used to work beside a Fife chap, Gordy, who, if he wasn’t at the San Starko, would frequent the Junior grounds in … Continue reading 1, 2, 3 – No.3- Kelty
The fickle Scot and our perception of distance. Especially top-flight central belt fans, trips to Aberdeen were bad enough, but the introduction of Highland sides to their cosy club was a trek too far for some. From my own perspective, having friends from “big” countries, these journeys are nothing. Try Jujuy to Bahia Blanca in … Continue reading 1,2,3 – No.2- Stranraer
There was a time when the last whistle of the last game of the season would signal at least a 6 - or 8-week hiatus action. That gap would every two years get filled by a World Cup or European Championship, but those days are gone. The “International” calendar is a never ending 12 month … Continue reading Blurred Lines
The conclusion of my skip around my favourite European moments from 1976 to date. As we have discovered, it was a pretty slow burner, with the first three games listed in part one, all forming the first three games I ever saw. They span more than a decade. By the mid nineties, things were picking … Continue reading In Europe (part two)
As I am nearing 50 years of watching European football, well okay, a year shy in 2025, but it still got me thinking of which of those jousts I have viewed have stood the test of time, and indeed, are never likely to be forgotten. Stripping out the friendlies, which include Hamilton versus IBK Keflavik … Continue reading In Europe, (part one)
The village of Brora, with a population of just over 1,200 is perhaps an unlikely recent success story in Scotland’s Highland League. Having been going for over 135 years without a title, to now sit with four on their CV is testimony to a remarkable turnaround. Given the size of the village, for many a … Continue reading Brora Brora
Football Adventures with James Rendall 