Ian,
After 18 months of PMs back and forth regarding the great game and the latest happenings in English Football, I'm sure you would know that I have been following the situation regarding the Great Man's health in the past 2 weeks or so, waiting with you and so many others for the invevitable.
Here is a link to a peek at George Best's skill. I am sure this server will go down soon. Most sites with video of Bestie are dead right now due to the crush of those looking for a glimpse of the man in action. The goal featured here was scored by Best while playing for the San Jose Earthquakes of the North American Soccer League. Keep in mind that this play is made YEARS after his earth shattering years in English football had ended. I suggest right clicking this link and choosing "save target as". If you love athleticism in any form, I assure you this will give you a smile!
http://eteamz.active.com/naslearthquakes/videos/GBest81.mpg
I grew up in a country full of irritating folk who criticised the game of soccer because it was not "theirs". Too slow, too little scoring, boring game,etc. This meant that very little soccer was ever shown on television here. Couple that with my young age during George's glorious years on the pitch, and you can see why I never ever saw him play. When he left Man United in 1972, I was but 5 years old.
For whatever reason, I was always fascinated by the game, mostly the result of Pele's brilliant time as master of the game and his stint with the New York Cosmos. I have loved Soccer my whole life. In my opinion, Soccer is to sport what Jazz is to music. It is an incredibly exciting experience - at its best full of heart stopping improvisation.
I can tell you this Ian, the name George Best is spoken with great reverence, even here in America amongst those who love the game. Many top flight US players speak of him as an inspiration to this day, including many of our best female footballers. Brandi Chastain, the US Women's legend who retired last year and is famous for doffing her jersey after netting the Women's World Cup winning PK in 1999, WORSHIPPED George Best.
I must say, I'd love to be able to sit today and reflect, as others can, with the images of his blistering talent on the pitch scorched into my brain. Without those images to reflect on, I trust the opinion of the many who did. Like you, Ian.
RIP Bestie. You will never be forgotten.
ROUND ARE WAY
The paper boy is working before he goes
Lying to the teacher he knows he knows
He didn't and he should've
Brought his lines in yesterday
Ernie bangs the sound and the day begins
The letterbox is open yer cash falls in
I'll meet you at the office
Just before the staff clock in
Round are way the birds are singing
And round are way the sun shines bright
And round are way the birds sing for yer
Cos they already know yer
Yeah they already know yer
The game is kicking off in around the park
It's twenty five a side and before it's dark
There's gonna be a loser
And you know the next goal wins
Cab it to the front as it's called a draw
Everybody's knockin at yers once more
Ernie bangs the sound
And no-one's spoken since half past four
Round are way the birds are singing
Round are way the sun shines bright
Round are way the birds sing for yer
Cos they already know yer
Yeah they already know yer
Round are way the birds are singing
Round are way the sun shines bright
Round are way the birds are minging
Round are way it's alright
Round are way the birds sing for yer
Cos the already know yer
Yeah they already know yer
-Noel Gallagher-
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 3:35 pm
So go blue, indeed!
